Tigers Prepare

The Next Steps after Interview: Confessions of a Recruiting Director

noreply@blogger.com (Addye) — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 18:42:00 +0000

After the interview is complete, you immediately reflect and debrief on your performance and the impression you made on the company. Often times, we begin to process some of the following:

Did I answer the questions the right way?

What questions did I fail to answer well?

What did the company think of me?

Will I get a call back from the company?

Do I see myself at the company?

What are the next steps?

When do I follow up with the company?

From the book “Confessions of a Recruiting Director: The Insider’s Guide to Landing Your First Job,” Brad Karsh, the author, talks about the ins and outs of different topics regarding the job search process. Karsh presents sections on resumes to interviewing to networking in order to help individuals understand how companies think and how companies go about selected candidates. Furthermore, Karsh writes this text to provide useful insight and advice to individuals in preparing for the job search. Here is his advise:

When you conclude your interview process, it is perfectly normal to unwind and evaluate your interview, but do not lose sight of your goal and stay engaged with the job search process. Remember the job search process is a marathon, so remain focused and on your path. At the conclusion of your interview, you begin to process does the company want me and can I see myself at this company? We will unpack a few items and provide some tips on what to do after the interview.

Handling a No Response

There will be times when you have completed the job interview and nothing happens. This is not your fault and not common practice. Some companies have several reasons why they have dropped the ball and have not followed up with you or other candidates. Dealing with a no response from a company, you can find yourself getting down on yourself and questioning are you good enough moving forward. In this phase, the company can be at fault by not having the funding for the position anymore, selecting an internal candidate for the role, organizational change, or a failed job search for that particular position. When you have not received a response from the company, you can follow up with the employer contacts to update you on the position. Also, ask yourself do you really want to be a part of this company and is it worth the pursuit? You can only do so much to impress the company and there is responsibility on the company to close the loop as well.

The Follow Up

After the interview, you are processing what do to next and do what you can control. As a promising candidate, you would like to show the company you are engaged and interested in the position. There a couple ways of contacting the company to provide updates on the search and position by utilizing phone and email. You definitely want to have an action plan after you interview with company. I recommend do the following next steps:

Within 24 hours or two to three days after your interview, you should send Thank You notes or email to the individuals that interacted with you on your interview. This is a simple yet effective way of showing the employer that you are interested in the company and the position.
After you send your Thank You notes, I suggest contacting the Human Resources representative or the Hiring Committee chair via phone or email to inquire about updates on the position and timeline for this particular position. Keep in mind, you need to prepare with appropriate questions and thank the company representative for taking the time to speak with you.
During this process, you want to be considerate of the company’s time and be patience but assertive when contacting the company to provide you updates on filling the position. As a promising candidate, you want to be professional and remember you are not the only one applying for the vacant position.
Remember how to manage a No Response from a Company. You may have to consider moving on with your job search.

The Offer

In that moment you receive the job offer from company, you are excited about the opportunity and the job search is complete. This may be your Pursuit of Happyness moment.

Processing an Offer:

When getting the initial offer, you definitely want the documentation via email or actual letter. It is great to have a verbal offer, but you definitely want the offer in writing, so you can formally accept or decline the offer after looking at the specifics of the position

Offer Letter:

The offer letter will be straightforward and you want to take the time to review the document, which will include the position, title, start date, and salary. You want make sure you make a copy of the letter whether you accept or decline the position for your records. In receiving the offer letter, you want to follow up with the company and mention that you received the offer letter, you are grateful for the company extending the job offer to you, ask any specifics about the position and/or offer letter, and finally that you want some time before you make a decision.

Evaluate The Offer & Negotiating Process:

In reviewing other potential offers and the current offer, you want to make sure you understand the specifics of the position, look into the benefits beyond the salary, and make sure you have everything order before you make your decision about the offer. Ask the potential employer for the company’s benefits package. I suggest writing down what you like about the position and answer what will make you happy working at this company. When considering to negotiate, you want to make sure you have everything in order have done research pertaining to the job offer. You get one chance to negotiate and understand you want to keep your image and reputation intact in the process.

After you make your decision, remember to be professional and keep all lines of communication open on your end. The worse part of the interview process in the waiting periods, so be sure you stay focus on your goal and make sure you do everything on your part that you can actually control in the job process. It is fine to be assertive during the interview and job search process, but understand the company is conducting a thorough process as well.

The Auburn University Career Center is available to aid you in your job search and provide you with job search strategies.

Written by

Eric J. Hall

Career Counselor

Behavioral Interviewing Tips and Tricks

noreply@blogger.com (Addye) — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 20:31:00 +0000

When you get the call or email to interview with a company/organization, you are excited and nervous at the same time about the opportunity. At this point, you have passed the eye test and the company is interested in you. The company reviewed and accepted your application packet, so you look good on paper and potentially meet the criteria for the position. Moving forward in the application process, the company reaches out to schedule an interview with you, a potential candidate, to learn more about who you are as an individual and a professional.

According to the National Association of College and Employers (NACE), it is essential for college graduates to contain specific Career Readiness Competencies in order to be successful in a work environment. Recruiters and interviewers are looking for qualified candidates that embodies and harness the following attributes:

NACE Job Outlook 2017 | Attributes Employers Seek on a Candidate’s Resume

Ability to work in a team 78.0%
Problem-solving skills 77.3%
Communication skills (written) 75.0%
Strong work ethic 72.0%
Communication skills (verbal) 70.5%
Leadership 68.9%
Initiative 65.9%
Analytical/quantitative skills 64.4%
Flexibility/adaptability 63.6%
Detail-oriented 62.1%
Interpersonal skills (relates well to others) 58.3%
Technical skills 56.8%
Computer skills 49.2%
Organizational ability 47.7%
Strategic planning skills 37.9%

Of course you can showcase your attributes via resume, but the interviewer are seeking to learn more about you in the actual interview. The interviewers give you the opportunity to shed light on the top attributes listed above utilizing questions on behavioral interviewing. Behavioral Interviewing is way you can highlight your present/past experiences and performances to focus on your abilities and your attributes.

Listed below are examples of behavioral type questions:

Talk about a time when you had to work closely with someone whose personality was very different from yours.
Give me an example of a time you faced a conflict while working on a team. How did you handle that?
Describe a time when you had to interact with a difficult client. What was the situation, and how did you handle it?
Tell me about a time you were under a lot of pressure. What was going on, and how did you get through it?
Tell me about a time you failed. How did you deal with this situation?
Tell me about a time you set a goal for yourself. How did you go about ensuring that you would meet your objective?
Give me an example of a time you managed numerous responsibilities. How did you handle that?
Describe a time when you saw some problem and took the initiative to correct it rather than waiting for someone else to do it.
Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully persuade someone to see things your way at work.
Tell me about a time when you had to rely on written communication to get your ideas across to your team.

There is a formula is answering these behavioral type questions. The STAR method is critical in answering these type of questions in an interview. It is not about answering the question with the right answer just the right way.

As the interviewee, you should focus on answering the question using the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. You want to set the stage with the Situation and the Task at hand (be direct and to the point when giving the background).

Once you set the foundation, then you want to move along to the meat of the question and give the interviewer(s) what they want in answering the behavioral questions. The Action and Result is important when responding to behavioral questions. The interviewer wants to know beyond your resume and cover letter what kind of person and professional you are and will be for their organization.

The interviewer wants to know you your course of Action and the Result of your Action. What was your experience after this particular situation? What did you take away from this situation? What did you learn about yourself in this situation? These are all items the interviewer wants to know in your approximate 2-minute response to a behavioral question.

The STAR method is simple to remember but requires strong execution in delivering a sound response to a behavioral question. Remember to take the time you recall your experiences and find a way to streamline your story in your response to these behavioral type questions.

The Auburn University Career Center has resources to help with your interviewing skills and preparation. You can check out our website at www.auburn.edu/career/interviews to utilize our services and resources to practice your interviewing, such as InterviewStream, The Job Search Guide, and scheduling a mock interview with a career counselor.

Written by Eric J. Hall

Career Counselor

Why You Should Create a Digital Portfolio This Week

noreply@blogger.com (Addye) — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 16:09:00 +0000

If you’ve hung out in the Auburn Career Center or the Miller Writing Center much, you may have heard about students’ ePortfolios or digital portfolios, but to most job applicants, it may just sound like unimportant, futuristic career readiness jargon.

On the contrary, back in 2013, Forbes.com explained that 56 percent of hiring managers are more impressed with applicants’ personal websites and digital portfolios than any other element of their job applications. However, only 7 percent of candidates actually had one.

Given the ever-increasing pervasiveness of technology in the job search, it’s a fair guess that these numbers have climbed since the Forbes article was published. With only about 20 percent of applicants being granted an interview for any given job, this new marketing tool is well worth including in your job search arsenal.

So, what exactly is a digital portfolio? Put simply, they’re websites where job seekers, students and professionals can display their work, demonstrate their skills and convey their personalities in professional, flexible way. By creating a digital portfolio, you can easily direct employers to a comprehensive location containing your resume, work samples, biographical information, and other representations of what make you unique.

Because of the flexibility and opportunity for creative expression in digital portfolios, no portfolio is alike, although many professionals opt to include an HTML or PDF resume or both, along with photos and other design elements to give employers a hint of their personality and values. They also link their personal sites to your LinkedIn, Facebook and other social media accounts and include the link to their ePortfolio in their job applications, creating a web of information easily accessible by employers.

Because digital portfolios are still gaining ground in the job search world, applicants with any digital portfolio at all are likely to stand apart from their competitors. But candidates with an especially thoughtful, personally crafted ePortfolio put themselves heads and shoulders above their competition.

If you’re convinced it’s worth your time to create an ePortfolio, but you’re lacking in the technical knowledge or design chops to make it happen, don’t worry! Websites like Wix, Weebly, WordPress and SquareSpace, just to name a few, make it easy for anyone to display their work for free using pre-designed, customizable templates.

