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THE DAILY COUGAR
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Monday, March 30, 2009
CAREER GUIDE
The Daily Cougar
Keys to job searching By Janet Civitelli UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES
NOW HIRING! LIFEGUARDS, MANAGERS, WSIS, LGIS This is the time to claim your pool, secure your position for the summer & get your annual training completed for the upcoming swim season! Go to our website or call our office for more information and to set up an interview!
(281) 988-8480 • www.sweetwaterpoolsinc.com
Browse job postings at thedailycougar.com/classifieds
Hiring freezes, layoffs and corporate bankruptcies are all sources of stress for job seekers and those graduating in one of the worst economic climates of recent decades. Given all the reasons for pessimism, what can you do if you need to find a job in a reasonable time period? There are steps you can take to land a job no matter how tough the economy is. First, go on a media diet. Turn off the television and restrict how many hours per week you are going to spend catching up on employmentrelated news. It certainly doesn’t help to watch all the human interest stories about six figure executives who were laid off and now earning $8 per hour at Home Depot. No matter what the state of the economy, people find jobs when they are focused, persistent, accomplished and connected. Focus means that you are able to articulate what you have to offer an employer and what you are seeking
in return. An example is, “I’m an English major with strengths in writing and translating complex material into easy-to-understand language for consumers. I’m seeking a position in technical writing.” If you feel fuzzy about your job goal or you aren’t sure how to describe your marketable strengths, schedule a visit with a career counselor at University Career Services. Career counselors are professionally trained to help you with self-assessment and personal marketing. Persistence means that if you are rejected for the first jobs you pursue, you can’t give up. Keep trying and if you start getting really frustrated, take a break. But don’t let the break stretch on for weeks — get back in the job-search game. It is much easier to land a job if you have built a track record of measurable achievements. This is even truer during times of reduced hiring needs. Students who gain experience through internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work and campus leadership positions
are more likely to land jobs more quickly when they graduate than students who wait until after graduation to start thinking about building their résumé. If you don’t know how to find an internship or a part-time job, career counselors at University Career Services can help. If you aren’t sure which types of volunteer work or campus leadership positions would be good for résumé building, a career counselor can assist you in those decisions too. More people find jobs because of connections with acquaintances rather than finding a job while surfing online. Career experts recommend that job seekers limit the amount of time they spend searching for jobs on the Web. Instead of manually searching for jobs, set up an automated search agent at a site like Indeed.com and let the search software do the hunting for you. That frees up your time to focus on more productive activities, like meeting more people see ECONOMY, page 3
Career Guide Staff Editor ZANETA LOH
Cover LUIS CHACÓN
Production COLBY KIBBE
Copy Editors TRAE BROWNE WILSON CHANG SIGNE CLUISS MIKE DAMANTE SOUSAN HAMMAD
CAREER GUIDE
The Daily Cougar
Interns one step closer to job offer
Working together to improve lives.
By Marilyn Wade UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES An internship is a supervised preprofessional learning experience, where students apply their skills and knowledge in a professional setting. It is usually directly related to a student’s major or career interest, offering a preview of what work in a certain profession will be like. Internships give students a chance to explore and clarify major and career goals with professionals in the field while gathering insight into an industry or organizational culture. Internships help smooth the transition from the classroom to the workplace by helping students establish a network of professional contacts, mentors and references that might lead to a job.
