Career Chatter

Why some recent college grads are not getting jobs

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Kestner, Director) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 19:57:00 +0000

7 Reasons Why Jane Has No Job

I am sharing this blog post with you. It is from a great blog called 9 Lives for Women by Kathryn Sollmann

Her blog is unique in that it shares information for women at all stages of life. Here is a description:

Women lead many lives–both in and out of the work force. Read on to see which of the 9 work/life blogs applies to you, your daughter, your sister, your mother, your friends, your colleagues and all the great women you know and love. Click on each work/life stage to go directly to current blog posts.

Check out 7 Reasons Why Jane Has No Job-- it is great advice for any gender!

Not enough time on the job search job.
Too much emphasis on (and fear of) in person networking.
Networking now and then.
Less than optimal use of Linkedin.
A black-and-white resume with no color.
Fuzzy job search strategy.
Low-energy communication.

Happy Hunting! Laura

How Many Cows Are In Canada?

noreply@blogger.com (Bethany Neubauer) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Answering Crazy Interview Questions

Imagine you are in a job interview. After answering a long list of typical questions the interviewer looks at you very seriously and asks, “How many cows are in Canada?” What do you do?!?!

Believe it or not, wacky questions like this one are popping up in interviews more and more every day. Don’t Panic! Heather Huhman of GlassDoor.com provides job seekers with some great tips to answering these types of questions in this article: How to Answer Oddball Interview Questions . Check it out to learn what's important when answering, "A penguin walks through that door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?"

What are Your Weaknesses? Tips for Answering this Tough Interview Question

noreply@blogger.com (Meredith Reinhardt) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:51:00 +0000

What is your greatest weakness?

If your anything like me, you hear the word weakness and you run for the hills! The word weakness is loaded. It can throw you off if you are not expecting or preparing for this type of question in an interview.

The key to answering this question concisely and in a positive manner is to be prepared. The following are tips that can help you prepare.

*Some of these tips are based on a previous blog post on Career Chatter from 2010, but I thought they were worth mentioning again!

What employers are looking for with this question:

Are you Self-aware?

Are you aware of areas that you need to improve upon? Having this awareness shows employers that you will continually seek improvement in your job.

Are you actively thinking about how to improve?

Are you taking steps to make yourself better? This shows that you are intentional about improvement.

Will your weakness jeopardize your job performance?

Addressing the weakness question:

1) Think of weaknesses as being an area that you need to improve upon or are working on now.

2) Chooses a weakness that is not primary function of the job.

3) Do not choose “fake” weaknesses, such as being a perfectionist or expecting too much of others. Employers are looking for you to be honest about your weaknesses and self-awareness.

4) Choosing a skill as a weakness can be better than a personality trait. Skills are something you can improve, were as personality does not show much change.

5) Avoid giving a laundry list of weaknesses. In an interview you want to spend as much time highlighting positive experiences and assets you can bring to the organization.

6) Focus on the changes you have made to overcome or improve upon your weakness; provide a tangible example.

Using the STAR method to answer this question:

Situation: Describe the situation. State your weakness simply and factually.

*A good way to do this: I have a tendency to (weakness) when (under what circumstances).

Task: Talk about the challenge or task.

Action: Explain the action(s) you are taking. What are you doing to improve?

Result: Talk about the positive results. What have you learned from your weakness or how have you worked to improve?

Most importantly, do not get hung up on a question about your weakness. Taking time to reflect and prepare will help you be more confident when addressing this question in an interview!

If you have an interview coming up, set up an appointment for a Practice Interview with one of our Career Counselors!

Career Services Center 

Holthusen Hall, First Floor   

Phone: (414) 288-7423

marquette.edu/csc

Start the Semester Off Right: 5 Steps for Conducting a Successful Spring Internship/Job Search

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:18:00 +0000

As Meredith Reinhardt highlighted in her previous blog, winter break is a valuable time to update your resume and find job opportunities. However, as it quickly comes to a close, it is important to remember that the internship and job search is a process. What does this mean for your job/internship search?

1 Do not become fixated on one opportunity Keep searching for multiple positions of interest to improve your options and chance of finding a position well suited for you interests, values, and skills. REMEMBER: THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES IN THE JOB SEARCH PROCESS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAXIMIZE YOUR OPTIONS!

2 Schedule time in your calendar to regularly search for jobs, track application deadlines, and submit applications. As a new semester begins and courses resume, it is easy to say, I will work on job applications later…. Only to find that the deadline already passed for your top choice job. Make the job search a part of your daily schedule without procrastinating from school work!

