career manual engineering um

8/3/2019 Career Manual Engineering UM

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Welcome Students:

On behalf of the entire staff of the Engineering Career Resource Center (ECRC) Iwant to welcome Michigan Engineering and Computer Science students to our center.The ECRC continues to evolve in our efforts to provide a variety of services to assistyou with your career planning. I encourage each of you to take full advantage of theservices we have to offer.

The 2009-2010 recruiting season begins with hopes of an improved economy. Nowmore than ever, we continue to increase our efforts to identify and make you awareof opportunities. Whether you are seeking employment or information about furthereducation, we are available to assist you. This year we continue to offer HireME as ouronline recruiting system. In addition to the job listing and resume database, campusinterviews can be scheduled through the system. HireME is flexible, easy to use andyour best link to the career servicesemployment information for Michigan Engineers.If you are not currently registered, make sure you get registered today.

Now is the best time to learn more about the many areas you can explore with yourengineering education. We will help you make contact with those already working inthe field and the numerous employers that seek Michigan Engineers. Internship andcooperative education positions are also available to help you gain valuable experiencebefore you graduate.

We look forward to working with your and hope you will take the time to give usfeedback through email, [email protected], or by stopping by the office.

Sincerely,

Cynthia M. Redwine, PhDDirector


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CAREERMANUAL

2009-2010

The University

of Michigan

EngineeringCareer Resource

Center

Chrysler Center

2121 Bonisteel Blvd.

Suite 230Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2092

Telephone: 734/647-7160

Fax: 734/647-7161

Hours:Monday thru Friday8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Services

Student Services ................................................................................3

Job Search Code of Ethics ...................................................................4

Cover Letters and Resumes

Mail Cover Letter Format .....................................................................5

Sample ResumeFull Time .................................................................6

Sample ResumeGrad Student ...........................................................7

Power Verbs for Your Resume ..............................................................8

The Top Ten Pitfalls in Resume Writing .................................................9

Electronic Resumes ..........................................................................10

Job Search

Making Your Career Center Work for You ............................................11

Job Search Strategies: Pros and Cons ................................................12

Dont Forget the Small Companies .....................................................13

How to Stand Apart From the Crowd ...................................................14

International Students and the Job Search ..........................................15

Email Correspondence ......................................................................16

Network Your Way to a Job ................................................................17

Dealing With Stress in the Job Search ................................................18

Getting the Most Out of a Career Fair .................................................19

Interviews

Dressing for the Interview ..................................................................20

Questions Asked by Employers ..........................................................21

Questions to Ask Employers ..............................................................21

Are You Ready for a Behavioral Interview? ...........................................22 Professional Etiquette .......................................................................23

Guide to Appropriate Pre-Employment Inquiries....................................24

Evaluating Offers

The Benefits of Company Benefits ......................................................25

The Art of Negotiating ........................................................................26

Choosing Between Job Offers ............................................................27

Multiple Job Offers ............................................................................28

Pre-Employment Testing ....................................................................29

Cost of Living Index ...........................................................................30

Graduate School Is Graduate School Right for You? ......................................................31

ADVERTISER INDEX

Earth Share . . . . . . . . . . 32

Gibbs & Cox, Inc. . . . . . .32

Westinghouse Electric

Company . . . . . . . . . . 32

Table of Contents


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http://career.engin.umich.edu/ The University of Michigan, College of Engineering 3

Student ServicesWorkshops and Employer Presentations

Workshops on topics including Job Search Strategies,

Resume Writing, and Interview Skills are routinely offered.Employer representatives may also visit campus andconduct presentations on various aspects of engineeringcareers or career-related topics. Check the ECRC websiteor stop by the ECRC in 230 Chrysler Center for moreinformation.

On-Campus RecruitingHundreds of companies visit the College of Engineering

every year to interview engineering students. The inter-viewing season is typically mid-September through earlyDecember, and January through March. HireME is the placeto find interview schedules. Using HireME, you may submityour resume to companies and signup for interviews youare selected for online.

Plan to take advantage of this convenient service asan undergraduate or graduate student, whether you areseeking a co-op, internship, or permanent position. Startearly. If you are graduating this year, keep in mind eachyear more and more interviews for permanent positionstake place in the fall. Many students know by Decemberor January where they will be working after graduation. Ifyou are not graduating this year, plan to obtain some major-related work experience through either the CooperativeEducation Program or a summer internship position. It isnever too early to start learning more about engineeringcareers and gaining work experience.

Job Opportunities

Always check both theJobs and Schedules areas ofHireME. Many different positions are advertised byemployers seeking Michigan Engineers in these two linksof HireME.

Fall 2009SWE/Tau Beta Pi Engineering Career Fair: September 21-22On-Campus Recruiting Interviews*: September 21 -December 4*No interviewing takes place October 19-20 and November 25-27

Winter 2010On-Campus Recruiting Interviews*: January 11 - March 26Engineering Career Fair: February 5*No interviewing takes place January 18 and February 26-March 9 during

Spring Break*All dates, times and locations are subject to change check with the ECRC.

Recruiting ServicesThe Engineering Career Resource Center (ECRC) uses

HireME, an online system designed to connect studentswith numerous employers for employment opportunities.HireME is a job posting and interview scheduling systempowered by CSO Interfase via the Internet. Employers usethe system to post jobs, view resumes, and set-up campusinterviews.

Career AdvisingProfessional staff and peer advisors are available in the

ECRC to assist you with resume writing, interviewingskills, job search techniques, or navigating HireME. Besure to make use of their expertise. Staffing hours varyand appointments are available. The ECRC also maintainscareer resources for your use. The literature contains

important details and proven methods to help yousuccessfully prepare. Use this service to support you asyou make important career decisions. Contact the off iceat (734) 647-7160.

In addition to meeting with staff members and usingHireME, stay connected with the ECRC at Facebook.Become a fan as a way to get to know us and accessinformation.

InternshipsSummer internships are a great way to learn more about

what engineers do on the job, gain some meaningful expe-rience, and earn money in the process. You can apply forsome internships as early as the summer following your

first year. Remember, many of the companies that comeon campus to interview are seeking interns to fill summerpositions. A guide to international internships can be foundat http://www.engin.umich.edu/students/under CareerResources.

Cooperative Education ProgramThe Cooperative Education Program (co-op) is designed

to match your career interests with the appropriate co-opjob. The program will give you the opportunity to partici-pate in work experience related to your major before yougraduate. By alternating work semesters with schoolsemesters, you can work toward your career goals in ameaningful job while going to school. Plan to participate in

this rewarding program at least two consecutive semesters,one being spring/summer.

SERVICES

Check the ECRC website at http://career.engin.umich.eduor stopby the ECRC in 230 Chrysler Center for more information. Additionalservices can be obtained from The Career Center on central campus inroom 3200 Student Activities Building. Contact them by telephone at(734) 764-7460 or visit their website at http://www.careercenter.umich.edu.


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4 The University of Michigan, College of Engineering http://career.engin.umich.edu/

Job Search Code of Ethics

SERVICES

P

lease read this page carefully. It states the policy foruse of HireME, our online recruiting system powered

by CSO Interfase. If you do not accept the terms statedhere, do not use this website. By using the website you areindicating your acceptance of the terms of the Job SearchCode of Ethics.

User EligibilityEmployer contact information included in HireME is

provided for the use of University of Michigan College ofEngineering and all Computer Science students at the AnnArbor campus. Employer representatives expect that anycorrespondence (e.g., e-mail messages, telephone inquiries)will only be from engineering and computer science appli-cants who are enrolled at the Ann Arbor campus. Maintainthe confidentiality of your password access and use cautionand common sense when using the website.

Falsification of DataProviding inaccurate information in order to meet the

eligibility requirements for a specific company schedule isinappropriate. Citizenship status, grade point average,graduation dates and major are to be accurately reported.Ensure that your HireME registration information, profileand resume are consistent with information contained inyour university transcript. If you do not meet the require-ments that the employer has specified, you may submit yourresume and cover letter by using the employer directorywithin HireME. Students who falsify information in thesystem will not only be removed from interview schedules,but will be blocked from the system for the remainder of thecurrent recruiting season and/or for the following recruiting

season. Any further violation will result in permanentremoval from the ECRC online system.

Interview Cancellation and No-ShowInterviewing on campus is a privilege granted to you

by employers who have provided their staff, financialresources, and time to meet you at your convenience. Onlyrequest interviews for positions that seriously interest you.If you find that you must cancel an interview, then you arerequired to abide by the following ECRC policy. Cancellation: To cancel an interview, access HireME

to cancel your interview timeslot. If you are unableto cancel your interview via HireME, please contactthe ECRC immediately to avoid late cancellation orno-show consequences.

