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Career Fair Dress & Etiquette - How to Present Yourself at the Career Fair

hvos — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:33:01 +0000

Make a Good First Impression
If you are planning to attend the Fall Career Fair, November 12 at the EMU, you’re probably wondering what to wear. As you may have guessed, this is not the time to wear your jeans, hoodie and flip-flops. Focus on making a good first impression. While the employers may be coming to your environment, they are wondering how you would fit into their environment. You want to look like the kind of person who would be an asset to their organization.

How to Dress?
We recommend business casual: unwrinkled cotton trousers with a belt, a pressed long-sleeved shirt or nice polo shirt, and leather shoes (not athletic shoes) or a skirt (but not a mini and not too tight), a tailored blouse or tailored sweater or sweater set, and dress shoes (not athletic shoes). A simple knee-length or longer dress is also appropriate (in plain colored, not patterned materials, with no velvet or shimmery fabrics). Showing cleavage is not appropriate.

Looking for visual examples of business casual? Become a fan of the University of Oregon Career Center on Facebook and check out our online album of business casual appropriate items.

Can I Be More Formal?
People who dress in business formal and wear a suit may gain points with some recruiters who will be impressed by a strong desire to get a job. Business formal includes a suit with a shirt and tie, belt and leather shoes or a pant-suit or skirt-suit with a blouse or top, hose, and pumps.

It is important to be well groomed (face clean, hair clean and neat) and wear minimal jewelry. Leave the backpack behind and try to travel light -- carry just a portfolio with your resumes in it. Turn off your cell phone while you are at the Fair.

What Do I Do at the Career Fair?
When you arrive, get a map of the ballroom showing where employer tables are located. Head to the ones you want to visit. Walk up to the recruiter(s) and introduce yourself, shaking hands firmly if they extend their hand. Explain that you read about their organization and would like to learn more. Be polite and attentive. Offer your resume and ask for their business card (this way you'll have their e-mail address when it comes time to write a thank-you note).

If you wish to apply for a position, ask them about the application process. Some may direct you to apply online. This is increasingly common and not a sign that they are not interested! The recuiter you meet at the fair may well be the one reviewing online applications, and it will be beneficial to you to have had face time with them. If others are waiting to talk to the recruiter stay long enough to get the information you want, but do not monopolize the recruiters’ time. For examples of more questions you may want to ask a recruiter visit our online guide to the Fall Fair.

And then?
After the fair, be sure to send thank-you notes to the recruiters you met thanking them for talking with you and expressing your continued interest in their organization. Remember, meeting a recruiter at a career fair is just the beginning of forming a relationship that may lead to a job. How you present yourself is an integral part of maximizing that relationship.

So You Want My Job?: The Power of a Social Science Degree

mika — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:18:01 +0000

Last night the Career Center, in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences, UO Libraries and the UO Alumni Association, presented “So You Want My Job?” a panel discussion featuring recent UO grads from Social Science majors.

Larry Singell, associate dean of Social Sciences, provided introductory remarks focused on illuminating the skill development and collateral learning that comes with pursuing a degree in the Social Sciences. He expanded on how valuable the knowledge students develop at University of Oregon is to potential employers. Students from Social Science majors graduate with the ability to think analytically and creatively, synthesize information, deal effectively with ambiguity, and to research and retrieve information.

The program then focused on a question and answer period with our panelists mediated by Deb Chereck, director of the Career Center. Our panelists included:

Shawn Halsey (2001, Political Science), emergency management communications coordinator, Umatilla County
Amy Lodholz (2005, Environmental Studies), event and volunteer coordinator, A.C. Newberg Area Habitat for Humanity
Jennifer Matteson (1992, International Studies), course developer, Xerox
Carmen Rubio (1999, Political Science), executive director, Latino Network

Despite being from a variety of types of organizations, the panelists all had some similar advice to share with students:

Get involved. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you here at University of Oregon outside of the classroom. Join a group, pursue a leadership position, work with a professor. Discover what you’re passionate about.

Volunteer. It’s a great way to build up your resume and test out different interest areas and you’ll meet lots of new people. The UO’s Service Learning Program is a great place to learn about volunteer opportunities available to students

Network. Whether it’s someone you volunteer or internship with, friends, family or a new connection you’ve met for an informational interview, people are almost always excited and willing to help someone else succeed. The Career Center can help you become comfortable with networking etiquette and has some great networking events coming up including The Art of Conversation and the Fall Career Fair.

