Career Services & Internships

The Career News - Current Issue

2011-08-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

The new issue of Career News is available! Topics include Finding a Job Faster, How to Optimize your Job Search Results, and Volunteer to Boost Job Search Efforts,
Check it out here: The Career News - Current Issue

New Career Services and Internship Office website coming soon!

2011-07-28T15:59:00.001-05:00

Soon you be able to experience our new and improved office website. Look for the new website to roll out later this fall!
www.smumn.edu/careerservices

SMU's Career Development Timeline

2011-06-07T11:05:00.004-05:00

Freshman - Exploring Self

Goal: Identify and clarify your interests, abilities & values; establish relationships with faculty, advisors and others on campus that will assist you.

Activities:
~ Get involved with campus organizations.
~ Discuss possible major programs with your faculty advisor.
~ Use your General Education requirements to explore a variety of subject areas.
~ Take the Kiersey Temperament Sorter and/or Self Directed Search self-assessment inventories.
~ Use the on-line FOCUS Career Planning System.
~ Take Career Exploration (PD101).

Sophomore - Exploring Careers

Goal: Explore and determine major choice and consider potential career options.

Activities:
~ Participate in a field exploration experience.
~ Utilize FOCUS, written and on-line resources to research occupations.
~ Interview and/or job shadow professionals working in the occupation(s) you are considering.
~ Continue exploring a variety of subject areas.
~ Take Career Exploration (PD101).

Junior - Experiencing Choices

Goals: Obtain experience in your potential career choice; carry out course selection in major.

Activities:
~ Participate in an internship, part-time job, summer job, work study job or volunteer to get experience in a career of interest.
~ Take the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or other required entrance exam if you are considering graduate school.
~ Take Job Search Strategies (PD201).

Senior - Post Graduation Planning

Goal: Finalize career choice for post-graduation and transition from student to employee or graduate student.

Activities:
~ Start your job search 6-9 months before you graduate.
~ Attend job fairs in Minneapolis, Chicago, or other locations.
~ Research potential employers.
~ Check the Cardinal Job & Internship link and job listings on the Career Services web site regularly at: www.smumn.edu/careerservices.
~ Apply to graduate schools.
~ Take Job Search Strategies (PD201).

10 Cover Letter Don'ts

2011-03-24T10:10:00.002-05:00

10 Cover Letter Don'ts
By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Your cover letter is the first thing employers see when they open your materials. Avoid these 10 mistakes, and make your first impression a good and lasting one.

Mistake No. 1: Overusing 'I'
Your cover letter is not your autobiography. The focus should be on how you meet an employer's needs, not on your life story. Avoid the perception of being self-centered by minimizing your use of the word "I," especially at the beginning of your sentences.

Mistake No. 2: Using a Weak Opening
When writing a cover letter, job seekers frequently struggle with how to begin. This often results in a feeble introduction lacking punch and failing to grab the reader's interest. Consider this example:

Weak: Please consider me for your sales representative opening.
Better: Your need for a top-performing sales representative is an excellent match to my three-year history as a #1-ranked, multimillion-dollar producer.

Mistake No. 3: Omitting Your Top Selling Points
A cover letter is a sales letter that sells you as a candidate. Just like the resume, it should be compelling and give the main reasons you should be called for an interview. Winning cover letter tips include emphasizing your top accomplishments or creating subheadings culled from the job posting. For example:

Your Ad Specifies: Communication skills
I Offer: Five years of public speaking experience and an extensive background in executive-level report.

Your Ad Specifies: The need for a strong computer background.
I Offer: Proficiency in all MS Office applications with additional expertise in Web site development and design.

Mistake No. 4: Making It Too Long
If your cover letter exceeds one page, you may be putting readers to sleep. A great cover letter is concise but compelling, and respects the reader's time.

Mistake No. 5: Repeating Your Resume Word for Word
Your cover letter shouldn't regurgitate what's on your resume. Reword your cover letter statements to avoid dulling your resume's impact. Consider using the letter to tell a brief story, such as "My Toughest Sale" or "My Biggest Technical Challenge."

Mistake No. 6: Being Vague
If you're replying to an advertised opening, reference the specific job title in your cover letter. The person reading your letter may be reviewing hundreds of letters for dozens of different jobs. Make sure all the content in your letter supports how you will meet the employer's specific needs.

Mistake No. 7: Forgetting to Customize
If you're applying to a number of similar positions, chances are you're tweaking one letter and using it for multiple openings. That's fine, as long as you customize each letter. Don't forget to update the company, job and contact information -- if Mr. Jones is addressed as Mrs. Smith, he won't be impressed.

Mistake No. 8: Ending on a Passive Note
When possible, put your future in your own hands with a promise to follow up. Instead of asking readers to call you, try a statement like this: I will follow up with you in a few days to answer any preliminary questions you may have. In the meantime, you may reach me at (555) 555-5555.

Mistake No. 9: Being Rude
Your cover letter should thank the reader for his time and consideration.

Mistake No. 10: Forgetting to Sign the Letter
It is proper business etiquette (and shows attention to detail) to sign your letter. However, if you are sending your cover letter and resume via email or the Web, a signature isn't necessary.

Minnesota Education Job Fair Coming Soon!

2011-02-28T14:18:00.002-06:00

Monday, April 11, 2011
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (employer booths open)
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (interviews scheduled)
Minneapolis Convention Center

In order to be eligible to participate in this event, you must be a current student or graduate of a Minnesota college or university and be certified to teach on or before December 2011. Pre-registration with Career Services and Internships is required before April 8, 2011. This is a one-day event and students should plan to attend the entire day to visit with school district representatives, interview and attend group information sessions.

For more information and to see a list of employers please visit www.mcucsa.org/mnedfair

Register for the Minnesota Education Job Fair at http://forms.smumn.edu/sitepages/pid4070.php

Top 5 Reasons Your Resume Isn't Very Good

2010-11-03T10:06:00.004-05:00

1. Your Résumé Is Not Results Oriented
For reasons completely unknown to me, people like to reference the things they are responsible for rather than the results they obtained! Again, this document is an important marketing and sales tool. The examples of what you have done with the corresponding outcome are paramount to ensure that your résumé is considered! If you don’t reference how you drove productivity, revenue, profitability, or added value – some type of value, you will not be successful!

Make sure you provide the reader with the juicy details of how you added value for your employer. Here are a few examples to help you get started:
- Drafted a full business plan, including the financial forecast to open a new profit center for the company, resulting in a 40% revenue increase in year one.
- Conceptualized and implemented a team training concept, which reduced production downtime by 35% and increased employee productivity by 50%.

2. You Don’t Have Core Competencies Called Out
This is a quick snap-shot of what you are offering your next employer. This section is critical; it shows the reader at a quick glance what you bring to the table and what you have accomplished in the past. It will help the reader quickly understand the competencies you possess as they connect with the position for which you are applying.

It can be a bulleted list of key words that when scanned by a person or a system will be easily identified as your key attributes. Don’t be afraid to revise your existing, or add new competencies to meet the position description. I would not suggest adding them verbatim; get a little creative in how you write them.

3. You have Grammar And Spelling Mistakes
Grammar and spelling errors plague résumés! I once had a client who indicated that he put a plane in the ‘hanger’. Really, I thought – that had to be some closet! Spell check will not pick up things like this because hanger is a word, the wrong one, but a word nonetheless. Whatever the reason for the mistake - this is a costly error if detected by a hiring manager.

I would like to say that there is a catchall that will help you identify all errors related to grammar and spelling, but alas, I cannot. Of course use spell check. You should also read your résumé backwards, yes, backwards to help you catch errors. I also recommend identifying a friend or family member that is rock solid with English grammar and spelling. Have that person review your résumé to ensure that all errors are caught before you submit the résumé. You should also consider getting The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation, which will definitely put you on the straight and narrow with respect to proper word usage. You will still need to get help with the spelling area though.

4. Your Presentation is Awful
How your résumé looks is also important! Do your dates line up? Do lines roll to a second or third page? Consistent and an aesthetically pleasing presentation will help your résumé shine. This demonstrates attention to detail – an all-important characteristic. If your résumé looks sloppy, what will the hiring manager think? Possibly that you are disorganized and lack focus to ensure the details are reviewed. First impressions are lasting ones, and you want your résumé to clearly articulate that you are focused, capable, and able to contribute to positive and lasting change. Choose an updated font like Book Antiqua in 10pts, Cambria in 10pts, or Tahoma in 9.5pts. Times New Roman is an outdated font, so I would encourage you to use something more timely.

Either get your résumé professionally done, which will ensure that you are positioned correctly, and all your i’s are dotted and your t’s are crossed. Alternatively, there are many templates available online where you can populate your information into an existing format. This will help you stay on track and generate a document that is consistent and pleasing to look at.

5. You Still Have An Objective Statement
Aside from being completely outdated, objectives tell the reader what you want, not what you offer. A résumé is a marketing and sales tool about YOU. You need to offer up information about what you bring to the company – not what you want them to do for you.

Instead, start your résumé off with a compelling summary. This is 6-7 sentences about what you offer. Since you don’t have a lot of time to make an impact, reference things that are unique – things where you made a sustainable impact. You can even show metrics in your summary to quickly demonstrate the value that you offer. Your summary is your overview about your key attributes peppered with an example or two to make a swift impact.

There’s my top five for you with some actionable solutions to help you create a rockin’ results-oriented résumé!

Retrieved November 3, 2010 from "New Grad Life" http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2010/06/top-5-reasons-why-your-resume-sucks.html

Top 3 Cover Letter Mistakes

2010-09-01T08:51:00.001-05:00

Cover letter mistakes you're probably making

For fast job search results, make sure to avoid these top three cover letter mistakes:

1. Not understanding the hiring motives of your audience
2. Repeating rather than introducing your resume
3. Overuse of the word "I"

1. Not understanding the hiring motives of your audience

There are three basic audiences that a job seeker sends his/her resume to: executive decision-makers, resume screeners, and third-party recruiters. Each of these groups has its own hiring motives.

• Executive decision-makers are looking for candidates who will have a significant impact on bottom-line initiatives, such as time saved, income generated, revenue built, etc.
• Resume screeners are searching for candidates who directly match the lists of qualifications in the job description.
• Third-party recruiters are looking for selling points to help position you as a top candidate.

Knowing these hiring motives will help you craft your cover letter specifically to catch the attention of your particular hiring audience. By appealing directly to the reader, you are creating an immediate bond that will make you a stronger candidate.

2. Repeating rather than introducing your resume

Repeating the exact same things you wrote in your resume is one of the most common cover letter mistakes. No one wants to read the same thing twice. By the time most people have finished writing their resume, they feel that they have run out of ideas and just cut and paste to create a cover letter.

Instead, the cover letter should be what sells the reader on your skills. Like the jacket-cover introduction to a good book, the cover letter should give the reader a taste of the great things to come and encourage them to read more.

If you are don't have any idea what your top skills are and how they will help the company, neither will your reader. Take the time to craft the right words and statements to make your skills shine.

3. Overuse of the word "I"

A cover letter that begins nearly every sentence with "I" is as boring as a conversation with someone who only talks about himself. That kind of person one avoids at all costs. Is that the way you want your reader to see you?

Focusing all the attention on yourself may seem like a good way to sell your skills. But it can also reflect lack of interest in the company, in the job, and in making a real contribution to that workplace. There's a good balance to be drawn between selling yourself and selling what you can do for the company.

Creating variety in the sentences of your cover letter is an easy way to show your interest without being self-centered. By shifting the emphasis to the recipient/company - and away from yourself - you can prove that your main interest is not just in winning the job but also in doing it effectively. Try to rewrite sentences that start with "I," "me," or "my," to start with "You," or "Your." Show how you can make a difference for them.

