Tigers Prepare

Oh, the places your resume will go!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:27:00 PST

I got an interesting email last week. It was from a recruiter from J.P. Turner out of Atlanta, Ga. Guess how he got my name, email and resume? Tiger Recruiting Link!

That’s right, there is a way that companies can come to YOU, not the other way around. In TRL, you can opt to have your resume and cover letters open to registered employers/recruiters. I obviously checked that box, and now I have been contacted.

Apparently, employers can look through internet based resume books, large books full of YOUR resumes, and then make their selections. This recruiter was looking for business, marketing and public relations (that’s me!) majors to meet the needs of an open position and internship program. This makes me extremely excited because I didn’t even have to fill out an application. In the email, he asked me to call him if I was interested in interviewing, and the rest is history.

What is holding you back from creating an account on Tiger Recruiting Link? This is a valuable resource that only requires a few clicks. If you don’t have an account yet, watch this video to learn how to create yours:

Paige Robinson '12
Career Center Intern

Phone Interviews: Land or Cell

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:24:00 PST

The question was posed to me, "Should a student REALLY try to use a land line instead of a cell phone for an interview?"

My first instinct is yes. If you, like me, want to eliminate as many challenges to the job search process as possible, I recommend using a land line with a plugged-in-the-wall, attached-to-a-chord phone. (Yes, these still exist.) It eliminates the chance for a dropped call and increases clarity.

However, as I ponder this recommendation I fully recognize that most college students do not have immediate access to a land line and if they do have one, it is likely a cordless phone...and the clarity issue may be hampered there as well. And I recognize that if one can access a location with strong reception, the clarity on cell phones is pretty good these days. However...should a student wish to use a land line, the Auburn University Career Center can make a room and phone available to students. (Even if you want to use your own phone but just have loud roommates or a dog, you can typically use one of our interview rooms as well.) Please call 334.844.4744 to schedule an appointment.

Regardless of whether or not you think a land line connection is necessary to the job search, I DO recommend the following phone etiquette for college students as they prepare for the job search:

Make your message professional (no waiting music or inappropriate message to your BFFs). "Hello, this is Name. Sorry I missed your call. Please leave a message, and I will get back to you as soon as possible."
If you will not have access to your phone for some time (Spring Break), change your message: "I am out of the country and without cell service. Please leave a message, and I will be happy to return your call after xzy date." You don't want employers thinking you don't think they are important enough for a returned call...or email.
During the job search, don't pick up calls from unknown numbers when you are in places where talking would be difficult (restaurant, Tiger Transit, in route somewhere where you can't write notes, class!, etc.)...you can call back! If you DO pick up the phone and realize it's an employer and you are in a bad location, quickly apologize and ask if you can call them back at a designated time when you are in a more appropriate situation. Don't tell them, "Ugh...sorry...I'm in class. Can I like call you back later or something?" The answer will likely be, "Don't bother."
Find a location where reception is 100% available at an optimal level.
During a phone interview, turn off other alerts so you aren't interrupted by the ever present update "bing" of Facebook, Twitter, other calls, text messages, instant messages, etc.
During a phone interview, eliminate distractions (TV, radio, animal, etc.) and let roommates know that you are going to be interviewing so they can respect your need for a quiet environment.
Don't use your speaker phone.
Do smile during your interview.
Don't Facebook or Tweet about your interview experience...really.
Do immediately start writing your thank you note (email or snail mail) after the phone interview.

For more interview tips, check out this tip sheet.

Crash Course for the Job Search Finals (Part One of Three)

noreply@blogger.com (Meaghan Weir) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:15:00 PST

As the fall semester comes to an end, students are busy finalizing papers, completing projects and studying for final exams. For those graduating in a few short weeks, the added pressure of conducting a job search looms closely overhead. My congratulations goes out to those who started the search early and have already secured post-graduation employment or acceptance into graduate/professional school. However, it’s not too late for those still on the hunt. Take this crash course in conducting an effective search and you’ll be prepared to ace the job search finals.

1. Establish Your Career Objective

To find a career that fits well with you, it’s important to know what you want. Think about these three questions: (1) What is important to you in your life? (2) What are you most enthusiastic about? (3) What do you want from an employer or a career? To help answer these questions, make a list of interests, skills, achievements, experiences, goals and values. Remember, no job will be perfect, but knowing what you want from your career and life will help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each opportunity

2. Brand YOU

Personal branding has been a bit of a buzz word lately in career planning, and for good reason: it’s critical to marketing yourself. Think about how others perceive you and how you want to be perceived. Take steps to make sure the person you are in your personal and professional life matches with the image you want to portray to others. Communicate your brand clearly and with consistency throughout the job search process in your online presence, your appearance, and your personal interactions with others.

3. Motivate Yourself to Make a Plan

Let’s face it; job hunting is a job within itself. Sleeping in til 11:00 am on a weekday is not the best use of your time as a job hunter. Don’t sit around waiting for the perfect job to fall in your lap; instead, take an active role in your future. Make a daily schedule and set aside time to make phone calls, research companies, write resumes and cover letters, and prepare for and attend interviews. Establish deadlines for accomplishing tasks such as, “By Monday December 14 I will have used Tiger Recruiting Link and corporate websites to research and identify five companies I’m most interested in working for, taking notes on what interests me about each one.” Break the overall task of finding a job into smaller pieces. Taking one step at a time will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed.

4. Do Your Research

Education does not end at college graduation. Employers expect applicants and employees to stay abreast of trends and developments in their industry. Visit the websites of professional associations in your field to find articles and news or follow people at the top of the industry on social media applications like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Also, research the variety of careers available to someone with your educational background. Look for opportunities to align your education and experience with interests and values listed in Step 1. Investigating your options may uncover new leads on jobs you hadn’t previously considered. For example, a public administration major with an interest in health and wellness may explore career opportunities with healthcare facilities, nursing homes, or community agencies with a focus on public health.

