Get Your Competitive Edge!

By Anita Manuel, Program Manager

Welcome back SJSU students! We have some essential tips to making your time at SJSU successful and productive. It’s no secret that these are competitive times. You have a lot on your plate and the last thing you need is to worry about how to fight the competition for a part time job, internship or career opportunity. So, be sure to connect with the Career Center so that we can help you eliminate your competition and reach your goals.
Top 3 Reasons to Connect with the Career Center:

1. Get VIP Access

Part of getting you an edge on the competition is to have exclusive access to employers.  So we actually bring the employers to you!  We host weekly events on-campus where registered SJSU students can meet directly with employers for internships, jobs, and part-time opportunities related to various majors. We also have an exclusive job/internship database—SpartaJobs, which is only available to current SJSU students and registered alumni (meaning this information is not shared with other students or groups outside of SJSU).  SpartaJobs has more than 1258 open positions, NOW!  If you want to take full advantage of VIP Access then be sure to attend one of our Job Fair Success Workshops (available live & online) to get Early Bird access to our Job & Internship Expo on March 8th (@the Event Center).
2. Tap into Insider Information

When you register with the Career Center you are able to select various ways to receive our most current information on jobs, internships and events related to your major or interest. The only way to receive these email or text notifications is to access your free account online with us. Once you are registered with the Career Center you can also set up e-notifications for results of your targeted job search criteria and results will be sent to you as often as you’d like. Remember, only registered SJSU students have access to our SpartaJobs database, job fairs and on-campus events which means that the employers we connect with want to specifically recruit SJSU students. We also share the latest tips and hot jobs through our social media networks so be sure to like our Facebook Fanpage, Twitter feed (@sjsucareercntr), and Blog.
3. Find your Career Jedi

And finally, the most important reason to connect with us…find your own personal Career Jedi.! We have a team of very talented and dedicated career counselors who specialize by major/college and can help you develop your personal career strategy. No matter where you are in the process: from choosing a major to finding a career path to writing a resume and job search tips, we are happy to schedule an appointment with you to help you reach your goals. We also offer various workshops to help you perfect certain skills: resume writing, job search, interviewing and many more…check our career calendar for dates and times.
Remember, you are not alone! There may be a lot of competition out there but we are confident that we can help you stand out from the crowd and impress employers with your knowledge and skills. So what are you waiting for? Get your edge on!

Anita has worked in the career counseling and higher education field for the past 10 years.  She has worked in the recruiting field as well as internship program management for higher education.  Anita works with students on all career related topics and specializes in development of creative programs to support career education.

Tis’ the season to network!

by Anita Manuel, M.A.Program Manager & Career Counselor

You’ve heard it a million times.   The best way to get a job or internship is through your network.  But, where to begin?  In the past two weeks I’ve attended several networking meetings, mixers and also presented workshops on networking and I have to say there a few themes that standout in making the whole “networking” experience successful.

1. Don’t make it complicated.  Networking is just a fancy word for talking to people you already know and developing new relationships.  It’s about connecting with your current friends, family members and colleagues but with the intention of letting them know what it is you are looking for and asking for their assistance in reaching that goal.

2. Pay it forward. The people who I met over the last two weeks that were most memorable or unique were the ones who actually cared about what my needs were as well as sharing their needs with me.  In other words, it’s not all about you!  Kindness and generosity go a long way.   The holidays are perfect time to reconnect with people in your current network and thank them for their support or their friendship.  In return, they will ask what you are up to–and this is your chance to share what you are seeking.  Example:

You:  “Hey Uncle John, it’s so good to see you.  How’ve you been?  I loved seeing your family photos on Facebook.  How are things with work and your family?

Uncle John:  “Oh thanks for asking…things are going great and I’m super busy trying to juggle work and being a new dad. What are you up to, how’s school?

You:  “Wow, I can imagine you have a lot on your plate.  If you ever need a break I’m happy to babysit sometime (offering something first!).  School’s actually going really well and I love my XYZ class.  Only challenge is now that I know what I really like I’m not sure how to get an internship or some experience.  How did you get started in your career? (asking for information second!)