A cover letter that is poorly written may cause your resume to be ignored. But a well-crafted cover letter will invite and encourage the reader to take a closer look at your resume. You'll make a positive first impression before your resume is even opened.

Rather than making your cover letter an afterthought, take the time to really consider the type of presentation your cover letter will make. If your resume isn't winning you job interviews, consider hiring a professional resume writer to help. It's true what they say: You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

Retrieved from New Grad Life September 1, 2010 - http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2009/10/cover-letter-resume-cover-letter.html

8 Steps to Acing Your Phone Interview

2010-08-23T08:42:00.001-05:00

A job interview on the phone is just as important as in person
Alesia Benedict, CPRW, JCTC Getinterviews.com

Most first job interviews are via telephone. A hiring manager sees your resume, thinks you may be a good fit, and calls you. It is very important to be ready for that first call because it is your one chance to move forward in the hiring process. Flub it and you won’t get a second opportunity. Make the sales presentation of your experience count.

Control Contact

Do not list every possible telephone number at which you can be reached. A home number and cell number are typically all an employer needs. If your cell is a company phone, list only your home number or obtain a personal cell phone. A company phone should not be used for job search. Do you spend a great deal of time during the day in situations where it would be difficult to talk spontaneously to a prospective employer such as meetings or in a shared office? Make sure you have a very professional voice mail message and check your messages regularly. Return all calls as soon as possible and if you end up in a “phone tag” situation, be persistent and proactive.

Focus

If you receive that first call while driving or any time you cannot devote 100% of your attention to the conversation, ask the caller if you can return the call. Distracted conversations make for poor interviews. When an employer or recruiter calls, they understand the time might not be good and are generally open to scheduling a call for a later time. Try to schedule the conversation as soon as possible and don’t forget to get a name and number for a contact.

Practice Tough Answers

Many people have some sort of obstacle in their current career search or a past problem that may come up in an interview. Be especially prepared to discuss such issues, not because they are more important but because they cause the most anxiety. Knowing what you are going to say to tough questions makes them much less scary.

Google Yourself

Be aware of information about you in the public realm. Make sure you conduct an Internet search on yourself. Employers will be doing this so you need to be on the same page. Be aware that your social media activities will also be reviewed by many employers or recruiters. If you have a Facebook page or Twitter account, it might be examined by employers. Be careful what you put there and don’t be surprised if a related question arises in the interview.

Use Your Resume

The resume’s usefulness does not stop with gaining the interview. It is your guideline for steering your interview. Carry your own copy with additional notes added. It is impossible (and unnecessary) to include all information in a resume so having additional facts and figures that support information in the resume can be a great aide in the interview. Think of it as a sort of “cheat sheet” for helping you to remember facts during the interview.

Be Informed

If you apply to a company, know something about that company! Knowledge is power. If a hiring manager calls ten people and only two of them can speak informatively about the company, its mission, and its products/service, those two will be the ones to move forward in the process! Ask informed questions that make sense and are company-focused.

Give Scenarios

Employers want to know not only what you’ve done but they want to know in what context. Be prepared to back up your claims to skills and expertise with specific scenarios and details about your performance. For example, if you have experience in project management, be ready to talk about a couple of projects you handled successfully. Select “stories” that will demonstrate your expertise. Bring in details and make sure to emphasize successful results of your efforts.

Curb the Chatter

Are you enthusiastic about your potential? That’s great but don’t let it get control of your tongue. An interview is a dialogue – it isn’t a monologue opportunity for you. Let the interviewer get a word in! Answer the question presented and keep your answers on topic. It is very easy to rabbit-trail off and chatter away but it is not helpful. It’s frustrating to the interviewer who probably has a limited amount of time and the information you chatter about may not even be relative. If you have trouble knowing when to stop talking, practice with a stopwatch. Limit your answers to two minutes if possible.

When the employer or recruiter calls you, you are “on”. Think ahead about what you will say, how you will handle specific questions, and have “stories” prepared that will demonstrate the skills and experience you offer. Use your resume as a guide and don’t prattle on about topics. Let the employer ask questions and ask some of your own. An interview is a conversation! Relax and make a great impression!

Should you put your GPA on your RESUME?

2010-06-23T09:51:00.002-05:00

When you're in high school, and even more so in college, your grade point average (GPA) can seem like the one-and-only measure of your success. But how important is your GPA after graduation? Should you put it on your resume? Do employers really care if you had a 2.8 or a 3.0? Can a low score ruin your chances of getting hired? The answers may surprise you.

Just so we're all clear, GPA is a cumulative average of all the grades you've earned in your four (or so) years of classes. In most cases, a perfect score is 4.0. The average score is around 2.8 (depending on variables such as grade inflation).

Yes or No? Before I go any further, this advice is only for new grads. Once you have a few years of professional experience, your undergraduate schooling diminishes in importance. If you're still bragging about your GPA when you're 40, it might seem a little odd.

So what are the general rules of thumb?

1. Only put your GPA on your resume if it was 3.0 or higher.
2. If your total GPA was under 3.0, but the GPA in your major was higher, put THAT on your resume.
3. Relevant summer jobs or internships will strengthen your resume more than just a high GPA, so don't laser-focus on grades.

Don't forget, employers can ask for copies of your transcripts, so it’s important to be truthful about your GPA, if asked.

Do Employers Really Care?

Just how important is your GPA in the real world? A recent Harris poll conducted on behalf of CareerBuilder asked 3,147 hiring managers and human resource professionals about this topic, and you may either be heartened or disappointed to learn:

62% require no minimum GPA;
31% require a 3.0 or above;
and 11% require a 3.5 or above.

I think that's actually good news for grads on both ends of the GPA spectrum. Those who worked super-hard and got a super GPA will find employers that demand nothing less. And those whose excellence manifested itself in areas other than academics can still find plenty of employers to value their contributions.

Bottom line: A high GPA is remarkable and should be emphasized on your resume. An average GPA isn't necessarily bad, it's just not particularly noteworthy. Since your resume is all about summarizing your most noteworthy accomplishments, leave out that 2.7 and focus on your other qualifications. And relax... by the time you're about five years out of college, GPA will be a non-issue.

By Julie O'Malley, a Content Writer and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) at PongoResume.com.

A simple guide for job networking on LinkedIn

2010-06-01T09:09:00.002-05:00

Competition for advertised jobs is fierce. An advertised job posting can generate applications from thousands of potential candidates. Likewise, employers can cherry-pick potential employees. So how do you differentiate yourself while job hunting on LinkedIn? With all the tools for job seekers on the site you may get overwhelmed. Try this step-by-step process below and land a job on LinkedIn successfully!

To increase your chances of generating a response including an interview from a job posting, you should:
• Use LinkedIn to locate a company insider with a common connection (professional association, alum, etcetera)
• Request an informational interview to determine if the job is still available, name of the hiring manager, desired characteristics of the potential employee, and etcetera • Customize your resume and cover letter using this information
• Ask your company insider to deliver your resume and cover letter to the hiring manager

Next, I am going to provide you with the steps I used to apply for a position last week with a Fortune 100 company.

1. Go to http://www.linkedin.com/
2. Click on the “Advanced” link for the Search People field in the upper right region of your screen
3. Select “Located in or near:” for the Location field
4. Input a zip code for the Postal Code field and select the appropriate entry (such as 50 mi) for the Within field to ensure the location of the company is within this geographical range
5. Input the name of the company in the Company field and select Current in the box below this field
6. Click the Search button
7. If the search generated several results, you can limit the results by relationship by selecting the 1st Connections, 2nd Connections, and so on under the Relationship field.
8. Next view the profiles to locate current employees who have a common connection with you (professional association, alum, etcetera)
9. Contact these individuals to set up an informational interview. I have discovered that I generate better results by sending an email for the initial contact. The email I sent via LinkedIn listed the name of the position in the subject field and the body of my email included this:

“Hello X, I hope all is well. I’m a current X association member and want to set up a brief chat this upcoming week to discuss your company. I can be reached at 469-892-5092. Let me know what you think. Thanks-Kenrick”

The individual replied the next day listing the time frame we could talk. I replied by stating: “I prefer to have my resume/cover letter hand delivered to the hiring manager, if there is a match. Tomorrow after 1PM is good. Let me know what you think. Thanks-Kenrick”

10. We had our 10 minute discussion, I customized my resume and cover letter, and I sent it to my new connection for delivery to the hiring manager.

Whether or not you are invited to interview for the suitable positions you’ll apply for using this process; your response rate should be higher than if you just apply blindly to a job.
Hopefully you learned quite a bit reading this, good luck on your job hunt!

Retrieved June 1, 2010 from "New Grad Life"http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2009/10/9-steps-to-linkedin-networking-for-job.html

3 Golden Keys to Job Hunting for New Grads

2010-05-19T11:02:00.006-05:00

So you just graduated college finally and are looking for your first real entry-level job. How should you go about your job hunt? Just sit home and click away at the “submit resume” button all day? Stop what you’re doing! Find out what are the real keys to job hunting as a new grad in this economy and improve your chances out there!

1. Consistency

Ever hear the phrase “looking for a job is a job itself”? That holds true for many people. If you want to be successful in your job search, you must have a certain job hunt process you go through every day and you must carry it out, every day consistently. Now for college grads this shouldn’t be anything new; studying in college showed you that consistency brought results. Were you more confident going into a test studying at the last minute, or reviewing content every week? Here’s a little example below of a job hunt process:

• You wake up and apply for jobs online you see posted (job boards, job aggregators, corporate sites) • Spend a few hours reading articles on how to brush up your job interview skills, how to improve your resume. Maybe even do a mock interview with your family or friend.

• Later you spend an hour or so trying to figure out who you can network with (who do my friends know? Who does my family know? What about online networking sites like LinkedIn, who should I contact locally?).

This is just a small example, and by no means should you manage your time particularly like this – but what’s important is the fact that these are steps. You must be consistent and keep at what you are doing. If you don’t stay consistent during your job hunt, what happens is you see no results.

For example, say you start networking on Monday and apply to jobs, and then don’t follow up on networking the next few days and focus just on your resume. A week passes by, and you totally forgot about replying back to the people you networked with. Those people may now think you’re unorganized and already you lose any value you could present to them as an acquaintance. You have to stay consistent with what you do as a job seeker; show those people you’re on top of things and are eager to find work.

2. Focus

What is the particular job position you are looking for? What industry? Fresh graduates have a lot of trouble with this one, partly because many are not even 100% sure what job they want. Once again, coming out of College, you have experience with this: you spent 4 years trying to figure out what you want to do with your life, what to major in, so this is just another thing you have to figure out.

Two things College grads should focus on:
1. What is the job position you really want?
2. What industry do you want to work in? What companies do you find attractive?

We are in a recession and you’ll be told not to be picky, but believe it or not, sending out 50 resumes every day to 50 different jobs at 50 different companies in totally different industries will not yield the best results for your job search.

So what happens if you focus on a job and industry?

Job position: Take a look over at your resume, what duties have you performed that could be applicable to an entry-level job that you like? Fast-forward to an HR manager reading your resume, they’ll see your job duties are similar to the ones advertised in this new job opening, and you look like promising candidate now. Match your skills and strengths to particular job types as well.

Industry/Company: Get involved in an industry you’re passionate about. Join clubs and organizations and read their newsletters, magazines, and books. Most importantly keep up with the trends in the industry. Why? Let’s say you are networking with a particular person who works for a company in the entertainment industry and bring up in the conversation some trends you noticed or predictions you have. What will happen immediately is that person will be impressed that not only have you done your research as a college graduate, but you have a strong passion for that industry and it shows! Passion truly does give you motivation, and motivation is a recipe for success when you are working so remember that.

3. Change

People change, job duties change, the economy changes, so why shouldn’t your job search strategies? Set a “Point of Review” – this could be every week, two weeks, or even every month or two (we don’t suggest waiting too long).

