CSU Career Services Center

Google Yourself

2011-08-15T05:40:00.000-07:00

No, seriously. How often do you? If you are job seeking, do it right now, and do it frequently as you seek to establish a professional online image.

Brian Krueger, president of the site CollegeGrad.com (worth a visit at www.collegegrad.com/) cites “a growing trend in the number of employers who are Googling candidates and visiting social-networking sites . . . to research for additional information” on job candidates who are under consideration.

What might begin as a well-intended electronic investigation for candidates’ achievements could lead to employers viewing pages with profiles, photographs, and even videos that could be detrimental to employment opportunities. Krueger cites researchers’ estimates that “99% of MySpace and Facebook web pages are considered to contain inappropriate information. He asks job seekers to remember that “the Internet blurs the line between what is public and what is private.”

“Jobs Choices” magazines are an excellent resource. Published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, take some time to check it out at http://jobchoicesonline.com/. In the Diversity Issue of “Jobs Choices 2012,” author, blogger (www.lindseypollak.com/blog) and lecturer Lindsey Pollak offers “10 Tips for Using Social Media in Your Job Search.” You can link to her list at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nace/JobChoices2012DiversitySpecial/#/22.

Her top tip? Develop a professional presence. She asks: “What do people find when they Google you?” She recommends setting up a profile on Linkedin, “which is a 100 percent professional network.” Social media profiles should be edited by adding professional details.

Another article by Meg Langland in the same issue of “Jobs Choices” gives the successful job seeker some vital tips on “Workplace e-Etiquette.” She begins the article with an admonition: “Accustomed to texting during class? Do you check your Facebook page throughout the day? Send tweets to your followers? If you’re about to enter the world of work, expect your communication habits to undergo a radical change.”

To view the complete article, written by the Director of Career Services at Westminster College, who presents on and writes about e-etiquette and the new college graduate, go to: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nace/JobChoices2012DiversitySpecial/#/50.

Langland ends her listing of “General Rules of Thumb for New Employees” with this caveat: “Be wise about what you post on online social networking sites; remember you are now an employee and not only representing yourself but also an organization.”

Briefly stated, what Krueger, Pollak, and Langland, all respected professionals in their field are suggesting is that you Google yourself before, during and after your job search. And look at the content there and in your social media accounts through the eyes of your prospective employer.

So you’ve graduated—now what?

2011-06-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

You’ve swept up the confetti, recycled the beverage containers and got the worst of the stains out of the carpet, so now that the graduation party is over, here are eight things you can do to get your job search on track:

Bear down on your search. Think through your next steps, clarify where you want to go. What is it that you want to do with the next few years of your life? Use books like “What Color is Your Parachute” is that is your style, or use people like a friend or significant other who will ask you the right questions about your direction.

Polish your LinkedIn profile. Oh? OK—set up your LinkedIn profile. Decide what you want to say about yourself; pick some key themes from your resume. Remember you are building your brand, so there are some things you can do in LinkedIn to remind people you are out there. For instance, post a status update about once a week to keep your name top of mind. Post a professional photo! That way when you ask people to link with you, they can be reminded of what you look like. You are more likely to build connections with a photo than without one.

Visit your career coordinator in the Career Services Center. You can bat around ideas, review your resume, and get help with job search strategies. Talk about the two basic questions everyone must answer: what do you want to do and where do you want to do it.

Finalize your resume with your coordinator’s help.

Review CSUcareerline employer contacts by searching by industry or specific company. Contacts’ phone numbers and email addresses will be right there.

Look for networking events that might appeal to you. Professional groups publish calendars on their websites, so you should be able to find some very specific events for your interests as well as more general events with a wide appeal.

Do a mock interview. It will help you with the real thing, as well as prepare you for networking opportunities. If you are introverted, it is even more important to practice talking to strangers.

Finally, make your job search your job. Treat it like a regular job by spending thirty hours a week on it. Plan your day with perhaps Internet research in the morning, letter writing and resume mailing in the evening, with the afternoons free for information interviews and networking events.