Your Assignment: Tackle Steps 1-4 this week, take a quick breather and come back next week for Steps 5-7.

Priorities

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:36:00 PST

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by the influx of school assignments, job requirements, involvement and social obligations and just plain life? Yea, me too.

This semester has been one of the most fun and exciting ones of my college career, but it has also had some of the most stressful and hard times. This is the last semester of really hard classes for me. I’m in all of my higher-level public relations courses, which require group project after group project and portfolio builders after portfolio builders. I’ve been in a group building a campaign for a local crisis hotline, and I’ve been building my own website from the ground up (no, I had never written HTML code before). I’ve also created a magazine, brochure and video tutorial, written several press releases, a job description and specification and performed a Jewish wedding (for my religion class). To say the least, scholastically this semester has challenged me in ways I did not know were possible.

I also, obviously, am the career center intern, which keeps me rather busy on Mondays and Wednesdays. And did I mention I’m engaged? This is definitely the most exciting part of my life right now, but makes it extremely difficult to concentrate on anything other than flowers, stationery and colors. I sit in class and literally wage war on my mind to remain concentrated on the material, because if I’m completely honest I’d much rather wedding plan than do homework. Also, now that I am officially committed to someone for the rest of my life, my job search becomes a bit more real. Before, if I didn’t get a job right out of college, then I could hope that my parents would pick up my slack. However, that isn’t the case anymore. On May 12, my last name is no longer Robinson, and my parents should not be picking up for me. (Note: Even if I was not engaged, I would not want them to. However, now the fallback plan is completely removed.)

How do I keep sane in this sea of schedules, assignments and meetings? I have set my priorities. By no means am I claiming to be the best at time management, but I have become really good at it. Below are my tips on effectively and efficiently managing your time.

1. Get an agenda, and write EVERYTHING down.
My date book gets me through the day. I write different errands I need to run in a bulleted list on the right, and all assignments due are on the left. This way I am prioritizing my mandatory things over my “can wait” things.

2. Have the ability to say no.
Earlier on in college, I never said no. If you asked me to lunch, to go on a walk, to send my notes, anything, I said yes. I had to learn that it is not rude to say no. It is rude, however, if you agree to go to lunch and cannot concentrate on any conversation because all you’re thinking about is what all you should be/need to be doing. I may or may not have been guilty of this in the past.

3. Be proactive.
Work on things ahead of time. I have this huge project due the last day of class, so I could let it slide, and then do it all in 7-8 days without sleeping. However, I’ve chosen to work on it a little along the way, and now I’m almost finished. There were some weeks I was too busy with other assignments and couldn’t devote a lot of time to it, but on those relaxed weeks I would spend a lot of time on it. This is paying off because instead of spending my entire Thanksgiving break doing this project, I now can use that time to choose invitations, stationery and my cake for the wedding.

4. Establish good working relationships with your professors and employers.
I truly love all of my professors! Maybe yours are really scary and mean, but mine definitely are not. I wouldn’t know that if I never spoke to them though. They can be your best friend or your worst enemy. One week, my mom came to Auburn to help me get some things planned for the wedding. The only day she and I could get together was a Tuesday, which conflicted with one of my classes. Because I had been talking to my professor throughout the semester AND been going to class consistently (MAJOR IMPORTANT), she told me not to worry about missing class and that she would fill me in on what I missed.

I promise you can do all the things you want to and still succeed in school and in your future career. Start prioritizing your activities, and you’ll see a huge change in your calendar and stress level.

Paige Robinson '12
Career Center Intern

One-Size-Fits-All? A Bad Resume Bargain

noreply@blogger.com (Meaghan Weir) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:00:00 PST

Properly fitting, tailored clothes look better on you and make a better first impression than a baggy one-size-fits-all t-shirt. You take time looking through racks of clothing and trying on different sizes to make sure the style and size fit your body type. The same should apply to your resume and cover letter. However, much too often, applicants send out the same generic “one-size-fits-all” cover letter and resume package that lacks proper fit to the job description and fails to fully flatter their best qualifications. Taking the extra time to make sure your marketing materials are tailored to each job description and company culture allows you to highlight the specific skills the employer desires and shows an attention to detail and added interest in the position. In short, it makes a better first impression.

Most job descriptions give you all the information you need to write a resume and cover letter targeted to the company's specific needs. If the description states “Ability to work independently with occasional assistance from supervisor or others in a collaborative manner,” then you will want to highlight experiences you’ve had working both independently and in team settings. If the position involves “managing strategic customer and supplier relationships,” you will include relationship building experience and showcase your interpersonal skills. Make sure the vocabulary in your resume and cover letter mimics that of the job description. HR departments and computer scanning systems often search for certain keywords that match their specifications.

To go one step further, tailor your resume and cover letter not only to fit the job description, but to fit the company’s individual values and mission. Visit the corporate website and read the “About Us” or “Careers” section to learn about the company’s goals and values. Highlight shared values and reasons why you want to work for that company. This is not permission to get too soft and mushy; remain professional, but show some personality and enthusiasm for the company. For example, GE describes their company as a “diverse set of businesses in which to work, and a development-focused culture in which to grow” in the “Why GE?” section of their webpage. If one of my reasons for wanting to work at GE is an interest is cross-disciplinary collaboration or I am personally focused on growth and development, I might highlight this match in my cover letter or included collaborative experiences in my resume.

Tailoring your resume and cover letter to fit each job does take more time than sending them out willy-nilly, but HR professionals can tell when you put in the extra effort. A representative from a government agency visited Auburn last spring and I asked him what made a resume stand out from the crowd. His response was that resumes that were tailored specifically to fit his job and his organization were the ones that made it into his “Yes” pile. He was interested in meeting with and interviewing students who went the extra mile to make sure that their resume fit the job description.