For starters, the basic components of a digital portfolio usually include some basic sections:

About me. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and explain why you’ve created your website. You have freedom in this section to express yourself in whatever way you’d like: with photos, lists, inspirational quotes or a personal anecdote—any way that employers will get a sense of who you are both personally and professionally.
Skills and experience. Usually the reason you’ve created your ePortfolio is to have a location to store your work from classes, internships, freelance projects or full-time jobs, so it’s a good idea to first introduce what kinds of skills and experience inform your work. You can include this in a visual format with graphs, tiles or other design elements, or you can simply include a modified version of your resume on your site.
Work samples. Employers enjoy looking at digital portfolios because they bring candidates’ work into their reach. Your resume and cover letter may mention your ability to draft in-depth financial plans, but displaying examples of plans you’ve actually crafted on your website takes it a step further and proves you’re as talented as you claim. However, it’s important to note that any work you include should be as blemish-free as possible; any information you provide in a job application is grounds for rejection, so make sure your work samples (and portfolio in general) are polished and pristine!
Contact information. If an employer stumbles onto your site through a Google search or LinkedIn, it would be helpful for them to contact you directly if they’re interested! You can include a form so they can submit messages to you directly from your site, or simply list your email address and phone number. Also include a link to your social media accounts (as long as they’re professional) to show more about your personality.

ePortfolios are fun, creative ways to show employers what a successful employee you could be to them. For more information about getting started with an ePortfolio and for samples of other students’ and professionals’ own digital portfolios, visit the Auburn Career Center’s drop-in hours or the Miller Writing Center’s ePortfolio Project.

Written by Sarah Russell

Graduate Assistant working on a MEd in Higher Education Administration

Mythbusters: Degree = Job

noreply@blogger.com (Addye) — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 18:54:00 +0000

(http://coachryangillespie.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/path-to-success.jpg)

If you’ve ever been a college freshman, you probably know the pressure of declaring a major. After all, this is what you’re going to spend the next four (or five, or six) years studying, and the following forty-plus practicing professionally… right?

Well, not always.

For first-year students, foreseeing the next four years is like trying to look down the road through a thick fog. You have a fuzzy idea of where you’re headed, but the figures and shapes ahead of you are hazy, and the path is uncertain. Squinting through the murkiness of impending self-discovery, how can a student know if the path they are travelling is the right path for them?

Many college students don’t realize their path is wrong until they’re halfway (or farther along) to the finish line. Panicking, they visit academic advisors and career counselors, desperate to find “right” path. Many of them discover there could be several paths that could be right for them. Again, the pressure of finding their niche overtakes them, and they feel the familiar burden of an uncertain future.

Take heart, college students, because I’m about to reveal one of the biggest secrets of college:

YOUR MAJOR DOES NOT HAVE TO DETERMINE YOUR CAREER.

There are several exceptions to be made, of course. If you’re pursuing a degree in a communications discipline, you probably will not be equipped for medical school or to be an engineer. But who knows? Maybe you’ve taught yourself programming on the side and you have an impressive portfolio to show off. Or maybe you’re the biomedical sciences major who realizes the summer before your senior year that you can’t handle blood, but you love to work with doctors.

Take it from someone who’s been there: there are ways to make it work.

Here are three practical steps to get closer to a career that works for you, regardless of your major:

1. Embark on a journey of self-discovery. You cannot--and should not--choose your career until you know yourself. What makes you YOU? What makes you tick? Inspires you? Grosses you out? Do you like talking to people or making machines work? These are all the kinds of questions you should be asking yourself, because their answers lead you closer to the kinds of careers and work environments that work for you. For a more guided self-discovery journey, visit the Career Center and ask about the career assessments available!

2. Gain experience. Whether or not you’ve decided what direction you want to go, get your feet wet with shadowing, volunteering, internships, research and involvement in student organizations. Simply knowing what kinds of tasks and ideas you like to work on can reveal insight into what you may enjoy professionally. If it’s too late for this, consider researching graduate schools or certifications more focused on your desired career. As a bonus, this all becomes relevant information to include in job applications down the road!

3. Market yourself effectively. If you find yourself near graduation with an unrelated major, think outside the box about what makes you suitable for the kind of job you want. If you’re graduating with a degree in sociology, but you want to become a social media manager, think about your own experience with communication. Did you learn about group behaviors, manage your own social media image or work on a team to complete a task? All of these skills are important in your desired field, so show them off on your resume!

After you have done all this, fret not: the path to success is not a straight arrow. You don’t have to make the right major decision the first time, but by getting to know yourself, gaining practical, applicable experience and marketing yourself effectively, you are taking steps closer to the work you were made to do.

Written by Sarah Russell

Graduate Assistant working on a MEd in Higher Education Administration

Land a Job with These 7 Career Competencies

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 16:10:00 +0000

According to the National Association of College and Employers (NACE), it is essential for college graduates to contain specific Career Readiness Competencies in order to be successful in a work environment. These competencies, or skills, are gained through professional experiences such as internships, part-time/full-time jobs, volunteer opportunities, job shadowing, and more. To put it into perspective, think of career readiness competencies like studying for a test. In order to successfully pass a test, you need to put in the work to prepare for it so you can achieve the end result of passing with a good grade, increasing your GPA. It is important to begin “studying,” or gaining experience in order to achieve a successful future in your career development. So, I’m sure you are wondering, what are these competencies? Let’s get started!

1. Critical Thinking/Problem-Solving

If you have ever been tasked with a problem that seemed very much “adult,” it is most likely that this situation required critical thinking and problem-solving. Employers want to see the ability for an individual to analyze an issue, making an appropriate decision regarding this issue, and then work toward solving this problem. So really, they want to see you adult (yes, adult). It is essential to use your knowledge, ideas, originality, and resources with problem-solving in order to make a respectable and appropriate decision. Make sure to take what you have learned in your classes, work experiences, and involvement opportunities to expand on these skills and increase your future career development.

2. Oral/Written Communication

The main objective here is to ensure that you communicate your thoughts in a clear, efficient manner both verbally and in a written format. Employers want to see that you contain effective public speaking skills along with the ability to write in a professional format. You are most likely practicing these skills in your classes through individual and group presentations as well as writing essays or research papers—so use these experiences to your advantage!

3. Teamwork/Collaboration

The saying “teamwork makes the dream work” fits perfectly under this competency. Building professional relationships with your coworkers is of utmost importance in the workplace in order to successfully achieve the goal your company is aiming to accomplish. Different individuals bring a diverse set of ideas, opinions, and values to a work environment, and all of these factors combined will produce effects results regarding a certain task. You will be more likely to accomplish a task and manage conflicts when collaborating with coworkers and clients who are from a different cultural background than your own.

4. Information Technology Application

With the vast rise of technology in our world, employers value potential employees to contain a basic level of proficiency in information technology skills. These skills may include knowing how to navigate computer programs such as Microsoft Office, SQL, Adobe Photoshop, and countless more systems. Whether you are working as a Mechanical Engineer, a Sports Reporter, or an English professor in a college university, technology will be involved in some shape or form. During your undergraduate career, make sure to take the opportunity to increase your IT skills! For example, you can visit the ePortfolio office for helpful tips to not only make your professional website #flawless, but to also learn new computer skills regarding web design. Take each of your experiences inside and outside of the classroom to expand your proficiency in the world of technology, as it will surely impress any employer.

5. Leadership

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” –John Quincy Adams. This quote by a former President encompasses the values of leadership. A common misconception of being a leader is that leaders only manage and delegate tasks to others, but that is not the case. If you instill strength in others and encourage them in completing a certain task, this is one quality that defines a great leader. Use your interpersonal skills to motivate and leads others toward success. If you know a colleague is having difficulties with a specific task, offer guidance to help them accomplish their goal in a clear, consistent, and empathetic manner. If you are a natural leader, demonstrate these qualities in an interview in order to show the employer how you would transfer these skills to a work environment. There are various leadership opportunities for you to pursue throughout your undergraduate career at Auburn—take a look at these opportunities here: https://auburn.collegiatelink.net. Not to mention, leadership is the #1 quality employers look for in potential employees. It’s a pretty big deal!

6. Professionalism/Work Ethic

So we’ve made it to number 6. If you’re overwhelmed and don’t even know how to start developing any of these skills, start here. Also make sure to breathe—is it going to be ok and you will land a job! Employers, over any other skill, value professionalism and actively search for this transferable skill in potential employees. Professionalism/work ethic includes how you represent yourself through your actions and interact with colleagues in the work environment. Are you on time to work each day? Does your verbal and nonverbal communication reflect a positive, respectful attitude? Do you follow the ethical guidelines to your practice? These are a few questions that illustrate professionalism in a work environment, and will guarantee a higher chance of landing a job.

7. Career Management

In career management, you want to ensure that you are confident in your skills, knowledge, and professional development in relation to your career of interest. When you are reviewing a job application and read through the job requirements, take this as an opportunity to identify areas of further professional growth and development. Reflect on your previous professional experiences and assess which skills you know contain versus the skills you are more unfamiliar with. With career management, you also want to remain knowledgeable of the job search process, how you can pursue different career opportunities, and what you can do to land a job—which these competencies will guarantee!

Now that you contain all of this fabulous knowledge, start taking the opportunities to develop these skills now! If you would like more information regarding these competencies or have any questions, please come visit us in the Career Center. Our Drop-In hours are listed on our website: www.auburn.edu/career. We hope to see you soon!

Personality Types and Job Searching

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 21:05:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about how your personality type relates to your preferred method of job searching? If you are not familiar with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), this personality assessment was developed by Isabel Myers-Briggs and Katharine Myers over 50 years ago. Since then, many people have used this assessment to learn more about their personality type and connect it with their work, personal lives, and how they function on a day-to-day basis.

The MBTI categorizes individuals into the following dichotomies:

Extraversion vs. Introversion
Sensing vs. Intuition
Thinking vs. Feeling
Judging vs. Perceiving

How you fall into these categories can certainly affect your preferred method of job searching. Job searching often brings people out of their comfort zones and sometimes forces them to use the opposite side of these personality dichotomies. Being aware of your personality type and understanding how it can impact your job search can assist with finding employment after graduation.

