THE SUMMER ISSUE
the 201 0
summer
issue
* fea t u
job inte rv
r i ng
iewing t
*
echniqu es
BIZZY LIZ ZY
a nd
m or e
!
Bizzy Lizzy is here to answer any career related questions you may have. Think of her as your professional “Dear Abby.” Dear Bizzy Lizzy,
Dear Bizzy Lizzy,
Bizzy Lizzy is a Recruiter for TxSt University Career Services.
I am an MBA student looking for a summer internship.I have created a profile, uploaded my resume and filled in all the relevant information on Jobs4cats.
I am currently seeking a position at Texas State University. I have already applied online for the postings I am interested in and am waiting to hear back. It appears that I meet all of the necessary qualifications for the job. What can I do to stand out in a pile of applications? Should I personally visit the department I am seeking a job with? Any tips on how I can stand out and get selected for an interview? Thanks,
Send your Bizzy Lizzy Q’s to eb29@txstate.edu
But I don’t see any job listings, resume referrals or any other activity on my profile. Can you please tell me why is this so? Thanks, -Dee
-Ty
Dear In a Dee,
Dearest Ty,
I am glad to hear that you are keeping a close eye on the activity on your Jobs4Cats profile!
Bless you, my child. I love the fact that you are asking how to “stand out in a pile of applications”!
Regarding the job postings, when I do a search for internships, 135 populate. You may want to log back in and do another search, and perhaps narrow your search to your field of interest. Otherwise, I would start scrolling through those postings and reaching out to those companies regarding their opportunities. Also, “resume referrals” are based on criteria set by the employer. Your resume will be sent to that employer when they request resumes with your qualifications. It looks like your resume was uploaded within the last week, so now your resume is eligible to be included in a “Resume Referral Request”. I would also suggest viewing our upcoming Career Events, specifically our Spring Job and Internship EXPO on March 24th. You can view which employers will be attending, view which majors they are recruiting for and register for the event. A great service we provide in Career Services is Career Counseling. You can call our office (512.245.2645) to set up appointment with a Career Counselor to help you with Jobs4Cats and your job search.
Here’s what you need to do now: Network, network and……. (wait for it)…. NETWORK! Are you a member of the Alumni Association? If not, join and go to their networking events to get more info and to NETWORK! Are you registered and actively using LinkedIn.com? If not, join and use it to start a dialogue. Use the fact that you are a Texas State Alum to make a connection with a staff member in that particular office and ask them to meet up for coffee so you can pick their brain regarding their position and how they got to where they are today. (By pick their brain, I really mean: do an Informational Interview) This is your opportunity to make a great first impression and to get their insight on the next step of the process. They may not be directly involved with the hiring process for this position, but they may have the inside scoop. P.S. Don’t forget to BUY their coffee, fruufruu-drink, scone or what-not. ;) Go get’em! All the best, -Bizzy Lizzy
All the best, -Bizzy Lizzy
summer internships By Tiffany Stepp Mass Comm Senior
In just a few weeks many students will be starting their summer internships. The fastest way to add luster to your résumé is to do an internship, but the benefits don’t stop there. Internships can give experience to a student that is unsure of what careers their major may lead to. They can also inspire a student with experience, or in some instances, can help a student decide whether or not that line of work is correct for them. Internships also expand students networking contacts. These contacts are valuable assets that can provide advise for the present and the future. Internships help students become accustomed to the job application process and help them acquire knowledge and experience they may not see through formal classes. Working in a company exposes you to a different way of thinking and working. This breadth of experience is likely to help you grow and think critically when you approach future problems and projects in the workplace enviornment. Being an intern also has advantages that might not even be available to most full time employees of a given company. First off, you have the ability to explore a wide variety of other avenues. In an internship you’re not necessarily bound to doing one particular job. In fact you’re often encouraged to talk with other departments and ask more questions than if you were just a typical staffer. For those of you who are completely turned off at the thought of working for nothing, there are some alternatives. Increasingly, organizations are offering stipends with an internship because they are realizing that although some students are motivated by paychecks, many just want enough income to cover basic necessities. With that being said, it should be obvious that the education you receive while in an internship program could quickly prove to be thousands of times more valuable than a paycheck. Internships may also lead to letters of recommendation and in some cases can progress into a full- time job job opportunities from employers. Overall, Internships are a great investment for any student to explore. Afterall, experience outside of the classroom is a key part of a college education.
Achieving your career goals requires an organized strategy and disciplined approach. Below are six tips to help you search smarter, not harder.
Sell your value.
What makes you unique? How will your strengths, skills and accomplishments solve prospective employers’ problems? Determine your “unique value proposition” and make it an integral part of your personal marketing plan.
Energize yourself.
Searching for a job can be exhausting if you do not have a plan to re-energize yourself. Staying motivated and on task is easier when you develop a practical plan and stick to it. Arrange a daily schedule that is feasible and fits into your lifestyle. Determine how many days and hours a week you will invest in your search and create a document to track your progress.
Activate and build your network.
SIX WAYS TO JOB SEARCH SMARTER NOT HARDER
A strong network can provide you with job leads and information to access the hidden job market. Research shows that more than 60 percent of all jobs are found through networking. Everyone you know or meet and every situation you encounter is an opportunity to grow your network. View every family member, social or business acquaintance as a potential member of your network.
Research your options.
The Internet is an excellent place to begin your research. If you want to know more about specific industries, average salaries or educational requirements, you have to research online. Employers’ websites are a source of valuable information; there you can learn more about key decision-makers, products and services. If you want to speak to someone within a specific company, try searching for him or her on professional networking sites like LinkedIn.
Customize your job search strategies.
