Welcome to your Career Planning Guide! This guide is brought to you by the Academic and Career Advising Center (ACAC) in University College and is designed to help you navigate your career journey at UW-Stevens Point and beyond! Know that your career journey is unique to you and your experiences and goals, but this guide can provide some steps to follow to help move you towards career success upon graduation.
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Career Planning Guide UW-Stevens Point Academic and Career Advising Center
Collecting Knowledge
Experience as Currency
Hello World- First Moves
Appendices
Winning the Game
ｓ ｓ ｓ Hello World - First Moves Collecting Knowledge Experience as Currency Winning the Game 1.1 Exploration .................................... Pg. 6 1.1a Involvement and Organizations 1.1b Online Resources 1.2 Handshake ..................................... Pg. 8 1.3 Resume Transition ........................... Pg. 9 1.3a Basics 1.3b Writing 101 1.3c Gap Analysis The Dawg Adventure ............................ Pg. 12 2.1 Update and Explore Handshake ....... Pg. 14 2.2 Build Connections Beyond Campus .. Pg. 15 2.2a Informational Interview Guide 2.2b Job Shadowing 2.3 Career Fair Navigation 1.0 .............. Pg. 19 2.4 Maintaining Connections ................. Pg. 20 2.4a LinkedIn Basics 2.5 Considering Graduate or Professional School ........................ Pg. 22 3.1 Maintaining Networks ..................... Pg. 23 3.2 Expanding Use of Career Fairs ......... Pg. 24 3.3 Locating Experiences ...................... Pg. 26 3.4 Preparing for Interviews .................. Pg.27 3.4a Interviewing Basics 3.4b Practice Interviews 3.5 Update Your Resume .......................Pg.33 3.6 Plan for Future ...............................Pg. 34 3.6a Graduate School 3.6b Reflecting on Workplace Values 4.1 Professional Connections and Organizations ...........................Pg.37 4.2 Handshake and LinkedIn for Your Job Search .............................. Pg.38 4.3 Fine Tune Your Skills and Materials .....Pg.39 4.4 Your Future Destination .................... Pg.40
Introduction
Welcome to your Career Planning Guide! This guide is brought to you by the Academic and Career Advising Center (ACAC) in University College and is designed to help you navigate your career journey at UWSP and beyond! Know that your career journey is unique to you and your experiences and goals, but this guide can provide some steps to follow to help move you towards career success upon graduation. Each step is designed to work through the various components of your UWSP career journey, with some great tips along the way! While there is an outlined order to this guide, this resource is for anyone, no matter where your starting point is. This guide is designed to be an interactive booklet with clickable links throughout to connect you to great resources at UWSP and beyond! In addition to this guide, the Academic and Career Advising Center website has many wonderful resources that, together with the ACAC staff, can help you explore options and develop skills along your UWSP journey. Our Academic and Career Advisers and Career Coaches are excited to help guide you through this adventure!
Appendices
5.1 Career Journey Checklist ..................Pg.41 5.2 NACE Competencies ........................Pg.42 5.3 Resources Index ............................. Pg.43
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Hello World - First Moves
1.1 b Online Resources
Candid Career + Candid Career currently features 6,000+ interview clips from thousands oISUoIessLoQaOs<oXcaQe[SOoUecaUeeUsaQGheaUGLUecWO\IUoPLQGXsWU\ SUoIessLoQaOsaEoXWZhaWWhe\GoaQGZh\Whe\GoLW7hesePLQXWeYLGeos offer you expert advice to help you successfully navigate your career journey. &DUHHU2QH6WRS /eaUQaEoXW\oXULQWeUesWssNLOOsaQGZoUNYaOXesaQGhoZWhe\UeOaWeWo GLIIeUeQWcaUeeUSaWhsCaUeeU2Qe6WoShasoccXSaWLoQaQGLQGXsWU\ LQIoUPaWLoQsaOaU\GaWacaUeeUYLGeosaQGPoUe 0DMRU0DSV 0aMoU0aSsheOS\oXPaS\oXUILUsWGa\WoWheILUsWMoELQ\oXUchoseQILeOG :hLOeaIoXU\eaUJUaGXaWLoQSOaQoXWOLQescOassesQeeGeGWoeaUQaGeJUee 0aMoU0aSsoXWOLQeZhaWcaUeeUUeaG\sNLOOsaQGe[SeULeQcesZLOOheOS\oXJeW WhePosWoXWoI\oXU8:63MoXUQe\,W saUoaGPaSWoGLscoYeULQJ\oXU SXUSose 0\HUV%ULJJV3HUVRQDOLW\7HVW µ,W·ssoLQcUeGLEOeWoILQaOO\EeXQGeUsWooGµ*oJeWacoQcUeWeaccXUaWe GescULSWLoQoIZho\oXaUeaQGZh\\oXGoWheWhLQJsWheZa\\oXGo IoUIUee6WXGeQWscaQaOsoe[SOoUeCaUeeU3aWhLQIoUPaWLoQIoUeach SeUsoQaOLW\W\SeSUoILOe 0\0DMRUV 8QGecLGeGaEoXWacaUeeUSaWhoUQeeGheOSe[SOoULQJZhaWcaUeeUsaOLJQ ZLWhasSecLILcacaGePLcSUoJUaP"7he0\0aMoUsseOIassessPeQWcaQheOS \oXe[SOoUe\oXUoSWLoQsoUcoQILUPWhePaMoUoUcaUeeU\oXaUeaOUeaG\ coQsLGeULQJ,WoQO\WaNesPLQXWesWocoPSOeWeQoWeWhaW\oXZLOOQeeG WocUeaWeaOoJLQWoEeJLQ2QcecoPSOeWeG\oXZLOOOeaUQZhLchPaMoUsoU caUeeUsPa\EeaJooGILWIoU\oX 2 1(72Q/LQH ([SOoUecaUeeUSaWhsEaseGoQLQWeUesWseGXcaWLoQaQGILeOG2 1(72Q/LQe hasGeWaLOeGGescULSWLoQsoIWheZoUOGoIZoUNIoUXseE\MoEseeNeUssWXGeQWs UeseaUcheUsaQGPoUe :KDW&DQ,'RZLWK7KLV0DMRU :heWheU\oX·Uee[SOoULQJPaMoUsoUseaUchLQJIoULQIoUPaWLoQaEoXW\oXU choseQILeOGWhLsZeEsLWeZLOOheOS\oXcoQQecWPaMoUsWocaUeeUs
1.1 Exploration
$s\oXWaNeWheseÀUsWsWeSsLQ\oXUcaUeeUMoXUQe\LW·sLPSoUWaQWIoU\oXWo UeÁecWoQ\oXUsNLOOsaQGLQWeUesWsaQGeYaOXaWehoZWhe\ÀWLQWo\oXUcaUeeU goals. If you have not yet decided on a career path or you have multiple LQWeUesWsWhaW·sSeUIecWO\oNa\(YeU\oQePaNesWheseGecLsLoQsoQWheLUoZQ time and you may even change your mind down the road. For the rest of Step 1, we will provide you with suggestions and resources for exploring career options, regardless of your starting point.
