Graduate Career Guide
210 University Center 731.881.7712 | career@utm.edu
utm.edu/careers
@utmcareer
GRADUATE CAREER GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS MARKET YOURSELF Resume Writing ................................................................3—7 Cover Letter Writing .............................................................. 8 Personal Branding .................................................................. 9 LinkedIn Profile ...................................................................... 9 Networking ............................................................................ 9
EXECUTE YOUR JOB SEARCH Job Search Strategies ........................................................... 10 How to Work Career Fairs ................................................... 11
LAND A JOB Interview Strategies ............................................................. 12 Interview Types.................................................................... 13 Dress for Success ................................................................. 13 Professional Behavior .......................................................... 14
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! You have worked diligently to achieve this goal, and we are pleased to provide this Career Guide to you to aid in your transition from college to your next adventure, whether it is a job or graduate/ professional school. This guide is a resource of examples and recommended steps to help you strategically prepare for this transition. There are additional resources on the CPAD website (www.utm.edu/careers), and any of these topics can also be addressed in one-onone appointments with our staff, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.—5 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled through Handshake (access via the myUTMartin portal) or by calling the office.
CAREER PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
START YOUR CAREER
210 Boling University Center | 731.881.7712
Budgeting ............................................................................. 15 Salary Negotiations .............................................................. 15 Adulting ................................................................................ 16 CAREER EXPLORATION Career counseling What can I do with this major? Assessments
@utmcareer
UTM.EDU/CAREER
JOB SEARCH RESOURCES Handshake (internship, part- and full-time job postings) CareerShift GoinGlobal Career fairs and on-campus interviews Workshops Specialized job search strategies
CAREER DEVELOPMENT Career coaching Resume/cover letter critiques Mock interviews Free professional photo headshots Networking/branding strategies
WORKSHOP TOPICS Establish Brand with Networking & LinkedIn Resume Writing Strategies Job Search Strategies How to Work Career Fair Increasing Comfort with Professional Attire & Etiquette Salary Negotiations Personal Finance
GRADUATE SCHOOL RESOURCES Website resources Advising Career fairs 2
RESUME WRITING TIPS A resume is a brief summary of your skills, competencies and past successes that allows prospective employers to evaluate you as a fit for their organization. It also allows them to assess if you possess relevant skills and experience to be successful in a given position. A document that is easy to read quickly, free of grammatical and spelling errors and directly aligns with the position of interest, will gain more attention. Use active language that communicates outcomes. Remember…resumes gain interviews...not job offers.
HEADERS Captain Skyhawk
123 College Street | Martin, TN 38237 123.123.1234 |Skyhawk@ut.utm.edu
CAPTAIN SKYHAWK
123 College Street | Martin, TN 38237 | 123.123.1234 |Skyhawk@ut.utm.edu
CAPTAIN SKYHAWK
123.123.1234 |Skyhawk@ut.utm.edu
Include full name, email and phone number. Name will be bolded 18—22 pt. font. Content will be 10.5—12 pt. font. Include address unless privacy is a concern. Use personal or school email (not work) - it should be professional, including your name, not hobbies or nicknames. Include link to portfolio, professional website or LinkedIn if applicable.
linkedin.com/in/skyhawk
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICA TIONS
Excellent communicator easily building rapport and presenting to diverse groups Attentive writer trained in journalistic and professional writing styles Motivated contributor able to meet goals independently or as a team Organized problem solver with a strong attention to detail
Energetic graduate seeking Public Relations Assistant position Innovative thinker with strong problem-solving and analytical skills Strong communicator (verbal and written), experienced in technical writing, blogging and presenting Technologically savvy; proficient in using marketing via social media
List in 3—5 bullets the experience, successes, personal traits and skills you offer an employer. Align content directly with job description to encourage employer to read your entire resume. Do not lie, exaggerate or misrepresent yourself.
EDUCATION
University of Tennessee at Martin; Martin, TN Bachelor of Arts, English; May 20XX Marketing Minor GPA: 3.85 | Dean’s List: Six (6) consecutive semesters Study Abroad; Seoul, South Korea | June 20XX – July 20XX University of Tennessee at Martin; Martin, TN | Bachelor of Arts; May 20xx English Major | Advertising Minor GPA: 3.80/4.00 Dyersburg State Community College; Dyersburg, TN Associate of Science, General Studies; May 20xx
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Include school name, location, degree and graduation month and year. List present to past (if applicable). Include GPA if 3.0 or above. Include the following unless there are more than 3—if so, create separate sections: Awards, honors and scholarships Education abroad experience Special training, certifications or workshops
RESUME WRITING TIPS EXPERIENCE Dream Employer; New York, NY Account Intern, June 20XX – present Interact with management to understand key account roles and responsibilities Analyze digital advertising trends to project future look of Exxon and Mobil stations Prepare client proposal presentation with Prezi and won Best Presentation Award out of 25 interns We Are Hip Inc.; Nashville, TN Sales Manager; Summers Breaks 20XX & 20XX Supervised five (5) sales clerks, resulting in 100% employee retention Initiated reward program for clerks, resulting in increased sales Maintained budget, inventory and payroll (over $100,000)
List experience present to past. Include employer, city, state, title and dates held position. Use consistent formatting throughout. Start each bullet with an action verb that communicates a related skill (see Action Verb list on p.5). Quantify outcomes when possible. Focus on successes, not tasks completed. Do not include supervisor contact information.