You will increase your chances for success if you focus on personal preferences. Select two or three strategies that fit your personality and lifestyle, and build your job search around them. If you like to meet new people, volunteer for an organization or apply for internship opportunities. If you are introverted or shy, contact others through social networking sites. Other job search channels you can try are job boards like Jobs4Cats, networking events and job fairs.
Harness your creativity.
Market yourself with imagination. Employers want to hire qualified applicants who know how to present their value. Producing a project portfolio is one possible way to showcase your experience. Whichever method you choose, conduct your job search in an organized, targeted and creative manner. Remember, “Success is the end result of creativity and all of the hard work around it.”
1
What is the most important thing to put on a resume? [A] Your hobbies and interests [B] Your specific objective for the job in which you are applying [C] All of your relevant courses
6
What is the purpose of a cover letter?
[a] Cover letters identify your most relevant skills or experiences [b] Cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization [c] All of the above
2 3
What is a panel interview?
[a] The scariest thing ever, RUN. [b] An untraditional arrangement where you ask the potential employer questions and they only answer [c] An interview conducted by a team of two or more supervisors or colleagues
What do you do after a panel interview?
[a] Speak with each individual separately [b] Send out personalized thank you notes [c] Promptly leave the room
7
Should you incorporate social networking as an integral part of your job search process?
[a] No. [b] ItĂs a good idea to add your potential employer to your facebook friends before the interview to seem friendly. [c] Yes, if used wisely, you can take your job search one step further with your own online resume, or on professional sites like Linked IN.
does the meal begin long should your 4 When 8 How when dining with a cover letter be? potential employer?
[a] When first plate is set on the table [b] When the host or hostess unfolds his or her napkin [c] When the host or hostess begins to speak
5
Should you get personal business cards printed?
[a] Design them on your resume [b] Only if your applying for business jobs [c] Yes, they can be helpful when networking.
[a] 2-3 paragraphs [b] 1 page [c] Length does not matter
you include your 9 Should GPA in a resume?
[a] If it is above a 2.0 [b] If it is above a 3.0 [c] You must always include your gpa in a resume
10
14
What are the resources you should check for internships? [a] Google [b] Career Services [c] Wetfeet.com
[a] Research information about companies attending. [b] Get a floor plan and navigate a route to move around the floor quickly. [c] Get a list of participating companies online from Jobs4Cats and choose which companies interest you
[D] All of the above
11
How do you effectively close an interview?
[a] Ask when do I start [b] Ask about salary [c] Thank the interviewer by name,
[D] All of the above
smile and shake their hand
12
13
How should you react to a phone interview? [a] Prepare with notes including information you know about the company, the person who may be calling to interview you and any potential questions you know they may ask. [b] Make sure to keep the ìumsî a nd ìahsî t o a maximum so the inter viewer knows that you are relaxed [c] Be honest and open, this is the time to ask about salary.
How far in advance should you re-confirm the date of a job shadowing opportunity? [a] 3 weeks [b] A few days [c] The day before
What should you do to prepare for a job and/or internship fair?
15
How should you practice for an interview?
[a] You should practice in front of your friends [b] In a Mock Interview with a career councelor [c] You do not need to practice, just google a few interview questions online.
16
*
How long should your resume be?
[a] No longer than one page [b] 4 pages [c] 2 pages [D] It doesní t matter, but it should be scented
Schedule an appointment with a career counselor at Career Services for more job searching, interviewing, and career preparation advice. Call 512.245.2645
1.B, 2.C, 3.B, 4.B, 5.C, 6.C, 7.C, 8.A, 9.B, 10.D, 11.C, 12.A, 13.B, 14.D, 15.B, 16.A
As if a single interview is not stressful enough, you may find yourself participating in a few panel interviews during your job search. They are frequently used in the public sector, as they are perceived to be more ethical because of the possible diverse demographics of the people on the panel. They are also considered to be an appropriate way to determine how well the candidate operates under pressure and how the candidate connects with a disparate group of individuals. The advantage of panel interviews is that they can give you an opportunity to see how the staff works together.
Prepare questions to ask during the interview and propose your major strengths as a potential employee. Your introduction is everything when it comes to first impressions. It is essential to connect with the interviewer’s right from the start in order to create a unique and personal experience with each member. Be confident in both your words and your actions. Let them know you’re listening by including their names as you’re introducing yourself, and accompany this with a strong, deliberate handshake.
Before the interview, familiarize yourself with the company’s history, mission and vision, and policies. Know the size of the company, its structure, its major competitors and its work culture.
Take notes during the interview process so that the panel members know you are invested in the process, but make sure to ask permission first as a sign of respect.
Don’t ignore your interviewers’ names, and use them to your advantage whenever addressing the panel. It will be difficult to make eye contact with everyone. It’s feasible that one or two people might not even ask you questions, but they are present because they are going to be part of the hiring process, so don’t dismiss them. Set the foundation of your answer by looking at the questioner, and then rotate so that everyone in the room makes some sort of connection with you. Be certain you fully comprehend the question. Try to answer each question in turn, taking the first and building on it to incorporate the second. Be sure to acknowledge all the interviewers’ questions, so that none leave the room thinking you have ignored either them or their questions.
At the end of the job interview ask if there is any other information they would like. Shake hands and thank each interviewer personally at the end of the interview, again using each person’s name. Get each person’s business card so that you can properly address a thank you letter to each panel member. When writing your thank you letters to the panelists refer to each one’s area of interest and personalize your comments to make them unique to that particular person.
Resume+ Job Search+ Interview Prep+
CALL US AT
512.245.2645
TO SCHEDULE
AN APPOINTMENT
If you are graduating and need career help, come and see us. Simple as that.
CAREERSERVICES.TXSTATE.EDU