ECONOMY continued from page 2
who can potentially tell you about job openings. If the word “networking” makes you cringe, then reframe the advice to network into advice to connect with people in a way that feels less threatening and more enjoyable to you. Professional association events and work conferences are excellent ways to meet professionals working in your targeted career field, but you don’t have to be gregarious and charming in order to make attendance at such events pay off for you. Just show up and be pleasant. Talk to some people there and focus on getting to know them rather than being overly preoccupied with how they can help you. If you are authentic and cordial in your interactions, you are more likely to make a connection. Non-work activities are just as good for meeting prospective employers as work activities are. Non-work activities include sports teams, hobbies, community service and any type of social club where members have something in common. The key is to get out there and meet people even if they are employed in a different career field than the one in which you want to land a job. The more people you know who like and trust you, the easier it will be for one of them to introduce you to your next job. Spend about 22 hours per week on your job search and use the rest of the time for other activities that include keeping up with school, spending time with friends and family, getting enough sleep and exercise and engaging in enjoyable hobbies. Ignore the people who tell you to treat your job search like a full time job. Trying to job hunt for 40 hours per week is a set up for getting burnt out. Once you land your new job, sign up for the University Career Advisory Network (UCAN) and offer to give career advice to UH students who are still searching for their jobs. Cougars helping Cougars is a terrific thing and will expand your professional network. It is also good karma, so pay it forward.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Burke Center is a non-profit behavior health facility headquartered in Lufkin, TX. We serve a 12 county area and are always looking for mental health professionals with degrees in psychology, therapy, counseling, social work, etc. Currently, we have openings for a physical therapist, clinical coordinator, therapist, mental health clinicians, and more. PHOTOS.COM
www.burke-center.org
Working as an intern while in college gives students a valuable opportunity to gain workplace experience while learning from professionals. According to the National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE), graduates who complete internships may be best positioned to get job offers in any job market. Employers responding to the NACE Job Outlook Survey said
they consider their own internship and co-op programs as the most effective method for recruiting new college graduates for full-time, permanent positions. Overall, survey see INTERNSHIP, page 6
Browse job postings at thedailycougar.com/classifieds
University Career Services and the Houston Area Consortium of Career Centers Invite UH Students/Alumni to the
UCS has arranged a continuous COMPLIMENTARY BUS SHUTTLE,
9:30am5:00pm between UH and TSU. Pick up at UH will be every 30 minutes beginning at 9:30am, on Calhoun (outside of Sonic at the Welcome
Center parking garage). Look for signs and balloons!
For Tips on How to Make the Most of the Job Fair, review the UCS handout entitled "How to Make the Most of a Career Fair," in the "Handouts" link, at www.career.uh.edu.
For directions, parking instructions or other info you may need, please visit www.haccc.org. University Career Services | Student Service Center 1, First Floor | www.career.uh.edu, (713) 7435100
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Monday, March 30, 2009
CAREER GUIDE
The Daily Cougar
UH aids employment seekers By Jessica Campbell UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES It may be hard to believe there are companies having trouble finding qualified applicants with reduced hiring in the current economic recession, but that’s exactly what’s happening. Jobs are available if you know where to look. University Career Services offers services that can help connect you with employers and jobs. Searching job postings When you apply for a job on Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com, you are competing with the greater public since the recruiter is likely to get hundreds of applications, but if you apply for jobs through a career center on campus, you are cutting the candidate pool down considerably and competing against your fellow students, increasing your chances of getting face-to-face time with a hiring manager. These are employers looking for ways to connect with UH students and alumni. In JOBank and JobScan, there are job postings for a tutor, attorney and everything in between. JOBank is an online database of job postings provided by companies seeking UH students and alumni for employment. Job listings include internships, career-level (all experience levels) and on-campus positions which are updated every day and can be accessed anytime. When you search for job openings in JOBank, select settings so that if a job is posted that matches your qualifications, you receive an e-mail. It’s very important to check the job requirements and apply only for jobs that you are qualified for, since a major complaint from employers is getting applicants who fail to meet criteria listed in the job posting.