NACE (@NACEOrg) - Job Outlook: Hiring up 19.3 Percent This Year

2011-04-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

NACE (@NACEOrg) - Job Outlook: Hiring up 19.3 Percent This Year

Transitioning to the Real World

2011-04-07T05:27:00.000-07:00

Many CSU students are quite familiar with the “Real World”. You may be working full or part time, raising children, involved in community activities, and so you are no stranger to time management.

Doesn’t that just kill you when people make a distinction between your college experience and “the real world”? Somehow they imply that you are not ready for the responsibilities of a career after graduation, that you have no clue as to what will be required of you in a “real” job.

CSU students work as salespeople, servers, support staff, substitute teachers, tellers, interns, co-ops, cooks and cashiers. They know how to balance work, school, family and life, setting priorities and meeting goals.

So what will be so different after graduation?

Here are some ideas to ensure your professional success:
1. Look in your closet. Jeans and flip flops may have sufficed for the past few years, but now you will need to upgrade your wardrobe. You will need one or two good suits (especially for interviewing). Even if the work environment is casual, gentlemen should always wear collared shirts; women should forsake the skinny jeans and go with dress slacks.
2. Find a mentor. Your company may have a mentoring program in place, but if not, find someone (not your supervisor) who can help you navigate the vagaries of the corporate world. You need to learn the politics of the organization from an insider.
3. Be nice to secretaries. They know where the bodies are buried, but they’ll never tell, hence the name “Secret-aries”. They will keep you out of trouble with bosses, auditors and the like, as long you treat them with respect.
4. Work a full day, every day. No coming in late, no extended lunch breaks, no unexplained absences. Your boss expects you to be there every day. No matter what long time employees may do, you still have to prove yourself, so demonstrate that you are dependable.
5. Admit your mistakes. Every sitcom on TV has an episode where someone tries to cover up a blunder at work. It makes for great comedy but lousy reality. Confess your error before it gets out of control, and you will save yourself a lot of grief.

Party Like an Employed Rock Star

2011-03-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Once you return from Spring Break, all energized and ready to push through the rest of the semester, those who are graduating in May will want to add a visit to Career Services on their To Do list. Call us at 216.687.2233 to set up a meeting with your Career Coordinator (we'll tell you who that is when you call).

1. Graduation Party initiations? Check
2. Catering arranged? Check
3. Soft drinks ordered (drink responsibly). Check
4. Visit Career Services. Check
5. Register for CSUcareerline? Check

See resume examples here, before you come into Career Services.

Employers' Biggest Complaint

2011-02-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

According to the latest Recruiting Trends survey conducted by Michigan State University, employers are not happy with some of the students they see at career fairs and other recruiting events. Their biggest complaint is that students have unrealistic ideas about careers.

For instance, students often have unrealistic expectations about salaries in their fields. They are expecting to be paid much more than the market rate for entry level workers. To remedy that, make sure you do your homework on salary research before you meet with an employer. Ask Career Services about the latest salary surveys; go to our website; check salary.com, glassdoor.com and other respected sites.

Perhaps even worse, students are unable to articulate their skills and competencies during interviews, do not present themselves in a professional manner and lack professional maturity. What do you think about these statements?

Mark Your Calendars for Spring Career Week 2011

2011-01-19T13:14:00.000-08:00

The Career Services Center offers special workshops during both a Pre-Career Week and Career Week for Spring Semester.

Pre-Career Week runs from Tuesday, February 22 through Friday, February 25. Networking, resume writing and working the career fair effectively are some of the topics that will be covered that week. Walk-in resume critiques will be available on Friday, February 25 from 10:am-2:30pm in RW 280.

The 6th Annual Etiquette Dinner will be held on Thursday February 24 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm in the SC Ballroom. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Career Services Center at 216.687.2233.

Spring Career Week runs from Monday, February 28 through Friday, March 4. We will have several employers presenting workshops from places like the FBI, and Karpinski Engineering. Why not do a mock interview with a real employer? Sherwin Williams will once again be sending recruiters to the Career Services Center to help students sharpen their interview skills. Appointments can be made through the CSUcareerline system soon.

Finally, the festivities culminate with the 32nd Annual Spring Career Fair on Friday, March 4 in the PE Building, from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Over 100 employers are expected. You can check the list by going to www.csucareerfair.com.

