Okay so it is a new year here at the Hill and Career Services is starting it off right. There are multiple events coming up in the next few weeks that will bring up many opportunities and may even bring about an exciting summer adventure. Located on our board down in the hallway by the Cage is a calendar that says all of the events that include times, locations and deadlines. If you have any questions at all about the calendar, just stop by the office, which is located on the second floor of the Union past the Perch and to the right. We’d love to help you with your resume and job searching needs.
Make sure to keep up with the blog because February is going to be resume month. We will be reviewing the aspects of a resume from the basic details to the things that will make your resume stand out.
Good luck with the job researching and classes everyone!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Friday, November 11, 2011
Let's Get Started!
As a new year starts so do new traditions. Okay so maybe keeping a blog isn’t a tradition but it is something I have wanted to start for a while. This is the Career Services blog, it is going to be filled with funny stories from the office, up coming events and tips for etiquette and job hunting! I am so excited that for whoever actually reads this gets to go on this journey with me. So let’s get started.
Here in the office I really just help out people who come in looking for help with a resume or job search, I'm still kinda learning the ropes but I am getting there. Career Services is here for you! To get to the office go to the second floor of the Union, go past the perch and turn right! You’ll see our door open so just walk right in and you’ll see a smiling face welcome you to our little office.
Every week there will be at least one post about the happenings in the office by me or someone from the office. Plus I will introduce a new person each week, so when you come in you’ll know a familiar face.
Here in the office I really just help out people who come in looking for help with a resume or job search, I'm still kinda learning the ropes but I am getting there. Career Services is here for you! To get to the office go to the second floor of the Union, go past the perch and turn right! You’ll see our door open so just walk right in and you’ll see a smiling face welcome you to our little office.
If you really want to keep up with all the happenings in the office join our Facebook groups and follow us on Twitter. We post a lot of information on the Facebook pages and quick stuff on the Twitter! (The links are located on the left side of the page!)
For whoever is reading this, just have a great weekend, stay safe and good luck job hunting!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Grad School Career Fair and Seminar
Thursday November 17
Career Fair: YGCU Atrium
11am - 1pm
Avila
Kaplan Test Prep
Mid America Nazarene
Park University
Rockhurst University
UMCK Bloch School of MGT
University of Missouri School of Law
University of Saint Mary
Seminar: YGCU 212
2:15pm - 3:15pm
Kaplan Test Prep
UMKC Bloch School of MGT
University of Missouri School of Law
Career Fair: YGCU Atrium
11am - 1pm
Avila
Kaplan Test Prep
Mid America Nazarene
Park University
Rockhurst University
UMCK Bloch School of MGT
University of Missouri School of Law
University of Saint Mary
Seminar: YGCU 212
2:15pm - 3:15pm
Kaplan Test Prep
UMKC Bloch School of MGT
University of Missouri School of Law
Monday, October 24, 2011
This Week's Events
10/26/11 - Workforce Recruitment Program Intv.
10/28/11 - Park University Career Fair
10/28/11 - Park University Career Fair
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Creating a Killer Cover Letter
By Lindsay Olson
Many job seekers question whether or not they should send a cover letter with their resume. It’s a question that’s up for debate between job search professionals, and you’ll receive conflicting advice everywhere.
People skip the cover letter because they think that companies don’t read them and that they are a waste of time to write. While it is true that some hiring managers and recruiters won’t take the time to read a cover letter, plenty of companies do consider one necessary for a candidate to receive serious consideration. Not sending a cover letter for a position could be a risky move, so if you are extremely interested in the position for which you’re applying, your best bet is to include one.
Think of your cover letter (or introductory letter) as a high-level overview of your resume and an additional tool to elaborate any specific information. It provides you with the opportunity to highlight your strengths and answer any possible objections up front. Focus the content on the specific skills that the job description mentions so that the hiring manager knows right away that you fit her criteria. Once you’ve covered that and have gained the reader’s attention, you can use it fill in any details that might not fit on or be appropriate for your resume.
For example, if you are applying for a job that requires French language skills, it might not be fitting to mention in your resume that you lived in France for a few years as a teenager with your family, but your cover letter is the perfect place to tell that story.
If you foresee any obstacles, such as in the case of applying for a job out of state, mention them in your letter. Let’s say you are applying for a job in New York City and live in Utah, but plan to move to New York soon; let the company rep know so she doesn’t feel like you’re looking for a relocation package. If you are planning on being in the region where you are applying for jobs, make sure you include this early on in your cover letter.
