2014-2015 Career Planning Guide This Career Planning Guide provides information to make you the best candidate for your chosen job or graduate school. Begin NOW to explore your options and get experience in your field, building your career story as you go. Our mission is focused on helping you succeed. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words, it is expressed in the choices one makes … and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” Choose wisely, choose knowledgably, choose success!
Suzanne Scott-Trammell, Executive Director UAB Career & Professional Development
Our Mission To engage students/ postdocs in the career development process of exploring career options, gaining experience in a chosen field, preparing for the job or graduate school search, and succeeding in their career goals.
Our Vision UAB students will be well-prepared and empowered to successfully pursue meaningful careers throughout their lives.
Main Office 936 19th Street South Phone (205) 934.4324
Collat School of Business Office Business—Engineering Complex, Rm 203 10th Avenue South Phone (205)934.9202
www.uab.edu/cpd Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
1
Table of Contents This guide is divided into sections of the mission so you understand what each step involves and can go to the section where you need assistance. We are your partner in:
Exploring career options based upon your unique skills, interests, and values Gaining experience in career field(s) of interest to validate your choice and increase your success rate Preparing for the job/graduate school search with a clear understanding of the value you bring Succeeding in your career and life goals
What Can We Do For You .....................3 Career Action Plan................................... 4 DragonTrail Jobs ...................................... 5
EXPLORE Career Assessments .................................. 6 Stem Resources ......................................... 7 Researching Careers & Jobs ..................... 8 Informational Interviewing.......................9
EXPERIENCE Experiential Education........................ 10 & 11 Job Shadowing.............................................12
PREPARE Employable Skills After College.............. 13 Personal Branding & Elevator Pitch ...... 14 Professionalism & Reputation..................15 Networking ..................................................16 Social Media and Your Career.... ............. 17 LinkedIn Profile Building......................... 18 Planning for Graduate School ...................... 19 Cover Letters/E-mails ............................... 20 Resumes........................................................21 Resume Rules ............................................... 22 Describing Your Career Experience...............23 Resume Power Words................................... 24 Resume Samples ......................................... 25 Curriculum Vitae........................................ 26 Recommendation/Thank You Letters...27
SUCCEED Connect with Career and Professional Development on social media Facebook: UAB Career Services Twitter: @UABCareerServe LinkedIn Group: UAB Career & Professional Development
Interview Process ..................................... 28 Interview Questions .................................. 29 Interview Attire.......................................... 30 Cultural Barriers to Job Search ................31 Negotiation ................................................32 Professional Assimilation & Success...... 33 2
What UAB Career and Professional Development Can Do For You! Career and Professional Development
Career and Professional Development engages students in the career development process of exploring career options, gaining experience in a chosen field, preparing for the job or graduate/professional school search, and succeeding in their career goals. We do this by offering a variety of programs, services and resources that will successfully prepare you to enter the competitive market. Collaborate with us and gain the knowledge and confidence to make wise career decisions.
Job Listings
Postings of full-time and part-time job openings (both on-campus and off), internships, cooperative education and other professional opportunities are available through DragonTrail Jobs.
Other Services & Programs
Career Advice
Career consultants are available by appointment to help address individual and group needs. The process helps you: Increase awareness of personal branding Increase awareness of occupations and trends Integrate these two areas to make meaningful career decisions Discuss relevant ways to gain experience depending on your career goal Prepare for career success
Assessments
Career management course offered for academic credit (ECG 300) Workshops Internships, cooperative education, mentoring, job-shadowing and volunteering programs On-campus recruiting program Career Resources CareerSpots—videos on key career topics InterviewStream - virtual mock interview system CareerShift - job board pulling information, jobs and contacts using spider research technology Type Focus—personality assessment to enhance communication and team work.
We’re able to help you conduct self assessments and discuss how personal factors influence your career planning. To learn more about assessments, visit uab.edu/cpd
Career Fairs and Events Each semester, we have exciting career events with multiple employers from a variety of organizations. Employers are very interested in hiring UAB students. Attending our events is a great way to make connections, build relationships, and land that job! We also provide information sessions and on-campus interviews, offered many times throughout the year. To stay up to date on our events, set up your DragonTrail Jobs account today.
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
3
Career Action Plan
Each step of Career & Professional Development’s mission is leading you to become a strong candidate for your chosen job and/or graduate school. The Career Plan below gives an overview of actions to take to achieve success. The guide is divided into these sections so you can easily go to the one needed at that time. Remember, as Zig Ziglar said, “You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.” Now let’s go win - together! EXPLORE
Register with Career & Professional Development through DragonTrail Jobs at www.uab.edu/dtj and accept terms. Take the FOCUS assessment located at http://www.uab.edu/careerservices/assessments Conduct at least one informational interview with a successful professional within your desired career field. Participate in volunteer work that allows you to demonstrate accomplishments. These accomplishments will go on the resume that you create during the PREPARE phase. Create a LinkedIn profile so that you can stay connected with recruiters you meet during UAB career fairs. You will use these connections during the SUCCEED phase.
Utilize Interview Stream located at www.uab.edu/careerservices/interviewstream to begin developing your interview skills. Upload your professional resume into DragonTrail Jobs – the Career & Professional Development team will provide you with revision recommendations if needed. Create your Elevator Pitch using what you accomplished during the EXPERIENCE phase.
SUCCEED
EXPERIENCE
PREPARE
Begin Experiential Learning within your desired profession (job shadowing, internship, mentoring). Call 205-934-4324 to schedule an appointment with a career consultant to get answers to questions and guidance. Attend at least one career event per semester. Use the LinkedIn page that you created during the EXPLORE phase to connect with the recruiters and professionals you meet at career events and during your experiential learning.
Attend ALL career fairs and employer information sessions related to your desired profession – this is where you will begin to use the elevator pitch and resume that you created during the PREPARE phase. Call 205-934-4324 to schedule an appointment with a career consultant to get answers to questions and guidance. Set up a job agent in DragonTrail Jobs and start applying for jobs!
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
4
EXPLORE How to use DragonTrail Jobs DragonTrail Jobs is UAB Career & Professional Development’s career management site for:
Accessing job listings and career information Uploading your resume and applying for on-campus interviews Meeting with a career consultant Viewing the calendar of events, seminars and career programs Participating in Co-ops, Internships, Mentoring and Job Shadowing opportunities Networking with alumni, mentors and professionals in the field
Accessing DragonTrail Jobs To access DragonTrail Jobs you will need your BlazerID and password. Note: Make sure all pop-up blockers are turned off before login
Step 1. Go to www.uab.edu/cpd and click on the Students tab
Step 2. Click DragonTrail Jobs for Students (located on the side menu)
Step 3. Login with your BlazerID and password If you are a returning user, you will go directly to the Welcome page of DragonTrail. If you are a first time user of DragonTrail Jobs, you will automatically go to the authorization form. After selecting “agree,” you will have immediate access to DragonTrail Jobs or receive an email notification regarding your access to DragonTrail Jobs.
For specific usage instructions, access the document library located within DragonTrail Jobs
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
5
EXPLORE Career Assessments
Career assessments increase self-understanding and help match students with suitable majors/careers. They help to identify unique interests, skills, abilities and personality characteristics. UAB Career Services offers two online career guidance systems, Focus and TypeFocus. Focus is recommended for all new students. Based on inventory results, the program suggests majors and career areas for students to explore. TypeFocus is recommended to help students recognize how their personality preferences affect job satisfaction. It generates customized reports and serves as a tool for improved teamwork and communication skills.