3 Customize your applications- Focus on the quality of applications and include company specific information rather than sending out massive amounts of generic resumes. While this will most likely increase the time that you spend on an application, it will also increase your chance of being granted an interview. Like most of us, employers want to feel special!

. Stay organized- Utilize desktop folders and Excel spreadsheets to keep track of job openings and the status of your job applications. When employers contact you to schedule interviews, it is important to be able to access job descriptions and position details for each of your applications. As a result, you will be able to accurately express your interest in the position.

5 Be aware of upcoming career events- Much like preparing for an exam, during the job/internship search it is necessary to do your homework about companies and practice interviewing techniques prior to a career fair or on-campus interview. For instance, the Reverse Career Fair will be taking place on February 12^th(5-7PM) and the Workforce Career Fair (4-7PM in the AMU) is also quickly approaching on February 21, 2012. Begin researching about companies of interest that will be at Workforce through MU Career Manager. Start the semester off on the right foot, schedule a resume/cover letter critique or practice interview today by calling the MU Career Service Center at (414) 288-7423.

Make the Most of Winter Break

noreply@blogger.com (Meredith Reinhardt) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:15:00 +0000

You’ve survived finals week! The only thing on your mind is going home to sleep and get caught up on your favorite TV shows; however, winter break is a great time for career exploration, networking, and job search preparation.

Take advantage of these four homework-free weeks by:

1) Updating your resume:

· Add your most recent jobs and internships

· Evaluate and revise position tasks and responsibilities

2) Job Shadowing: This is a great way to meet with a professional within your field of interest. Job shadowing is an excellent way to explore various careers and gain first-hand insights about a particular career. The handout ‘Job Shadowing’ on our website provides tips on creating an effective job shadowing experience.

3) Network: Whether you are at a family, friend, neighborhood, or company party over this holiday season, use this opportunity to make professional connections! Introduce yourself to new people, learn more about their careers, and communicate your career goals and aspirations. That professional connection could help you find a job someday!

4) Looking for job opportunities: Take the time over break to check out what internships or jobs are posted on MU Career Manager. Hiring and recruiting season are in full swing; use your break to get a jump-start on the job/internship search process.

Career Services’ Online Resources are a great way to find additional information over break.

After break, stop by or call Career Services for additional assistance.

Marquette University
Career Services Center
Holthusen Hall, First Floor
Phone: (414) 288-7423

Most importantly, use break to rejuvenate and relax!

Networking: Put yourself out there!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:48:00 +0000

Last month after boarding my flight to Kansas City for a family reunion, I began to think about the diversity of people sitting around me on the airplane, including the different places they are traveling and the reasons for their trips. As an extravert, I occasionally find myself striking up conversations with fellow passengers and discussing a variety of topics from where they are going and the book that they are reading to learning about their job and hearing stories about their friends and families.

As my bad traveling luck would have it, prior to taking off to Kansas City the pilot realized one of the computers was not functioning properly. As a result we sat in the airplane and airport for an extra two hours. While this time was filled with much grumbling from individuals on the plane, it also allowed me to get know some of the people around me. Specifically, I talked in-depth with an IT consultant from Kansas City, a hotel director from San Diego, and an individual working for a professional sports organization in Milwaukee. While this may seem like a random group of individuals, our conversations allowed me to learn a lot about their different lines of work. Specifically, my conversation with the gentlemen from Milwaukee included discussing employees that work for him and their connections to Marquette. After explaining my role as a career counselor at Marquette, he stated that in the past Marquette students served as interns within his office. At the end of the flight, I exchanged business cards with him and told him I would be in contact to further discuss potential internship opportunities that exist for students.

While this may seem like a random chain of events, the moral of this story is that, in order to meet people that may help you with the job search, it is important to put yourself out there. If you find talking to a stranger intimidating, you may want to begin with having a conversation with a friend or family member who works in a particular industry that you want to learn more about. Furthermore, they may know other individuals that can help you. If you are already job searching, you may consider passing a resume along to individuals working within that field of interest. Even if that individual does not know of any current job openings, they may have position open up in the near future or be aware of other companies that are hiring. You never know who may be able to help you!

For more tips to becoming an effective networker, see the following link that Jeremy Eudaly mentioned in Networking in 7 Simple Steps. These steps can help you put yourself out there and become an effective networker.http://workbloom.com/articles/networking/networking-for-college-students-and-recent-graduates.aspx

Jobs for people who...