For those who fall in the extravert category, job searching and networking can often be fun and exciting. However, when extroverts do not hear back from a company for a long period of time with no interaction from that company, they could become disgruntled. Extroverts thrive on having people interaction and gain energy from attending career fairs, networking, and simply being around other people. Contrastingly, introverts can enjoy the job search process, but they might be exhausted after having to network with others. They gain their energy from being along and recharging by themselves. If they do not hear back from a company for a while, it might not upset them as much; they may enjoy having time to reflect on their thoughts and feelings.

Individuals in the intuition category can see the bigger picture when it comes to job searching. They can see the end goal for their career from the beginning. When they accept a job offer, they are usually thinking about how it will impact their future career and professional direction. They will probably also consider how a certain job will impact their family, social life, finances, etc. Sensing individuals will focus more on tangible job opportunities and their job search will typically revolve around jobs posted online, in newspapers, or any other outlet that is right in front of them. They want to hear about the job posting or see it for themselves in order to apply for it. Ultimately, they rely on their senses to conduct their job search.

For the thinking vs. feeling categories, this personality trait can influence people when they are making a decision about accepting a job offer. Thinkers will consider the logical aspects of the position; they will use their analytical and objectivity skills to make their decision. Feelers will rely on their emotions and gut feelings when accepting or rejecting a job offer. They will consider how that job could affect others, and they will be much more subjective in their approach.

Those in the judging category will want a job search that is organized and well-planned. They will probably keep a planner/calendar and have their job search process organized well in advance. They might have days set aside for networking, resume tweaking, calling employers, etc. Judgers want to set a plan and stick to it. Perceivers, on the other hand, will be much less structured during their job search. While they might have a plan to call companies one day, they could decide to go shopping for interview attire instead, and this change of plans will not bother them at all. They will typically be less structured and sometimes thrive under pressure.

Using the less dominant part of our personality types is common when job searching, even though it often feels uncomfortable. For example, I am an extrovert and prefer having face-to-face interactions with employers during the job search process. When I have applied for jobs on websites, I want to have some type of personal interaction with the employer rather than just submitting my application online. However, I realize that this face-to-face interaction will not always be an option during the job search process. Therefore, I have to be content with being slightly introverted during the initial phases of job searching. Job searching sometimes stretches us out of our comfort zones, but we can learn a lot about ourselves through the process!

If you want to learn more about your personality type and how it relates to your job search process and/or future career, contact us at (334) 844-4744 and we can give you instructions for completing a personality assessment.

Show & Tell: The Important Art of an Online Presence

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 17:57:00 +0000

You are online right now. As you read this blog post, you will be probably spend about five total minutes online. If you are an average young adult in 2014, this article will take up about 0.003% of the time you spend online this week. If you read this article twenty-five more times today (which I certainly recommend), you will have experienced only half of your daily time spent online. According to Ofcom’s Media Use and Attitudes report, which poled over 1,890 adults, the average adult young adult spends twice as much time online compared to ten years ago. On average, young adults these days spend…get ready for it…twenty-seven hours and thirty-six minutes online per week. In other words, you read this blog post three hundred and thirty times per week.

Employers know this. In fact, I would encourage you to take a moment and imagine that you are the employer in this climate. Imagine that it is your job to hire employees for a company that you love. You know that this lovely company pays your bills, provides you with complimentary decent-quality coffee, and is a place where you spend sixty hours of your precious time every week. But not only that, you also know that the success of this company depends on the people who work there. Good companies employ good people. It’s your job to go out and find a new person to spend sixty hours with you and your co-workers every week. You take this job seriously. After you wade through the thick stack of resumes, cover letters, references, and interview notes, you are left confused. There are five equally-qualified candidates, and you don’t know who to choose. Lucky for you, there is a wealth of valuable, genuine, and accessible data to help you make this important decision. It is all online.
When you are one of the candidates in this situation, your success in getting a job depends on your online presence. The purpose of this post is certainly to show you how to succeed. However, doing so is nearly impossible. Again, we spend twice as much time online as we did ten years ago. There’s no reason to think that this trend will stop. We are in the midst of new territory and that territory is radically changing at an astronomical pace. It is impossible for me to predict where your online presence will reside in five years, or how to optimize its content. After all, LinkedIn, the largest business-oriented social networking service only went public five years prior to the writing of this post. In following, I am going to give some tips for creating a good online presence today, however, it is imperative to know that the right presence today could be outdated in the near future. Staying vigilant to these changes can make or break you as a job candidate. In other words, take your online presence seriously. One point of contact that might drive this point home is the fact that only four percent of recruiters don’t use social media in the recruiting process.

In terms of the current social media sites used, it seems that LinkedIn reigns supreme. Eighty-seven percent of employers report using LinkedIn, while only 55% use Facebook and 47% use Twitter. For that reason, it seems most important nowadays to discuss LinkedIn. Here are 6 useful tips for using LinkedIn:

1.     Get your profile to 100%.

a.     LinkedIn will point out what you need to reach the 100% mark.

2.     Have a professional picture

a.     Avoid picture with friends, graduation pictures, or anything unprofessional.

3.     Join a group

a.     LinkedIn is a valuable resource for showcasing expertise and networking with like-minded individuals. Use the group feature to do these things.

4.     Be Professional

a.     You would think that this goes without saying, but don’t treat LinkedIn the same way you treat your Facebook. Showcase your professional credentials.

5.     Use linkedin.com/university

a.     This helps newcomers to LinkedIn with tutorials and tips for everyone from novices to LinkedIn experts.

6.     Use linkedin.com/alumni

a.     If you are an Auburn student, you are part of a network. Use this to your advantage and connect with the 102,000 Auburn Alums on LinkedIn.
Another way you might separate yourself from the pack would be to create an ePortfolio. An ePortfolio is used to showcase your skills and experiences to your target audience (employer or graduate school) through the organization and display of documents, pictures, and work samples. In other words, it’s your way to create your own personal website with items such as video recordings, work samples, and resumes. Nowadays, making these sites is free. There are many websites to help with this, including:

1.     Wix.com

2.     Wordpress.com

3.     Weebly.com

4.     Sites.Google.com

Also, you can use Auburn’s eResume resources at:               http://wp.auburn.edu/writing/eportfolio-project/

Written by Ellis Bernstein

Job Onboarding is Important

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 15:16:00 +0000

You have submitted applications. You have completed interviews. You have received job offers. When you finally make the decision and accept the job position you want, you are on top of the world. Personally when I received my first full-time job offer and accepted the position, I channeled my inner Will Smith portraying William Gardner in the Pursuit Happyness at the end of the movie. When you receive and accept the job offer, the emotions take over and you are feeling great about life.

Tears of Joy On Getting the Job

Wiiliam Gardner

Pursuit of Happyness Image

You land the job, so what is next? Of course, you move find a place to live and take care of your personal essentials (i.e. travel arrangements, packing, moving expenses, surveying the living area, turning on utilities).

These are important items when transitioning to a full-time professional position, but we want to focus our attention on job onboarding. Job onboarding is important for you stepping into a new office, learning a new role, and meeting new people. Being the new professional to the department can be both challenging and exciting. I will share a quick 5 tips on how to successfully navigate job onboarding.

You want to make the right impression. You want fit into the workplace. You want to do your job well and have something to prove at the organization. All these pressures and all these come to mind when you are the new kid on the block.

Map Out the Environment

You want to fit in and blend into the workplace. You do this by observing the work culture (how people carry themselves, how people interact to each other, and etc.). This task does not happen overnight but you can chip at it and learn each day something about your office, your floor, the entire organization. This process requires patience and active listening. I suggest understanding the demeanor of your office in your staff meetings, in your supervisor meetings, and even over lunch to see how individuals function on a daily basis. You are not a spy but more so like a coach watching the film in real time so you can document, learn, and adjust, so you will be about succeed in finding your place while onboarding into the new workplace.

Expectations

We are have goals in life. We all want to win at this game called life (personally and professionally). Life is a long-term game and your life continues to evolve over time as you mature. In starting a new job, we all have lofty goals, but hardly take the time to breathe and live in the moment. It is important when you are onboarding to set realistic expectations with yourself, with your supervisor, and with your job. Personally, I recommend focusing on three things you believe you can and will achieve in your role. In writing out your personal expectations and professional expectations, you need to understand this is a work in progress and expectations hold you accountable but also create room for growth. I encourage that you create your expectations (some personal and professional may overlap) and pick the three to five that are important to you then talk with your direct supervisor or other colleagues to see what the standards of the office are and see their perspectives. Putting this exercise into practice helps sets the foundation for you but also helps with mapping out the environment.

Professionalism

Being professional is one that involves not only the individual but the work environment form responding to emails a certain way to the way your present yourself. In the workplace, it is great to be prepared to scope out the scene to recognize patterns and tendencies. In the new TV series Blindspot, Taylor Shaw (Jane Doe) is one that carries herself in a professional manner and fits in with the FBI team even though she is not a full-time FBI agent or completely dresses the part. Taylor is an example of being professional by accepting who you are and what you aspire to become in the workplace setting. This fictional character blends in with the organization but still remains a true individual who has goals, concerns, and values. It is important to look the part and place more emphasis is placed on doing the part in a professional manner on a consistent basis with your employees and the clients you are serving.

Supervision & Mentoring

With job onboarding, you immediately focus on learning and doing the job well. It is equally important to establish great professional relationships with individuals in the workforce especially with your supervisor or potential employees that familiar with the structure and workforce dynamics. These individuals can be within your organization or outside of your place of work, but it is important to invest in your supervisor relationships and mentor relationships. Having that support when you make a mistake or looking for feedback on handling situations are essential for a professional when onboarding. In this time of adjustment, you are looking for that sense of belonging and looking for that support that provides you that boost of confidence. Finding Forrester and Good Will Hunting are both great movies that display this personal and professional development. In these movies, the movie characters played by Sean Connery and Robin Williams focus on the individual’s potential, provide useful advice, and finding their place. The supervision/mentorship is a two-way relationship and requires both parties to open communicate as well as provide the opportunity to learn as you go along with the job.