ADDITIONAL SECTIONS TECHNICAL SKILLS Design: Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator Social Media: Proficient in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Hootsuite
CAMPUS LEADERSHIP Social Sorority: Member, 20XX – present; Vice President, 20XX – 20XX Office of Admissions: Student Recruiter, 20XX – present Student Government Association: Senator, 20XX – present Public Relations Student Society of America: Secretary, 20XX – 20XX Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers: Member, 20XX – present Social Fraternity: Treasurer, 20XX – present; Member, 20XX – present Campus Ministry: Member, 20XX – present Habitat for Humanity: Volunteer (120 hours), May 20XX
There are optional sections depending on career goals—and include the following:
Activities / Leadership Key Skills (computer, foreign languages) Certifications Research Honors Include activities that demonstrate jobrelated or leadership skills. Include career-related organizations. Do not include organizations of little or no interaction—be prepared to talk about involvement in an interview.
REFERENCES Mr. John Doe (Advisor) Weakley County Press 235 S Lindell St | Martin, TN 38237 johndoe@wcp.com | 731.587.3144 (office)
FirstName LastName: Title, Company 123 Address | City, ST ##### 123.123.1234 (cell) | email@abc.com “Student Name is a professional in every sense of the word. She possesses both strong writing and presentation skills.”
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Do not list “Available upon request” on resume. Prepare a separate page that lists 3 to 5 references using resume header. Always obtain permission to list people. Keep references informed of the positions you are pursuing.
ACTION VERBS COMMUNICATION addressed advertised arbitrated arranged articulated authored clarified collaborated communicated composed conferred consulted contacted conveyed convinced corresponded debated defined described developed directed discussed
drafted edited elicited enlisted explained expressed formulated furnished incorporated influenced interacted interpreted interviewed involved joined judged lectured listened marketed mediated moderated negotiated
observed outlined participated persuaded presented proposed publicized reconciled recruited referred reinforced reported resolved responded solicited spoke summarized synthesized translated wrote
ORGANIZATION accommodated inspected
achieved approved arranged catalogued categorized charted classified coded collected compiled corrected corresponded distributed filed generated implemented incorporated
CREATIVE acted adapted began combined composed conceptualized condensed created customized designed developed directed displayed drew entertained established fashioned
formulated illustrated initiated instituted integrated introduced invented modeled modified originated performed photographed planned revised revitalized shaped
computed conserved corrected determined developed estimated measured planned prepared programmed
screened served set-up submitted supplied standardized systematized updated validated verified
administered analyzed appointed approved assigned attained authorized chaired considered consolidated contracted controlled converted coordinated decided delegated developed directed eliminated
HELPING adapted advocated aided answered arranged assessed cared for clarified coached collaborated contributed cooperated counseled demonstrated diagnosed educated encouraged ensured
FINANCIAL /DATA administered adjusted allocated analyzed appraised assessed audited balanced budgeted calculated
logged maintained monitored obtained operated ordered prepared processed provided purchased recorded registered reserved responded reviewed routed scheduled
LEADERSHIP
projected reconciled reduced researched retrieved
expedited facilitated familiarized furthered guided insured intervened motivated prevented procured provided rehabilitated represented resolved simplified supplied supported volunteered
determined developed engineered maintained manufactured operated overhauled printed programmed regulated
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organized originated overhauled oversaw planned presided prioritized produced recommended replaced restored scheduled secured selected streamlined strengthened supervised terminated transformed
RESEARCH analyzed clarified collected compared conducted critiqued detected determined diagnosed evaluated examined experimented explored extracted formulated gathered identified
TECHNICAL adapted applied assembled built calculated computed conserved constructed converted designed
emphasized enforced enhanced established executed generated handled headed hired hosted improved implemented increased initiated inspected instituted managed merged motivated
inspected interpreted interviewed invented investigated located measured organized researched reviewed searched solved summarized surveyed systematized tested
TEACHING remodeled repaired replaced restored solved specialized standardized studied upgraded utilized
adapted advised clarified coached communicate conducted coordinated critiqued developed enabled
encouraged evaluated explained facilitated focused guided individualized informed instilled instructed
motivated persuaded simulated stimulated taught tested trained transmitted tutored
FIRSTNAME LASTNAME
Detail oriented and consistently follow-up to support open communication Flexible team player committed to establishing and completing goals Intrinsically motivated to achieve, requiring minimal supervision on projects Effective communicator, easily building rapport with colleagues and customers Proficient in Microsoft Office with machining experience
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Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers(UTM): Member, 20XX – present Social Fraternity (UTM): Secretary, 20XX – present; Member, 20XX – present Campus Ministry (UTM): Member, 20XX – present Habitat for Humanity: Volunteer (120 hours), May 20XX
ACTIVITIES
NSCC; Nashville, TN | Computer Lab Monitor; Oct 20XX – Apr 20XX Oversaw daily performance of computes. Answered guest inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems. Prepared evaluations of software or hardware, and recommended improvements or upgrades.
