Calling All Job Seekers!

The Career Services Center (CSC) at Shelton State Commuinty is dedicated to providing career seeking assistance to current and former students.  Although the CSC does not participate in job placement, we do offer advice on where to look for the most current job postings along with strengthening your job seeking skills. (examples: resumes, cover letters, interview skills, etc)

The CSC posts all job postings sent to our office on the 'Career Services Center' website located at SheltonState.edu under the 'Workforce Opportunities' tab.
Click HERE to go straight to the Job Postings site.

Also, we offer a list of websites that focus on jobs available. 
Click HERE to go straight to the Job Search site.

Please call or email us if you have any questions regarding searching jobs available.
Career Services Center
205.391.5874
bpatrick@sheltonstate.edu

Let's Talk Turkey

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Career Services Center would like to let YOU know how thankful we are to serve YOU. We have the privilege to work with some of the most talented, intelligent, and gifted students around.


I can’t find the right words to express how much I adore the following article. I hope you will take time to read each word and marinate on the thought of YOUR uniqueness.



Career Coach: Be Thankful for Your Uniqueness
By: Pamela Kleibrink Thompson.


During the filming of Some Like it Hot, Tony Curtis (who just recently passed away) pointed out to director Billy Wilder that he was doing an impression of Cary Grant. Billy Wilder replied, "If I wanted Cary Grant, I would have hired Cary Grant."

There is no one else in the world exactly like you. You have talents, experiences and a perspective that make you unique. Be grateful for your unique gifts. Nurture and develop them and utilize your strengths to add your unique vision and insights to the world. Your uniqueness is your most marketable quality. Yet many creative people make the mistake of chasing the latest fad or imitating the newest style.

It's tempting to chase trends or emulate successful people. I fell into this trap. Years ago I worked on a screenplay with a friend of mine I knew since high school. We were 3/4 of the way done with our script and we decided to celebrate and went to the movies. We were enthralled with the escapades of Indiana Jones in the Raiders of the Lost Ark. We decided to rewrite our detective screenplay in the Indiana Jones style. We never finished it.

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." -- Bill Cosby

Don't try to chase the market or try to please everyone. Imagine Leonardo da Vinci painting the Mona Lisa in a storefront window. People pass by giving him feedback on his work in progress. "I think her dress should be a lighter color." "Her smile should be bigger." "The painting should be bigger." "She should wear her hair up." "The background should be the city, not the mountains." "There is too much shadow under her chin." Can you imagine Leonardo changing the painting as people made comments, concerned about whether everyone would like La Gioconda when it was finished?

Those who allow their unique strengths to set them apart from the crowd are those who achieve milestones in science, art and literature.

Whenever you are tempted to blend in and try to be popular with everyone, remind yourself of your uniqueness -- your passion and goals. Dare to be different and you will achieve success. Again, you can't be all things to all people. Rita Mae Brown reminds us: "The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself."

Be thankful that you are different from everyone else in the world. You have a unique contribution to make. Go ahead. Be distinctive. Originals are rare.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson is grateful for her family and the opportunity to contribute the Career Coach column to AWN and for all the readers and followers. She is a recruiter, career coach and speaker. You can contact her at PamRecruit@q.com.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson dares you to be yourself.

By Pamela Kleibrink Thompson
Monday, November 1, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Posted In
Columns: Career
Site Categories: Education and Training, Jobs & Recruiting


Reference: http://www.awn.com/articles/advice/career-coach-be-thankful-your-uniqueness
Photo: http://www.clipartof.com/

Two Years to Graduation or Transfer

November is National Career Month!
This month Career Services is celebrating YOUR career dreams through National Career Month. The following is an overview of topics we feel are most important for you to prepare yourself to enter the work force. The article was found at http://www.jobweb.com/.



Two Years to Graduation or Transfer

You're planning to graduate with an associate's degree and find your spot in the work force—or you want to transfer to a four-year college at the end of two years. There are things you should do each semester to make it easier to reach your goals.

Here's a timeline to guide your progress:


Things everyone should do at the beginning of each semester:

• Make an appointment with a career services advisor to review your status in the career development process.

• Find the career center's webpage for career development and check out upcoming events.

• Update your resume. Have it critiqued and proofread by someone in the career services office.

• Check your career center's web site for an online job board or see if your career center keeps a notebook of job opportunities.

• Subscribe to and read professional journals in your field(s) of interest.

• Join the student version of professional associations and become an active member. This will help you build a network of colleagues in your field and give you valuable contacts for summer jobs, clinical rotations, and full-time jobs.

Year one: Ask questions. Explore. Research. Test your interests.

• Locate the career center on your campus as early as possible in your first year. You can find its location by going to your school's web site or by asking your adviser.

• Call the career center and make an appointment to talk to an advisor. If you've decided on a direction, the advisor can help you map out a strategy for reaching your goal. If you're undecided about what to major in or where you might want to be in two years, you can take assessment tests, including interest and career inventory tests to give you a direction to explore.

• Are you enjoying a specific class and think it might be the right field for you? Talk to faculty and professors about possible careers.

• Join at least one professional or honorary organization in your program of study to begin to build a valuable network. Even if you plan to transfer to a four-year college to continue your education, it's never too early to start building professional bridges.

• Scan Job Choices magazines (available in the Shelton State’s Career Center), the Occupational Outlook Handbook, and computer or web-based resources for clues to a future career. Your career center probably has an extensive library of career-search books, software, and web sites to explore.

• Attend on- and off-campus career and job fairs to get a look at potential careers and employers in fields that interest you.

• Find a part-time or summer job in your field of interest.

• If you're planning to transfer to a four-year school, research schools that specialize in your program of study. The career services office often has information on potential places to go.

Year Two: Time for your job search or to transfer to a university.

If you're planning a job search:

• Update your resume and take it to a career services advisor to have it critiqued.

• Ask your career center for a checklist of specific activities to follow to organize your job search. This will ensure you don't miss essential steps in the job-search process, or resources to help you locate employment options.

• Check your career center's web site information about mock interviews.

• When preparing for your interviews, pay particular attention to the top skills employers seek and the top skills candidates lack.

• Take leadership positions in student chapters of professional associations.

• Draft a cover letter that you can adapt for a variety of employers and get your letter critiqued.

• Follow-up on all job applications and keep a record of the status of each.

• Build a professional wardrobe.

• Make sure you research salary scales for your occupation, to include the geographic region where the job is located. Ask your career center for resources and assistance.

• Evaluate job offers and accept one. Ask your career center for help with job offer assessment and salary negotiation techniques.

• Report job offers and your acceptance to the career services office.