You wouldn’t show up to a job interview in a poorly fitting one-size-fits-all suit, so why would you send in a generic one-size-fits-all resume? Tailor your resumes and cover letters to help land the job you want.

Office Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:25:00 PST

This post does not pertain to my job search or resume or cover letter writing, but I think it is still very important. Today’s post is on affirmation. No, I’m not going “love languages” on you. I’m merely pointing out the effectiveness and necessity of affirmation in the workplace.

One of my weaknesses is giving and receiving compliments. I feel fine without being complimented, so it never occurred to me that others may really need that verbal encouragement. I know it sounds like I’m giving a relationship lesson, but continue with me. Affirmation is very important in relationships, both working and non-working.

Last week I watched a webinar on the myths of careers. It included many great lessons, but one of them was on the myth of modesty of your achievements. The speaker said it is important to express your successes, not hide them. She said that when you or a team you’re on have finished a project successfully, a great way to recognize the success is send an email highlighting the project and the people who worked on it. Do you see how this is beneficial for you?

When you send that email out saying thank you to everyone for making this project so successful, not only is your name tied to the success (bonus points with your boss?), but you are affirming your co-workers. Happy co-workers are always a good thing. Who doesn’t like being told thank you or that they did a great job? I am confident that if you are consistently affirming your co-workers, then they’ll begin affirming you and working harder for you.

One example of this happened to me Friday. One of my tasks as an intern at the Career Center is to plan two orientation breakfasts a semester. I invite another office on Auburn University’s campus to come to the Career Center for breakfast and a discussion of our services. The main goal is education of our services and an improved relationship between the two offices.

This Friday was our first breakfast, and everything went really well. There were zero crises. After it was finished, most, if not all, of the career counselors told me how wonderful I had done. Some of them even told me twice! As I said earlier, I’ve never been the person who craves compliments or pats on the back, but I must admit it felt nice. An email was even sent out thanking everyone for his or her work, and it highlighted me specifically! The rest of the day I was so happy, and even did work on my way to North Carolina for a family trip. If it motivated me, the “I don’t need compliments” girl, to go above and beyond, then what could that do for others?

The lesson here is one I am learning, and I want to impart to you. Encourage co-workers. Not only can it make their day, but it also can help you out when you’re in a pinch!

Paige Robinson '12
Career Center Intern

Branchout vs. LinkedIn

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:00:00 PDT

I feel that most people know what LinkedIn is, but for those of you who do not know, this is what it is. LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network and allows you to connect with contacts to exchange knowledge, ideas and opportunities regarding your profession.

Most people probably do not know about BranchOut. It is a Facebook application that helps you expand your professional network into your Facebook friends.

Today, what I want to do is compare the two options giving you the pro’s and con’s of both.

LinkedIn
One great thing out LinkedIn is that it’s already established. This isn’t a new idea; people have been using it for years and having success. Your contacts can refer you to their contacts for jobs or knowledge-seeking opportunities. I’ve read numerous stories on how people found jobs through their contacts on LinkedIn.

Maisha Walker on inc.com said, “One of the simplest ways of using LinkedIn is just as a ’modern Rolodex’ a list of the people you want to communicate with on a regular basis so that they remember you're out there, what you have to offer, and why they like you. The only tools you need for this is your LinkedIn profile, sending LinkedIn invitations to people you know and an hour per day to make phone calls.”

As Walker said, using LinkedIn is fairly simple. One of the other things I love about LinkedIn is that you can upload your resume, and it will put your information in your profile by itself. Of course, you should proofread it all to make sure it is in the appropriate place, but my resume loaded without an issue.

I really like that LinkedIn’s reputation is unblemished, and everyone on it are there for the same reason: to build their professional careers. Yes, some people may be job searching, while others are building their personal brand or advertising their company, but it is all career-oriented.

Branchout
As stated earlier, BranchOut is a Facebook application, so finding friends is very easy. As long as you already have an account, which most people’s grandmothers even have accounts, then it shouldn’t be a problem. This is the main gimmick for BranchOut-simplicity. Their argument is, “Why have another profile when you can just add to the one you already have?” I understand this logic, but I have a few concerns.

First, the majority of Facebook users created their account for the social aspect, keeping up with family and friends. If users begin adding BranchOut to their profiles, then Facebook may not be purely social anymore. My other concern stems from one of my previous posts. Most college students and even some adults do not have the most professional Facebook profiles. I would think twice before mixing my social life with my professional life. If your photos, quotes, wall posts etc. are completely clean, then this isn’t a worry for you. However, many people should take this under serious consideration.

However, according to BranchOut's privacy policy, you should be able to avoid the "mixing" problem: BranchOut only shows your name, profile picture, work history, and education and other professional information you choose to share on BranchOut. Our use of limited information keeps your private life on Facebook and your professional profile on BranchOut. This means that your status updates, photo albums, and other personal information are not visible on BranchOut to your contacts, including employers, recruiters and your professional contacts. For this reason, BranchOut is also the perfect place to connect with professional contacts when you do not want to friend them on Facebook.

In summary, my recommendation is to join LinkedIn. With it being branded as a professional networking site, you never have to worry about mixing your social and professional life or annoying people with requests to join. Although, it will require a little more work (adding contacts and updating your resume), I find no problem in a little work. This is already making networking easier than it should be, so who cares if I have to search for contacts and proofread my profile?!

If you would like to learn how to network effectively, check out the resources available through the Career Center.

Paige Robinson '12
Career Center Intern

Myths of Career Achievement

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 06:00:00 PDT

Taking advantage of this fall's Career Leadership Series, I listened to Alexandra Levit's webinar on Wednesday where she dispelled five myths of career achievement. Apparently, you can learn more in her new book, Blind Spots, but for now, let me share my thoughts on what I learned this week:

MYTH 1: Employers want you to be yourself.