During your Point of Review you should analyze 3 things:

1. What are your results so far? Write them down; 1 interview? 2 leads you got through networking?
2. What approach did you take that lead to those results? Did you talk about the industry trends with the person you were networking with? Did you leave out the “Career Objective” in your resume?
3. What are you going to change this time around?

During your job search (especially as a new grad) it is difficult to understand the cause and effect relationship of things you do, but sometimes some things are quite obvious. A small tweak in your resume’s language can make a huge impact. Similarly, a simple change in your body language when you go to networking events can make a huge difference. For example, take note of how you acted; were you talking too long during the interview? Did you interrupt the interviewer a few times perhaps?

What you should do is try to use your “observing ego” – this is when you essentially observe what you say and how you act, and the results that come with that. Remember how you went about things and think of what you can change - little things of course, we’re not saying you should go to your next networking event in your Halloween costume (although that would be very entertaining for the rest of us).

So that’s it, consistency, focus, and change. These are basic principles that bring great results so use them to your advantage.

Good luck on your job hunt new grads!

Retrieved May 19, 2010 from "New Grad Life"
http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2010/02/3-golden-keys-to-job-hunting-for-new.html

12 Deadly Sins That Kill Your Job Search

2010-05-19T10:56:00.001-05:00

RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS

1. Not customizing your resume for each job submittal: Each resume you submit should be tailored to the position, highlighting those dimensions of your background that are most important to the job.

2. Only using job boards to search for opportunities: The least effective way to find a job is by applying to job listings on job boards. Other, more useful tactics for identifying job opportunities include networking with colleagues, targeting specific companies, and attending professional association meetings, to name just a few.

3. Not using a cover letter: Cover letters provide a way to highlight the personal qualities and accomplishments that differentiate you from other applicants. Your cover letter also allows you to draw the reader’s attention to the parts of your background that are most applicable to the specific job.

4. Not following up on resumes and interviews: Professional follow-through on resume submittals and interviews helps set you apart, puts your name in front of the hiring authorities, and demonstrates your interest in the company and position.

5. Not taking extra copies of your resume and cover letter to each interview: Interviewers are notorious for forgetting to bring your resume to the interview, so demonstrate your preparedness by taking extra copies for them. You may also meet people who have not seen your resume before.

6. Lying on your resume or at any point in the hiring process: Lying is very high risk, both during the selection process and after you get hired. Many people have been fired for lying on their resumes, even after years of high job performance. Positive spin is good; lying is bad.

7. Putting personal information on your resume: Personal data is irrelevant to the hiring process. Companies are governed by law to not discriminate based on personal characteristics or circumstances. Listing personal information on your resume, which used to be standard, is now viewed as unprofessional.

8. Using too many fonts and text effects on your resume: A resume must be easy to read and understand. Use no more than two fonts – one is best. It’s good to highlight specific words in your resume by making them bold, but you should generally avoid underlining or heavy use of italics, which can affect scan ability.

INTERVIEWS

9. Not preparing intellectually and emotionally for interviews: The interview is the most important moment in your job search and as such, it requires solid intellectual and emotional preparation. Researching the company is just the beginning. Research the background of the people you will meet (use the corporate web site or online profiles). Practice answering the most common interview questions, and the questions you fear most. Prepare five questions you will ask during the interview. Finally, get yourself in the most resourceful and positive mood for the interview. Candidates perform their best when feeling spectacular.

10. Not sending a thank you note after interviews: Send a thank you note to every interviewer. This one technique demonstrates your professionalism and interest, and can make the difference between getting and not getting an offer.

REFERENCES and BACKGROUND

11. Disclosing unflattering data on social network profiles: Many employers check social networking sites (MySpace, Facebook, etc.) for additional data about potential employees. Review your online profiles and disclose only professional and positive information.

12. Not pre-qualifying your references: Make certain your references are absolutely comfortable providing a stellar recommendation for you.

Retrieved May 19, 2010 from "New Grad Life"
http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2010/01/job-openings-new-jobs-job-search-job_11.html

What Counts as Experience on a College Grad's Resume

2010-05-14T09:29:00.002-05:00

You've worked more than you think!

If you took advantage of an internship during your college years, you've already got something great to list under the Experience section of your first professional resume. Employers put a lot of weight on internships (if they're relevant) since they prove that you were interested in your career path well before you received your degree.But what if you don't have an internship to vouch for your experience? What if the only jobs you've had involved manning a cash register or serving up pizzas? Fear not! Here are a few things you can add to your resume that count as experience:

1. Relevant Coursework

Only college students can get away with coursework that qualifies as experience. You can add this as a new section heading on your resume, and list all the college courses you've taken that are at least somewhat relevant for the job you're seeking. For example: If you want a writing job, you can list any English writing and Communication courses you took that taught you something about the language, and something about communicating through media.

2. Extracurricular Activities

Sorority/Fraternity Roles
No, your medal for Most Creative Keg Stand doesn't count, but congratulations on that accomplishment! But if you served as your fraternity's treasurer and you're seeking a job in accounting, you can work that into your experience. Example: Managed cash flow of fraternity funds collected through organized fundraisers.

Student Council Involvement
Did the experience help you learn how to negotiate? Did you manage projects or work with other groups on campus? If you were elected, your communications skills are worth highlighting since you effectively convinced people to vote for you.

Academic Clubs
Did you plan events on campus for spring break? Did you organize concerts or blood drives? Did you collect tickets or pass out t-shirts at those events? Think out of the box and get creative with what qualifies as experience.

Volunteer Work

3. Irrelevant Part-Time Jobs

That's right. I just told you to put irrelevant information on your resume. Believe it! Again, only college students can get away with this. Listing your part-time jobs—such as scooping ice cream or mowing lawns—shows you have some kind of work ethic, even if it has nothing to do with the jobs you're applying to. Just create a separate resume heading titled "Work Experience" and place those items toward the bottom of your resume.

When you identify roles that qualify as experience, you can fabricate a professional title for each of them. (I'm talking about the extracurricular or volunteer roles that might not have had titles. Don't make up a title for a job you were paid to do!) Create titles that you think the roles would be called if someone actually hired you to do them.

Retrieved May 14, 2010 from "New Grad Life" http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-counts-as-experience-on-college_14.html

Ever try InterviewStream?

2010-05-13T13:50:00.003-05:00

What is InterviewStream?

Career Services InterviewStream is an excellent tool for anyone wanting to enhance their interviewing skills. It is a private and free way to practice answering the most asked interview questions. InterviewStream helps you reduce the use of filler words: Umm, Like, I Mean, and You Know. You do not need an appointment! Just stop in to Career Services during our office hours of: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

I do not have access to a webcam: Practice your interviewing skills from the Career Services kiosk location, Saint Mary's Hall, Room 136. You will be able to set-up your profile and answer up to 6 questions in 20 minutes.

I have access to a webcam: If you have your own webcam you can conduct the practice interview from home! From the Career Services Website access the InterviewStreamwebpage: http://www.smumn.edu/careerservices. Select the "InterviewStream Login Button" which will take you to the InterviewStream website. When your interview is finished you will receive an email with a link to your recorded answers. Forward your link to anyone that is qualified to critique your interview such as Career Services staff, professors, and parents.

Visit: Career Services and Internships Office
Saint Mary's Hall, Room 136
Contact Jackie Baker, Ext. 6695, jbaker@smumn.edu with questions.

Minnesota Education Job Fair

2010-04-09T13:15:00.002-05:00

Monday, April 19, 2010
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (employer booths open)
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (interviews scheduled)
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis Hotel Exhibit Hall, Minneapolis, MN

In order to be eligible to participate in this event, you must be a current student or graduate of a Minnesota college or university and be certified to teach on or before December 2010. Pre-registration with Career Services and Internships is required before April 14, 2010. This is a one-day event and students should plan to attend the entire day to visit with school district representatives, interview and attend group information sessions.

For more information and to see a list of employers please visit www.mcucsa.org/mnedfair.

Register for the Minnesota Education Job Fair

Why Etiquette?

2010-03-16T11:42:00.004-05:00

STUDENTS: Here is an excerpt from Nancy Sue Merz, Assistant Director of Student Financial Assistance at Kansas State University. The excerpt comes from her work, A Simple Guide to Interview and Business Etiquette.

Why is it so important to teach correct etiquette?

Teaching etiquette helps college students establish the self-confidence needed for job interviews conducted over a luncheon. Interviews are stressful enough without having to wonder what fork should be used during which course or what to do with your napkin if it falls on the floor. Lastly, unfortunately, some students fail to learn good manners while growing up.

Even though business etiquette is based upon common sense, it is important to gain knowledge beyond the fundamentals. While students should know not to talk with their mouths full, most do not know that they should eat a small snack before a luncheon interview so they can properly concentrate on the interview and interviewer, and not on the fact that they are starving. Along this same line, it may be common sense not to eat before everyone is served, but students need to know that if they have not yet been served while most at the table have their meal, that they should to encourage the others to start eating.

Many students may know that they should not use a toothpick, but they should also know how to place their utensils on their plate when they finish their meal. Common sense will dictate that the student thank the host for the meal, but the student should also remember to treat the wait staff with similar courtesies, using "please" and "thank-you".

Acting the Part
Proper interview etiquette dictates the appropriate way to make introductions: introduce the younger or less prominent person to the older or more prominent person. Once again, practice makes perfect, and this practice will help to ease any self-consciousness that the student might feel when making introductions.

Students, likewise, need to know how to handle etiquette "faux pas." Most of us have been in a situation where someone is making an introduction and can't remember a name. The best advice here is to understand that everyone makes mistakes and a simple and sincere apology will go a long way to rectifying the situation. Simply say, "I'm sorry, but your name has slipped my mind." Or, "cover" by introducing the person that you do know first. "Do you know Eric Jones, he is one of our Admissions Counselors?" That will usually get the unknown person to introduce him or herself. Failing to make the introduction is a worse faux pas than admitting you have forgotten a name.

Students on the receiving end of an introduction should repeat the person's name back; saying "Hi" or " Hello" is not enough. Instead, say, "It is a pleasure to meet you, David." Or say, "Do you prefer being called David or should I call you Dave?"

We all can benefit from remembering that there may come a time when we are the object of the faux pas, and not the offender. I once saw a slender young man, sitting on a chair, at a dinner interview. One minute, this young man was upright and eating, and the next, he was on the floor, in the middle of a broken chair. I sat in amazement, wondering what he would say. Would he swear and get angry? Would he cry? He did neither; he made a joke, saying, "I've only had one beer, I swear!!" Everyone laughed and the tension in the room immediately evaporated. The key is to be gracious and to play down the incident.

Another faux pas is the use of derogatory language toward anyone (present or absent) or using harsh words. There is just never a good time for abrasive language or distasteful jokes.

Dressing the part
The itinerary of any interview etiquette course should include the proper clothes needed for interviewing. The message I convey is dress for the job that you want, not the job that you have. When dressing for an interview, it never hurts to err on the side of formality. The person conducting the interview may be in a polo shirt and khakis, but if the interviewee really wants the job, first impressions are critical. A conservative well-pressed suit and shined shoes are essential.

Interview Types
Since the students often have pre-conceived notions of how job interviews take place, I surprise them and teach about two little understood types of interviews: behavioral and stress interviews. Often, students have no idea that these types of interviews exist.

First, (since they are the most fun to practice!) we talked about stress interviews. A stress interview is a direct interview tactic where candidates are asked questions designed to induce stress. I wanted the students to understand that the interviewer was not really a maniac, but would certainly appear to be one during the interview. I also wanted them to understand that this is more of a test to see how well they perform under pressure.