Tennessee Bun Company; Dickson, TN | Factory Worker; Aug 20XX – May 20XX Rotated through all tasks required to complete production process efficiently Completed production reports to communicate team production level to management
Altria; Nashville, TN | Manufacturing Intern; May 20XX – Aug 20XX Balanced multiple assignments simultaneously, meeting goals for all Scheduled, budgeted and served as resource during project start-ups Conducted process/product capability studies
Hawkins, Inc.; Memphis, TN | Operations Intern; May 20XX – Aug 20XX Analyzed and evaluated manufacturing methods and standards, resolving operator safety issue Collaborated with cross-functional team to update flow charts and staff project spreadsheets Performed operation studies and engineering analysis to recue time loss
EXPERIENCE
Nashville State Community College (NSCC); Nashville, TN | Aug 20XX – May 20XX Completed prerequisites GPA: 4.0
University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM); Martin, TN | BS in Engineering; May 20XX Industrial Engineering Concentration GPA: 3.68
EDUCATION
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
1234 Skyhawk Drive | Martin, TN 38237 | 731.123.1234 | email@ut.utm.edu
FirstName LastName
Deadline driven, able to organize and prioritize projects Engaging communicator in building rapport quickly and speaking to groups Published writer, utilize AP requirements and technical writing strategies Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign Experienced promoting events/organizations via social media
Social Sorority: Member, 20XX – present Office of Admissions: Student Recruiter, 20XX – present
ACTIVITIES
Treasurer, September 20XX – August 20XX Entrusted to process dues and funds generated through fundraisers Organized annual budget ($1500) and monitored expenditures Communicated budget updates to executive board and advisor
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA); Martin, Tenn. Vice President; September 20XX – August 20XX Coordinated monthly meetings and professional development for 25 members Published internship experience blog on Progressions Competed in national case study competition with team of 5 (honorable mention)
Student Government Association; Martin, Tenn. President, January 20XX – present Lead executive committee to establish and achieve annual goals Market events: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat; scheduled via Hootsuite Represent student body on Board of Regents, contributing actively to discussion
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity; Buena Vista, Colo. Public Relations & Marketing Intern; May 20XX – August 20XX Analyzed market and developed plan to promote event under supervision Designed and conducted event, hosting 50 and raising $5,000 with team of 10 Reformatted annual newsletter in InDesign and wrote 200-word article
The Weakley County Press, Martin, Tenn. Staff Reporter (part-time); October 20XX – present Cover courthouse beat, involving all elected offices Interview regional business owners to promote regional economic development Write sports articles and submit photographs to sports department seasonally
RELATED EXPERIENCE
University of Tennessee at Martin; Martin, Tenn. Bachelor of Arts, Communications; December 20XX GPA 3.6 | Dean’s List: All semesters Public Relations Concentration | Marketing Minor
EDUCATION
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Martin, TN 38237 | 731.123.1234 firstnamelastname@gmail.com | portofolio.com
SAMPLE RESUMES
FIRSTNAME LASTNAME
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Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign Comfortable marketing resources through Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and HootSuite
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Spain Study Abroad; Seville, Spain | Home Stay; Jun – Jul 20XX (8 weeks) Las Colonias Service Group; Juarez, Mexico |Construction Volunteer, Jun 20XX
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Student Government Association; Martin, TN | Events Chair; Apr 20XX – Mar 20XX Delegated tasks and communicated regularly to ensure project success Published programs, designed t-shirts, organized judges and sold tickets to 500 students and adults
“College Day”; Martin, TN | Program Committee Chair; Apr 20XX Coordinated University tour for visiting 8th graders Created team building and leadership activities to engage students
CAMPUS LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
American Red Cross; Jackson, TN | Consultant; Jan 20XX – May 20XX Evaluated organization as a whole Wrote report with professional suggestions for improvement
Local Non-Profit; Memphis, TN | Intern; Jun – Aug 20XX Conceptualized, designed and produced marketing materials for fundraiser, increasing ticket sales 20% Managed customer experience, via phone and face-to-face
Big Brothers Big Sisters; Union City, TN | Activities Volunteer; Aug 20XX – present Mentor and tutor girl who had trouble socializing with her peers Collaborate with supervisor to plan weekly activities for children
Need Line (Food Pantry); Martin, TN | Volunteer; Aug 20XX – present Stock shelves and organize incoming deliveries and donations Answer phones and schedule volunteers
NON-PROFIT EXPERIENCE
University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM); Martin, TN Bachelor of Arts, Political Science; Dec 20XX Public Administration Concentration | Spanish Minor GPA: 3.3
EDUCATION
Energetic leader with strong organizational, delegation and problem solving skills Bilingual (Spanish and English) with international travel and service experience Creative and effective communicator (verbal and written) with presentation and design experience Fundraising experience: event coordination, marketing and cold calling
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
1234 Skyhawk Drive | Martin, TN 38237 | 731.123.1234 | email@ut.utm.edu Strong communicator committed to building professional relationships Analytical problem solver able to develop and evaluate and create solutions Team player committed to supporting colleagues and positive customer service Organized leader able to effectively manage and prioritize time on projects Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and QuickBooks
Accounting Society: Member, 20XX – present Beta Alpha Psi: Member, 20XX – present Office of Admissions: Student Recruiter, 20xx – 20XX
ACTIVITIES
Social Sorority, Martin, TN Treasurer/Executive Board Member, October 20XX – Present Manage annual operating budget of over $100K Oversee financial aspects of organization Disburse expenditures and maintain a detailed record of all transactions
Alpha Kappa Psi (business fraternity); Martin, TN President, January 20XX – present Lead organization of 50 and executive committee of 5 to meet mutual goals
CAMPUS LEADERSHIP
City Comptroller’s Office; Nashville, TN Auditing Assistant; May 20XX – August 20XX Assisted with field audits and developed pre-audit samples for on-site comparisons Approved and allotted cash disbursements for grant organizations and processed respective cost reports Collaborated with team to ensure compliance with government regulations compliance
UT Martin Business & Global Affairs Dean’s Office, Martin, TN Office Assistant, August 20XX – May 20XX Communicated with guests to provide strong customer service Entrusted with office projects utilizing Access and Excel
KPMG; Nashville, TN Tax Intern; January 20XX – present Prepare individual income tax returns and participate in several field audits Compile financial statements and related bookkeeping Research data to contribute to Earnings & Profit/Tax Basis study