If you're planning to transfer:

• Update your resume and take it to a career services advisor to have it critiqued. You'll need an updated resume to find next summer's job in your field—and you'll need it when you check in with the career center at your transfer school.

o Attend on- and off-campus career and job fairs to get a look at potential careers and employers in fields that interest you.

o Find a part-time or summer job in your field of interest.

o Read at least one book on career planning recommended by career services staff.

o Explore at least three career options available to you through your program of study.

o Research various occupations in Job Choices and the Occupational Outlook Handbook and computer or web-based resources for clues to a future career.

o Identify organizations and associations in your interest areas for shadowing opportunities and informational interviews.

o Join at least one professional or honorary organization related to your program of study in order to contact with people in the professional world.

o Work toward one leadership position in a student/professional club or association.

o Begin to collect recommendations from previous and current employers.

o Put together an interview outfit.

o Complete applications for transfer to a four-year college or university.

o Find the career services office on your new campus.

Reference: http://www.jobweb.org/studentarticles.aspx?id=706

November is National Career Development Month!

This month we are celebrating YOUR career dreams. 2010 marks the 45th anniversary for National Career Month. If you have not already started to think about your career, The Career Services Center at Shelton State invites you to visit us in the West Alabama Center for Workforce Development or online by clicking HERE. You can also check out our window case located on the 2nd floor next to the Faculty Resource Center/ Faculty office entrance for current information.

In addition to a quality education, Shelton State Community College offers result-oriented career assistance through the Career Services Center. The Shelton State Career Services Center serves as a liaison for current students, alumni, and West Alabama businesses and industry. The Career Services Center welcomes the opportunity to provide services and make a difference in the lives of currently enrolled students and alumni by providing employers with qualified potential employees. Examples of services include: wage information for cities across the country, industry trends, internship information, employer profiles, resume proofreading, on-campus mock interviews, current full and part-time job-openings, and career workshops hosted by local business and industry.

The Career Services Center is dedicated to serving the needs of the community as well as the graduating students and alumni. The Center welcomes the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and assist business/industry with qualified employees.

Politics. Smolitics.

All of the political talk this week has got us thinking in Career Services. How many of you actually went to the polls on Tuesday to vote?? As a U.S. citizen, you are privileged to have this opportunity to make your voice heard. Approximately 99% of college students are eligible to vote, if just age is taken into account. However, according to surveys, only about 25.5% of the student body is likely to vote.

Although it is too late for this past election, it is never too early to begin readying yourself to vote in the future. Two years from now, you will have another opportunity to raise your hand and speak out. With the Presidential election comes great responsibility. You will have a chance to stand with fellow American citizens to let the government know how you think your tax dollars should be spent – or who should be in control of the educational system to which you are a part of. It is a duty and privilege to have this opportunity. We hope you will embrace it with a mature attitude by educating yourself starting now so you will be able to make the best choice.

The following are a few tips to help you get started:


1. Know where you are eligible to vote. If you are a resident of Tuscaloosa Co. (meaning, do you pay a utility bill?) you have the right to vote in Tuscaloosa. If you live in a dorm, you are probably still registered in your hometown. You will be able to vote by absentee ballot.

More information on registering to vote can be found by visiting this site: http://www.declareyourself.com/

2. Study the candidates. By tracking the potential candidates now, you will build a foundation of knowledge on each issue and where each candidate stands. This will save you time in the future and allow you to speak intellectually with your friends. You also will have a better understanding of who you want to vote for come Election Day.

Click on the following link to read the Wikipedia’s view of the 2012 Election: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_2012

3. Talk amongst your friends. It is a good idea to engage in friendly conversations regarding the elections, candidates, and views of others. Be careful, however, to not confuse yourself by speaking to too many people. This could swing your vote in a different direction without merit or deter you from voting at all.

4. Make a List. Think about what you hold valuable. Make a list of the views and topics you feel you should base your vote on. 1st – write out the topics with your opinion that you know you absolutely do not want to compromise. (Example: are you Pro-Life? Pro-Choice? Etc) 2nd – list the topics you are concerned about but don’t have a strong opinion one way or another. Then research each candidate and rate them according to the topics you listed. This will help you narrow down your selection and allow you to make a smart choice.

Regardless if you voted this past Tuesday or intend to vote on Election Day 2012, know you have a responsibility to be informed.

References:
1. http://letuyellowjacket.org/?p=94
2.  CIRCLE (The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and En­gagement)
3. Photo:  - www.campussolutionsinc.com

Finances 101

Now that you are in college, you are learning what it is like to balance your social life, family, school, and finances. Many students get caught up in the free handouts companies like to give away to students without thinking of the consequences. I can remember when I first started The University of Alabama. A credit card company was giving away FREE t-shirts for all who applied for a $300 limit credit card that day. I am never one to turn away a “FREE” t-shirt. Although I used my credit card to mostly purchase books and supplies for school, it took me years to pay off the card once interest and fees were applied.

As you are completing your courses, the Career Services Center hopes you are taking wise steps now to ensure you don’t begin your career in debt. Many people get caught in the trap while in college and spend the first several years of their income to work their way out of it. We want to see your hard earned money be put to good use and not being spent to dig you out of a hole.

The following is an article found at www.getrichslowly.org titled “27 Money Tips for College Students”:



27 Money Tips for College Students

School’s back in session, and with it come life-lessons in money management for students. But personal finance can be easy, even if you’re just starting out. You just have to know how it works. All of the following are concepts I wish I had known before heading to college.



Money Management

Now that you’re on your own, you might be tempted to spend money on all the things your parents wouldn’t let you have before. Go slow. If you play it smart, you can avoid the sort of money troubles that plague many young adults.

• Join a credit union. Don’t just sign up for a random bank giving away t-shirts or frisbees at registration. Track down a credit union in town, or do some research into online banks.

• Don’t get a credit card unless you absolutely need one. Don’t be a sucker. Those guys sitting behind the sign-up table are not there to help you. They’re there to make money.

• Avoid non-academic debt. It might seem like a good idea to put that Xbox on a credit card, but it’s not. Focus on developing good money skills with cash. Worry about credit later.

• Save and then splurge. If you decide you must have that Xbox, then save for it. Wait until you can pay cash.

• Pay your bills on time. Basic advice, but it’s surprising how many people lose track of things. If you pay your bills as they arrive, you won’t have to worry about forgetting them.


Organization and Planning

Some minimal organization will keep your finances in order. Each of these is an important adult financial skill.

• Track your spending. Use a notebook, or use Quicken if you have it. Good records will prevent you from getting overdrawn at the bank or charging more than your credit limit. This habit also allows you to detect spending patterns.

• Make a budget. It doesn’t have to be fancy. At the start of the month, estimate how much money you’ll receive and decide where needs to go. Remember: you don’t need to spend it all.

• Save your receipts. Put them in a shoebox under your bed if you must, but hold onto them. You’ll need to be able to compare them with statements at the end of the month. And some you’ll need to keep for several years.

• Guard your vital stats. Don’t give out your social security number or your credit card info except to known and trusted sources.


Campus Life

It seems like there are a hundred thing competing for your money. It’s hard to know what to do. Here are some smart ways to save money on campus.