In a worse case scenario, I explain that they could be kept waiting, for as long an hour and then once they were introduced, the interviewer could just coldly stare at them. I also explain that the interviewer could hurl tough questions and not wait for an answer, or show disdain or disagreement with an answer. It is important that students remain calm and polite, even if the interviewer is rude. Do not get flustered; rather to view this type of interview as a game. Then we practice the scenario; I sit down with a student facing me. I am calm and pleasant for the first few minutes and then become hostile, defensive and argumentative. Then, I calm back down. With this type of interview, practice makes perfect.

In the behavioral interview, questions start with, "Tell me about a time when you." or "Give me an example of..." Behavioral interviews are not about what you know, but rather what you did. College students often lack applicable job experience to call upon for their answers. So, how does a college senior ready to graduate prepare for this type of interview? The student should recall experiences from college, e.g., group projects or working in the residence halls.

There are several excellent websites that deal with job interviews. Start with the Clearinghouse's Job Interview Resources. Look for questions that fall under the category of stress or behavioral interviews; practice answers to those questions.

Writing a Résumé
Effective résumé writing techniques are important to any job search; after all, students only get one chance to get it right. I advise against using templates, since they can become distorted if sent electronically and making changes to a template can be difficult. ALWAYS have someone else proof read a résumé for misspellings and typos. The last piece of advice: this is not the time to be creative, i.e., don't lie about anything on the résumé or cover letter. For more information, check out the Clearinghouse's Resume Resources.

I would like to end by passing along one more piece of etiquette advice. This advice is good for student and advisor alike. If you go to lunch with someone you enjoy being with, but find yourself routinely stuck with paying the bill, get out of the rut. Don't get mad. Go out again with that person and, as you begin to order, tell the waitress or waiter you would like separate checks. After the wait staff leaves, look over at your companion and exclaim, "I didn't want you to think that you were going to have to pay for my meal!" That gets you off the hook, and you look gracious doing it.

Need-to-know Job Info

2010-03-03T13:57:00.001-06:00

Visit http://www.jobchoicesonline.com/ for the following information:

The latest hiring outlook for the Class of 2010
Details on what employers want in job candidates
Tips on job-search success
Current salary information
Advice on using social networking in the job search

Pathways to Careers in the Arts

2010-02-23T15:41:00.002-06:00

Pathways to Careers in the Arts
Tuesday, March 23
3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
U of MN Continuing Education & Conference Center, St. Paul

A gala event sponsored by the MN Private Colleges Career Consortium
Sign up at Career Services, SM 136 by March 16 – Limited Space Available

Schedule
3:30 Welcome / Registration

3:50 Introductions

4:00 Break Out Session I

5:00 Break Out Session II

6:00 Reception – Networking
Grab a bite to eat and network with students and professionals.

Break-Out Sessions:

Arts Administration
Commercial/Graphic Arts
Film/Video Production
Fine Arts
Performing Arts: Music
Performing Arts: Theater & Dance

Minnesota Private Colleges Job & Internship Fair: Register Before February Break!

2010-02-09T10:16:00.001-06:00

Attention SMU Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores:

Register NOW to attend the Minnesota Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair. This fair is specifically designed for you, students of Minnesota's Private Colleges.

When: Tuesday, February 16, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday, February 17 8:30 - 4:00 (interviews only)

Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis MN

How much: There is a non-refundable registration fee of $14.00. Pre- registration is required.
Registration deadline is February 12.
To register:
1) stop by Career Services and Internship, 136 Saint Mary's Hall
2) or call ext. 6996
3) or email vmcdonal@smumn.edu
Meet with over 150 company representatives!!!
During this time, employers will be collecting resumes and some will be scheduling interviews for that same day and the next day. The list of employers currently registered for the fair is at www.mnpcfair.org. It is also recommended that you send cover letters and resumes to employers ahead of time to pre-arrange an interview at the fair. In addition, you can post your resume for employers to view at www.mnpcfair.org.

Prepare for the fair.
A "Job & Internship Fair Prep" workshop will be held Tuesday February 9th, at 3:30 in Saint Mary's Hall Room 132. Plan to attend to help you prepare for the fair!

Students: Start Practicing!

2010-02-02T10:49:00.003-06:00

Be prepared to answer any of the following questions asked in a future job interview:

• What can you tell me about yourself?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• What do you see yourself doing five years from now? Ten years from now?
• What are your long-range career objectives?
• Why did you choose this career?
• How well do you work with people? Do you prefer working alone or in teams?
• How would a good friend describe you?
• What would your last boss say about your work performance?
• Why should I hire you?
• What makes you qualified for this position?
• What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
• In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
• What's the most recent book you've read?
• What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
• Describe the most rewarding experience of your career thus far.
• Why did you decide to seek a position in this company?
• What can you tell us about our company?
• What do you know about our competitors?
• What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
• Are you willing to travel for the job?

Tips to help make your first job interview a success!

2010-02-02T10:41:00.004-06:00

Congratulations! Spending days, weeks, or possibly months of looking for the right job has finally paid off and you've been asked to come in for an interview. Then comes the biggest question of all, "now what?" You will only have 15 to 20 minutes to "sell" your experiences, attitude, and skills to the employer - most likely without knowing what the employer wants to hear from you. There are articles upon articles of advice on interviewing, from how to answer certain questions to how to dress - right down to the color of your socks! It can seem overwhelming, but remembering a few key points can help make your interview successful.

1. Research.
Find out a little bit about the company you want to work for. Visit the location in person if it is a store or building open to the general public. Visit the company’s Website and talk to anyone you might know who works there. What kinds of products or services does the company make or sell? What types of people work there? What are the typical hours this position requires? What are some of the day-to-day tasks that the job involves?
Make notes of things you want more information about and ask the employer about them at the end of your interview (it’s always a good idea to have a few questions to ask the employer, anyway!). Researching a company and the position make you stand out in an interview. It shows that you are really interested in working there.

2. Practice
It sounds funny – and it looks even funnier – but practicing out loud for your interview will help you sound more polished and concise and less nervous in the actual interview. List a few key things you want the employer to know about you, and review common interview questions. Formulate answers to those questions and answer them out loud while looking at yourself in the mirror. This exercise prevents you from rambling in the interview and sounding unpolished and unsure. It also helps you discover what really does make you the best candidate for the job!

3.Dress to Make a Good First Impression.
In an interview, first impressions do matter. The best way to ensure a good first impression is to dress smart. If you are interviewing for a job in an office, it is usually best to wear a dark-colored, conservative suit (for both men and women). If you are interviewing for a job where the dress code is more casual (at a factory or a construction site, for example), nice slacks and a collared button-down shirt with a tie for men and a nice dress or blouse and slacks or skirt for women are usually appropriate. You should avoid wearing excessive jewelry, perfume, and flamboyant clothes. Good personal hygiene is also important.
If you are unsure what to wear, you should always go with the most conservative, professional option. Most experts agree it is better to be overdressed than dressed too casually. What you are wearing tells employers a lot about how serious you are about getting the job. Find out more about how to dress for an interview here.

4. Be Conscious of Good Interview Etiquette.
This list could go on forever – there is literally an endless array of “dos” and “don’ts” for an interview – and not everyone agrees on every aspect of that list. There are, however, some basic “interview etiquette” tips that are important to remember. (For a more comprehensive list, click here).
Be on time for your interview. This is, perhaps, the most important. Employers expect employees to arrive on time to work. They may see a person who is late to an interview, when he or she is supposed to be showing his or her best side, as someone who will have difficulty arriving on time to work or meeting deadlines if hired.
Be aware of your body language. When shaking hands, make sure your grip is firm and confident. Have good posture, but avoid appearing like you’re as stiff as a cardboard cutout. Even the most experienced professionals get nervous in an interview – it’s normal. However, if you appear too nervous, the interviewer might draw the wrong conclusions about your ability to do the job – especially if it involves interacting with people! Conversely, make sure you don’t slouch – this could give the impression that you are lazy or uninterested in the position. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer to convey confidence. When speaking, be polite and professional and avoid using slang and profanities. The more confident and polished you appear the more likely you are to leave the interviewer with a positive impression of you.
Keep the interview positive. Avoid making negative remarks about any previous jobs or employers. Also, refrain from complaining about any job-related tasks or responsibilities you were given in a previous position. Employers want to hire someone who is positive, enthusiastic, and able to meet and deal with challenges.

5. Be Prepared to Ask the Interviewer Questions.
This is where your research comes in. Employers want to know if you’re truly interested in the position. They also want to know that you have all the information you need to make a decision, if offered the job. It isn’t a good idea to turn the tables and “interview” the interviewer, but it is a good idea to go into the interview with a few questions in mind. This is your chance to ask additional questions about the business, the position, the requirements, and the expectations of the person who will fill the position.

6. Follow up with a Thank-You Note.
Make sure you let the interviewer know how pleased you were to have the chance to interview with him or her. Immediately after the interview, send the interviewer a thank-you note, thanking him or her for taking time to interview you. This is not only proper etiquette and a common display of appreciation, but it also allows you to reaffirm one or two key points of the interview. It also lets the interviewer know how interested you are in working for the company. Being polite and professional always makes a good impression.
All of this advice comes down to three important things to remember when you're interviewing: being prepared, professional, and polite is the best way to make the right impression!

--The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of EmploymentGuide.com, The Trader Publishing Company, or its approval of the opinions expressed therein.

Minnesota Private Colleges Job & Internship Fair

2010-01-20T09:37:00.001-06:00

Attention SMU Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores:

Register NOW to attend the Minnesota Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair. This fair is specifically designed for you, students of Minnesota's Private Colleges.

When: Tuesday, February 16, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday, February 17 8:30 - 4:00 (interviews only)

Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis MN

How much: There is a non-refundable registration fee of $14.00.
Pre- registration is required. Registration deadline is February 12.

To register:
1) stop by Career Services and Internship, 136 Saint Mary's Hall
2) or call ext. 6996
3) or email vmcdonal@smumn.edu

Meet with over 150 company representatives!!!During this time, employers will be collecting resumes and some will be scheduling interviews for that same day and the next day. The list of employers currently registered for the fair is at www.mnpcfair.org. It is also recommended that you send cover letters and resumes to employers ahead of time to pre-arrange an interview at the fair. In addition, you can post your resume for employers to view at www.mnpcfair.org. Prepare for the fair.A "Job & Internship Fair Prep" workshop will be held Tuesday February 9th, at 3:30 in Saint Mary's Hall Room 132. Plan to attend to help you prepare for the fair, plus tips!

Introducing Career Fair 2009

2009-09-18T10:35:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
McCown Gym, Winona State University, Winona, MN

Interviews only:
Thursday, October 15, 2009, 10:00 - 3:00 p.m.
East Hall, Winona State University

This annual event is sponsored by the offices of Career Services at Saint Mary's University, Winona State University and Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical. Career Fair is open to all students, freshman through seniors, who are exploring career options or looking for internship and job opportunities. As a participant of Career Fair, you may wish to speak with employers about their organization in general, about coursework and extracurricular activities that are helpful or necessary for entry into certain fields, or about specific opportunities within their organization, including internships, summer jobs, and permanent positions.

No pre-registration is required for students. Employers who would like to register, or students who would like to set up an interview, should contact Director of Career Services & Internships Jackie Baker at (507) 457-6695 or jbaker@smumn.edu.

Participating employers & graduate schools

The 5 Greatest Lessons to Learn from a Job Search

2009-08-11T15:35:00.005-05:00

Article by Jessica Santina, CollegeGrad.com

1. The phone is your friend. Many job hunters hide behind their computers, expecting that once they've filled in those resume templates online, the offers will start rolling in. But 94 percent of companies never respond to applicants, so don't wait. Get on the phone. Start making inquiries and using your connections. And once you hit the workforce, your comfort level with the phone will enable you to pick it up and make that much-needed sale, which will serve you well throughout your career.