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Kestner, Director) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 16:25:00 +0000

Okay, I strive to be the best at my job. I'd like to think I'm a great career counselor, I run a cutitng-edge office, I am at the top of my game. What I've realized along the way is that being the best doesn't necessarily mean being number one at everything. Being the best means knowing how to use your resources. I have recently been introduced to one GREAT resource.

Here is another push to get you to visit Career Thoughts. This section of the site includes jobs by interest. It's so helpful. I love it and I think many of you will love it too.

Check out these titles:

You can't miss this! http://careerthoughts.com/jobs-by-interest

Again, thank you Kevin Spence!

Laura

How to Get a Job With No Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Kestner, Director) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Five college career counselors share their advice with you to answer this question:

What is one piece of advice you would give to students who graduate without any kind of work history?

Today we’re joined by Andrea Lowe (University of Wisconsin – Madison), Pam Ehlers (Oklahoma State University), Matt Ishler (Penn State University), Laura Kestner-Ricketts (Marquette University), and Jen Busick Stewart (Oregon State University).

find out here:

Career Thoughts

Learn more about Kevin Spence who started the site: Career Thoughts after a wonderfully, winding career path of his own. I know you will relate to his story!

Thanks Kevin! Laura

So, have you decided on a major yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Charonda Oliphant) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:12:00 +0000

The holidays are upon us. And for most that means spending time with family and friends during lovely festivities. Gatherings of loved ones can be greatly enjoyable, until someone asks you that dreaded question, "So, have you decided on a major yet?" For students who are undecided, that question can just about destroy their appetite; as if everyone else hasn't been asking you the same question since you enrolled in classes.

A wise UW-Whitewater Admissions Counselor once shared with me his hope of all colleges and universities to one day change their verbiage, so that undecided students could be referred to as "undeclared" students. At first I didn't understand his logic, until he further explained, "The student has decided to come to college, they just haven't declared a major, therefore being more-so undeclared than undecided." Brilliance!

To all of those undeclared MU students, don't fear, Career Services is here to help you answer that question. There's many different steps one could take in choosing their major but an option many don't consider is class observations. After you've taken preliminary steps in figuring out what your top majors of interest are, the true exploration begins. Of course you want your major to be an avenue into your future career, you also want it to fit your interests, skills, and values.

So here's what you do:

With each major of interest in which you have, find at least two classes to observe

Utilize CheckMarq "Schedule of Classes and Courses Catalog" to browse classes by subject

Note: I'd advise observing an introduction course and a higher level course

Once you've found a class that sounds interesting, click on "view class sections"
Find a date and time that work for your schedule (most classes are offered multiple times per week)
Make note of the instructor(s) teaching the course
Send the instructor(s) an email requesting permission to come and observe their class (be specific with date and time)

There are many immediate benefits to observing a class. So, if you have time in your schedule and you are in the process of choosing your major, take my advise, observe. The added bonus is that at the end of the class, you don't have homework :-)

~*~Happy Holidays~*~

My First Networking Event

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:56:00 +0000

I remember not knowing what to expect as I walked into my first networking event, yet was extremely excited for the advice I would receive. I had the chance to talk with several professionals about their current careers and where I saw myself in five years. The event was an overall success but there were three main things I took away from the day:

1. Do not be afraid to say what you actually want to do with your life even if it’s a crazy answer! I am always hesitant telling people I want to work for a record company because I think they are going to laugh at me. But I can tell you that no one has ever laughed and I have actually received great advice on how to move forward. Networking events are all about meeting new people and sharing experiences so do not be scared to share what you want your future to look like!

2. Really listen to the critiques and recommendations you receive. Most professionals you talk with at networking events have more than likely been in your shoes once or twice. They will have the best advice about what to improve upon whether it is how your resume looks or your handshake. These events are meant to be learning experiences!

3. Actually do something with the business cards you obtained. Instead of leaving them in a pile on your desk, follow up with everyone you met. Sending out an email with a question or a thank you to a professional you met shows you care and are invested in your future. Everyone at networking events is more than happy to help otherwise they would not have attended the event in the first place! Do not fear taking the next step.

-Sam

Watch and Learn: Career Spot Videos

noreply@blogger.com (Meredith Reinhardt) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:00:00 +0000

We all love watching online videos of cats, music parodies, and unbelievable human stunts. Online videos are not just for entertainment anymore—why not watch videos that help further your career preparation?