• Buy used textbooks. You’re just going to sell them back at the end of the term. (Or end up wishing you had done so five years from now.) You don’t need new textbooks.

• Skip spring break. Forget the long road trips. You can have a lot of fun for cheap close to campus. (My college used to organize economical group trips; yours probably does, too.) You might be surprised at how fun it can be to stay on campus, too.

• Live without a car. Cars are expensive: gas, maintenance, insurance, registration, parking. Stick close to campus. Learn to use mass transit. Find a friend who has a car.

• Don’t hang out with big spenders. Some kids have parents with deep pockets. Other kids are well down the road to financial trouble. Hanging out with them can lead you to spend more than you can afford.

• Take advantage of campus activities. There’s always something to do. Attend free movie festivals. Pay a few bucks to see the local symphony every month. Support the sports teams. Attend lecture series. Get the most from your student ID!


Personal Life

Take care of yourself. Your mother isn’t around to remind you to brush your teeth. Nobody’s going to scold you for eating three bowls of Cap’n Crunch. Self-discipline is more important now than it ever has been in your life.

• Go to class. You’re in college to learn. Everyone skips now and then, but don’t make it a habit. What you learn and do now will have a profound impact on the rest of your life.

• Get involved. Staying busy staves off boredom. It also helps you build skills and form social networks that will last a lifetime. Try out for a play. Join the astronomy club. Write for the school paper. Find something that sounds fun to you and do it. Take risks!

• Stay active. A healthy body costs far less to maintain than an unhealthy body. You don’t have to do much to avoid gaining weight in college. A walk around campus each day will probably do it.

• Eat healthy. It’s possible to eat well on a small budget if you know what you’re doing.

• Limit vices. Beer, cigarettes, and pot are expensive. They also screw with your body and mind. Take it easy on the vices. There’s nothing wrong with a drink or two on Friday night, but don’t go overboard.

• Learn the art of the Cheap Date. The student’s guide to cheap dates suggests:

o Take advantage of mother nature

o Go for coffee

o Use CitySearch to track down cheap food and activities

o Attend campus events

• Have fun. Your college years will be some of the best of your life. It’s trite, but true. Make the most of them.


Decision Making

Get in the habit of making smart choices now, and you’ll develop a pattern of behavior that will stand you in good stead the rest of your life.

• Make smart choices. You can do anything you want, but you can’t do everything you want. Decide what’s important to you, and pursue that. And remember to leave time for yourself.

• When you want to buy something, ask yourself “Do I need it?” If you think you do, then wait. Don’t buy on impulse. Write the object of your desire on a piece of paper and pin it to the wall. Look at it every day for a week. If, at the end of the week, you still think you need it, then consider purchasing it.


Making Money

I’ve saved the best for last. If you can master even one of these, you’ll have a head-start on your friends. Master all four, and you’ll be on the road to wealth. No kidding.

• Spend less than you earn. Don’t earn much? Then don’t spend much. If your spending and income are roughly even, you have two choices: earn more or spend less. When I was in college, I worked as many as four jobs at once. This gave me a lot of spending cash. (Unfortunately, I didn’t do a good job with the spend less part of the equation.)

• Be an outstanding employee. Good work habits can pay enormous dividends, leading to recommendations and contacts that you can use after you’re out of school. Several of my classmates turned work-study jobs into launching pads for future careers.

• Start your own business. Can you install a hard drive? Can you strip a computer of spyware? Can you perform minor car repairs? Do you have a pickup truck you could use to haul furniture? Are you a passable guitar player? Charge cheap rates and exceed expectations. Word will spread. When you’ve built up a customer base, you can raise your rates a little. This is an awesome way to make money.

• Learn to invest. Find a discount broker and begin making regular investments. Sharebuilder is a great choice for college students. It costs only $4 to make a scheduled stock purchase, and you can invest any amount of money, even $20. Don’t obsess over the details yet. You can worry about high returns and low fees later. Right now the most important thing is to develop the investment habit. (Ad: Buy Stocks for $4 at ShareBuilder. ) Ten years from now, you’ll thank yourself. If you can find a way to invest $1000 a year for the next ten years, you can set yourself up for life. No joke.



References: http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/30/27-money-tips-for-college-students/

Building Your Career House

In order to have a career with strong elements, it is important to start laying a stable foundation now as you would in building a new home. There are important steps you can start now to help you with your future in your career. Once you have begun a career, you will need to continue maintaining and improving the walls and ceiling of your career house you have built.





The following is an article Career Services thinks will help you build your Career House.


Career Planning Tips

Building a Career 

Today, and more than ever, most people are responsible for building their own careers.


Whether you are just starting, or you have several years of experience, these paragraphs might help you advance your career.


The 9 most important career planning tips is listed below:



1. Never Stop Learning

Life-long learning is your keyword.
The world is constantly changing, and everybody is looking for new ways of doing business.
If you have decided that your current skills are good enough, you have also decided that your current job is good enough.
But if you want a career in the future, you should add regular updates to your skills and knowledge.


2. Ask, Listen And Learn

A good listener can learn a lot.
Listen to your co-workers, your boss, and your superiors. You can learn a lot from their experience.
Ask about issues that interest you, and listen to what they say. Let them tell you about how things work, and what you could have done better.
Most people will love to be your free tutor.


3. Fulfill Your Current Job

Your current job might be best place to start your career.
It is often very little that separates successful people from the average. But nothing comes free.
If you do your job well and fulfill your responsibilities, this is often the best way to start a new career.
Talk to your supervisor about things you can do. Suggest improvements. Offer your help when help is needed. In return ask for help to build a better career. It is often possible - right inside your own organization - especially if you have proved to be a valued employee.


4. Build Your Network

Your next career step might arise from your contact network.
Did you know that more than 50% of all jobs are obtained from contact networks?
If you have a good contact network, it is also a good place to discover future careers, to explore new trends, and to learn about new opportunities.
Spend some time building new contacts, and don't forget to maintain the ones you already have.
One of the best ways to get serious information from your network is to regularly ask your contacts how they are, what they do, and what is new about their careers.


5. Identify Your Current Job

Your current job should be identified, not assumed.
Make sure you don't work with tasks you assume are important. This is waste of time and talent.
When you start in a new job, talk to your superior about your priorities. If you're not sure about what is most important, then ask him. And ask him again. Often you will be surprised about the differences between what you assume, and what is really important.


6. Identify Your Next Job

Your dream job must be identified.
Before you start planning your future career, be sure you have identified your dream job.
In your dream job, you will be doing all the things you enjoy, and none of the things you don't enjoy. What kind of job would that be?
Do you like or dislike having responsibility for other employees. Do you like to work with technology or with people? Do you want to run your own business? Do you want to be an artist, a designer or a skilled engineer? A manager?

Before building your future career your goal must be identified.