Late Cancellation: Cancelled appointment two (2)business days or less before interview date. Inabilityto keep appointment due to an unforeseen occurrence,such as a serious illness or death.

No-Show: Not showing up or contacting our officeto cancel the interview. This is unprofessional anddiscourteous conduct.

Late Cancellation or No-showTwo (2)Business Days or Less Before Interview

Send an apology via email or letter to the recruiterexplaining the circumstances that caused you to cancel ormiss your interview within three (3) business days and bringin a copy to the Engineering Career Resource Center in 230Chrysler Center, N. Campus or e-mail [email protected].

Failure to send an apology to the recruiter and give a copy tothe ECRC will result in a suspension of your HireME privi-

leges. The recruiters address may be obtained from HireMEor the Recruiters Business Card binder in the ECRC office.

Second Late Cancellation or No-ShowInterview appointments must be kept to maintain

integrity and professional conduct. A Late Cancellation ora No-Show for an interview is taken very seriously; there-fore, a second violation of this policy within any recruitingseason will result in the suspension of your HireMEaccount. You must send an apology to the recruiter withinthree (3) business days, copy the ECRC at [email protected], and meet with the Director of the ECRC or his/herdesignee.

Note: When a student is blocked from further use of the

system, the student is still responsible for attending all previouslyscheduled interview appointments.

On-campus interviewing is very competitive and highlysought after by all students. It is a privilege and not a right.A wasted interview slot represents a lost opportunity foranother student and an enormous loss for the employer.Additionally, it reflects very poorly on the University ofMichigan, which in turn, reflects poorly on you. Show thatyou are a person of integrity who keeps commitments.

Offers and Acceptance of EmploymentWe strongly encourage students to inform the ECRC of

offers and acceptances of employment. Once an offer hasbeen accepted, discontinue campus interviews and cancel

any remaining interviews in accordance with the cancella-tion policy stated above. Students should also make everyeffort to avoid reneging on job offers. Gather information,ask plenty of questions, anticipate other offers, determineyour career goals and needs, meet with an ECRC advisor,request an extension on the deadline, all in an attempt tomake an informed decision regarding an offer of employ-ment. Once that commitment is made, reneging on an offerhas a very negative impact. It not only tarnishes your reputa-tion but also damages the reputation of Michigan Engineers.Building a campus presence, identifying suitable candidatesand participating in campus recruiting are time-consumingand expensive undertakings for employing organiza-tions. Take seriously your offers and plan to honor yourcommitments.

We strongly encourage students to

inform the ECRC of offers and

acceptances of employment.


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Mail Cover Letter Format

COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES

Your Name and Address as they appear on your resume

Date

Contact Person, Title

Company Name

Address

City, State Zip

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. (Contact Person):

First ParagraphI ntroduction (2 - 4 sentences)

Establishes the purpose of your letter, attracts attention and arouses interest.

State why you are writing by naming the specific position or longer career aspirations.

Tell how you heard about the position/employer and why you are interested in it.

Insert a brief sentence that gives your degree, major, college affiliation, and graduation date.

Mention the name of your contact person, if applicable.

Second ParagraphB ody (1 - 2 paragraphs, depending on background)

Generate interest with content that shows that you have done your research on the company and can show

how what you have done and how your skills/background match the employers needs.

Indicate how you can help the employer achieve organizational goals in your specialty. Focus on what

you can do for them rather than why you want the position.

Highlight your most significant accomplishments, abilities, and experiences that are specificallyrelevant to the employer and job requirements.

Sell your credentialsyour mission is to prove you should be invited to an interview. Make reference

to enclosures.

Do not simply repeat your resume but point out important experiences and key assetsshow some

of this to demonstrate to the employer your more personal qualities which cannot be indicated on a

resume.

Third ParagraphC losing (4 sentences maximum)

State your commitment to action.

Take the initiative to make clear what happens next. For example, indicate you will be calling to see if

they have received your resume and/or ask for additional information.

State your availability. Let them know if/when you will be in the area.

Do not indicate you will be waiting for the employer to contact you.

Very truly yours,

Your Signature

Your Name typed

Enclosure(s)


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Sample ResumeFull Time


JULIA FELLOWS

123 S. Main St. l Ann Arbor, MI 48103 l 734-555-7160 l [email protected]

OBJECTIVE Seeking a full time position as an electrical engineer, with a strong interest in VLSI design

EDUCATION University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI December 2009

B.S.E., Electrical Engineering, G.P.A.: 3.6/4.0

Courses: VLSI Design, Linear Algebra, Computer Architecture, Computer Organization,

Semiconductor Device Theory, Logic Circuit Syntheses & Optimization

EXPERIENCE Hewlett-Packard Company - Ft. Collins, CO May-August 2008

HP SEED Level III

Performed reliability verification on various functional blocks of the McKinley

microprocessor to prevent self-heating (SH) and electromigration (EM) problems

Thoroughly tested the SH/EM CAD tool Chihuahua and offered suggestions for

improvement

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) - Sunnyvale, CA May-August 2007

Logic/Circuit Design Intern

Designed a dynamic 32-bit adder for the Load/Store unit of the K8 microprocessor

Researched 32-bit and 64-bit static adder designs and explored the use of skewed

logic and dynamic logic

General Electric Medical Systems (GEMS) - Waukesha, WI June-August 2006

Safety & Regulatory Engineering Intern

Performed EMC testing on X-Ray, Ultrasound, MR, Nuclear, CT, and IIS modalities

Eliminated or reduced RF emissions of medical equipment

Assisted with setup of equipment in an Open Air Test Site

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn, MI June-July 2005

Electric Vehicles Intern

Created a competitive benchmarks report and table for the Electric Vehicle team

Performed next generation star testing on Ranger-EV

Built an Auxiliary Power Unit circuit board for the Ranger-EV

COMPUTER Platforms: Windows 98/NT/Vista, Mac OS, UNIX: Solaris, HP-UX

SKILLS Languages: C, C++, Verilog, MATLAB, MAPLE

Applications: Microsoft Office, Mentor Graphics Tools: Design Architect, QuickSim,

HP CAD Tools: Piglet, AWSIM, Chihuahua

ACTIVITIES Society of Women Engineers (SWE), 2006-present

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, student chapter (IEEE)

LANGUAGES Fluent in German and Spanish

Margins thesame on all

4 sides; 1inch-.70

Umich.eduemail is best;

some firewallsblock yahooand hotmail

Use 11-12 pt font for most resumes, bold educationalinstitutions and company names for emphasis

Be as specific as possible on the object ive; forinternsh ips/co-ops, g ive dates available

Put academicprojectsunder eitherEducation or

Experience List only completed courses using name of course, not the number

Indicate level oflanguage proficiency


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Sample ResumeGrad StudentWith Objective and Summary


NAME

Address City, State Zip Phone email address.edu

OBJECTIVE

Seeking a full-time software engineer position specializing in digital signal processing/embedded systems

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Varied experience in electrical engineering and communications applications. Graduate concentration in

communications. Primary strengths include mobile satellite systems, data imaging, and high frequency circuits.

Strong written and verbal communication skills and extensive teamwork experience.

EDUCATION

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI May 20__

M.S. in Electrical Engineering:Systems, Major: Communication, Minor: Biosystems GPA: 8.XX/9.0

Coursework: Advanced Digital Signal Processing, Wavelets and Time-Frequency Distribution,

Communication Networks, Estimation, Filtering and Detection, Digital Image Processing

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA August 20__

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and Instrumentation

Related Coursework: Microprocessor System Design, High-frequency Circuit Design, Automatic Control

ACADEMIC PROJECTS

Iterative decoding of Product Codes: Simulated the performance of a sup-optimal iterative receiver for

product codes and compared it to the theoretical upper bound

Implementation of the Generic Viterbi Algorithm: Implemented the generic Viterbi Algorithm in C and used it

for the performance evaluation of soft and hard decision decoding of convolution codes over AWGN channels

EXPERIENCEUniversity of Michigan Biomedical Ultrasonics Lab, Ann Arbor, MI Month 20___-20__

Graduate Research Assistant

Developed real-time DSP algorithms for motion tracking

Wrote simulation programs using C/C++ for ultrasonic imaging systems

Participated in a team effort to develop a VXI memory board using Altera FPGAs for capturing real-time RF

data from ultrasound scanners and interface it to workstations

Assisted in Windows system administration and lab website maintenance

COMPUTER SKILLS

Languages: C/C++, Matlab, Assembly (incl. Real-time DSP), HTML, JavaScript, Perl, Java,

Visual Basic, Shell Scripts, LabView, x86/8051/8098

Applications: Microsoft Office, Altera MAX+PLUS II, Spice, Protel, SPSS

Environments: Unix, Windows, Linux, Mac Os, VxWorks

AWARDS

University of Michigan - EECS Department Summer Fellowship, 20__

Virginia Commonwealth University, Russell Scholar, 20__-20__

ACTIVITIES

Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, student chapter (IEEE), Habitat for Humanity,

Bicycled across country twice: VA to WA 20__, Canada to Mexico 20__

PUBLICATIONS

1st Authors name, 2nd authors name, year, title, Journal etc.