Uncle John: “I totally understand.  What kind of internship are you looking for? You know what, our company hires HR interns OR…”you know what I have a good buddy who works in HR, I can connect you two if you want…”

Simple, but you just networked!

3. Make time to reach out.  I hear many people say, “I just don’t have time to network.”  Truth is…You do! Are you on Facebook?  Are you on LinkedIn? Do you tweet?  Social networking has made it very easy to connect and stay in touch.  Once you reconnect with some people on-line be sure to make some time to meet in person.  Social networking is great, but face-to face networking is still important to making meaningful relationships.  Plus, it’s the holidays, everyone is home or visiting and it’s the perfect time to meet up with people in your network

4. How do I meet new people? This by far is the hardest part of the networking process—making new contacts.  The key is to identify what you are looking for and figure out what you might have in common with other people.  As a student the number one thing you have in common with a large base of people is your university affiliation.  That’s right, the best group of people to reach out to is alumni.  Alumni have an understanding of what you are going through as a student, have professional connections and are willing to help you learn more about their careers and offer advice.  Go to www.linkedin.com today, make your profile (it’s easy and free) and then join some groups related to your major and field of interest.  If you search for SJSU in the group search box you will find over 100 SJSU related groups that are open to SJSU students.  These group forums post discussions on industry trends, job and internship opportunities and offer you a way to connect with “your people.”  **Remember, this is a professional network, it’s not Facebook, keep it clean and professional.

5. Say thank you and follow up!  If you do meet new people take the initiative to follow up with them and thank them for their time or shared resources.  Again, of those people that I met over the last two weeks the ones that I remember and want to continue to support in my network were those who sent me an email or follow up message.  The super stars also shared something helpful related to what I had stated I was seeking…for example, an interesting article or name of a person I should follow up with.  You can be sure that in the future I will not only remember who they are but will do my best to be helpful to them as well.

 Feeling inspired to connect? Check out these networking groups and resources:

 www.linkedin.com

www.meetup.com

www.workit.com

www.everycricle.com

Anita has worked in the career counseling and higher education field for the past 10 years.  She has worked in the recruiting field as well as internship program management for higher education.  Anita works with students on all career related topics and specializes in development of creative programs to support career education.

Top 5 tips for Job Fair Success!

Follow these tips in preparation for the Job & Internship Fair this Tuesday, Oct. 4 (12-4pm) @ the Event Center.  134 employers eager to meet with SJSU students and alumni. (Please bring your current SJSU tower card or career center membership card (for alumni) for admittance).

1. Do your homework! Research employers that will be attending the fair. Who are the top 5-10 employers that you want to speak with?  Be certain to review their websites, the positions they are recruiting for (available on SpartaJobs), and check for any recent news articles about the company.  Know what the organization does, who their customers are, what their mission is, and what (if applicable) their products are.  This will help you with tips 2 and 3!
2. Prepare targeted resumes! Using the information you gathered from your research, prepare targeted resumes for each of the organizations you are interested in speaking with.  Utilize class projects, volunteer work, internships and part time work to demonstrate how your skills match their position. Need help?  Check out our 8 minute resume tutorial for tips and sample resumes! And don’t forget to prepare some general resumes for employers you connect with that may not be on your top 5-10 list.
3. Practice your one minute commercial! Do you know what you want to say when you get in front of an employer?  The one minute commercial will help you to briefly share with an employer your interest in their organization, and how you can add value.  Your research will help you to tailor your experience to their organization.  Remember, this is a way to start a conversation, not a speech to be memorized.  Watch for nonverbal cues from the employer to indicate when to take a breath and let the employer ask you a question. Keep in mind, the question they ask will likely relate to the information you were planning on sharing!  Need help with your one minute commercial or want to see an example?  Check out our online Job Fair Success Workshop.  Log into SpartaJobs at www.careercenter.sjsu.edu for access.
4. Dress the part! Part of presenting yourself to an employer is ensuring that your appearance is polished and professional.  That means business or business casual dress, neat hair and nails, and no perfume or cologne. Leave your backpack at home and instead organize your materials (resume, cover letter, calendar and Tower Card) in a professional folder. For more tips on professional dress check out http://www.careercenter.sjsu.edu/students/launch/Business_etiquette/dress4success/dress4success.html
5. Take a deep breath! Remember, employers who are attending the fair are interested in networking and getting to know you!  While you may not receive a job offer at the fair, this is an opportunity to make an impression and put a face with your resume.  Take a deep breath, shake off your nerves and approach your top employers one at a time.  Be certain to thank each employer before moving on and ask for a way to follow up.  This way you can send a thank you email to each employer after the fair.