Dumb and Totally Avoidable Job Search Mistakes:

2011-01-04T05:40:00.001-08:00

1. Using a goofy email address (“imaprincess”, “hotchik”, “cooldude”) on job search correspondence. This isn’t MySpace—this is your professional life.
2. Being unprepared for an interview. You wouldn’t blow off a final exam without studying, so why ruin your chances for a job by not rehearsing your answers to interview questions? Use a formal mock interview or just have a friend fire questions at you. Never go into an interview cold.
3. Sending resumes with spelling or grammatical errors. Some of these send recruiters into gales of laughter and your resume into the circular file. How would you feel if your resume had some of the following blunders on it:
• "good atttention to detail" (Oh really?)
• A gentleman had over 20 years experience as a warehouse manager but unfortunately spelled it whorehouse.
• “Participated in hunger strike for the Salivation Army.”

International Opportunities for Graduate Students and Experienced Alumni

2010-11-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

Are you interested in working for the United Nations and other international organizations? The State Department helps to recruit individuals for exciting positions with these offices located in a variety of foreign countries. Most of these jobs require experience, and although the qualifications vary by assignment, a graduate or law degree in a relevant discipline and proficiency in at least one U.N. working language in addition to English are preferred.
Click here to view an up-to-date list of international job announcements!

Did you miss the Fall Career Fair?

2010-10-27T04:39:00.000-07:00

Just about 1,000 candidates attended the 23rd Annual Fall Career Fair last week, with 104 employers to talk to. If you missed the Fair, you can still find the list of employers at the CSUcareerfair.com . website.

If you were there, consult with your career coordinator about the best ways of following up after the fair. It’s OK to send your resume to the companies you spoke to during the fair, even if you gave them one that day. You can always adjust your objective or add some information that is especially relevant to that employer. Explain that you are sending an updated resume, and that you are very interested in the position you discussed during the fair. The employers may have taken home a stack of resumes, but this way, yours will rise to the top.

I'm creative! Why can't I show it?

2010-10-19T04:39:00.000-07:00

Creative fields might include the arts (Dance, Music, Painting, Sculpture, Illustration, Graphic Design, that sort of thing), and sometimes Marketing and Communication, depending upon the person’s goals. For instance, a Communication major may want to go into broadcasting and so might do something different to get attention.

Creative people may be able to get away with breaking the rules of traditional resumes by adding color or watermarks or even photos of themselves. Certainly a headshot is expected for an actor or perhaps a dancer. An accountant, however, should probably forego the photo.

Some people may be able to use a virtual resume, or virtual CV, like the ones available on sites like http://www.visualcv.com. A candidate can post examples of work like documents, spreadsheets, web pages or anything else that illustrates the quality of his or her work. Photos are a prominent part of such a portfolio. One Marketing candidate I know posted a photo of his softball team, showing that he can work on teams of mixed genders and ages.

It is important to show restraint in using creativity in your resume, though, as too much flair will ruin the effect. Select the items that will best illustrate your skills and experience in an engaging way and do not overwhelm your audience. For instance, too many links to websites will distract the reader who may go off on a tangent that the candidate did not intend. So for instance, if you belong to a professional organization, just list it without turning the name into a hyperlink.

For graphic designers, using a stationery of their own design with a distinctive border or layout would be expected. To keep it classy, though, it’s probably best to stay with plain white or cream colored paper. More dramatic colors might come across as garish and difficult to read, especially if the document is sent through a photocopier.
Teachers may also use more creative resumes to show how they would keep their students engaged in lively classroom sessions. Given the more conservative nature of human resources directors in school systems, though, candidates may want to moderate any tendency to go over the top.

So, the Greeks had it right: moderation in all things, but candidates may want to be a little more inventive and show off some originality in order to stand out in crowded fields.

The Value of Career Services

2010-10-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

Did you know that students who use their Career Services Center four times a semester are more likely to have job offers than those who used it only once a semester?