7. Prepare Yourself

Your dream might show up tomorrow. Be prepared.
Don't wait a second. Update your CV now, and continue to update it regularly.
Tomorrow your dream job may show up right before your nose. Prepare for it with a professional CV and be ready to describe yourself as a valuable object to anyone that will try to recruit you.
If you don't know how to write a CV, or how to describe yourself, start learning it now.


8. Pick The Right Tools

Pick the tools you can handle.
You can build your future career using a lot of different tools. Studying at W3Schools is easy. Taking a full master degree is more complicated.
You can add a lot to your career by studying books and tutorials (like the one you find at W3Schools). Doing short time courses with certification tests might add valuable weight to your CV. And don't forget: Your current job is often the most valuable source of building new skills.
Don't pick a tool that is too heavy for you to handle!


9. Realize Your Dreams

Put your dreams into action.
Don't let a busy job kill your dreams. If you have higher goals, put them into action now.
If you have plans about taking more education, getting a better job, starting your own company or something else, you should not use your daily job as a "waiting station". Your daily job will get more and more busy, you will be caught up in the rat race, and you will burn up your energy.
If you have this energy, you should use it now, to realize your dreams.




Reference: http://www.w3schools.com/cert/career_tips.asp

Play At Work!

Recently the faculty and staff at Shelton State dove into the FISH! Philosophy. FISH! is based on 4 basic principles that we are now applying to our work:


1. Choose Your Attitude
2. Play
3. Be There
4. Make Their Day

We have adopted these tools at Shelton State to improve the quality of our relationships. All of this talk about having fun at work and enjoying our careers made us think of YOU – the student.

While you’re pursuing your educational goals and pondering what type of job you would like to have, we want to make sure you think of every component. The Career Services Center wants to encourage you to do something you enjoy doing. Keep your principles and priorities in order by not only looking at the salary but also the content of the job and how it applies to your values, interests, and enjoyment.


Take a moment to read the following article we found at BullsEyeCareersblog.com:

Do You Dance at Work Like Usain Bolt?

Much has been said for the last several days about Usain Bolt's performance at the Beijing Olympics and I know more will be said. Even controversal IOC President, Rogge couldn't resist chiding Usain Bolt, who now holds 3 world records, on his post run display of excitement.


Here is what Bolt had to say after Rogge shared his comments:

"It's good to enjoy yourselves. This is my work, this is my job. There is no point in doing your work if you don't enjoy it."

One of my favorite photos from the entire Olympics is this photo of a barefoot Usain dancing on the field and draped in a Jamaican flag.

Bolt's reaction to Bogge and this photo made me want to ask:


- How many of us still dance at work?

- When was the last time you danced at work?

- Do you know people who no longer dance at work?

- Do you know people who no longer even smile at work?

- How many of us long for a time to enjoy our work again?

- How can we recommit to being happy at work again?


I think many of us are laboring in unhappy places and dissatisfied with our own careers. Whether or not we agree with how Usain Bolt celebrates, it is clear that he is having fun doing what he does.

References:  http://www.bullseyecareerblogs.com/2008/08/do-you-dance-at-work-like-usain-bolt.html

25 Hot Careers That Didn't Exist 10 Years Ago

The following article was found at
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-25_hot_careers_that_didn_t_exist_10_years_ago-1393

What did you want to be when you grew up? Astronaut? Movie star? Superhero? Whatever made your list, green marketer probably wasn't on it--but that job may be on the lists of today's youngsters.


Here's a list of emerging careers that you (and your inner child) can get excited about. You couldn't have daydreamed about any of these jobs when you were a child--because they didn't exist then. In fact, they're so new that, although they're starting to be recognized, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't yet have data on them. If you've been looking for a new dream job or haven't decided what you want to be when you "grow up," these are 25 new options.

Business

A specialized business degree can help you obtain the skills you need to work in one of these professions.

1. Business continuity specialists plan and implement recovery solutions to keep businesses functioning during disasters and emergency situations.


2. Electronic commerce specialists analyze online buyers' preferences and handle online sales strategies, including marketing, advertising, and website design.

3. Social media managers/strategists use social technologies like Facebook to reach out to customers, and they build social networks within companies.

4. Virtual concierges provide professional concierge services--for business or personal needs--with the convenience of being just an email away.

5. User experience analysts collect data on website usage and provide insight about users' experiences by using psychological, computer-science, and industrial-design knowledge to test theories and draw conclusions

Communications


Rising numbers of college communications programs are offering instruction that can lead to one of these cutting-edge jobs.

1. Bloggers research and write blog content for news websites, public and private corporations, government offices, and many other organizations with blogs.

2. Content managers develop strategies for creating, updating, and organizing Web content, typically with the goal of attracting new visitors.

3. Online political campaign managers develop and manage strategies for using Internet and social technologies to help politicians get elected.

4. Video journalists design and produce online videos that document information, news, and events.

Education

Start with an education degree program, and then take specialized classes to launch one of these careers.

1. Athletic compliance coordinators ensure that athletic programs receiving government funding meet government regulations.

2. Adaptive physical education specialists help people with disabilities participate in physical education programs and activities.

3. Distance learning coordinators schedule courses and coordinate distance learning programs.

4. Home-school liaisons establish and manage partnerships between parents and schools.

5. School diagnosticians assess and diagnose the learning problems of students.

Environment

Depending on your interest, you may need a degree in environmental science or business for one of these jobs.

1. Carbon credit traders handle the purchase and sale of carbon-emissions permits for companies.

2. Environmental economists measure the benefits and potential drawbacks of renewable energy and other environmental alternatives.

3. Environmental restoration planners work with scientific staff to implement plans that reverse environmental damage.

4. Green marketers promote green products and services.

5. Recycling coordinators administer drop-off and curbside recycling programs with government and waste-disposal agencies.

Energy

Requirements for one of these jobs may run the gamut from on-the-job training to a specialized engineering or business bachelor's or master's degree.

1. Biofuels/biodiesel product development managers plan and execute research programs that evaluate alternative biofuels/biodiesel technologies.

2. Biomass plant technicians monitor biomass plant activities (biomass is biological matter that can be turned into a renewable energy source).

3. Energy auditors inspect buildings and systems to maximize energy efficiency and cut energy costs.

4. Energy brokers buy and sell energy for customers.

5. Fuel cell engineers design and build fuel cell systems for all types of devices, including cars and phones.

6. Methane/landfill gas collection system operators run the day-to-day business of landfill gas projects, including compliance and reporting requirements.

The best part of dreaming about careers as a kid was the sense of wonder and excitement--the belief that you would have a job that was on the cutting edge of discovery. Your future career was going to be thrilling! With a bit of career training to prepare you for any of these 25 emerging careers, it still can be.

Reference: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-25_hot_careers_that_didn_t_exist_10_years_ago-1393

Have You Developed A Strategic Vision For Your Career Journey?

Many of you may already know what type of job you want when you graduate.  Many of you may be waiting on the sign written in the clouds that will reveal to you what you will do when you graduate.  Many of you are just happy to be here.