Once the fair is over, set up a system to keep track of follow up activities like thank you notes, positions you have applied for online, and next steps.  If you need additional help with your job or internship search, make an appointment with one of our career consultants by logging into SpartaJobs and clicking “request a counseling appointment”. We’re here to help you succeed!
Best of luck at the fair!

Top 5 Resume Tips – Does your resume pass the test?

by Jill Klees, Employment Specialist

1. Accomplishments: You need to stand out from other applicants. Do this by writing accomplishment statements. Employers want to know WHAT you did, HOW you did it and the SKILLS you used. Include the RESULT or OUTCOME too.

For example, write this, “Raised $20,000 for research by establishing and implementing a new auction format which drew over 7,000 people” not this, “Responsible for fundraising tasks.”

2. Tailor: Each resume must support the skills and qualifications listed on the job description. Demonstrate how YOU are the perfect match. Avoid writing one generic resume. Employers want you to tailor your documents for their organization and their position.

3. Personal Brand: Your resume is your marketing tool and a representation of YOU. Think about what sets you apart from other candidates. Show your uniqueness through class projects, volunteer, internship, or community service opportunities; examples of leadership or involvement in student organizations; or by quantifying results and focusing on accomplishments.

4. Proofread: Read over your final draft using an eye for detail. One single typo can be enough for a recruiter to pass you by. Careful proofreading demonstrates your attention to detail. Have someone other than yourself proof read your resume to find errors that you may have missed.

5. Visual Appeal: Hiring managers will read your resume. It should look attractive, be easy to read, and have well-organized content. It should be professional and have a consistent flow of tailored information. Use the white space on your page evenly and choose a font size between 10-12 points and a font style that has clean lines like Times New Roman, Arial, Verdana, or Calibri.

SAVE THE DATE: Resume Blast – Sept. 29 @ 1:00 to 4:00 in Loma Prieta.  Put these tips into practice and get your resume critiqued at this event.

Jill Klees is a SJSU Career Center liaison to the College of Engineering, Dept. of Computer Science, and the School of Library & Information Science. She is highly skilled in resume writing and helping students determine their unique talents and strengths.

What does SUCCESS mean to you?

by Anita Manuel, M.A.  

Program Manager, Career Consultant

“Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.” Dale Carnegie

So, we all want to be successful AND happy, right? But do you really know what you want? And once you achieve it, will it make you happy? 

The pursuit of happiness and it’s relation to success and work are not new concepts and have been studied closely by many researchers over the years.  In particular, The General Social Survey (GSS), supported by the National Science Foundation, has conducted “happiness and work” surveys since 1972 (University of Chicago News Office).  Approximately 30,000 Americans have participated in the study as it relates to job satisfaction and happiness and the results continue to support that people’s feelings about their work usually have a significant impact on their happiness (Tom Smith, Director of the GSS, 2007).  Results from the GSS have also shown that those who identify the most satisfaction (or happiness) with their work happen to be in professions that involve service to others, creative pursuits or align with their personal values.

What does this mean for you?  Well, the bottom line is that your future career happiness really isn’t aligned with money, promotion, and the typical criteria that we associate with SUCCESS, but more simply, whether you feel valued and that you are contributing in a unique way.  Are you using your talents and gifts to make some sort of  difference in the world?

So, maybe Albert Einstein got it right when he said, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”

Finding your path in life can feel like a daunting task. Regardless of where you are in your journey–new student on campus or  seasoned senior finishing your degree–it may take you some time to clarify your values and determine how you want to make a difference in the world (let alone find your classes and a decent place to eat on campus).