This free tool, created by Science Careers, is designed to help graduate students and postdocs in the sciences create individual development plans, or step-by-step plans for identifying and reaching their career goals – whatever they may be. The assessment includes a process of assessing proficiencies in a host of science-related skills and knowledge areas. MyIDP also includes exercises to help users assess their science-related interests and their career-related values.
10. Industry Guides and Journals
Sources of Information Whether you are trying to sell a product or trying to sell yourself to employers, it is vitally important to develop a target list on which to focus. Some helpful resources to use in compiling this target list are: 1. CareerShift (on DragonTrail Jobs - lists company alums, and jobs by industry and geography)
11. Newspapers and Business Journals(check the special sections for prominent people, new businesses, and community events in your field) 12. Target company websites (google search to find contacts and company information)
2. mynextmove.com (DOL assessment providing information on jobs) 3. onetonline.org (DOL assessment providing similar information as above) 4. What to do with a major in? (online guide on CPD website telling strategies and skills by career field) 5. LinkedIn Groups (join discussions in your career field for networking and information) 6. Chamber of Commerce Directories 7. Professional Association Directories 8. Civic Organization Membership Lists 9. Alumni Directories
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
6
EXPLORE Sources of Information for STEM disciplines Books to review A Ph.D. Is Not Enough Despite your graduate education, brainpower, and technical prowess, your career in scientific research is far from assured. Permanent positions are scarce, science survival is rarely part of formal graduate training, and a good mentor is hard to find. In this book the author lays out a rational path to a fulfilling long-term research career. So, What Are You Going To Do With That? With the current dearth of tenure-track positions in academia, graduate students are more than ever in need of a guide to the alternative job market. Ph.D.'s take heart! As Susan Basalla and Maggie Debelius convincingly show you, you are more marketable than you might expect. Academics, whether they have completed a doctorate or not, already have the requisite skills to thrive beyond the academy. This comprehensive, practical, and potentially life-changing guide will help you find your way in the post academic world.
Online Resources Science Careers (Sciencecareers.sciencemag.org) Searchable database of jobs, sorted by field specialty. Can post resume and curriculum vitae. Includes tips for improving the workplace for employers and employees. Nature Jobs (Nature.com/naturejobs/) Nature Publishing Group features access to job listings, editorial content about scientific careers and other information.
The assessment includes a process of assessing proficiencies in a host of science-related skills and knowledge areas. MyIDP also includes exercises to help users assess their science-related interests and their career-related values. Versatile PhD Resources and community discussions on nonacademic career options. Chronicle of Higher Education News and jobs in academia and higher education. Medzilla (Medzilla.com) The original and best place to find your next job or career in Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Medicine, healthcare and Science. Serving pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Science and Healthcare professionals and employers with excellence since 1994.
Blogs Office of Intramural Training and Education (http://oitecareersblog.wordpress.com/) This blog was established by the Career Services Center within the Office of Intramural Training and Education NIH to increase awareness of OITE services among trainees, to respond to frequently asked questions and offer guidance with the career planning and job search process, and to share new and updated career information and resources with all NIH trainees.
My Individual Development Plan (myIDP) This free tool, created by Science Careers, is designed to help graduate students and postdocs in the sciences create individual development plans, or step-by-step plans for identifying and reaching their career goals – whatever they may be.
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
7
EXPLORE Researching Careers and Jobs Career Research It is very important that you thoroughly investigate your career options, gathering as much information about the industry, the market, and individual employers/schools as possible. The more information you gather about yourself (self-assessments), your career field, and positions which may be a good fit for you, the better prepared you will be to build a career story. Information will also help you do the following:
Uncover new career areas not previously considered Gain insight into current and future trends in your field Learn the jargon and important issues Obtain advice on where you might fit in Broaden your own network of contacts
After gathering research on career fields of interest you will be better equipped to make a solid career choice with targeted companies/ schools to contact.
Identifying Contacts Once the target companies or schools are identified, you can focus on building a list of contacts. Contacts may be found from LinkedIn, company and university directories, journals, professional memberships, or CareerShift. We recommend you first find contacts through a common connection or introduction. If this isn’t possible contacts may be found by “Cold Calling,” calling a person with whom you have had no prior contact and for whom you have no detailed information, but once you have established rapport with this contact, this previously unknown individual becomes a source of vital information who can now provide referrals and guidance.
Market Research Effective market research consists of five vital elements:
Identify job titles related to the career area Research job descriptions for each title Identify your industry Identify the companies/schools within your industry Identify your desired location
After you decide the career area you want, look for job titles related to the area. Pull job descriptions for each title to understand tasks and responsibilities. Identify the industries where these professionals typically work and the major companies in your desired location. This will allow you to target your search and know where to focus your search efforts.
Target List After researching career areas and the job/graduate school market, you are ready to build your target list, prioritized by your level of interest. Create a Plan A with a maximum 10 companies/schools listed and a Plan B with other ones of interest. Devote a majority of time on Plan A, establishing contacts and securing meetings. In a single day, you can implement your job search by sending out personalized cover letters and targeted resumes to every contact on your Plan A list. Five days later, you should follow up with a telephone call. Your telephone call should be directed to the department head. You should inquire about a possible appointment to meet at his or her convenience, to get advice on career options and to learn more about the company or program. Maintain contact and continue building relationships with your Plan A list even as you move into Plan B. You never know when an opportunity will arise and when it does, you want to be top-of-mind.
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
8
EXPLORE Informational Interviewing The Purpose
The Process
Conducting informational interviews is more than exploring career options. Informational interviewing helps you develop contacts in your field of study that might prove to be useful in your future job search.
Utilize people you know to explore potential contacts to interview. Good resources are UAB faculty and staff, professional colleagues of your parent(s), or professional organizations in your area of study.
In an informational interview YOU ASK THE QUESTIONS with a goal of gathering gather information. Identify people who are doing a specific job so that you can discover what the job is really like. Informational interviewing helps broaden your knowledge of the jobs you are exploring.
Questions to Ask
How would you describe your typical workday? What do you like most about your job? What do you like least about your job? What education and additional training is needed for someone entering this career field today? What skills and experience are needed to get into this field today? What skills and experience are needed to succeed in this field? What personal qualities do you think are most important in your work? What do you wish someone had told you before you entered this field? What are the opportunities for promotion/ advancement? Is this field expanding or taking any new directions? What are the stressors that you experience on the job? Are there any related occupations that you would recommend I investigate? When people leave this career field, what reasons are most often cited? What sacrifices have you had to make to succeed in this field? Do you feel the sacrifices were worth it? Is there anything you think I need to know that I have not asked?
After you have identified one or two individuals you would like to interview, reach out to request an appointment for no more than 30 minutes. Once the date and time have been agreed upon, prepare for the informational interview by getting equipped with knowledge about the company and the individual. This research will naturally lead you to the questions that you want to ask. You can supplement your questions with some of the recommended questions to the left. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so make sure you convey a positive and professional image. Be sure to thank your interviewee and follow-up with a professional thank you note.
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
9
EXPERIENCE
Experiential Education
What is Experiential Education? Experiential education is a broad category of opportunities designed to help students define and validate their educational and career goals by exploring the realities of the work world. Experiential education through UAB Career and Professional Development includes cooperative education (co-op), internships, mentoring, job shadowing and volunteering.
Co-op
Internships
Service Mentoring
Learning UAB
Why Get the Experience?
