It's Finally Here!

Happy Halloween!!

U.S. employee confidence up in third quarter: survey

Thu Oct 1, 2009 9:21am EDT

By Ellen Wulfhorst
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. employee confidence edged up in the third quarter, with many workers saying the worst of the recession is over, but that optimism came with hopes for raises and advancement when the dust clears, a survey released on Thursday showed.
If the economy reaches pre-recession levels, 57 percent of U.S. workers polled said they would expect a raise, bonus or promotion, according to the quarterly survey conducted for Glassdoor.com, an online site providing company information to employees, job seekers and employers.
The findings were based on responses from 2,257 U.S. adults nationwide, of whom 1,195 were employed full- or part-time, and 166 were self-employed. The survey was conducted by research firm Harris Interactive.
The survey aimed to assess employee confidence in terms of hiring, outlook, compensation and job security.
Nine out of 10 of those questioned forecast that their company's outlook will stay the same or improve in the next six months, with 44 percent predicting improvement. The previous quarter, only 39 percent predicted improvement, and only 35 percent in the first quarter predicted improvement.
"Employees now reveal they're expecting payback in the form of raises, bonuses, promotions and perks once the economy recovers," Rusty Rueff, Glassdoor.com career and workplace expert, said in a statement.
"Combine these high expectations with the one in five employees who expects to change jobs when the music really starts on the economy, and employers will have new challenges," he said.
Companies will need to "bridge the gap between employee expectations and the post-recession realities," he said.
Twenty-two percent of respondents expressed concern that they could be laid off in the next six months, compared to 24 percent in the second quarter and 26 percent in the first quarter, the survey found.
Layoff concern among men was much higher, at 26 percent, than among women, at 17 percent. Job losses in the U.S. recession have been particularly heavy among men, who dominated hard-hit industries such as construction and manufacturing.
Twenty-three percent said their companies initiated furloughs, unpaid leave or mandatory vacations during the most recent quarter, up from 18 percent in the prior quarter.
Looking ahead, one in three said they expect a pay raise or cost of living increase in the next 12 months, while of those eligible for a bonus, three in five said they expect one.
If they were to lose their job, 44 percent of those taking part in the survey said they believe they could find a new job matching their experience and compensation level in the next six months, up from 39 percent each in the prior two quarters.

Something New Called Focus 2!

Focus 2 is a new program here with Career Services! We are very excited about it.

It helps you decide what your major should be!

OR if you have a job you want it tells you what major would be best!

FOCUS-2 is a self-guided, online career and education planning tool for use by college students.  It will enable you to assess your interests, values, skills, personality, and aspirations as they relate to careers and college majors.  FOCUS-2 is designed to help you choose the best major for you and explore occupations that match your profile.  Students who use FOCUS-2 make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to manage their careers.

Be sure to check it out today!

Events for the Week:

10/30	Advertising Career Day
	Applications Due
11/2	Advertising Career Day
	8-5
11/2	Nursing Employment Fair
	221 Union
11/2	JET Program Info Session
	10:15-11 210 Union
11/2-4	Career Mentor Interviews
11/9	Grad School Seminar
11/9	Rockhurst University MBA
	10-2 Union
11/9	Kaplan Test Prep
	10-2 Union
11/9-10	Vector Marketing
	10-2 Mon 11-2 Tues Union
11/12	Navy Lunch & Learn
	11:30-1 White Dining Room

Etiquette Tip of the Week:

“In the event of bad breath, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling... if only.  When your breath stinks, it’s hard to do business.

Remedy garlic breath or bad breath during a business meal by chewing on parsley, drinking lemonade or taking advantage of the restaurant's after dinner mints.  Chewing on coffee beans is a quick fix, although this might be followed later by coffee breath.  Chewing gum is unprofessional, unless you are a football coach.”

   As you know, giving credit to the Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com/ is the polite thing to do.

Quote from the Office:

“If the Trustees come by say hi and give them a Dum Dum!” -Judy

Back from Fall Break...

Time to Get Back in the Swing of Things!

Finding a Job: It's a Lot Like Dating

by Brad Karsh: President and Founder, JobBound

Although the task of finding a job may seem too tough to tackle, it’s really quite simple when you compare it to one of your favorite pastimes: dating.