You can search for job openings by going to http://www.career.uh.edu, selecting “JOBank” or “JobScan,” and entering your search criteria. Campus interviews It doesn’t get more convenient than companies conducting on-campus interviews for internship and job opportunities. Employers post the job requirements and students can apply for an interview with employers. The employer looks through the applications and chooses the desired candidate with interviews are held at UCS. One thing to keep in mind for Campus Recruitment is to start early. Internships for companies in high demand are sometimes filled a year in advance. To participate in Campus Recruitment, attendance to a Campus Recruitment Workshop is mandatory, which may be done in person at UCS or online in the Campus Recruitment section. A listing of workshop dates is available at http://www.career.uh.edu. You must also register with ResumeBank, complete both the Datafile and at least one résumé so that when you request interviews with specific companies, they are able to view your résumé and decide whether to extend an invitation for an interview. Input your résumé ResumeBank is a comprehensive database developed by UCS for UH students and alumni. By inputting your résumé into ResumeBank, the chances of connecting with potential employers is greatly increased. Employers conduct candidate résumé searches based on degree, major, date of graduation, industry preferences, keywords and other search criteria. To register for ResumeBank, log in at http://
DAILY COUGAR FILE PHOTO
The C.T. Bauer College of Business hosts job fairs throughout the year for college students seeking jobs. www.career.uh.edu and select “ResumeBank, and then “Datafile” on the left sidebar. After completing the data file, click on “Resume” to format and complete your résumé. You can add or modify text as needed, create and arrange headings to select your format. You can develop up to three résumés to use
selectively, depending on what types of jobs you are pursuing. The most important thing to remember when looking for a job in the current economic climate is to be proactive. Don’t get discouraged — there are employers out there looking for you.
CAREER GUIDE
The Daily Cougar
Monday, March 30, 2009
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Prepare behavioral past By Karen Jubert UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES For prospective employees, more employers are using a behavioral interview. A behavioral interview is a type of interview that allows employers to evaluate your potential as a future employee by having you recall and describe a specific situation in which you demonstrated a competency or skill critical for success in the position for which you are applying. The principal behind behavioral interviewing is that past behavior is the most accurate predictor of future behavior. Therefore, during a behavioral interview, interviewers ask very specific questions about past experiences, which are typically followed up with more probing
questions. You will be asked in detail what you did, thought and felt in key situations as if you were reliving them — you become a storyteller. First, the interviewer identifies job-related experiences, behaviors, knowledge, skills and abilities that the company has decided are desirable in a particular position, such as critical thinking and dependability. Second, the employer structures very pointed questions to elicit detailed responses aimed at determining if you possess the desired competencies. Questions typically start out: “Tell me about a time when...”, “Describe a situation where...” or “Give me an example to illustrate how you…” To prepare for the behavioral interview, review the position
qualifications. Identify specific examples from your past experience that illustrate the skills or attributes required in the job description. For example, if the job description states the employer is looking for someone with initiative, think of a time that you demonstrated initiative. Use personal or professional examples from internships, class projects, extracurricular activities, team participation, community service, hobbies, student organizations and work experience to help you think of examples. Think of times when you overcame obstacles, went above and beyond what was expected or achieved special accomplishments. When possible, quantify your results. PHOTOS.COM
see INTERVIEW, page 7
Use both personal and professional experience to describe strengths when participating in a behavioral interview.
US employment available for international students By Joan Mullinax UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES The job search can be especially challenging for international students as the U.S. Visa requirements are complex and subject to change. Students with F-1 visas must grapple with the subtleties of oncampus employment constraints, curricular practical training (such as internships or co-operative education experiences), optional
practical and application process training and particularly daunting the potential for international transition to students. H-1B status This doesn’t (working for mean international a sponsoring students don’t find organization). employment in the Students U.S. However, it is must also essential to start PHOTOS.COM develop language early, stay informed and cultural skills unique to the and apply a strategy. American job search process. These One good resource for factors can make the job search exploring which U.S. companies
have sponsored international students in the past is H1VisaJobs. com. University Career Services maintains a subscription to this Web site and makes it available to UH students through UCS Web site, http://www.career.uh.edu. Also, the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO) and UCS career counselors are available to assist international students with employment-related goals. Each semester, ISSSO hosts an employment seminar
for international students and graduates. During this seminar, an immigration attorney will join the ISSSO and UCS staff to address employment challenges and strategies and to answer questions about conducting an effective job search. For more information, contact the International Student & Scholar Services Office (ISSSO), Student Service Center 1, Room 302, 713743-5065, or visit the ISSSO Web site http://www.issso.uh.edu.