Shadowing
involvement
Employers surveyed indicated that 51% of their new college hires completed an internship and/or co-op with their company. 1 75% of employers prefer candidates with relevant work experience; 53% of employers have a preference for internship/co-op experience. 2 64.8% of students who intern receive permanent job offers; 79% accept 1 56.8% of students who co-op receive permanent job offers; 82.2% accept 1
Study Away
Volunteer Research
(1) NACE 2014 Internship & Co-op Survey (2) NACE 2014 Job Outlook Survey
How Do You Gain Experience? Cooperative Education (Co-op) provides students with structured, work-related programs on a long-term basis to gain experience and supplement classroom studies.
Internships provide students with structured, short-term programs to gain experience in their chosen fields of study and supplementing classroom studies.
Mentoring allows students to build relationships with professionals in their chosen career fields through one-on-one interactions.
Job Shadowing provides students opportunities to observe professionals in the work environment and learn about their chosen career field.
Undergraduate Research involves research conducted by a student in collaboration with a mentor that makes an original, intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline.
Study Away offers students the opportunity to make progress toward home campus degree programs while studying in new places, meeting new people, and enrolling in specialized courses.
Service Learning offers students an opportunity to gain experience with a non-profit organization integrating community service with academic learning.
Volunteering provides one of the best ways for you to gain entry into an organization. There are countless opportunities for you to make worthwhile contributions to an organization while gaining professional experience.
View a CareerBytes video on “Making the Most of Your Internship” and a CareerSpots video on “Finding a Co-op/ Internship” at: www.uab.edu/cpd
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
10
EXPERIENCE Experiential Education
Internship/Co-op Checklist Preparation and set-up: Register on DragonTrail Jobs Get resume approved by Career Consultants Meet with Dept Internship Coordinator
After the offer: Record placement on DragonTrail Jobs Register for Internship/Co-op Course within academic department or UAB Career and Professional Development Establish learning goals for Internship/Co-op
After the experience: Evaluate experience on DragonTrail Jobs Complete evaluation with supervisor Send thank you to employer Integrate experience into resume
Benefits of Experiential Education
Validates career choice Provides a realistic view of the daily business operations Produces valuable work experience Provides a competitive edge in the Job Market Creates networking opportunities Applies knowledge gained in classroom Expands career options / possibilities Produces new skills and confidence Helps establish short/long term career goals Opens the door to new job opportunities
View a CareerBytes video on “Making the Most of Your Internship” and a CareerSpots video on “Finding a Co-op/ Internship” at: www.uab.edu/cpd
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
11
EXPERIENCE Job Shadowing
THE PURPOSE Shadowing provides you with a short-term opportunity (usually a few hours or a day) to gain a better understanding of what a specific position, an occupation, an industry or a career field entails.
BENEFITS OF JOB SHADOWING Job Shadowing can help you… Investigate a career option or confirm a choice that you have made. Identify the skills and qualifications needed to enter a profession. Observe first-hand the responsibilities of a specific position within the field. Determine if there are gaps in your knowledge, skills, or experience. Create mentoring relationships and valuable networking contacts.
SHADOWING STRATEGIES Be realistic about what you can expect to achieve with the session. Don't enter the job shadowing experience expecting it to result in a job offer.
Write out questions and don't be afraid to refer to them.
Dress and conduct yourself in a professional manner
Verbally thank your host or hostess for the time spent with you, and follow up with a thank-you note within 24 hours your visit.
Job Shadowing Checklist Preparation and set-up: Develop a job shadowing site target list; • Explore company contacts on DragonTrail Jobs • Ask advisors/faculty members, relatives, friends, neighbors, etc. for contacts Create script to use when contacting the site View CareerSpots videos on website Prior to going: Secure Job Shadowing site, confirming dates, timeframe and directions Print copy of Informational Interview from Career and Professional Development website After the experience: Send thank you to contact Send connection request via LinkedIn Reflect on what you learned
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
12
PREPARE Employable Skills After College or Graduate School Do you already possess the skills/qualities sought by employers? The following grid will help you identify some of the experiences you already have that build the skills employers value. Here is how the Employability Grid works:
Skills/Qualities Sought by Employers in New College Graduate Hires
Insert your experience with each skill into the Employability Grid. Experience can be found in many places, some prompts have been provided for you.
Identify strengths as well as gaps which may prevent you from getting the job you want.
Look at job descriptions and use career research to add other skills specific to your career goal.
If you see a gap in your skills, set goals to develop these skill areas.
* Ability to make decisions and solve problems * Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization * Ability to obtain and process information * Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work * Ability to analyze quantitative data * Technical knowledge related to the job * Proficiency with computer software programs * Ability to create and/or edit written reports * Ability to sell or influence others Source: Job Outlook 2014 Spring Update, National Association of Colleges and Employers Employers want new hires that can communicate and work well with the team. They want to see commitment to the job and initiative to find new and better ways of doing things.
Schedule a mock interview with Career and Professional Development to ensure that you are clearly communicating Employability Grid Skills
Courses (projects, research, thesis, etc)
Jobs/Co-ops/ Internships/ Labs
Service/ Volunteer Work
Clubs/ Orgs/ Civic Groups
Ability to make decisions and solve problems Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization Ability to obtain and process information Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work Ability to analyze quantitative data Technical knowledge related to the job Proficiency with computer software programs Ability to create and/or edit written reports Ability to sell or influence others
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
13
PREPARE Personal Branding and Elevator Pitch Before any corporation introduces a new product, it has to develop a thorough marketing plan to understand the demand (will it sell?) and articulate the key features and benefits (will the buyer see the value and make the purchase?).
ELEVATOR PITCH Defined: (n): brief presentation that introduces what you’re “pitching” – an idea, a new process, YOU … should be delivered in the time it takes an elevator to reach the top floor. This is basically your unique story communicating why you chose the field and why you want to talk with them.
Now think of yourself as the new product…...
Who is the buyer and what are the key needs the product will address?
What are the compelling reasons the buyer should invest in an untested product? Are the features and benefits presented clearly so value is evident?
Concept: You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make it count by offering a firm handshake; good eye contact; and a pleasant, interested demeanor, introducing yourself like below:
Each of us has a multitude of skills, interests, and values. Which ones will help you sell yourself to the employers/graduate schools you are targeting?
Making Your Introduction
Name & Major: Hi, I’m (name), a freshman at The University of Alabama at Birmingham majoring in (X)
Why you chose the field: I’m interested in this field because (why) and wanted to talk with you because (show you did your research on them and their company)
Unique strengths targeted to the career field: While at UAB, I’ve participated in (volunteering) at (where). This helped me realize it’s where I want to be in my career, however I would like to learn more about the field. In my internships, I worked with (company or type of experience).
Can you tell me about … (career advice, type of person who is successful, …) – Ending with a question is a great strategy. For one thing, it invites them into the conversation and clarifies how they can help you. It also takes the edge off the conversation and transforms it into a dialogue between 2 people interested in the same field.
Be sure to prepare for meeting new people. Do your homework on them and their organization. Have questions prepared so you can begin a conversation and communicate why you are a good “fit” for their organization. Once you develop your elevator pitch, you can use a variation of it as the Profile section of your resume and the body of your cover letter, which demonstrate the value you offer.