Just like burping out the alphabet or talking to your ex at the dinner table are sure-fire ways to blow a date, there are some things you just don’t want to do when trying to find a job. I found that if you apply these dating guidelines to the job search, you’re sure to find a dream job that’s a perfect fit for you.

1. Don't be afraid of rejection.
   It’s going to happen. You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince/princess. Just like dates, there will be some companies that just aren’t that into you. Don’t get discouraged; the right one is sure to come along. Rejection is just part of the game.
2. Don't use the same old line.
   “Do you have a map? Because I am getting lost in your eyes.” It’s been done before! Just like a good pick-up line, a cover letter should leave the recruiting director begging to know more. No one is going to read a four paragraph version of your resume. For your cover letter, short, catchy, and non-cheesy is the best way to go.
3. Don't tell them what you think they want to hear.
   Just like a smart date, recruiting directors can see through your answers that are too good to be true. Your date won’t buy the fact that for fun you save baby whales from haphazard environments, just like the recruiting director won’t buy the fact that being a perfectionist is your worst “weakness.”
4. Don't be a stalker.
   There is a fine line between being persistent and being a stalker. If the recruiting director hasn’t gotten back to you, don’t call every 5 minutes and then hang up. They probably have caller ID, and they’re officially scared of you. After calling once, leave them a message telling them how to reach you.
5. Don't always listen to your mom.
   Just because your mom says the blue sweater makes you look handsome, doesn’t mean you should wear it on your first date. When it comes to resumes and interviews, your parents mean well, but they don’t always give you the best advice.  However, as a student, you have access to an amazing resource - the Career Center! From helping you find jobs and internships to assisting you with resume writing and interviewing skills, your Career Center is an amazing resource.

If you keep these tips in mind, the job search won't be half as grueling.  Graduation will be here before you know it, and you want to make sure you’re ready when the right company comes along.

Something New Called Focus 2!

Focus 2 is a new program here with Career Services! We are very excited about it.

It helps you decide what your major should be!

OR if you have a job you want it tells you what major would be best!

FOCUS-2 is a self-guided, online career and education planning tool for use by college students.  It will enable you to assess your interests, values, skills, personality, and aspirations as they relate to careers and college majors.  FOCUS-2 is designed to help you choose the best major for you and explore occupations that match your profile.  Students who use FOCUS-2 make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to manage their careers.

Be sure to check it out today!

Mentor Program!

The time is almost up to sign up for the Mentor Program! The deadline is 10/23!

The Mentor Program allows you to be paired up with a professional in your field of interest and shadow them at their place of business. It’s a great way to network and decide if that career is right for you!

Sign up today!

Events for the Week:

10/23	Mentor Program Applications Due
10/23	Cerner Corporation
10/26-27	Vector Marketing
	10-2 Mon 11-2 Tues Union
10/27	Truex Financial Forum
	7:60-9 Gano
10/30	Advertising Career Day
	Applications Due
11/2	Advertising Career Day
	8-5
11/2	Nursing Employment Fair
	221 Union

Etiquette Tip of the Week:

“If someone sends you an incendiary or insulting email, do not respond immediately.  Do not dwell on it.  Do not read it over and over, which will just make you angrier.  If you can, let it sit for a few hours or even overnight.  If the one who sent it is sitting on top of his/her computer waiting for a response, this will drain some of the steam out of that person like a bag of microwave vegetables. 

When you do respond, respond in a calm and professional manner.  Avoid arguments over email and especially "Reply to all" arguments.”

   As you know, giving credit to the Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com/ is the polite thing to do.

Quote from the Office:

“I don’t think many people are printer Nazis.” - Katie

Almost there!

Ready for Fall Break?

Answering Wild-Card Interview Questions

Maria Hanson, LiveCareer.com, Yahoo! HotJobs

How would you respond if you were asked one of the following interview questions:

"If aliens landed here right now, what would you do?"
"What did you want to be when you were 8 years old?"
"What would your refrigerator say if it could talk?"
These types of odd questions are called "wild cards" because they seem to come out of nowhere. With the current economic climate allowing employers to be more picky, these types of questions are becoming more common. A stellar resume, impressive credentials, and strong interviewing skills are no longer enough.
While a rare interviewer may ask these questions simply to watch you squirm, many wild-card questions serve a purpose. Generally speaking, interviewers ask these questions to see how well you perform under pressure and think on your feet. They also might ask wild cards to break out of the routine of a typical interview in order to get a glimpse of your genuine personality.
Here are some real questions as reported by job seekers, with some insight into what interviewers may be looking for -- and how to deliver:
"If there was a fire in your house, what two things would you save?"
What's the point? The interviewer is trying to determine how well your ideals and principles match the company's values.
Approach: Find an honest answer that aligns you with the values of the company with which you are interviewing.
Possible response: If you're applying for a job as a technical project manager, for example, you might say: "My computer and my family photo album." This shows your obvious technical side but also demonstrates that you prioritize relationships. This could help distinguish you from your fellow techie competitors.
"If you were a cereal, what would you be?"
What's the point? The interviewer is trying to gain some insight into your work personality to see what kind of worker you will be. If you are unsure of what your work personality is, you can take a career interest test to find out.
Approach: Try to tie your answer back to the job requirements.
Possible response: If you were interviewing for a nursing assistant, position, you could say: "Cheerios. Because I'm reliable, consistent, and good for you!" -- all positive qualities for someone in the health-care industry.
"If you were writing an autobiography, what would its title be?"
What's the point? This question gives the interviewer a peek into your self-perception as well as a read on how creative you are.
Approach: Emphasize your main selling points. If you can't come up with something original on the fly, perhaps there is a song or movie title that captures your essence. You don't need to invent something on the spot as long as you can provide a good explanation for the title you choose.
Possible response: If you were applying for a job as a social worker, you could say "I Will Survive," explaining that the hardships you personally experienced made you a stronger person, qualified to help others to work through their own issues.
It's impossible to rehearse the best responses to wild-card interview questions, since, by definition, they are unpredictable. But you can prep. Even if you don't get asked the specific questions you've practiced for, you'll still have a better handle on wild cards in general. If you answer honestly and justify your response, you'll likely impress your interviewers and be one step closer to landing your dream job.

Something New Called Focus 2!

Focus 2 is a new program here with Career Services! We are very excited about it.

It helps you decide what your major should be!

OR if you have a job you want it tells you what major would be best!

FOCUS-2 is a self-guided, online career and education planning tool for use by college students.  It will enable you to assess your interests, values, skills, personality, and aspirations as they relate to careers and college majors.  FOCUS-2 is designed to help you choose the best major for you and explore occupations that match your profile.  Students who use FOCUS-2 make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to manage their careers.

Be sure to check it out today!

Mentor Program!

The time is almost up to sign up for the Mentor Program! The deadline is 10/23!

The Mentor Program allows you to be paired up with a professional in your field of interest and shadow them at their place of business. It’s a great way to network and decide if that career is right for you!

Sign up today!

Events for the Week:

10/23	Mentor Program Applications Due
10/23	Cerner Corporation
10/26-27	Vector Marketing
	10-2 Mon 11-2 Tues Union
10/27	Truex Financial Forum
	7:60-9 Gano
10/30	Advertising Career Day
	Applications Due
11/2	Advertising Career Day
	8-5
11/2	Nursing Employment Fair
	221 Union

Etiquette Tip of the Week:

Oh my aching back!  People who talk about health complaints without coming up for air are a real pain in the… well, you know.  Also avoid taking medications in front of people in your place of business.  In any medical emergency, suspend the rules.

If nosy people ask personal questions or offer unsolicited advice about your health, simply say, "There are some things that are personal that I will not discuss."  You may add, "But thank you for your concern."

   As you know, giving credit to the Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com/ is the polite thing to do.

Quote from the Office:

“That makes me sad! I should read signs.” -Julie

This Week....

It’s Homecoming but We’ve Still Got a Lot Going On!

10 Ways to Make a Bad First Impression -- and How to Recover

Liz Seasholtz, WetFeet.com, Yahoo! HotJobs

In the book "You Are the Message," media executive Roger Ailes wrote that it takes only seven seconds to make a first impression. With a job on the line, the pressure to immediately impress is even more intense. No wonder we get flustered.