Regardless of where you are in your career journey, the Career Services Center is here to help you take the right steps so you don’t spend years wandering around with no direction.

The Career Services Center offers an interactive career exploration program called DISCOVER. The assessment is a product of ACT and analyzes students’ interests, abilities, and values and suggests career options based on the results. Labor market information is available for 500+ careers.


A username is required and is available to all current SSCC students. If you would like more information on how you can take the DISCOVER, contact Deborah Reynolds (205.391.2204) for more information.

The following are job related articles that may help you with your journey:

The Fastest Growing Jobs In America

7 New Skills Every Worker Needs

2010 Best Careers

Carefully Crafted Cover Letter

by Barbara Mulligan


Each month, Amy Pesavento reads nearly 200 letters from people hoping to land a job at Wallace Computer Services Inc. Each month, she finds a few good ones ­and a few that cause her to cringe.

"Some cover letters are addressed to me but refer to another company in the body of the letter," says Pesavento, human resources manager at the Denver, Colorado-based firm. "Some writers say, 'I will follow up with you in two weeks,' but it's rare that they actually call."

Ben Gotkin, a college recruiter for Marconi Systems Technology Inc. in Rockville, Maryland, is all too familiar with the cookie-cutter approach to letter writing--and the mistakes writers of such letters sometimes make.

"It's obviously someone who's sent a resume to 500 companies out there," he says, pointing out that sending such a letter does nothing to set a candidate apart from other job seekers and plenty to hurt his or her chances of landing a job.

Pesavento and Gotkin agree that they're much more likely to be impressed with a letter that shows them the candidate possesses the skills necessary for the job and understands what the company does.

"I like to see a little bit about their background," Pesavento says. "I also like to see something that shows they've researched the company and that they would be a good fit."

Gotkin adds that the letter should be concise.

"Don't make it an essay or a novel," he says. "If it is easy to read and doesn't ramble, then it's probably what you want."

Marcy Bullock, coordinator of career services for North Carolina State University's College of Agriculture & Life Science, encourages students to customize their letters using short, well-chosen pieces of information about the company.

"It's not generic. You can throw some 'sound bites' in," she says. "Let's say you're writing to American Cyanamid, you can say you understand they have one of the top 10 crop-protection chemicals on the market right now."

Bullock says job seekers can learn more about a company's products, services, and corporate style by visiting its web site and reading literature like brochures and annual reports. That information, she says, can help determine if a letter is phrased formally or informally.

John B. Frick, director of the JOBSearch Center at Northern Michigan University, agrees that research is an important part of the cover letter--as long as it's presented concisely.

"It shows the employer that the student took initiative," he says.

Frick adds that job seekers who mail their resume and cover letter should take care that they're presented as a package.

"Make it look professional," he says. "Match the paper the resume's on."

For some employers, however, that kind of presentation no longer matters. Carol Dedrick, manager of college relations at National Starch & Chemical Co. in Bridgewater, New Jersey, says her firm now uses Restrak, a system that allows employees to electronically scan all resumes and cover letters.

"Everything is coming in electronically now, she says. "We never see a piece of paper ever, ever, ever."

Dedrick says the switch has brought changes to the way she and her staff read resumes and cover letters.

"The ideal way for students to send us resumes is over e-mail in ASCII text, with just a mini-cover letter that precedes the resume itself," she says, explaining that she won't see the paper documents anyway, and the scanning process can sometimes cause errors to be inserted into a resume or letter.

Dedrick adds that if a job seeker sends a resume and cover letter on paper, the letter may not even be scanned into the system.

"If it says something important, they'll scan it in," she says, explaining that "important" can mean salary information or a description of strong skills.

"I think the highlight is to interpret what you think your strengths are, what you bring to the table," she says.

Pesavento and Gotkin say that while they don't mind receiving resumes and cover letters by mail, they're quite happy with e-mailed and faxed resumes.

"It doesn't matter as much anymore if it's on nice paper," Gotkin says. "For me, it's okay as long as it's readable."

Still, career advisers say it's better to present mailed material neatly--many employers still care about those details. Best of all, they agree, is to know as much as possible about the employer in the first place.

"Your cover letter should be a custom-tailored, personalized summary directed at a key market," Bullock says. "If you really want to have your letter rise to the top of the stack, take the time and really make it shine."

The above article was taken from http://www.jobweb.com/resumesample.aspx?id=556.

Cover Letters and Job Correspondence Samples:  http://www.jobweb.com/students.aspx?folderid=134

What Does Your Online Footprint Say About You?

Resume up to date….. check!

Research of company I’ve applied for….check!

Interview suit cleaned and pressed…..check!

Pictures from last summer’s party on Facebook taken down…..check..wait! what???

These days most job seeking students already have an online footprint. Your online footprint is the digital imprint of your life. (1) Many of you may not realize most companies not only research your qualifications by checking references, requiring a background check, or you passing a drug test but also check out your social web pages such as Facebook, Myspace, or LinkedIn. (Even if you are set as private. Trust me, they have a way of getting in!)

When my 5 year old son joined a child friendly website this summer, the #1 useful tip they flashed across the screen was “Remember! Once you post anything online, it is there…FOREVER!”. This basic internet rule applies to all ages. Once you allow a photo to be posted of you from last weekend’s party or you make a crude comment on someone’s status, you are helping to create your footprint for all others to see 5 years down the road. Try to make your footprint as positive as possible.

YOU are responsible for YOU! Each time you go to post a status update or tag yourself in a photo, take a moment to step back and ask yourself “Would I want my future employer to see this about me?”. If you take these cautious steps now, you will help alleviate yourself of explanation or embarrassment later.

References:
(1) http://www.blueskyresumes.com/blog/online-footprint/

Other references related to the topic:


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/20/eveningnews/main1734920.shtml

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/20/more-employers-use-social-networks-to-check-out-applicants/

Be A Leader And Choose Your Attitude!

With Get On Board Days right around the corner, choosing the right attitude could be the key to your success in your next job. Many would not link Get On Board Days with their future employer. However, the attitude and work ethic you choose while serving different organizations within the college are relative to the way you perform in your career. You have the opportunity not only to build your resume by joining campus organizations but also to strengthen your professional and networking skills.
The following article is from Jobweb.com. It can help get you get started in the right direction.




Developing an Internship State of Mind

By Marianne Green

Most students know that internships are considered the gold standard of career experience, but you may find it difficult to pursue internships because of academic time pressures, credit issues, community service commitments, or the need to subsidize your college expenses with more mundane employment.

Even if that’s the case, you can adopt the “internship state of mind, ” a key attitude that will help you translate your experiences—clubs, social organizations, jobs, volunteer work, leadership, cultural activities—into valuable, career related opportunities that will rival a formal internship for career value when noted on your resume and discussed in an interview.

Here’s how it’s done:

1. Get an Attitude! Start with an attitude of curiosity, persistence and optimism. Consider each experience—no matter how mundane—a springboard for learning and development.