Identify your strengths. As Larry Singell pointed out in his introduction, successful people aren’t ususally the best at one thing. Most often, they are in the top twenty-five percent of a few different skill areas. The Career Center can help you discover where your strengths lie and get you ready to express those strengths to potential employers.

“So You Want My Job?” was an inspiring presentation and hopefully put at ease some of the anxieties that students are feeling about entering the job market. A Liberal Arts degree really does prepare you for the world of work and the Career Center can help you learn to express your passions and skills to potential employers.

Don’t worry if you weren’t able to attend last night. We will present a “So You Want My Job?” both Winter (Thursday, February 11, 2010 focused on Science majors) and Spring (Tuesday, May 4, 2010 focused on Humanities majors) terms too. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events or in the Career Center office (220 Hendricks Hall) sometime soon.

The Elevator Speech - 30 Seconds to an Interview!

rguerra — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:03:01 +0000

The Fall Career Fair is approaching and everyone keeps saying you need to be prepared. So you’ve perfected your resume and have a general idea of the type of position that will use your skills. Now, how do you work the fair and set yourself apart from the competition? One strategy is to develop your “elevator speech.”

An elevator speech is a clear, brief message or “commercial” about you. It communicates who you are, what you’re looking for and how you can benefit a company or organization. It’s typically about 30 seconds, the time it takes people to ride from the top to the bottom of a building in an elevator. (The idea behind having an elevator speech is that you are prepared to share this information with anyone, at anytime, even in an elevator.) At the fair, you can use your speech to introduce yourself to employers. It is important to have your speech memorized and practiced. Rehearse your 30 second elevator speech with a friend or in front of a mirror. The important thing is to practice it out loud. You want it to sound natural. Get comfortable with what you have to say so you can breeze through it when the time comes.

What information might you include in your elevator speech for the fair? Consider sharing your name, year in school, major skills and career goals. Include personal information only if it is relevant to the work for which you are applying. Here are some examples to help you get started developing your 30 second elevator speech.

Examples:

Hi, my name is Samantha Atcheson, and I am a senior Environmental Sciences major. I’m looking for a position that will allow me to use my research and analysis skills. Over the past few years, I’ve been strengthening these skills through my work with a local watershed council on conservation strategies to support water quality and habitats. Eventually, I’d like develop education programs on water conservation awareness. I read that your organization is involved in water quality projects. Can you tell me how someone with my experience may fit into your organization?

Nice to meet you, I’m Alex Biondo. I’m currently a senior and am studying Computer and Information Science. I hope to become a computer programmer when I graduate. I’ve had a couple of internships where I worked on several program applications with a project team. I enjoy developing computer applications for simple business solutions. The position you have listed in UO-JobLink seems like it would be a perfect fit for someone with my skills. I’d like to hear more about the type of project teams in your organization.

You are always welcome to meet individually with a career counselor to discuss crafting your own elevator speech or ask any other questions. To make an appointment call 541-346-3235 or e-mail career@uoregon.edu. Please contact us anytime Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photo from Flickr by tatejohnson

Making the Most of a Networking Event

cwilsey — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:03:02 +0000

We’ve all heard the phrase that “someone found a job because they knew someone.” This is the essence of one of the most effective job search strategies: NETWORKING. Connecting with people in a career area of interest allows you to gain valuable information about a particular career, company, and/or industry while letting that person learn more about you. In a networking conversation, you are able to discuss your strengths and interests in perhaps, a more informal way.

Networking also helps you prepare for the interview process and prepares you to answer crucial questions asked during an interview. If the person with whom you are networking is an employee of the company you are interested in, they might “put in a good word” for you. The more you talk to professionals in your career area of interest, the easier it’s going to be when you actually have a formal job interview.

The Career Center is hosting several upcoming events designed to help you practice your networking skills and increase your confidence:

Preparing for the Career Fair - November 4, 2009 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Career Center Conference Room (220 Hendricks Hall).
So You Want My Job? - November 5, 2009 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Knight Library Browsing Room.
The Art of Conversation - November 11, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Gerlinger Alumni Lounge. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Register online.
Fall Career Fair - November 12, 2009 from noon - 5 p.m. in the EMU Ballroom.
Currently, there are over 60 company representatives who are interested in hiring UO students!!!