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Power Verbs for Your Resumeacceleratedaccommodatedaccomplished

achievedacquiredactedactivatedadaptedaddedaddressedadjustedadministeredadmittedadvancedadvisedaidedalleviatedallocatedallowed

alteredamelioratedamendedanalyzedappointedapportionedappraisedapprisedapprovedapproximatedarbitratedarrangedascertainedassembledassessedassignedassistedattainedattestedauditedaugmentedauthoredauthorized

balancedbolsteredboostedbrainstormedbudgetedbuilt

calculatedcataloguedcentralizedcertifiedchairedchartedclarifiedclassifiedcoachedcollaboratedcollectedcommissionedcommittedcommunicated

comparedcompiledcomposed

computedconceptualizedconcludedconfirmedconsentedconsolidatedconstructedcontractedcontributedconvertedconvincedcooperatedcoordinatedcorrelatedcorrespondedcounseled

createdcritiquedcustomized

debuggeddeciphereddedicateddelegateddeliberateddemonstrateddesignateddesigneddetermineddevaluateddevelopeddeviseddiagnoseddirecteddisburseddispatcheddisplayeddrafted

easedeclipsededitededucatedelevatedelicitedemployedempoweredenabledencouragedendorsedengineeredenhancedenlargedenlistedenrichedenumeratedenvisionedestablishedestimatedevaluatedexamined

excelledexecutedexercised

expandedexpeditedexplainedextendedextracted

fabricatedfacilitatedfamiliarizedfashionedfiguredfinalizedforecastedformulatedfosteredfounded

fulfilled

generatedgrewguaranteedguided

hired

identifiedillustratedimplementedimprovedimprovisedincreasedindexedindicatedinferredinfluencedinformedinitiatedinnovatedinspectedinspiredinstitutedinstructedintegratedintercededinterpretedinterviewedintroducedinventedinvestigatedinvolvedissued

judgedjustified

launchedlecturedledlicensedlightenedlinked

maintainedmarketedmeasured

mediatedminimizedmobilizedmodeledmoderatedmodernizedmodifiedmonitoredmotivatedmultiplied

negotiated

officiatedoperatedorchestrated

organizedoriginatedoverhauled

performedpersuadedpioneeredplannedpolishedpreparedprescribedprioritizedprocessedprocuredproducedprogrammedprojectedpromotedpublicizedpurchased

queriedquestioned

raisedratedrealizedrecommendedreconciledrecordedrecruitedrectifiedreduced (losses)refinedreferredreformedregardedregulatedrehabilitatedreinforcedrejuvenatedrelatedrelievedremediedremodeled

repairedreportedrepresented

researchedreservedresolved (problems)restoredretrievedrevampedreviewedrevisedrevitalizedrevived

sanctionedsatisfiedscheduledscreenedscrutinized

securedservedset goalssettledshapedsmoothedsolicitedsolvedsoughtspearheadedspecifiedspokestimulatedstreamlinedstrengthenedstudiedsubmittedsubstantiatedsuggestedsummarizedsupervisedsupplementedsurveyedsustainedsynthesizedsystematized

tabulatedtailoredtracedtrainedtransactedtransformedtranslatedtransmitted

updatedupgraded

validatedvaluedverifiedvisualized

wrote

Adapted with permission from the Career Resource Manual of the University of California, Davis.


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The Top Ten Pitfalls inResume Writing

1. Too long. Most new graduates should restrict their

resumes to one page. If you have trouble condensing, gethelp from a technical or business writer or a career centerprofessional.

2. Typographical, grammatical or spelling errors. Theseerrors suggest carelessness, poor education and/or lackof intelligence. Have at least two people proofread yourresume. Dont rely on your computers spell-checkers orgrammar-checkers.

3. Hard to read. A poorly typed or copied resume looksunprofessional. Use a plain typeface, no smaller thana 12-point font. Asterisks, bullets, underlining, bold-face type and italics should be used only to make thedocument easier to read, not fancier. Again, ask aprofessionals opinion.

4. Too verbose. Do not use complete sentences or para-graphs. Say as much as possible with as few words aspossible. A, an and the can almost always be left out. Becareful in your use of jargon and avoid slang.

5. Too sparse. Give more than the bare essentials, espe-cially when describing related work experience, skills,accomplishments, activities, interests and club member-ships that will give employers important information.Including membership in the Society of WomenEngineers, for example, would be helpful to employerswho wish to hire more women, yet cannot ask for thatinformation.

6. Irrelevant information. Customize each resume to

each position you seek (when possible). Of course,include all education and work experience, but empha-size only relevant experience, skills, accomplishments,activities and hobbies. Do not include marital status,age, sex, children, height, weight, health, churchmembership, etc.

7. Obviously generic. Too many resumes scream, I needa job any job!The employer needs to feel that youare interested in that particular position with his or herparticular company.

8. Too snazzy. Of course, use good quality bond paper,but avoid exotic types, colored paper, photographs,binders and graphics. Electronic resumes shouldinclude appropriate industry keywords and use a font

size between 10 and 14 points. Avoid underlining,italics or graphics.

9. Boring. Make your resume as dynamic as possible.Begin every statement with an action verb. Use activeverbs to describe what you have accomplished in pastjobs. Take advantage of your rich vocabulary andavoid repeating words, especially the first word in asection.

10. Too modest. The resume showcases your qualifica-tions in competition with the other applicants. Putyour best foot forward without misrepresentation,falsification or arrogance.

The three Rs of resume writing are Research,Research, Research. You must know what the prospec-tive company does, what the position involves andwhether you will be a fit, before submitting yourresume. And that means doing research about thecompany, about the position and about the type ofemployee the company typically hires.

Research the company. Read whatever literature thecompany has placed in the career library. For additionalinformation, call the company. Ask for any literature itmay have, find out how the company is structured andask what qualities the company generally looks for inits employees. Ask if there are openings in your area,

and find out the name of the department head andgive him or her a call. Explain that you are consideringapplying to their company, and ask for their recom-mendation for next steps. Thank that person for theinformation, and ask to whom your resume should bedirected.

The Internet is another key tool to utilize in yourresearch. Most companies have websites that includeinformation regarding company background, commu-nity involvement, special events, executive bios or evenpast annual reports. Be sure to take advantage of theWorld Wide Web during your job search.

Research the position. The more you know aboutthe position, the better able you will be to sell yourself

and to target your resume to that position. If possible,interview someone who does that same job. In addi-tion to finding out the duties, ask if there is on-the-jobtraining, whether they value education over experi-ence (or vice versa) and what kind of turnover thedepartment experiences. Ask what they like about theposition and the company; more important, ask whatthey dont like about it.

Finally, research yourself. Your goal is not just toget a job. Your goal is to get a job that you will enjoy.After you find out all you can about the company andthe position, ask yourself honestly whether this iswhat you really want to do and where you really wantto be. The odds are overwhelming that you will nothold this position for more than two or three years,so its not a lifetime commitment; however, this f irstjob will be the base of your lifetime career. You muststart successfully so that future recommendations willalways be positive. Furthermore, three years is a longtime to spend doing something you dont like, workingin a position that isnt challenging or living somewhereyou dont want to live.

One last word of advice: Before you go to the inter-view, review the version of your resume that yousubmitted to this employer. The resume can only getyou the interview; the interview gets you the job.

The Three Rs


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Electronic Resumes

I

n todays Internet-driven world, having an electronicresume one that can be easily emailedis imperative forjob-seekers.Your resume is your introduction to employers and should be a

succinct, one-page summary of your education, skills, accomplish-ments and work history. Remember, first impressions areimportant. If you present yourself in an organized and interestingway, youll have an advantage over someone who may be equallyqualified for the job but has a sloppy, error-filled resume.

The following general format is an appropriate resume outline:

Name, Address, Telephone Number and Email Address:All your contact information should be placed at the top of your

resume.

Donotusenicknames.

Includeapermanentaddressandphonenumberwitharea code. (Be sure your answering machine has a neutralgreeting.)

Useanemailaddressthatsoundsprofessional.Objective:

An objective tells employers about the kind of work you wantto do.