My first thought to this one was,"What? Huh? Am I supposed to fake it?" The answer is, "No."

However, prior to an interview you not only need to research the position and what the company does, but you also need to explore the company culture and make sure that you demonstrate that you are a fit. Thinking that you can show up to an interview or the job in jeans because "that's who you are" when the company culture demands business professional...isn't going to go over very well.

MYTH 2: Being good at a job trumps everything.

Basically, yes, do your best in everything that you do, but also be savvy in how you broadcast your successes as well. If you don't state outcomes and successes in your resume, an employer doesn't know based on your job title alone. You must TELL them. For example, which one sounds more impressive...and both are true:

Helped develop a Job Shadowing program
Developed a Job Shadowing program, successfully matching 20 students in 10 months

MYTH 3: Climb the ladder as fast as possible

Question: Who doesn't want more recognition? More money?

Answer: The person who can discern what their work values and skills are.

Why put yourself in a position where you are going to be miserable? Maybe staying in the same position will allow you to better hone and develop the needed skills for a future job. You don't want to get into a position for which you are not prepared and set yourself up for failure. Take the time to assess the situation, humbly and wisely.

MYTH 4: The problem isn't me, it's the organization

Ha...ha, ha, ha! Attitude matters. Period.

MYTH 5: Controversy will propel your career.

This one also makes me laugh.... So, how's that working for Lindsay Lohan? What you want to work on is healthy assertiveness, not making a stink or a fool of yourself.

And the rose goes to...

noreply@blogger.com (Meaghan Weir) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 07:00:00 PDT

During your job search you focus a lot of effort on getting an employer to pick you. Like the one of the bachelor's (or bachelorette's) potential "matches", you hope to have your name called before the final rose is handed out. You write rockstar resumes, compose captivating cover letters, and rehearse intriguing interview responses all for the sake of catching an employer’s eye and gaining your first big job. In doing so, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement, nervousness and anticipation of just finding a job, any job.

Over the past few years, many new grads have been coached to feel lucky and appreciative of finding ANY employment regardless of the position’s fit with his or her background, skillset and personal career goals. However, accepting a job and entering the workforce is a big commitment, an 8 to 9 hours of your day commitment, and I encourage you to put some time into finding the employer you want to work for and the type of company that is a good fit for you.

Compare Career Priorities
To identify companies that are a good fit for you, first think about your goals. What are the 3-5 top priorities in your career? When researching companies, take note of the “About Us” or “Corporate Culture” areas on their websites and look for mission statements that align with your career priorities and personal values.

Training/Development
Education does not end at college graduation, but continues throughout your career. It is important to stay abreast of trends and developments in your field. Find out how the company invests in continuing education and professional development opportunities for their employees.

Climbing the Career Ladder
You may be applying for an entry level position, but it is important to plan ahead for career growth. Ask the employer about the potential to expand your position or opportunities for advancement within the company.

Work/Life Integration
Investigate the company’s approach to supporting employees’ work-life integration. Many companies offer flexible work schedules, floating holidays, discounts on gym memberships and other options to promote the overall welfare of their employees.

The job market has experienced a rocky spell, but things are beginning to turn around. Employers are hiring skilled new grads and it is up to you to take the initiative to seek out companies and opportunities that mesh with your experience and goals. Knowing what you want from your career puts you in the position to accept a role with the company, or type of company, that supports your goals, development, advancement, and personal wellbeing. You'll be the one saying "And the final rose goes to..."

Put Yourself Out There!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:52:00 PDT

It has come to my attention that our university is full of organizations and leadership opportunities, but those are filled by the same people. Why? Because those people are ambitious and TRY OUT for those positions. They get the titles and the name tags because they actually fill out the application and go to the interview. Getting involved on campus is really that simple.

I think that being involved with a campus organization (or two, three, four, etc.) is SO important for your personal growth. It puts you in contact with some awesome people who have interests like you. (You did both try out for the same organization. Obviously you have something in common.) These people can shape who you are and inspire you to hold yourself to a different level.

For example, when I was a freshman, I was consumed with schoolwork and social “obligations.” I never wanted to apply for anything because I genuinely thought I did not have the time or energy. I reluctantly joined Tiger Tuesdays, and found that it was a pleasant surprise. Once I was in that organization I found that being surrounded with such ambitious people rubbed off on me. I decided that I wasn’t actually as busy as I thought, and could afford to join another organization or be more involved in the ones I was already in.

Being in a campus organization also gives you useful experience for your resume and interview! Even if you want to be a doctor, and joining the Outdoor Adventure Club doesn’t initially sound advantageous to your future med school application, remember that your personality shining through is an advantage in and of itself, and you might develop leadership skills as well (Go for President!). At the very least, it will give you meaningful examples for future interviews.

For example, you get asked the inevitable, “Tell me about yourself?” Can you not draw some characteristic of yourself from your experience in the Outdoor Adventure Club? You enjoy a challenge. You pay attention to detail. You are comfortable with different types of people. You see?

Put yourself out there. Join an organization, and you will find that it WILL give you an experience worth talking about.

Paige Robinson '12
Career Center Intern

Go West Young Man...and Woman!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 06:00:00 PDT

According to data gathered by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), there will be an increase in college hiring for 2012 graduates! The highest increase is in the Midwest "where employers expect to hire 18.5 percent more college graduates in 2012 than they did in 2011." (resource) Hiring in the Southeast is supposed to go up by 8.6 percent and 6.9 percent in the Northeast.

Ready to join the "get a job before you graduate" wagon train?

Tiger Recruiting Link (TRL)
Take advantage of jobs posted on Tiger Recruiting Link (jobs.auburn.edu). These employers specifically want to hire Auburn University students. While you are logged into TRL, click on CareerShift where you can search for jobs posted on company websites, job boards and usajobs.gov by geographic location in ONE location!