Be Yourself

The organization selected you because of your skills and abilities but also who you are as an individual. When organizations are interviewing you, the hiring committee is looking for “fit”, personality, and value-added to a team. Once you have arrived to the company, never forget who you are, what you can bring to the team, and mostly important your values as well as beliefs in a professional setting. You can still be weird, unorthodox, silly, personable, or straightforward if this is how you are wired. Looking at the TV show The Office, each individual has a personality and have different ways of completing tasks. It is important to take pride in yourself and who you are because you have to find your balance as well your happiness in the process of job onboarding.

Written by Eric Hall

How to Lose a Job Offer in 10 Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 15:41:00 +0000

College seniors everywhere dread it more than a losing football season: the job search. Crafting the perfect resume is eye-crossingly complicated, writing a pleasantly tantalizing cover letter is a snooze, and actually finding a job that interests you is a mammoth task in and of itself. So make it easy on yourself! If you don’t actually want to land a job, you’re in luck. Here are the Career Center’s official steps to miss out on the job opportunity you’ve been dreaming of.

Phase 1: Resume Rifts

1. ALWAYS trust spellcheck

When writing a resume for a job you DON’T want, it’s always best to consider spellcheck your best friend. Remember, spellcheck isn’t known for its accuracy, so you should feel totally comfortable letting it make sure any words in all caps are spelled correctly. Names, addresses, and business names are spellcheck’s worst nightmare, but it’s OK. You’re not in it to win this job, so just sit back, relax, and let spellcheck do the dirty work for you!

2. Submit a generic resume

If you really want your resume to land in the trash and it’s already littered with spelling and grammar mistakes, make sure you submit the same resume for every job you apply for. Why take the time to show the hiring manager why you’re perfect for the job when you can just let them decipher it for themselves? It’s their job to do the hiring, after all! Feel free to leave all your irrelevant experience on there, and really make them dig for the qualifications that matter. While you’re at it, go ahead and leave your high school jobs and clubs on there as well—the employer won’t care. (Pro tip: make sure your objective statement says something totally irrelevant to the job you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a job in nursing, say you’re interested in marketing! Who cares if your aspirations have changed!)

3. Jazz it up!

If you’re serious about missing out on your dream job, never forget to make your resume stand out from the competition... in all the wrong ways. Use all your favorite colors and fonts—feel free to mix and match them, too. You may even consider using different sizes for every line of text. This is your chance to express your individuality and creativity! If you’re really feeling saucy, be sure to add your favorite photo of yourself, whether it’s work appropriate or not. We suggest using photos taken with an iPhone 5 or older.

Phase 2: Cover Letter Confusion

4. Use a form letter

Applying for jobs is hard. Don’t waste your time slaving over a boring cover letter! Instead, run a Google search for cover letter generators. Then all you have to do is plug in the job information and voila! Now you have a cover letter ready to join your resume in the garbage. (Pro tip: have your salutation read, “To whom it may concern:” Employers will hate it!)

5. Write your autobiography

If you really don’t want the job, an alternative to using a scripted cover letter is to use it as an opportunity to tell the employer your life’s story. Make it several pages long—as long as you need for it to contain all your unnecessary stories and emotional baggage. Mention your long-lost childhood pet for best results. Feel free to use this as a chance to call out all your least favorite supervisors by name. That employer will never want to hire you!

6. Bore them to death

Hiring managers sometimes have to sift through hundreds of cover letters before they land on one that truly hooks them. To save them some time with yours, be sure to make it as bland and vague as possible. Don’t mention any previous experience or success that would make them interested in you. Simply tell them you found their job listing on Indeed, tell them you’re a results-driven, motivated worker and leave it at that. They’ll never give you another thought. (Pro tip: Accidentally send a cover letter you wrote for another job, and forget to change the names and company address! That will make their decision very easy.)

Phase 3: Interview Ignorance

7. Dress for comfort

If you somehow still managed to land an interview following all the previous steps, make sure to prepare for the results you want. Wear your favorite outfit, whether it’s that sparkly cocktail dress you wore to the club last weekend or the hole-ridden high school varsity football t-shirt and sweatpants. Avoid wearing professional dress at all costs! Skirts should be either inches above the knee or down to the ankles, shirts should be wrinkled and stained, and hair should be unkempt. It’s best to let your interviewer know how seriously you take this meeting as soon as you step in their door.

8. Show up late

… or not at all. The interviewer probably has several candidates to interview, but their time doesn’t matter to you. You’re doing them a favor by even showing up in the first place! So leave your house 10 minutes before the appointment and don’t give yourself any time to collect yourself in the lobby. Then when you finally show up, burst into the office and blame it on traffic.

9. Make yourself at home

Prop your feet up on the desk. Smack your gum. Twirl your hair. Blow your nose. Imagine you are binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix and assume that position in your interview. Bring a snack with you, and munch on it between answers. You want the hiring manager to be confident that you have no idea how to behave in a professional setting.

10. Let it all out

Now that you’re finally in the interview chair, this is your moment to shine. Be as open as possible and share all the personal details you can think of. Did your hair get stuck in the blow dryer this morning? Great! Tell them. Did you and your ex-girlfriend get into a screaming fight last night? Even better! Be sure not to spare any of the details. If a curse word escapes during your rants, don’t worry about it. You have no chance of being hired any way!

Written by Sarah Russell

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this post is intended to be taken tongue-in-cheek and to provide directions for what not to do to present yourself professionally and successfully. Exercise these tips at your own risk.

Five Things I Wish I’d Known as a New College Graduate

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 May 2016 13:00:00 +0000

As a new graduating class prepares to leave Auburn for a bright future, I remember my own college graduation. I felt unsure about what to do next as I faced life after college. Here are five things I wish I’d known when I first entered the “real world,” bachelor degree in hand.

1. You still might have no idea what you’re doing. And that’s ok.

Imagine that your best friend just landed his dream job, a position directly related to his major (and one he’s dreamed about since he was eight years old). You’re terrified because you majored in something you really liked, but have no idea what you’re doing next. Does this scenario sound familiar to you? Don’t worry, because here’s a secret your friend doesn’t know: Almost everyone changes their career path every five years. This means that even if you try out a new job and hate it, it’s likely you won’t be there that long. That said…

2. One opportunity leads to another.

You will have choices to make in your personal and professional life. Lots and lots of choices—even if it seems that you’re facing a dead-end, career-wise. You may not be able to use Jedi mind tricks to force a potential employer to offer you an interview, but you do have the power to get to know the people at your current position, volunteer at an organization you care about, or request an informational interview. Be wise about your choices—because you’re making career choices all the time. How to be wise about choices…? Well…

3. You should get to know yourself.

Now is a perfect time to assess about your values (I know, you just want to know what you should do for a job. But trust me, you can (and should!) get to know yourself at the same time). What, in your opinion, constitutes a life well-lived? What professionals do you admire and why? What do you like doing? What makes you feel alive? Use this data to guide your choices. Say “yes” to assignments, positions, and relationships that bring you a little closer to fulfilling a value. Understand that you might have to make some compromises along the way because…

4. There is no such thing as the perfect career (or life).

Once you start getting to know yourself, you’ll discover that there is no way you can have everything you want out of life, both personally and professionally. This is an unalterable fact. This is why it is important to not only discover your values, but intentionally prioritize your values and then act accordingly.

Lastly,

5. The Career Center Isn’t Just for Resumes

At the end of my senior year, I visited the career center just once. I wanted to learn how to write a resume. Little did I know there was so much more that university career centers have to offer! We can teach you how to reach out to professionals, show you online job search tools you may not have heard of, facilitate a discussion about prioritizing your values, and help you practice interview skills. We serve alumni up to five years after graduation, so now is the time to begin using our services (if you haven’t already!).

Congratulations on your graduation from Auburn!

Post Submitted By:

Shari Black

Counseling Psychology PhD Student

Career Center Graduate Assistant

Student Perspective: The Gallup Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 13:00:00 +0000

Ali, a student assistant in the Career Center, recently participated in a Gallup interview as a part of her internship interview process. These tips can help you prepare for a similar type of interview situation.

A Gallup Interview is an interview to determine your strengths and personalities. This is designed so the company you are applying for knows your strengths and will determine if they match the strengths the company wants. Before the interview, I researched and asked my other peers who have had a Gallup Interview before. Each person I talked to said the same thing. They said you cannot prepare for this, you just have to be yourself because they will ask you the same questions three different ways and are wanting the same response. However, I did do some research on glassdoor.com and found some questions that they may potentially ask me. But the best advice was, to just be yourself. During the interview my interviewer was very animated and enthusiastic about the questions he was asking. He did ask the same questions three different ways on multiple occasions. The questions ranged from yes/no questions to short answers and during the yes/no questions he would then, most of the time, ask me to elaborate or give examples. When you are asked to elaborate or give examples this is the time to impress them because the interviewer does not have your resume in front of them and they do not have any prior information about yourself. This gives you the opportunity to sell yourself! The interview was also rapid questioning, so you need to be constantly on your toes and listening carefully. They also love when you are assertive, confident and answer with enthusiasm. Overall, I enjoyed the interview because it was different paced. Advice for future Gallup Interviewees: BE YOURSELF AND SELL YOURSELF!

Post by: Alexandra Britton

Employer Relations Student Assistant

Part-Time Job: Big Time Gain

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 16:56:00 +0000

College is expensive.

This concept is not a new one; we all know, little things add up quickly. We like to indulge on late night snacks, the daily Starbucks coffee, and the occasional concert or two, in addition to the cost of tuition, fees, books, living expenses, and maybe even the occasional parking ticket. The university experience may seem priceless, but when you add it up, the average student has to look for ways to offset these expenses. This reality often results in the practical consideration of part-time employment.

According to the U.S. Census of 2011, nationwide there are 19.7 million undergraduate students, and 72 percent of these scholars are employed. On the Auburn University campus, more than 5,000 students are employed on-campus, and many more off-campus in our local Auburn and Opelika community. These students have embraced the challenge of working while enrolled, and while it does offset their surmounting expenses, there are other reasons to pursue part-time work.

So, other than money, why work?

