Career Guide 2014

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

CAREER GUIDE SPECIAL SECTION

ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT How to succeed in the search for highly sought positions.

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ALUMNI SERVICES

Walking across the stage does not mean walking away from high-quality resources.

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THE DAILY COUGAR

CAREER FAIR FEB. 11, 2014 FROM 10 A.M.– 2 P.M. UH–HILTON Some of the participating companies include: Academy Sports + Outdoors Atkins Austin Commercial Avanade Inc. Cajun Constructors, Inc. Comfort Systems USA South Central cPanel Inc. Croft Production Systems D.E. Harvey Builders

DPR Construction FMC Technologies HCL Global Systems Inc. Hewlett-Packard HISD Highland Homes Hoar Construction, LLC. Mammoet USA Marine Corps Netsync Network Solutions

Paton Controls Performance Contracting Ryland Homes Siemens Corporation Skanska USA Building Target Toshiba Vaughn Construction Wood Group Mustang Willbros

College of Technology students may register with TechConnect at www.tech.uh.edu/TechConnect to view a complete list of participating companies, plus upload resumes and cover letters. Business attire is required.

The University of Houston is an EEO/AA institution.

Dream jobs come true on campus Theresa Cyr, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR EMPLOYER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATIONS

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what positions, and to review the procedures and policies of this service. Once this is complete, you will create your Data File and upload at least one resume.

UCS encourages students to visit a career counselor during walk-in hours for a resume critique before uploading your resume(s).

n today’s job market, companies are challenged with finding qualified candidates for their job opportunities. Although there has been a decrease Why you should in new hires across the nation, Houston participate is one of the top cities that continue to hire Employers are looking for studuring this tough dents like you! By participating economic time. The in Campus Recruitment, you University of Houston are not competing with the general population through students.

Many employers look at the University of Houston as a great resource for finding highly talented candidates. UCS invites company recruiters from a broad spectrum of industries such as business, engineering, technology, government, and non-profit to participate in our Campus Recruitment service and to conduct interviews in our office for full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities.

How to participate In order to participate, you must complete a Campus Recruitment Workshop (CRW).

This workshop can be done online through the UCS website, or in person during the scheduled dates and times this workshop is offered at UCS. The purpose of the CRW is to show you how to post your resume on our website, to learn how to search companies that are recruiting and for

websites such as CareerBuilder or Monster.com since only UH students are allowed to use Campus Recruitment. Also, you don’t have to drive off campus for the interview as employers come here to interview.

Throughout the semester, new companies and organizations will post their job requirements in Campus Recruitment; therefore, continue checking the UCS website for new additions.

You never know when you’ll find the great opportunity you’ve been looking for!

Interview prep University Career Services offers a wide variety of services such as workshops, careerrelated events and seminars, career counseling, and mock interviews. Also, take advantage of the many career-related articles posted on our social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest).

CAREER GUIDE Advertising supplement to The Daily Cougar COVER DESIGN Andres Garcia PRODUCTION Andres Garcia ADVERTISING Gabriela Padilla

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014 3

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Career Services can help long after graduation University Career Services at UH provides resources and services for its Alumni via Alumni Career Services.

to employers searching for key skills and competencies.

University Career Services has recently purchased a new job search engine specifically for Alumni. “CareerShift provides an easy-to-use approach for cracking the “hidden job market” and for managing your job hunt all in one place. You’ll be able to search for jobs and save your searches, find and save a list of contacts, create resumes and cover letters, and put them together in a targeted e-mail or postal mail campaigns. Then you can track your responses from “Come in for an interview” to “You’re hired,’ ” (CareerShift, LLC).

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lumni Career Services organizes workshops, connects with top employers, hosts Alumni Career Fairs, and provides others services for Alumni. Whether you are a recent graduate or attended UH ten years ago, we can assist. Services include job search assistance, resume and cover letter critique, interview prep, career exploration, and more.