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1.1 a Involvement and Organizations
Connecting to experiences is about what you know and who you know. Especially in a mostly virtual world, getting involved and trying new things is key to building and maintaining connections with others. UWSP SUoYLGes PaQ\oSSoUWXQLWLesIoU connect LQJZLWh , get WLQJ involved LQ , and explo UaWLoQ oIe[SeULeQcesWhaWaLGLQGeWeUPLQLQJEoWh\oXUacaGePLcaQGIXWXUecaUeeU JoaOs Not sure where to start? • Connect with your Academic and Career Adviser for recommendations based on your interests. • Check out the Stevens Point Involvement Network (SPIN) to learn more about the over 200 student organizations on campus. • Visit the Campus Activities and Student Engagement (CASE 2IÀceWo explore volunteer opportunities. • 7aONZLWh\oXUIacXOW\aIWeUcOassoUGXULQJWheLUoIÀcehoXUsIoULQGXsWU\ sSecLÀcUecoPPeQGaWLoQsasZeOO
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1.3 Resume Transition
1.2 Handshake
Getting started on Handshake 7heCaUeeU7eaPhasaOUeaG\seWXSa+aQGshaNeaccoXQWIoU\oX-XsWJoWo XZsS .joinhandshake.com and follow the prompts to log in and acWLYaWe\oXU accoXQW1oWsXUeZheUeWosWaUW"ChecNoXWWhLssWeSE\sWeSaUWLcOeoQ+oZ WoJeWsWaUWeGZLWh+aQGshaNe <oXUSUoILOeLs\oXUWLPeWoshLQesoGoQ·WEesh\aEoXWOLsWLQJ\oXU accomplishments. The more potential employers know about you, the better WhechaQceWhe\·OOUeachoXWWo\oX0aNesXUeWoOLsWaOOoI\oXUhaUGZoUN³LQ aQGoXWoIWhecOassUooP³oQ\oXUSUoILOe 6eW\oXUSUeIeUeQcesIoUWheW\SesoILQWeUQshLSsaQGMoEs\oX·UeLQWeUesWeG LQso+aQGshaNecaQILQGWheULJhWoSSoUWXQLWLesIoU\oX6eaUchLQJWhUoXJh hXQGUeGsoILQWeUQshLSaQGMoESosWLQJsWhaWGoQ·WILWLsQ·WaJooGXseoI\oXU WLPe/eW+aQGshaNeGoWheZoUNIoU\oX /eWXsheOS7he8:63CaUeeU7eaPhasWheWooOsWoheOS\oXWaNeWheILUsWsWeS And then the next step as well! Our Career Preparation Events aUeIoXQGoQ +aQGshaNeasZeOO 1oZOeW·sJeW\oXhLUeG-oLQWheOaUJesWcaUeeUcoPPXQLW\IoUeaUO\WaOeQWLQ Whe867heUeaUeWhUeeeas\sWeSsWoJeW\oXoQesWeScOoseUWoILQGLQJ\oXU next opportunity:
It is never too early to start working on your resume. With just a few changes, you can turn a resume you used in high school into a polished, professional document. The following example and information can help you with the transition or aid you in creating a document from scratch!
1.3 a Resume 1.0
Top 5 resume tips <oXUUesXPeshoXOGEeaOLYLQJchaQJLQJGocXPeQW:heQeYeU\oXJaLQa new skill or experience, remember to add it to your resume while it is fresh in \oXUPLQG%\sWaUWLQJZLWhaYeU\WhoUoXJhUesXPeLWZLOOEeeas\WoaGMXsW each time you need to use it. We call this your OLIeOoQJ resume. *eQeUaWLYe$,sXchasChaW*37aUeUesoXUcesWhaWcaQLQsSLUeLGeasaLG sWXGeQWsZLWhGLsaELOLWLesaQGoUSUooIUeaGWe[WIoUeUUoUs:eGoQoW UecoPPeQGXsLQJJeQeUaWLYe$,soOeO\WocUaIWUesXPesaQGcoYeUOeWWeUsIoU sXEPLssLoQWoJUaGXaWeschooOsoUSoWeQWLaOePSOo\eUs LWLsOLNeO\WhaW JUaGXaWeschooOsaQGePSOo\eUsZoXOGEeaEOeWoWeOOWhaWWheZoUNLs$, JeQeUaWeGaQGLWPa\haUP\oXUcaQGLGac\ /LIHORQJ resume Create a OLIeOoQJ resume that will include everything you have ever done. <oXcaQWheQcXWaQGSasWeSLecesoIWhLsOLIeOoQJUesXPeWocUeaWeaWaLOoU made resume for each job. This also provides a great work history document. <oXcaQLQcOXGeaGGLWLoQaOLQIoUPaWLoQLQcOXGLQJsXSeUYLsoUQaPecoQWacW information, salary, employer address, extra work duty details just for your EeQeILWaQGNQoZOeGJe oUIoUXseoQa Federal Resume on 86$-oEs )! Do not use a resume template ,WLsUecoPPeQGeGWoOooNaWWePSOaWesWoILQGasW\Oe\oXOLNeEXWWheQWU\Wo UecUeaWeWhaWsW\OeXsLQJ:oUG$WePSOaWecaQEeYeU\UesWULcWLYeZheQ\oX try to edit and add to a resume as you gain experience. Focus attention on you )ocXsWhUoXJhsXEheaGLQJscaSLWaOOeWWeUsEoOGSULQWLWaOLcsoUEXOOeWs,I\oX overuse these items, they lose their effectiveness, so be careful! Quantify/Qualify your experiences :heUeaSSUoSULaWe²XseQXPEeUssSecLILcQaPesoIeTXLSPeQWscLeQWLILc QaPesaQGoUPoQeWaU\ILJXUesWoLOOXsWUaWeNQoZOeGJeaQGsNLOOs*oEe\oQG duties to identify what was achieved or accomplished in your work and volunteer experiences. Edit, edit, edit Proofread for spelling or grammatical errors, and also make sure your format is uniform – for example, make sure your fonts, margins, and the style of your GaWesPaWch eJoU-XQe WhUoXJhoXW\oXUGocXPeQW
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Introduce yourself
Tell us what you want to do and where you want to be
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Log in
Download the app and log in to start building your SUoÀOeWoGa\'oQ·WZoUU\\oXcaQXSGaWe\oXU preferences as often as you want! $GaSWeGIUoP
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1.3b Resume Writing 101
1.3c Gap Analysis
One way to make sure that you are gaining the skills and experiences you need for the career you want to have after graduation is to conduct a Gap Analysis. A Gap Analysis is designed to identify what skills and experiences you need or want to gain to be a competitive candidate for your dream job. Below are the steps you can take to complete this activity: Step One | Find your dream job • Using Handshake, LinkedIn, or a professional organization in your field, find a job you would like to have after graduation. • It could be the job you want directly out of your undergraduate program, maybe it is the job you’d like to have 5-10 years after graduation, or perhaps it’s the job you want to retire from. Step Two | Read the position description • Identify the Required and Preferred qualifications. • Pay special attention to Educational Requirements, Years and Type(s) of Experience, Technical or Hard Skills (computer skills, languages, equipment, etc.), and Soft Skills (communication, time management, leadership, etc.). Step Three | Analyze your own skills • Reflect on the following Questions: ▪ What experiences have you had? ▪ What have you already learned? ▪ What skills have you gained? • Once you have answered these questions, compare your experiences and skills to those that your dream job needs or wants you to have; the pieces you’re still missing are your gaps. Step Four | Fill in the gaps • After you identify your gaps, create a plan for filling them in. Here are some of the ways you can fill in your gaps: ▪ Academic Opportunities : There are a variety of academic-related opportunities that can help you fill in your gaps including upcoming coursework in your major, adding a major, minor, or certificate, and being intentional when selecting general education courses. Some positions prefer or require a graduate degree as well. Refer to page 34 in Collecting Resources for more information about graduate programs. ▪ On-Campus Opportunities : Some on-campus experiences you can have to fill in gaps include undergraduate research, on-campus employment, and involvement in student organizations. ▪ Internship Opportunities : On- or off-campus internships are a great way to fill in your gaps. Begin your search for internships using Workday , Handshake, campus networking events, and Career & Internship Fairs. ▪ Off-Campus Opportunities : Volunteering in your community or participating in a Study Abroad/National Student Exchange experience are just some great ways to fill in your gaps outside of UWSP.