2. Set an Agenda. Set your own learning agenda. What skills do you want to hone or learn? What questions would you like answered? Be realistic.

3. Learn. Learn. Learn. Do the best you can with the job at hand. Claim small victories each time you succeed. Learn from your mistakes.

4. Watch and Listen. Be a keen observer and listener: Notice organizational culture, management style, financial problems, and challenges beyond your own niche. Take note of how your small job or position contributes to the organizational mission.

5. Build New Skills. Look for opportunities to take on new responsibilities to increase your skill set, above and beyond your prescribed duties. Ask to attend meetings, shadow other professionals, read official documents such as annual reports, strategic plans, etc.

6. Turn Small Talk Into Big Talk. Engage people in your environment to gain insights about the organization or their particular jobs. Do informational interviews to glean additional information. Consider the people you talk with part of your network. Plan to keep in touch with them when your summer experience concludes.

7. Reflect on your experience. Keep a journal or blog about your daily or weekly observations and accomplishments. Chart the ups and downs of your performance.

8. Add Your Summer Experience to Your Resume. Write about this experience on your resume. Use action verbs, cite specific skills used or acquired, quantify, and include your accomplishments.



Jess really wanted to do an unpaid marketing internship at the local food bank during the summer, but also needed to earn enough money for books and school supplies for the fall. He took a lucrative job as a waiter at a high end restaurant, freeing up time to volunteer at the food bank.

He decided to approach his volunteering as if it was an internship: He worked his hours stocking shelves and unloading trucks but he also got permission to shadow the CEO of the Food Bank, attending board meetings, and marketing strategy session. He created some appealing displays for canned vegetables, and offered to paint the back wall to spruce of the space. He used his weekend time to work on an outreach campaign for the Food Bank, walking through various communities to spread the word. By the end of the summer, Jess had created a set of experiences and skills that were as good or better than the skills he would have gotten in a formal internship.

Kaitlin, an English major who was interested in a publishing career, worked for the Jefferson Bank all through college. She disliked the administrative and financial work she had to do on a daily basis, but it paid the bills. Since she couldn't do a formal internship in her field, she decided to seek out tasks that would help her hone her editing, proofreading and writing skills. Every time someone needed help with letter writing, she volunteered some ideas. She offered to proofread correspondence and the draft of the new procedures manual that was being developed. She found out that the bank had a newsletter that mentioned events that occurred in the employees lives. On her own time, Kaitlin started writing short articles on trips that employees had taken, their hobbies, as well as milestones in their lives. Eventually, she was typing, illustrating and printing the whole newsletter. Kaitlin's resume listed all of the skills and experience she had acquired at her banking job, skills that related to the field of publishing.

Reference: http://www.jobweb.com/studentarticles.aspx?id=1905

Tell Me Something Good!

Chaka Khan asked for it and Shelton State Career Services found it! According to Jobweb.com employers are expected to hire 5.3 percent more college graduates than they did last year. That’s an excellent indicator that your decision to start college or complete your program of study was a wise one. In today’s economy, job seekers are looking for a special edge over their competition. Having a college degree or certificate can boost your appeal to employers and give you the knowledge and confidence to get the job.




Article found at http://www.jobweb.com/studentarticles.aspx?id=2501:

Hiring Up 5.3 Percent for Class of 2010


Employers have more opportunities for the college Class of 2010 than they did a year ago, according to a new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).


NACE’s Job Outlook 2010 Spring Update shows employers expect to hire 5.3 percent more new college graduates in 2009-10 than they did in 2008-09.


“This is the first positive hiring outlook for new college graduates since October of 2008,” says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.

In October 2008, employers projected a 1.3 percent in hiring for the Class of 2009. That increase fell later in the fall of 2008 as the stock market and economy fell. College hiring has been in negative territory every since, hitting bottom in the Job Outlook 2009 Spring Update, when employers reported hiring 22 percent fewer new graduates in 2009 than they hired in 2008. (See Chart 1.)

Earlier projections for the Class of 2010 showed hiring would be down 7 percent compared to last year.


Now, says Mackes, “we’re seeing hiring increases in nearly all the reporting industries.”

In fact, almost 80 percent of responding employers reported that their spring 2010 plans call for them to hire for full-time and/or internship positions.

By region, the Northeast has the best hiring outlook—a 25.5 percent increase is projected. The Southeast is the only region reporting a decrease (10 percent).

Results also bode well for next year’s crop of graduates.


“Nearly 60 percent of respondents have plans to hire more or the same number of new college graduates in Fall 2010 as they did in Fall 2009,” says Mackes.


About the Job Outlook 2010 Spring Update: NACE conducts its Job Outlook survey in three parts during the academic year to gauge hiring projections and employer recruiting plans. Data in this release are from the third and final part of the survey. The Job Outlook 2010 Spring Update survey was conducted March 1 – April 9, 2010, among NACE employer members; 177 employers, or 20 percent, participated. By region, 26.4 percent of respondents are from the Northeast, 29.6 percent are from the Southeast, 28.3 percent are from the Midwest, and 15.7 percent are from the West.

Creating a Career Path in the Medical Field

If you are pursuing a career in medical professions, the Shelton State Career Services has discovered a company which provides the latest medical news and information to healthcare practitioners. The website is an online access to career resources in the medical field along with audio programs you can download or listen to from your computer. The programs are established as a platform for clinical discussion, news, and education and are broadcast 24/7 on XM Satellite Radio channel 160.

Visit
www.reachmd.com to discover it for yourself!

Another website you may find resourceful is created to serve as a network for health care professionals. Healthcareerweb.com provides information regarding jobs in the medical profession in addition to medical care discussions.


Regardless if you are pursuing a career as a Nurse, an Emergency Medical Technician, or as a Home Health Aide, we are sure you will find helpful tips and guidance from these sites.

Top 10 Career Strategies for Freshmen and Sophomores

Starting college can be a stressful time in anyone’s life. There are so many things to consider and many students are left feeling unprepared. Shelton State Career Services Center has found information that may help students stay on track and remain focused.


Although the following article is based on a 4-year college, the content still pertains to students at any level.

The article was taken from www.jobweb.com and is written by Bob Orndorff.

Top 10 Career Strategies for Freshmen and Sophomores



by Bob Orndorff


You control your career destiny! Just going to class and picking up your diploma after four years doesn't cut it. You need to become active on and off campus. Becoming marketable to employers or graduate schools is a four-year job! Here are the top 10 things you can do during college to make yourself marketable at job-search time. In fact, if you do all 10, you'll be unstoppable!


1. Keep your grades up.
Employers and graduate schools want candidates with good grades. That will probably never change. Doing well academically not only proves that you have a good knowledge base, but indicates a strong work ethic—a value that employers value, but that that seems to be less common every year.


2. Identify your interests, skills, values, and personal characteristics.
As you could tell from the career counseling session, Anita didn't have a clear understanding of her interests and skills. Her interest in PR was pretty vague. The first step to clarifying your career goals is to go through a process of self-assessment. Visit your career center and take advantage of the self-assessment instruments that they have to offer.