Build Transferable Skills

Employers look to hire recent college graduates with demonstrated competency. Employers want graduates with experience – “2 to 3 years” is often the way it is cited in the endless entry-level job descriptions sorted through during the full-time job search. The question often considered for recent graduates is, “How do we gain experience if they will not hire us?” This answer has been knocking on your door the entire time; the experience does not necessarily have to be directly in line with the position you are seeking, rather you need to translate the skills gained from part-time employment, internships, and other valuable experiences into ways you are prepared to take on this new challenge. Part-time employment (regardless of the industry) demonstrates your ability to verbally communicate, work in a team structure, solve problems, and prioritize (to name a few). It is important that you sell yourself accurately when the time comes to apply for your full-time position by demonstrating these skills on your resume and cover letter.

Create Balance

When considering whether or not a college job is for you, the big decision should not necessarily be where you work, rather how often; balancing your schedule and becoming an expert time manager is not always an easy task. With academic demands alongside co-curricular activities, initially it may appear that part-time employment may only add to those stressors rather than alleviate your burdens. However, part-time employment can assist you with balancing your time and help you find moderation in the midst of an otherwise hectic schedule. Auburn University encourages student employees to work no more than a total of 20 hours per week in an effort to maintain a solid focus on academic programs and to promote academic success.

Create a Social Network

When we think of social networking, our first thoughts may go to the unreasonable amount of social media apps we continuously glance at throughout the day. However, think outside the realm of your phone or laptop when considering the creation of your social network. There is some truth in the old adage, “It is not always about what you know -- it is who you know.” Through part-time employment and other skill building opportunities, you can start to shape a network of connections that will be great references and mentors throughout your career.

Now that you have considered reasons to pursue part-time employment, you are most likely anxiously trying to figure out the next steps to finding your ideal job. The Career Center provides a unique service called the Tiger Recruiting Link which assists students with locating on and off-campus part-time employment. Check out the Tiger Recruiting Link at www.jobs.auburn.edu; sign in with Auburn user ID and password and boom! Jobs are at your fingertips, waiting for you to apply.

The extra money you will earn as a part-time employee will certainly be nice, but the other benefits you will gain will greatly enhance your college experience and better prepare you for what is next beyond Auburn University. So, stop sitting here reading this – get on the Tiger Recruiting Link and find a job!

By: Lauren Hobbs

Student Employment Coordinator

How Not to Dine and Dash... Your Hopes and Dreams Upon the Rocks of Unemployment and Shame: An Interviewers Guide to the Meal Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 14:44:00 +0000

Your interview has presently been ongoing since 8:00 AM that morning. Volley after volley of questions have been hurled at you. You have framed and re-framed in innumerable ways the value you would bring to the organization, deftly discussed your weakness without intentionally taking aim at your foot with a high caliber bullet, and gracefully recovered from that ever so awkward moment when your mind mercilessly emptied and left you unknowing your own name (much less where you see yourself five years from now). Now as you sit listening to your potential supervisor extol to you in meticulous detail how they are a magnificent human being, your thoughts wander to the perceived oasis that is the lunch portion of your interview. First, stop mentally wandering. Second, you aren’t out of the woods yet.

As long as you are with an agent of the organization you are being interviewed. Strolls through the hallway, small-talk during breaks during the day, and especially at the dining table you are being evaluated, critiqued, and cataloged. Many an intrepid interviewer has met their demise at the hands of the formal place setting and a too casual response to questioning. Before we tackle the questions let us first acclimate to our surroundings.

Place your napkin in your lap while seated.
If you’re unsure which is your drink and bread plate make “b” with your left hand and “d” with your right. B is for Bread, D is for drink. Should your interviewer be so uncouth as to take either of yours, discreetly ask your server for a replacement, do not continue the vicious cycle of mannerlessness and steal one of your other dining companion’s items.
As a general rule one should work their way toward the plate with the various forks, spoons, and knives. Forks on the left, knife on the right (should you be unrolling from a cloth napkin). The sharp edge of the blade should always be facing your plate.
Do not concern yourself with the wine glasses. You are on an interview, not an evening on the town. Politely decline if encouraged to do so, your friends may love the intoxicated version of you, Ferguson from accounting likely will not.
Order something simple enough that you do not need the finely honed concentration and dexterity of a trained neurosurgeon so as to eat without spoiling your clothes. Ultimately you are here to talk, not engorge yourself.

Knowing what to do mechanically at the table is only part of the puzzle, you must also have effective conversation. The food portion of the interview is, thankfully, a more casual opportunity to discuss you. In many respects it is flattering to be the center of attention, but when you remember that your words carry the weight of your future upon their syllables it is no longer quite as fun. Often employers and potential colleagues are looking to see how you would fit into the already established office culture. As clichéd as the advice may sound, it is important during this stage to be yourself. Authenticity and earnestness are important character traits, and traits which individuals who conduct many interviews will have a talent in discerning in their potential employees. You might say that’s all well and good, but what do I actually talk about? If it would make your grandmother blush or be uncomfortable, it is probably not in good taste to discuss at the table. Furthermore, allow your host to lead the discussion, and if you don’t know anything about the topic at hand, do not pretend that you do.

Interviewing is rarely an activity that many of us look forward to, but it holds the opportunity to be an enjoyable experience. If you’re concerned about your upcoming interview and want to speak more about it feel free to come to the Career Center, and if you’re especially concerned when the when the crab cracker or the honey dipper should be used we can help with that as well.

The Best of Business Etiquette

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 13:42:00 +0000

Business etiquette provides the framework for creating successful professional relationships. It is essential to make appropriate first impressions, and it all comes down to the way you present yourself. Specific manners and rules are to be followed both in the workplace and in social situations to not only present yourself as a working professional, but also to improve communication and establish respect with other professionals. Business etiquette include both verbal and nonverbal communication, ranging from how you introduce yourself to your body posture at a professional luncheon. Etiquette also benefits the workplace as professionals are learning to work together toward specific tasks and goals in a professional manner. It forms group cohesion so that a diverse set of individuals can successfully work together. So now you may be wondering, what does this business etiquette look like? Here are some tips to help you get started:

Handshakes

A firm handshake is essential when being introduced to another professional. Always state your full name when introducing yourself. This gesture communicates politeness and approachability which can set the tone for professional relationships. Do not be afraid to smile! You want to come across as a professional, but it is important to be friendly as this will serve as the foundation for building future relationships. If you are seated when being introduced someone, stand to greet them with a firm handshake and a confident smile.

Be On Time

Whether you are attending a meeting or a social event, you want to communicate that you value other’s time, so make sure you are on time. You may consider arriving 5-15 minutes early to ensure you are not late. You can also offer to help set-up or gather any materials to make good impressions. Being on time shows that you are committed and dedicated to your job, and this is a subtle but sufficient way to achieve this.

Meal Manners

There are various “Do’s” and “Do Not’s” when it comes to etiquette during a meal. Throughout the course of the meal, take cues from your host. Do not start eating until they start eating, and make sure you focus on any questions the host may ask you and/or the conversation they are initiating. Place your napkin in your lap, and when you are finished eating, it is proper to place your utensils across your plate. Try and refrain from ordering any “messy” foods or foods that you eat with your hands. Also, do not order the most expensive thing on the menu as the host will most likely be treating you. Visit auburn.edu/career and access our virtual Job Search Guide for more tips!

Dress for Success

You want to make sure that your attire reflects a suitable level of professionalism. Appropriate attire can give a good first impression and show that you take your job seriously. If you are attending a work-related social event, do not be afraid to ask about the dress code. When in doubt, it is more appropriate to overdress than under-dress, as being under-dressed can communicate a lack of professionalism. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed, without any wrinkles or stains. For more examples of professional attire, visit our Pinterest board (pinterest.com/aucareer) for the best looks!

Express Appreciation and Gratitude

After an interview or a work-related social event, thank you notes can go a long way. This is your time to let the interviewer or host that you value their time and you are thankful for the opportunity you had to meet with them. With an interview, mention that you look forward to hearing from them in the future to communicate your continued interest in their company. If you are not confident in your handwriting, go ahead and send them an email. If there were multiple interviewers or hosts, make sure to send separate emails to each individual.

As these are just a few tips, make sure to go to auburn.edu/career for further information on business etiquette. Following the proper etiquette will help you become a successful professional in your future career. If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything regarding business etiquette, please feel free come in to our office during our walk-in hours or make an appointment to meet with a career counselor. We would be more than happy to help you learn about the best of business etiquette!

Post by: Kaela Jimenez

Career Center Graduate Assistant

4 Ways to Make the Most of Spring Break

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 14:30:00 +0000

Spring Break: a time to take a vacation, relax, enjoy the sunshine, and network! While that last option might sound out-of-place, Spring Break is the perfect time to work on your résumé, conduct informational interviews, shadow someone in your field of interest, or search for internships or jobs. Fortunately, we have some resources that can assist you with making the most of your time off during Spring Break.

1. Work on your résumé: Take some time to review our sample résumés online at www.auburn.edu/career/resume. On this page, you’ll also see that we have an online e-resume review system where you can upload your résumé and a career counselor will review it, record a screencast of suggested edits, and send it back to you within three business days. If you’re in town for Spring Break, stop by the Career Center in 303 Martin Hall to meet one-on-one with someone who can look over your résumé.

2. Conduct informational interviews: Either set up a meeting with a professional in your field of interest or check out Candid Career informational interview videos on our website at www.auburn.edu/career/students (#4 under “Explore Majors and Careers). Informational interviews are an excellent way to see if a certain career field is right for you. Through these interviews, you can see what the professionals like about their job, the challenges they have faced in their position, how they got to where they are today, the education requirements for the job, etc.

3. Shadow someone in your field of interest: Arrange a day or two for shadowing a professional in your area of interest. You can often learn the most about a specific job when you get to experience it firsthand. If you don’t know who to contact within your career field, do some networking on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com), and reach out to individuals in your area of interest. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date before doing so.

4. Search for internships or jobs: Take advantage of having some downtime and search for internships or jobs. Check out Tiger Recruiting Link (www.jobs.auburn.edu) and use the advanced search feature to look for internships and jobs in your field. On TRL, you can find full-time jobs, part-time jobs, paid internships, unpaid internships, on-campus jobs, and graduate assistantships.