But don’t fret!! We are here to help.  Believe it or not, our number one goal at the career center isn’t to find you a job.  “Gasp!?!”  Our services and resources are primarily focused on helping you figure out two questions: 1) What are my values, strengths, and natural preferences?  And,  2) How can I create a career which will help me fulfill and use those values and gifts?  And, you know what results from being able to answer those two questions?  Amazing resumes, killer interview skills, motivated and excited candidates, internship and job offers….SUCCESSS! 

If you don’t believe me…check out Jessica’s story:

Learn more about us and how we can help you define your path to career success by attending our upcoming Open House, Thursday, August 25^th 11-3pm @ the Career Center, Admin. Building 154.

Anita has worked in the career counseling and higher education field for the past eight years.  She has worked in the recruiting field as well as internship program management for higher education.  Anita works with students on all career related topics and specializes in development of creative programs to support career education.

Online Reputation-An Employer’s Perspective

If you’ve attended our workshop “Job Search 2.0: Managing your Online Presence”, then you know that social media and online reputation are becoming more and more a part of hiring practices.  In fact, a nationwide survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com says that 45% of employers use social networking sites to research candidates. Clearly, there are both advantages and disadvantages to living in such an online world.  A lot of personal information can be gathered with one click of a Google search button have you tried searching yourself lately?

                I recently had the opportunity to discuss online reputation with Linda Le, Regional Talent Acquisition Manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car.  Linda emphasized that having a positive online reputation was highly important, saying,

“your online reputation is a testament to your overall character”.

And, “even though you may not be interviewing today for a specific position, you should consider everyone/anyone who see’s you online as a potential networking contact for future opportunities”

                So why not use social media to create a positive online reputation for yourself?  HRMarketer.com found that LinkedIn is used by 93% of companies and Facebook is used by 70%.  You can use these social networking sites to help an employer confirm that they want to hire you by conveying a professional image, showing that you have good communication skills and demonstrating that people have good opinions of you.

                Just keep in mind that whatever you post online, regardless of the privacy settings, may become public.  Linda warns,

“if you wanted anything to be “private”, don’t post it.

 Assume that anything you post (under private or public settings) is fair game for anyone (professional, personal or even unfortunately, criminals).”

                First opinions are quick to form and difficult to change.  Hiring managers may be looking at your social networking profiles before they meet you personally.  A last word from Linda: “It only takes 1 incident online or in person, for that matter to ruin one’s image of you…Particularly if you don’t have a personal relationship with them already.” So take advantage of social media and seize the opportunity to build a positive online reputation today.

Contribution by Megan Bradley, M.A.

Megan Bradley is a Career Counselor at San José State University.  She recently completed her M.A. in counseling at Santa Clara University.

Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Tips and Tricks

By Bennet Gibson, Graduate Counseling Intern

For recent graduates entering the workforce, the challenge to manage work and a life outside of it can be a careful balancing act. Sometimes, it can seem just plain daunting! But take heart, there is hope! Here are some practical tips to help you maintain that healthy work-life balance and keep your sanity.

1. Figure out what’s most important to you.

Would you consider yourself a person that “lives to work” or “works to live”? Do you have many hobbies and activities outside of work? Or do you spend most of your time at ‘the office’? Answering this question (to the best of your ability) from the get go will help shape your decision-making as you craft a life that is right for you.

2. Take off the geek leash (leave your work at work)

Technology in the workplace can be a blessing and a curse. The ability to make your own hours and work from home is more and more common these days. But don’t let it control you! Leverage your time well. Perhaps disable your work email on your smart phone (I call it “the geek leash”) if you have one. If you don’t want to be contacted in the wee hours of the night, don’t give out your number. Be sure to set up these boundaries from the very beginning. Every job has different expectations, so know what you’re getting into before you start a new position.

3. Learn to say no (and be ok with it!)

Creating healthy boundaries means learning to say “no” to certain requests. As much as we’d like, we can’t be in 50 places at once. Embrace that reality and prioritize to make the things that bring you joy on the forefront. Knowing what fits on your plate (remember, plates don’t grow, only the pile does!) will allow you to prevent that plate from cracking.

4. Have a good community of support

Having a healthy family and/or friends is vital to living your life well. Whether they are at work or outside of work, make sure you surround yourself with people that will support and encourage you in life and work’s ups and downs. This can take time, but cultivating healthy relationships can make your life richer.