Minority Doctoral Fellowships Awarded at UL Lafayette Four Louisiana Board of Regents / Southern Regional Education Board Minority Doctoral Fellowships were recently awarded to outstanding doctoral students at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Fellows were selected in a competitive process from the eligible doctoral disciplines of Applied Language and Speech Sciences, Cognitive Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, and Mathematics. Fellows receive an annual $20,000 stipend and waiver of tuition and most fees. The Fellows and their faculty mentors participate in the annual SREB Institute on Teaching and Mentoring. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for assistantships and fellowships at UL Lafayette. Please visit us at http://gradschool.louisiana.edu to learn more about the graduate programs, assistantships, and fellowships offered at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Congratulations to the awardees! The Fellows weigh in on their experiences as Doctoral Fellows.
Warnesha Calais
Field of Study: Cellular & Developmental Biology Undergraduate University: Louisiana State University
“The [Institute] not only allows students to network but also allows us to learn more about different aspects of graduate life, from having confidence in yourself and your work to writing proposals and applying for jobs. . . . I like the diversity of UL Lafayette’s graduate school.”
Suraida Nanez-James
Field of Study: Estuarine Ecology Undergraduate University: Texas A&M University – Galveston Graduate (M.S.) University: Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
“The SREB program provides more than just the funds for my education; it provides the necessary professional training and mentoring support needed to successfully complete my Ph.D.”
Tyler Olivier
Field of Study: Biological Science Undergraduate University: Louisiana State University
“The Minority Fellows Program is focused on your success. Everyone involved is working to help you complete your degree program and provide the support every graduate student needs. The Institute is inspirational and allows you to meet people who are working toward similar goals.”
Marlene Burke
Field of Study: Cognitive Science / Cognitive Linguistics / Psycholinguistics Undergraduate University: Saint Mary’s College – California
“I’ve learned that the only person who can convince you that you can’t do something is yourself. If you believe in yourself, then others will also.”
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CAREER GUIDE
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Daily Cougar
Handling job search rejection By Janet Civitelli UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES For many students, a job search is the first time in their lives that they encounter repeated rejection while pursuing something important to them. Learning to deal with rejection is an important developmental task that most people must master to have a successful career. Here are some tips to help you gracefully handle rejection when seeking the best job for you. Find the right job for you One story heard repeatedly is how frequently it turns out that when one door closes, a better one opens. No one knows whether there is a purpose for everything that happens, but it does help to believe that when you are in the middle of a tough job search.
Take constructive criticism In some instances, a recruiter or hiring manager will be willing to give you feedback about why you didn’t get the job. One way to get this feedback is to ask, “Comparing my skills and background to the ideal candidate, what would be the ideal candidate’s education, track record, and interpersonal style?” The answers to this question can give you indirect clues about what the decision-makers value. These are variables that you can change once you have information about how to become more competitive as a candidate. Don’t take it personally This sounds obvious, but it can be challenging to remember when you are the one being rejected.