3. Actively explore career options.
This is something that very few college students do: actively explore career options. In fact, a study has shown that most freshmen and sophomores spend more time deciding on a video to rent than on what they might want for a career, even though a video only lasts two hours while your career can last a lifetime. Isn't your life after college worth exploring? You owe it to yourself to find a career that enriches your life, not one that brings you down. Actively exploring careers means talking with professionals in occupations of interest (called Information Interviewing) and observing professionals on the job (called Work Shadowing). Your career center probably has alumni and other volunteers who are willing to talk to you about their careers. Also, attend any career expos, career fairs, and career speaker panels that are offered. You can learn a lot about various career fields by attending these events. Finally, it doesn't hurt to begin the process by reading about careers of interest. One of the best Internet sites for exploring careers is experience.com—check it out!


4. Become active in extracurricular activities and clubs.
Active involvement in activities and clubs on campus is highly valued by employers and graduate schools. Joining a club is fine, but becoming active within that club is what matters most. Become a leader, hold an office, or coordinate an event. You will develop your skills in leadership and teamwork—skills that are on the top of every recruiter's list!


5. Get involved in community service.
It's important that you begin to understand and appreciate the importance of giving back to your community, and that you live in a larger community than your college or hometown. Typically, students look at community service as a chore. After they've served, however, it's usually one of the most rewarding experiences they've had! Recruiters love to see that you've volunteered to help in your community.


6. Develop your computer skills.
Computers are changing the world of work in a big way! The days of secretaries typing your letters are over. Every worker must know how to type business letters using a word processor. That's a given. To demonstrate strong computer skills, you must learn how to use spreadsheets, design data bases, and produce automated presentations. Take advantage of the computer courses and workshops your college offers. But you can also learn a lot by just experimenting with different software packages on your own. For example, you could make yourself a mini data base that maintains mailing addresses and phone numbers of all your friends and family. Finally, you should learn how to develop your own web page or web-based portfolio. There are many web-design editor software packages that make it real easy to develop your own web page! Contact your college's information technology office to see how to get started.


7. Develop your writing skills.
Over and over, company and graduate school recruiters complain about the lack of writing skills among college graduates. Don't avoid classes that are writing intensive. Work at developing your writing skills. If there is a writing center on campus, have them take a look at your papers from time to time. Remember, the first impression you give to recruiters is typically your cover letter or personal statement.


8. Complete at least one internship in your chosen career field.
More and more, internships are the springboards to employment and getting into graduate programs. Many recruiters say that when they need to fill entry-level jobs, they will only hire previous interns. In addition to making yourself more marketable, internships also are a great way to explore careers and determine whether or not certain careers are for you. When you work for a company as an intern for three to four months, you get a really good feel for whether the field (and company) is one in which you want to work day in and day out!


9. Gain an appreciation of diversity through study abroad, foreign languages, and courses.
The American work force is becoming more diverse every year. Also, we are now, more than ever, working within a global work force. For you to be successful at work and in your life, you must stretch yourself and learn about people and cultures different than yours. Because of civil rights laws, people today are forced to tolerate diversity. Winners in life and work are ones who appreciate diversity! The only way you can appreciate diversity is to open your mind and become more familiar with and knowledgeable about different cultures. Take advantage of the wonderful study-abroad opportunities and the courses relating to diversity. This is your time to travel! Most people find it harder to take time to travel as they begin their careers and start families. While it may be a little scary at first, traveling to foreign countries is the most life-changing experience you'll have in college!


10. Use your career center all four years.
Your college career center can help you throughout your entire college career. Here is just a sampling of what your career center can help you do:


o choose your major and career direction,


o explore career options,


o obtain an internship,


o write a resume and cover letter,


o develop your interviewing skills,


o identify your skills, interests, and values,


o develop a job search or graduate school plan,


o connect you with prospective employers (career fairs, on-campus recruiting, etc.), and


o connect you with alumni mentors.


Remember, you control your career destiny. Don't wait until your senior year to start realizing your goals. Your career train is on the move. Jump on board now so you can reach your destination!


Reference: http://www.jobweb.com/parents.aspx?id=50

Education Career Profiles

If you are considering completing your diploma in Education or are already on your way, the following information will help guide you to the area within Education that is best for you.  The information was taken from The Apple:  http://edu.theapple.com/.

Education Career Profiles Educators are a critical part of the world’s future. They help shape the minds of our children and inspire us to explore our dreams. Always in demand, teachers enjoy great benefits, flexible schedules, and summer vacations.

Here’s a list of TheApple’s top careers in education – including detailed descriptions, average salaries, education requirements, and growth outlooks.

• Preschool Teacher


• Teacher’s Aid


• Elementary School Teacher


• Middle School Teacher


• High School Teacher


• Music Teacher


• Art Teacher


• Computer Teacher


• Health Teacher


• Career / Technical Educator


• Counselor


• Principal


• School Psychologist


• Assistant Principal


• Science Teacher


• ESL/ELL Teacher


• Math Teacher


• Elementary School Counselor


• Financial Aid Counselor


• Career Counselor



Get a jumpstart on your education career! Fill out the short form on the right.


Reference:  http://edu.theapple.com/articles/715-education_career_profiles?utm_source=nlet&utm_content=tap_c2_20100721_FacebookStudents

Interview Process: Stage 3

After The Interview

Over the past 3 weeks we have shared with you information regarding job interviews.  This week marks our final week on the issue.  If you missed the first 3 weeks, please go back to our previous posts and check them out!

Analyze the interview

Although it is not recommended that you take notes during the interview, it may be helpful for you to do so immediately afterwards. How did it go? What did you learn? What was your impression of the organization, the interviewer, and other people you may have met? It is a good idea to keep some kind of written record of each interview you have that includes any information you believe to be important.

Write a thank you note

This is an extremely important aspect of interviewing and one in which is most often neglected. You can get an edge simply by being one who always sends a note within forty-eight hours to thank the interviewer and stress points in your background that qualify you for the position. If additional information or materials were requested, verify that it is being forwarded. Notes may be typed or hand written. You will have to determine which form is most appropriate for each interview.

When appropriate, follow up

If you are told you will hear about a position by a specific date but do not, call the organization and ask about the current status of your candidacy.

Job Offer

If an offer is extended verbally, ask for it and the details in writing, including the job title, starting date, salary, location and any other important information. If anything appears vague, ask for clarification before accepting the offer.

• Make your acceptance in writing, restating the important details

• If you are going to reject the offer, do so in writing as soon as possible

• Indicate appreciation for their confidence in you. Do not burn any bridges!

• If you need more time to consider the offer, ask for an extension of the deadline and tell them why.

Coping with Rejection

Being rejected by potential employers is an inevitable part of every job search. This doesn’t mean that it will be easy to accept or that you have to like it. No one likes to feel unwanted. This is as true in the job search as in any other aspect of life. Keep in mind two things that may help you handle negative feedback in a positive way.