Career Spot has fun educational videos that highlight important topics in job search and career preparation. These videos provide an entertaining way to learn about job search techniques, such as how to prepare for an interview, how to start the job search, what to wear to an interview, and how to use social media in the job search! My favorite video is called “Interview the Interviewer.” Check it out on the CSC Homepage!

These Job Search and Interviewing videos are a great way to be introduced to career topics and can be found on the Career Services Homepage. Look for the Career Spots logo!

Career Services has many other resources that can further your knowledge and preparation for interviewing, job/internship search, and career exploration. You can set up an appointment with a career counselor by calling (414)288-7423!

Phone Interviews - Tips for Success

noreply@blogger.com (Bethany Neubauer) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000

A growing number of employers are using phone interviews as a part of their recruiting strategy.  In other words, it is pretty likely that you will be asked interview over the phone at some point during your job search. A successful phone interview is key to landing a face-to-face interview and ultimately landing a job. Consider the following tips to make a great impression over the phone:

Use a land line if possible. Cell phone signals can be choppy. Taking advantage of a land line helps to minimize the risk of disconnection. If a cell phone is your only option be sure your phone is fully charged, and you are in a location with excellent reception.

Minimize distractions. Take the call in a place where you will be uninterrupted. Avoid noisy public places such as the AMU or Starbucks. Communicate to your roommates that you will be completing a phone interview in advance so they can make appropriate adjustments to provide you with a quite space if needed.

Consider time. Prior to the interview find out how long the call is expected to last. Then allocate an additional 30 minutes beyond this time in your schedule just in case the interview goes long. Finally be prepared to answer the phone 10 minutes ahead of schedule in the event that the interviewer calls early.

Utilize notes. Your interviewer can't see you. Jot down notes and print a copy of your resume and the job description. This way you can easily reference any of these items as you speak.

Answer the phone with your name and a smile. Providing your name makes it clear that the interviewer is speaking to the correct person. Appropriate greetings include "Hello John Doe speaking" or "Good Afternoon this is John Doe". Smile as you speak to create a pleasant tone of conversation. Taking this approach demonstrates your professionalism and creates an aura of positivity.

Dress up & sit up. Even though the potential employer cannot see you, dressing up for the interview can help you to get in the right frame of mind. Such confidence can only improve your performance. Additionally, don't forget to sit up or stand up straight during the interview to help keep yourself alert and professional.

Be cognizant of pauses. Because the interviewer cannot see you, he/she cannot take cues from your body language as to whether you have paused momentarily or have completed an answer. Keep this in mind as you speak.

Get the name and contact info for the interviewer.  This will enable you to promptly follow up with a thank you note. It will also help you identify your interviewer should you have the opportunity to meet him/her at a face-to-face interview.

Practice and do research. Most face-to-face interviewing tips apply to phone interviews. Check out Joel O'Brien's  Become a Star Interviewer and my Interviews: Practice (& Research) Makes Perfect for additional interviewing tips.

Following these tips will help ensure you present the best version of yourself!

Don't forget, you can always schedule an appointment or practice phone interview with a career counselor in Marquette's Career Services Center by calling (414) 288-5302.

Employers are hiring, employers are hiring!

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 22:39:00 +0000

Are you looking for an internship or full-time position to start now or this summer? If so, you're in luck!

So many employers are hiring. Right now, there are 791 full-time positions and 585 intern/co-op positions posted on MU Career Manager!

Listed below are just a few employers hiring as we speak. To view more job postings, check out resources like MU Career Manager, indeed.com and LinkedIn.

City Year Corps Member
City of Chicago Public Service Intern
Kohl's Careers
Consolidated Graphics Leadership Development Program
Baird Investment Banking Intern
Teach for America Corps Member
Direct Supply Careers
Chicago Festival Association Production Intern

For help on your job search, contact Career Services at 288-7423 to make an appointment. We are here to help!

Popular Brands Don't Lie

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Myers, Career Counselor) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:12:00 +0000
Often times when I'm at home, I find myself incredibly happy that DVR's were invented so I can skip past commercials. I'm probably not alone in that sentiment. As a result (or maybe just because I'm getting older and more out of touch with popular culture), I don't know as many of those wonderful advertising slogans as I once did. I know they're out there, but I can't necessarily make that instant connection between some words and a product. It's not that different than a recruiter who can't make the difference between the words on your resume and who you really are.