Can you make more money if you are using your Career Services Center? Apparently so. Read about it here:

http://www.naceweb.org/so09292010/career_services_value/

No hats or mini-skirts: 1 college’s dress code

2010-09-23T04:08:00.000-07:00

Should there be a dress code at college? Here is what one school is doing. What do you think?
No hats or mini-skirts: 1 college’s dress code

NACE (@NACEOrg) - Impact of Internships on Salary Offers

2010-08-19T04:29:00.000-07:00

We knew this too! Internships are likely to boost your salary at graduation.

http://www.naceweb.org/so2010/0818/intern_salary/

Generate qualified leads using LinkedIn Answers

2010-08-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a helpful idea about generating business leads through LinkedIn that can be applied to job searches as well.

Generate qualified leads using LinkedIn Answers

Become an agent of change

2010-07-07T12:53:00.003-07:00

How can you land that job you are looking for or feel more secure in the one you are in? Become an agent of change. Changes in the workplace, as in society occur constantly and employers are looking for people who are able to meet this demand. To feel and possibly be more secure in your current position, prove yourself to be an invaluable employee whose flexibility allows them to adjust in their responsibilities as needed.

How then do you relay this quality effectively on a resume or in an interview? First, quantify or qualify your experience managing change. Think about what you have done in your current or previous position that demonstrates your ability and willingness to change. Be prepared to explain what you have done to initiate positive change in your environment. Adaptability is one of the transferable skills you should include in you repertoire in order to market yourself effectively.

Use of career services linked to job offers in NACE survey

2010-06-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

We knew it! The more often you use Career Services, the more likely you are to get a job offer. Read more about it here:

http://www.naceweb.org/so/2010/0623/job_offers/

Why go to career fairs if they won't take your resume?

2010-05-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.naceweb.org/Publications/Spotlight_Online/2010/0526/Advising_Students_on_Career_Fair_Participation.aspx

Resumes for Liberal Arts Majors

2010-05-27T05:28:00.001-07:00

You are not an accountant, an engineer, a teacher or a social worker. You did not graduate with a readymade job title on your diploma. How can you grab an employer’s attention with your liberal arts degree?

First, realize that one resume will not cut it. Most liberal arts majors may not know what industry they want to join and want to keep themselves open for several options. For a more effective and efficient job-search experience try having a few resumes written for several different positions. One student we know has experience ranging from the nonprofit sector to administration that complements an advanced degree. She has three resumes: one for the nonprofit sector, one for university administration, and one for a faculty position in academia. While her experiences and education remain constant, and she may rearrange the order, her objective is written differently for each.

Second, know how to translate your skill set into terminology the employer is looking for. If, for example, you are an English or history major try demonstrating your analytical reading, editing, and sound research skills on your resume. You can do this by calling upon experiences where you have used those particular skills. It’s OK to mention papers or research projects you have done for classes to show off your skills to employers. Have a section for “Projects” on the resume.

Third, write a dazzling cover letter detailing you interest in the position and helping the employer see you in that job. Connect your education and experience to the position you are going for. There are books and website with examples, but in the end, it must be your own work product. So, write a draft cover letter and make an appointment with the Career Services Center at 216.687.2233. It would be our pleasure to help you craft an impressive letter that should convince employers to call you in for an interview.

Change in the workplace

2010-05-19T04:50:00.001-07:00

How can you land that job you are looking for or feel more secure in the one you are in? Become an agent of change. Changes in the workplace, as in society occur constantly and employers are looking for people who are able to meet this demand. To feel and possibly be more secure in your current position, prove yourself to be an invaluable employee whose flexibility allows them to adjust in their responsibilities as needed. How then do you relay this quality effectively on a resume or in an interview?

First, quantify or qualify your experience managing change. Think about what you have done in your current or previous position that demonstrates your ability and willingness to change. Second, be prepared to explain what you have done to initiate positive change in your environment. Adaptability is one of the transferable skills you should include in you repertoire in order to market yourself effectively.