In

regards

to

resources,

University Career Services at the University of Houston offers a range of services for alumni who graduated five days ago or five decades ago.

the JOBank database serves as a valuable tool for Alumni to browse and apply for job postings from companies

throughout the U.S. More than 18,000 postings a year are posted in this database. The ResumeBank database serves

as a resource for employers to browse resumes. Alumni should post their resume in this system in order to gain more exposure

University Career Services provides these resources and services to ensure Alumni have an advantage in the increasingly competitive global job market. Be sure to contact the Alumni Career Services Assistant Director, James Mable, to learn more.

Interview like a pro Becky Reiter, SENIOR CAREER COUNSELOR

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hether you are applying for an on-campus job, an internship, or a fulltime, career-level position, it is vitally important that you prepare for that makeor-break stage of the job search-the employment interview. Some interviews will be very structured and formal in nature, while others might be a little more casual and conversational. No matter what the tone is, all interviews are set up so that employers can determine if your personality, goals, and credentials meet their needs.

Understandably, this can be nerve-wracking, stressful, and intimidating, but UCS can help teach you important skills to make you feel more confident about answering interview questions!

An interview should not feel like a quiz but should feel more like a dialogue in which you successfully convey that you want the job, you can and will do the job, and that you are a pleasant person who gets along well with others.

Employers want to hire someone who genuinely

wants to work in that position.

They are not looking for someone who applied just because they need a job and will take any job they can get.

Therefore, you must be able to explain what interests you about the job and why.

Thankfully, you are the expert in this area! The interviewers do not know your interests or the reasons you want to work for them – you are the authority on this matter.

During the interview, your job is to convince the employer that you are well qualified for the position and have the education, experience, and skills required to be an asset to the employer’s team. Interviewers might ask you traditional, technical, and/or behavioral questions to determine if you are a good fit.

To present yourself as an excellent candidate, keep these top ten tips in mind: Know yourself. Clarify 1 your interests, strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and goals and be able to articulate them effectively.

Research the organization. Understand what they do, what they need, and what they value.

Over 100 Employers offering Jobs & Internships View Employer List @ www.HACCC.org

February 6th, 2014 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Rice University

Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center

Professional Dress Recommended Bring Plenty of Resumes Practice your Introduction Research Employers Follow-up with Employers after Event

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University Career Services 713-743-5100 Shuttle Provided: Pick-Up/Drop Off Welcome Center, 9am – 3pm (In front of McAlister’s)

Shuttle runs every 30 minutes.

Sponsored by the University Career Services and the Houston Area Consortium of Career Centers www.HACCC.org

INTERVIEW CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

Questions?

JOB FAIR TIPS

(713) 525-3160

haccc@haccc.org

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THE DAILY COUGAR

The power of perception Perfecting a professional image includes far more than a wardrobe Andrew Tessmer, CAREER COUNSELOR

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ou know what they say: perception is reality. This is certainly the case when it comes to the professional workplace.

Whether we like it or not, right, wrong or indifferent, people 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 have the opportunity to 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. We do have the power to control the message others receive about us! However, you do not have long to make a good first impression.

Professional image You have less than a minute.

In their book, The New Professional Image, Susan Bixler and Nancy Nix-Rice state that “thirty seconds is how long it takes for someone meeting you to form a list of impressions about your character and abilities.” This is certainly true for employers. Image is a combination of appearance and behavior (verbal and non-verbal communication).

Professional image is much more than just wearing your best suit! It also includes your attitude, your confidence and your enthusiasm/interest in a company and in what (skills, abilities, and 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 all-important

A proper handshake constitutes just one of several image factors that interviewers and employers take into account.

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 non-verbal 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.

When meeting or interviewing with employers, this 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 I have interviewed candidates that appear (by their facial expressions) to be upset, confused, obviously uncomfortable or even angry!

You want to appear professional, calm and confident.

You also want to appear happy and excited to be with that particular employer! Your facial expressions can communicate these messages.

I know it is easier said than done, but you can improve your non-verbal communication skills! 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/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 hear him and are interested in what he has to say.

Project a sense of confidence by leaning forward toward the employer when 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 and/or ability.

Shake hands so that the ‘web’ between your thumb and first finger meets firmly with the other person’s — one squeeze only; two or three pumps of the hands — 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 Of course, what you say also matters and is important to your image. The best way to improve your speaking skills is to practice! Practice makes perfect (or at least makes for improvement)! Develop and practice a 30-second introductory statement about yourself.