5. Multitasking that makes sense

To save time, multi-tasking can be a good way to get things done efficiently. But, do it wisely. Don’t have too many plates spinning at once, or they could all come crashing down at the same time (yikes!). See what works for you. If you can do more than one thing well together, do it again. If you can’t, try something else. You’ll know over time what you’re capable and not capable of accomplishing.

 6. Timing is everything

There’s a song lyric that goes “To everything there is a season.” And don’t forget, there is more than one season! Be at peace with the fact that some things in your life and schedule (tasks, hobbies, activities, trips) will have to wait. But just because you are putting a task on the back burner doesn’t mean that you have to snuff it out completely. You can come back to it, just maybe not right this minute.

7. Relax–On purpose.

Making time to just chill out is an important part of taking care of yourself.  Go for a walk. Spend time with friends. Read a good book. Even veg out with Mr. TV for a bit. But do this intentionally. Put it on your calendar and schedule it. You won’t be able to unwind if you don’t make time for it.

 Bennett Gibson is a recent Career Counselor Graduate Intern at San José State University and Web Producer for Apple, Inc., iTunes.  He is a recent graduate at SJSU, earning his M.A. in Counselor Education.

5 Tips to landing Part Time & Seasonal Jobs

By Daniel Newell Summer is right around the corner and you may be asking yourself what you can do to prepare for the summer job market. Seasonal employment is a great way to obtain your first job and it provides an opportunity to learn new skills. The Service industry (retail, restaurants, cafes, amusement parks, etc) often recruits in large numbers for seasonal help and can serve as an excellent career ladder.

Follow these FIVE tips for best results to obtaining part time and seasonal employment:
1) Open your availability

· A major requirement for seasonal employment is open or flexible availability

· You MUST be available when the employer needs you

In the service industry, this means weekends, holidays, and evenings

2)  Apply Early!

If you are applying for jobs in the service industry, for best results, apply the last week of April and first two weeks of May for summer employment and apply the last two weeks of October and beginning of November for holiday/winter employment.

3)  Be prepared to complete an online/electronic application

· Have all of your personal information handy

· Try and complete your application in one sitting

· Use common browsers such as Internet Explorer and Firefox

Online applications/assessments are typically timed; try not to take longer than 60—90 minutes

4) Your resume should list a summary of skills, experiences and qualifications that are practical to the employer, such as:

· “Available weekends/holidays”

· “Open availability/flexible schedule”

· “Three months experience working with the general public”

· “Six months experience of working in a fast-paced environment”

5) Your appearance matters.

· You should appear to look clean and well groomed

· The environment in which you choose to work will determine how you should dress

· In some cases, dressing in professional attire is appropriate while in others, it may be too dressy

· Look at current employees, your attire should be a notch up from theirs during the hiring process
Try to obtain a position that relates to your long-term career goals if possible, make the position your own and align it with personal interests. Networking is always a great idea to expand your number of contacts; another option is to create your own position, such as babysitting, dog walking, or helping out at a small business. Follow these five short rules for best results to obtaining your PT or seasonal job! Have fun, learn, and be confident, good luck!

Daniel Newell is the Job Development and Marketing Specialist for San Jose State University. He has over eleven years’ experience in the employment industry and serves as a commissioner to the City of San Jose where he provides advice and resources on many issues, including employment.

Tackling the Group Interview

Contribution by : Megan Bradley

Group interviews can seem like a scary prospect if you don’t know what to expect.  But with the right attitude and preparation, you can greatly increase your chances of standing out.

The purpose of a group interview is to filter through a high volume of candidates and to assess for certain social/interpersonal skills.  Most group interviews serve as a first round assessment and are followed by a round of individual interviews. I recently led a group interview process to hire Resident Advisors.  With nearly 70 candidates for 6 positions, the most efficient way to interview was in a group scenario.  For these positions, essential skills needed were teamwork, communication and conflict resolution, so observing candidates in a group situation helped us assess for those specific skills.

Candidates were given a list of tasks they may face as a Resident Advisor and asked to rank them in order of importance.  They were then asked to sit in a group of 12-14 and come to a group consensus on the appropriate order.  While candidates went through this process the interview committee observed the interactions and communication style of each candidate.   