You are ALWAYS welcome to meet individually with a career counselor to discuss your questions, brainstorm ideas and prepare for any career related activity. To make an appointment call 541-346-3235 or e-mail career@uoregon.edu. Please contact us anytime Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photo from Flickr by Joe Shlabotnik

Employer Expectations - How to Make the Best First Impression at the Fall Career Fair

amandad — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:33:01 +0000

Imagine that it’s the day of the Fall Career Fair, you’ve just stepped into the Ballroom, and you’ve found an employer that you want to speak with, but now what!? What is the employer looking for, how do you make a good impression?

When it comes to Career Fairs, one thing you can trust is that employers are here to look for qualified UO candidates for their employment opportunities. It’s good to know the room full of people is actually there to recruit. So hold your head up high and dive in, but before you do, it’s important to know what the employers are expecting. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to make the most of your conversation with recruiters.

Research: Employers are excited when you know a little bit about them. There’s a huge difference between a student who says, “So…what kind of jobs do you have?” and the student who comes up and says, “I’ve read about your management training program and feel that my past leadership skills would be a great asset to your company, are you currently hiring?” Download the Career Fair Guide here and take a look a detailed directory of employers and their information and begin your research.

Ask the Right Questions: Okay, okay, you meant to research, but you just didn’t have time. How can you still make a good impression and find out about available positions? Ask the right questions. Here’s a good approach, “Hi my name is Mandy and I’m a junior majoring in computer science and I’m really interested in finding an internship this summer where I can use my technical skills, do you offer IT internships?” Let’s say you don’t really know exactly what you want to do, and just want to find an interesting job. Think of a few skills you have that the employer would like, “Hi my name is Mandy and I’m a Business major. I’m graduating in June and I enjoy problem solving and working with customers, what types of entry level opportunities do you offer recent graduates?”

Find out the Next Steps! So you’ve had a great conversation, don’t leave it with a handshake and a “it was great to meet you!”. Find out those next steps. Give the recruiter your resume or ask if they have an online application process, then ask what the next step is or if you can follow up with them. It’s always smart to leave with their business card. If you know the employer is interviewing on campus soon (you can tell by the yellow balloons above their table at the Career Fair) and you are interested in an interview, let the recruiter know that you are very interested in interviewing with their company and look forward to hearing back. Wait to be invited to interview; it’s not proper etiquette to ask for an interview.

Thank the Recruiter: Because you’ve left with their business card and have their e-mail address, send them a brief email to say it was a pleasure to meet them and say thank you. Acknowledge if you’ve completed the next step. Example: “I’ve finished my online application” and “I look forward to hearing back from you soon.”

If you are unsure or would like some tips on approaching recruiters, be sure to ASK THE CAREER CENTER. We will be available the day of the Career Fair in the EMU Gumwood room (right next to the Career Fair) to answer any questions, strategize with you and offer assistance.

Career Success: Jeseika Mitchell with the Sherwin-Williams Company

amandad — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:18:01 +0000

Career Success: Jeseika Mitchell with the Sherwin-Williams Company

You know who you are: the driven, self-motivated type who can't wait to make things happen. Well, if it's a career path you're looking for, Sherwin-Williams is a great place to start. That’s what Jeseika Mitchell, a University of Oregon graduate, was looking for when she was nearing graduation last year. After completing the company’s Management/Sales Training Program, she is now an Assistant Manager at a Sherwin-Williams store in Bend. Jeseika’s responsibilities include managing day-to-day store operations, training employees, handling store merchandising, assisting in developing her store’s annual sales plan, and handling her store’s accounts receivable function. In her words, Jeseika enjoys working at Sherwin-Williams because “everyday I feel like my hard work pays off. No diligent effort I make goes unnoticed.”

Attracted to the company because of its opportunities for advancement, Jeseika felt that her experience in the Management /Sales Training Program prepared her for the challenges of running a paint store and loved that she was able to learn something new everyday while having fun at work. She says she felt comfortable in the program because of the support of successful managers who had been in the same boat.