If you are in town for Spring Break, you can always stop by the Career Center during walk-in hours to get assistance with any of the above suggestions. Our walk-in hours are always listed on our website at www.auburn.edu/career. Have a great break!

Post by:

Dori Weldon

Career Counselor

Five Tips for Acing the Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 16:01:00 +0000

Research

You have to know more than just the basic mission statement and the masthead on the website. Find a way to connect to the places you apply to by reading about the group’s current endeavors, the job description you applied for, and any initiatives they have information about on their site or in the news. If something really makes an impression on you, mention this as you reveal your motivation to seek the position.

Also, use declarative and assertive language when answering questions about how your experiences fit the role such as, “As a member of your team, I will bring the kind of organizational qualities you say you are looking for with this role. I am a self-starter evidenced by all the times I have taken the lead role in projects and work as you read on my resume. Additionally, I know I can learn a great deal from my more experienced colleagues at this company and I look forward to that challenge.”

Practice Selling Product YOU

Aside from knowing your stuff on the company and the job, you have to know how to sell YOU to an employer. If you get called in for an interview, they already think you have the basics of what they are looking for. Now it is a matter of finding the right fit for the culture. Because this can vary greatly even between companies in the same industry, you will need to select the three or four or five skills you have at this point which you can demonstrate for your interviewers. Remember, every answer you give should demonstrate your knowledge, ability to learn, correct mistakes, accept instruction, and how those experiences will make you a great whatever you are applying and interviewing for.

Shine Those Situations

Situation – Task – Action – Result. The STAR method of answering those “Tell me a time when you…” questions. Don’t fall into the trap of spending too much time on the Situation and Task. Give enough information so that the stage is set and anyone can follow you. Spend your answer describing in appropriate detail YOUR actions and the results of those actions. Don’t be afraid to take credit where it is due and don’t be afraid to say it didn’t work but you learned valuable lessons from the experience. Remember, if you go in to an interview wanting to highlight three to five (3-5) of your skills, think of two (2) or three (3) stories for each and frame them using the STAR method. You will have plenty to talk about for sure.

Ask Questions

Nothing says “unprepared” more than not having a list of questions to ask your interviewers.

Ask about details of the position. What you will do on a weekly basis. How many people will you work with on projects? What is your supervision structure?

Read something recent about the company in the news and bring it up during your questions. Even if it isn’t flattering, ask about it. Say a company has closed some plants. Let them know you read about it and inquire how those “right-sizing” changes will further the company’s immediate and further development. You will sound like someone who did your homework and asks intelligent questions.

Ask your interviewers about her/his background and why being a part of the organization is fulfilling. People love to talk about their jobs to those who show genuine interest. If you’ve learned how to talk to your professors outside of class, use the same techniques. They will work here too.

Practice, Use Your Resources

Whether you schedule time to do a mock interview with one our Career Counselors or you set some up for yourself using our InterviewStream software, practice is a key to success in interviews. Reviewing your practice interviews with someone objective – a Career Counselor, Advisor, Faculty Member - can give you valuable feedback and help you make positive changes as you progress through the interview process.

You can find more resources on the Career Center website: auburn.edu/career/interviews .

Post by: Jay Skipworth

Assistant Director of Employer Relations

Auburn University Career Center

The Job Search is a Lot Like Dating...

noreply@blogger.com (Addye) — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 22:44:00 +0000

I was talking with a friend the other day about her latest dating fiasco and it occurred to me that the dating world is remarkably like a job search. Now I certainly do not support too much crossover between the two, but the fundamentals are alarming similar.

Your dating profile and your LinkedIn profile need a lot of thought.

Faceless avatars are creepy

The picture you use will be analyzed by a recruiter or potential suitor so make it appropriate for the occasion and the audience. It is unlikely that you will use the same picture for your dating profile as you do for LinkedIn, but lighting, personality, clothing choices should all be considered when choosing. What does this picture say about me?

These profiles will also be looked at for completeness and to tell the viewer about you. Generic information or missing information does not bode well for you as a date or applicant, so be sure to fill out the profiles completely and with information that would catch the attention of your targeted audience.

Get out and meet people, both in-person and online

The number one way anyone finds a job or a date is by personal referrals. It is unlikely someone is going to track you down in your apartment to ask you out or hand you a job if you are not putting yourself out there. Having a strong network is key and leveraging your network online is a must. Simply leaving your profiles out there will do little for your search for a date or a job, you need to do some of the leg work and contact people with whom you might be interested in speaking. Being able to hold a conversation is an art that everyone needs to practice.

Good first impression is a must.

When reaching out to a potential date or network contact, how you approach them will make or break you chances for a meeting. Opening with “I need a job” or “I need a date” will likely end with no response or a response I am not able to post in blog. For a job search, it is more appropriate to compliment the person’s career progression and ask for information and advice instead of a job. Everyone’s favorite topic is themselves, so let them talk.

When you do finally meet, be on time, dress appropriately, and be polite. This goes for dating, networking, or interviewing.

Showing interest works better than generics.

In a cover letter or initial conversation, everyone wants to feel wanted. For the job search, this means that the company to which you are applying should feel like you know about them and sought them out to apply. Do your research…you know they will be researching you.

You will be Googled.

Around 80% of employers report they are Googling potential hires. I would venture to say that number is even higher for those who are going on a date, especially if meeting online. What are they seeing about you? It is important to keep your online image clean, but even more important to be able to be found online. If you have not already done so, set a Google alert with your name so you are emailed every time you name is posted online. Also, create some professional profiles, like an ePortfolio or LinkedIn to ensure a professional image is projected.

A commitment is often being sought by one party.

Hiring a new person is a costly investment for a company. Just like dating, when a commitment is being sought, it is best to know as much as possible beforehand to make an informed decision. Whether you are looking for a long commitment or not, do not indicate to a company any plans that would take you away from your work in the near future to avoid thoughts of you leaving in less than a year.

Desperation ruins chances.

Whether you are on an interview or on a first date, it is never a good decision to tell the other person how many dates/interviews you have had recently or how badly you want a relationship/job. No one wants to be the last resort or end up with someone no one else wants. Confidence is key but avoid overconfidence if possible.

Personality plays a big part in attraction.

The vast majority of companies are very concerned with hiring someone who will fit into a company’s culture. Your personality plays a big role in showing how you would fit in a company or relationship, so it is essential you let that show through…to an extent at least.

Remember, an interview is a lot like a first date, you are not going to share EVERYTHING about yourself, only the highlights that will keep the person interested.

Rules for following up.

I am sure there are a lot of rules out there about how long to wait before calling someone after meeting them. The same thing applies to the job search. You do not want to come off as desperate, but showing interest goes a long way. Follow up after meeting a contact within 1-2 weeks and if you have not heard back in the stated hiring time frame, follow up a few days later. There is a fine line between showing interest and being a pest…in dating and in the job search.

Rejection stinks, but is natural.

Whether you are dating or on a job search, not every person or every company is going to be Mr./Mrs. Right. It is perfectly natural and okay to be not receive a call back or be offered a job. "There are always more fish in the sea," as we are constantly reminded. How you handle the rejection will say a lot about who you are as a professional, so remember to be cordial and thank them for their time. If you are concerned that it was something you did wrong (in an interview, not on a date), you are welcome to meet with a Career Center staff member to discuss the event or practice your interview skills.

I am sure there are even more similarities than I have expressed here; what have you noticed?

Social Media: Pitfalls and Step Ups

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 14:00:00 +0000

There is no secret that social media is here and will be here to stay as it works to draw the masses of people all over the world closer together. Now this can be amazing for all things career related as different companies, brands, consumers, and producers have the ability to reach out to each other. It also has the ability to create a general consensus on various events. This is where social media can become a cautionary tale over and over again. Social media has created a very distinct line to where many have fallen victim of not getting employment opportunities and even fired for reckless behavior over the last few years. It is very much ok and within your rights to voice your opinion on anything, but the way to go about it and the language used has often been the problem. Often times during the hiring phase, companies will check out social media presence to grasp a better sense of who you are.

On a lighter note, social media can be very helpful as you are transmitting new ideas as well as absorbing them. Luckily for this generation, LinkedIn, a professional social media, has been created to better serve the community of professionals that are tried to branch out to other professionals across the world. I highly recommend giving this one a try. It has been helpful to me in my job search and in finding other professionals within my field. When you create a LinkedIn page, it will be completely blank as your typical social media would be. It allows you to input all of your different experiences to display to potential employers, peers, and coworkers as a way to connect on a professional level. The neat thing about LinkedIn is the recommendation feature that is built in the program. It is set up so that your peers and people that know your work ethic can cosign your strengths and skills. LinkedIn’s primary goal is to draw you closer to other professionals and that is exactly what it does. It allows you to add them to your online network as well as provides you with a wide array of paths that have been taken by other professionals to help you reach your career goals after graduation. It gives you a real world view that we all have to start somewhere whether it is serving as an intern or taking on a leadership role in a student organization.

What do you want your social media to say about you? Will an employer shutter away thinking of a complete disaster or think that you are thoughtful and aware of the outside world without using damaging words? Take all of this into consideration when participating online as it can be both a pitfall and a step up. Hopefully, each and every one you will use it for a step up. Technology is always advancing and career readiness has taken a major leap in the technological direction by fully embracing LinkedIn as a way to gather information on future employers and future companies to create the best fit for everyone involved. So go ahead and enjoy your posts, blogs, picture sharing, and trending topics, but use judgement as the internet doesn’t go away no matter how much time has passed.

Contributed by:
Wade Manora, Jr.

Graduate Assistant

Establishing A Clear Career Objective

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Imagine you are at the car lot to end all car lots. Every car known to man is available for purchase. The salesman asks you which car you want. Money is not a concern when purchasing this car. Take a moment to picture in your mind your ideal car. On a sheet of blank paper, describe this car.

Looking at your car description, take note of a few items. Does your description name the make and model of the car? Did you include model year or exterior color? Have you gone as far as to think about the interior material, rim size, and any additional desired upgrades? If you were to describe your ideal car to the salesperson at the car lot would they be able to clearly understand and picture the vehicle you are imagining?