Bespecificaboutthejobyouwant.Anexampleofthiswould be: To obtain an entry-level position as a Javaprogrammer in a financial institution.

Tailoryourobjective(andresume)toeachemployeryou contact.

Education:Recent graduates should list their educational background

first.

Listyourmostrecenteducationalinformationatthebeginning of this section.

Includeyourdegree(B.A.,B.S.,etc.)andgraduationdate.Also, be sure to list your major and minor concentrationsand the college or university you attended.

MentionyourGPAifitis3.0orhigher.

Besuretolistacademichonors,sororities,fraternitiesandany volunteer work you may have done as a student.

Work Experience:Give a brief overview of the work youve done while a

student. Concentrate on the skills youve developed. Useactive verbs (action words) to describe your job duties.Always list your jobs in reverse chronological order putyour last job first and work backward from there. Include thefollowing: Jobtitle Companyname Joblocation(city,state) Datesofemployment Jobtaskswithemphasisonspecificskillsand

achievements

Other Information: Listanyspecialskills.Doyouknowsignlanguage?Are

youbilingual?Ifso,mentionit.

Includeanyleadershippositionsinvolunteerorcommunity organizations.

File FormatsYou may find that some employers request that

resumes be submitted in ASCII plain text format, whileothers state that resumes may be submitted as a rich textfile.Whatdoesthismean?Essentially,afileformatistheway

information is stored in a file so that a program can properlyopen and save the file. The format is usually indicated by thethree-letter extension after the file name. For example, whenyou save a document in Microsoft Word, the program stores itwith a .doc file extension.

Rich Text Format supports bold characters, underlining, italicsand other formatting. Nearly all modern word processors cancorrectly interpret RTF formatting. If you are emailing yourresume to someone who has an old word processor, however, heor she may have trouble opening an RTF document. In that case,you should save your resume in plain text (ortext only) format,which is identified by the .txt file extension. This format doesnot recognize or display any special formatting or enhancements(such as bold or italics) but will be readable by the recipient.

There are many considerations that go into building an effectiveresume, and if you are starting from scratch, the task can seemintimidating. However, a well-written resume can be a tremen-

dous help in landing a job. Todays job market is competitive,says Laureen Grieve, vice president of FastWork.com. A well-crafted resume can get you that interview, so it pays to take thetime to do it right.

Written by John Martalo, a free-lance writer based in San Diego.

JOE SMITH2235 California St.

San Diego, CA 92120619-555-6789

[email protected] entry-level position as a software developer.

EDUCATIONBachelor of Science in Computer Science, May 20xxUniversity of California, Los Angeles

Cumulative GPA: 3.78WORK EXPERIENCEFreelance Computer Programmer, September 20xx-PresentCreate and maintain websites for local businesses in the San Diego area.

Intern, June-August 20xxMicrosoft Corporation, Redmond, WAWorked as a software engineer on SNA server 3.0. Implemented name-spaceproviders (Windows DLLs written in C) for a variety of network protocols,including TCP/IP, Netware, IPX, Lanman and Banyan VINES.

Undergraduate Research Assistant, September 20xx-May 20xxUniversity of California, Los Angeles Laboratory for Computer ScienceWorked with Professor Kenneth Ng in the parallel and distributed operatinggroup. Ported UNIX applications to XOK, a prototype implementation forthe Intel x86 processor.

Lab Attendant, September 20xx-May 20xxCenter for Academic Computing, University of California, Los Angeles

Maintained computer hardware and assisted users on the Windowsoperating system.

Cashier and Stocker, Summers 19xx and 20xxBook Soup, West Hollywood, CaliforniaWorked as a cashier and stocker in one of the largest independent book-stores in Los Angeles.

COMPUTER SKILLSLanguages and SoftwareC, C++, Java, Perl, CGI, HTML, Word, WordPerfect.

Operating SystemsUNIX (Linux, Ultrix, SunOS), Windows, Macintosh.


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M

any students go through all four years of collegewithout ever setting foot in their schools career

services office. Yet, outside of the academic realm,job seekers will pay hundreds, even thousands, of dollarsfor the very same services that are included free with thecost of tuition.

The mission of career center practitioners is to teachskills and provide services that will facilitate the careerdevelopment and job search process, ranging fromassessing your abilities to negotiating employment offers.Dont overlook this opportunity; it could mean passing upthe job of a lifetime.

Develop RelationshipsFind a career center counselor/advisor and get to know

him or her. Try to meet with your counselor/advisor atleast several times throughout your career development

process. Appointments are a great way to stay motivatedand to accomplish career-related tasks.A counselor/advisor will listen to your concerns and

provide objective advice. You can bounce ideas off himor her, which will help you think through your options.Furthermore, when unique job opportunities come in,counselors/advisors often alert students who they knowwell and think might be a good fit with the position.Remember, the more you share about your skil ls andyour goals with the staff, the better they will be able toassist you.

Attend ProgramsMany career center practitioners spend the bulk of their

time planning events for students. From mock interview

days and networking nights to resume workshops andcareer fairs, at any given time there may be a number ofprograms going on that can assist you. Make sure youare aware of whats taking place. Find the event calendar,whether it is online, in paper, or through an email. As youattend programs, ask thoughtful questions to make themost of what you are learning.

Dont Be a StrangerYour relationship with the career center doesnt have

to end the day you don your cap and gown. Many centersoffer services for alumni similar to those for students. Ifyou havent found a job or even formed a plan by gradu-ation, you still might be able to meet with counselors/advisors, use job listings and/or computers and attend

programs. Check with the career center to see what isavailable and what time limits apply.

Programs and ServicesIn addition to these tips, its helpful to understand more

about career centers numerous services. These programsand offerings may include:

Job Listings and Recruiting ProgramsVirtually all career centers have job listings maintained

in-house or by professional online services. Employerscan post positions specifically for your individual college.Furthermore, many students will be able to take advan-tage of on-campus recruiting programs, where employers

collect student resumes and conduct on-campus inter-views for various job openings.

Career FairsThe beauty of career fairs is that they bring employers

to you. Often held in a large venue, you can browse theiravailable positions, talk with them informally, and dropoff resumes. Fairs may be held up to several times a year,focusing on different types of positions, such as intern-ships or nonprofit jobs.

Internship ProgramsInternships are the most valuable way to try out

different career fields and gain hands-on experience whileyou are still a student. You can build your resume, learnthe ropes, and maybe even get academic credit.

WorkshopsCareer center workshops cover skills ranging fromwriting an effective cover letter to honing your interviewperformance. Not only can you get pertinent advice fromcareer center staff and other workshop presenters, but youwill also benefit greatly from being in a group environ-ment with your peers.

Alumni NetworksMany schools offer students access to alumni contacts

in various career fields. These graduates have volun-teered to serve as a resource for information and advice.This can be one of the most helpful ways to learn aboutdifferent industries, and can help you get your foot in thedoor.

Mock Interviews

When it comes to interviewing, practice makes perfect.The experience of having a simulated interview with astaff member can calm nerves, enhance performance,teach you how to answer tough questions, and prevent youfrom making big mistakes.

Resume and Cover Letter CritiquesIn addition to the assistance offered during individual

appointments, many offices hold specific drop-in hourswhere a staff member can provide a quick resume or coverletter critique.

Written by Jennifer Bobrow Burns, Assistant Dean for CareerServices, Quinnipiac University.

Making Your Career Center Work For You

Remember, the more you share

about your skills and your goals

with the staff, the better theywill be able to assist you.

JOB SEARCH


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JOB SEARCH

Job Search Strategies: Pros and ConsThere are many ways to look for a job, some of which are better than others. Presented below are some of the most

popular ways, as well as helpful hints and pros and cons of each.

WANT ADSScan want ads. Mailresume with cover lettertailored to specific jobqualifications.

NewspapersJournalsNewslettersTrademagazinesCoverlettersResumes

Involves minimal invest-ment of time in identifyingcompanies. Resume andcover letter are sent foractual job opening.

Resume and coverletter will compete withlarge number of others.Ads follow job market;least effective in times ofeconomic downturn.

Useasameteronthejob market in a certaincareer field.

Trytogetyourmaterialsin as early as possible.

EMPLOYMENTAGENCIESRespond to employmentagency ads in newspapers;check phone book for namesof agencies to contact.

ResumesBusinessattire

Fee-paid jobs for gradu-ates in technical fields orthose with marketableexperience.

May be less help to non-technical/inexperiencedgraduates. Be wary if you,instead of the employer,have to pay a fee.

Identifyagenciesthatspecialize in your field.

Makefrequentcontactwith your counselor toobtain better service.

INTERNETSearch online job banksand company websites.Submit resume online/post on job boards.