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
14
PREPARE Professionalism and Reputation Effective communication continues to be ranked the #1 ability sought by employers. It is also one of the four strengths identified by UAB as essential for all graduates. The following guidelines provide ways to demonstrate strong communication and professionalism ensuring your reputation stays on a positive trajectory to build a strong career:
Always be early for appointments and interviews. It is better to arrive fifteen minutes early than a minute late which can damage your reputation and ruin your chances for success. Build in plenty of time for travel. If you arrive early, use the time to relax, prepare, and present a professional image to everyone you meet. Always dress for success. Keep professional attire on-hand for short-notice interviews. Keep business casual attire to wear in class, clinicals, lab, or other times where you can project a professional image, which affects your reputation. Remember to say thank you during an interview or other meeting. Having the opportunity to interview, mentor, job shadow, or meet new professionals in your field are all privileges for which you should express appreciation. Time is an incredibly valuable commodity; it is imperative you acknowledge this. Send thank-you letters, notes, and/or e-mails following interviews or other meetings Taking the time to follow up with typed or handwritten thank you letters printed on quality paper demonstrates your attention to detail and sincere appreciation. Less formal meetings may be followed with a wellconstructed email. Record a professional voicemail message for your cell phone and/or home answering machine. Record it in a place where background noise is eliminated, greet callers in a manner that will impress them. Get rid of immature greetings such as “This is John, you know the drill.” These types of messages create a poor first impression.
When you meet with a contact make sure you turn off or silence your electronic devices. If you want to take notes during a meeting, ask first, so you will not be misconstrued as inattentive or as texting while they are talking.
Obtain a mature, non-offensive e-mail address for contacts who choose to communicate via e-mail. Choose an e-mail address that’s related to your name and with no reference to immature nicknames or offensive statements. Your e-mail address will also appear on your resume, so make it professional.
Keep your social networking accounts (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) clean of any material that you would not want a potential employer to see. A growing percentage of employers are looking at these accounts as part of their due diligence in assessing potential employees. This is an essential part of your 21st century resume, reflecting the reputation you want to portray. and maintain.
Always keep your desired reputation at the forefront of your mind (professional, committed, leader, team player, …) Ensure your actions continue to enhance it, building strong references and positive impressions. People’s assessment of your actions can open or close doors throughout your career. Make sure you know what your reputation is and take steps to keep it growing in the right direction.
It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
~Warren Buffett
15
PREPARE Networking
It is often stated that it’s not WHAT you know, but WHO you know that gets you the job. Getting to know prominent people in your field is the best method of conducting a successful job search. Networking is sharing information and relationship building; it is a give-and-take natural process we do in our everyday lives so that we can develop ourselves and our connections.
Networking is the #1 way to get a job: 80% of all jobs go un-posted 34% of all new hires are due to employee referrals
What to Do
Get Your Message Out Develop your elevator pitch and share it with as many people as possible (p. 14). Networking is a series of connections, not just who you know but who they know. Outlining the value you have to offer is essential in helping others to promote you to their contacts.
Build Rapport Learn about the other person. What are their interests? What is their career story?
Set Goals and a Timeline Go in with a plan. Are you looking for information or advice? What do you hope to gain? Ask who the leaders in the field are. What should you be reading? How can you best stay aware of trends and innovations?
Set a Time and Plan to Follow Up Agree on a plan and be sure to send a thank-you note.
How to Get Started
Starting is the daunting part. Therefore it’s easier to begin on familiar ground with those you know.
Where to Go
Networking opportunities are more likely in settings where you are able to interact comfortably with people who share common interests and values. • • • • •
Get involved in professional organizations Join a fraternal, religious or social club Volunteer in the community Participate in local events and associations Attend career fairs, meetings or conventions
Prospecting/Targeted Networking Getting to know people that you need to know! After you develop your elevator pitch and send your resume you are now ready to make the follow up call. Know your objectives, be prepared!
To print a complete Networking Grid and to view a CareerSpot video on “The Importance of Networking”, go to www.uab.edu/cpd
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
16
PREPARE Social Media and Your Career Did You Know? A recent surveys show that 92% of employers are using or planning to use social networks for recruiting this year, and 70% say they have decided against hiring a candidate due to information found on social media. Because of this, you should invest time in your social media presence. Creating a Professional Online Presence All social media sites should only have material you would want a future employer to see. Remove all photographs that would be deemed inappropriate. Consider adjusting your privacy settings on your social media profiles so only those you want to view it can do so. What happens when you Google yourself? You want to appear up to speed on recent digital trends and familiar with these skills. Allow your social media presence to supplement your job application by presenting a comprehensive view of your skills and qualifications. Facebook There are more than one billion Facebook users and numerous ways to interact with people on this site. Facebook also has numerous features and pages relevant to job seekers. Share status updates about job or internship searches, as this may lead you to people who can help or even referrals to someone they know who can help. Also share professional status updates about projects, leadership positions, internships, or classes. Facebook Tips Establish a professional presence online using Facebook’s profile options. Create friend lists to effectively manage connections on Facebook. Connect with organizations, industries, and groups relevant to your career interests. Find job and internship listings using Facebook pages and apps.
Twitter Results from a recent survey by Jobvite attest to the power of Twitter as a job-search tool: Twitter is now used by nearly half of the work force to look for jobs—46% vs. 37% in 2011. And those seekers are almost twice as likely to have found their “favorite-ever” job on Twitter. Twitter accounts can also be a powerful online presence for users, as tweets and pages are indexed by Google. Therefore, Twitter can provide possibilities such as: Setting you apart in an applicant pool. Keeping current with industry news, which is great for interview preparation and networking. Finding job and internship opportunities you may not otherwise be aware of. Establishing yourself as an expert in specific fields or industries. Discovering fields or industries of interest. LinkedIn LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking service mainly used for professional networking. This tool will allow you to expand your network in your desired career field. Over the years it has become crucial for job seekers as well as those employed to have a complete and up-to-date profile due to many companies using LinkedIn for recruitment.
Connect with Career and Professional Development on social media Facebook: UAB Career Services Twitter: @UABCareerServe LinkedIn Group: UAB Career & Professional Development
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
17
PREPARE
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
18
PREPARE Planning for Graduate School Is Graduate School Right For You?
Whether or not to attend graduate school is a big decision. Ask yourself these questions: In what ways is being a graduate student different from being an undergraduate? How well have I performed in my past academic pursuits? How genuinely interested am I in this field? Is it worth the effort? How will this degree improve my job prospects? How will I pay for graduate school?
Graduate School Applications – Basic Steps: Accurate management of the application process is the key to successful admission. Here are some steps to that give you an idea of what applying to graduate school entails:
Begin the application process at least one year before you plan to start your graduate study. The first step is to review the “Admissions Checklist” for the specific program to which you plan to apply. For UAB graduate school these can be found at: http:// www.uab.edu/graduate/current-students/admissionschecklist Plan to submit your application for early admission if that option is available to you. Conduct thorough research to determine which schools are best suited to your academic and career interests. If you utilized Informational Interviewing in the EXPLORE stage of your career development then this part is already done! Create a curriculum vitae that demonstrates how you are a good fit for each individual program to which you apply. Determine which standardized tests are required. Study well in advance and take plenty of practice tests. A lot of information can be found on the individual testing websites, at no-cost :
Graduate School Information Getting the most thorough information will help you make the best decision. These steps provide the kind of information you need.
For assistance with your graduate school personal statement, schedule an appointment with the UAB Writing Center at http://www.uab.edu/writingcenter/
GRE: GMAT: MCAT: mcat/ LSAT:
http://www.ets.org/gre http://www.mba.com/us https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/ http://www.lsac.org/
Make contacts at the prospective schools to which you are applying. This is best done through visiting the schools, meeting with professors for informational interviews, and talking with students who are enrolled in your programs of interest. Begin writing your personal statement several months in advance. This is a requirement for most applications and will help you further define your graduate school goals. Be sure to utilize the UAB Writing Center for assistance if needed. Select professors you will use as references and ask them if they will be willing to write a favorable recommendation letter for you. If applying for federal financial aid, complete the FAFSA online as soon after January 1st as possible.