On line job search

2010-05-14T07:16:00.001-07:00

The internet has become one of the, if not the most useful resource when searching for a job. If you are curious about just how powerful this tool is, google “job search.” You will receive over 220 million responses. With the current state of our economy and unemployment, such an ambiguous search will not suffice. In fact, searching one of the many online job sites may not yield any results. The search can be even more frustrating if you are one of the millions with a non-technical degree. So how can you use the internet to your advantage? Before you can start googling away, you first need to have a clear idea of what it is you are looking for. If you approach the search with the attitude of “I’m looking for anything,” or “I just need something,” you only will waste valuable time and energy.

Before sitting down at your computer, you must be able to articulate what it is you are looking for. Grab a pen and paper and ask yourself self-reflection questions such as these: Is there a particular field/industry I want to work for? Is there a certain company that interests me? Will I be using my education, experience, or both? What makes me a more qualified candidate than anyone else? Once you have a handle on your personal interests and expectations, you can begin searching in a rational and prepared manner.

What's the deal with credit checks?

2010-05-05T04:37:00.001-07:00

So what does employment have to do with credit? Simple, many employers check your credit as a part of the interview and screening process. If you are currently in the market for a new company, be proactive. To start, visit annualcreditreport.com: this is the yearly free credit report you are entitled to. Verify that your information is correct and any discrepancies are corrected. Taking a few minutes prior to the interview will put you in a better position down the road. But what if you are in the process of making a large purchase such as a new home? Ask your potential employer during the interview whether or not they consider credit as a part of the background check. If they do, find out if they run a soft inquiry or a full one. A soft inquiry will not show up on your credit report whereas a full inquiry not only shows up, but deducts points.

The "art" of job hunting

2010-04-28T04:14:00.000-07:00

Important statistics about the “art” of job hunting:

1. 4% of those who post their resumes on an internet career site become employed.

2. 7% of those who send their resumes to employers at random find a job.

3. Between 5% and 24% of those responding to newspaper ads are successful; 5% for higher salaried positions and up to 24% for trade professions and “labor-intensive jobs.”

4. 14% find employment by visiting their local unemployment office.

5. 5% find employment by visiting private employment agencies.

6. Talking to people you know (your network) if they know of available positions: 33%

7. 69% find work by identifying the firms in their area who do the kind of work you do and contacting them about their needs.

The moral of these numbers: The nature of job hunting has changed. Don’t rely on one method; combining several will increase your chances of landing a job. Actively searching for the right employer match for you begins with a careful “inventory [of] your skills,” defining the field you want and how you want to use your skills, and researching the organizations you want to work for. For information about this topic, refer to:

Bolles, Mark Emery and Richard Nelson Bolles. 2008. Job-Hunting Online. 5th ed.
Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press.

Rock the interview!

2010-04-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Do you have an interview scheduled and you want to make the most of it? Remaining cool, confident, and in control is key to presenting yourself well, but that may be easier said than done. Following these few simple steps will take some of the initial hurdles out of your way.

1. Presentation – Ensuring you are presentable is an important part of the interview because the interviewer will be gauging your mannerisms and personality as well as the answers to the questions. Try these tips:

• Sleep well the night before. You will be alert and without the telltale signs of an all-nighter

• If you smoke, don’t. Cigarette smoke attaches to your hair, skin, and clothes and does not smell good and nonsmokers will pick the distinctive scent up immediately. Conversely, do not layer on the perfume or cologne. Use it sparingly if at all.

• Eat regular meals. There is nothing worse than sitting in an interview and, during the moments of silence, your stomach growls.

• Turn the cell phone off, not on vibrate – off. You are trying to make a lasting impression on the employer, make sure it is a positive one. Convey the notion that the interview is the only thing you are concerned with.

• Dress the part. A little research will go a long way. If their code is business professional, dress business professional; if it is business casual, match it, but also try to exceed those expectations. One word, however, should be a part of any applicant’s attire: CONSERVATIVE. Avoid tight-fitting or revealing clothes, you may want to also hide any body piercings or tattoos.

2. Practice – Participating in a fluid conversation will help your chances of landing the position.

• Review your resume. Be prepared to call upon experiences that reflect the information you have included.

• There are standard interview questions many employers ask that you should be prepared for (visit www.jobinterviewquestions.org for some examples).

• Check your mannerisms. Maintain eye contact, try not to stammer or say “um,” don’t pick at your nails, etc.