Perhaps you reminded the hiring manager of a cousin with whom he or she always had conflict growing up. In cases where you don’t have any information about why a company hired a different qualified candidate instead of you, let it go and move on. Rely on social support A job search can be tough on the ego, so line up all the emotional bolstering you can. Spend time with supportive family and friends, not the ones who are critical and anxious about your job search. Sometimes the best sources of support are people who already navigated their own tough job search and landed a job at the end of it. Don’t worry, take action Psychologists say that worry is an
ineffective substitute for action. To get unstuck, just do something. Research a new company, make direct contact with another employer, tell another person about your job search goals or read about your career field. Visualize it Imagine yourself happy, confident and peaceful about your choice. Think about yourself making a contribution to your new employer and taking the next steps to achieve more in your career. Imagination is one of the most powerful parts of the human mind, so use it to your advantage. Most important of all, don’t give up. Learn from Albert Einstein, who said, “It is not that I’m so smart. It’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
PH
OS OT
.CO
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Keep online image clean By Karen Jubert UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES Facebook and MySpace are among the top social networking Web sites that university students use to connect with family and friends. Beyond these common uses, it is important to know that employers are also accessing these sites to gain information about potential new hires. According to a Purdue University survey, 50 percent of employers reported that they use the Internet to screen candidates. Twenty-three percent searched social networking Web sites; forty-six percent used search engines; and 14 percent looked at personal Web sites and blogs. Though you may feel that social sites are personal spaces, you must realize that recruiters can, and often do, read much of what is posted about candidates online. Before posting personal information online, ask yourself if you would feel comfortable sharing the same information with your parents, grandparents, professors or future employers. If so, then you’re probably safe. If you’re unsure, get a second opinion. Posting information about yourself online is like
PHOTOS.COM
Students need to make sure photos, videos and other content they post online presents a positive image. getting a tattoo: there’s nothing inherently wrong with it, but you have to realize that once you’ve done it, it is permanent. Sure, you can try to erase the information by removing it from your Facebook or MySpace page, but if those pages are indexed by Google or other search engines, or copied and posted to another page or Web site, then you’ve lost the ability to ever permanently remove the information. Search for yourself online through search engines see ONLINE, page 7
INTERNSHIP continued from page 3
COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
U sing to d a y ’s te c hno l o g y to d e s i g n to m o rrow’s world
College of Technology Undergraduate Programs will set you up for success! Biotechnology Computer Engineering Technology Consumer Science and Merchandising Construction Management Technology Electrical Power Engineering Technology Information Systems Technology Supply Chain & Logistics Technology Mechanical Engineering Technology Surveying Engineering Technology Technology Leadership and Supervision
Rise to leadership with a College of Technology graduate degree! Construction Management Technology Future Studies in Commerce Human Resources Development Network Communications Technology Project Management Technology Project Management Information Systems Security Technology Project Management Logistics Technology
respondents reported that more than 50 percent of their new college hires had internship experience, gained either in their organization or through another company. Some report all of their new hires will have been interns in their internship programs. Finding an internship Attend an Internship Workshop at University Career Services (UCS) for a complete overview. Schedules are available in the lobby of UCS and online at http://www.career.uh.edu. Take advantage of the UCS Internship Program. The program’s mission is to fully prepare students for the internship search. Review the UCS “Guide to Finding Internships” handout — available in the UCS lobby, or visit the UCS Web site. Utilize Jobscan, JOBank and Campus Recruitment for current available internship positions. Also, check out the UCS Web site to find current positions. Keep in mind that approximately 75 percent of all positions never get listed, so while you are checking here, also keep your see INTERNSHIP, page 7
CAREER GUIDE
The Daily Cougar
GLBT in the office By Lisa Renaud UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES We all have questions and concerns when it comes to choosing a career. Does my career fit with my interests? What is the work environment like? Does the industry or job fit with my long term career goals? If you are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgendered (GLBT), there are additional issues to consider when it comes to your career. Is the work environment safe and supportive? Can you be open and honest, and still advance your career? The transition from a university to a work environment may be surprising as UH has active GLBT student groups, non-discrimination and harassment polices and a supportive environment. The workplace can vary dramatically in terms of support and openness for GLBT employees. Guideline #1: Comfort is key Career experts advise you to do what is comfortable in your career decision-making and job search. In order to determine comfort level you may want to assess what is important for you in managing your career. Is being out part of who you are? If so, then you may want to target GLBT-friendly companies in order to ensure equal treatment and support. Do you consider sexual orientation to be just one piece of what defines you? Are you careful and selective about the people to whom you disclose information?