EXPERIENCE
University of Tennessee at Martin; Martin, TN Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; May 20XX Accounting and Finance Majors GPA: 3.4
EDUCATION
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
1234 Skyhawk Drive | Martin, TN 38237 | 731.123.1234 | name@gmail.com
FirstName LastName
SAMPLE RESUMES
COVER LETTERS
Be specific. Address it to a person. Call the company to Be confident. Avoid “qualifiers” such as “I think, feel or ask to whom the letter should be addressed or use believe” when describing qualifications and fit with the CareerShift, LinkedIn or alumni to identify a contact. company. Instead, state confidently that you have demonstrated a skill or trait in the past. Edit EVERY letter. Align with a specific position. Show Summarize. This isn’t your entire story—just enough that you have researched the company and position. relevant information to convince the reader to read your Sincerity. Show enthusiasm and interest in the position. resume and invite you to interview. State how you are the specific fit for the position and that you want to work for the organization. I/My Disease. Strive to start no more than one paragraph per letter and no more than one sentence per Don’t restate resume. Don’t rewrite resume in paragraph with I or my. The rhythm of an I/My heavy paragraph form. Expand on successes listed in resume cover letter lulls the reader into boredom, and they miss with mini-stories that show your personality and your unique offerings. approach to demonstrating skills. Header should match resume header
Captain Skyhawk 123 College Street | Martin, TN 38237 | 123.123.1234 | Skyhawk@ut.utm.edu
Date followed by 1 to 2 blank lines
May 20, 20XX
Personalized address, followed by 1 blank line
FirstName LastName Director, Personnel Department We Have Lots of Money, Incorporated Martin, TN 38237
Salutation, followed by colon and 1 blank line
Dear Mr./Ms. LastName: (address letter to person or title who would read) Introductory Paragraph: Shar applicable personal traits and skills to gain the reader’s attention. Name the position or type of work for which you are applying, and mention where you learned of the position or organization. Give specific dates if you have had conversations with a person, and include this personal reference.
Letter is single spaced, left justified with 1 space between paragraphs
Body: The next one or two paragraphs are your sales pitch. Explain why you are interested and how you best fit this position. “Tease” the reader enough to read your resume by sharing how you have used skills or competencies in the past that align with the position. Closing Paragraph: Be short and to the point. Indicate what steps you would like to happen next. Passive Approach: Directs employer to make the next move, “I look forward to hearing from you.” Active Approach: Allows you to initiate contact with the employer, “I will contact you on xyz date to verify that you have received my complete application and answer any questions you have about my qualifications.” If you say you will contact them, do! Finally, thank the employer for his or her time and consideration. Sincerely,
Closing, followed by 3 blank lines Do not sign if attaching to an email
Sign name in blue or black ink FirstName LastName 8
PERSONAL BRAND | NETWORKING
Your personal brand begins when an employer receives your resume. It continues when they Google you, inquire about you to their network, call your references and is solidified when they meet you in person. Does the employer “meet” the same person every time?
Highlight Education. Include major(s) and minor(s), courses and study abroad. Share GPA, honors and awards. Remove high school info unless incredibly relevant. Develop professional summary. This statement describes your qualifications and goals through keywordrich bullets that align you with jobs of interest. You may Your personal brand is highly influenced by your online list specialties after bullets. presence. What an employer finds when they Google you communicates your professional (or lack thereof) potential Fill “Skills & Expertise” with keywords. View job descriptions, O*Net and profiles of people who have the and fit to prospective employers. kind of roles you seek to identify relevant keywords. LinkedIn is a great space to purposefully Share your work. Attach writing samples, design work, build your online presence. It is a hub for presentations, etc. Unlike your resume, you get to tell prospective employees and recruiters to AND show your successes on your LinkedIn profile. interact professionally. Jobvite reports the Update your status. Post regularly, mentioning following about LinkedIn recruiting: projects, articles you’re reading or event attendance. of recruiters surveyed indicated they use Connect. Join industry groups, volunteer organizations LinkedIn to actively search for candidates. and professional associations of interest. of recruiters indicated they use LinkedIn as a Network. Follow the UT Martin page to identify UT way to contact potential hires. Martin alumni with whom you would like to network. There are almost 19,000 alumni registered. indicated they use LinkedIn to vet candidates before an interview (only 32% on Facebook). Collect diverse recommendations. Strive to have at least one recommendation for each position. Those from of those surveyed indicated they used direct supervisors are most significant. LinkedIn to keep tabs on prospective hires. Edit. There should be NO grammatical or spelling errors. of those interviewed said they regularly post Use linkedin.com/university. These helpful tutorials and jobs to LinkedIn. tips will help you use LinkedIn more effectively. of recruiters use LinkedIn to actually hire new Networking. Networking helps you gain knowledge of employees (26% on Facebook, 14% on Twitter). specific jobs/career options and make contacts for Follow these tips to complete your profile to 100% and referrals in the job search process. Your network is have a strong and effective presence on LinkedIn. everyone you know, a giant web, tying each contact to another. It includes people who fall into the following Customize LinkedIn URL. Set your LinkedIn profile to three categories: 1) Personal includes family, friends and “public” and create a unique URL that may be included mentors. 2) Pro-Personal includes professors, advisors, on your resume: linkedin.com/in/JohnSmith classmates and alumni. 3) Professional includes corporate Upload professional photo. This high quality image recruiters, internship supervisors, industry professionals should be of you alone and in attire that aligns you with and alumni. A meeting can be as casual as “May I ask you a field of interest. No selfies, cropped picture of you with few questions about how you got into ______?” to others or pixilated images. Your profile is 7x more likely arranging an appointment. to be viewed with an image. Informational Interviews. These conversations can guide Align headline with career goals. The default headline is your most recent title. Replace with keywords relevant your career choice as you gain more realistic insight into your career area of interest and network with professionals. to your field of interest that are likely to be searched. It should help you develop career-related contacts and Update contact information. Include a professional evaluate the environment as a fit for your career goals. It is email address. Don’t include physical address or phone not a direct job-seeking method but helps you increase your number. network and enhance your brand.