Successful Cover Letters
There’s no single formula for success when it comes to writing a stellar cover letter, but you can be sure that the more unique and creative your cover letter, the more attention it will get. A quick cut and paste job changing the title of the position won’t cut it. The meat of the cover letter should be customized for the specific position using the job description and your knowledge of the company as a guide about what to cover in the introduction.
Relate your experience to the job description. The best cover letters should leave the reader with the desire to call you to come in for an interview before even opening your resume.
Keep the letter relatively short. It’s an introduction to you and your resume, so three to five paragraphs should suffice. Resist the temptation of writing a full page (or more) to get in all of the great things about you; it’s better to keep some of that for the interview.
Address your letter to the hiring manager, and if at all possible, get his or her name. A personalized letter is much better than one addressed “To Whom It May Concern.”
What to Include
- Start your letter by identifying the position you are interested in and where you found it (this is unnecessary if you are applying through a job site directly). If the company is hiring for more than one position that you’re interested in and qualified for, specify which ones. Only choose the positions for which you are a close enough fit. Otherwise, your search comes across as unfocused.
- Provide three outstanding reasons why you are ideal for the job. It’s not enough to say, “I’m the perfect fit for this role.” Instead, you should back it up with examples. Refer back to the job description to align what you focus on with the responsibilities and challenges of the position.
- Bullet points or a table to match your background to the requirements works well to highlight your three main points. They’re visually easy to skim, and they show the reader where her eyes should focus. Stick to just three (maybe four) points, rather than a long list. Your resume should answer the rest.
- Don’t forget your contact information! Provide both your e-mail address and your phone number, as well as any links to your portfolio or samples of your work.
And finally, don’t be too stuffy. Yes, your letter should be professional, but it should also show your personality. Be relaxed in your letter, and don’t be afraid to toot your own horn. Sometimes the job description can give you an idea of the company’s formality. If the description is a bit off the wall and personable, respond in a similar tone. On the other hand, if the job description is very stilted and formal, a more traditional letter may appeal more to the reader.
Lindsay Olson is a founding partner and public relations recruiter with Paradigm Staffing and Hoojobs, a niche job board for public relations, communications and social media jobs. She blogs at LindsayOlson.com, where she discusses recruiting and job search issues.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Choose Your Boss Wisely
11:53 AM Wednesday April 20, 2011
by Priscilla Claman
Most job-seekers aren't just looking for the right work — they're looking for the right manager, too. To a large extent a manager will control your assignments and your work environment, so it makes sense to try to learn more about her long before you're hired.
But in an hour-long interview with a hiring manager, you will be lucky to get fifteen minutes to ask your own questions. For this reason, as a job candidate you should not only be concerned with your answers to a hiring manager's questions, and but also a potential manager's answers to your questions.
It was early in my career when I first used this technique. I was the interviewee, and let's just say the hiring manager reputedly had a management style akin to that of a Mafia boss — ruthless, and obsessed with loyalty. I asked if there was someone working for him that he considered a real star that I could learn from. He was quick to answer:
"That would be Barbara. One time, I gave her an assignment and she came back to me pleading that I give it to someone else. She didn't feel comfortable doing it, and said that in all the years she had worked for me she had never asked for anything but this. Of course, I told her that I had given her an assignment, and expected her to do it. Barbara said, 'Yes, boss,' and did it. And that is why she is the star on my team."
I learned more about his management style in that answer than if I had asked him directly. I had enough information right there to make my own decision.
To make an informed judgment about your potential boss, it's important to ask the right questions during the interview:
1.Start out by asking about a past project or accomplishment in detail. Get into specifics. Instead of hearing responses like, "I believe in delegating to my people," you'll want to get to, "We had a weekly meeting on the project, and people came to me between meetings with something they wanted my help with..." Make it a point to find out what the manager did, not just what she read in the latest issue of HBR. This way you'll begin to understand how she actually conducts business in practice, and whether or not that's a culture you want to be a part of.
2.Ask about customers or colleagues. A good starting point is, "Can you give me an example of a typical customer, and what they are like?" Not only do you want to know what the customers are like, but also the manager's attitude toward customers. If you are great with customers and your manager doesn't respect them, your manager probably won't like you. And if you treat customers the way your manager does — i.e., without respect — your customers won't like you either.