Get comfortable talking about your strengths, skills and professional interests. Practice with a career counselor or friend prior to a career fair or job interview. Practice combining your verbal and non-verbal communication skills to greatly enhance your professional image.

University Career Services has many resources for improving your professional image, including career counseling assistance, workshops, handouts, a comprehensive website and a book/video library. For more information, please visit www.uh.edu/ ucs or call (713) 743-5100.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014 5

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

The reality of on-campus employment Becky Reiter, SENIOR CAREER COUNSELOR

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n - c a m p u s employment is a challenge to find on any university campus.

Every August, University Career Services hosts “Campus Jobs for Coogs,” a career fair for on-campus job opportunities. Most on-campus employers hire their student workers for the entire school year during this event. Check the UCS website and social media (LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter) to learn when this event will occur so that you have an even higher chance of finding a job on campus.

There are some extremely important things to remember when searching for an oncampus job:

Demand for on-campus jobs is higher than the supply. This means that it is competitive to land an oncampus job.

The competitive nature of seeking on-campus jobs means those looking for these employment opportunities must develop networks effectively and remain consistent in following up with contacts and potential employers of interest.

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Many students find their on-campus job through word of mouth. When you meet people, let them know you are looking for a job on campus.

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Have your friends that work on campus keep their eyes open. Ask them to tell you about opportunities

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within their offices. When there is an opening, ask your friend to recommend you.

Follow-up with your 4 contacts. Don’t just tell them once that you are looking for an on-campus job, follow-up on a weekly basis, because you never know when an opening will become available.

Start your search in your 5 own department or college. Academic departments

may want to know your major, because they may prefer to provide positions to students enrolled in their own department/college.

Also important, are the top five office expectations: Dependability. If you are ill, call your supervisor as soon as possible. Your office depends upon you to operate

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smoothly and efficiently.

Punctuality. Make sure you get to work on time every time.

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Confidentiality .

Information heard or seen in the office or department is confidential and cannot be discussed with your friends.

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Work Assignments.

Remember, your work

is your signature. It’s a reflection of you, the office, and the University. Sign it with pride.

Use of Resources and Supplies. Your schedule time is work time. School work should be done on your own time.

Office supplies and equipment are school property and are for office use ONLY. Do not have personal visits from friends.

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Social networking and the job search Nora Bayly, OFFICE COORDINATOR

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etworking (the art of connecting and building relationships with people) is still one of the best ways to find a job. Certainly who you know (and who knows you) can directly affect your job search effectiveness. So why not enhance your networking abilities online?

With the advent and popularity of websites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google Plus, employers and job seekers alike are utilizing these tools for recruitment and job sourcing activities.

Let’s explore these four websites and review some best practices for effectively

improving your job search.

Facebook was originally created to connect users socially to family and friends, but its usage has exploded to include professional business marketing and networking. Since so many companies and organizations are using Facebook to enhance customer communications and marketing, it makes sense for job seekers to use it to promote themselves, meet other professionals and learn about companies.

from any unfavorable pictures, photos or comments that are not “work appropriate”.

If you don’t want to use 2 Facebook for professional purposes, be sure to adjust your account’s privacy settings so employers can’t access your complete profile.

Facebook strategies

Add job search apps — these allow users to post and share resumes, view new job openings and expand users’ professional networks.

Whether or not you use Facebook for professional networking, experts highly recommend having a clean Facebook page, free

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If you do want to use Facebook for professional networking, add your finalized resume to your professional, public Facebook profile.

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Follow companies in which you have

interest. Many companies use Facebook to connect with job candidates.

Join the UCS Facebook 6 Fan page: https://www. facebook.com/UH.UCS?ref=hl to reconnect with and meet with other students/alumni!

Receive UCS announcements, events, career-related articles, internships, campus happenings, and more.

At first glance, Twitter may seem like an unlikely source for conducting a job search.

140-character “tweets” may not appear to offer much value or information.

However, because Twitter feeds are regularly picked up by web search engines, it is a powerful resource for networking, researching organizations and job opportunities. In recent

years, more companies have established Twitter pages, and consistently use it as a tool to connect with job seekers, college students, and more.