Jeseika was very active during her time at UO, working two part-time jobs and participating in a variety of campus activities. She recommends that other college students do the same and start discovering their strengths before they graduate. “Working and being involved in extracurricular activities provides you the opportunity to sharpen your skills, discover your talents and prepares you for a rewarding and enjoyable career,” Jeseika says.

Sherwin-Williams is searching for other Ducks seeking internship and career opportunities. For more information, please visit Sherwin-Williams' website or stop by the UO Career Fair on November 12 to speak with John Holman and Jessica Weher - two other University of Oregon graduates working for Sherwin-Williams!

Which Employers Will Be at the Fall Career Fair? Start Researching Today!

koler — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:48:02 +0000

*** This is part of the Student to Job Seeker Series. Keep an eye out for future posts that will guide you through the sometimes difficult transition from being a student to an active and successful job seeker.

The Fall Career Fair is only eleven days away. Dozens of companies and organizations will be showing up on Thursday, November 12 ready to take resumes and hire University of Oregon students so it is best to narrow down who you are interested in and where they will be at in the fair.

Start your research with the searchable list of participating employers or our downloadable guide to the fair.

There are a multitude of employers from a variety of industries hiring for multiple positions. You will save yourself a lot of time and effort mapping out which company or organization you are definitely interested in applying with and what ones you have questions for. You want to also make sure the company or organization you are interested in is looking for someone with your skills or your major.

An important thing to remember is that not all employers are not hiring for just one kind of position. It takes a lot of people with lots of different jobs and job skills to make a company or organization run efficiently.

Example:

Insurance companies are not always JUST hiring for insurance adjusters. They have marketing and sales positions, IT positions, management and administrative positions, event planning and hospitality positions.

Some of the companies like PECI, The Oregon Department of Revenue, Regence, CampusPoint and many, many more are looking for all kinds of different job applicants with a variety of different jobs skills.

Keep an open mind and don't count out a particular employer until you read everything they are hiring for. They might be looking for someone just like you!

Copies of the employer list and a map of the employer tables will be provided when you check-in for your convenience.

REMEMBER TO:

Dress professionally (Keep an eye out for our comprehensive upcoming blog about business casual!)
Bring copies of your resume
Come prepared to schedule an interview with the employer(s) of your choice

If you have any questions about the Fall Career Fair or any of the employers, please contact us anytime Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photo from Flickr by Stéfan

Roadtrip Nation is Coming to Campus!

koler — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:33:01 +0000

Roadtrip Nation, a public television and webisode series, is coming to campus Tuesday, November 10 and they will be bringing with them their huge green RV and a message of self-discovery and growth through interviewing the nation’s most inspiring people.

About Roadtrip Nation
Started in the summer of 2001 by a group of students who hypothesized that one way to figure out what you want to do with your life and who you want to be is to interview “people who are doing what they love, then ask them how they got there.” That group traveled 17,000 miles and interviewed 85 “eclectic” people, including former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Now what they have done has transformed their passion into Roadtrip Nation and a movement that “encourages students to hit the road in search of interviews with people who have defined their own distinct routes through life.”

Roadtrip nation is now broadcasted nationally through PBS and has been picked up by over 200 local stations including PBS’s Oregon’s affiliate OPB. They are now in their sixth season and are taking applicants for their seventh.

Roadtrip Nation’s Behind The Wheel Program and Independent Roadtrip Grants
Behind the Wheel is Roadtrip Nation’s flagship program. Each year students apply in teams of three for the chance to travel in one of the Roadtrip Nation’s Green RVs each summer. The winning teams of students get to choose their routes and book their own interviews, with Roadtrip Nation’s film crew along for the ride to film the trip and interviews for the annual Roadtrip Nation PBS Series.

Roadtrip Nation’s Independent Roadtrip Grant Program offers funding for independent student roadtrips. Students apply online, proposing where they want to go and who they want to interview on their trip. If they receive a grant, their work will be hosted and presented by Roadtrip Nation on their website. The grants are furnished by State Farm Insurance.