But what I really want to focus on today is the message behind some of the best known slogans out there, and how it ties into what you should do in your job search.

Just Do It
Nike is everywhere. It's hard to go very far without seeing that swoosh on some piece of clothing. We all know Michael Jordan and his iconic image, and the brand's trademark saying: Just Do It. Is there really any better message to have about a job search? Sure, it's very direct, but ultimately every single one of us has to buckle down and just do our search. Certain parts are definitely easier than others, and those aren't where we need the inspiration. It's in those other moments where we don't want to write another cover letter, or don't really feel like calling to chase down a lead that we need to remember those fateful three words. Nothing bad will come from it, and by powering through you might even be able to achieve more than you ever realized (in this case a dream job or internship).

Think Different
Much like Nike in the apparel world, Apple is omnipresent in the technology world these days. It's hard to go places without seeing or hearing about an iSomething. And what Apple has told us over the years is to Think Different. This is something that can be challenging at first, but with some effort, you can turn yourself into a more compelling candidate. Thinking different can even take various manifestations. You can change your approach to how you conduct a search in terms of attitude, method, timeline, and many other places. You can change the way you market yourself. You can change the types of companies you target. You can change your communication style. The key is to think about how you can get out of your usual methods and find ways to better yourself through your methods and actions. But before you can take action, you have to look deep into yourself to find where you can improve, and Career Services can help with that.

When You've Got It, Flaunt It
Ok, so I didn't know this one as well until I was doing research on slogans, but Braniff Airlines hits their message on the nose with this slogan. Way too often I see students hold back, especially in interviews. WHY???? If you're out there looking for a job, and you have some great skills and traits, you need to show them off! Like I always tell my students, it is not the time to be shy or humble; it is time to shout from the mountaintop about how awesome you are! If you have the skills, be proud of them, use them in your examples, and definitely don't hide them. It's tough sometimes because we're always taught to be humble, but lay it on the line. You sure don't have anything to lose, and I don't know of too many employers that aren't interested in confident employees.

So while you're watching your favorite programs, and happen to see some ads every now and then, think about how that message can really factor into your own life, and specifically your career. You'd be surprised how well the messages match sometimes!

Are You Looking for an Internship or Job...But Not Sure How to Start?

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 23:07:00 +0000
Did you know that employers have started to hire for summer internships and full-time jobs?! It's never too early to start your job search and Career Services is here to help!
Not sure how to get started? Well, networking is how 80-90% jobs are obtained so this is a good place to start. The #1 way to start networking is by using LinkedIn, a professional networking site.
Our favorite LinkedIn expert, Lindsey Pollak, posted a great blog on the best way to network with alumni using LinkedIn. Marquette has thousands of proud alumni, many of whom are willing to help students with their job search.
Take 5 minutes to read Lindsey's great advice: http://www.lindseypollak.com/blog
Lindsey outlines the best way to make contact with alumni, what not to do and even includes a sample professional message.
Need assistance on LinkedIn? Stop by our office or make an appointment with a career counselor to learn more!
Happy Networking!

5 Steps To Interviewing From a Students Point of View

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Harris) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 21:29:00 +0000

As students doing everything we can at the chance of landing our first job or internship, an interview can be terrifying. You can read all of the etiquette sites you want about what to wear and how to act. But, here are a few steps from a real student who has really been through it.

1. Act confident (even when you may not be)

With the way things in the economy are today, us students cant take any chances. We have to apply for everything and anything that comes are way. So, it is not uncommon that we may feel under-qualified for the position we are asking for. Don’t let that stop you. Take a deep breath and truly believe that you deserve and will excel at the position. It will show through during the interview.

2. Don’t practice too much

One of the worst things a student can do before an interview is have a script of everything that they are about to say. Having such rehearsed responses makes it sound like you are some job hunting robot. Now, this is not to say that you should not think about potential questions and responses. It is important to be prepared, but it is equally important to make a connection with the interviewer and this can only be done when there is a conversational tone and friendly environment.

3. Don't take yourself too seriously (aka SMILE!)

The fact is that people want to hire people that they like and get along with. So, be likable! Smile a lot, make comments about your surroundings like “your office is really great,” ect. In short, humanize yourself, and make the interviewer want to be your friend.

4. Know what you are good at, and make it apply to everything they need you to do.

It is important to know that any skill that you have is transferrable to something else. So, instead of saying that you are good at analyzing spreadsheets, say that you have the unique ability to compile information and solve problems. Spreadsheets are an industry skill, where analysis and problem solving are life skills.