Contact Information Use a larger font for your name. Include the information that will help an employer most easily contact you.
Education You can add your major, minors, certificates, and GPA (optional).
Experience Include the name and location of companies, your title, and the dates you held each position. Use bullets and action verbs to highlight your skills.
Section Titles Use a variety of sections to capture the experience that will interest future employers. Within each section you can mix jobs, organizational involvement, and volunteer experiences.
Additional advice • Use a font style and size that are easy to read; generally, 11-12 points. Your margins can be anywhere from 0.5-1 inch on each side. • Be consistent in your formatting – this can make it easier for the recruiter to find the information they need. • Keep updating your resume as you gain experiences; it is much easier to add details as they happen rather than needing to overhaul your resume each time you start looking for a job. • Keep your resume tailored when you apply for positions, but be sure to save a longer version (called a Life-long Resume) to remember anything you might want to include in the future.
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Career & Self-Development Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization. Communication Clearly and e!ectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization. Critical Thinking Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information. Equity & Inclusion Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from di!erent cultures and backgrounds. Engage in anti- oppressive practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism and inequity.
Leadership Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals. Professionalism Knowing work environments di!er greatly, understand and demonstrate e!ective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace. Teamwork Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work e!ectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities. Technology Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance e"ciencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
The Dawg Adventure DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE Are you career-ready? Before you graduate, make sure you can demonstrate these key competencies! Note that the competencies are listed in alphabetical order. Talk with mentors about the field you will be entering and where you should focus your skill-building e!orts.
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Competencies for a Career-Ready Workforce come from NACE, the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Find sample behaviors for each competency here.
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Collecting Knowledge
2.2 Build Connections Beyond Campus
1oZWhaW\oX·YesWaUWeGEXLOGLQJcoQQecWLoQsZLWhSeeUsIacXOW\aQGsWaII oQcaPSXsLW·sWLPeWoe[SOoUeJoLQJEe\oQGcaPSXs7heUeaUePaQ\ ways that you can begin to build relationships with people who may work LQWheÀeOG\oXaUeLQWeUesWeGLQCoQGXcWLQJaQLQIoUPaWLoQaOLQWeUYLeZoU participating in a job shadow experience can provide valuable insight into a career or industry you may be considering and is an excellent way to expand your network.
2.1 Update and Explore Handshake
%XLOGDVWURQJSURÀOH $GGLQJWheseeOePeQWsWo\oXUSUoÀOePaNes\oX[PoUeOLNeO\WoJeWa message from a recruiter! • $GGUeceQWZoUNoUYoOXQWeeUe[SeULeQce,QcOXGeaQ\MoEs\oX·YeheOG GoQ·WZoUU\aEoXWUeOeYaQceZheQÀUsWEXLOGLQJ\oXUSUoÀOe • Include your skills and organizations. Employers search for students based oQZhaWWhe\OLsWoQWheLUSUoÀOe²PaNesXUeWoEeWhoUoXJh • CoQsLGeUZheQWoPaNe\oXUSUoÀOeSXEOLcsoWhaWePSOo\eUsaUeaEOeWo SUoacWLYeO\ÀQG\oX Keep your career interests up to date • In the /ooNLQJ)oUsecWLoQ , add caUeeU and location interests which assist in connecting you to recruiters. • $GMXsW\oXU6eWWLQJsWoCoPPXQLW\sosWXGeQWsaOXPQLaQGePSOo\eUs Pa\coQQecWZLWh\oX Show employers you’re interested • .eeSWUacNoIZhLchePSOo\eUsYLeZeG\oXUSUoÀOeaQG´IaYoULWeµ the employers you want to connect with most to let them know \oX·UeLQWeUesWeG • $SSO\WoMoEs,WPLJhWsoXQGoEYLoXsEXWWheÀUsWsWeSWosecXULQJaQ opportunity is applying. • Upload your resume so that you can easily apply to positions using the mobile app.
2.2a Informational Interview Guide
An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone working LQaÀeOGWhaW·sLQWeUesWLQJWo\oX7hecoQYeUsaWLoQseUYesWooIIeUWhe
opportunity to gain information, perspective, and advice. CaQGLGCaUeeU9LGeo+oZWo'oaQ,QIoUPaWLoQaO,QWeUYLeZ Before you meet
• • 8se/LQNeG,QIaPLO\IULeQGsWhe8:63$OXPQLoIILce\oXU$GYLseUoUCaUeeU Coach to identify potential interviewees. Reach out to a few individuals with a brief note introducing yourself and requesting 30 minutes of their time (see sample message below). • %UaLQsWoUPTXesWLoQs\oXZaQWWoasNaQGEeSUeSaUeGWoWaNeQoWes • Verify the details of your meeting (time, date, location/format, technology). • +aYeaEULeIeOeYaWoUSLWchSUeSaUeGWoLQWUoGXce\oXUseOIacaUeeUJoaO or two, and some professional interests.
Sample inquiry message Subject: Informational Interview
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'eaU0s6SUXce ,·PcXUUeQWO\aIUeshPaQaW8:6WeYeQs3oLQWaQG,·PSUeSaULQJ to return home for the summer break. I see that you are the coXQW\IoUesWeUZheUe,JUeZXSLQ6heEo\JaQCoXQW\,·P interested in working outside and am considering Forestry as aPaMoU,·GOLNeWoOeaUQPoUeaEoXW\oXUGa\WoGa\ZoUN and advice about pursuing Forestry as a major and career. ,·PZoQGeULQJLI\oX·GEeLQWeUesWeGLQPeeWLQJIoUaEoXW PLQXWesLQOaWe0a\,IsoSOeaseOeWPeNQoZaQG,·OOIoOOoZXS to schedule a time for us to meet. Thank you for considering, Stephanie Pointer
Get Discovered by Employers!
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During the meeting • %eoQWLPe • Wear appropriate clothing for the setting. • %ULQJ\oXUTXesWLoQsaQGsoPeWhLQJWoWaNeQoWesZLWh • /eWWheSeUsoQsSeaN GoPoUeasNLQJaQGOLsWeQLQJWhaQshaULQJ • Complete your interview in the allotted time. • Ask for their contact information before you leave the meeting. • %esXUeWosa\WhaQN\oX After the meeting • Send the person an email or handwritten note thanking them for their time and information (see sample note below). • )oOOoZWhUoXJh LQaWLPeO\PaQQeU oQaQ\OeaGsWhaWWhe\shaUeZLWh\oX or advice they give you.