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
19
PREPARE Cover Letters and Emails Your resume or CV should always be accompanied by a customized one-page cover letter or a concise e-mail. The purpose of this communication is to get your resume viewed, and strong cover letter can help a job-seeker standout from the competition. A poorly designed cover letter could make a candidate seem uncreative or worse, a generic copy/paster. As stated, your communication should be concise, only requiring three paragraphs. Suggested format:
Paragraph 1: State your objective and mention the job position by specific title or by department. Express your interest in applying for a particular position or in researching any possible availabilities. If someone referred you, include this detail in the first paragraph. Paragraph 2: Give a brief summary of your qualifications, skills and experience. Demonstrate how these relate to the job. Mention unique attributes that set you apart from the competition. Paragraph 3: Give a strong closing paragraph by quickly explaining how your experience will help you at the job. Express an interest in learning more about the company and the job. Request an interview.
Important points to remember: Target the communication to a specific position, linking your skills to the job. Do not rehash or repeat your resume. Address your communication to a specific person within the company if possible. Your cover letter should be written in standard professional business letter format. Use active rather than passive voice. Even if the communication is through an email, include a copy correctly formatted as a PDF. Edit carefully, double-checking for spelling, grammar, or typographical errors. The subject line of the email is very important; Use few words to grab the reader’s attention.
123 Riverwood Drive Anytown, AL 12345 January 17, 2014 Ms. Charlotte Green Employment Director Environmental Consultants, Inc. P.O. Box 7896 Birmingham, AL 12345 Dear Ms. Green: Please consider my qualifications for the position of Environmental Assessment Coordinator in your Southeastern Region. Nancy Spearman of your Atlanta office told me of the position and recommended that I contact you for additional information. I will graduate this May from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology. My experience as an intern with Carson Geological Consultants, as well as in the UAB Department of Geology, has provided me with a strong foundation in the field of environmental impact research. My specialty area of soil composition analysis should prove beneficial in performing the duties of the Coordinator. The enclosed resume provides additional information on my background. I am interested in learning more about the position and would like to talk with you about my qualifications. I will contact you next week to further discuss the possibility of employment with Environmental Consultants. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at the number on my resume. Sincerely, Jim Smith
4001 45th Street North Bakersfield, AL 01234 June 1, 2014 Winston Byrd, Vice President TJM Group P.O. Box 18127 San Francisco, CA 12345 Dear Mr. Byrd: I am writing in response to your advertisement for an Account Executive in the May 2, 2014 issue of The Chronicle. I am originally from San Francisco and it is my goal to return to the area. My educational background and work experience have helped me to acquire the skills necessary to perform the duties of this position. My degree in Advertising and Public Relations has given me a strong understanding of the PR field. Additionally, my involvement in campus organizations, combined with significant public speaking experience, has enabled me to develop strong leadership and communication skills. This background would help me to join a firm such as TJM Group and quickly contribute to the organization. I will be in San Francisco the week of June 10, and would like to meet with you to discuss the position and my qualifications. I will contact you prior to my arrival to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, feel free to contact me at the number on my resume if you have any questions. Sincerely, Tim McKinney
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
20
PREPARE Resumes Purpose
The purpose of the resume is to get you the interview NOT the job. It should be clear and concise, not a lengthy, detailed document of your life. Your resume functions as an advertisement of yourself, a sales brochure for you! Think of it as a 30-second commercial spot where you are the product. Your resume must grab attention and spark interest, making the reader want to meet you. It must clearly differentiate you from your competition as the best candidate.
Resume Headings & Content The headings you use depend on what is most important to the reader. Always use a header with your name (larger, bold font), address, email, and telephone number. Use an appropriate, professional email address. Profile (Summary, Executive Summary) Your profile needs to be a snapshot of your relevant job experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Keep this section concise, targeting specific qualifications and skills listed in the job description or applicant profile of each job you are applying for. The goal of the profile is to make the reader want to learn more about you. Education List all degrees earned including each university name, city, state, and graduation date. For transfer students, list your University of Alabama at Birmingham education first and your previous institution below. Include the names of your degrees, certifications, licenses, major, minor, and classes or training you received relevant to the job or graduate school program. Do not include your high school education. Relevant Coursework If your experience does not indicate that you have knowledge in your field of study, you may want to include a few targeted courses to illustrate your knowledge of the job for which you are applying.
Experience Broaden your definition of experience to include a wide range of nontraditional examples such as paid or unpaid positions, full or part-time work, volunteer, student organizations, internships, and cooperative education. It is important to list what you accomplished, not just your duties. What did you do that set your performance above others? Sample student accomplishments to include on your resume can be found on page 23. Extracurricular Activities List any activities in which you were involved. List memberships in clubs, campus organizations, and affiliations in academic or professional associations and include any leadership experiences that you gained through your involvement in these activities. Honors & Awards Don’t forget to list all honors, awards, academic achievements, scholarships, and any other leadership or academic recognitions. Community Service Voluntary, community, religious-affiliated, and civic organizations provide a valuable source of experience, especially for graduate and professional schools that require community involvement. Other Each industry is different and there may be resume headings that are more appropriate for your situation. Below is a list of some common alternate resume headings: Publications Presentations Industry Specific Experience (Teaching Experience, Research Experience, Engineering Experience, Technical Experience)
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
21
PREPARE Resume Rules There is no “one right way” to write a resume. There is flexibility regarding layout, format, and content. A good resume is one that is targeted to your chosen career and fits your specific background, contributions, and personal and professional goals. The following checklist and example will help you keep your resume clear and concise. Check all the boxes to the right? Upload your resume in DragonTrail Jobs to have your first resume reviewed by the Career and Professional Development Office at www.uab.edu/cpd Need additional help? Call our office at 934-4324 to set up an appointment to go over your resume
Resume Checklist HEADING
Name in bold at the top of the page, largest font size Current contact information Professional email address
PROFILE OR OBJECTIVE
Profile: Highlights in 2-4 bullet points what makes you the best candidate; avoids personal traits Objective: States the position you are seeking; 1—2 sentences in length, does not use personal pronouns
EDUCATION
Full name of degree is written (Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, etc.) University of Alabama at Birmingham Location of the University is listed (Birmingham, AL) Expected date or date of graduation is listed, does not use dates of attendance Use bullet points for Minor, GPA if it is over 3.0, Honors and Awards High School information is not included
ADDITIONAL HEADINGS TO CONSIDER
Community Involvement Coursework Leadership, Clinical, Teaching Experience Technical or Laboratory Skills Certification Honors and Awards
Important Notes: • • •
Use 11-12 pt standard font in your resume (with the exception of your name) Do not include references or “References available upon request” on your resume Because your resume contains onlu relevant targeted information, it should be limited to one page. If you go to two pages, be sure the most important and relevant information is on the first page and that the second page is at least half full. Your name and page 2 should be written on the second page.