Twitter strategies Whether or not you use Twitter for professional networking, experts highly recommend having a clean Twitter account, free from any unfavorable pictures, photos or comments that are not “work appropriate”. This is not the place to complain or vent.

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If you choose to use Twitter as a professional tool, provide a brief bio

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Five most common resume myths Becky Reiter, SENIOR CAREER COUNSELOR

Your resume must be one page.

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False. For example, if you are a graduate student who has worked on research with multiple professors, worked for 10 years in the field before starting your master’s program, or presented at multiple conferences for student chapters of professional organizations, you may be cutting out essential information if you try to limit your resume to one page. Even undergraduate students with a few years of relevant work experience and multiple positions in student organizations may have difficulty keeping to the one page limit.

Your resume should include your entire work history.

A resume should highlight relevant skills and experiences and prove a candidate’s readiness for a position.

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False. Your most relevant experience for the position is what needs to be showcased.

Remember, your resume is your marketing tool. Volunteer experience and internships can be just as beneficial as a paid position. A few months of a part-time job may even hurt your chances.

A great resume will produce job offers.

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False. A great resume may get you an interview. No matter how great your resume is, employers still want to meet a prospective employee to find out if they are a good fit with their team. An employer will almost always want to meet a potential employee in person.

This is why it is important to schedule a mock interview appointment with your UCS Career Counselor.

You must include: References available upon request.

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False. This text at the bottom of the resume is unnecessary and will take up space on your

resume that you may need to use for more pertinent information. Employers know that you have references and they will request them when they require them.

It is okay to fib or stretch the truth.

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False. Never put information on your resume that is not the

SOCIAL

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indicating employment goals, skills and accomplishments, as well as a professionallooking photo. Use key words to describe yourself, and your goals.

Ask your first-degree contacts for introductions to new people you would like to connect to.

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Tweet regularly about 3 your job search — state desired position, field/industry and location.

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Re-tweet a company’s tweets, or re-post links.

They are notified when these actions occur, which makes you more noticeable.

Follow UCS on Twitter for

Join LinkedIn Groups that are relevant to your field or industry as well as company and education/alumni groups, and actively participate in group discussions. Use LinkedIn to search people, jobs and/or companies for positions of interest.

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Search companies/people 4 of interest and regularly follow their tweets.

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All UH students can receive a resume critique at University Career Services.

Walk in hours are posted at www. uh.edu/ucs

Request connections to begin growing your network. Use LinkedIn to connect with people you went to school with, worked with or have other professional connections with.

continued from page 5

To search job opportunities, type in a desired job title into the Twitter search engine. Hash tags (#) can be very useful — search the following hashtags: #jobs, #jobseeker or #internships.

complete truth. Employers will find out and people have been fired for lying on resumes.

Increasing your GPA or stretching your job duties will be discovered and will harm your future opportunities.

An applicant’s social media presence is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the job search.

opportunities, events, job postings, connections at more at twitter.com/CoogCareers.

LinkedIn is a professional social networking site that was designed for managing professional relationships.

LinkedIn currently has millions of professionals all over the world. Using LinkedIn as

a networking and promotional tool is highly recommended for the professional job search.

LinkedIn strategies 1

Create a complete LinkedIn profile.

Include all relevant experience, education, skills and accomplishments as well as a professional photo for the profile page. Obtain recommendations from supervisors, co-workers, customers and teammates from class assignments. Update your profile regularly.

Join the UCS LinkedIn Group! Connect to UCS staff, UH students and alumni; also receive UCS announcements, events, career-related articles and information. Visit www.linkedin.com/group Registration?gid=2471829 to join.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014 7

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What employers look for in a job candidate Lauren Moore, EMPLOYER RELATIONS COORDINATOR

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Attributes employers look for on a candidate’s resume: ++ Communication skills (written) ++ Leadership ++ Analytical/quantitative skills ++ Strong work ethic ++ Ability to work in a team ++ Problem-solving skills ++ Communication skills (verbal) ++ Initiative ++ Detail-oriented ++ Computer skills

continued from page 3 Arrive early and dress professionally. An overall polished look makes an excellent first impression.