Closing thoughts • 0osWSUoIessLoQaOsaUehaSS\WosLWGoZQZLWhsWXGeQWsZhoasSLUeWoZoUN LQWhesaPeÀeOG%eSoOLWecXULoXsUesSecWIXOaQGe[SUessJUaWLWXGeIoU their time, perspective, and advice.
2.2b Job Shadowing
CaQGLGCaUeeUYLGeo Career Exploration 101
Sample thank you note
'eaU0s6SUXce Thank you for spending time with me and answering my questions about county forestry work! It was especially helpful for me to hear about the different types of people you work with – loggers and contractors, local landowners, County %oaUG0ePEeUsaQGeYeU\oQeeOse,haGQ·WWhoXJhWaEoXW WhaWasSecWoIWhLsÀeOG I did what you recommended and found some students at UWSP who had worked out West during the summer doing coQseUYaWLoQZoUNaQG,·YeEeeQWaONLQJZLWhWhePaEoXWWheLU e[SeULeQce,·PSOaQQLQJWoaSSO\IoUWhoseSosLWLoQsIoUQe[W sXPPeUsoWhaW,caQJaLQe[SeULeQceLQWheÀeOGaQGhaYea stronger resume. I really appreciate that you took time to meet with me and offer advice and recommendations. Thanks again, Stephanie Pointer
What is Job Shadowing? -oEshaGoZLQJcaQEeaJUeaWZa\WoOeaUQZheWheUacaUeeULsULJhWIoU\oX %\oEseUYLQJasQaSshoWoIaGa\LQWheOLIeoIaQLQÀeOGSUoIessLoQaO\oX·OO get a sense of what that job is really like. This knowledge can help you decide ZheWheU\oXZoXOGeQMo\ZoUNLQJLQWhaWcaUeeUÀeOGaQGeQYLUoQPeQW A job shadow experience can also help you decide if your skills match that caUeeUÀeOGaQGhoZ\oXUeGXcaWLoQaQGSasWe[SeULeQcesPLJhWWUaQsOaWeWo sLPLOaUW\SesoISosLWLoQs-oEshaGoZLQJaOsoSUoYLGesoSSoUWXQLWLesWoQeWZoUN ZLWhSUoIessLoQaOs-oEshaGoZLQJIoUaGa\oQO\aOOoZs\oXasPaOOZLQGoZoI opportunity, so make the most of your time! 5ePePEeUWheseWLSsWoJaLQWhePa[LPXPEeQeÀWIUoPMoEshaGoZLQJ I. Connect with professionals • 0aNeaOLsWoISoWeQWLaOcoPSaQLesZheUe\oXZoXOGOLNeWoMoEshaGoZ and see if anyone in your network works at those companies. Check with \oXUIaPLO\IacXOW\CaUeeUCoachoU$OXPQL2IILce • ,I\oXGoQ·WhaYeaSeUsoQaOcoQWacWaWWhecoPSaQ\caOOoUePaLO soPeoQeLQWhe+XPaQ5esoXUces'eSaUWPeQWoUacoQWacWLQWhe department you are interested in. • Some large organizations and governmental agencies offer job shaGoZLQJSUoJUaPssochecNoXWWheLUZeEsLWeILUsW • Prepare a professional email or phone script that explains you are a sWXGeQWLQWeUesWeGLQWhaWcaUeeUILeOGaQGZoXOGOoYeWoshaGoZsoPeoQe ZhoLsZoUNLQJZLWhLQWhesaPeILeOGZLWhLQWheLUcoPSaQ\
Sample questions to ask • What do you enjoy about your current position? What are some of your challenges? • :haWaUeWhecoPPoQPLscoQceSWLoQsSeoSOehaYeaEoXWZoUNLQJLQWhLsÀeOG" • What does a typical day or week look like? • +oZZoXOG\oXGescULEeWheZoUNeQYLUoQPeQWcOLPaWe" • +oZcaQ,EesWSUeSaUeIoUWhLsÀeOGoIZoUN" • What do you look for when you hire an intern or new employee? • :haWsNLOOsoUTXaOLWLesaUeesseQWLaOIoUWhLsW\SeoIZoUN":hoLsaJooGÀW" • :haWWUeQGsGo\oXaQWLcLSaWeLQWhLsÀeOG":LOOMoEsEeaYaLOaEOeZheQ, ÀQLshschooO" • What suggestions do you have for me as I select courses and explore summer jobs? • Can you suggest people I can contact for more information or a different SeUsSecWLYe"0a\,Xse\oXUQaPeZheQcoQWacWLQJWheP" • :haWcoPSaQLesWUeQGsoUoUJaQL]aWLoQsJXLGeoULQÁXeQceWheZoUN\oX do and/or the work your company focuses on?
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II. Understand the details • %eIoUe\oXaUULYeIoU\oXUMoEshaGoZLQJe[SeULeQcecoQÀUPWheGeWaLOs 0LscoPPXQLcaWLoQEeIoUe\oXsWaUWMoEshaGoZLQJcaQUeÁecWSooUO\oQ\oX • $sNZheUe\oX·OOMoEshaGoZZhaWWLPe\oXshoXOGaUULYeZheUe\oX shoXOGPeeWWheSeUsoQ\oX·OOEeshaGoZLQJaQGZhaW\oXshoXOGZeaU apparel depends on workplace expectations. III. Do your homework • <oX·OOEePXchEeWWeUSUeSaUeGWoMoEshaGoZLI\oX·UeLQIoUPeGaEoXW WhecoPSaQ\aQGWheSeUsoQ\oX·UeshaGoZLQJsoYLsLWWheoUJaQL]aWLoQ·s ZeEsLWeaQG/LQNeG,QSUoÀOeoI\oXUcoQWacW s • Write down questions you would like to ask the person. This creates a good impression and will help you learn more throughout the experience. ,9 'HÀQH\RXUFDUHHUSDWK • Prepare to speak about your career goals, past experiences, and professional interests. • <oXUhosWLsOLNeO\WoEeLQWeUesWeGLQZhaWEUoXJhW\oXWoWhecoPSaQ\aQG ZheUe\oXhoSeWoWaNe\oXUcaUeeU5eÁecWoQWhLsEeIoUe\oXaUULYeLWZLOO ensure you give an articulate answer that creates a positive impression. • Update and bring a copy of your professional resume. V. Take notes throughout the day • +oSeIXOO\\oX·OOOeaUQaOoWGXULQJ\oXUMoEshaGoZLQJ7aNLQJQoWesGXULQJ job shadowing is a good way to retain this information. • Remember to bring along a notepad and pen to write down your observations and insights and jot down questions that may arise. VI. Professionalism matters • Focus on making good impressions: shaking hands, maintaining eye coQWacWaGGUessLQJZLWhIoUPaOWLWOes%eaWWeQWLYeeQWhXsLasWLcaQG participate appropriately throughout the job shadowing experience. • During your time, you might love your job shadowing or realize this career SaWhLsQ·WIoU\oX5eJaUGOessoI\oXUUeaOL]aWLoQsEesXUeWoPaLQWaLQa respectful, positive demeanor. VII. Follow-up • -oEshaGoZLQJoIWeQLsGoQeasaIaYoUE\esWaEOLsheGSUoIessLoQaOs<oX should write a thank you email or note to the employee for providing you WheoSSoUWXQLW\WoOeaUQIUoPWhePeYeQLI\oXGecLGeWhLscaUeeUÀeOGLsQ·W WheULJhWÀWIoU\oX • ,I\oXaUeLQWeUesWeGLQWhLscaUeeUÀeOGsWa\LQWoXchZLWhWheSeUsoQ\oX shadowed – they can serve as an invaluable network connection as you begin to search for jobs and internships.