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
22
PREPARE Describing Your Career Experience Below are sample student experiences, with suggested wording for inclusion on your resume and in interviews. These “transferable skills� demonstrate the value you bring to an employer and/or graduate school based upon the experiences you have gained. They can be used in a variety of settings, as illustrated in the chart below: Bulleted verbiage Led 5 community service projects for (club) involving (number) of members, Initiated and organized regular by-weekly meetings (or retreat) to keep members
Research
X
Served as Resident Assistant for (number) of students, managing relationships
Non-profit
Industry
X
X
X
X
X
X X
Shadowed three hospital administrators in different settings to learn organiza-
X
X
Volunteered (X hours) at health clinics getting exposure to patient needs and
X
X
Led (#) student focus groups to identify needs and presented findings to in-
X
X
Provided excellent customer service working night shift in restaurant at peak
X
X
Balanced cash drawer and reconciled daily receipts averaging ($) per night
X
X
X X
X X
Taught hands-on laboratory experiments to (#) undergraduate students Created lesson plans for (#) elementary-aged children, maintaining discipline
X
Interacted with parents, children, and school administrators to provide a safe Conducted tours to increase awareness and support of various opportunities for
X X
Created and managed social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn),
X
X
X
X
Negotiated with Deans and Administrators to increase budget by X% Designed and published organizational newsletter to various constituents to in-
X X
X X
X X
Interacted in interdisciplinary teams to create a collaborative approach to solve
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X
Communicated with a diverse audience to inform them of opportunities to inDeveloped and delivered presentations to executives demonstrating the value
X
Performed various scientific assays and experiments to (prove or disprove) stat-
X
Served as mentor (or teaching assistant) in (subject) for (#) students Raised ($) for organizations (% increase) to fund student professional develop-
X
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
23
PREPARE Resume Power Words Effective resumes use an active voice in describing experiences. Most employers do not want to see, “responsibilities include….”, they want to know what actions you took. Use power words to effectively communicate your experiences. Keywords are also used heavily to search resumes and sort who has the requisite skills needed. “Thesaurus” can identify words to use, as well as the listings below.
GENERAL LIST ACCOMPLISHED DEBATED INCREASED QUALIFIED BRIEFED DISPENSED INTERVIEWED RECORDED COMBINED ENTERTAINED MEDIATED TARGETED
DEALT INCLUDED PURCHASED ASSURED DEMONSTRATED INTERPRETED RECOMMENDED COACHED ENSURED LOCATED SKETCHED
IMPROVED PROMOTED APPRAISED DELIVERED INSURED RECOGNIZED CLOSED EDUCATED LAUNCHED SUMMARIZED CONCEIVED
PROJECTED ADVISED DEFINED INSTRUCTED RATED CALCULATED EDITED INVESTIGATED STREAMLINED COMPUTED EXCELLED
ACHIEVED DECIDED INDICATED QUESTIONED BUDGETED EARNED INTRODUCED RENOVATED COMMUNICATED EXAMINED NEGOTIATED
COMMISSIONED FORECASTED PREPARED STUDIED
DETERMINED FORMULATED PRIORITIZED TAILORED
DEVELOPED IDENTIFIED RESEARCHED
ADJUSTED ASSEMBLED COLLECTED CUSTOMIZED FACILITATED ORDERED SELECTED
ALLOCATED CATALOGUED COMMITTED DELEGATED IMPLEMENTED ORGANIZED SECURED
ALTERED CENTRALIZED CONFIRMED DESIGNATED INCORPORATED PROCURED SIMPLIFIED
COLLECTED INSTALLED PROOFED
COMPLETED OPERATED SOLD
CONDUCTED PERFORMED TRANSACTED
APPORTIONED DISCOVERED MEASURED REVIEWED SUPERVISED
ASSESSED ESTABLISHED MODIFIED REVISED UPGRADED
COMPARED GRADED MONITORED SCREENED
PLANNING-BASED ACTION ADMINISTERED DEVISED OBSERVED REVISED
ANTICIPATED EVALUATED PLANNED STRATEGIZED
ORGANIZING ACTION WORDS ACQUIRED APPOINTED CHARTED CONTRACTED DESIGNED INSTITUTED RECRUITED SUGGESTED
ACTIVATED ARRANGED CLASSIFIED COORDINATED ESTABLISHED OBTAINED RECTIFIED TRACKED
EXECUTING ACTION WORDS ACTED DISPLAYED PROCESSED
CARRIED OUT DISTRIBUTED PRODUCED
SUPERVISING ACTION ADJUSTED CONTROLLED INSPECTED OFFICIATED SET
ANALYZED CORRECTED MAINTAINED OVERSAW SCRUTINIZED
LEADING ACTION WORDS ACCELERATED DIRECTED ENLISTED HIRED LED PROMOTED STRENGTHENED
ASSUMED ELECTED ENVISIONED INFLUENCED MANAGED RAISED SUPERVISED
CHAIRED EMPLOYED FOSTERED INITIATED MOTIVATED SET GOALS TRAINED
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
CHANGED EMPOWERED FOUNDED INSPIRED MENTORED SPEARHEADED TRANSFORMED
CONDUCTED ENCOURAGED GUIDED INVOLVED PIONEERED STIMULATED VISUALIZED
24
PREPARE Resume Samples CV/Graduate Sample
Service Learning Resume Sample
Research Based Resume Sample
25
PREPARE
Curriculum Vitae
The curriculum vitae (CV) is a comprehensive biographical statement, typically three to ten pages in length, emphasizing professional qualifications and activities. In the United States, a CV is primarily utilized when applying for academic, education, scientific or research positions. It is also important when applying for fellowships or grants. There are several differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume. (According to Susan Basalla and Maggie Debelius, authors of So What Are You Going to Do With That?), the biggest difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae is that a resume focuses on the employer’s needs rather than explaining every detail of your credentials. A CV is a longer, more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. A CV includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds. As with a resume, you may need different versions of a CV for different types of positions. To create your curriculum vitae, start by making a list of all your background information, then organize it into categories. Make sure you include dates on all the publications you mention. Review your CV every six months to ensure you keep the content up-to-date with new activities, publications, etc. CV headings may include some or all of the following: Personal/Contact Information Name, address, phone number, email Academic Background Postgraduate Work Graduate work/degree(s), major/ minors, thesis/dissertation titles, honors Undergraduate degree(s), majors/ minors, honors Professional Licenses/Certifications Academic/Teaching Experience Courses taught, courses introduced Innovation in teaching Teaching evaluations Technical and Specialized Skills Related/Other Experience Professional/Academic Honors & Awards
What is it? Mindset? How long is it?
Professional Development Conferences/workshops attended, other activities Research/Scholarly Activities Journal articles, Conferences, Books Chapters in books Magazine articles Papers presented/workshops Work currently under submission Work in progress Grants and/or Service Academic Professional Community Academic/Research Interests Affiliations/ memberships Foreign language ability/ skills Consulting Volunteer work References
Resume vs. CV CV Full list of professional/educational history Detailed, Specific Many pages-length isn’t a factor
When do you use it? Academic/research Do you include details on reYes-full list is essential with details search publications? How important is format & layout? Style doesn’t matter much, content does Should you modify to match Doesn’t need much alteration each job?
Resume Summary of targeted experiences Targeted, Generalized Concise-1 page, 2 for more experience Jobs outside academia & research Generalize depending on relevance to job Style and content are very important Yes-adapt to fit the specific job
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
26
PREPARE Letters of Recommendation and Thank You Letters Letters of Recommendation Reference letters or letters of recommendation are written by former employers or professors on behalf of the candidate. Candidates typically need about 3 to 5 names. The references submitted to the employer should be a list of names and contact information of each individual or they can be actual letters.
Types of References There are three types of references sources: Professional (from former employers), Academic (from professors and teachers) and LinkedIn (anyone who can attest to your professional skills). Typically, references should come from someone who has been in a position to have observed the quality of your work and is willing to make positive comments on your behalf. Personal or character references are generally not needed.