ONLINE continued from page 6
such as Google, Yahoo! and MSN. Type your name in quotation marks. If you see something you don’t like, contact the Web site’s owner and ask that it be removed. Check out the info on Pipl.com. This is one of the
Then you may lean toward GLBT friendly companies, but also remain flexible and open to all options. If you are not comfortable sharing information about yourself and have disclosed your sexual orientation to only a few people, if anyone at all, then you may consider companies that provide you with a high degree of privacy. Once you have determined the comfort level that is right for you, you can begin to organize your job search. Guideline #2: Do your research Researching an industry and employer is essential in your job search. Does the company offer domestic partner benefits? Does the company have a firmly enforced nondiscrimination policy? Look at the policy language to see if it includes sexual preference and orientation. There is no federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace, so find out which states prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. Visit the Human Rights Campaign Web site at http://www.hrc.org. It is the best resource for information with regard to industry and employers, as well as current legislation advocating for the equal rights and benefits for GLBT Americans in the workplace. The HRC Corporate Equality Index is an excellent resource for identifying GLBT friendly companies. The CEI rates companies on a number of different criteria, including non-discrimination policy, diversity training and benefits,
more comprehensive sites and will give you a good idea of what others can read about you. Increase your online presence to build visibility and credibility as an expert in your field or hobby. Start a career-based blog (with only positive comments). Design a professional online portfolio or résumé highlighting your accomplishments.
gender identity or expression, domestic partner benefits and formal or informal GLBT employee resource groups. You can research potential employers to determine the companies that might be a good fit for you. Guideline #3: Be strategic A successful job search begins with a solid résumé. Your résumé is your first impression on paper. For GLBT students who have participated in a number of gayrelated activities, reflecting their experiences on a résumé may present some difficulty. The skills they have developed as a result of their activities are likely to be of interest to an employer. As a GLBT job seeker, you must determine if you are comfortable being out in your résumé. Consider your audience, and weigh pros and cons of including such information. If you are not sure how to include this information in your résumé, visit University Career Services and schedule an appointment with a career counselor.
Monday, March 30, 2009
INTERSHIP continued from page 6
eye out for other opportunities. If an employer doesn’t have immediate internship opportunities, stay in contact and develop a professional relationship. If you do, you may be at the top of that employer’s list the next recruiting season. Attend campus job fairs, as employers often use fairs to identify students for internships as well as full-time employment. The spring
Create a personal Web site specific to your job search or join online groups related to your career interest. For more insight about creating a positive online image, contact a career counselor at University Career Services, Student Service Center 1, Room 106. Call (713) 743-5100, e-mail ucs@uh.edu or visit the Web site at http://www.career.uh.edu.
INTERVIEW Numbers always impress employers. Have examples of negative experiences ready, but try to choose negative experiences where you can say what you learned from the experience or you can describe how the long-term outcome was positive after you overcame the negative circumstances. You might also want to think of three accomplishments you are proud of in general, as each example you come up with could easily answer any number of behavioral interview questions. For instance, your story about fundraising for your student organization might demonstrate motivating others, problem solving, leadership and initiative. As a result, it could be used for any of the behavioral interview questions. With practice, you can learn to tailor a relatively small set of examples to respond to a number of different behavioral questions. For information about preparing for behavioral interviews or to schedule a mock interview with your career counselor, contact University Career Services, 106 Student Service Center 1, (713) 743-5100, ucs@uh.edu or visit the Web site at http://www. career.uh.edu.
Let our nationally renowned vision experts provide comprehensive eye care for you and your family.
To schedule an appointment, please call 713.743.2020. For general information, call 713.743.EYES (3937) or visit www.uei.uh.edu
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2009 Job Fair schedule is listed on the UCS Web site. Check with your college career center and academic department adviser to see if your department offers academic credit for internships or maintains listings of internship opportunities in your field of study. Internships come in all forms, with some offering pay and others offering academic credit or no pay. However, the ultimate payment is the relevant career experience you stand to gain.