On-Campus Recruiting
Some employers post jobs on TRL, and they intend to offer interviews right here on campus! What an excellent opportunity to interview on your home turf...who doesn't like a home field advantage, right? For tips on how to navigate the on-campus recruiting process, review these great tip sheets.

Career Events
The Auburn University Career Center will host multiple events in Spring, bringing 100-200 companies and organizations to campus to recruit students and recent alumni. Don't miss Internship & Summer Job Fair, Career Expo (two days) and Education Interview Day. For more information and tips on how to prepare for these events, go here.

I've Got a Feeling- The Role of Emotional Attributes

noreply@blogger.com (Meaghan Weir) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 07:05:00 PDT

In finding a job, connections are very important. I’m not talking about connections solely in a networking sense, but focusing more on the act of connecting. While it is vital to build professional connections, it is especially important that you actual CONNECT with the person you want to hire you. Think of your attributes, your qualifications, in two ways: rational and emotional. Rational attributes relate to your competencies; your ability to perform the job. Emotional attributes forge connections between you and others; the human aspect.

Rational attributes are critical to finding your job and your resume is a great means of marketing them to employers. However, most if not all of your competitors (other job seekers) and future colleagues likely possess the same rational qualifications. So, in an interview situation, I encourage you to consider the emotional attributes you bring to the table. While reiterating your career related skills and experiences also make sure you are conveying the human qualities you have that make you different and more desirable than other candidates. Are you a great motivator who can inspire others to action? Do you have a vision for future growth? Communicate the you-specific attributes you have to offer.

Rational attributes will make you attractive to the company and lead to interviews, but employers look for the emotional attributes, sparks of passion and enthusiasm, when making a hiring decision.

Digital First Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:50:00 PDT

Last week, I became conscious of how I am portrayed on the Internet. After my boss went to a webinar on LinkedIn and personal branding, I began to ponder what my social media sites said to future employers.

I read several articles on employers checking social media sites. Although none of the statistics are the exactly the same, they all say the same thing. Every article I read said that at least half of employers, most of the time more like 70 percent of employers, check potential employees’ social media sites.

With that being said, I’d say it should be a legitimate concern of ours to clean our sites.

First, go to your privacy settings and make it so that your account is viewable only to approved friends. You can choose to become completely unsearchable, but I do not think that is a good idea. The great majority of students exiting college at least have a Facebook, so if an employer cannot find you he or she may think you have something major to hide when you don’t! I think it is best to let them see your basic information so they can see how fabulous you are.

Now, we need to talk about profile pictures. I realize we are all in college and have lots of funny pictures. However, what does it say about you if the first picture your future boss sees of you is with three rounds of brews and a lot of intoxicated friends draped on your shoulder? You may say, “Well, it’s college! Who cares?” The answer: your potential boss. What boss wants his or her employee looking slammed on the Internet? That’s not exactly the best image to portray of the company, so don’t portray that of yourself.

Last, watch what you post. Unless future employers get fancy, they probably won’t see your status updates on Facebook, but many people’s Twitter profiles are left public. Posting obscene things on your Twitter is also not something a boss wants to be true of his or her employee.

There is a common saying that says, “Your first impression is your last impression.” While I find some fault in that statement (surely you can meet again), it also has some huge implications. First impressions do tend to stick, and in this career-searching time, do you really want to take chances with your first impression?

Resource: Netiquette/Personal Branding Tip Sheet

Paige Robinson '12
Career Center Intern

Basic Training: Job Search Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:00:00 PDT

1. KNOW YOURSELF

What are your...
- Strengths
- Skills
- Personality traits
- Values
- Vocational interests

Resources:
Assessments
Assess Personal Qualities
Assess Transferable Skills
Assess Work Values
Tip Sheet

2. KNOW THE EMPLOYER'S NEEDS

- Research the company
- Know the company's culture
- Explore the needs of the position you are hoping to fill
- Target resume and cover letter to demonstrate personal fit with specific position/company

Resources:
CareerShift
Job Search Tip Sheet
Network/Informational Interview Tip Sheet

3. APPLY

- Have a great resume and cover letter
- Practice interview skills/answers
- Follow-up
- Network through on-line resources

Resources:
Resume Tip Sheet
Cover Letter Tip Sheet
Interview Skills Tip Sheet
On-Line Presence/Personal Branding

What's the Big Deal With Internships?

noreply@blogger.com (Meaghan Weir) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:38:00 PDT

What’s the big deal with internships? Are they really as important as people make them out to be? Why are they a critical part of your career preparation? I’ll give you three good reasons.

Extended Interview
Think of internships as an extended 3-4 month interview with the company. This is your opportunity to practice what you preached in the formal interview and show the employer your best skills. It is the perfect time for you and the employer to gauge whether or not you are a good fit with the company for long term employment. Several companies that have come to Auburn this fall have stressed the importance of their internship programs and say that approximately 75-85% of interns are converted to full-time hires following graduation.

Build Experience
Internships build experience related to your field of study and apply skills and concepts learned in the classroom. You can be involved in actual projects and see how problems are addressed and teams work together. Where classroom exercises often function in a bubble, real world projects typically involve professionals from many disciplines collaborating to reach a goal. Plus, related experience bolsters your resume.

Reinforce Career Goals
Companies want to hire people who know what they want from their career and what qualities they can offer their employers (See this posting on “The Kiss of Death”). Internships allow you the chance to test out your chosen career field and learn more about long-term career development. This experience can help inform future decisions about the specific industry you want to work in after graduation, company cultures in which you thrive and locations where you enjoy living.

Are you riding the internship wave now? Fall is the perfect time to start your search for next summer. Begin identifying companies, revising your resume, signing up for on campus interviews, and practicing your interview skills. And remember, the Career Center can help with all of these tasks.