2.3 Career Fair Navigation 1.0
Career Fairs are for Everyone Explore 5eseaUchcaUeeUÀeOGsoQSossLEOePaMoUsPLQoUs e[SOoUecaUeeUSaWhs Investigate : Obtain a summer job or internship; practice interviewing skills; explore graduate schools. Graduate 6ecXUeaIXOOWLPeMoE oEWaLQLQIoUPaWLoQoQasSecLÀcePSOo\eU position, or organization. Why attend a Career Fair? • Practice networking with professionals so you are prepared when the big interview arrives. • /eaUQaEoXWcoPSaQLesaQGoUJaQL]aWLoQs\oXPa\haYeaQLQWeUesWLQIoU future employment and connect with their recruiters. • 6XEPLW\oXUUesXPeWocoPSaQLesZhoaUeOooNLQJWoÀOOLQWeUQshLSsaQG IXOOWLPeSosLWLoQs Before the Fair • Download the +aQGshaNe app so you can research the companies who are attending. • Create a prioritized list of those employers you would like to speak with. • Prepare questions to ask recruiters. • Review your resume and think about the qualities and skills you possess – XSOoaGacoS\oI\oXUUesXPeWo+aQGshaNeaQGhaYeSULQWeGcoSLesIoU aQLQSeUsoQIaLU • Dress professionally. During the Fair • Stay focused on the employers you plan to meet and be sure to allow time WoPeeWZLWhWhePEXWYLsLW\oXUOoZeUSULoULW\ePSOo\eUsÀUsWso\oXcaQ become more comfortable. • ,QWUoGXce\oXUseOIaQGPaNee\ecoQWacWWoPaNeaSosLWLYeÀUsWLPSUessLoQ • Ask each recruiter for their contact information; offer a resume to employers you are interested in. • Ask about next steps if you are interested in applying for positions. • 7aNeQoWesZheQ\oXÀQLshWaONLQJZLWheachePSOo\eU
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After the Fair • Review notes and consider which organizations or opportunities you would like to pursue. • 6eQGaIoOOoZXSQoWeoUePaLOWhaQNLQJWheUecUXLWeUsIoUaWWeQGLQJWheeYeQW and for talking with you. Reiterate a reason or two about why you value the coPSaQ\·sZoUNaQGoU\oXUUeasoQIoUEeLQJLQWeUesWeGLQWhecoPSaQ\ Need more information? Watch these excellent Candid Career Videos: • Career Fair Advice
2.4a LinkedIn Basics
8sLQJ/LQNeG,QLsaJUeaWZa\WosWa\coQQecWeGZLWhcXUUeQWaQGIoUPeU employers, classmates, and faculty, as well as recruiters you meet at Career )aLUsaQGQeWZoUNLQJeYeQWs%eOoZaUesoPeWLSsWoNeeSLQPLQGas\oXEXLOG aQGeYoOYe\oXU/LQNeG,QSUoÀOeaQGSUeseQce
&RPSRQHQWVRID/LQNHG,QSURÀOH Background Image _7hLsLsoQeoIWheÀUsWWhLQJsYLsLWoUsseeoQ\oXUSUoÀOe Choose a photo that is professional but also brings out your personality. Headshot _7hLsLsaOsooQeoIWheÀUsWWhLQJsYLsLWoUsseeoQ\oXUSUoÀOe6eOecWa photo that showcases you professionally – the photo should include you alone in the frame and you should be dressed professionally. Headline | Use your 120 characters wisely. Think of the words/phrases you can XseWoPaNe\oXUSUoÀOesWaQGoXWaQGcoPPXQLcaWeLPSoUWaQWLQIoUPaWLoQ about yourself. About | Use this area to highlight your most important experiences, skills, and sWUeQJWhs,QcOXGeLQIoUPaWLoQaEoXWZhaW\oX·UeseeNLQJaQGZhaWPoWLYaWes \oXWoZoUNLQ\oXUchoseQLQGXsWU\,QcOXGeNe\ZoUGssSecLÀcWo\oXUÀeOG rather than just listing “buzzwords.” (examples of words to avoid: strategic, team player, creative). Experience | Give more information than just your title and dates of employment. Include a description of your role that highlights your accomplishments while in the position. Do not copy and paste directly from your resume (or the position description). While you can start with the coQWeQWIUoP\oXUUesXPe\oX·UeQoWOLPLWeGLQWheaPoXQWoIsSace\oX caQXseoQ/LQNeG,Q Education _/LsWcoOOeJesaQGXQLYeUsLWLesIUoPZhLch\oX·YeeaUQeG aGeJUeeceUWLÀcaWeoUZheUe\oXaUecXUUeQWO\eQUoOOeG%esXUeWoOLsW\oXU anticipated graduation date and any additional educational experiences \oX·YehaGLQcOXGLQJsWXG\aZa\oUsWXG\aEUoaGSUoJUaPs Volunteer Experience | Adding volunteer experience is a great way to round oXW\oXUSUoÀOeaQGLsoIWeQYLeZeGE\hLULQJPaQaJeUsaseTXLYaOeQWWoZoUN e[SeULeQce,W·saOsoaQoWheUJUeaWZa\WocoQQecWWo\oXUcoPPXQLW\aQG ÀQGcoPPoQLQWeUesWsaQGYaOXesaPoQJ\oXUQeWZoUN Skills | Add skills – this is the easiest and fastest way for your connections WosXSSoUWWheZoUN\oX·YeGoQeaQGeQGoUse\oXUSeUIoUPaQce,W·s UecoPPeQGeGWohaYeaWOeasWÀYesNLOOsOLsWeGoQ\oXUSUoÀOe%esXUeWo include skills that are sought after in your industry. Other Optional Sections _/LQNeG,QhasTXLWeaIeZoSWLoQaOsecWLoQsWhaW\oX caQaGGEaseGoQ\oXUe[SeULeQcesaQGLQGXsWU\0aNesXUe\oXaUeXSGaWLQJ \oXU/LQNeG,QsecWLoQsaQQXaOO\aQGPoUeoIWeQLI\oX·UeacWLYeO\seaUchLQJ %HJLQFRQQHFWLQJ 1oZWhaW\oXUEasLcSUoÀOeLscoPSOeWeGLW·sWLPeWocoQQecW8QOess\oX NQoZWheSeUsoQZeOO\oX·OOZaQWWoseQGaSeUsoQaOL]eGPessaJeWoQeZ connections explaining why you want to connect and how you know them. .eeSLQPLQGWhaWLW·sQoWJooGSUacWLceWoasNXQNQoZQSeoSOeIoUMoEsoU LQWeUQshLSsYLa\oXU/LQNeG,QcoQQecWLoQPessaJeUeTXesW
• +oZWo:oUNaCaUeeU)aLU • Tips for a Virtual Career Fair
2.4 Maintaining Connections
1oZWhaW\oX·YeOeaUQeGaELWaEoXWWheYaOXeoIcoQQecWLQJZLWhePSOo\eUs aQGLQGXsWU\SUoIessLoQaOsLW·sLPSoUWaQWWoUePePEeUWhaWQeWZoUNLQJLsQ·W a´oQeaQGGoQeµsLWXaWLoQ<oXshoXOGNeeSLQWoXchZLWhcoQQecWLoQs WhUoXJhoXW\oXUWLPeaW8:636Wa\LQcoQWacWYLaePaLOoU/LQNeG,QE\ occasLoQaOO\seQGLQJ\oXUcoQQecWLoQsXSGaWesaEoXWWheSUoJUess\oX·Ue PaNLQJaQGWhee[SeULeQce\oX·UeJaLQLQJ$WWeQGCaUeeU)aLUsaQG caPSXsQeWZoUNLQJeYeQWsWoYLsLWZLWhWhecoPSaQ\UeSsZLWhZhoP\oX·Ye connected – this ensures you stay within their memory!