95% 95% 93% 93% 92% 79%
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JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES The job search process takes time and is a lot of hard work. To maximize your time and energy, utilize both online and in-person methods to purposefully identify opportunities and companies that align with your personality, skills, interests and values. Then, take the time to update your documents and brand to effectively market your skills, education and experiences. START LOOKING HERE Handshake | myUTMartin portal CareerShift | myUTMartin portal LinkedIn | linkedin.com UT Alumni Career Center | utaaconnect.com/career Career & Internship Fair (offered fall and spring) UT Martin faculty and advisors Friends and family HANDSHAKE Access Handshake through your myUTMartin portal to complete your profile and upload your resume and allow recruiters to seek you out for job/internship opportunities. Keep your profile updated so you won’t miss out on exciting and career-enhancing opportunities. Get Started Login to Handshake. Upload a document. Consider making your resume public for employers to see. (CPAD reviews all resumes to ensure that you are effectively marketing yourself to employers. The approval process can take up to 72 business hours.) Complete your profile. Check that the pre-loaded information is correct. Pay especially close attention to your major and GPA (if included). If you find any errors, contact CPAD. Decide whether to make your profile public or private. A public profile can be seen by approved employers. You can edit your public profile settings, hiding your GPA, for example. If you make your profile private, it can only be seen by you and CPAD staff. You can switch your privacy status at any time. The more information you add to your profile, the easier it will be for employers to find you and to make decisions about whether or not you might be a good fit for their available job opportunities.
SEARCH FOR JOBS Use filters to look for companies and jobs of interest. Save searches so finding relevant employers and jobs will be faster in the future. Follow jobs and employers of interest. Request an Appointment Select “Career Center” at top of page and then “Appointments.” Click “Schedule a New Appointment” link at top of page. Select type of appointment you want with your college’s liaison. If your liaison is not available AND you need an immediate appointment, call CPAD at 731.881.7712 to request an appointment with an available staff member. Your best choice is to wait on an appointment with your liaison person as s/he specializes in your college area. Find Events & Information Sessions In the upper left-hand menu click on “Events” for Information Sessions and career workshops and on “Fairs” for career and internship fairs.
For additional support, review these articles and videos in the KNOWLEDGE BASE (http://bit.ly/HANDSHAKEHELP) CAREERSHIFT Search for jobs, contacts and company information in this powerful search engine that will help make your job search more efficient. Save searches and receive updates daily or weekly. Access via myUTMartin portal. UT ALUMNI CAREER SERVICES For post-graduate job search needs, you may utilize the robust resources offered by the UT Alumni Career Services. Andrew Hart assists all alumni in their job search (ahart@utfi.org): utaaconnect.com/career SAFEGUARD YOUR ONLINE JOB SEARCH We strongly encourage you to educate yourself about potential scammers. CPAD takes several precautions when approving organizations to recruit at UT Martin, but you should exercise caution when working with organizations. Review the Spot Fraudulent Job Postings Tip Sheet on our website before starting your job search. If you suspect a Handshake position is fraudulent, please send an email to dmiles@utm.edu immediately.