First, you will hear “no” many more times than “yes.” This is a fact of the job search and realizing this should help you put an employer’s “no” into proper perspective. Second, don’t just accept an employer’s negative response without looking at the reasons. Try to determine why you were turned down. Was there a poor fit between the position and your background? Did you fail to present yourself as a strong candidate in your cover letter and résumé or in the interview? You may be able to see the answers to these questions yourself, but it is also a good idea to seek guidance and input from Career Services staff or from the interviewer by asking, “How could I have presented myself better?” Accept the fact that you will be rejected more often than not, but learn from the experience to better prepare for the next interview.

Interview Process: Stage 2

During the Interview

Dress appropriately and comfortably:

First impressions are important and include how you look. Most employers consider a conservative dress as a sign of good judgment. Check your clothes the day before in case something is amiss. Be sure your clothing is clean, pressed, and in good repair.

Be punctual:

Know the exact location and time of your appointment. Arrive about fifteen Minutes early. This will give you time to relax and catch your breath. Go alone. To bring another person with you indicates insecurity. Be alert and prepared.

• Bring the following to the interview in a briefcase or folder:

• Pen and paper

• Social security number

• Extra copies of your résumé

• List of references (include full names, business titles, business addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three individuals who will serve as reference for you. You must ask these individuals for permission, informing them that they may be contacted by an employer. Use adults whose references will be of value to you – supervisors, professors, etc.)

Play the part:

• Stand until asked by the interviewer to sit down. Do not slouch

• Build rapport with the interviewer. That involves your attitude, non-verbal behaviors, and verbal behaviors.

• Be friendly, polite and respectful to everyone

• Show interest in the employer, the facilities, its mission and its people

• Watch your grammar. Speak with a good voice and diction. Say “yes”, not “yeah”.

• Once you have given your name, repeat the interviewer’s name, using “Mr” or “Ms” and correct pronunciation.

Non-verbal behaviors:

How you dress, stand, sit, use your hands, move your head and eyes, how you listen, all work together to provide your interviewer with information about you beyond what you say.

• Posture: Walk confidently into the room, hold your head up and offer a firm, positive handshake. During interview sit up straight in your chair and lean forward to indicate interest and attention

• Greeting: Express your gratitude when meeting someone for the first time. Maintain eye contact and smile.

• Eye contact: Be open and direct when listening, asking and responding to questions. Do not stare.

• Gestures: Try to control nervous gestures like hair-twisting, nail biting, and pen clicking. Hands should be used in a relaxed way, for animation, communication, excitement and interest.

• Voice: The sound of your voice should be warm and friendly. Project, speak slowly, and enunciate. Use good grammar skills to avoid misuse of verb tense, pronouns or other grammatical errors.

Verbal behaviors - How you communicate verbally involves your ability to:

• Use active verbs

• Use concrete examples

• Summarize and make transitions

• Be positive and specify what you have done and what you know

• Ask for more information when a vague or difficult question is put forth.

Sell yourself

This is your opportunity to prove that you are the best candidate for the job. All your preparation will now pay off. Remember, the interviewer’s job is to determine whether or not you are a good fit between you and the position for which you are applying.



If you know yourself and understand the position, you can sell yourself. Most jobs are complex and it helps to let the interviewer know that you are used to handling successfully, a number of responsibilities at the same time: academic, part-time work, community service, family obligations, etc. Use the name of the interviewer once or twice in each conversation (do not use a first name). Dale Carnegie, who made millions telling people how to make friends and influence people, maintained that a person’s favorite word is his or her name.

Be a good listener

Focusing on the interviewer and the questions being asked will lessen your nervousness and enable you to answer questions more directly and succinctly. Although you are the one being asked most of the questions you have total control of all the information your interviewer receives. When you are prepared and you listen carefully, you can make sure you answer each question with the information about yourself you want the employer to have.

Be honest and enthusiastic

The interviewer wants to learn about your background and abilities. Good communication skills are important to all employers. Respond as accurately as possible to the questions asked – in sentences, not paragraphs or yes and no answers. Use specific examples whenever possible to illustrate specific skills and accomplishments and stress the positive rather than the negative. Be positive in your comments. Express thoughts clearly and concisely. Do not ramble.

Some of the commonly asked questions are:

• Tell me about yourself

Be brief. Keep responses relevant to the position and the organization. The interviewer is interested in the following information: Your education and previous experience, your attitude toward people and work, and your future career plans as they relate to the job.

• Why do you want to work for us?

This is to learn how much you know about the organization and your chosen career field. If you haven’t done your homework the question can be devastating.

• Why should we hire you?

Know your strengths and abilities to be able to convince the interviewer that you will be an asset to the organization. Emphasize where and how you expect to contribute, not what you expect the employer to do for you.

• What is your greatest weakness?

Whatever you mention, be sure to state how you have worked to strengthen yourself in that particular area or turn it around to be a potential strength.

• What are your long-term goals?

The interviewer would like to know if you plan to stay in this career field and with this organization. General goals that confirm your commitment are best.

• What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Be ready with at least two or three concrete examples that illustrate your personal strengths. Ideally these examples will illustrate qualities that will be valuable once you are on the job.

Show that you are likable and professional

Employers hire people that they like, as well as, those they believe can do the job. Smile, be friendly, and maintain your composure no matter what. Sometimes interviewers are testing how professional and unflappable you are.

Be prepared to ask questions

Remember the interview is an exchange of information. You can ask for additional information or clarification of information you found in your research. You can also ask questions that will help you to decide if the organization can meet your goals and work needs. Your questions will demonstrate both your understanding of and interest in the position. Techniques for asking good questions begin with the use of who, what, where, why, and how.

Never speak badly of a former employer, colleague, or teacher

If there were problems with previous experiences, try to put your answers in positive terms

Wait for an offer to discuss salary

Discuss salary only after you have been offered the job. Think in terms of salary ranges and fringe benefits (insurance, pension plans, stock options, sick leave, etc.)

• Should you be asked difficult questions such as:

Have you thought about salary?



What salary are you expecting?



What is the minimum salary you would accept?

• Consider the following responses:

What is the salary range for this position?

Most of my peers who are also graduating in this major are receiving...

Offers in $________ range. What range is offered for this position?

Know when the interview is over

Signs from your interviewer such as looking at a watch, putting papers in a pile, and moving back a chair are your cues that the interview is over. At this point you can help your interviewer by providing them a summary of your qualifications, expressing your interest and desire to work for them, and thanking them for their time and consideration. If there are other steps in the application process be sure you understand them.

Don’t expect an offer on the spot.

Offers usually follow the interview, sometimes two or three weeks later. If you are not offered the job during the interview, ask about the next step in the employment process.



Reference: http://www.employopedia.com/index.php/Job-Interviewing/interviewing-the-basics.html