AccesstotheWebElectronicresume

Actual job openings. Manyemployers use a widevariety of job listingservices. Many listingshave free to low-cost access.Worldwide geographicreach.

Competition is growing asuse of the Web increases.Many jobs listed are tech-nical in nature, though thevisibility of nontechnicalfields is growing.

UsetheWebfrequentlyas information and siteschange quickly.

Mayneedtoconductyour search at off-peaktimes (early morning orlate at night).

TARGETED MAILINGDevelop a good coverletter tailored to a specifictype of job and the needsof the company. Sendletter with resume toselected companies.

Listofwell-researchedcompanies

TailoredcoverlettersResumes

Better approach than themass-mailing method.Investment of time andeffort should merit strongerresponse from employers.

Requires a significantinvestment of time inresearching companiesand writing cover lettersas well as following upwith contacts.

Trytofindoutwhoisincharge of the area in whichyou want to work; sendyour materials to thatperson. Great methodwhen used in conjunctionwith networking.

IN-PERSON VISITVisit many companies.Ask to see person inspecific department.Submit resume and appli-cation, if possible.

BusinessattireCompanyaddresslistResumes

Resume and applica-tion are on file with thecompany.

Requires a great deal oftime to make a relativelysmall number of contacts.

Researchthecompaniesprior to your visit. Askfor a specific person orask about a specific typeof job.

NETWORKINGTalk to everyone you knowto develop a list of possiblecontacts; ask for informa-tion on job/companies andto circulate your resume.

ListofcontactsResumesBusinessattire

May learn of unadvertisedopenings. May result in acourtesy interview. Oftenresults in a closer match ofyour interests to a job.

A contact in itself is notenough to get you a job.You may exhaust all leadswithout landing a job.Quite time-consuming.

Followthroughonallleads.

Keepbroadeningyournetwork of contacts.

ON-CAMPUS

RECRUITINGFollow specific proceduresto secure on-campusinterviews.

Schedulinginterviews

EmployerliteratureResumesBusinessattire

One of the primary ways

in which companies recruitfor technical and businesspositions.

May be less effective for

nontechnical/nonbusinesscandidates.

Use the interview schedule

as a way to identifypossible employers, evenif you dont get to interviewon campus with thoseemployers.

RESUME REFERRALRegister with one of themany national referralservices. As jobs are listedby employers, the databank of registrants issearched for matches. Ifyour materials match, theyare sent to the employers.

Registrationform supplied by service

Another way to monitorthe job market and getyour qualifications to theattention of employers.

May involve a fee. Oftenmore helpful to those intechnical or specializedfields. May not learnof the status of yourmaterials.

Useonlyinconjunctionwith other job searchstrategies.

STRATEGY TOOLS PROS CONS HELPFUL HINTS

Adapted and reprinted with permission from Career Services, Pennsylvania StateUniversity, University Park, PA.


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JOB SEARCH

D

o you realize that most new job growth in the UnitedStatescomesfromsmallbusinesses?Yet,moststudents concentrate their job search on Fortune

500 corporations or other large, well-known companieswith defined and approachable personnel departments.But dont forget the small companies! Generally, any busi-ness with 200 or fewer employees is considered a smallcompany. Small businesses are an economic powerhousethat are providing the economy with a wealth of jobs (nearlytwo-thirds of all new jobs!) and revenue.

Is a Small Company Right for You?Life in a small organization is very different from that in

a large organization. Small companies tend to offer aninformal atmosphere, an all-for-one camaraderie andrequire more versatility and dedication on the part ofthe company and workers. Small companies are usuallygrowing so they are constantly redefining themselvesand the positions within them. Look at the following listof small company traits and consider which of them areadvantages and which are disadvantages for you.Youaregivenmoreresponsibilityandarenotlimited

by job titles or descriptions.Yourideasandsuggestionswillbeheardandgiven

more attention.Careeradvancementandsalaryincreasesmayberapid

in a growing company.Youhavelessjobsecurityduetothehighrateoffailure

for a small business.Youhavetheopportunitytobeinvolvedinthecreation

or growth of something great.

Youmaybeinvolvedintheentireorganizationratherthan in a narrow department.Youmaybeeligibleforstockoptionsandprofitsharing.Theenvironmentislessbureaucratic;therearefewer

rules and regulations and thus fewer guidelines tohelp you determine what to do and whether youresucceeding or failing.

Successesandfaultsaremorevisible.Startingsalariesandbenefitsmaybemorevariable.Adominantleadercancontroltheentireorganiza -

tion. This can lead either to more political gamesor ahealthy, happy atmosphere.

Youmustbeabletoworkwitheveryoneintheorganization.

Are You Right for a Small Company?Because most small companies do not have extensive

training programs, they look for certain traits in potentialemployees. You will do well in a small company if you are:Self-motivatedAgeneralistwithmanycomplementaryskillsAgoodcommunicator,bothoralandwrittenEnthusiastic Arisk-taker AquicklearnerResponsibleenoughtogetthingsdoneonyourown

There are fewer limitations, and its up to you to make thebest or worst of that freedom. A small business often has astrong company culture. Learn that companys culture; itwill help you on your way up the corporate ladder.

Finding a Job in a Small CompanyOne of the biggest hurdles to finding a job in a small

business is contacting a hiring manager. Good timing is

critical. The sporadic growth of many small companies canmean sporadic job openings, so you need to network. A smallbusiness tends to fill its labor needs informally throughpersonal contacts and recommendations from employees.Job hunters must find their way into the organization andapproach someone with hiring authority. This means youmust take the initiative. Once you have someones attention,you must convince him or her that you can do somethingfor the company. How do you find information on smallcompanies?Trythesetechniques:

Contactthechamberofcommerceintheareayouwouldlike to work. Get the names of growing companies inthe industry of your choice. Peruse the membershipdirectory.

Participateinthelocalchapterofprofessionaltradeassociations related to your career. Send prospectiveemployers a cover letter and resume, then follow upwith a phone call.

Readtradepublications,businessjournals,andareanewspapers for leads. Again, follow up.

Speakwithsmallbusinesslenderssuchasbankers,venture capitalists, and small business investmentcompanies. These are listed in directories at local libraries.

Because small companies often have an informal hiringprocedure, keep the following differences between largeand small companies in mind as you conduct your jobsearch:

Large Company Small Company

Centralizedpersonnel department . . . . . . . . . No personnel department

Formal recruiting programwith recruiters seeking outpotential employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No full-time recruiters

Standardizedhiring procedures . . . . . . . No standard hiring procedures

Keep resumes on file fora specified period of time . . . . . Usually wont keep resumes

Interview held with Interview often held withrecruiters and managers . . . . . . . the founder or direct boss

Company literature

usually available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No printed literatureHiring done months inadvance of starting date . . . . . . Hired to begin immediately

Formal training programs . . . . . . . . . . . On-the-job training

Predetermined job categories . . . . . Jobs emerge to fit needs

Always do your homework on the company, and persuadethem to hire you through your initiative and originalthinking. If you havent graduated yet, offer to work forthem as an intern. This will give you experience, andif you do well, theres a good chance that a job will bewaiting for you on graduation day.

Adapted with permission from the Career Resource Manualof the University of California, Davis.

Dont Forget the Small Companies


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JOB SEARCH

Competition for jobs is at an all-t ime high, so itsessential that you distinguish yourself from other

job applicants. Regardless of the field that youreentering, individuality matters. Everything youve expe-rienced until now in the classroom, during after-schooljobs and internships, and through volunteer experiencessets you apart from your fellow students. These uniqueexperiences provide knowledge and abilities that must bedemonstrated to potential employers through the resume,cover letter and interview. This is your chance to provethat youre the best candidate for the job and will make agreat addition to their team. Here are some ways to makesure your true potential shines.

What Makes You Special?Your roommate may have the exact same major and

GPA as you do, but those factors are only superficia l.More importantly: everyone has his or her own set oflife experiences that influence personal growth andskill development. Maybe youve traveled around theworld, speak several languages, or were born in anothercountry. Or perhaps youve worked your way throughhigh school and college to help support your family.Numbers only tell part of the story. When an employeris evaluating you for a job, you have to make sure yourunique experiences come through on your resume andcover letter so that you have the opportunity to elaborateon the details during the interview.

Go Team!Employers want hires who can hit the ground running

and work well with others in a team environment. Youracademic experience has been packed with teamworkeven if you dont realize it. Just think back to all thosegroup projects and study sessions. Many extracurricularactivities from athletics and fraternities and sorori-ties to c lubs, volunteer work and student governmentrequire team part icipation as well. By using the languageof teamwork and cooperation on your resume and coverletter, youve taken the first step toward proving that yourea collaborator. During the interview you can further expresswhat youve learned about yourself and others throughteamwork.