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Experience as Currency
2.5 Considering Graduate or Professional School
If you are thinking about going to graduate or professional school, here are some things to consider as you determine whether graduate school is right for you at this point in time. • Research your dream job and determine what the required and preferred TXaOLÀcaWLoQsaUe,I\oXUGUeaPcaUeeUUeTXLUesaJUaGXaWeoUSUoIessLoQaO GeJUee\oX·OOZaQWWoGoPoUeUeseaUchoQJUaGXaWeGeJUeesZLWhLQ\oXU ÀeOG s oILQWeUesW7aONZLWh\oXUIacXOW\aQGcoQQecWZLWhaOXPQLWoJeW PoUeLQGXsWU\sSecLÀcLQIoUPaWLoQ • Network with employers WoJaLQPoUeLQIoUPaWLoQaEoXWeQWU\OeYeO SosLWLoQsaWcoPSaQLes\oX·UeLQWeUesWeGLQ,QTXLUeasWoZheQWheLU ePSOo\eesW\SLcaOO\SXUsXeaJUaGXaWeGeJUeeLIaWaOO0aQ\ÀeOGs UecoPPeQGJeWWLQJsoPeLQÀeOGe[SeULeQceGLUecWO\aIWeUXQGeUJUaGaQG WheQSXUsXLQJaJUaGXaWeoUSUoIessLoQaOGeJUeeZheQLI\oX·UeOooNLQJWo move up within an organization. Graduate school is an investment of time aQGPoQe\soLW·sLPSoUWaQWWoPaNeaQLQIoUPeGGecLsLoQ • Conduct informational interviews to learn more about jobs and careers. Seek out the people who are doing the work you want to do and ask them about their educational and career paths and what they did to get to the point they are at in their careers. There may be more than one way to get to where you want to be. • If you decide that grad school is in your future \oX·OOQeeGWoWhLQNaEoXW ZhaWW\SeoIJUaGXaWeoUSUoIessLoQaOGeJUee\oXQeeGIoU\oXUÀeOG6oPe ÀeOGsUeTXLUesSecLÀcGeJUeesOLceQsXUeaQGoUceUWLÀcaWLoQs2WheUÀeOGs haYePoUeWhaQoQeoSWLoQ \oX·OOQeeGWoUeÁecWoQZhaW\oXhoSeWoGo ZLWh\oXUJUaGXaWeGeJUeeEeIoUe\oXPaNeÀQaOaSSOLcaWLoQGecLsLoQs • Determine what you can be doing now to help prepare you for the graduate or professional school application process. Talk with people you NQoZUeseaUchoQOLQeaQGÀQGoXWPoUeaEoXWZhaWJUaGXaWeschooOs are looking for within applications. This knowledge will help you explore the e[SeULeQcesLQYoOYePeQWsNLOOsaQGacaGePLcTXaOLÀcaWLoQsWhaWZLOOheOS you stand out among the applicant pool.
3.1 Maintaining Networks
$s\oXaUeOooNLQJaWWheNQoZOeGJe\oX·YeJaLQeGWhUoXJhaWWeQGLQJCaUeeU Fairs and meeting employers via informational interviews and job shadowing, it is important to not let those conversations end. Networking is key to creating strong professional relationships that can help guide your career path or even OaQG\oXaMoELQWheIXWXUe+eUeaUeaIeZJXLGeOLQesWoNeeSLQPLQGas\oX begin this stage of your career path: Build a foundation <oXPa\aOUeaG\haYeasWUoQJsWaUWheUe7hLQNaEoXWePSOo\eUs\oX have spoken to at Career Fairs, your own work e[SeULeQcesoUeYeQIaPLO\ PePEeUs%XLOGLQJaIoXQGaWLoQcaQEeaseas\ as introducing yourself, asking a question, or having a brief conversation.
Be timely Recruiters and those attending fairs may be very busy, often visiting multiple campuses each month. Reach out to your initial contacts before the foundation begins to crumble or they forget the conversation you had. It is a good idea to keep in touch over time to stay connected.
Include details Continue to develop the relationship through your communications with ePSOo\eUs WhLscaQEeWhUoXJhePaLOShoQeoUZeEsLWesOLNe/LQNeG,Q5aWheU than starting the relationship from scratch, include information from past interactions. Think about what interests you in furthering the discussion as well! Open doors Asking for a job directly can end a conversation very quickly. Think about oSeQLQJGooUsaQGWaNLQJWheÀUsWsWeSsWoEXLOGWheUeOaWLoQshLS1eWZoUNLQJ takes time and effort. Trying to take advantage of connections too soon can make you seem insincere. Nurturing a relationship and building trust and learning from your network can all help keep the conversation moving forward. Be gracious Thank employers for their time. The opportunities you have to connect with employers may be taking them away from their primary duties. Although most SUoIessLoQaOsaUehaSS\WocoQQecWZLWhWhoseeQWeULQJWheÀeOGLWLsaOZa\s appreciated to have their time recognized.