5. Say thank you!

I am not saying that you have to write a two page thank you note on your mothers nice stationary, but you should take the time to send the employer a message through email, linkedin or a quick note that says that you appreciate their time. It will let them know that you value their time and are serious about the position.

So, there you have it. Real advice from a real student. Now go out and get that job!

Interviews: Practice (AND RESEARCH) Makes Perfect

noreply@blogger.com (Bethany Neubauer) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:49:00 +0000

‘Tis the season of interviewing! This fall the Career Services Center has been hustling and bustling with employers seeking to hire Marquette students for internships and full-time positions. Are you ready?

The key to a successful interview is both practice and research. Last week, Joel O'Brien discussed how to practice for interviews using behavioral based questions in his blog post How to Become a Star Interviewer. Check it out for some excellent tips!  Today's post focuses on the other element of interview preparation – research.

The bottom line is that employers expect that you will arrive to the interview with knowledge about their company. Learning about the organization demonstrates your interest, showcases your ability to research and also shows initiative. In addition, investigating the company helps to prepare you for interview questions such as: What do you know about our company?   Why do you want to work at our company?  Tell me what you know about our organization. Why would you be a good fit for our company?

There are many rich sources of information about organizations. Here are a few ways you can investigate a potential employer prior to your interview.

Review the organization's website and news releases.

Use your network on LinkedIn (or otherwise) to identify contacts who work for the organization.Then reach out to these individuals to get an inside scoop on the company.

Look the company up in Reference USA a database of over 12 million organizations.

Create a Google News Alert so that each time an employer appears in the news you receive an email with links to these news stories.

Join industry groups on LinkedIn to stay abreast of current trends.

Follow the company on Twitter.

Suggested areas of research include:

Recent news surrounding the organization

Corporate culture

History of the organization

Types of products/services offered

Reputation

Locations

Size and organizational structure

Philosophy

Prospects for growth or change

Major competitors

Promotional activities

Current industry trends/issues

Mission and vision of the organization

With ample research, in addition to practice, you will be ready to impress as you interview this fall and beyond.

For one-on-one coaching on how to prepare for an interview, consider scheduling an appointment in our office: (414) 288-7423.

Need a plan for after graduation? Not sure where to start?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeremy Eudaly) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 16:24:00 +0000

Many students are so busy with school, work, campus activities, or life in general that all of a sudden they realize that have no clue about what they are going to do after graduation. That, of course, can be an overwhelming experience. If this sounds like you, Career Services is here to help.

Helping students determine their path after graduation is one of the most common situations that we address. Of course we tailor our assistance to each individual’s needs, but here are just a few ways we tend to help students

Assist you in choosing a career path that fits you (assess interests, skills, and values).

Help you learn how to communicate with professionals in fields that interest you.

Work with you to develop a job search plan (establish the what, when, where, and how).

Provide individual assistance along the way.

If you are not sure of what you need or where to start just call 414-288-7423 or stop by to make an appointment. We would be delighted to hear from you.

-Jeremy

Everything You Need to Know About References

noreply@blogger.com (Meredith Reinhardt) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 17:47:00 +0000

Your applying for a job, the application asks you to provide a list of references in addition to your resume and cover letter. References…

Deciding who put on a reference list can be difficult. When thinking about your future references consider these points:

When should I gather references: Throughout your academic, job, or career experiences you should be collecting contact information for people who could serve as references in your future job search.

Who should they be: You want references that are from diverse pools of experience, for example a chemistry professor, your supervisor at the Brew, or your faculty advisor for the Biomedical Sciences Student Association. Your references should be familiar with your skills, goals, career direction, and achievements. Identify a professor, supervisor, advisor, or coach that you have a relationship with and are in contact on a regular basis. It is never too early to start thinking about you could be a reference!

What makes for a good reference: References should be able to identify personal and professional characteristics that you have demonstrated. It is great if they can speak to how your actions, contributions, and efforts will benefit a future employer. You want the job, so don’t choose someone that only has mediocre things to say about you!

When selecting individuals as references, make sure you TALK with them IN PERSON! This will provide a good opportunity for you to communicate about the positions you are applying for and some of the skills you are planning to highlight. You could say: “I have a few job interviews coming up, could I use your name as a reference?”

It is also important to be respectful of their time, as they have busy lives too. If you need a letter of recommendation, talk with your reference at least a month in advance. Provide them with a resume, a description of the position you are applying for, and a stamped & addressed envelope; this will make the process even easier!