2. It pays to donate your time. When you're gainfully employed or in school, it's hard to find time to volunteer or try an internship. These days, many unemployed people are finding value in doing both, for several reasons:

It keeps your mind and body engaged
It's rewarding
It teaches you new skills
It introduces you to new people
It might just open the door to careers you wouldn't have previously considered

Plus, once the economy starts to rebound, many companies and nonprofit organizations hire volunteers and interns for entry-level jobs that just opened up. Research shows that those who work in their fields, even at low-paying or unpaid jobs, tend to rebound more quickly when things pick up.

3. Balance is important. Forced time off may be hard to enjoy, but if you can, try to find pleasure in it--reconnect with friends, explore a hobby, get some exercise. You may not have this kind of time again to try new things and spend time with your family. Maintaining a balance is important for staying positive, which, in turn, is vital when job hunting. Ironically, this positive attitude often makes you more attractive to employers.

4. You can do more than you thought. Just because you've studied and prepared yourself for certain kinds of careers doesn't mean that's all you can do. Once you open up your mind to new possibilities and capitalize on your untapped talents, you might be pleasantly surprised with where you land. Look for entry-level jobs that you're qualified for, and if you aren't qualified, look into which online degrees you could complete to meet the requirements--a little knowledge can go a long way. You could even try temp work, particularly in positions that expose you to different fields and work environments. Why not use this chance to broaden your horizons?

5. You can always be better at what you do. Graduate applications at colleges around the country were up by 8 percent in 2007-2008, and they continue increasing as job hunters look to enhance or add to their skills and make themselves more desirable to employers. Consider online degrees, which can often be completed more quickly and less expensively than traditional programs, and offer the flexibility that allows you to still job hunt or volunteer on weekdays. Learn more at http://www.collegegrad.com/education/

No one ever said job hunting was easy. But it can certainly be a time to learn more about yourself and have new experiences, and that's definitely a good thing.

Top 4 Tips for Recent Graduates Looking for a Job in 2009

2009-07-14T15:08:00.008-05:00

Article by Melissa Bullard, CollegeGrad.com

If you're a recent college graduate, the current economic situation and news about rising unemployment may have you concerned about getting a job, particularly if you've already searched and come up short. Don't panic. There are a few tactics that can make your resume stand out, improve your chances of getting one of those fantastic entry-level jobs, and give you something worthwhile to do with your time.

1. Keep a Positive Attitude - According to the Wall Street Journal, the unemployment rate in April among those with only high school diplomas was about three times that of college graduates the same age. Even if job opportunities aren't abounding at the moment, you've still got an edge over those without a degree. Many companies are still hiring; it's just a matter of matching your particular skills to those most needed by employers. Eventually, waiting longer means you may appreciate the job you get even more.

2. Consider Rewiring Your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) - Think outside the box: just because you graduated with a degree in math doesn't mean you have to teach math or work in finance. People have used elementary education degrees as a step toward social work. What sub-skills, extra training, and uncommon volunteer experience do you have? You may have the necessary skills to get your dream job, but no employer knows that unless you pull them out from hiding under your degree and job titles and make them explicit in your resume. What happened when you helped out at the food bank? Did the administration go wireless? Did efficiency increase? Were you key in recruitment of new volunteers? Now may be a good time to revise your resume or CV, highlighting volunteer experience and remembering to focus not just on tasks, but also on results.

3. Prepare Yourself As Best As Possible - Take advantage of tools and advice that can help you in your job search. Many career fairs offer networking opportunities, and some offer free resume consultation. If the school where you graduated offers career counseling or mock interviews, take advantage of these resources to hone your interviewing skills and find new fields that match your coursework. College preparation Web sites such as CollegeGrad.com can give you resume, interviewing, and job search tips.

In the meantime, see what is missing from your education or experience. Some jobs require a particular skill or knowledge set that you might not have. If you are unable to find employment, take advantage of the extra time to take classes, earn a particular certification, or even go to graduate school. If you think you may eventually need a master's degree to get ahead in your career and you're having trouble finding a job now, why not consider starting the master's degree now, or at least taking some graduate courses?

4. Keep Looking - Don't give up the search. CollegeGrad.com and dozens of other career Web sites post new job ads every day. Finding employment can be like a full-time job, but harder you work at it, the better your chances are of stumbling upon your dream career. Good luck!

Attention current students & alumni:

2009-07-13T15:12:00.001-05:00

Join the Career Services & Internships Office, the Alumni Association, and the Kabara Institute for Entreprenuerial Studies for SMU Network '09. This great opportunity will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 in Minneapolis. For more information and online registration, please visit www.smumn.edu/network.

Rock Your Résumé in Any Situation

2009-06-30T11:08:00.003-05:00

Posted Jun 3rd 2009 5:27PM
by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

Whether you're currently employed, facing a layoff or looking for a job, keeping your résumé up-to-date is always important. In today's economy, however, it's even more vital to have a current copy of your résumé on hand. After all, you never know when an amazing job opportunity -- or pink slip -- might fall into your hands.

"You have to be ready to submit your résumé on short notice," says Dustin DeVries, senior director of LEAD DAWG, a job search consulting firm. "Candidates who have taken time to update their résumé may be passed over for another candidate of similar caliber that is ready to go now. You just never know when that opportunity may land in your lap and you have to be ready to act."

Updating one's résumé today, however, may not be as easy as it once was. As job losses and layoffs continue to swell, people have to do more with less to enhance their résumés. Job seekers are unsure how to deal with lack of employment, gaps between work, title demotions, less duties and shortened job spans when updating their résumés.

Here are some ways to beef up your résumé if it is lacking in any of the following areas:

1. You have a gap between jobs
Depending on the length of the gap, Miriam Salpeter of Keppie Careers, says you should fill in the gap with something you've been doing in your time off. This will show employers you've taken initiative during this period rather than waiting for something to fall into your lap.
"Consider getting actively involved in volunteer projects and/or consulting opportunities, even if you do the work for free," Salpeter says. "This will allow you to use your skills in a way that is worth describing on your résumé."

2.You've been laid off
No employer will be surprised see an applicant who's been laid off. Be honest about your departure, DeVries says. "In this economy, it's going to happen. Don't misrepresent that you're still employed by dating your last position as 'to present' if you're not currently with that company. [It's a] red flag if a recruiter sees [you] as currently employed when in fact you've been laid off."

3. You were hired recently but laid off right away due to the economy
Don't leave any employment off your résumé, no matter how short a period you may have worked there. Just don't explain the details on your résumé.
"In today's economy, most people will give you the benefit of the doubt that your departure was not a result of your performance," Salpeter says. "Be prepared to discuss it if it comes up in a conversation or interview."

4.You were demoted or had a title change
Titles are just that -- a title. It says nothing about your specific accomplishments and your track record of meeting or exceeding metrics for your organization, DeVries says.
"State your title, but focus [on] your achievements for the organization. Any good recruiter or potential employer is going to be most interested in your track record of meeting objectives no matter what your role," DeVries says. "A 'director' of marketing for one company may require something completely different from a 'director' role at another company. Focus on your measurable accomplishments."

5. You went from a senior-level position to a "filler" position at lower level
In this situation, it's critical to include an objective that outlines what type of position you're looking for at the company where you're applying, DeVries says.
"If you have to take a 'filler' position between professional positions, you need to include the role but place your focus on the activities you have maintained during that time to remain current in your professional field," he says. Volunteering, professional networking and taking classes are all things that will help keep you current.

Top Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors

2009-06-24T09:21:00.000-05:00

Top Jobs for 2008-09 Liberal Arts Majors*

Teaching
$35,071

Sales
$42,677

Management Trainee (Entry-Level Mgmt.)
$33,238

Social Work
$27,873

Law Enforcement
$43,806

Management, General (Mid to Upper Level)
$45,775

*Source: Summer 2009 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers. Data are for bachelor’s degree graduates only.

Update from a summer intern

2009-06-19T09:29:00.003-05:00

Amira Sadek, senior at SMU, is doing a summer internship with the Department of Transportation in Anchorage, Alaska. She is having a wonderful time. Stay in touch with what Amira is doing and her many adventures.

Check out Amira's blog at http://amirassenioryear.blogspot.com/

Congratulations Class of 2009!

2009-05-15T10:57:00.000-05:00

Career Services staff is available to help you with your job search, resume writing and interview skills. We are open M-F 8:00-4:30 during the summer.

What is your best source of entry-level job information?

2009-04-14T11:07:00.002-05:00

An online poll was conducted nationally using a survey placed on the CollegeGrad.com during January, 2009. The results are based on more than 500 respondents.

The Internet - 53%
Job Fairs - 28%
Career Center - 11%
Classmates - 8%

"Given the current economic outlook, it's critical for college graduates to use all available resources to institute their job search," asserts Adeola Ogunwole, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for CollegeGrad.com. "The Internet should be the backbone of your search process. More and more companies are finding the cost of hiring online to be more effective than on-campus recruiting, thus it is extremely important that job seekers cultivate a thorough approach to their online search."

www.CollegeGrad.com

MN Education Job Fair

2009-03-18T11:08:00.002-05:00

Seniors and Graduate Students

The Minnesota Education Job Fair 2009 is held April 6 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. You can meet with school representatives at their information booth 9:00 – 3:00. Interviews can be scheduled 9:00 – 5:00. This fair is designed to give you the opportunity to visit with representatives from over 125 school districts, to interview, and to attend group information sessions. This event is open only to students or graduates of Minnesota colleges and universities who will be certified to teach by the fall of 2010.

A list of school districts currently registered to attend the fair is available at http://www.mcucsa.org/mnedfair/

Pre-registration is required!
Cost: $15.00

Register by:
Thursday, April 2nd at:

Career Services & Internships
Saint Mary’s Hall 136
or visit www.smumn.edu/careerservices
(click on the “MN Education Fair” logo in the sidebar.)

Informational Meeting for MN Private Colleges Job & Internship Fair

2009-02-03T10:47:00.003-06:00

Come find out how to make the most out of attending this fair.
* Meeting Employers
* Exploring Possibilities
* Landing a Job or Internship

It could happen!

Saint Mary’s Hall, Room 132
Wednesday, February 4, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
http://www.mnpcfair.org/

MN Private Colleges Job & Internship Fair

2009-01-15T13:41:00.000-06:00

Need a Job or Internship?

Don't miss the Minnesota Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair! This fair is specifically designed for you, students of Minnesota's Private Colleges.Tuesday, February 17, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - at the Minneapolis Convention Center Interviews will be held the same day until 5:00 PM and the following day, February 18

Meet with over 150 company representatives!!! During this time, employers will be collecting resumes and possibly scheduling interviews for that same day and the next day. The list of employers currently registered for the fair is at http://www.mnpcfair.org. It is also recommended that you send cover letters and resumes to employers ahead of time to pre-arrange an interview at the fair. In addition, you can post your resume for employers to view at http://www.mnpcfair.org/students/resumecenter/index.asp .

You need to pre-register to attend this event. There is a non-refundable registration fee of $14.00. If charging to your account, you can register online by going to http://www.smumn.edu/sitepages/pid1676.php . If paying by cash or check, stop in Career Services and Internships to register.

The registration deadline is February 13, 2009.

A workshop titled "Job & Internship Fair Prep" will be held February 4th, at 4:00 in Saint Mary's Hall Room 132 to help you get prepared.

Top 10 Majors in Demand

2008-12-05T09:48:00.004-06:00

Check out www.jobweb.com for other interesting articles.

Does your resume answer an important question?

2008-12-03T08:32:00.002-06:00

Does your resume answer the one question the employer wants to know? Take a look at this article to find out.

Career Services can help you with your resume. Call Ext. 6996 to schedule an appointment.

"MAJOR" Information Station

2008-11-10T11:06:00.000-06:00

"MAJOR" Information Station
Wednesday, November 12th
11:00 - 1:00
Toner Center Gameroom

Confused about what to major in?
Check out the Job Outlook handouts for SMU majors!
Find out what types of jobs you can get with the different SMU majors!
Learn about the FREE assessments you can take to find out your interests, personality, values, skills!
Visit with someone from the Career Services Office.
Schedule an appointment for assistance relating to choosing a major, job search strategies, internships, Job fairs, ect.