The good news is that no matter what goes wrong -- your fly is down, you spill your water, you mispronounce the company name -- it's all about how well you recover. "I had one candidate who sat on a chair, it flipped out from under her, and she landed on her back," says Ellen Reeves, author of "Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?" "But, she picked herself up, picked up the chair, and made a joke. She knew how to recover -- and she got the job."
Below are 10 ways to potentially botch your interview, and the steps to take to right your sinking ship.
1. You're Sick the Day of the Interview
Don't try to be a martyr. Even if you just have a cold, you should call and reschedule. "I once interviewed someone who told me she threw up on her way over," says Reeves. "I was just thinking, 'Why didn't you cancel?'" You may be trying to prove your dedication, but employers would rather interview you when there isn't a risk you'll give them the flu.
2. You Have a Black Eye
If you're hurt in some way -- whether you have a black eye, broken leg, or visible stitches -- first assess whether you can give the interview the same effort as if you were well. You may want to call and explain your condition, especially if it's severe or requires handicap access. If you decide not to call, be prepared with an explanation. A general rule of thumb: sporting accidents are more acceptable than bar fights.
3. You Have a Nose Ring
Facial piercings and visible tattoos are tricky. The best bet is to cover them until you feel out the culture. If you're concerned your personal decor won't be tolerated, make an anonymous call and ask the receptionist if it's the correct environment for your nose ring. If the answer is no, remove/hide your piercing/tattoo. If you're unwilling, be prepared to get rejected for not fitting into the company culture.
4. You're Sweating
You're human. You perspire. But don't let interviewers see it. If you arrive at an interview spouting like a sprinkler, excuse yourself to the restroom to compose yourself -- and towel down. Sweaty palms don't make for a pleasant handshake. Run your hands under cold water to cool them off, then dry thoroughly.
5. You're Underdressed
Dressing to impress should be a no-brainer, but many people still struggle with what to wear. "Do your homework," says image consultant Lauren Solomon. "Be able to walk in and look like part of the team -- but one step above." Solomon suggests looking at peoples' clothes on the company website, asking the secretary, or posing the question on Twitter. If all those fail, wearing a suit is always a safe bet.
6. You're Late
There really is no excuse for being late to an interview. Scope out the route beforehand, and give yourself plenty of transit time. If you have to be late -- your car stalled, your train is running late, or there was a UFO landing outside the office -- call the interviewer, explain the situation, and ask if he still has time for you or would like to reschedule. Be respectful of recruiters' time and they'll remember it.
7. You're Early
While you should give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview, hanging out in the lobby for 30 minutes before the interview makes you look desperate. If you arrive early, sit and wait in a coffee shop, or just sit in your car. Don't go into the office until 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
8. You Misuse Your Lobby Time
Count your 10 minutes in the lobby as part of the interview. "The security guard, doorman, and receptionist will all be judging you," says Reeves. "If you're rude or dismissive, they will tattle, and there's a good chance you won't get the job." Talking on your cell about last night's exploits or reading a book are also bad ideas. Spend your time gathering information -- read available literature or look at company bulletin boards.
9. Your Handshake Is Lacking
A University of Iowa study found a solid handshake is more important than physical appearance when establishing an impression in an interview. Your grip should fall between the dead fish and the bone-crunching clasp. It sounds silly, but practicing with a friend is the best way to perfect your handshake. Also make sure to look your interviewer in the eye and say his name.
10. You're Bad at Small Talk
Think of some questions to ask your interviewer as you walk through the hall. If you notice something like a company picnic flyer, inquiring about that can be a great way to learn about company culture. Another safe topic is how the interviewer learned about the company. By showing interest in your interviewer's background, you'll put her at ease and establish a connection.
Want more? Visit CareerTV.com for this video on one fatal interview sin. For more articles on interviewing, visit WetFeet.com.
Copyright 2009 Universum Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Events for the Week:

10/9	Marines Pull Up Challenge
	Union
10/11	Cerner Interview Sign Up Deadline
10/12-13	Vector Marketing
	10-2 Mon 11-2 Tues Union
10/23	Cerner Corporation
10/26-27	Vector Marketing
	10-2 Mon 11-2 Tues Union

Etiquette Tip of the Week:

When enjoying soup, scoop away from you with the soup spoon. If you scoop toward you, you are more likely to splash on yourself.  Sip out of the side of the spoon.  Do not cram the whole thing in your mouth.

Do not slouch over your food.  Sit up straight and bring the soup up to you.

   As you know, giving credit to the Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com/ is the polite thing to do.

Quote from the Office:

“Does anyone want to go on a blind date with me? … Not as my date!” – Amanda