3. Prepare – Regardless of the position you are interviewing for, being prepared for the interview will make it go smoothly.

• Be on time (if not early)! If you arrive at the interview late, the first thing the interviewer will wonder will be if this is a pattern of yours.

• Bring your resume, a black pen, and identification such as a driver’s license, social security card, and proof of citizenship.

These tips are not fail-safe; you are still responsible for answering questions intelligently and demonstrating that you are the right person for the job. These tips, however, should reduce some of the stress and anxiety you may encounter.

Managing Job Search Stress

2010-04-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

Job hunting can be one of the most stressful times in one’s life. Stress reduction techniques are based on the principle that although we cannot always change the circumstances or events causing the stress we can change our reaction and relationship to the stressful event. Similar to the interviewing technique of flipping negatives to positives, developing and practicing ways of managing your stress can help you feel less anxious and more in control of your circumstances. The more you practice positive and healthy reactions the easier and more natural they become for you. Anxiety, fear, frustration, anger, and hopelessness are some of the emotional symptoms associated with job search stress. Learning to control your stress is the key to successfully combating those negative feelings and finding yourself successfully employed sooner.

Here are 5 ways to successfully manage the stress of job searching:
1. Identify the triggers associated with your particular job search stress. Sure, you want to be employed, but what else? What can you do to get closer to those goals? Write out a job search plan and prioritize your tasks.
2. Find your support systems. Positive and supportive people, animals, and environments help relieve stress from job hunting. A job seekers support group is one of the best ways to relieve the stress of the search.
3. Exercise, eat well, drink plenty of water, and get a good night’s sleep. Engaging in unhealthy activities during stressful times may seem easier at the moment but keeping your body in good shape will help keep your mind and attitude healthy.
4. Learn to control your reactions. Implement the interview flipping technique into all aspects of your job search and daily life. You do not always have control of the events that happen in your job search but you have control of your attitude towards them. Stay positive.
5. Take time for laughter and “life” other than the job hunt. Make time to recharge and relax. Get a hobby, learn something new, volunteer at a local library, or listen to some music. Allow yourself time to re-energize. The less stressed you are the more productive you will be in your job search.

Why not come to the next Job Club meeting on April 27, 2010, at 4pm - 5:30pm in MC 102?

(Developed by Kim O'Ryan, CSU Career Services Center)

Coping With The Trials of Unemployment

2010-04-08T06:11:00.000-07:00

Do you want to know how to manage the stress of the job search?

Do you need help maintaining that element of Hope?

To learn more please join us for the next NETWORK Job Seekers Peer Support Group meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 13 from 4:00-5:30 in MC 102. Gina Huffman from CSU’s McNair Scholars Program and Elizabeth Okwudi from CSU Career Services will share their personal stories of challenges and managing stress during their journeys to successful employment. Elizabeth will share her presentation "Coping With The Trials of Unemployment. join us for coffee, tea, and light snacks!

To RSVP or any questions please email Kim O'Ryan at k.oryan@csuohio.edu or call 216-687-2234.

Marketing your liberal arts degree

2010-04-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

If you are one of the many liberal arts majors who are graduating this spring, you may have been asked “what are you going to do with that?” You will also be pleased to hear that according to employers themselves, liberal arts majors bring a large capacity for learning to the workplace. Employers want employees who can adapt to a changing environment; effectively communicate both in writing and orally, solve problems through analytical and critical thinking; and interact well with others. Fortunately, these are some of the hallmark skills one learns with a liberal arts education. Unlike technological skills, these skills will never be obsolete. Marketing these skills to potential employers becomes the primary focus to those in the job-hunting process. Begin with these five transferable skills, thinking how to relate them to your experiences and relay them on your resume and during the interview:

1. ability to communicate
2. interpersonal skills
3. adaptability to change
4. critical and analytical thinking
5. problem-solving skills

(above information from: Gerrish, Sally R. and Sarah B. Thompson. “Understanding the Value of a Liberal Arts Education” in Choices and Challenges: Job Search Strategies for Liberal Arts Students, 3rd ed. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 1998.)