Keep your references in the know; fill them in on the status of your interview (they want to know when they could be contacted).

THANK YOUR REFERENCES! They put in time and effort on your behalf, their recommendation may have even landed you the job!

If you need additional assistance formatting your references for your application, check out the Career Services Center Online Resources (link below) or stop by Holthusen Hall for Walk-In Hours: Monday-Friday 12pm-2pm!

Career Services Online Resources

BECOME A STAR INTERVIEWER!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:13:00 +0000
Effective Interviewing Techniques: Be a STAR!

Now that you have attended the Career Fair, followed up with employers, and been offered an interview, it is time to prepare yourself for the actual interview. Interviews are one of the most nerve-racking experiences you will have to go through in your job search. The secret to effective interviewing is similar to learning how to play a sport or musical instrument….PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! The more you practice the easier and more natural interviewing will become.

While all jobs and all interviewers are not the same, there are certain questions that are usually asked of candidates during an interview. These questions fall into two categories: “the getting to know you” questions and “the why do you want this job” questions. While companies are looking for different things, most employers look for candidates with the following characteristics:

1.            Communication skills (verbal/written)

2.            Honesty/integrity

3.            Teamwork skills (works well with others)

4.            Motivated/ willing to take initiative

5.            Strong work ethic

6.            Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
7.            Analytical skills
8.            Flexibility/adaptability
9.            Computer skills
10.          Self-confidence
11.          Leadership skills
12.          Organization skills

                *Skills provided by 2007 NACE Job Choices Employer Survey



Behavioral-Based Interviewing

A common method for employers to check and see if you possess these skills is through behavioral interview questions. Behavioral based interviewers believe that past behavior is an accurate predictor of future behavior. They concentrate many of their questions on situations that candidates have encountered in the past. What they want to hear is an illustration of your behavior. To maximize the effectiveness of your answers, try using the STAR method.

S              = Describe a situation.

T              = Talk about the task.

A             = Explain the action you took.
R             = Talk about the positive results, quantifying if possible.
                   (RESULTS are very important, but commonly forgotten)

COMMON BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED:

·         What is the most challenging situation that you have faced?

·         What accomplishment has been given you the greatest satisfaction?

·         What are three of your strengths? (Provide an example for each using the STAR method)

·         What are three of your weaknesses? (Reflect how you already have or can improve)

·         Describe a time when you have disagreed with colleagues, how did you handle it?

Once you have practiced and feel confident in your ability to accurately and passionately share your experiences, be a STAR and rock the interview!

CHECKOUT ADDITIONAL INTERVIEWING ADVICE BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW OR CALL (414) 288-7423 TO SCHEDULE A MOCK INTERVIEW WITH A CAREER COUNSELOR TODAY!

Marquette University CSC Interviewing Strategies

Would you flip a coin to determine your Career Future?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Kestner, Director) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 18:44:00 +0000

One of my favorite podcasts is called Radio Lab. Radiolab is a show about curiosity. Where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and human experience.

Recently I heard a story about two brothers who read tea leaves, similar to flipping a coin, to see which one would carry on the family business. This game of chance changed their lives, their career paths, and their futures forever.

Would you leave your career path to chance?

If you want a career path based on your interests, skills, and work values; one that fits who you are and what you are passionate about; one that gives you satisfaction... don't leave it to chance.

Meet individually with a career counselor

Students meet with a career counselor to discuss the career issues of their choice. The counselor will likely ask about personal and career background, interests, coursework, and related aspects that effect career decision making to ensure a good understanding of the student’s unique situation. Resources may be discussed along with next steps.

Schedule an appointment by calling 414-288-7423

The story actually turns out well. Listen in... you won't be disappointed.

fast forward to 13:30 in this podcast where Pat Walters shares the story of two brothers, Dennis and Kai Woo, who forged a deal with each other that wound up determining both of their futures.

Don't Let Your Hard Work Go to Waste: Follow-Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hanson, Associate Director) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:59:00 +0000
So you made it through the career fair last night! You should be proud of yourself for preparing well, dressing the part, and having the courage to walk up to employers and begin a professional relationship.

Now it is time to build on that relationship.

Follow-up after a career fair is surprisingly uncommon and if you make the effort to connect with employers who piqued your interest, it helps you stand out from the crowd. All you need to do is send an email or hand-written note thanking them for their time at the fair and include a copy of your resume. Don't forget to follow the application instructions provided to you at the fair and be sure to tell them in your note that you have submitted your application.