Questions? Contact Career Services

Happy Halloween from Career Services

2008-10-31T09:53:00.001-05:00

Students, check out this video http://www.scaryinterview.com/ to find out why interviewing skills are so important.

InterviewStream is an excellent tool for anyone wanting to enhance their interviewing skills. It is a private and free way to practice answering the most asked interview questions. You do not need an appointment! Just stop in to Career Services during our office hours of: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Major decisions...

2008-10-30T09:12:00.000-05:00

Choosing a major and planning for your career is a very individual process. To help you in this process, consider participating in some of the activities listed below. Some may be more applicable than others, but all can help you clarify your options and make the right choice.

Learn about yourself, your interests and abilities. Set up an appointment with Career Services to complete and discuss at least one of the following self-assessment inventories: Self-Directed Search to Kiersey Temperament Sorter.
Complete the on-line FOCUS Career & Educational Planning System. It provides you with a complete picture of your interests, values, personality, skills, and leisure activities using self-assessment questionnaires, interest inventories, and personality testing. After you have assessed your personal attributes, the system searched its career and occupational information database to help you identify occupations and career paths that match your personal characteristics. You will need your SMU username and the password is "saintmary."
Review the SMU catalog. The catalog shows what majors are offered and what the requirements are (if any) for acceptance into the majors. Visit with faculty in various departments to learn more about the majors.
Register for the one-credit course Career Exploration (PD 101) offered the second eight weeks of each semester.
Research occupations that interest you. Use the resource library in Career Services and the website to learn more about various occupations.
Browse through the "What Can I Do With This Major" handout to find out what types of jobs are available for certain majors.
Interview and/or job shadow professional working in occupations you are considering.
Participate in a field exploration experience. This is a planned work experience, open to qualified sophomores, for academic credit. It allows student an opportunity to explore a field they are interested in. Stop by our office for more information about field exploration.

2008 100 Best Companies to Work For

2008-10-29T12:29:00.006-05:00

1 Google
2 Quicken Loans
3 Wegmans Food Markets

4 Edward Jones

5 Genentech

6 Cisco Systems

7 Starbucks
8 Qualcomm

9 Goldman Sachs
10 Methodist Hospital System

See the full list of America's top 100 employers at http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2008/, including detailed company profiles, top locations, and contact information. Plus, post your thoughts on the winners in the Best Companies blog.

How to Work a Career Fair

2008-10-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Career Fair 2008
Wednesday, October 22
Noon - 4:00pm
McCown Gym, WSU Campus

If you are attending your first career fair and are not quite sure what to do, who to talk to or even what to wear, never fear. Career services can help.

10 Preparation is Key

Visit career services before the event to help determine your best career options and fit.

9 Do your Homework

While preparation helps you pin point which companies pique your interest the next step is to learn as much as you can about the companies you want to approach. Get a list of companies that will be attending your career fair and then research their websites.

8 Keep an Open Mind

Be open to new possibilities and opportunities. Many companies may initially seem unappealing but can have career opportunities in areas you haven't thought of. For example a large retailer not only has retail, sales and marketing positions but also has buying, human resources and accounting positions as well.

7 Come Dressed for Success

People will remember you if you are well dressed, clean cut and distinguish yourself from everyone else at the event.

6 Bring your Resume

If you have done your homework and know a recruiter's name and position you should have a personalized cover letter and resume ready. Have general copies handy for those unexpected companies that strike your interest - ask where you can forward a personalized resume later.

5 Follow-up

Touch base with recruiters after the event for those positions you are truly interested in.

4 Don't Rush It

Take the time to introduce yourself to the recruiter. Shake their hand and smile. Recruiters will always remember people who are positive and professional.

3 First Impressions

Remember that when you do introduce yourself it is the first step in the interview process. The recruiter will want to know your major, when you are graduating, the opportunities you are interested in and why you would be suited to those opportunities.

2 Ask Questions

This is a chance to increase your knowledge about the industry and the opportunities available. Take your time. However, a common mistake is asking too much too soon - save the questions about salary and benefits until a future meeting.

1 Relax

This is not the be all and end all of your career. Enjoy the day and use this as a starting point to your career search.

What's Your Perfect Job? Take the Test!

2008-10-15T12:24:00.006-05:00

Self-Directed Search

The Self-Directed Search (SDS) is the world's most widely used career interest inventory. It matches your skills and interests to specific careers, college majors, and fields of study.

The SDS was developed by Dr. John Holland whose theory of careers is the foundation for most of the career inventories used today. His theory relates people to six themes: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

Work environments and occupations are classified by these six themes. People who choose careers that match their own themes are more likely to be satisfied and successful.

The SDS will hlep you to understand more about yourself, your skills, and your interests. This assessment can not tell you what career to pursue. Only you can make that decision. However, using the results from the SDS, other assessments, and by researching occupations, you can make a well thought out decision.

The "GMA" anchors took the Self-Directed Search test, which matches personality with possible careers. The results so far have been surprising. Sam Champion a shoe salesman? Chris Cuomo a hair stylist?

If you would like to take the Self-Directed Search, stop by Career Services & Internships in 136 Marys.

http://www.smumn.edu/sitepages/pid896.php

http://blogs.abcnews.com/gma/2008/09/whats-your-perf.html

Students want their future employers to demonstrate "Green"

2008-10-08T12:07:00.005-05:00

Today's Millennnial college students and recent grads are overwhelmingly interested in connecting the "green movement"--i.e., environmental friendliness and responsibility--to their future careers, according to a recent survey by Experience.

Of the more than 2,700 students/grads who participated in the study, 81 percent said it's important for them to work for a "green' company--one that is "green-friendly, green-conscious, or green-certified."

Similarly, 79 percent said they'd be more likely to accept a job offer from a "green" company over an identical offer from another company.

Source: Experience news release, August 4, 2008

Kearns sharpens career focus, thanks to internship

2008-10-03T10:00:00.002-05:00

by Jason Schulte, Pierce County Herald

One of the main goals of an internship is to see whether or not that is the career the intern wants to do.

For Nicole Kearns, her internship with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department this summer confirmed her interest in criminal justice. "It sealed the deal," the 2006 Ellsworth High School graduate said. "Being able to live and experience it, I know this is what I want to be."

Kearns spent about eight weeks from early May - late June observing several areas of law enforcement. She went on ride alongs with members from the K-9 Department, Water Patrol and regular Patrol (one of those ride alongs was even to the Stanley Correctional Facility to help transport a prisoner on May 22---her 20th birthday).

Kearns also spent time in probation and parole, watched court cases, sentencing hearings and jury trials, and observed the dispatch/jail area. She also viewed Taser training and went to the county's shooting range. "It's a real fun environment to work for," she said. "The staff is really supportive." And that was one of the things that surprised her. "I was impressed with how welcoming they were," she said. "They're not going through the motions. They showed you what they did and why they did it." She added she was impressed by the way sheriff's deputies handled themselves in stressful situations.

Kearns is starting her final year at Saint Mary's University in Winona, Minn., majoring in criminal justice with the intention of being a lawyer. "It's something I wanted to do," she said, who explained that, growing up, her nose was always in a book.

Kearns said she is on target to graduate a year early and is doing everything possible to accomplish that. During her last two weeks of the internship, she took morning classes at UW - River Falls, then would work her eight-hour shift with the sheriff's department and then take two - to - three hours of online classes. Kearns praised the sheriff's department for their flexibility in helping her obtain that schedule. "They were great, which was a big help," she said.

Looking into a crystal ball, Kearns said that, once she becomes a lawyer, she would like to work on the prosecution side so she can help victims and practice law in a small, rural setting. Kearns is the daughter of Kim and Larry Kearns, and has an older brother, Joshua.

Career Services and Internships Presents: InterviewStream

2008-09-24T12:24:00.007-05:00

What is InterviewStream?

Career Services InterviewStream is an excellent tool for anyone wanting to enhance their interviewing skills. It is a private and free way to practice answering the most asked interview questions. You do not need an appointment! Just stop in to Career Services during our office hours of: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

InterviewStream helps you reduce the use of filler words: Umm, Like, I Mean, and You Know

I do not have access to a webcam:
Practice your interviewing skills from the Career Services kiosk location, Saint Mary's Hall, Room 136. You will be able to set-up your profile and answer up to 6 questions in 20 minutes.

I have access to a webcam:
If you have your own webcam you can conduct the practice interview from home! From the Career Services Website access the InterviewStreamwebpage: http://www.smumn.edu/careerservices Select the "InterviewStream Login Button" which will take you to the InterviewStream website.

When your interview is finished you will receive an email with a link to your recorded answers. Forward your link to anyone that is qualified to critique your interview such as Career Services staff, professors, and parents.

Visit: Career Services and Internships Office
Saint Mary's Hall, Room 136
Contact Jackie Baker, Ext. 6695, jbaker@smumn.edu with questions

Grads With Internships Have Job Market Edge

2008-09-22T10:00:00.001-05:00

New college graduates looking for a job will likely have an edge over their competition if they have participated in an internship or otherwise gained work-related experience, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Approximately 95 percent of the organizations responding to NACE's Job Outlook 2008 survey said candidate experience is a factor in their hiring decisions. More than three-quarters are most interested in relevant work experience, but nearly 20 percent give candidates points for any type of work experience. On the question of how the experience is gained, respondents were split.

Slightly more than half of employers report that they didn't have a preference on how the candidate gets experience, but nearly as many--47 percent--said they prefer candidates to gain their experience through an internship or cooperative education program.

In addition, results of a separate NACE study show that employers are placing more emphasis on internship and cooperative education programs to "grow" their own employees--looking first to their own interns when they have job opportunities.

According to NACE, not only does participation in an internship make the student a more attractive candidate, but also it can be an avenue to a job.

Source: www.careercornerstone.org/coopsint.htm

To find out more about internships visit our office.

Career Development Timeline

2008-09-15T15:27:00.002-05:00

I'm sure by now you have noticed the last four posts have included a section of the four-year career development timeline. If you are a freshman you're probably wondering when they will end since yours was posted first! Consider the four sections of the timeline your "4 Steps to YOUR future." Refer back to the posts often to stay on track!

Look for exciting new posts to arrive a couple times each week!

Remember....students, parents and faculty can post anytime, just email your post to jbaker@smumn.edu. A variety of authors will make this blog even more interesting!!

Senior - post-graduation planning

2008-09-10T12:13:00.007-05:00

This is it! You're down to your final year at Saint Mary's. I'm sure some of you are feeling a little scared and nervous about leaving Saint Mary's and finding a job or going to graduate school. Some of you are also probably pretty excited to join the "real world" and start a new lifestyle after college. Whatever your feelings, there are a few things that you can do to help yourself adjust to graduation and life after graduation.

Your goal as seniors should be:

Finalize career choice for post-graduation and transition from student to employee or graduate school.

Some activities that will help you realize this goal include:

Start your job search 6-9 months before you graduate.

Attend job fairs in Minneapolis, Chicago, or other locations.

Research potential employers.

Check the Cardinal Job & Internship link and job listings on the Career Services web site regularly at: www.smumn.edu/careerservices.

Apply to graduate schools.

Take Job Search Strategies (PD210).

Take advantage of these resources in finding a job. If you apply to graduate schools and look for a job now, you will have less to worry about later in the year. If you have any questions about anything feel free to call, e-mail, or stop into the office.

Middle-of-the-week humor

2008-09-10T09:30:00.001-05:00

Attn fall interns: Please submit a short entry on your internship experience so far. You can email it to me at jbaker@smumn.edu and I will post it on the blog.