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'XULQJWKH)DLU • $GMXsW\oXUSOaQEaseGoQWheIoUPaWoIWheIaLU YLUWXaOoULQSeUsoQ • Dress for success and make sure you have access to a pen, paper, and your resume • Practice your Elevator Pitch with employers you are not as interested in before talking to your top employers • Start each conversation with a smile and greeting, introduce yourself, and have your Elevator Pitch ready ō %esXUeWoSoOLWeO\asNIoUcoQWacWLQIoUPaWLoQoIWheePSOo\eUs who are of interest to you • 7aNeQoWesaEoXWeachoUJaQL]aWLoQ\oXaUeLQWeUesWeGLQQaPeoI recruiter, positions available, locations, dates, etc $IWHUWKH)DLU • CoQQecWZLWhePSOo\eUs\oXaUeLQWeUesWeGLQoQ/LQNeG,Q • Follow up within 24 hours with a professional “thank you” email; attach a PDF of your resume to the email Need more information? Watch these excellent Candid Career videos: • Creating your Elevator Pitch
3.2 Expanding Use of Career Fairs
How to navigate a fair when actively seeking employment? %HIRUHWKH)DLU
Develop a plan of action (see page19 for Career Fair 1.0 information) • 8seWhe+aQGshaNeaSSWocUeaWeaOLsWoIePSOo\eUsWoYLsLWLQcOXGLQJWhe EooWhOocaWLoQsIoULQSeUsoQeYeQWs • Research their websites to discover the mission/goals/purpose of the organization ō %eaZaUeoIcXUUeQWLQLWLaWLYesSUoMecWsaQGSUoJUaPs ō Understand what types of positions they are seeking ō )oOOoZWhe/LQNeG,QSUoÀOesoIWhecoPSaQLes\oXaUeLQWeUesWeGLQ • 8SGaWe\oXU/LQNeG,QSUoÀOeZLWhcXUUeQWUeOeYaQWLQIoUPaWLoQ • 8SGaWe\oXUUesXPeaQGXSOoaGLWWo+aQGshaNesoePSOo\eUscaQYLeZ it – this is especially important for Virtual Career Fairs; bring copies to LQSeUsoQ)aLUs • Select professional attire that shows you are career ready • Create and practice your “Elevator Pitch” What is an “Elevator Pitch”? An “Elevator Pitch” is an opportunity to sell yourself and make a positive LPSUessLoQLQasecoQGsaOescaPSaLJQWhLQNoILWas\oXUÀUsWLQWeUYLeZ • 7heNe\LsWoEecoQÀGeQWcoQcLseaQGIULeQGO\ZLWhPeaQLQJIXOGLaOoJXe • Address your strengths – what do you want the employer to know about you? • Tailor your pitch to who you are talking to! • 7hLQNaEoXWWheUeseaUch\oX·YeGoQeoQWhecoPSaQ\aQGWheSosLWLoQ • :haWsNLOOsGo\oXhaYeWhaWZLOOPaNe\oXaQe[ceOOeQWcaQGLGaWeIoU7+,6 particular job? • 5eIeUeQceWhe´Zh\µ²Zh\shoXOGWhLsePSOo\eUhLUe\oXoYeUWheÀIW\oWheU people they have talked to at the fair? Create your “Elevator Pitch” Use these talking points to create your 30 second pitch: • Introduce yourself ō )LUsWaQG/asW1aPe ō 0aMoU0LQoUCeUWLÀcaWLoQs • State your academic standing and what you are seeking ō *UaGXaWLQJ"2U)UeshPaQ6oShoPoUe-XQLoU6eQLoU ō ,QWeUQshLS)XOOWLPe3aUWWLPeCooS" • :haWsNLOOse[SeULeQceGo\oXhaYeWhaWZoXOGEeQeÀWaSoWeQWLaOePSOo\eU ō :oUN([SeULeQce ,QWeUQshLS s 1oQPaMoUUeOaWeG:oUN([SeULeQces ō $cWLYLWLes 3aUWLcLSaWLoQLQ2UJaQL]aWLoQs/eaGeUshLS5oOes Volunteering ō Academic Preparation: Research, Special Projects, Study Abroad ō $SSOLcaEOe6NLOOs 7echQLcaO6NLOOs6SecLaO4XaOLÀcaWLoQs6oIW6NLOOs
• -XJJOLQJ-oE2IIeUs • Salary Negotiating • Tips to Impress at Virtual Career Fair
secoQGsWhaW·shoZOoQJLWWaNes soPeoQeWoIoUPaÀUsWLPSUessLoQoI\oX — Will Rogers to make a fi rst impression. i You will never get a second chance
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3.4 Preparing for Interviews
3.3 Locating Experiences
Locating experiences is about what you know and who you know. In order to get a successful start, begin connecting to the people you know and connect with new people and companies at campus networking and career events. You can also connect with employers as well as locate opportunities through many online resources. Not sure when students in your major pursue these experiences? Check out your Major Map and seek guidance from your adviser. When beginning your job search, you need to consider factors such as location, financial expectations, and workplace culture. The only way to become aware of these things is to start researching the companies, people, and experiences that will help you learn about an industry. As you gain knowledge and experiences, it’s important to reflect on how they align with what you want and need in your future. This will help get you one step closer to a fulfilling career path. The following resources will help connect you to the places, people, and opportunities that can set you on your path. Resources • UW-Stevens Point has partnered with Handshake - a modern internship and job platform - to serve as your one-stop-shop in the search for internships, summer jobs, or full-time jobs. Use Handshake to discover employers and attend Career Fairs, workshops, and other career preparation events. The more complete your profile, the more focused the job openings, activities, and events will be on your page! Current students access their Handshake profile at uwsp.joinhandshake.com. • Workday is another excellent platform for getting connected to part-time jobs both on and near -campus. • Internships are one additional way to gain hands-on experience, learn more about industries and opportunities, and expand your network of connections. Internships can vary depending on the requirements of your major, the intern’s employer, and the expectations of the student, the campus, and the employer. Reach out to your major department’s Internship Coordinator to find out how you can get connected to these valuable hands-on experiences! • Don’t forget about your existing network! Use your existing network of Advocates, Connectors, & Experts (examples include: family, friends, advisers, and faculty) to help you connect to current positions or even positions that might not be posted yet! Your network can help connect you to so many more people and opportunities! • GoinGlobal is a great resource that helps you find opportunities both at home and abroad. Use this resource to get expert advice about finding a job or internship in your dream location whether abroad or closer to home. • Professional Organizations & State Licensing Entities are a great resources for finding posted jobs, internships, professional development opportunities, graduate schools, and career information. Your major adviser and professional student organization advisor can connect you to these helpful resources. • Visiting employer web and social media sites is sometimes the best way to find out about opportunities. Do your research and find out more about opportunities on company web and social media sites.
Preparing for an interview can be a daunting task. You can never know exactly what an employer is going to ask you, but there are a few best practices to make preparation more manageable. If you take the time to reflect on your experience (knowing yourself), carefully read the position description (knowing the job), and learn about the employer (knowing the organization), you will be prepared for the majority of potential questions. By knowing yourself, the job, and the organization, you will be able to anticipate some of the areas an employer will ask about. You’ll also have a stronger sense of your skills and experience, and you’ll be able to engage in conversation with your interviewers.
Three things you need to know:
• Take time to carefully review the resume and cover letter you used for the specific position • Think about what you are most excited about in the role • Identify specific experiences, projects, and tasks that are relevant to the position • Thoughtfully choose a professional outfit • Read through the job description and identify specific tasks, skills, and other requirements • Reflect on the position qualifications, duties, and requirements that overlap with your experience, knowledge, and skills • Consider the areas in which you don’t have experience or areas that are unclear; these areas can inform the questions you prepare • Read through the organization’s website to identify the mission, vision, and value statements • Research news articles related to the organization using sources such as LinkedIn, Handshake, and the organization’s website • Use your research to refine your potential interview answers and end-of-interview questions
Yourself
The Job
The Organization
Components of interviews can vary greatly. Anything from the size of the interviewing group (one-on-one or a panel/committee), style of the interview (one interview session versus multiple interviews with multiple people), or method (interview with people versus completion of a test or answering questions via video submission) can vary based on the needs and resources of the organization, program, or job. No matter the process or method, you will be asked to speak about your knowledge, skills, and experience at some point during an interview. Informing yourself about the types of interviews can help you better prepare!