Guideline #4: Coming out on the job Considering whether to come out on the job is a personal choice. Once on the job, assess your workplace culture for supportiveness. Consider the timing of when to come out. You may want to have a “trial run” with one or two co-workers whom you trust. Perform your best and build support. Coming out on the job can be challenging, but it can be done successfully.
continued from page 5
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The Daily Cougar
Looking professional By Marilyn Wade UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES You know what they say: perception is reality. This is certainly the case when it comes to the professional workplace. People will make assumptions about us based upon how we present ourselves. Based on our demeanor, employers often make assumptions as to whether we are best suited for the job or internship opening, often before we even speak. There are many things we may not be able to change about ourselves, such as our looks, background or personality. However, image is one factor we can change. Professional Image Professional image is much more than just wearing your best suit. It also includes your attitude, your confidence, your enthusiasm and interest in a company and what (skills, abilities, experience) you have to offer, as well as what you say. Sometimes your smile and your upbeat attitude can make a huge difference when meeting and interacting with employers. Non-verbal communication Your posture, facial expressions, level of eye contact, and yes, the allimportant handshake are important pieces of your professional
image. They are valuable ways to communicate with others without ever saying a word. Having a weak handshake or poor posture might say that you lack confidence. If your facial expressions contradict what you say, what do you think people will believe? Being aware of your nonverbal communication will help you develop a professional presence that says you are interested, important and self-assured. Posture When standing, stand tall with your shoulders back. Don’t lean on desks or chairs. Try not to cross your feet when standing. When sitting, be sure to maintain your posture. Don’t slump over in your chair or rely on your chair’s arms to support you. Meeting or interviewing with employers is not the time to relax as if you are at home or with friends. You want the employers to see you as the professional that you are. Facial Expressions You want to appear professional, calm and confident. You also want to appear happy and excited to be with that particular employer. Practice your facial expressions in the mirror or with a friend. Look the employer in the eye as much as possible, but don’t stare him or her down. Offer a natural smile when
first meeting the employer, as well as intermittently throughout your conversation or interview. Nod your head up and down when the employer is speaking, to let him know you are listening and are interested in what he has to say. Project a sense of confidence by leaning forward toward the employer when you are speaking. Handshake The handshake is a standard American business gesture that is recognized worldwide. It is imperative that job seekers know how to shake hands. Never offer a limp or dainty handshake to a professional. A limp handshake automatically sends the message that you are lacking in confidence or ability. Shake hands so that the web between your thumb and first finger meets firmly with the other person’s. Offer one squeeze only and two or three pumps of the hands — be firm but not aggressive, and don’t physically hurt the other person. Make eye contact as you shake hands. The handshake should last only as long as it takes to greet the other person. Verbal Communication Develop and practice a 30-second introductory statement about yourself. Get comfortable
PHOTOS.COM
A firm handshake is one of several non-verbal communication skills students seeking jobs need to master as part of their professional image. talking about your strengths, skills and professional interests. Practice with a career counselor or friend prior to a career fair or job interview. University Career Services has many resources for improving your professional image,
including career counseling assistance, workshops, handouts, a comprehensive Web site and a book and video library. For more information, please visit http:// www.career.uh.edu or call (713) 743-5100.
Start commanding attention.
start out on top. Start raiSing the bar.
start one step ahead.
Start higher.
Start moving up.
start leading from day one.
start strong. sm
There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. If you want to be a leader in life, joining Army ROTC at University of Houston or Texas Southern is the strongest way to start. It provides hands-on leadership development. Plus you can earn a fulltuition, merit-based scholarship up to $150,000. After graduation, you’ll begin your career as an Officer. With a start like that, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. To get started, contact CPT Richard Selvera or www.class.uh.edu/rotc/army. FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS AND ASSITANCE IN GETTING YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE! CONTACT CPT SELVERA TODAY AT (713) 743-3883 OR RFSELVER@CENTRAL.UH.EDU. FOR INSTANT INFORMATION TEXT 'HOUSTON1' TO 76821 (ROTC1) ©2008. paid for by the united states army. all rights reserved.