Junior- experiencing choices

2008-09-09T14:24:00.007-05:00

Can you believe you're half done at Saint Mary's already? Where has the time gone? Have you been wondering what the next step is to finding a great job after graduation? Now that you have selected a major, it is important to try to gain some experience in the major area you have chosen.

Your goal as a junior should include the following:

Obtaining experience in your potential career choice; carrying out course selection in major.

To obtain this goal, consider these activities:

Participate in an internship, part-time job, summer job, work study job or volunteer to get experience in a career of interest.
Take the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or other required entrance exam if you are considering graduate school.
Take Job Search Strategies (PD201)

There are many great work study and volunteer opportunities on campus all year long. Do you need help finding an internship though? Or finding out about the tests required for graduate school? Feel free to stop by, call, or e-mail our office anytime to get help in these areas.

Sophomore - exploring careers

2008-09-02T08:34:00.006-05:00

Can you believe it's September already? If you are a sophomore, you will soon be asked to declare a major. This will happen second semester of your sophomore year. It is a good idea to have your major selected prior to registration so you can start thinking about the classes you need to take junior year.

Your goal as a sophomore includes the following:

Explore and determine major choice and consider potential career options.

Our office encourages the following activities to help you move toward your goal:

Participate in a field exploration experience.
Utilize FOCUS, written and online resources to research occupations.
Interview and/or job shadow professionals working in the occupation(s) you are considering.
Continue exploring a variety of subject areas.
Take the Career Exploration (PD101) course.

Appointments are available if you would like to talk to someone about selecting a major. Are you undecided, feeling pressured to chose a major you are not sure about, or interested in the different jobs you can get with a certain major? Call or stop by to schedule an appointment.

Freshman - exploring self

2008-08-27T15:26:00.005-05:00

To all the freshman readers - welcome to SMU. I hope you find your way to our office at some point durig this fall semester. Even if you don't have a reason, just stop by to say hi and pick up your copy of the "Career Development Timeline." The timeline is a one-page handout the helps you map out your career plan throughout the next four years.

Your goal as a freshman should include the following:

Identify and clarify your interests, abilities, and values; establish relationships with faculty, advisors, and others on campus that will assist you.

An example of activities you should consider this year include the following:

Get involved with campus organizations.
Discuss possible major programs with your faculty advisor.
Use your general education requirements to explore a variety of subject areas
Take the Keirsey Temperament Sorter and/or Self Directed Search self-assessment inventories.
Use the online FOCUS Career Planning System.
Enroll in the Career Exploration course (PD 101) that is offered the second 8 weeks of the semester.

For information on any of these activities, email, call or stop by our office. Enjoy your semester!

Fall internship plans?

2008-08-26T11:50:00.000-05:00

If you are planning to intern this fall semester please contact the internship office to make sure you have the required paperwork completed.
Please call, stop by, or email. I look forward to working with you as you pursue your internship goals.

Welcome back!

2008-08-25T09:31:00.009-05:00

Welcome back! The staff in Career Services and Internships is excited for another school year! Now that you're back at school please remember to visit us in 136 Saint Mary's Hall. We've been very busy this summer adding and updating services. One very exciting addition is this blog which is intended to keep you up to date with the latest news and happenings in the areas of career services and internships. Also, we will be rolling out an exciting new software product that helps you fine tune your interviewing skills. It records your interview via webcam and is sent to your email account for viewing and review with career services staff. Everyone knows how important interview skills are, poor interview=no job offer! More information will be coming soon about this product. Stay tuned...

The new Job Choices magazines are on our shelves. Students, stop by and pick up your free copy today. Seniors, you will be mailed a copy the second week in September. Senior education majors, you will receive a free copy of The Job Search handbook for Educators in September.

Intern Spotlight: A summer in D.C.

2008-08-22T08:41:00.004-05:00

TOMORROW’S LEADER PREPARES TODAY! Written by Tamika Robinson

Washington, DC- Living in a lavish apartment with three other interns, interning in the nation’s capital, gaining advice from professionals within your desired field, and eating lunch at the NASA Headquarters. If you’ve never spent your summer doing any of the following, then you truly have not experienced the college life.

All of these are examples of the types of experiences that students with The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars receive upon acceptance into the program. Students are required to take part in an internship, attend seminars and a class, and also volunteer in their spare time. Tamika Robinson, a Chicago native and rising senior at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, gets to spend her summer doing this and so much more. “I’m really enjoying my time here and all of the opportunities that have come my way.” As a student with The Washington Center’s Mass Communication Program, Tamika spends much of her day interning at Voice of America, an international broadcasting organization. She works in the Central News Service, editing and uploading videos for Voice of America on their YouTube account and shadowing other employees.

When Tamika is not interning at Voice of America, she can be found taking the course, “Journalism: The Nuts and Bolts of Being a Reporter”, at the Washington-based office of The Associated Press. Her professor, Carole Feldman, is the Assistant Bureau Chief for The Associated Press. On the weekends when life is running at a much slower pace, Tamika is either engaged in some sort of volunteer work or viewing the city with roommates and friends. “Just last weekend I volunteered at the Marvin Gaye Park. The Washington Parks and People were hosting a festival that celebrated their efforts in cleaning up a once abandoned, heroine-infested park two years ago. They really did a great job in making the park look beautiful!”

This internship program comes highly recommended by Tamika who feels that “if the chance presents itself to go some place different and do something great, take it!” Once the internship program is over, she will go on to graduate from Saint Mary’s.

Visit the Internship Office to learn more about Saint Mary's partnership with The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars.

Mindset list for the class of 2012

2008-08-19T08:58:00.013-05:00

The following information was released by Beloit College this week.

This month, almost 2 million first-year students will head off to college campuses around the country. Most of them will be about 18 years old, born in 1990 when headlines sounded oddly familiar to those of today: Rising fuel costs were causing airlines to cut staff and flight schedules; Big Three car companies were facing declining sales and profits; and a president named Bush was increasing the number of troops in the Middle East in the hopes of securing peace. However, the mindset of this new generation of college students is quite different from that of the faculty about to prepare them to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Each August for the past 11 years, Beloit College in Beloit, Wis., has released the Beloit College Mindset List. It provides a look at the cultural touchstones that shape the lives of students entering college. The List is shared with faculty and with thousands who request it each year as the school year begins, as a reminder of the rapidly changing frame of reference for this new generation.

The class of 2012 has grown up in an era where computers and rapid communication are the norm, and colleges no longer trumpet the fact that residence halls are “wired” and equipped with the latest hardware.

Read more...

These students will hardly recognize the availability of telephones in their rooms since they have seldom utilized landlines during their adolescence. They will continue to live on their cell phones and communicate via texting. Roommates, few of whom have ever shared a bedroom, have already checked out each other on Facebook where they have shared their most personal thoughts with the whole world. It is a multicultural, politically correct and “green” generation that has hardly noticed the threats to their privacy and has never feared the Russians and the Warsaw Pact.

Students entering college for the first time this fall were generally born in 1990. Here is a sample taken from the mindset list for the class of 2012:

Since they were in diapers, karaoke machines have been annoying people at parties.
They have always been looking for Carmen Sandiego.
GPS satellite navigation systems have always been available.
Coke and Pepsi have always used recycled plastic bottles.
Shampoo and conditioner have always been available in the same bottle.
Gas stations have never fixed flats, but most serve cappuccino.
Electronic filing of tax returns has always been an option.
Club Med resorts have always been places to take the whole family.
WWW has never stood for World Wide Wrestling.
Films have never been X rated, only NC-17.
IBM has never made typewriters.
McDonald’s and Burger King have always used vegetable oil for cooking french fries.
The Tonight Show has always been hosted by Jay Leno and started at 11:35 EST.
The Green Bay Packers (almost) always had the same starting quarterback.

To read the complete list visit: http://www.beloit.edu/mindset/2012.php

The importance of internships

2008-08-14T08:15:00.007-05:00

When you return to campus this fall, I encourage you to start talking with your advisor about internships and visit my office (136 Mary's) to discuss possible internship sites. You will want to find out if an internship is required for your major or if it could satisfy and elective credit. Internships are a great way to get real work experience related to your major. They look great on your resume and the experience itself gives you something to talk about in a job interview. An internship may also lead to a job offer after college. A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers reports the following:

Employers are using their internship program for recruiting full-time hires, and are generally converting a greater percentage of interns into full-time employees than in previous years. The percent of interns converted to full-time employees has increased from 35.6 percent in 2001 to 50.5 percent in 2008.

Read more...

Driving the higher conversion rates is the increase in the rate at which interns are receiving offers of full time employment. The percent of interns receiving full-time job offers as a result of their internships increased from 56.9 percent in 2001 to 69.6 percent in 2008.

Out of the summer 2008 group of interns, three students have already reported job offers and another two site supervisors have told me they plan to extend a job offer to the students after graduation. This should be great incentive to start planning your internship today!

Tips for college success

2008-08-12T09:06:00.007-05:00

Two weeks from today, Saint Mary's University fall semester begins. Students will be enjoying their first day of classes, faculty will be eager to share their expertise with students and parents will be home wondering how his/her young adult student is doing in Winona.

I recently ran across the following article about tips for college success at http://college.maryaherdman.com/tips.html. I thought it would be a perfect post for this time of year. The author also has a college readiness questionnaire that looks interesting - check it out if you have time.

Five Prime Tips for a Successful Start to College

Prepare: Take advantage of freshmen orientation as a chance to meet new friends before classes start. Review the information your school sent to you and make sure you have done all that is necessary to begin that first semester.

Family Farewells: Have an understanding with your parents about when and how you will be in touch with one another. Recognize and acknowledge the support of your family and friends in your agenda to do well in college.

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Talk to your Roommate: Make plans with your roommate-to-be to share special items, e.g. a small refrigerator, lamps, fans, etc.

Set Some Goals: Proactively review and pursue your goals for your first semester. Give some serious thought to whatever barriers may arise for you in trying to achieve your goals and take some helpful action to overcome them.

Money Matters: Try to earn/save enough money over the summer so that you will have some spending money for occasional treats. Consider opening a bank account at a bank on campus or nearby the school. Before leaving home, discuss with your family how you will afford to travel back and forth between home and college during the school year.

Enjoy your last two weeks of summer break! See you soon.

Self assessment and career exploration tool

2008-08-08T13:06:00.004-05:00

FOCUS is a self-paced, online career and education planning tool available to Saint Mary's students. Free of charge! It will enable you to self-assess your career relevant personal qualities and explore career fields and major areas of study that are most compatible with your assessment results. Students who use FOCUS make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to self-manage their careers. Use FOCUS to help you - choose or change your major and also to verify your preferences or early choice of a career field.

You can use FOCUS online, whenever and wherever you wish.

Click here to begin!

If you are a new user - You will need to enter cardinal in as your access code

Intern Spotlight: My Summer with the DNR

2008-08-06T11:34:00.000-05:00

My Summer With the DNR
By: Betsy Baertlein
Southeast Minnesota MinnAqua Intern
08/04/2008

Duties include: baiting hooks, releasing fish, untangling poles, and retaining sanity while fishing with up to 30 kids. While this may not sound like the description of a typical internship, my summer days usually include all of the above. From May to August I am interning with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ MinnAqua Program. With an office in Whitewater State Park, I am responsible for the fifteen county region of Southeast Minnesota. Usually when people ask me what I do, I tell them that I teach kids how to fish, but my internship encompasses so much more than that. Along with teaching kids, I also work with elderly people and mentally disabled adults and teens. I have acted as a liaison between MinnAqua and various community organizations, organized a Fishing Festival for my region, and become familiar with lessons in aquatic ecology and Minnesota fish. Each day at work presents itself as an opportunity for learning and professional growth. For the remainder of the summer, I can look forward to visiting the Duluth region to work at the Great Lakes Aquarium, shadowing a fisheries biologist in Lake City, sharing stories of the summer at an intern camping trip, and, of course, untangling many more poles.
Naturally, you’re probably wondering, how does all of this relate to her future plans? Well, my major is Literature with a Writing Emphasis, and my minor is Environmental Biology. As a junior at SMU, I am not entirely sure what I want to do for the rest of my life, but I would like my career to combine these two fields in some way. I am currently pondering the possibility of doing public relations in the environmental sector. The DNR has been a great organization to work for, and I definitely would not mind spending more time with them in the future.