At some point in your college career you will probably be asked the question, “What do you plan to do with your degree?” or “What type of job are you looking for after graduation?” Your ability to clearly and specifically answer these questions will determine the level to which the person asking the questions can help you in your job search. The first step in any job search is to define your objective. If you aren’t certain of the type or even types of positions you want, how can you go about effectively searching for jobs, networking with potential employers, or soliciting support from friends, family, and faculty?

Just like knowing the specifics of your ideal car can help your salesman locate it, knowing your career objective will help your target audience, those in the position to help you reach your goals, be able to connect you with desired opportunities.

As you develop your career objective think about the following criteria:

What industry do you want to work in? Examples: Manufacturing, Banking and Finance, Logistics, Healthcare, Retail, Education, Hospitality, Agriculture, Real Estate, etc.
What kind of role do you want to play? Examples: Research and Development, Consulting, Design, Engineering, Business Management, Service, Accounting, etc.
Would you prefer to work with a smaller or larger company?
Is your ideal job located in a certain part of the country?
Are you looking for a company that offers a certain salary or benefits? Examples: Affordable Health Insurance, 401k Matching, On-Site Childcare Options, Flexible Work Hours, Bonus Pay, Tuition Reimbursement, an Employee Gym, etc.
What are the key skills and qualifications you can offer a potential employer?

Having a specific career objective in mind will help you pitch your goals and value to others who can support you in your job search. It can also provide motivation to jumpstart your job search in the midst of fulfilling your many other roles and responsibilities. As you begin to identify and apply for opportunities note criteria that you are willing to compromise on or be more flexible with and items that are non-negotiables for you. Modify your objective as needed as your goals become clearer.

Next time you are asked the once dreaded questions, “What do you plan to do with your degree?” or “What type of job are you looking for after graduation?” you can respond with more than the quick, vague default answer, “A good job.”

And I'll take one of these babies in the driveway.

The Importance of Gaining Experience: Get Started Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 19:30:00 +0000

You may think, how can I make myself more marketable post-graduation? If you guessed a good academic record, you are partially correct. Strong school performance is no longer the main quality that employers look for in potential employees. Yep, you guessed it, gaining experience has become the key to making you a competitive candidate for your desired positions. Gaining experience allows you develop the skills that are necessary for success within your future career. As you are building up your resume, employers will be able to see what you have completed and how your experience makes you the perfect candidate. Many of your experiences will also allow you to meet other professionals or coworkers that will create a good network to help you pursue your desired career. A managing director with High Fliers Research reported that experience is just as important as gaining a college degree at this day in age. Now you are thinking, where do I start? This will depend on your interests and what will be most beneficial toward your career goals. Here are various ways you can gain experience.

Internships

Internships allow you to experience typical responsibilities and gain a better understanding of your desired career field. Internships are typically outside of the classroom and an intern is supervised within their work environment. A good time to complete an internship is during summer break as this allows you to work with a company or organization for an appropriate amount of time. With this professional development opportunity, employers are more likely to pick a potential candidate with an internship experience than a candidate without one. Selected majors and graduate programs require internships for course credit, which you would need to consult the university in order to complete. Visit jobs.auburn.edu to connect with employers and apply for internships.

Campus Involvement

Being involved on campus will help you develop the transferable skills that you can bring into your future career. Examples of these skills can include good communication, motivating leader, team-oriented, organized, dependable, problem-solving, and many, many, more. Whether it’s being a Morale Captain for Dance Marathon or being a committee member with University Program Council (UPC), any type of campus involvement can give you the opportunity to gain these universal skills that employers want to see. Visit auburn.edu/involvement for a list of organizations you can join, and more details on how to get involved.

Job Shadowing

Job shadowing includes observing a professional in your desired career field. You are able to walk through a “typical day on the job” with this competent worker who will guide you through their workday and give you any advice about their profession. This also gives you the opportunity to see your desired position in a realistic setting. Not only does it give you the opportunity to gain experience, but it may serve as a deciding factor in terms of continuing to pursue this career, or potentially choosing a new one. Make sure to do your research before your shadowing and come up with a few questions to ask the professional at the end of the day.

These are just a few different opportunities, so make sure to visit auburn.edu/career/experience to get more information on different ways you can gain experience and become a successful professional in the work field. If you would like to talk more about gaining experience, please feel free to come into our office and meet with a Career Counselor during our office hours. Remember, get started now so you can create a successful future!

Post by: Kaela Jimenez

Career Center Graduate Assistant

Graduate Student in Counseling

It's the Most Wonderful Time...for Informational Interviewing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 14:00:00 +0000

On November 5^th LinkedIn promoted “Bring Your Parents to Work Day” to help parents learn about what their adult children do for a living and to encourage them to continue providing career advice after college. In a survey of over 20,000 people, they found that 55% of parents admitted to not being entirely familiar with what their children for work. Many parents know their child’s industry, employer or job title, but few know about the day-to-day responsibilities, tasks and accomplishments that comprise those titles. The same likely goes for children lacking awareness of their parent’s jobs.

During the upcoming holiday season take advantage of extra time with your parents and extended family to learn more about their jobs and career paths. Ask questions about what they do, what they like about their jobs and how they got into their chosen field in place of small talk about the weather and how your fall semester was. This informal informational interviewing can you help as you explore your own career path. You might even find that a member of your family is doing the type of work you desire and can serve as a connection for internships and full-time jobs. Or, you may learn about an interesting new career that you never knew existed.

Come back to the Career Center in the spring to discuss this new found information and use web resources at auburn.edu/career to do more exploration. Our career counselors can help you choose a major to reach your career goal or talk about how you can use your current major to pursue various career options.

Happy Holidays and Happy Info Interviewing!

Q & A with Auburn Young Alumni

noreply@blogger.com (Addye) — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 16:30:00 +0000

Whether you have just begun your time at Auburn or your graduation is right around the corner, every Auburn student is working toward the goal of having a successful career. Through your classes, extracurricular activities, internships, and other valuable experiences, you are gaining the skills and abilities that are preparing you for your future. When you look back on your time at Auburn, you will want to know that you made the best use of your time and made connections to further your career.

Recently, I asked ten successful, young Auburn alumni to answer two questions about their time at Auburn:

What did you learn at Auburn that most prepared you for your career?
What is one thing you wish you would have done at Auburn to prepare for your career?

Hopefully their reflections can give you some insight on life after graduation and what you can be doing now to make the most of your Auburn experience.

What did you learn at Auburn that most prepared you for your career?

Be passionate about your career.

“I learned the value of hard work and the potential of passion. Hard work has propelled me through challenging times and I can attribute my determination to the faculty who challenged me academically. Working hard is a mantra that keeps me prepared and thinking about the future while building upon the past. Auburn provides students and faculty alike with opportunities to make a difference in the community. I still admire and remember being a part of the ones where passion was palpable. It showed me the power of passion through success, and I inherently learned about humility during times of failure. Startups seem to attract passionate people. At Ledbury, passion promotes hard work and that goes into everything from business development to sales.” -Thomas Burke

Be open-minded about your career.

“One thing I learned at Auburn that has been helpful is to keep an open mind with opportunities as you are considering next steps.” -Alysha Kambeyanda

“I didn't know that I was going to be teaching English overseas when I chose to major in English, but it turned out to be perfect for what I'm doing! Most foreign teachers teach spoken English, but because I had a lot of experience writing essays and research papers, I was able to teach many writing classes. All of my literature classes in which I had to write MLA style papers really prepared me well for being able to instruct Chinese university students how to do the same thing.” -Lauren Mosteller

“The biggest thing I learned at Auburn that shaped my career was to be prepared for the unexpected. In the last semester of my Master’s program, on a whim, I enrolled in an elective course offered to undergrad and graduate students, Principles of Fundraising. This course literally changed my career path and led directly to employment after graduation. Who knows where I would be now had it not been for adding an elective at the last minute.” -Nathan Payne

Know how to communicate, both verbally and written.

“Communication skills are probably the most important thing I've learned that helped prepare me for my career. No matter what major you are or job you end up with, communication is essential! Students need to realize how important written and verbal communication will be in their careers.” -Brian Brown

Your classes are important and relevant.

"I think Auburn prepared me well through Student Media. I think in a broader sense, it forced us to get real world experiences while still in school. It was a required class at Auburn, but it allowed us to make mistakes, learn on the job and get experience that was more valuable than sitting in a class.” -Coleman McDowell

“I learned from my classes that innovation is one of the most important parts of keeping a growing company relevant in the industry.” -Drew Young

“Auburn gave me a great foundation of knowledge and know-how that I'm still building off of today professionally. Even if some of the classes I took aren't directly applicable with what I do day-to-day now, the coursework helped shape me into a quick, adaptable learner. This is important because learning shouldn't stop after you graduate - it's really only just the beginning.” -Michael Knowles

Appreciate others.

“I learned the value of investing time in other people and organizations. My degree and extracurricular student group involvement provided me with a unique opportunity to interact with a wide range of campus administrators and fellow students. In my profession, volunteer and donor development is critical to my success as an executive and fulfilling the mission of my organization. Without the opportunities I pursued and was also provided at Auburn, I wouldn't be in the position I am today.” -Justin Shugart

“I learned so much at Auburn. Outside of the excellent education I received, one of the best things I learned that prepared me for being a veterinarian is my deep appreciation for people and the special bond they share with their pets. Auburn fosters such a rich environment for budding veterinarians, and really gives students the opportunity to witness the personal side of our profession - not just the physical/medical side.”

-Kelsey Marble, DVM

What is one thing you wish you would have done at Auburn to prepare for your career?

Networking

“While at Auburn, I think it would have been helpful to network with more industry professionals to support continued advancement beyond four years of academics.”

-Alysha Kambeyanda

“Despite being quite involved in various activities and organizations, I realize now that I still missed out on taking advantage of many more opportunities to network, engage and grow through on-campus events. (I probably should have skipped class less, too.)”