Even before the Q&A section of the interview, look for repeated patterns of unconscious behavior. This will help you predict future behavior. Notice how the interviewer is saying things, not just what he is saying. Does he spend a lot of time talking about himself? Does he often use the word "I," and never use "we" to describe his department? You can expect that manager to be pretty self-focused. Or, does the manager talk about "the team" and compliment or refer to others on the team? If you are a team-oriented person, you probably will have an easier time working for the second manager, regardless of what the job is.
Listen carefully during the interview. Does the manager grill you? Challenge your answers? Not let you get a word in edgewise? You can expect that to continue on the job. Or, does the manager welcome you? Show you around? Give you a chance to present yourself? You can expect that in the future, too.
Just as in my interview with Mr. Mafia Management Style, get the data on your potential boss early on — then decide if he's the right manager for you. This way, when you accept an offer after you have learned what to expect from your manager, you are much more likely to be secure in your success.
And if you're wondering if I answered "yes" to the offer from the "boss" — well — that's a topic for another time.
Priscilla Claman is president of Career Strategies, Inc., a Boston-based firm offering career coaching to individuals and career management services to organizations. Priscilla is a former corporate Human Resources executive and author of the book, ASK: How to Get What You Want and Need at Work.
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!
Etiquette Tip of the Week:
Some people introduce a guest speaker, then make a run for it. Can't get away fast enough. They are moving at such a pace that they should be sponsored by Nike or Gatorade. The guest speaker has not even reached the stage and the person who introduced him or her flies by without even shaking hands. Or that person dives off the stage in the opposite direction. Where's the fire?
When introducing a speaker, wait at the lectern until the speaker gets there. Shake hands with the speaker, then walk --don't run-- back to your seat. If you are the guest speaker, wait for the emcee to return to the lectern and shake hands before departing.
As you know, it’s polite to give credit where credit is due. Thus these tips are from www.cultureandmanners.com
This will be the last blog post for this school year. It will start back up again in August. Be looking for it!
Thank you to all who have read the blog this year!
-Career Services Office
11:53 AM Wednesday April 20, 2011
by Priscilla Claman
Most job-seekers aren't just looking for the right work — they're looking for the right manager, too. To a large extent a manager will control your assignments and your work environment, so it makes sense to try to learn more about her long before you're hired.
But in an hour-long interview with a hiring manager, you will be lucky to get fifteen minutes to ask your own questions. For this reason, as a job candidate you should not only be concerned with your answers to a hiring manager's questions, and but also a potential manager's answers to your questions.
It was early in my career when I first used this technique. I was the interviewee, and let's just say the hiring manager reputedly had a management style akin to that of a Mafia boss — ruthless, and obsessed with loyalty. I asked if there was someone working for him that he considered a real star that I could learn from. He was quick to answer:
"That would be Barbara. One time, I gave her an assignment and she came back to me pleading that I give it to someone else. She didn't feel comfortable doing it, and said that in all the years she had worked for me she had never asked for anything but this. Of course, I told her that I had given her an assignment, and expected her to do it. Barbara said, 'Yes, boss,' and did it. And that is why she is the star on my team."
I learned more about his management style in that answer than if I had asked him directly. I had enough information right there to make my own decision.
To make an informed judgment about your potential boss, it's important to ask the right questions during the interview:
1.Start out by asking about a past project or accomplishment in detail. Get into specifics. Instead of hearing responses like, "I believe in delegating to my people," you'll want to get to, "We had a weekly meeting on the project, and people came to me between meetings with something they wanted my help with..." Make it a point to find out what the manager did, not just what she read in the latest issue of HBR. This way you'll begin to understand how she actually conducts business in practice, and whether or not that's a culture you want to be a part of.
2.Ask about customers or colleagues. A good starting point is, "Can you give me an example of a typical customer, and what they are like?" Not only do you want to know what the customers are like, but also the manager's attitude toward customers. If you are great with customers and your manager doesn't respect them, your manager probably won't like you. And if you treat customers the way your manager does — i.e., without respect — your customers won't like you either.