Leadership 101

Teamwork is key, but employers also want candi-dates who can step up to the plate and take charge whenits appropriate. If youve never been class president,however, dont fear; leadership can be demonstrated inmany subtle ways. In addition to traditional leadershiproles, leaders also take on responsibility by providingothers with information and advice. If youve ever helpeda friend with a paper, volunteered to teach a class orgiven a speech that motivated others, then youve servedas a leader. During your interview, speak confidentlyabout your accomplishments, but dont cross the line intoarrogance. Good leaders know when to show off, as wellas when to listen to others.

Art of the ResumeYour resume provides the opportunity to stand out,

but dont dist inguish yourself by using bright-coloredpaper or an unusual font. Those tactics are distractingand leave employers remembering you negatively.Instead, its the content of your resume that wil l real lyget you noticed. Make sure to describe each experiencein clear detai l; highlight not only what you did, but alsowhat results were gained from your actions. Dont forgetto include special skills, such as foreign languages andinternational travel.

Cover Letter ZingersWhile your resume chronicles your experiences, the

cover letter lets your personality shine through. Hereyou can expand upon your past experiences and brief ly

discuss what you learned. Use concrete examples fromyour resume in order to showcase specific skills andcharacterist ics. Be sure to tailor each letter to the specificorganization and position, and state specif ically whyyou want to work for the organization. Demonstrate thatyouve done your research; it will impress employers andset your letter apart from the rest.

Interview ExpertWhen it comes to the interview, preparation is key.

Be ready to talk about everything youve done in a posi-tive light, and make sure youre well informed about theorganization and industry. Focus on what distinguishesthe employer from their competition and why you area good fit. If possible, speak to alumni or other current

employees to learn more. Remember, practice makesperfect; many career centers offer mock interviews witha counselor. And dont be afraid to ask for help fromfriends and professionals as you review the answers tocommon interview questions.

How to Stand Apart From the Crowd

Written by Jennifer Bobrow Burns, Assistant Dean for CareerServices, Quinnipiac University.

Dos and Donts

DOdressthepart.Evenemployerswithcasualdresscodes expect interviewees to be dressed in profes-sional business attire.

DONTchewgum,weartoomuchcologne/perfume or smoke before the interview.

DOlookyourinterviewerintheeyeandofferafirmhandshake.

DONTtrytoohardtopleaseandappearloudorcocky.

DOemphasizeyourskillsandaccomplishments.

DONTmakeexcusesforfailuresorlackofexperi -ence. Instead, take responsibility for your mistakesand change the subject to something positive.


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JOB SEARCH

International Studentsand the Job Search

Looking for a job is seldom easy for any student. Foryou, the international student, the job search processcan be especially confusing. You may lack an under-

standing of U.S. employment regulations, or perhaps youare unaware of the impact your career choice has on yourjob search. You may also be unsure about your role as thejob-seeker and the resources used by American employersto find candidates.

The following is an overview of the issues most relevantto international students in developing a job search strategy.Additional information about the employment process andrelated topics can be found through your career center andon the Internet.

Bureau of U.S. Citizenship andImmigration Services (USCIS) Regulations

As an international student, you should only obtainemployment-related information from an experiencedimmigration attorney or your campus USCIS representative.Advice from any other resource may be inaccurate. Once you havedecided to remain in the United States to work, contact theinternational student services office or the office of humanresources on your campus and make an appointment withyour USCIS representative. In addition to helping you fill outnecessary forms, the USCIS representative will inform you ofthe costs associated with working in the United States.

Importance of Skills and Career FieldFind out if your degree and skills-set are currently in

demand in the U.S. job market. An advanced degree, highlymarketable skills or extensive experience will all make your

job search easier. Find out what region of the United Statesholds the majority of the jobs in your field; you may need torelocate in order to find the job you want. Learn all you canabout your targeted career field by talking to professors,reading industry publications and attending professionalmeetings and regional conferences.

Role of EmployersIt is the employers responsibility to find the right people

for his or her company not to help you find a job. The inter-view is successful when both of you see a match between theemployers needs and your interest and ability to do the job.

The employer (through hiring managers, human resourcesstaff or employment agencies) will most likely use severalresources to find workers, including: Collegerecruiting Campusorcommunityjobfairs Postingjobsonthecompanywebsiteoronnationaljob

posting sites on the Internet Postingjobsinmajornewspapersortradepublications Postingjobswithprofessionalassociations Resumesearchesonnationalonlineservices Employeereferrals Regionalandnationalconferences Employmentagencies(headhunters)

Are you accessible to employers through at least some oftheabovestrategies?Ifnot,developaplantomakesureyourcredentials are widely circulated. Notify as many people aspossible in your field about your job search.

Strong Communication Skills

You can help the employer make an informed hiringdecision if you:

Provideawell-preparedresumethatincludesdesirableskills and relevant employment experiences.

Clearlyconveyyourinterestsandabilitytodothejobinan interview.

UnderstandEnglishwhenspokentoyouandcaneffectively express your thoughts in English.

Its important to be able to positively promote yourselfand talk with confidence about your education, relevantskills and related experiences. Self-promotion is rarely easyfor anyone. But, it can be especially difficult for individualsfrom cultures where talking about yourself is considered

inappropriate. When interviewing in the United States,however, you are expected to be able to explain yourcredentials and why you are suitable for the position.

Be sensitive to the interviewers verbal and nonverbalcues. Some international students may not realize when theiraccent is causing them to be misunderstood. Interviewers aresometimes too embarrassed or impatient to ask for clari-fication, so be on the lookout for nonverbal clues, such asfollow-up questions that dont match your responses orsudden disinterest on the part of the interviewer. Also, makesure you express proper nonverbal communication; alwayslook directly at the employer in order to portray confidenceand honesty.

If your English language skills need some work, getinvolved with campus and community activities. Theseevents will allow you to practice speaking English. Themore you use the language, the more proficient you willbecome. These activities are also a great way to makenetworking contacts.

Career CenterThe career center can be a valuable resource in your job

search. Be aware, however, that some employers using thecareer center wont interview students who are not U.S.citizens. Though this may limit your ability to participatein some campus interviews, there are numerous ways tobenefit from the campus career center:

Attendsessionsonjobsearchstrategiesandrelatedtopics.

Workwiththecareerservicesstafftodevelopyourjobsearch strategy.

Attendcampuscareerfairsandcompanyinformationsessions to inquire about employment opportunities andto practice your networking skills.

Its a good idea to get advice from other internationalstudents who have successfully found employment in thiscountry and to start your job search early. Create and follow adetailed plan of action that will lead you to a great job you canwrite home about.

Written by Rosita Smith.


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JOB SEARCH

Email Correspondence

F

or most of us, sending and receiving email is simpleand fun. We use it to communicate with friends andfamily and to converse with our contemporaries in

an informal manner. But while we may be unguardedin our tone when we email friends, a professional toneshould be maintained when communicating withprospective employers.

Email is a powerful tool in the hands of a knowledgeablejob-seeker. Use it wisely and you will shine. Use it improp-erly, however, and youll brand yourself as immature andunprofessional. Dr. Sherry Reasbeck, a San Diego-basedcareer counselor, warns that some email mistakes leave a

bad impression. Its irritating when the writer doesnt stayon topic or just rambles,says Reasbeck. Try to succinctlyget your point acrossthen end the email.

Be aware that electronic mail is often the preferred methodof communication between job-seeker and employer. There

are general guidelines that should be followed when emailingcover letters, thank-you notes and replies to various requestsfor information. Apply the following advice to every emailyou write:

Useameaningfulsubjectheaderforyouremailonethatis appropriate to the topic.

Alwaysbeprofessionalandbusinesslikeinyourcorre-spondence. Address the recipient as Mr., Ms. or Mrs., andalways verify the correct spelling of the recipients name.

Bebriefinyourcommunications.Dontoverloadtheemployer with lots of questions in your email.

Ditchtheemoticons.Whileaor an LOL (laughing outloud) may go over well with friends and family, do notuse such symbols in your email communications with

business people. Donotusestrangefonts,wallpapersormulticolored

backgrounds.

Signyouremailwithyourfullname.

Avoidusingslang.

Besuretoproofreadandspell-checkyouremailbeforesending it.

Neal Murray, director of the career services center at theUniversity of California, San Diego, sees a lot of email from

job-seekers. Youd be amazed at the number of emails Ireceive that have spelling errors, grammatical errors, format-ting errorsemails that are too informal in tone or just poorlywritten,says Murray. Such emails can send the message thatyou are unprofessional or unqualified.