Pollyanna and the Job Search

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:39:00 PDT

I love the book and movie Pollyanna. In the midst of all the challenges, bumps and bruises that life doles out, I appreciate the reminder that much can be accomplished with a positive attitude. Sadly (for me), since that book was published in 1913, many have criticized those who walk around with rose-tinted glasses and have an unrealistic “Pollyanna” approach to life.

However, in the midst of a tough economy, I propose that our career center staff can help students by redirecting them to see the positive and take action. This defeatist attitude - “I’ll just move home…no one’s getting jobs anyway….” - isn’t helping anyone. So here are my Pollyanna facts:

According to a September 2011 article by Dave Ramsey, while it is true that the national unemployment rate is 9.1%, that means that over 90% of people are still employed.
According to the NACE Job Outlook 2012 Update, employers planned to hire 19.3% more graduates in 2010-11 than they did in 2009-10.
Over 150 employers attended the Auburn University Career Expos in September, and 36 employers have participated in on-campus recruiting interviews so far this fall.
Auburn students and alumni can utilize FREE services to hone their job search strategies through job postings and mega search engines, effective resume and cover letter writing, interview practice skills and assessments that increase self-awareness.

So, on this magnificent, sunny, 71 degrees October morning, I ask that you join me…be a Pollyanna today and start your job search with a new, positive attitude with the Auburn University Career Center!

Information Sessions- Your Golden Ticket

noreply@blogger.com (Meaghan Weir) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:55:00 PDT

In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie finds a golden ticket in his bar of chocolate and gains access to the inner workings of Willy Wonka’s candy factory. While in the factory, Charlie meets the Wonka, grand poobah of the operation, learns how the candy is made and what new technologies are on the horizon. Wouldn’t it be great if you could have similar access to the companies you are interviewing with? Luckily you often do and it comes in the form of an information session, your job search golden ticket. Typically held the evening before a career expo or an on-campus interview visit, information sessions are prime opportunities to learn more about the organization, meet company representatives, and ask questions in a less formal environment than the actual interview.

There are several reasons why you should attend employer information sessions:

1. You have an interview

Congratulations! You were selected for an interview with Company X. You see that they will be holding an information session the night before their interviews, but decide not to attend because, why should you, you already have an interview. Consider the Company X recruiter’s perspective. With only 30-45 minutes allotted per interview and 13 candidates on the docket, she has a lot of people to meet and very little time to get to know them. She can make the best use of that 30 minutes learning about your skills and experience and not repeating the basic company information that was covered in the information session. Plus, not attending sends the message that you’re not really that interested in the company.

2. You don’t have an interview

You applied for an interview with Company X but were passed over this go around. Maybe you met all of the basic requirements, have a strong interest in the company, and plan to apply again in the future. Attending the information session will help you learn more about the organization, its culture, and the qualities they are looking for in an employee. Additionally, you’ll have a chance to meet the recruiter, give your personal pitch and put a face to the name on your resume. Share your interest in the company and collect information on what you can do to nab an interview slot next semester. Perhaps you need to work on your resume or need some more part-time and intern experience. Knowing what the company wants can help you better prepare. You might even discover that the company has had a cancellation and can add you into their interview schedule.

3. You aren’t ready to interview

Information sessions are great opportunities for freshmen and sophomore level students who aren’t yet looking for a full-time job to gain insight into the companies they will be applying to in the future. Employers enjoy meeting young students and explaining their company culture and hiring process. Many companies have GPA minimums or require internship experience and you can learn about these requirements early in your college career. Also, you can begin networking with the company representatives and build professional relationships prior to applying for jobs and interviews.

Take advantage of your golden ticket, sing/hum the song “I’ve got the golden ticket…” (I know it’s stuck in your head now) and be on your way to job search success!
To learn about upcoming information sessions visit Tiger Recruiting Link (TRL) at www.jobs.auburn.edu. Click on “Events” and then “Information Sessions.” The dress for these events is business casual unless the announcement or invitation says otherwise.

Student Perspective: The First Application

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 07:33:00 PDT

A monumental occasion happened last week. I applied for my first “big girl” job. I’m not going to lie; I was intimidated. I can’t even tell you why I was intimidated though. I’ve posted my resume, filled out an application and interviewed before, but this time it just seemed different.

This time the job was real, not just for the summer months. And it is a job, not an internship. This is and could be what I do after college. To say the least, I was freaking out a bit on the inside, but then I caught myself and asked, “Why?” Why should I be worrying? What is there to lose? Right now I’m without a career, so it’s not like I can have less than a career.

I think this anxiety is plaguing the senior class at Auburn University. None of us have realized that the future is not something to be afraid of. We’ve known for years that this is how it goes: graduate from high school, go to college, graduate from college, get a job.

After 17 years of school, the idea of not studying is a little weird, but it’s also pretty awesome. Next year, I won’t be studying for tests or emailing professors. I’ll be working toward what I’ve always wanted to do. The preparation stage is ending, and the implementation stage is here. This should be more exciting than scary!

Soon-to-be graduates, come into the Career Center and get excited about your future! The career counselors have so much knowledge to offer and can get your resume and cover letter into shape. Each counselor is assigned to a specific college (connect to the liaison page here), so he or she will know how to help you specifically in your career search. They are the ones who calmed me the day I was anxious about applying for the job. Let them calm your nerves and get you on the fast-track to a career!

Paige Robinson '12

Career Center Intern

Career Leadership Series: Fall 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:33:00 PDT

Career Leadership Series is an opportunity for students preparing for graduation and the transition to the world of work or graduate/professional school to increase self awareness and improve their job search and interview strategies. Don't miss out!

The schedule and registration is available at www.auburn.edu/career/cls.