 Applicants that stood out to me were the ones who actively spoke up and could articulate their opinion to the group.  If they were confronted with a disagreeing opinion, I took note of how they dealt with conflict and if they could come to an agreement with the opposing team member. On the reverse side, however, I paid attention to who spoke up too much.  Those that dominated the conversation or did not have the ability to compromise raised some red flags.  Lastly, I noted those people that were active listeners when they were not talking.  Interviewees that were engaged with their body language (e.g. eye contact with the speaker, nodding in agreement) were memorable.

While group interviews can vary in process, preparation can help.  Here are some key tips for preparation:

1. Develop key examples of times that you excelled in team situations.  This can include group projects, volunteer work or internships.
2. Be aware of your communication style. Talk to peers, professors or friends who can provide feedback on your style and strengths.  If you tend to talk a lot, consider stepping back a bit during the group interview.  If you tend to be more on the quiet side, challenge yourself to speak more.
3. Don’t forget the importance of body language. Show that you are engaged in the interview even when you are not speaking.
4. Practice! You can always make an appointment with a career counselor to practice and discuss some of the scenarios that may come up in a group interview.

 

Megan Bradley is a Career Counselor Graduate Intern at San José State University and an Assistant Resident Director at Santa Clara University.  She is currently in her last year of the Counseling Masters Program at SCU.

Top Job Search Tips from Employers!

The Career Center recently hosted a panel of employers to help our December Grads launch their job search.  The tips they shared with our new alums are relevant for anyone currently seeking a job or an internship!  Check out our Top Ten Tips for the Job & Internship Search – Straight from the Employers!

The Resume:

1. Keeping the resume clean, targeted and error free is critical. Be certain you are citing your accomplishments instead of your duties.  This helps the employer understand how you contributed to your organization or class project.  How do you do this? Click here for tips!

2. Employers are keeping their eyes out for the transferrable skills to help set students apart – leadership, collaboration/teamwork, time management, adaptability and flexibility.  These skills can be gained in class projects, student activities, part-time jobs, volunteer work, internships and many other places!

The Phone Interview:

3. Employers use the phone interview to quickly assess the candidate’s qualifications, overall fit and genuine interest in the organization to determine if the candidate will move forward in the process.  Be certain that you have done your homework by researching the organization and the job description so that you can speak effectively to these points!

4. Try standing up, looking in a mirror and acting as though your reflection is the interviewer and speaking to it.  This will assist you in presenting yourself more confidently over the phone, and will help you to project your voice. 

The On-Site Interview:

5. Be certain to bring copies of your resume, a list of questions for the employer, and dress professionally!  Leave your cell phone in the car; you won’t be answering it in the interview anyway!
6. Prepare your stories in advance of what you have done and how these experiences will assist you in being successful in the position you are interviewing for.  If you are asked a challenging question, remain calm and keep your body language neutral – employers are looking for both your reaction and your response. 

7. When asking you interview questions, employers are trying to assess both skill set and fit with the organization’s culture.  Work to build a relationship with your interviewer by asking good questions, and allowing your personality to come through.

The Hiring Process

8. Sending a thank you note after your interview is extremely important!  Employers have indicated that hand-written thank you letters are preferred to email – they help you stand out.  Need some tips on how to write one?  Check out the Career Center website for examples!

9. Negotiation in this market is not unheard of, but before negotiating, be certain to take into account the total compensation package which includes medical and dental befits as well as other perks like educational reimbursements, professional development opportunities and access to wellness programs.

Networking

10. Think of networking as building relationships or as having a conversation with another person.  These things can happen anywhere, from professional organization meetings to career fairs, to standing in line for coffee! 

Next Steps

Preparation is the key to success!  The Career Center has a variety of live and virtual resources available to help you including workshops, Info Sessions, and our upcoming Career Fair on March 2!  Check out our website for our calendar of events and resources available 24/7.  Have more questions?  Make an appointment to see a Career Consultant by logging into SpartaJobs at www.careercenter.sjsu.edu and clicking “request a counseling appointment”.  We are here to support your success!