When youre dealing with employers, there is no suchthing as an inconsequential communication. Your emails sayfar more about you than you might realize, and it is importantto always present a polished, professional imageeven if youare just emailing your phone number and a time when youcan be contacted. If you are sloppy and careless, a seeminglytrivial communication will stick out like a sore thumb.

Thank-You NotesIf youve had an interview with a prospective employer, a

thank-you note is a good way to express your appreciation.The note can be emailed a day or two after your interview andonly needs to be a few sentences long, as in the following:

Remember, a thank-you note is just thata simple way tosay thank you. In the business world, even these brief notesneed to be handled with care.

Cover LettersA well-crafted cover letter can help sellyou to an

employer. It should accomplish three main things:

1. Introduce yourself to the employer. If you are arecent college graduate, mention your major and howit would apply to the job you are seeking. Discuss theorganizations/extracurricular activities you wereinvolved in and the part-time jobs you held while astudent, even if they might seem trivial to you. Chancesare, you probably picked up some transferable skillsthat you will be able to use in the work world.

2. Sell yourself. Briefly state your education and the skillsthat will benefit the employer. Dont go into a lot ofdetail here thats what your resume is for but givethe employer a sense of your strengths and talents.

3. Request further action.This is where you request the nextstep, such as an appointment or a phone conversation. Bepolite but sincere in your desire for further action.

TipsIn addition to the guidelines stated above, here are a few tips

to keep in mind:

Makesureyouspelltherecipientsnamecorrectly.Iftheperson uses initials such as J.A. Smith and you are notcertain of the individuals gender, then begin the email:Dear J.A. Smith.

SticktoastandardfontlikeTimesNewRoman,12-point.

Keepyouremailbriefandbusinesslike.

Proofreadeverythingyouwritebeforesendingit.

While a well-crafted email may not be solely responsiblefor getting you your dream job, rest assured that an emailfull of errors will result in your being overlooked. Use theseemail guidelines and you will give yourself an advantageover other job-seekers who are unaware of how to profes-sionally converse through email.

Dear Ms. Jones:

I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you foryesterdays interview. The position we discussed isexactly what Ive been looking for, and I feel that Iwill be able to make a positive contribution to yourorganization. I appreciate the opportunity to beconsidered for employment at XYZ Corporation.Please dont hesitate to contact me if you needfurther information.

Sincerely,

John Doe

Written by John Martalo, a free-lance writer based in San Diego.


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JOB SEARCH

Network Your Way to a Job

M

any people use the classified ads as their sole jobsearch technique. Unfortunately, statistics show thatonly 10% to 20% of jobs are ever publishedw hich

means that 80% to 90% of jobs remain hidden in the jobmarket. For this reason, networking remains the number one

job search strategy.

Networking DefinedA network is an interconnected group of supporters who

serve as resources for your job search and ultimately for yourcareer. Some great network contacts might include peopleyou meet at business and social meetings who provide youwith career information and advice. Students often hesitateto network because they feel awkward asking for help, butit should be an integral part of any job search. Though youmight feel nervous when approaching a potential contact,networking is a skill that develops with practice, so dontgive up. Most people love to talk about themselves and their

jobs and are willing to give realistic and free advice.

Eight Keys to Networking1. Be Prepared First, define what information you need

and what you are trying to accomplish by networking.Remember, your purpose in networking is to get to knowpeople who can provide information regarding careersand leads. Some of the many benefits of networkinginclude increased visibility within your field, propel-ling your professional development, finding suitablementors, increasing your chances of promotion andperhaps finding your next job.

Second, know yourselfy our education, experienceand skills. Practice a concise, one-minute presentationof yourself so that people will know the kinds of areasin which you are interested. Your networking meetingshould include the following elements: introduction, self-overview, Q&A, obtaining referrals and closing.

2. Be Targeted Identify your network. For some, I donthave a network. I dont know anyone,may be your firstreaction. You can start by listing everyone you know whoare potential prospects: family members, friends, faculty,neighbors, classmates, alumni, bosses, co-workers and

community associates. Attend meetings of organizationsin your field of interest and get involved. You neverknow where you are going to meet someone who couldlead you to your next job.

3. Be Professional Ask your networking prospects foradvicen ot for a job. Your networking meetings should

be a source of career information, advice and contacts.Start off the encounter with a firm handshake, eye contactand a warm smile. Focus on asking for one thing at atime. Your contacts expect you to represent yourself withyour best foot forward.

4. Be Patient Heena Noorani, research analyst with NewYork-based Thomson Financial, recommends avoidingthe feeling of discouragement if networking does notprovide immediate results or instant answers. She advises,Be prepared for a slow down after you get started. Staypolitely persistent with your leads and build momentum.

Networking is like gardening: You do not plant the seed,then quickly harvest. Networking requires cultivation thattakes time and effort for the process to pay off.

5. Be Focused on Quality Not Quantity In a largegroup setting, circulate and meet people, but dont tryto talk to everyone. Its better to have a few meaningfulconversations than 50 hasty introductions. Dont cling topeople you already know; youre unlikely to build newcontacts that way. If you are at a reception, be sure towear a nametag and collect or exchange business cards soyou can later contact the people you meet.

6. Be Referral-Centered The person you are networkingwith may not have a job opening, but he or she may knowsomeone who is hiring. The key is to exchange information

and then expand your network by obtaining additionalreferrals each time you meet someone new. Be sure tomention the person who referred you.

7. Be Proactive Stay organized and track your networkingmeetings. Keep a list of your contacts and update itfrequently with the names of any leads given to you. Senda thank-you note or email if appropriate. Ask if you canfollow-up the conversation with a phone call, or even

better, with a more in-depth meeting in the near future.

8. Be Dedicated to Networking Most importantly,networking should be ongoing. You will want to stay intouch with contacts over the long hauln ot just whenyou need something. Make networking part of your long-term career plan.

Written by Thomas J. Denham, managing partner and careercounselor of Careers in Transition LLC.

Dos & Donts of Networking

Dokeeponehandfreefromabriefcaseorpursesoyou can shake hands when necessary.

Dobringcopiesofyourresume.

Donttellthemyourlifestory;youaredealingwithbusy people, so get right to the point.

Dontbeshyorafraidtoaskforwhatyouneed.

Dontpassupopportunitiestonetwork.

Questions to Ask During Networking Meetings

Whatdoyoulikemost(least)aboutyourwork?

Canyoudescribeatypicalworkdayorweek?

Whattypeofeducationandexperiencedoyouneedtoremainsuccessfulinthisfield?

Whatarethefuturecareeropportunitiesinthisfield?

Whatarethechallengesinbalancingworkandpersonallife?

Whydopeopleenter/leavethisfieldorcompany?

Whichcompanieshavethebesttrackrecordforpromotingminorities?

Whatadvicewouldyougivetosomeonetryingtobreakintothisfield?

WithwhomwouldyourecommendIspeak?WhenIcall,mayIuseyourname?


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JOB SEARCH

S

earching for a job after college can be an extremelystressful endeavor. All of the elements of the job

searchr esearching employers, perfecting andtargeting your resume, writing cover letters, preparing forinterviewst ake time. And as a soon-to-be college graduatefinishing up your last year of school, time is not some-thing you have a lot of. Every student and every job searchis different. However, no matter your major, degree, oremployment aspirations, there are steps that you can take tomake the necessary task of finding a job less stressful.

Put Your Job Search in PerspectiveCollege seniors about to enter the job market can be broadly

placed into two camps: 1) Those who know exactly what theywant to do after college, 2) and those that have no clue. Bothtypes of students often bring added pressure to the job searchprocess that is, for the most part, self-inflicted.

Students from the first camp set their sights high duringthe job search. They know what their dream job is, andanything less will be a disappointment. However, veryrarely will a student fresh out of college be able to step intoa position that fits their definition of an ideal job.

Occasionally, students are able to move into their idea ofa perfect job right out of college, but students must be carefulnot to feel frustrated if thats not the case. Often, they willhave to work up the career ladder a few rungs until theyarrive at the job they truly want. Just accepting this fact willtake some of the pressure off students who hope for a great

job right out of college.For students who are vague on what career to pursue after

college, the idea of looking for a job can be even morestressful. Not knowing what type of job or career to pursue

is a common anxiety among recent college graduates. Keepin mind that the process of looking for a job will probablyalleviate this concern.

Make Sure You Are ReadyMany students approaching college graduation simply

are not ready to enter the job market. Instead, these studentsmay decide to travel, do volunteer work, or simply taketime off to decompress before pursuing a full-time career.Other students may decide to seek a graduate degree oreven a second bachelors degree before entering the jobmarket. There is nothing wrong with delaying your jobsearch as long as you do it for the right reasons.