Thank You Letters Always follow-up immediately after a job interview, conveying appreciation and continued interest. This reiterates your enthusiasm about the job and gives another opportunity to promote yourself. A good follow-up letter should be written in proper business letter format, like below. It should be brief and printed on the same matching high quality paper as your resume and cover letter. E-mails are sometimes preferred (especially among tech-savvy companies or those who will be making a quick decision). You may opt to do both e-mail immediately and written to arrive later. Also, there are varying preferences about handwritten or typed letters; use your best judgment based on the industry, the personality of the interviewer, and a number of other factors.
Reference Lists When compiling a list of references, candidates should remember the list is a separate form or individual document from the resume. References should not be listed on the resume. YOUR NAME Address Phone Email
Name, Title Company Address City, State Zip Code Dear Mr.
Reference 1
Title Association with person Address Phone Email
Reference 2
Title Ex: Former Supervisor at‌.. Address Phone Email
Reference 3
Your Address City, State Zip Code Date
:
Paragraph One. Thank the interviewer for granting you the interview. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to learn more about the job and the company. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications. Paragraph Two. Reiterate your interest and enthusiasm about the job. Remind the interviewer of your qualifications. Express your confidence in being able to perform the job Paragraph Three. Express an interest in hearing from the interviewer again very soon. Sincerely,
Title Ex: Colleague at‌. Address Phone Email
(Your Signature) Your Name Telephone Number
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
27
SUCCEED Interview Process Purpose
While the purpose of the resume is to get the interview, the purpose of the interview is to get the job. It may take more than one interview and those interviews may be conducted in various ways, but you do not get the job without conveying clearly why the employer should hire you. There are some key things you need to do BEFORE the interview:
Read and understand the job description or candidate profile Research the company/school in detail Predict questions you are likely to be asked Formulate the answers you want to give Go the extra mile in your preparation; be the best candidate no matter how many competitors you have
Preparation Preparation is the absolute key. Organize your main ideas in advance. You need to identify the most compelling reasons and stories from your background that prove you are the best candidate and be able to relate them in a compelling way to the interviewer. Do not rehash your resume; they already have that information. They know what you have done, now they want to know how you did it.
Focus on the Employer’s Needs It is important that you focus on the relevant traits, attributes, experience, and qualifications that relate to the position. Keep focused on what you can do for them rather than what they can do for you. Keep in mind the specific needs, interests, concerns, and culture of the interviewer, speaking his/her language. Be sure all your statements answer the underlying question: "Why should I hire you or admit you? "(If applying to graduate school) Telling relevant and targeted stories will increase your chances of getting picked. Don’t just say I can do it, show them that you have done it before.
To view a Career Video on “The Interview” and “Top 10 Interview Mistakes,” go to www.uab.edu/cpd
To ensure your stories are concise and on-target, follow the STAR technique: Situation (briefly frame the situation and challenge) Task (tell the tasks involved) Action (describe what actions you took to resolve the situational problem) Result (tell the result or ultimate outcome) Ex: The project was… some of the challenges I faced were…what I did was…the result was… You are trying to get the interviewer to re-live situations and experiences with you. The more memorable the story, the more likely your story will have the desired effect. Bring along a portfolio containing impressive examples of your work, letters of reference, and awards. Bring extra copies of your resume. Prepare appropriate questions that reflect your professional attitude and motivation. Don't ask about salary and benefits until you have the offer.
Close the Deal At the end of the interview, ask for the job or spot in Graduate school. Indicate how your qualifications match the interviewer’s needs. Assert confidently that you can make a worthwhile contribution. Be sure to clarify next steps, timelines and processes. Practice your closing statements in advance. Examples include: 1. I believe my abilities in match where the company is going and am eager to be a part of the team. 2. Your emphasis on is very interesting and matches well with my ability to or my interest in .I want to be a part of a team such as this.
After the Interview 1. After you leave the interview, record the most relevant points, which will help in targeting the thank you letter to their needs and in future discussions. 2. Always send a follow-up letter or email afterwards as a way of thanking the employer. Be sure to re-iterate your interest and suitability in the job/spot in the class.
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
28
SUCCEED
Interview Questions Preparation Preparing for a job interview involves anticipating the questions employers are likely to ask. It also involves practicing the manner in which you formulate and express your responses. Consider the following list of possible interview questions and tips.
Introductory Questions These questions set the tone for the interview. Because you are most nervous at this stage, you are also potentially vulnerable, so always be prepared. It is your opportunity to concisely tell your story. “Tell me about yourself” does not mean relate everything, just what is relevant in relation to the position you are seeking. Think of it in terms of Present-Past-Future • What are you currently doing that qualifies you (degree, job)? • What have you done in the past, (education, experience, skills learned, personality traits) that qualifies you? • How can you use all of this to benefit this company in the future? Everything must point to why you are the person they want and need.
Sample Questions • •
Why did you choose this occupation? Why should we hire you? Describe your career experience to date. What interests you about this position?
Potentially Negative Questions It is often easy to anticipate challenging questions, (gaps in employment, reasons for leaving etc.) Answer these questions directly: Prepare a convincing answer in advance: • What do you consider to be your major weaknesses or areas for improvement? • How do you deal with criticism? • How well do you work under pressure? While your responses are always to be honest, your result needs to convey what you learned from the challenge and what steps you have taken to handle it better next time.
Questions to Ask When it's your turn to ask questions in the interview, you should be prepared with 2-3 solid questions. These show the interviewer you have done your homework, researched the company and are eager to learn more. Don't ask about salary or benefits until you get the offer. What has been your experience with this organization? What will I be doing in a typical work day? Where does this position fit in the overall organization? What are the most important skills or abilities for this position to help the organization reach its’ goals?
Interview Prep Sheet 5 Facts About the Company 1.________________________ 2.________________________ 3.________________________ 4.________________________ 5.________________________ 5 Qualifications for the Job
5. Main Points About Yourself` 1. Knowledge _________________________ 2. Experience _________________________ 3. Skills _________________________
1.________________________ 2.________________________ 3.________________________ 4.________________________ 5.________________________
4. Personal Traits _________________________ 5. Goals & Motivations
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
5 Stories To Tell 1._______________________ 2._______________________ 3._______________________ 4. ______________________ 5._______________________ 5 Questions to Ask 1. _______________________ 2._______________________ 3. ______________________ 4._______________________ 5._______________________
29
SUCCEED Interview Attire
Personal Appearance Your personal appearance establishes your first impression and is extremely important in an interview. Regardless of your career field, appropriate interview attire generally is conservative and business-like.
Guidelines on Attire, Accessories, and Grooming for Anyone Preparing for a Professional Interview
Carry a portfolio or leather-bound pad; do not wear a backpack. Do not wear cologne–recruiters may be allergic. Make sure no body piercing or body art is visible; cover tattoos with clothing if possible. Maintain fresh breath; if using breath mints, finish them before meeting the recruiter; do not chew gum. Conduct a quick mirror check if possible.
Specific Tips For Women
Avoid ill-fitting (short, tight, clingy, or slit) skirts; skirts should be no higher than the knee when you are standing. Conservative necklines are extremely important; low-cut tops and other clothes that are too revealing will ruin your chance to make a professional impression.