Be courteous to every4 one you meet.

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illustrate the points you are making. Use the “STAR” method to thoroughly cover all aspects of your anecdotes: ++ Situation – describe the situation in detail while being concise ++ Task – detail your tasks or obstacles ++ Action – explain the action you took to overcome the obstacle(s)

Speak clearly and confidently and use body language to show interest.

Avoid fidgeting or playing with jewelry – that can be distracting.

++ Result – detail the results of your action (positive outcome!)

Relate your responses to the job for which you’re applying. Connect those dots!

Send a thank you note within 24 hours of the interview!

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s cited in The Job Outlook for The Class of 2014, courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers who are focused on hiring new college grads are optimistic about the job market for Class of 2014 grads.

They expect to hire 7.8 percent more Class of 2014 grads for their U.S. operations than they hired from the Class of 2013. (When opportunities at international operations for new grads are factored in, the hiring outlook is ever better, with an overall increase in hiring of 12 percent.)

What do employers want?

Your major, GPA, skill sets, and experience can all be factors in what an employer will consider when looking at you as a potential employee. In fact, many employers require a GPA of 3.0 at a minimum. Some set the bar higher; employers interested in engineering grads, for example, look for a GPA of 3.5 or better.

And, GPA can be a “tie-breaker” if you and another candidate seem similarly qualified, with the higher GPA winning out.

Assuming you’ve got the required skills to do the job and the GPA to meet their requirements, employers will also look for the “soft” skills and attributes they value — the ability to work in a team, solve problems, and organize work. They also will look at your resume for evidence that you’ve got the “right stuff.”

So, what if you and another candidate appear equally qualified in terms of major, GPA, and required skills? Employers say the candidate who has a leadership position will likely win out.

INTERVIEW

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Be positive and enthusiastic! Always focus on the positive aspects of your experiences.

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Provide specific, concrete examples to

Ask intelligent questions that demonstrate you have done your research.

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If you have any questions about the interview process, please visit UCS. We are here to help! Schedule a mock interview with a UCS career counselor to practice your interviewing skills, and you’ll be ready to interview like a pro!

Do you like to teach?

Hiring managers have high hopes for the Class of 2014 and will be seeking graduates with leadership experience and the ability to work in teams.

What is important to employers Skill Quality

Weighted Average Rating

Ability to work in a team structure

4.55 Ability to make decisions and solve problems 4.50 Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work 4.48 Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization 4.48 Ability to obtain and process information 4.37 Ability to analyze quantitative data 4.25 Technical knowledge related to the job 4.01 Proficiency with computer software programs 3.94 Ability to create and/or edit written reports 3.62 Ability to sell or influence others 3.54 1=Not at all important; 2=Not very important; 3=Somewhat important; 4=Very important; and 5=Extremely important

Then we want to meet you!

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Competitive Pay Paid Training/Mileage Reimbursement Flexible Schedules Official or practice test scores required

For more information please call : 713-360-3169 OR Apply online :

www.princetonreview.com/employment

8 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

THE DAILY COUGAR

R U O N I O J

G N I N N WI TEAM! GREAT FOOD. SUPERIOR SERVICE. EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE. MANAGEMENT PROGRAM We offer an accelerated Management Training Program to qualified applicants possessing a bachelor’s degree in any field of study or an associates degree in culinary arts from an accredited institution, recent full-service restaurant experience and a dynamic personality.

WE OFFER Great earning potential

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Flexible schedules

College Internships are now available! We offer an intense, fast paced Internship Program available during the summer (10-weeks) or during the course of a semester (17-weeks). Minimum requirements to apply include recent, full service restaurant experience, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn and grow in a structured environment.

Advancement opportunities An outstanding training program & more!

For more information about management and internship opportunities please email Tammy at tledyard@pappas.com or our website at www.pappas.com\careers

ENTRY LEVEL OPPORTUNITIES We’re looking for positive, friendly people who genuinely love great food and want to provide superior service to our guests. Our success starts with talented people like you!

Apply in person at one of our restaurants. To locate a restaurant near you please visit www.pappas.com\finder

Pappas Restaurants is an Equal Opportunity Employer M | F | D | V | A