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HOW TO WORK CAREER FAIRS USE YOUR TIME WISELY Come early as some recruiters leave the event early. Do not travel with friends. Be an individual. Know with whom you want to talk first. Wait your turn, do not interrupt other students. Wear business professional attire. Bring resumes in a portfolio; avoid carrying bulky bag(s). Network with other recruiters. Do not miss opportunities. Ask for a business card from each recruiter with whom Don’t smell—no smoking, perfume or cologne. you visit. Brush your teeth and bring mints (if needed) but no gum. Eat a snack prior to avoid distractions caused by hunger. FOLLOW UP Know your schedule as some recruiters plan interviews. After the event, send personalized emails to thank For UT Martin Career & Internship Fair, register via recruiters for their time and ask any follow-up questions. Handshake (myUTMartin portal). Attach your resume to the message. Mail a handwritten thank you as well. Market your academic training as well as your skills and competencies. Review the majors being recruited, but also Check to see if the company (not the individual) has a LinkedIn and/or Twitter profile and follow it. be prepared to introduce yourself to all employers. Share how you have demonstrated the following and inquire CAREER FAIR TIPS how you could be an asset to their organization: Dress as you would for a formal interview. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Greet recruiters with firm handshake and maintain Oral/Written Communications eye contact. Teamwork/Collaboration Prepare an elevator speech. Information Technology Application Prepare informed questions to ask. Leadership Stand and travel to tables alone. Professionalism/Work Ethic Keep an open mind; approach lesser known companies. Career Management Have a sense of humor and be personable. Global/Intercultural Fluency Bring a portfolio to hold resumes, business cards, etc. Ask how to learn of upcoming opportunities. Resource: naceweb.org/knowledge/career-readiness-competencies.aspx Ask what the next step is. PREPARE TO TALK WITH EMPLOYERS Ask for a business card so that you can follow-up. You do not want this to be you: “Hi, I’m Jane Doe. What THINGS TO AVOID AT CAREER FAIR does your company do?” You want to impress recruiters with your knowledge of their company, available positions Don’t be afraid. Recruiters are excited to meet you. Don’t pretend you’re interested in a company if you’re and communicate your fit. Research career event not or schedule an appointment you won’t keep. attendees via Handshake or CareerShift. Don’t overstate your abilities—share your abilities in a PREPARE WHAT YOU WILL SAY convincing, honest manner. Prepare an “Elevator Speech,” a 30-60 second introduction Don’t monopolize the recruiter’s time; make a positive of yourself that you share with recruiters. The plan is to… impression, gather information and move on. Don’t ask questions about salary or complain about past Introduce yourself, making eye contact with a smile. jobs, bosses, classes or professors. Offer a firm hand shake and a resume. Don’t toss your resume on the table. Take the time to Tell what sort of employment you seek. market yourself. Summarize relevant education, experience and skills. Don’t insert yourself into a conversation a recruiter is Close by reiterating your interest and asking questions. having with another student. Wait your turn. Thank the recruiter, ask for business card and leave. Do not manipulate their time by talking about personal life. Stick to relevant details. Conduct personal research to develop meaningful questions to ask. Career events are opportunities to network with company and organization representatives and potentially apply for jobs and internships. Here are some expectations of career fair attendees:
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INTERVIEW STRATEGIES Interviews are how employers evaluate you as a fit for their organization and determine if you possess the needed skills to perform in a given position. Interviews are how you communicate your interest in the position and show that you possess the skills you mentioned in your resume. It’s where you demonstrate that your personal traits align with the organization’s culture. BEFORE YOU INTERVIEW Research the company/position. Company websites Alumni Information sessions Handshake, CareerShift, LinkedIn, GlassDoor Know yourself. Your strengths, accomplishments and weaknesses Your story and career goals Why you should be hired Prepare to tell them about yourself in relation to the position/organization. “Tell me about yourself” doesn’t mean share your autobiography. Prepare to ask and answer questions with stories that use facts and specific examples. Prepare an appropriate outfit. Have it cleaned and make sure shoes and belt match and are in good condition. Practice your initial greeting and handshake. Bring extra copies of your resume (printed on quality paper) as well as something to write with and on. Prepare to give references and to release transcript. Determine travel time. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Upon arrival, use a mirror to check hair, lipstick on teeth, missing buttons, collar, etc. Schedule a mock interview for a formal “dress rehearsal” with CPAD. There are sample questions in the Interview Strategies tip sheet on our website. DURING INTERVIEW Answer all questions asked. If a question has three parts, your response should as well. Do NOT talk about salary and benefits during the interview, unless the employer brings it up first. See Salary Negotiation tips on p. 15. INTERVIEW WRAP-UP Obtain a business card from each interviewer. State your interest in the position and ask for the job. Write thank you letters immediately after interviews.
BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Recruiters use behavioral-based questions to probe your past behavior in jobs, classrooms, group projects and activities. Listen to the question to identify what quality or skill they are evaluating. STAR Method The STAR Method is an effective strategy to answer behavioral-based questions. When asked this type of question, utilize the following steps:
Situation: Briefly outline background information to frame the situation. Task: Briefly narrate what you were trying to accomplish. Action: Give example of how you utilized relevant skills and qualities to resolve the situation/achieve goal/task. Result: Briefly summarize the positive outcome. ILLEGAL QUESTIONS Federal, state and local laws regulate the questions a prospective employer can ask. An employer’s questions, whether on the job application, in the interview or during the testing process, must relate to the job you are seeking. For the employer, the focus must be: “What do I need to know to decide whether this person can perform the functions of this job?” If asked an illegal question, you have three options: Answer the question, but keep in mind you are giving unrelated job information, and you may be giving the “wrong” answer, which could harm your chances. Refuse to answer, which is well within your rights. Depending on how you phrase your refusal, you run the risk of appearing uncooperative or confrontational. Examine the question for its intent and respond with an answer as it might apply to the job. This is typically the best way to go. Here are two examples: Q: Are you a U.S. citizen? A: I am authorized to work in the United States. Q: Who is going to take care of your children when you have to travel for the job? A: I can meet the travel and work schedule that this job requires. Resource: jobweb.com/resources/library/Interviews/Handling_Illegal_46_02.htm
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INTERVIEW TYPES TELEPHONE Because you lack visible feedback, pay close attention to your tone, speech patterns and speed. Smile while talking. It actually charges your voice with the positivity you would give in person. Silence is ok—though it may feel that it lasts an eternity. Envision the employer taking notes as if you are in person when a pause follows your answer. Use a land line or a reliable location. You are invited to schedule a time to use CPAD for an interview. Much like a video conference call, strive to limit the risk of noise or visual distractions. Have a cup of water, your resume and any prepared questions nearby.