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
30
SUCCEED Common Cultural Barriers to the Job Search As students consider employment or experiences in the U.S. or abroad, it is helpful to understand some of the unique values or cultural implications of the workplace. Keep in mind that much of the information below is based on stereotypes and may not be indicative of all cultures. U.S. Employer Expectations
Conflicting Values of Another Culture
Self-Promotion • Assertiveness • Confidence in openly discussing goals and accomplishments • Follow-up with employers (telephone inquiries about status of applications, thank-you notes) • Appropriate dress
Self-Promotion • Unless presented as part of group activity, citing accomplishments and skills is viewed as boastful, self-serving and too individualistic • Asking an employer directly about status of application is rude
Directness in Communication • Open and direct responses to questions Eye contact with interviewer, relaxed posture and other appropriate non-verbal behavior
Directness in Communication • Eye contact, especially with person of higher status (e.g. employer, interviewer) is disrespectful • Appearance of criticism must be avoided to “save face”
Self-Disclosure • Personal descriptions of experiences, hobbies, strengths, weaknesses • Answers to questions related to personality (e.g. leadership style, problem-solving abilities)
Self-Disclosure • Personal questions about likes, dislikes, etc., are an invasion of privacy and discussed only with close friends and family
Career Self-Awareness • Demonstrating knowledge of self, career goals, and how they relate to the job • Discussion of long-range career plans
Career Self-Awareness • Jobs are assigned by government or family • Questions about role in a company indicates potential disloyalty • Company assigns work responsibilities • Individual must be flexible to accept whatever job becomes available
Individual Responsibility to Find Employment • Use of wide variety of resources for identifying jobs (friends, family, contacts, associations, career services, academic mentors, etc.) • Networking
Individual Responsibility to Find Employment • Jobs are found through government or family Dependency relationships in job search are fostered. One resource (e.g., academic advisor, employment agent) will find appropriate work for job seeker
Informality in the Interview Process • Congenial interviewing environment that encourages openness, some joking, exchange of information
Informality in the Interview Process • Sitting with person of higher status requires deference; The job applicant is very polite and does not ask any questions or provide information that may indicate lack of respect for interviewer’s position • Handshaking, touching, using first name, crossing legs, etc., are inappropriate
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
31
SUCCEED Negotiation Whether you are trying to get a raise in salary in your current job or trying to negotiate a package from a prospective job, effective negotiation skills are vital. Situational Preparation
Perks and Benefits
Before you approach negotiations make sure you evaluate if your value warrants a stronger package. If seeking a new job: Do you have the skills, qualifications, and/or experience that are valued? If seeking a raise in your current job: Do your contributions reflect a high level of performance helping the organization achieve its goals? If seeking a new job with prior experience earning more money: Can you demonstrate your interest in the organization or job beyond salary? You may need to emphasize your salary requirements are “open” or “negotiable” to prevent getting eliminated based on salary.
Increasing Your Price Tag
Ensure that you are regarded as skillful and professional with a positive and collaborative attitude by sharing from past performance. Performance reviews and evaluations by former employers can provide documentation of your performance and can provide you with good terms to use in describing yourself. Feedback from customers, clients, and co-workers indicate the reputation you project. Courses, seminars and workshops attended show your commitment to professional development.
Research To negotiate a good salary, you will need to do some comparative shopping: • Check salary surveys and competitor pay scales. (salary.com gives good comps by level and region). • Know your walk-away point, as well as your target figure going in. • Know the going rate in the industry, region, or career area. • Know your current financial needs. • Understand how your experience and expertise measure against the company’s need. • Try to find out the salary of the prior employee. • Understand the impact the position has on the company’s profits and/or mission.
While a strong salary determines future raises, other benefits play a big role in the evaluation of a total package. Some other things to consider are: • Life/Health/Medical Insurance • Matching Retirement Funds • Professional Development & Conferences • Advancement and Leadership Programs • First Authorship in Publications • Lab Equipment • Administrative Support • Signing Bonuses and/or Annual Bonuses • Relocation and Moving Allowance • Flexible Spending Accounts • Holidays, personal days, leave policies Reimbursable items necessary to do the job company car, laptop, cell phone, …
Negotiation Tips • In a job interview, remember, you are worth more at the end of the interview when you have created a demand for your skills than at the beginning. Save discussion of salary until the offer is made. • Talk quality first, price second. Lead with a discussion of what you have to offer. Show your worth, prove your value, and demonstrate why you think you deserve more money. • State salary requirements using a range rather than a specific figure (usually a $2,000-$10,000 range depending on your skills and experience). • Don't accept an offer in haste. Ask for time to review the offer and ask for the offer in writing. • The best time to begin a salary negotiation discussion is at the time of the job offer. • Think win-win. Act as if you are both working on the same problem, searching for a common solution that is mutually beneficial. • Keep discussions professional and positive. You are demonstrating the type of employee you are going to be. To view a Career Video on “Negotiating an Offer” go to www.uab.edu/cpd
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
32
SUCCEED Professional Assimilation & Success Every year, thousands of new professionals start work in careers with high enthusiasm and energy– only to be disappointed in the results. Why? Because most of them overlook a critical shift: making the transition from academia to the workplace. Most managers and executives complain that new hires don’t understand what it takes to successfully enter a new organization.
First year on the job The first year in a new job is a transition stage that lasts from the time you accept your job until the end of the first year. This stage can make or break the early part of your career and your reputation. Some new graduates hang on to their college-student attitudes and behaviors too long. The chart at the right contrasts some of the old and new behaviors. Learning the new “rules” is essential to a fast career start and a strong reputation. However, many new graduates do not take the time to learn these rules. If you are smart, you will recognize it as a golden opportunity to distinguish yourself from other new hires and excel by showing your professional maturity. (The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins is an excellent resource for onboarding and early success).
What really matters The way in which you enter a new organization & a new job will have a major impact on your success within that organization. Research suggests that how you approach your first year will have a major impact on your future salary, advancement, job satisfaction, and ability to move within the organization as well as on your own feelings of success and commitment to the job. It can also impact your career for many years to come. That is not to say that a 30-year career is made or broken in a few months, but the simple fact is that it can take years to recover from a poor start.
College or Graduate School
First Year in Profession
Frequent , quick, & concrete feedback (grades & so forth)
Infrequent & less precise feedback
Highly structured curriculum & programs with lots of direction
Highly unstructured environment & tasks with few directions
Few significant changes
Frequent & unexpected changes
Flexible schedule
Variable schedules with expectations for prompt and thorough completion
Frequent breaks & time off
Limited time off
Personal control over time, classes, interests
Directions & interests dictated by others
Intellectual challenge
Organizational & people challenges
Choose your performance level, ex, A,B,C,....
A-level work required all the time
Focus on your development & growth
Focus on getting results for the organization first
Create & explore knowledge
Get results with your knowledge
Individual effort
Team effort with high level of individual contribution
“Right” answers
Few “right” answers, many ways to reach the same goal
Independence of ideas & thinking
Mastery of savvy to recommend new solutions, perhaps doing it the “company way”
Professors
Bosses, supervisors, mentors
Less initiative required
Lots of initiative required
To ensure your reputation is growing in the way you intend, ask for feedback from those with whom you work that you trust to share openly and honestly on your performance and
13 steps to onboarding success 1. Adopt the right attitudes 2. Adjust your expectations 3. Master breaking-in skills 4. Manage impressions you make 5. Build effective relationships 6. Become a good follower 7. Understand the organizational culture 8. Develop organizational savvy 9. Understand your new-hire role 10. Develop work savvy 11. Master the tasks in your jobs 12. Acquire knowledge, skills, abilities 13. Take interest and show initiative
Explore * Experience * Prepare * Succeed
33