FREE WEBINARS

Now What? Learn How to Choose the Right Career
Wed, Oct 5| 2 - 3 PM | AUSC 2218

Seven (7) Mistakes Job Seekers Make Online
Wed, Oct 12 | 2 - 3 PM | AUSC 2218

5 Steps to Build Your Personal Brand
Wed, Oct 19 | 2 - 3 PM | AUSC 2218

Blind Spots
Wed, Oct 26 | 2 - 3 PM | AUSC 2218

Equipping Young Minds for Exceptional Performance
Wed, Nov 2 | 2 - 3 PM | AUSC 2218

Active Interviewing
Wed, Nov 9 | 2 - 3 PM | AUSC 2326

Pick a Career Path & Job You’ll Love!
Wed, Nov 16 | 2 - 3 PM | AUSC 2218

FREE SEMINARS

Developing SMART Goals
Thur, Oct 13 | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | AUSC 2225

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Assessment *
Thur, Oct 20 | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | AUSC 2225
Register by Fri, Oct 14; Take assessment by Tues, Oct 18

StrengthsQuest Job Search Strategies *
Thur, Oct 27 | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | AUSC 2225
Register by Mon, Oct 24; Take assessment by Wed, Oct 26

Building Your Professional Brand
Thur, Nov 3 | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | AUSC 2225

Title: Developing the Presenter in ME (Presentation & Interviewing Skills 101)
Thur, Nov 10 | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | AUSC 2225

Fall 2011 Semester Close-Out Gathering: “Bringing It All Together”
Thur, Nov 17 | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | AUSC 2225

* You must pre-register to participate in the MBTI and StrengthsQuest sessions.

Call 334.844.4744 with any questions.

Job Search Strategies & CareerBeam

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:36:00 PDT

Job searching is all in the approach
Are you in the process of looking for a new position? Are you finding it taking longer than you had hoped? While the slower economy may be one culprit, your approach to the job search process could also be a factor. Here are some common mistakes that people make while job searching:

Spending too much time applying for job postings. Let’s face it, for most of us, it feels better to apply to job postings. We feel more productive and comfortable because we are pursuing an actual position that is asking us to apply. But sometimes this position may not actually be open (there is someone who already is on the inside track and posting is an HR formality), you may be competing with 100s of other resumes, or it may not be a good fit for you (but it is ostensibly available). For these reasons and more, the majority of your job searching time and energy should be focused on networking. True networking is about give and take, so consider proposing a presentation for your professional organization or volunteering for a cause that you feel passionate about, in addition to researching people and organizations to reach out to. You can find more resources in the Networking section of CareerBeam, a free resource available through the Auburn University Career Center.

Haphazardly job searching. While networking is the job search strategy where most people experience success, the results of your networking efforts can be difficult to see; a direct cause and effect relationship is not completely in your control. When you feel like what happens in your life is not in your control, stress builds and you may find the job search very frustrating. You can diminish that stress by tracking your progress through the use of goals. You can learn more and find resources to help at the Implementation section of CareerBeam.

Too lengthy and/or unfocused in your communication. Fearing that you may be omitting something important about yourself when networking, you may be overwhelming your listener with too much information. Most listeners will remember no more than 3 characteristics about a person in a first meeting. So determine upfront your 3 most important traits and develop statements that effectively illustrate those qualities. Write these down and practice them verbally. You can learn more and find resources to help at the Implementation section of CareerBeam.

Not asking for help or support. Whether you feel shy or just don’t want to burden someone, you may be missing out on significant progress in your job search because you are not reaching out to others for help. Most people want to help and most feel they can when you request help on which they can deliver. Both of you will feel more comfortable and therefore successful if you ask for help with anything other than a job. A job is a tall order. People can deliver on information about organizations that are growing or referrals to people in positions similar to your job target or feedback on your resume. Some help will be more “helpful” than others, but this is where progress usually happens – so don’t be afraid to ask!

Article available thanks to CareerBeam.

TYPE Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:48:00 PDT

Meet the 2011 TYPE: Auburn's Top Young Professional Event winners.

Schavion Graham and Danielle Kessler

Schavion Graham is Auburn’s Top Young Professional Male Winner. Graham is a senior majoring in Business Administration from Huntsville, Ala. After graduation, Graham will pursue his Master’s in Higher Education Administration and possibly also his Master’s in Business Administration. Ultimately, Graham’s goal is to have a Doctorate Degree by age 30 and be a university president.

As the male winner, Graham won a professional wardrobe from Dillard’s, a business portfolio and a trophy. According to Graham, the process was easy to navigate. Other than the previously mentioned prizes, Graham also said he got good interview experience with real employers, and those employers gave him tips for bettering his resume. He says he is “really excited…and honored to be this year’s winner.”

Danielle Kessler was selected as the female winner of Auburn University’s Top Professional Competition. Kessler is a senior Interior Design major from Montgomery, Ala.After graduation in August, Kessler hopes to find a job in residential interior design. She worked the last three summers doing commercial interior design, and would love the experience of a different field.

Kessler thought the process of becoming Top Professional winner was a smooth one. She enlisted the help of the Career Center through the various phases. “[The Career Center] helped me narrow [my resume] down to one page because I had a two page resume,” Kessler said. “That was really helpful, and it was really easy because I just submitted it through email. They sent back corrections, and I made those corrections to my resume. So it wasn’t anything that I had to go in and it took up a lot of time.”

Kessler also used the Career Center’s website for interview tips and sample questions in preparing for the interview portion of the competition.

Last Friday, Kessler redeemed her $500 gift card to Dillard’s. She said that it was a good experience, and the Dillard’s manager was there to help her make wise, but fun professional clothing choices. “It was a really good experience to get me ready for my future interviews...for my internship next year,” Kessler said.

Meet Schavion

Meet Danielle

Interviews and videos by Paige Robinson '12
Auburn University Career Center Intern

Remain on the Radar

noreply@blogger.com (Meaghan Weir) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:41:00 PDT

During your job search you will likely attend several career fairs, networking receptions, or information sessions and will meet quite a few company representatives. It is up to you to ensure that your great connections don’t fall flat after the fact. Keep the conversations going following networking opportunities by following-up, applying to positions, and connecting through social networking.