Even before the Q&A section of the interview, look for repeated patterns of unconscious behavior. This will help you predict future behavior. Notice how the interviewer is saying things, not just what he is saying. Does he spend a lot of time talking about himself? Does he often use the word "I," and never use "we" to describe his department? You can expect that manager to be pretty self-focused. Or, does the manager talk about "the team" and compliment or refer to others on the team? If you are a team-oriented person, you probably will have an easier time working for the second manager, regardless of what the job is.
Listen carefully during the interview. Does the manager grill you? Challenge your answers? Not let you get a word in edgewise? You can expect that to continue on the job. Or, does the manager welcome you? Show you around? Give you a chance to present yourself? You can expect that in the future, too.
Just as in my interview with Mr. Mafia Management Style, get the data on your potential boss early on — then decide if he's the right manager for you. This way, when you accept an offer after you have learned what to expect from your manager, you are much more likely to be secure in your success.
And if you're wondering if I answered "yes" to the offer from the "boss" — well — that's a topic for another time.
Priscilla Claman is president of Career Strategies, Inc., a Boston-based firm offering career coaching to individuals and career management services to organizations. Priscilla is a former corporate Human Resources executive and author of the book, ASK: How to Get What You Want and Need at Work.
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!
Etiquette Tip of the Week:
Some people introduce a guest speaker, then make a run for it. Can't get away fast enough. They are moving at such a pace that they should be sponsored by Nike or Gatorade. The guest speaker has not even reached the stage and the person who introduced him or her flies by without even shaking hands. Or that person dives off the stage in the opposite direction. Where's the fire?
When introducing a speaker, wait at the lectern until the speaker gets there. Shake hands with the speaker, then walk --don't run-- back to your seat. If you are the guest speaker, wait for the emcee to return to the lectern and shake hands before departing.
As you know, it’s polite to give credit where credit is due. Thus these tips are from www.cultureandmanners.com
This will be the last blog post for this school year. It will start back up again in August. Be looking for it!
Thank you to all who have read the blog this year!
-Career Services Office
Friday, April 29, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
5 Tips to Get a Job in 2011
Make relationships to find your next job!by Clarky Davis | FNC iMag
With its online community recently surpassing 100 million users, LinkedIn is a must for job-seekers. On LinkedIn, you can create a profile, add your résumé and skills, and connect with business colleagues and friends past and present. What separates LinkedIn from other social networking sites is that it allows your online persona to remain completely professional. You won’t have to worry about “friending” business associates on Facebook or Twitter and then having your friends post unprofessional photos of you for everyone to see!
Beyond.com
Beyond.com is another valuable resource for job-seekers to network online. The thing I love about this site is that you can browse their extensive lists of local and national networks by location or occupation. Check out their Engineering channels, for example, and you’ll find 164 communities and online job boards for specialties like chemical engineering, electrical product managers, safety engineers, and more.
Hit Up the Big Boys
Which large, national companies in your field are always hiring? Find contacts who work at these companies through your networking efforts, and make sure to introduce yourself. Ask your contact if you can take them out to lunch or a cup of coffee to find out more about their company. You’ll gain insider knowledge, and your contact will think of you first if an opportunity arises. Also keep in mind that the U.S. government is always hiring for a wide variety of positions. Visit USAJobs.gov to browse openings by agency, state or occupation.
Think Local
One of the best places to network is at a local level. Go to CareerOneStop.org and select your state on the upper right to connect to your state’s department of employment and find out about local job postings and upcoming career fairs. You can also find resources to learn more about different types of careers and free job training that may be available to you.
Keep It Up
Remember, networking is an ongoing process that doesn’t end with posting your résumé! Make sure to stay active in your communities, both online and off. Get together with other job-seekers regularly to keep up your spirits and share any leads you’ve found. It may take a while, but with a little networking you can land the job of your dreams.
For more financial tips, visit Clarky's website. And for more career tips, click here.
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!
Etiquette Tip of the Week:
Remember what they used to tell you in grammar school about brushing your teeth? Ignore your teeth and they will go away.
The same is true for a good secretary, assistant or other administrative professional. April 27 is Administrative Professionals Day. In a tough economy when organizations make do with less, more work falls to the administrative professionals, so treat them right. Do something special for that day -- take them to lunch, buy some flowers, a gift or gift certificate, let them go home early. Year round, be attentive, make eye contact, say thank you, recognize effort, offer encouragement and most importantly, a kind word.
As you know, it’s polite to give credit where credit is due. Thus these tips are from www.cultureandmanners.com
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