Roadtrip Nation Information Session

What: Roadtrip Nation will be spreading the word about their Behind the Wheel Program and Independent Roadtrip Grant Program.
When: Tuesday November 10
Time: 11a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Mills International Center (EMU)

Roadtrip Nation RV Tours

What: This event will include a screening from the Indie Roadtrip team, PDX2DC, as well as music, food, and RV tours.
When: Tuesday November 10
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: EMU Amphitheater (13^th & University Street)

If you have any questions about these events, please contact the Career Center at 541-346-3235 anytime Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Career Fair is Fast Approaching! - Is Your Resume Going to Make a Good First Impression?

hvos — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:18:01 +0000

Resumes and Online Applications

The UO Fall Career Fair is coming November 12, and NOW is the time to create or tune up your resume. Especially if you are a junior or senior, think about this important marketing tool. As you begin the process of searching for a job or internship, you’ll want to have a well-crafted resume to impress potential employers. It can also be helpful if an employer directs you to fill out an online application - your information has already been carefully organized on your resume!

Basic Guidelines for Writing a Strong Resume:

It should be one full page; organized, easy to read and not overly full.
The margins can be from ¾” to 1” all around.
The type size should be 10, 11, or 12 point, (although your name may be in 14 point font).
It should be free of spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.
Your resume should accurately summarize your education, skills, and accomplishments.
The most popular resume format, and the one preferred by most employers, is reverse chronological – listing your most recent education and experience first.
The section headers should be in all CAPS and BOLDED.

The resume sections you must include, in order, are:

Contact Information: your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. DO NOT use e-mail addresses that may be inappropriate (EX: “partyboy@yahoo.com”).

Education: Begin with the degree you are pursuing and your expected graduation date. Include the name of the University, the city, state (abbrev), your major, minor, and GPA (optional). You may also include relevant coursework, study abroad, and honors.

Experience: Start with your most recent or current experience first. You can include paid work, internships, leadership roles (in student government, campus or community groups, sports teams), and volunteer positions. The first line for each entry is the position, organization, city, state and dates. It is followed by bullet point statements describing the skills you used and your accomplishments.

Optional sections on your resume include SKILLS (Computer, Languages, Special Equipment, and Certifications), ACTIVITIES, and INTERESTS.

You can find much more information and several examples in the Career Center downloadable Resume and Cover Letter Guide at here.

REMEMBER: Your resume alone won’t get you a job, but it may get you an interview. The Career Center is hosting a special Pre-Career Fair Resume Workshop on Monday, November 9 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Career Center Conference Room. Please register today.

You can also schedule an appointment at the Career Center before the Career Fair to have your resume reviewed. Contact us anytime Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (541)346-3235.

What if you work really hard to craft your resume, take it to the Career Fair and a recruiter tells you to fill out an online application? Don’t worry, this is common. Asking you to submit your information to online databases is how many employers today manage applicant information. Having your resume ready will make it easier to fill out these applications. Bringing several copies of your resume with you when you attend the Career Fair shows employers you are prepared – the first step in making a good impression!

Photo from Flickr by Mooganic

"So You Want My Job?" - a panel discussion by Social Science graduates

mika — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:33:01 +0000

Confused on what you can do with your liberal arts degree or having a difficult time narrowing down your options? Come hear a panel of Oregon Alumni and professionals discuss how they found themselves in surprising careers with their liberal arts degrees. Susan de la Vergne will also be speaking on liberal arts degrees at the event "Nothing Prepares You for Leadership Like the Liberal Arts" on Tuesday, Novemeber 17.

"So You Want My Job?" Panelists

Shawn Halsey
Umatilla County, Emergency Management Communications Coordinator
University of Oregon 2001 Graduate, Political Science

Amy Lodholz
Newberg Area Habitat for Humanity, Event and Volunteer Coordinator
University of Oregon 2005 Graduate, Environmental Studies

Jennifer Matteson
Xerox, Course Developer
University of Oregon 1992 Graduate, International Studies

Carmen Rubio
Latino Network, Executive Director
University of Oregon 2007 Graduate, Political Science

Todd Werdebaugh
20th Century Fox Entertainment, Director of Sales
University of Oregon 1990 Graduate, Political Science

These professionals will discuss their experiences in getting to their current positions and give valuable advice from what they have learned along the way. The discussion will help answer questions, ground expectations, and demonstrate that a path based on the pursuit of growth and learning will help you realize your goals, even if your first job is not necessarily your dream job.

"So You Want My Job?"

When: Thursday, November 5
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Knight Library Browsing Room

Don't forget to Register!

If you would like to get a feeling for what the event is like, please check out our video of last spring's "So You Want My Job?" panel.