This one little step can make all the difference!

(And if you are going to the Technical Career Fair this evening - good luck! ...and don't forget to follow-up!)

Professional Organizations: But I'm a Student!

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Myers, Career Counselor) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:24:00 +0000
For those of you out there that have even glanced toward some research on your chosen field, you've probably come across something very familiar, yet equally foreign; the dreaded alphabet soup of Professional Organizations. How are you supposed to know what all these 3-5 random letter combinations mean, or which ones are legitimately good? It's a challenge that almost everyone faces as they begin the depth of their job or internship search. For the ones that truly take advantage of such entities though, the search can be vastly transformed.

Professional organizations (or societies as they are sometimes known) can come in many different shapes and sizes. For every national organization, there are usually regional, state, and sometimes even local versions of it. Marquette itself even has student chapters of many large professional organizations, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Professional Journalists, and Financial Management Association. With such a plethora of options out there, there really isn't much reason to at least check out a couple in your chosen field.

So once you determine which professional organizations to look at, or even join, then what? What's the purpose? Well, as students, I believe that these organizations are goldmines for pertinent information. As I certainly hope you've heard (whether from us or anyone else), networking is the way of the world when it comes to job searching. You know the line, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." It's a maddening line for many students, because how are you supposed to know all these professionals who can help you get a job? Let's think about this though step by step

1. You are in a professional organization
2. You have a member list
3. Other members are likely established professionals in your field
4. You can contact these professionals, and thus, NETWORK!

Sounds pretty good, huh? Let's also not forget other added benefits of membership, such as professional development opportunities, interesting lectures, and, oh yes, a field specific job board! I can assure you that any professional organization with a job board isn't going to get overrun with pyramid schemes!

So what are you waiting for? Go out there and look for the best professional organization for you, and enrich your job search as a result!

Careers in Service

noreply@blogger.com (Charonda Oliphant) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:38:00 +0000

Career Services is aware that not every student plans on joining the work force immediately after graduation. Some students may purse graduate school, others post-graduate internships, and yet another group, post-graduate service opportunities. Offering a year or two of service looks different for every individual. There are hundreds of volunteer programs available offering a wide range of speciality areas, positions, living situations, and locations.

Maybe you, in the past or presently, have considered a post-graduate service opportunity. If you have, the Career Services Center will be hosting a Careers in Service panel:

Tuesday, September 18th
AMU, Room 163
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

The Careers in Service panel is an opportunity for students interested in a year or more of service after graduation to gain a direct perspective from current corps members and recent alumni on their experiences, the application and interviewing process, and much more.  Organizations in attendance include: Alliance for Catholic Education, City Year Milwaukee, Teach for America, Peace Corps Chicago, Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest.

Outside of attending the Post-Graduate Service Fair, we encourage anyone who's ever been interested in partaking in post-graduate service to attend this panel. Come and get your questions answered by those who've been there!

My First Career Fair Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:16:00 +0000

When I think back to my first career fair experience three things come to mind: sweaty palms, nerves and a lack of preparedness. Although I was dressed to impress and had brought several copies of my resume with me, I went to the fair to talk to only ONE company. I never even approached another business. I went straight to the booth I wanted, dropped off my resume and quickly shook the representative’s hand before I scurried home. Looking back on this experience I can’t help but wonder “WHAT WAS I THINKING??!” Yes I know I was feeling intimidated and overwhelmed, but I wish I had not been so closed minded and nervous.

If I had the chance to do it all over again this is what I would do:

-

I -I would have my resume critiqued by MUCSC and printed on resume paper (also available for free in MUCSC)

-   -I would create business cards ($3 for 30 in MUCSC) and hand those out along with my resume

- -I would push myself to visit more companies and map out a plan-of-attack ahead of time

-     -I would remind myself that this is a great learning opportunity

-    -I would create a 60 second commercial telling each company representative more about “Sam” (more then what can be read on my resume)

-   -I would practice and then re-practice my handshake

-   -I would tell myself to take a deep breath and not be so nervous

I know my experience would have been a lot different (and more relaxed) had I prepared for the fair more in advance.

With that in mind, I give you my last piece of advice: Determine what you want to achieve at a career fair and decide the best approach for getting the job done. No one ever said finding a job or internship was easy, but by planning early and using resources like the MUCSC, the road can be a lot less stressful.

Good luck my friends and remember to just be you J