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A professional thank you During the interview, you took notes on the conversation you had and to whom you were talking. Whether you feel the interview went well or was more of a OeaUQLQJe[SeULeQceQoZLsWheWLPeWoIoOOoZXSZLWh\oXULQWeUYLeZeUs$IWeU the interview, you express gratitude for the experience by saying thank you! 7heÀUsWsWeSWocoPSosLQJWhaQN\oXQoWesLsWoUeÁecWoQWheLQWeUYLeZ<oX want to think about what was discussed and if there was anything you did not get the chance to share. Sending a thank you is a great way to reinforce your sWUeQJWhsoUaGGaOLWWOeGeWaLOWoheOS\oXsWaQGoXWWoWheePSOo\eU+eUeaUe a few steps to make it easier:
3.4a Interviewing Basics
Phone Interviews • ChecN\oXUOocaWLoQ²ÀQGaTXLeWSOaceZLWhasWUoQJsLJQaOaQG limited distractions • 0aNesXUe\oXUceOOShoQeLsIXOO\chaUJeG • Prepare your notes, resume, cover letter, and any additional resources • Remember to smile – interviewers can hear it in your voice • Know who is calling whom Virtual Interviews • %eSUeseQWaEOe²UePePEeULQWeUYLeZeUscaQsee\oXaQG\oXUOocaWLoQ including background
7aNesoPeWLPeWoUeÁecWoQWhe interview, but be sure to promptly send your thank you note(s). Sending an email is perfectly acceptable, as is a handwritten note. Know your audience and what will work best given the situation.
During interviews, feel free to take notes about topics covered, questions, and any other areas of interest. These areas can be used to personalize your thank you note(s).
Collect business cards from everyone you meet throughout the process. These can serve as quick reminders of whom you want to thank.
• Utilize a strong, reliable internet connection • /LPLWGLsWUacWLoQsaQGoWheUEacNJUoXQGQoLses
• +aYe\oXUQoWesZeOOoUJaQL]eGso\oXZoQ·WEeshXIÁLQJWhUoXJhSaSeUs • Check time zones and verify the interviewing platform (i.e. Skype, Zoom, *o7o0eeWLQJeWc
6DPSOHPDUNHWLQJLQWHUQVKLSZLWK;<=QRQSURÀW
'eaU0[-oQes 7haQN\oXIoUWheoSSoUWXQLW\WoLQWeUYLeZIoUWhe0aUNeWLQJ ,QWeUQshLSaW;<=1oQSUoILW,eQMo\eGPeeWLQJ\oXUsWaIIaQG touring the facility. I was able to see how your commitment to the community resonates in the work you do and with the SeoSOe\oXseUYe,QWheUoOeoI0aUNeWLQJ,QWeUQ,ZLOOEeaEOe to serve the community and help promote the resources you oIIeUZhLOeUeILQLQJP\sNLOOsasa0aUNeWLQJPaMoU Thank you again for the opportunity to interview. Feel free to contact me if you have additional questions. Sincerely, Steven Pointer
In-Person Interviews • %eSUeSaUeG²SUacWLceaQsZeULQJTXesWLoQsaQGEULQJcoSLesoI\oXU documents and the position description • 'UessIoUsXccess²WhLsLsOLNeO\WheÀUsWLPSUessLoQ\oXPaNe • 0aQaJe\oXUWLPecaUeIXOO\²EesXUeWoaUULYeaIeZPLQXWeseaUO\ • %eSeUsoQaEOeZLWheYeU\oQe\oXLQWeUacWZLWh • Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers What to do next • Follow-up : Always send a prompt thank you note or email to each interviewer. • Evaluate : What is your impression of the people, the organization, and the position? Can you envision yourself working there? • Review +oZGLGWheLQWeUYLeZJo"'LG\oXSUeSaUeaGeTXaWeO\":haW can you improve in the future?
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S.T.A.R. Behavior | Responses
3.4b Practice Interviews
S LWXDWLRQ Provide context of the situation helping an ePSOo\eUWoseeWheELJSLcWXUeÀUsW T DVNRUSURMHFW Within the larger context, state your role within the situation. A DFWLRQ What actions did you take or what skills did you use to complete your task? R HVXOW State if your actions led to the desired result, but XQGeUsWaQGWhaWJUeaWaQsZeUsGoQ·WaOZa\sLQcOXGe asLWXaWLoQoUWasNWhaWZeQWasSOaQQeG<oXcaQshaUe experiences you have had that changed the way you approached a problem or taught you something valuable.
CoQJUaWXOaWLoQs<oXhaYeaQLQWeUYLeZ$IWeUWaNLQJWLPeWoLQYesWLJaWe the organization and note the most important skills in a job description, you might wonder what the interview process will be like. If you have not had a professional interview or it has been a couple of years, you may be surprised E\ZhaWOLesaheaG+eUeaUeacoXSOeoITXesWLoQW\SesaQGsWUaWeJLesWo prepare for answering them. Open-Ended Questions These are the most typical questions and can be used to help you think about what you most want an organization to know about you. 6WUDWHJLHV /ooNEacNaW\oXUUesXPeaQGQoWes\oXhaYeaEoXW\oXUSUeYLoXs e[SeULeQces+LJhOLJhWaUeasWhaWoYeUOaSZLWhWheMoEGescULSWLoQ7hLs prepares you to talk about your experiences and skills during the interview process. Remember to keep your answers relevant! Behavior-Based Questions These are quickly becoming a key factor during interviewing. Rather than candidates only being asked to present their skills, candidates are being asNeGWoshaUesSecLÀce[aPSOesLQZhLchWhe\XseGasNLOOseW 6WUDWHJLHV These questions can be both hypothetical or historical in nature so be prepared to share your past experiences as well as what you would do in certain scenarios. Frame your role within the situation and be ready to identify ZhaWsNLOOsaQGWhoXJhWSUocessesZeQWLQWo\oXUacWLoQs<oXcaQXseWhe67$5 method to help build your responses and practice using %LJ,QWeUYLeZ .
Examples 4XHVWLRQ 7HOOPHDERXWDWLPH\RXKDGWRGHDOZLWKFRQÁLFWLQWKHZRUNSODFH :hLOeaWC7·s6XSeUsWoUeP\shLIWsZoXOGLQcOXGeZoUNLQJaWWhecXsWoPeUseUYLce counter to processing online orders and returns, and answer any questions our visitors had. One afternoon, a gentleman came in upset with a speaker he had purchased, saying that it was broken when he opened it. I was able to walk him through the return process to ensure policy was followed. I made sure to ask him if he understood some of the steps to ease any possible misunderstandings. At the end of the interaction, he was relieved that we were able to refund his purchase. 4XHVWLRQ +RZZRXOG\RXKDQGOHDSURMHFWLIWKHPDQDJHUGLGQRWSURYLGHD lot of detail? While I was an intern at Pointer Insurance, my manager asked me to analyze a set of claims. This led to some confusion, as I was currently working with a few different data sets. In this case I was able to limit my options to two sets of GaWaaQGWheQcoQÀUPeGZLWhP\PaQaJeUZhLchseWheZaQWeGPeWoZoUN ZLWh,QWhLssLWXaWLoQ,ZasaEOeWoshoZP\LQLWLaWLYeaQGSUoEOePsoOYLQJsNLOOs E\SUeseQWLQJaPoUeGeÀQeGSUoEOeP,QaGGLWLoQ,ZasaEOeWoeQsXUeWhaW, would not waste time moving in the wrong direction by seeking more input from my manager.
Open-Ended Questions
Behavior-Based Questions
• Tell me about a time when… • +oZZoXOG\oXhaQGOe«
• Tell me about yourself... • Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
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