Pictures will be posted soon!

Blog format, goals and frequency of postings

2008-08-04T09:54:00.005-05:00

Hopefully by now we have a handful of repeat readers. If not yet, then my hope is that once school starts more students, alumni, faculty, staff and parents will frequent this blog often to find out what's happening in Career Services and Internships and learn the latest news and tips.

This blog will be replacing our office newsletter that was published each semester in the past. We will periodically send email notices out trying to recruit new readers, we also have the blog "icon" on our websites for readers who might happen to "stumble" upon it.

The primary goal of this blog is to be informative (aren't all blogs). We hope you find the articles we post useful, we will advertise our career events and workshops here as well.

I am most excited about the opportunity to allow other people to post on the blog. Students, alumni, faculty, and parents are all invited to write a post. Alumni spotlights, intern spotlights, advice from faculty, student thoughts, parent perspectives, ect..... are all welcome! Help spread the news. Please email your article to jbaker@smumn.edu.

Ideally, we would like to post something new for the reader everyday M-F. That may happen occasionally, but for now we will definitely be posting something new every M-W-F. Make sure you check back those days!

Have a great week!

Reality - full time college student and part time employee

2008-08-01T10:11:00.012-05:00

Now that summer is winding down, chances are most of you are starting to think about returning to school for another year. It's probably also time to start looking at your finances for the upcoming year...maybe asking yourself "did I save enough money from my summer job" or better yet, "where did all my money go this summer?" If you feel you need to get a part time job this year, you're not alone! According to an article written by By Lucy Lazarony at Bankrate.com, 57 percent of college students have jobs. She says, most of today's college students are working and working hard, before, in-between, and after classes. Students with jobs typically work 25 hours a week and earn $7.50 an hour. Most jobs are off campus.

If you are looking for a part time job in Winona for the upcoming year, check out the Cardinal Job and Internship LINK, stop by Career Services, or check out the Winona Daily News classified ads.

Workshops Coming Soon

2008-07-30T08:42:00.003-05:00

“Internships 101” Workshops – Saint Mary’s Hall 132
Wednesday, September 24, 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 9, 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 30, 4:00 p.m.

Resume Workshop – Saint Mary’s Hall, Room 132
Wednesday, October 1, 4:00 p.m.

Conducting an Internet Job Search – Saint Mary’s Hall, Room 132
Wednesday, November 5, 4:00 p.m.

Interviewing Skills Workshop – Saint Mary’s Hall, Room 132
Thursday, December 4, 4:00 p.m.

Warning: social networking can be hazardous to your job search

2008-07-29T09:09:00.006-05:00

According to a Pew Internet study, 47% of internet users have searched for their own name online. It may sound a little narcissistic to do so, but "ego-surfing" is a smart idea. The majority of us don't know what's floating around about us in cyberspace.

All of us should be aware of our online image. Job and internship seekers or graduate school applicants should be especially concerned.

Do you know what an employer or faculty member will find if they search for your name? A recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers indicates that 37% of employers report using search engines or social networking sites to find additional information about job candidates.

Google yourself right now. Search public records. Double check your blog, personal website, Facebook profile and MySpace page. Be sure to remove any inappropriate content. By being more self-involved online, you'll save yourself from potential career missteps.

What is important to you?

2008-07-24T08:28:00.002-05:00

Here is your chance to tell us what you think about our offerings. Career Services currently offers assistance with resume writing, writing cover letters, interviewing skills, job search skills, choosing a major, assessments, grad school applications, and offers various events such as on-campus recruiting, job and career fairs, internship fairs, and the sophomore/junior/senior conferences.

Please use the comment function and let us know what is important to you. This will help us tailor our programs to better meet your needs. If you have ideas for new programs, we would love to hear about them. Please indicate if you are a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior. If you prefer, you can email me directly at jbaker@smumn.edu.

Enjoy the rest of summer!

Are you planning to intern fall semester?

2008-07-22T08:35:00.003-05:00

If you are planning to intern this fall semester please contact the internship office to make sure you have the required paperwork completed. If you are still working on securing an internship site for fall semester, I can help you. Please call, stop by, or email.

I look forward to working with you as you pursue your internship goals.

Can your resume pass the 10 second scan?

2008-07-17T11:17:00.008-05:00

Keep it clean, Keep it simple, Pour on the sizzle
according to the "Job Hunting Handbook"

Employers and potential internship site sponsors receive dozens, sometimes hundreds (depending on the company), of resumes for one job opening. Sadly only a handful out of 100 resumes will result in an interview.

Why so few? Because few employers read all the resumes they receive. Instead they give each resume a quick, ten second glance.

If the resume is too long, too wordy, too cluttered looking, or too disorganized it gets "filed" - into the waste basket.

The resumes that get read are one page long. They are easy to scan. They are inviting to look at. They have sizzle - they show that the person applying for the job is qualified and can deliver results.

For additional information about resume writing, stop by the Career Services office, Saint Mary's Hall Room 136.

Locating an Internship

2008-07-16T08:26:00.000-05:00

Where can I look for an internship?

Internships can be found in a variety of ways, including online databases, company websites, Internship office resources, contacts with alumni, faculty, parents and other SMU contacts.

The Cardinal Job & Internship LINK and other web resources: There is a wide variety of resources available on the internet. The quality of these different sites varies. For a list of sites visit the Internship Office web page at http://www.smumn.edu/sitepages/pid1001.php. If there is a particular company you are interested in, I encourage you to visit their webpage. Most employers will list internship opportunities on their website.
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Internship Office resources: Our office can provide you with a list of previous internship sites and contact information for each. This list will allow you to find out where other students in your major have interned. It is sorted alphabetically by company name and also sorted by major. It includes listings from 2000 - present.

Students often find internships through alumni, faculty, and other university staff. Feel free to check with faculty members in your academic department about these contacts. The Internship Office can also provide assistance with these contacts.

If you have located your own internship by contacting relatives, neighbors or friends, that's great! (Please remember that students are not permitted to develop internships in organizations where members of the immediate family either partially or wholly own the business.) Other resources that can be used in developing your own internship include the Yellow Pages, Chamber of Commerce lists, and other college Internship Office databases.

After you have secured the name of a person within the organization, I encourage you to send a letter of interest (cover letter) and resume to the organization. Our office can help you prepare your cover letter and resume if needed.

For additional help in locating an internship stop by the Internship Office, email, or call us. Good luck with your internship search!

College Hiring Projections and Patterns

2008-07-15T08:32:00.000-05:00

Employers expect to hire 8 percent more new college graduates from the Class of 2008 than they hired from the Class of 2007, according to the "Job Outlook 2008 Spring Update" report of the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Despite that positive outlook, the current negative economic climate has had an effect on the hiring prospects of new college graduates. In fact, although hiring projections remain positive, they have cooled off since the fall of 2007, when employers projected a 16 percent increase in college hiring for the Class of 2008. That drop off, however, is tempered by the fact that much of the negative impact is concentrated in specific industries, such as finance, leaving a significant portion of the market for new college graduates robust.
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Another NACE report showed that employers are increasingly looking to their internship programs to find new employees. Employers reported that nearly 36 percent of the new college graduates they hired from the Class of 2007 came from their own internship programs, up from 30 percent from the Class of 2005. In addition, employers say they extended job offers to nearly 70 percent of their interns; in 2001, they offered jobs to 57 percent. Survey findings also indicate that interns who become full-time hires are more likely to stick with the organization than their co-workers who didn’t go through the program.

Career Cornerstone News, July 2008
http://www.careercornerstone.org/

The Art of Networking

2008-07-09T15:56:00.000-05:00

Are you wondering what you can do this summer to boost your chances of landing that great job or internship? My advice is to start networking, if you haven't already.

Networking is the art of building alliances. It's not necessarily contacting everyone you know when you are looking for a job or internship and asking if they know of any openings. Networking starts long before a job/internship search, and it's possible you have already been networking and don't know it. You are networking when you visit with friends, friends of the family, and parents of friends and faculty, strike up conversations with neighbors or someone waiting in line at the grocery store, when you volunteer, and when you talk with co-workers or customers at your summer job.

Networking is constantly cited as the number 1 way to get a new job. I'm sure you have heard everyone say that 80% of the jobs available never get advertised. This is how you get them! The people who do the hiring would much rather talk to someone who's been recommended by someone they know or already have working. Try networking for the remainder of the summer - I bet you'll be surprised at how fast your network grows!

Internship through HECUA

2008-07-01T14:18:00.000-05:00

Find Your Ideal Internship Through HECUA - www.hecua.org
By Rebecca Collins

Integrated learning. Learning internships. Urban affairs. Grassroots organizing. Non-profit careers. Mine was not the typical internship - but that’s what made it so dynamic. My internship with the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing this past semester helped me understand my passions and my career possibilities, bringing me back to Saint Mary’s with a renewed focus within my major. But let’s start at the beginning.
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This past semester I had the opportunity to participate in the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs’ (or HECUA’s) program called the Metro Urban Studies Term. HECUA is built on the idea of integrated learning, where students of all backgrounds and majors are able to integrate the theory of the classroom with the practice of the real world. In the Metro Urban Studies Term, I learned of poverty, inequality, and social change right here in the Twin Cities through readings, discussions, and field seminars. I then experienced those social change practices at work through my internship.

My internship was at the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing, or MICAH. MICAH works to organize congregations of faith and community partners to change the political climate and public policies so that all communities preserve and build affordable housing. It’s quite possible that that description sounds as confusing to you as it did to me when I started working with MICAH. I didn’t have a real understanding of what grassroots organizing was - but I learned quickly.

At MICAH I helped the congregations of a Minneapolis suburb, Coon Rapids, dialogue with the city council members and ask them to include housing that is affordable in their plan for the city. I also helped with the housing trust fund campaign with state legislators, the annual fundraiser, and MICAH’s efforts to build deeper relationships with their member congregations.All of this taught me the basic skills of organizing: relationship building, political analysis, planning strategies, finding people’s talents, and so much more. But the important things that I learned weren’t about skills at all. If there is one key thing that I learned from my time at MICAH, it is that intentional relationships are of utmost importance to work and to life. Being present to people, tailoring jobs to their talents, keeping in touch, and working toward what they want to see in their community can work wonders. I will never underestimate the power of relationships from now on.

I also learned about myself through my time at MICAH. When I began my internship, I thought that the best way to organize was to do everything the way my supervisor would do it. While this was helpful, it wasn’t always fulfilling. One of the best realizations while working at MICAH was the fact that I do my best work when I put my heart and my “style” into it — and that it’s ok, even good, to do so.

Although I could unpack my semester-long experience for pages, I will close my reflection where I began. My internship at MICAH allowed me to see the link between the theories that I have been learning here at Saint Mary’s and the work that is being done in our community. The HECUA program helped facilitate this understanding, which I intend to build upon as I finish out my college career and step into my next career.

Career Services & Intenships Staff

2008-06-30T15:25:00.002-05:00

Staff:
Jackie Baker
Director of Internships & Career Services
(507) 457-6695
jbaker@smumn.edu

Philip Hull
Career Services Associate
(507) 457-1447
phull@smumn.edu

Vicki McDonald
Administrative Assistant
(507) 457-6996
vmcdonal@smumn.edu

Mailing Address:
Career Services & Internships
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights #6
Winona, MN 55987

Location & Hours:
Saint Mary's Hall, Room 136
Monday - Friday
8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.