-Nathan Payne

Interning

“More internships because the few I did were more helpful than many of the classes.” - Drew Young

“I would've tried to take advantage of internship and part-time job opportunities related to my major starting the summer after my freshman year instead of waiting until my junior year. Figuring out what you like (or don't like) about a job, company, or field early in your college career can save you a ton of trouble and effort in the future. Changing career paths only gets harder the older you get.” -Michael Knowles

Involvement

“I wish I had completed a minor in plant pathology or entomology, or business, and done a study abroad.” -Brian Brown

“I think a better mix of classroom learning and actual hands-on activity would have prepped me a little more.” -Coleman McDowell

“I wish I would have taken a stronger interest in getting involved on campus my freshman and sophomore years. I went through a burnout phase after high school and it wasn't until the spring of my sophomore year that I decided to get involved. Earlier involvement could have provided the opportunity to interact and learn from different student groups and advisors. This would have provided an opportunity to learn, grow and adapt to the world around me, three actions I now find instrumental to success in my career.” -Justin Shugart

“I wish I would have taken the time to do more community outreach. I really fell in love with the city of Auburn, and looking back, I wish I would have volunteered more. I think at the time, I didn't think I had the time for it. Now I realize I probably could have made more time for things like that.” -Kelsey Marble

“Two things come to mind... first, I took one Linguistics class at Auburn, but I wish I had taken more! I can't tell you how often I've thought of something I've learned from that one class as I was trying to instruct students in pronunciation. Second, I wish I had spent more time around international students at Auburn. The Auburn ESL program provides opportunities for native students to help the international students to practice their English, and though I started doing this the semester before I graduated, I wish I had been doing that for years! It was such a valuable experience, not only in instructing English, but in learning about cross-cultural communication.” -Lauren Mosteller

“I wish that I had spent more time on campus, and I'm thrilled to see that playing a theme in Auburn's new initiatives.” -Thomas Burke

Meet the Alumni

Brian Brown

Master of Science in Horticulture: 2005
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture: 2002
Current position: Student Services Coordinator for Auburn University College of Agriculture

Thomas Burke

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Accountancy: 2010
Current position: Financial Controller at Ledbury in Richmond, VA

Alysha Kambeyanda

Bachelor of Industrial Design and a minor in Spanish: 2011
Current position: Business Development Specialist for General Electric Digital in Atlanta, GA

Michael Knowles

Bachelor of Software Engineering:2012
Current position: Software Developer at We Are Mammoth, Inc. in Nashville, TN

Kelsey Marble, DVM

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: 2013
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology: 2009
Current position: Associate Veterinarian at Longwood Veterinary Clinic in Longwood, Florida

Coleman McDowell

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism: 2012
Current position: Associate Editor at golf.com, a division of Time Inc. in New York, NY

Lauren Mosteller

Bachelor of Arts in English: 2011
Current position: English teacher for the English Language Institute/China in Harbin, China

Nathan Payne

Master of Education: Administration of Higher Education: 2014
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science: 2008
Current position: Director of Athletic Development at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Justin Shugart

Bachelor of Arts in Communication: 2009
Current position: Executive Director of the Alabama/NW Florida Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America in Birmingham, AL

Drew Young

Bachelor of Science in Building Science; 2010
Current position: Owner of Young’s Plant Farm in Auburn, AL

By Dori Weldon

Career Counselor

Auburn University Career Center

Ready for the Rise in Hiring

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 14:00:00 +0000

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) recently announced that results from the 2016 Job Outlook survey indicate a hiring increase for new college graduates of 11 percent over the class of 2015. With the market primed for job search success, college seniors can do three things before spring semester starts to prepare to take advantage of these upcoming opportunities.

1. Know your options

Begin researching potential employers and job titles ahead of time and learn about the company culture, required qualifications for the job, and if/when the employer will have representatives on campus for career fairs and interviews. Use Auburn’s job search database, Tiger Recruiting Link (TRL) at jobs.auburn.edu to find much of this information. You can also use the companies’ websites and glassdoor.com to do your research. Knowing what type of job you want and the companies for which you’d like to work will put you in the position to apply quickly when positions are posted.

2. Prep your resume

Having a resume that is tailored for each job description will help you stand out in a crowd of similarly qualified graduates, but you can prepare ahead of time by having your standard resume reviewed by a career center staff member or peer advisor. Use the resume resources on the Auburn Career Center website to view formatting options and gather ideas for how to highlight your skills and experiences. Cometo the Career Center during walk-in hours to have a peer advisor review your resume and offer suggestions for improvement. Also, reach out to faculty members and other advisors to gain additional feedback. When your ideal job is posted, you’ll be ready to tweak the standard resume to fit the individual specifications required by that employer.

3. Practice your interview skills

The prospect of interviewing can send many job seekers into a state of panic. Work out the jitters and gain confidence in your ability to nail the interview by practicing typical questions before spring career fair and on-campus interview season kicks off. For those with little interview experience or who are feel their skills are rusty can use an online tool such as Interview Stream to prepare in the comfort of their own rooms. The Career Center also offers mock interviews when you are ready to practice in person.

Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by an anticipated hiring increase for 2016. College graduates will still be competing for positions and employers aren’t lowering their standards. Adequate preparation requires early and on-going effort but definitely pays off when you start the career you’ve been working 4+ years for.

3 Scary Interview Mistakes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Interviewing requires you to think quickly on your feet and sift through your background for the best examples that demonstrate your skills, abilities and experiences pertaining to the position. Often, the most anticipated interview questions give candidates the biggest grief and lead to responses that frighten employers. Don’t scare the employer away with these 3 interview mistakes.

1. You are clueless about the company.

In many interview situations, the interviewer will ask you to share your knowledge of the company and the position. Typical questions may be phrased as “What do you know about our company?” or “Why are you interested in this position?” Applicants who struggle with their responses demonstrate to the employers a lack of adequate preparation or lack of enthusiasm for the job. Before attending the interview research the company to learn about their products, services, locations and main mission and think of a few aspects about the job description that appeal most to you. Bonus points: When describing your interest in the position, also highlight how your skills are suited for the job.

2. You don’t share how you are improving upon your weaknesses.

Let’s face it. Talking about weaknesses and failures is the last thing any candidate wants to do when trying to convince an employer to hire them. Often they will quickly gloss over the topic with a quick response or use a cliché like, “I’m too much of a perfectionist.” The employer’s true motive for asking about weaknesses is to see that the candidate can identify problem areas and actively work to improve them or overcome them. When discussing this topic in the interview, first make sure the weakness isn’t one that will impede your ability to perform the job and then wrap up your response by highlighting how you’ve improved upon that weakness.

3.You aren’t sure what makes you stand out from other candidates.

By the time a candidate reaches the interview phase of the hiring process, the employer has a pretty good inkling that they have the skills and abilities to perform the job. During the interview process, they are trying to find the candidate who will be the best fit for their position and the team. When asked to describe what makes them stand out from other applicants, many candidates freeze and struggle to highlight their top selling points. Prior to the interview take time to review the job description closely and note ways in which your background is uniquely suited for the position. Think about the products and people with whom you will be working and identify specifically how your skills and background tie into the company’s mission and culture.

Out on the Job: Advice for LGBT+ Job Seekers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 21:52:00 +0000

As we all suffer through the oppressive heat that is summer in the South (and do a fair bit of coveting of our neighbor’s new top of the line air conditioning system) our attentions might have also been grabbed by social media posts festooned with rainbows and celebrations. Historically, this time of year, across our country and abroad, is the time of Pride Celebrations for the LGBTQIAA community. For some on the LGBT+ spectrum, Pride provides an opportunity to gather and celebrate. For others, attendance at a Pride event or gathering serves as a stark reminder of the difficulty and uncertainty associated with being out while working or searching for a job.

For many gender identity and sexual orientation minorities, the job search is an especially frightening prospect. Depending upon who you ask and the source you use, presently 29-31 states allow for workplace discrimination based on gender identity and/or sexual orientation (of which Alabama is one). Simply meaning, a gay or transgender employee in the state of Alabama (and many others) has no legal protection against being fired for their sexual orientation or gender identity. Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it poses a clear burden to individuals on the spectrum conducting their job search. So LGBT+ job seekers, what do you do?

The very first thing you want to do is research the state you want to work in or are thinking about working in. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) provides several effective resources for finding more information about the patchwork of discrimination protection legislation currently in effect. The HRC’s StateMaps provide an interactive portal to discover current protections, or lack thereof, in the desired state that you are looking to work in. You might also review their published Corporate Equality Index. The Equality Index provides information on various employers and the protections/attitudes/culture that the organization provides for its LGBT+ employees.

Your next step in conducting your job search is to look for information on individual employers. You will want to determine if there are protections in place to prohibit discrimination against you, if the state does not provide them globally. Good places to begin your searching are through corporate human resources websites, specifically looking for their policies on workplace discrimination. If the state does not provide protections against a particular sort of discrimination it is up to the employer to disclose which groups fall under its protected class non-discrimination policies. You may also wish to do some external investigation of the company as well. Websites like Glassdoor will be very helpful in getting employee evaluations of a company. Bear in mind that one bad experience is not indicative of overall workplace attitudes. You will want to evaluate for apparent trends, not outlier experiences.

You should also use job seeking platforms that cater to providing employment opportunities for individuals within the spectrum. Outand Equal was one of the very first job seeker boards dedicated to help LGBT+ individuals obtain employment within friendly organizations. Out for Work is a non-profit organization catered to helping LGBT+ students navigate the job search. Their website contains a dedicated job posting board for positions within accepting organizations. As well, they have information available about their annual conference (and scholarship opportunities for attendance) which can serve as an excellent way to meet accepting employers and fellow students in a safe and non-hostile environment.

Ultimately, the job search is never particularly easy for anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. However, students and alumni who fall within these particular categories may have an especially difficult search with hurdles and hoops not present in their straight and cisgender peers. If you find that you could benefit by talking to a career counselor about this issue or others, please note that our office is Safe Zone certified and there are willing counselors to help you navigate this particular dimension of your job search. As always, we look forward to working with you in the future. Please check our website for our most current schedule, upcoming events, and specialized resources.