Two key ingredients for a successful job interview are self-esteem and confidence. Read Career Intelligence blogger Carol Martin’s advice on how to take charge of the interview process in her posting titled “Oprah, Lady Gaga, and Your Interview.”
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) just released results of their hiring projections for students graduating this spring… and the good news is that employers are planning to hire 19.3% more new college grads in 2010-11 than they did in 2009-10. Last fall, a similar survey had projected only 13.5%.
The summary of the survey’s results includes skills and qualities employers are seeking in candidates. Verbal skills are ranked as number one; other high-ranking qualitiies include the ability to make decisions and solve problems, and the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work.
Read other highlites of the NACE hiring survey at Job Outlook: Hiring up 19.3 Percent This Year
When we the last time you revised your resume? Proud of it now? Great! Now make sure to replace any old resumes you uploaded in jobsites.
One of my colleagues prepares for an appointment with a student by looking at their resume in RamblerLink. When the student presents a wonderful new version, she asks why their old resume is still in RamblerLink. More often than not, they have completely forgotten they uploaded their resume. Unfortunately, if they had selected to include their resume in a filtered or opt-in resume books, their old poorly-constructed resume may have already made a bad impression with those employers who have access to the books.
In addition to our own RamblerLink system (in which all Loyola students have accounts), lots of other websites ask you to upload your resume. It’s important to keep a record of these different websites so you can keep your information and resume current.
In this fast-paced, technology-driven world formality is often overlooked as we jump from one task to the other. Entire conversations take place on three-inch screens using acronyms that would frustrate the most seasoned code breaking intelligence agent. While some things have changed in the way we communicate a simple “thank you” can go a long way in your job search.
Keep these tips in mind:
• Make sure to get a business card or contact information from each person you meet. Start a file that includes any cards or handouts you collect from the people you meet.
• Buy some professional cards and envelopes. When you have an interview or do any type of sit-down meeting get a feel for the people you are talking to. Some people appreciate the real thing over the electronic version. Administrative assistants might also give you some valuable insight into this if you remember to ask before you go.
• Be prompt. Try to get this done and out within twenty-four hours of meeting with someone.
• Individualize the note. Make sure that you bring up something from the interview or discussion that you had with the person. This isn’t the time to use a form letter; show that you are an attentive listener and ready to meet the needs that they expressed.
• Do this frequently and strategically. Send a “thank you” when you meet someone at a career fair, after an interview, even after they offer you the position. If you are grateful let them know how much you appreciate it.
This is a simple task that when done consistently can only help your chances of getting an interview or, even better, landing a job.
–Matt Lawson, Graduate Intern
This article from the Chronicle of Higher Education provides a useful reminder that our students and alumni are increasingly being asked to submit a CV for job applications outside of colleges and universities. Traditionally the province of academics, the curriculum vitae can be viewed, in this author’s words, as “an autobiography of your scholarly accomplishments.” Unlike a resume, which is normally limited to 1-2 pages, the CV may be quite a bit longer, depending on your discipline; however, it can still be written to highlight different aspects of your experience depending on the job you are targeting.
The advisors at the Career Development Center are happy to meet with you to discuss the appropriate content for your CV. In addition, we always encourage students to speak with their faculty to solicit sample CVs as an additional resource.
CareerBuilding just came out with their new list of common and some unusual interview mistakes, and some of their unusual examples were rather weird. (“Tossing his beer can in the outside trashcan before coming into the reception office”? Whited-out diploma?)
But the main reason I’m writing is because of the interview reminders included at the end.
You can read the whole CareerBuilder article at CareerBuilder.
Ever think about all of the different types of internet marketing careers? Graphic design, web design, product advertising, web hosting, forum posting, and article writing are some of the potential careers you may wish to explore.
Learn more about this possible careers in internet marketing in JobsJournal.com’s recent posting “An Emerging Career as an Internet Marketer”.
It sure is hard to think about summer when it’s 17 degrees outside and the sidewalks are covered with ice and snow, but the application deadlines for some really great summer internships are rapidly approaching. For example:
Takeda Pharmaceuticals will hold on-campus interviews for its incredible paid internships on February 7th, and their application deadline is February 1st.
American Cancer Society’s Patricia Sanderson Memorial College Internship Program (paid PR internship) deadline is February 14th.
City of Chicago Mayor’s Office Fellowship Program – Summer 2011 deadline is February 11.
National Institutes of Health Office of Intramural Training and Training’s Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research deadline is March 1.
Don’t miss out on really incredible internship opportunities with early application deadlines. For more information about these and lots of other great internship opportunities, start searching Loyola’s RamblerLink today.
A favorite blogger of mine, Toni Bowers, just posted another winner – “Five Ways to Risk Failure and Improve Your Career.” She discusses ways to use failure to advance your career that seem like wonderful tips for job seekers in today’s difficult market.
I particularly love her closing paragraph:
Bottom line, the fastest way to succeed in your career is to allow yourself to fail — early and often. The more new avenues you try and the more often you try them, the more you’ll learn about your passions, talents, and ambitions
.
Read Toni’s entire blog, along with comments at blogs.techrepublic.com.com/career/?p=2685&tag=nl.e124
Under30CEO recently polled its readership to determine the top 10 U.S. cities for young entrepreneurs based on the best resources, schools, events, climate and social scene. New York was rated top city, and Chicago came in 6th. They liked our beaches, but didn’t care for our “Windy City” nickname.
Take a look at the other cities making the list at Top 10 Cities for Young Entrepreneurs in 2010.