VIDEO CONFERENCE This is a growing trend in recruiting; so be prepared. Dress as if it were in person. Yes, that includes pants and shoes. Clothes set the tone. Limit noise or visual distractions. Interview in front of a blank space if possible, and send roommates and household pets away. Look into the camera. As tempting as it may be to look at the screen while talking, look into the camera, that is the “eye” you should be attempting to make contact with. Use an Ethernet cable. Avoid using Wi-Fi as connection issues might reflect poorly upon you. If you get a bad connection, ask to redial. CPAD offers quiet interview rooms that you can schedule a time to use. You may use our equipment as well. Call 731.881.7712 to take advantage of this resource.
IN PERSON Make eye contact. This shows that you are listening and trying to connect when you are speaking. If you face a panel interview, start and end an answer with the person who asked the question, but make eye contact with all other members throughout your answer. Don’t only look at the highest ranking person or the one who offers the most encouraging body language and positive feedback. Seeing the interviewer take notes is not a bad thing. Notes are typically a tool to help them remember something you said for later debate. Be overdressed vs. underdressed. It is much easier to scale back an outfit than to upscale it. Confirm dress expectations well in advance.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL This attire is a professional workplace staple. Assume, unless otherwise stated, that this is preferred.
Conservative dark colored suit (matching top/bottom) Pressed dress shirt/blouse Closed toe, polished shoes Socks/hosiery (conservative) Hair styled and cleanly shaven
BUSINESS CASUAL Business casual is typical for many offices and work events. However, guidelines vary by work culture. When in doubt, ask someone familiar with the office or event.
More colorful shirts/blouses Golf shirts Khaki pants and similar fabrics Loafers, flats and boots
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GENERAL NOTES Take your attire cues from peers who are respected in the office. In general, keep cologne, perfume and accessories to a minimum. As a rule, the later the event, the more formal the attire. Still have questions—read the employee handbook or ask.
PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR GENERAL TIPS Use titles (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.), until instructed otherwise. Introduce yourself with a smile and eye contact. Introduce colleagues by title and last name. Have a firm handshake but avoid death grips. Arrive on time (5 to 15 minutes early). Develop a meeting agenda if you are leading. Do not use profanity or tell off-colored jokes. Do not engage in office gossip. Bring a positive attitude and leave drama at home. PHONE COMMUNICATION Do… Answer with a professional greeting. Respond in a timely matter to voicemail. Turn off phone during meetings or at restaurants. Don’t… Have an unprofessional voicemail. Neglect to check your voicemail. Use company phone for personal business.
DINING ETIQUETTE Do… Pass food counterclockwise (to the right). Pass salt and pepper together. Use piece of bread to scoop difficult foods, not fingers. Place napkin in lap (it should not be worn as bib). Wait on host to begin eating. Leave a 15 to 20% tip if responsible for paying bill. Don’t… Order complex or messy foods (or eat with hands). Season food before tasting. Ask for a to-go box. Double dip from community dips. Offer for others to sample your food or vice versa. Order the most expensive thing on the menu. Do not get intoxicated at work functions.
EMAIL COMMUNICATION Do… Set-up an automatic reply when out of the office. Include compelling subject line. Use proper grammar, spelling and punctuation. Create professional signature. Confirm attachment is attached if intended. Keep it short, simple and professional. Don’t… Use text speech, emojis, etc. Send when angry. Include quotes and/or print warnings in signature. SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNICATION Do… Use social media to network. Use to stay informed of trends in field. Remember that what is posted is there forever. Don’t… Talk negatively about colleagues or employer. Break office policy. Share anything considered private to workplace. Share everything about yourself.
PLACE SETTING If unsure, use cutlery from outside in. When finished, place silverware on plate lying 10 to 4. Between bites place utensils on plate. Drinks are to the right of your plate, bread to the left. Tip: Make the “ok” sign, your left hand makes a “b” for bread, your right hand makes a “d” for drink. REMEMBER How you conduct yourself and treat others in a business or dining setting speaks strongly of your professionalism. Be respectful to everyone, no matter their title.
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BUDGETING & SALARY NEGOTIATIONS BUDGETING Before you start spending, create a budget and establish an emergency savings account of at least $1000. (Ideally, save at least three months’ salary.) To get started, document where you spend money for two months. In the third month, budget every dollar so you know where money went at the end of the month. Don’t forget to budget for unexpected expenses and saving for “toys” you’ve dreamt of owning. Here is a sample budget:
SAMPLE BUDGET Donations Emergency Savings Investment Savings Student Loan(s) Mortgage/Rent* (repairs) Electricity Water Trash Phone/Data Plan Cable/Satellite Internet/Wireless Connection Newspaper/Subscriptions Car Payment* (repairs) Insurance (car, home, rental, etc.) Life Insurance Memberships (gym, etc.) Gas* Groceries* Clothing* Dry Cleaning Entertainment Hair/Make-up Gifts Vacation Medical Miscellaneous Take Home Pay Total Expenses
qualifications and information gathered through research. Understand your bargaining power: assess your worth, identify special skills, recognize what you bring to the relationship and analyze the competition.