Follow Up
Send the representative an email or thank you note expressing your appreciation for the time they spent talking with you at the event. Recap your best qualities as they relate to the company/position and remind them of your interest in working for the company. Keep your message short, to the point, and professional. Try to send this within two days of the event.

Search & Apply
Search the company’s website and Tiger Recruiting Link (TRL) for job openings. Carefully read the job descriptions and application requirements to determine the positions in which you are interested in applying. Revise and tweak your marketing materials (i.e. resume and cover letter) to target each specific job and apply. Keep track of the positions you’ve applied to in a spreadsheet.

Connect & Follow
Search for company representatives on professional networking sites such as LinkedIn. Look for common connections who can offer you an introduction to the representative. Follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay informed about new openings, campus recruiting visits and corporate news. Take this time to check over your social network profiles and make them as professional as possible.

Building on connections made at employer networking events can help you remain on a company's radar and assert yourself as a motivated candidate. Don't fall off the map by allowing professional contacts to fizzle out.

Bragging or Marketing Your Skills?

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:35:00 PDT

In our culture, students are often wary of marketing their skills to employers simply because they fear that it will come off as bragging. I suspect this stems from the desire to not be that obnoxious person we all know who can't shut-up about his/her awesomeness.

But students MUST get over this because when it comes to your resume and interview, no one else is going to tell the recruiter what you do well. YOU have to! (Mom and Dad are NOT invited to the interview...just in case you were wondering.)

Here are some tips to navigate self-marketing without becoming a braggart:

Know yourself.
Through various assessments, you can gain some insight into what your work values, interests and skills are. Auburn students and alumni are invited to utilize these resources. The descriptions you read will help you better articulate who you are to employers. Then, talk to friends, family and supervisors and ask them what you do well. (Get endorsements!)

Know the company/organization.
You only need to tell the recruiter what they are looking for in an employee. You may be the best kayaker on campus, but if you're looking for a job in marketing office equipment, they probably don't care. Tell the employer the skills you possess that relate to their needs.

Keep track of your successes.
Without fail you'll think of the perfect example as you walk across the parking lot after the interview. So, document your successes ahead of time. They don't all need to be on your resume, but they may be a perfect example for an interview question. If you write them down, you're more likely to have the example at the forefront of your mind.

Practice.
Through resources like InterviewStream where you self evaluate or formal mock interviews with a career counselor, you can practice your answers and examples and gauge if you sound like you're bragging or communicating what an awesome fit you are for the company/organization.

Brag on!

Unable to Attend Career Expo? Time for Plan B

noreply@blogger.com (Meaghan Weir) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:44:00 PDT

Attending the Auburn University Career Center's Career Expos and meeting company representatives is an excellent way to learn more about jobs and interviews, get your name and face in front of recruiters, and practice your networking skills. However, perhaps you are unable to attend due to conflicts with class, labs, or work. What do you do then? Luckily, career expos are not the be all and end all of job search strategies. They are just one piece of a comprehensive job search plan.

Plan B

Step 1: Tiger Recruiting Link(TRL) Career Events
Review the list of companies attending each event. Make a note of the companies that expressed interest in your major and that you want to research. Also, see if the company provided a Recruiting Contact (name and/or email) in the expo registration. This information will be in the bottom right corner of the page, if provided. The registration/profile is a great starting point to conducting your research into the company, its products and services, and hiring needs.

Step 2: Information Sessions
Several companies have scheduled information sessions following the career expos and throughout the semester. Look under the Events tab and Information Sessions in TRL to see the list of scheduled events. Information sessions are a great way to learn more about a specific company and its career opportunities as well as meet and network with recruiters and employees. Take the time to introduce yourself to the representatives before or after the presentation.

Step 3: Jobs/Interviews Postings
Many companies attending the expos post job openings in TRL and come back to Auburn later in the semester to conduct interviews. Use the Jobs tab to search and apply for both jobs and on-campus interview positions. Also, visit the companies’ career websites to apply for openings. Look for links on the websites to college, new grad, or university recruiting. This will contain hiring information geared specifically toward college students.

Step 4: Follow-up
Draft a prospecting letter (Career Handbook, pg 31) to send the recruiting contacts gathered in Step 1. This letter will include, in written form, your pitch/elevator speech and helps you market your best qualities. Also, inform the contact that though you were unable to attend the career expo, you are interested in his/her company for xyz reason(s). These reasons should be specific to each company. Keep the email/letter short and to the point and maintain focus on highlighting your value as a candidate. If the company is coming back to campus for an information session and/or on-campus interviews, express your interest in meeting them at that time (Make sure you follow through).
Email Etiqutte Tips *Avoid sending a resume attachment by email without asking permission from the contact first.

If you are unable to attend the career expos this year, don’t view it as a shot to the job search jugular. Instead take action and find other opportunities for networking and reaching out to employers.

Auburn Student Job Search - Get Cookin'

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Mantooth) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:10:00 PDT

This week I had the privilege of attending my first Career Center event (Get Cookin’ with the Career Center). The weather was not quite like I expected, but I survived and had a good time. Many students just came out for the free hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers (which I tried for the first time), chips and drinks. But the Career Center also had different employers stationed around for students to network with.

What was so great about this networking opportunity was that the employers were genuinely interested in getting to know the students. Through my interaction with them I realized they weren't these mean people sitting on the other side of the desk, glaring at me and asking me impossible questions as I had envisioned. They were real people...who want to recruit Auburn students...and do so with smiles on their faces.

If you too weren't aware that the Career Center provides several of these more casual networking events (view Information Sessions on TRL) and more formal networking events like Career Expo, I encourage you to research and attend these events! I had the opportunity to ask two employers why they were at the cookout, so check out this video to learn more!

Paige Robinson '12
Career Center Intern