But escaping the job search by entering into the processof applying to graduate schools when this is not really whatyou want to do is one of the biggest mistakes students canmake. Once youve made a decision to pursue employment,dont hesitate to do so. However, students who legitimatelydecide to delay their job search should keep in mind that theymight lose advantages, such as college job fairs, collegecareer services, on-campus interviews, and other servicesthat colleges and universities provide. If youre ready to startyour career, this is the time to do it.

Get Moving and Keep MovingMost college students are well acquainted with procrastina-

tion. Pulling an all nighterto cram for a test or write a termpaper has almost become a college rite of passage. Studentstend to procrastinate when it comes time to looking for work aswell, and for the usual reasons: fear of failure (what if nobodyhiresme?),perfectionism(Ineedtofindtheperfectjob.),

lackofinformation(wheredoIstart?),distractions(Ineedtime to go out with my friends.), and the sheer size of the task

before them (Ill never find the time to get this all done.)Looking for a job is a big task, and while you may havebeen able to learn a semesters worth of chemistry the nightbefore a final, youre not going to be able to cram the jobsearch into the week before graduation. The single best thingyou can do to relieve job-search stress is to simply get started.Procrastination is the worst thing you can do in terms ofcreating stress during the job search.

But just starting the job search isnt enough. Students needto think of looking for a job as a process; something they needto work on every week if not every day. Dont apply for one

job at a time and await the result. This is a recipe for disaster.Keep actively pursuing a job until you actually accept an offer.

Have Reachable Goals

Since finding and securing a job is such a large process,students need to break it up into attainable goals. Make sureyou write the goals down and that you know when theyve

been accomplished. Having such goals can reduce job searchstress in two ways: First, it breaks a large process down intosmaller, manageable chunks, and second, reaching goalsprovides the job seeker with a sense of accomplishment. Asyou move forward in the job search, youll find the stressreplaced by something a bit more pleasant a feeling ofaccomplishment.

Deal with Interview Anxiety For many students, going on a job interview is the moststressful part of the entire job search process. The best wayto alleviate some of this stress is simply to prepare. Make

sure you know everything you can about the employer andthe position, and make sure that you know exactly whatskills, experience, and ideas you can bring to that employer.Prepare answers to all the common questions that employersask (such lists can be found online or in your career office),as well as other questions that are related specifically to yourfield of study and the position you are applying for.

Also, make sure that you prepare a list of questions to askthe employer during the interview. Intelligent questionsshow that you have done your homework and that you haveseriously thought about the position you are interviewingfor. Lastly, make sure you go through a mock interview.By practicing your interview answers in front of a friend ora career counselor, you will be able to hone your interviewskills and get rid of some of the pre-interview jitters.

Last Words of AdviceThink positively. Also, remember that a little stress can

be a good thing if it doesnt paralyze you. It can keep youmotivated, and keep you reaching toward your goals. Butwhen you feel your stress level getting out of hand, take a

break. Walking the dog, working out at the gym, going for aswimany type of physical activityis a great way to relievestress. And if your stress level continues to rise, just take a break.A few days not thinking or worrying about getting a job cando wonders for your stress level. You can then re-enter the jobsearch process refreshed and ready to land the job you want.

Written by Chris Enstrom, a free-lance writer from Nashville, Ind.,from interviews with career center directors Dr. Jeff Garis (FloridaState University) and Deidre Sepp (Marist College).

Dealing With Stress in the Job Search


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JOB SEARCH

Many employers use career fairsboth on and offcampusto promote their opportunities and topre-screen applicants. Career fairs come in all

shapes and sizes, from small community-sponsoredevents to giant regional career expositions held at majorconvention centers.

Most career fairs consist of booths and/or tablesmanned by recruiters and other representatives from eachorganization. For on-campus events, some employersalso send alumni representatives. Large corporationsand some government agencies have staffs who work thecareer fair circuitnationwide.

An employers display area is also subject to wide variance.It could be a simple table with a stack of brochures andbusiness cards and a lone representative or an elaboratemultimedia extravaganza with interactive displays, videos,

posters and a team of recruiters.Fashions and Accessories

Generally, the appropriate attire for career fairattendees is more relaxed than what youd wear to anactual job interview. In most cases, business casualisthe norm. If youre unsure of the dress code (particularlyfor off-campus events), it would be wise to err on theoverdressed side youll make a better impression if youappear professional. Think of it as a dress rehearsal foryour real interviews!

Remember to bring copies of your resume (or resumes,if you have several versions tailored to different careerchoices), a few pens and pencils (have backups theyhave a way of disappearing), a folder or portfolio and

some sort of note-taking device (a paper or electronicpad). Keep track of the recruiters with whom you speakand send follow-up notes to the ones who interest you.Dont bring your backpack; its cumbersome for you,it gets in the way of others and it screams student!instead of candidate!

Stop, Look and ListenKeep your eyes and ears opent heres nothing wrong

with subtly eavesdropping on the questions asked andanswers received by your fellow career fair attendees. Youmight pick up some valuable information, in addition towitnessing some real-life career search d os and donts.

In order to maximize your career fair experience, youmust be an active participant and not just a browser. If all

you do is stroll around, take company literature and load upon the ubiquitous freebies, you really havent accomplishedanything worthwhile (unless youre a collector of keychains, mousepads and pocket flashlights). It is essential tochat with the company representatives and ask meaningfulquestions.

Heres a great bit of career fair advice from StanfordUniversitys Career Fair 99 guide:

C reate a one-minute commercialas a way to sellyourself to an employer. This is a great way to introduceyourself. The goal is to connect your background to theorganizations need. In one minute or less, you need tointroduce yourself, demonstrate your knowledge of thecompany, express enthusiasm and interest and relateyour background to the companys need.

Youre a ProspectorStart Digging

The questions you ask at a career fair depend upon yourgoals. Are you interested in finding out about a particularcareerfield?Thenaskgeneralizedquestionsaboutworking within the industry. If youre seeking careeropportunities with a specific employer, focus your ques-tions on the application and interview process, and ask forspecific information about that employer.

Fair Thee WellBy all means, try to attend at least one career fair before

beginning your formal job interviewing process. For newentrants into the professional career marketplace, this isa good way to make the transition into s elf-marketingmodewithout the formality and possible intimidation ofa one-on-one job interview. Its an opportunity thats too

valuable to miss.

Getting the Most Out of a Career Fair

A Few Words AboutCareer Fair Etiquette

1. Dont interrupt the employer reps or your fellowjob-seekers. If someone else is monopolizing theemployers time, try to make eye contact with therep to let him or her know that youre interested inspeaking. You may be doing a favor by giving therecruiter an out. If all else fails, move to the nextexhibit and plan to come back later.

2. If you have a real interest in an employer, find outthe procedures required to secure an interview. At

some career fairs, initial screening interviews maybe done on the spot. Other times, the career fair isused to pre-screen applicants for interviews to beconducted later (either on campus or at theemployers site).

3. Sincerity always wins. Dont lay it on too thick, butdont be too blas either. Virtually all employers arelooking for candidates with good communicationskills.

4. Dont just drop your resume on employersdisplaytables. Try to get it into a persons hands and atleast say a few words. If the scene is too busy andyou cant get a word in edgewise, jot a note on your

resume to the effect of, Y ou were so busy that wedidnt get a chance to meet. Im very interested intalking to you.Look around the display for therecruiters business card (or at the very least, writedown his or her name and get some literature withthe companys address) and send a follow-up noteand another copy of your resume.

5. If you know ahead of time that one of your d reamcompaniesis a career fair participant, do someprior research (at minimum, visit their website and,if available, view their company videotape). A littleadvance preparation goes a long way and can makeyou stand out among the masses of other attendees.


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INTERVIEWS

Dressing for the Interview

Depending upon your fashion style, whether it is thelatest trends for the club scene or merely collegesenior casual, a job interview may be cause for

some drastic wardrobe augmentation.For your interviews, some of your individualism might

have to be shelved or kept in the closet. In most businessand technical job interviews, when it comes to your appear-ance, conservativism and conformity are in order.

While many companies have adopted the o ffice casualdress code, dont try to set new standards in the interview.When in doubt, it is better to be too conservative than to betoo flashy. For men and women, a suit is the best bet.

Here are some guidelines:

MEN

Atwo-piecesuitwillsufficeinmostinstances.

Solidcolorsandtighter-wovenfabricsaresaferthanbold prints or patterns.

Brighttiesbringfocustotheface,butasimplepatternisbest for an interview. (A tip for larger men: Use a doubleWindsor knot to minimize a bulky appearance.)

Wearpolishedshoeswithsockshighenoughsonoskin is visible when you sit down and cross your

career manual engineering um

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