Evaluate how much you need to earn to live. Find out what your skills and experience are worth. Research salary averages for various occupations: O*Net, Occupational Outlook Handbook and NACE salary survey. Investigate cost of living based on employment location: salary.com, homefair.com, usacitylink.com. Develop a salary range (not too broad) with a high, low and middle range. Examine company’s hiring history. KNOW WHEN TO NEGOTIATE Ideally, negotiate after an offer is made. Discussing salary before the offer may screen you out of the job if your requirements are too high or lock you into a low salary.
When asked about salary requirements during an interview, indicate a range, not a dollar amount. On an application, indicate “open” or “negotiable” under salary requirements. Under salary history, indicate “competitive” unless it asks for a specific amount. When dealing with recruiters or employment agencies, be honest about your expectations and salary history. WHEN EMPLOYER MAKES OFFER Counter with a researched, non-emotional response and desired range. They will respond with what they are able or not able to offer. Employers will not usually rescind an original offer as a result of a counter offer. The employer should return with a response that meets your needs; otherwise they will share why they are unwilling to do so.
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*Pay for these first and then take care of the others. It doesn’t make sense to pay off your credit card if you can’t eat dinner or get to work.
KNOW YOUR VALUE/RESEARCH Many entry-level jobs have fixed, non-negotiable starting salaries, but you will not get more unless you ask. Your ability to negotiate within the set range depends on your
NEGOTIATE BEYOND SALARY Consider negotiating other things: bonuses, salary reviews (timing, basis and percentage), pension plans/retirement, profit sharing plans, tuition reimbursement, employee discount, company car, expense accounts, stock options, relocation/moving expenses, professional memberships, certifications and sign-on bonuses. THE FINAL OFFER Take time to evaluate the offer. One to two days is usually acceptable. Ensure you are clear on your duties. Get the offer in writing. Then, send a thank you letter outlining your understanding of the offer, your enthusiasm about starting and your appreciation for their decision to hire you. 15
ADULTING PURCHASE INSURANCE Insurance is a way to transfer risk. You should have insurance as some losses could bankrupt you. Research the following types of insurance: Homeowners/Rent Health Life Insurance
Auto Disability
EXPLORE RETIREMENT & INVESTMENTS It is advantageous to plan for the future and to start early. Here are the different types of retirement plans (always do your research on any updates on laws): IRA SEPP
Roth IRA 401K, 403B and 457
Single Stocks Mutual Funds Annuities
Resources: daveramsey.com; InvestorEducation.org; JumpStart.org; moneytalks.ucr.edu; ncee.net; nefe. org; ssa.gov; younginvestor.com/teens
NAVIGATE OFFICE BEHAVIOR Keep your office clean and evaluate if it is appropriate to have personal items in your work environment. In general, keep your work space neat. Do not leave old food or candy wrappers lying around. Create a filing or organization system…we all organize our space differently, but have some sort of system that works for you. If personal items are allowed, make sure that they are appropriate and do not include potentially offensive material. Email. Communicate professionally, not with text speak (no emojis). Always include a subject line and address the person by name and include your name and/or signature in the closing. Proofread before you send, and check that attachments are attached. Respond within 36 hours.
Be careful to not build social life around co-workers as you want to maintain a professional relationship with them. That does not mean you can’t see them after hours. Dinner after hours is okay; partying late into the night is not. STAY HEALTHY Find a time of day that you can commit to exercise. Gyms don’t tend to be as busy between 4:30 and 6:00 a.m. Find a park with a walk/jog trail where you can walk for free. If all else fails, take the stairs instead of the elevator and park farther away in the parking lot.
There are many ways to invest money and plan for retirement; make sure you do your research. Here are different types of investments: Money Markets Bonds Rental Real Estate Commodities and Futures
BUILD A SOCIAL LIFE IN A NEW PLACE Join professional organizations. Find an alumni group in your area. Apply for a young leaders program. Join service clubs and organizations or volunteer. Visit and/or join a religious group. Join a gym or a club sport team. Take classes: cooking, gardening, dance, golf, etc.
Take your lunch to work to save money and control contents. Nutritionists suggest eating six small meals a day. Eat breakfast and take two small snacks (almonds, low fat yogurt, cottage cheese, veggies, fruit, etc.) for morning and afternoon. Replace sodas with water. If you choose to drink alcohol, you should drink no more than two glasses of wine, beer or mixed drinks a day. Resources: health.gov; 4women.gov; healthfinder.gov; healthywomen.org; nimh.nih.gov; mayoclinic.com; diet.ivillage.com/healthcalc
SUCCEED ON THE JOB NACE’s Job Choices describes the first year in a new job as a “separate and distinct career stage” – a time when you aren’t a college student, but you aren’t yet respected as a professional. There are different rules to follow during this “breaking-in stage.” Take time to figure out how to “establish yourself, learn the way ‘things are done’ and figure out what you need to do to earn credibility and respect.” Learn the culture and unspoken rules of the organization. Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut until you understand the company. It is only then that your ideas will have true impact and respect.
Phone. Create a professional voice mail message (consider your personal one as well). When leaving a succinct message (less than two minutes), state your name Be the first one to the office. Avoid office politics and gossiping. and phone number twice. Gracefully mourn the loss of Spring Break. Introduce Yourself. Look people in the eyes, smile and Continue to meet new people. extend your hand for a firm handshake. Practice an Take classes or pursue another degree. Resource: Job Choices 2006, NACE introduction that is 15 to 30 seconds long. 16