Getting a Job in Your Field and Fast Tracking Into the Job Market

5/27/2010

Presented by Baker Online Career Services

Welcome to Career Services

Student and Alumni Services Available

• Resume, Cover Letter Reviews

• Mock Interviews (on campus or virtual)

• Job and Internship Search Assistance

• Salary Negotiations

• Career Advising – is this the career for me?

• Networking Tips

• Linkedin Student & Alumni Association (join us!)

• National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS)

• OGCS Virtual Office in Bb (available to students)

• NACElink (available to alumni)

• Much more…

~ We offer Lifetime Employment Assistance to Alumni~

Steps to Finding a Job in Your Field

• Do An Internship– Gives you experience to put on your resume– Builds your network i.e. meet professionals in and out

of your field– It is a major confidence booster

– Utilize Baker Career Services • Resume preparation, NACElink, and etc.• Visit our virtual office in Blackboard for more

information

– Apply Early• Start researching the companies you want to work for • Don’t wait until you graduate to apply for internships

and jobs, start now!• Entry level positions are good because they are a foot in

the door

Steps to Finding a Job…Continued

• Know Your Companies– Why do you want to work for them?

– What are their successes?

– What is their corporate culture?

• Be Confident in Your Field• Study, study, study

• Reinforce your knowledge by stating your contributions

• Join student organizations & take on leadership roles

• Network– Get to know the members of the professional

organizations you belong to

– Become a member of professional networking sites like LinkedIn

Steps to Finding a Job…Continued

• Join LinkedIn– LinkedIn is one of the biggest professional sites right

now – It is a great way to connect to professionals in your field

all around the country– There are currently 1,323 IT groups located in LinkedIn

• Join as many as you like and get involved by adding to conversations or asking questions

• Through this process you will be able to network with people who are in the positions you would one day like to have

• Make the most of these connections by asking them questions about how the field and how they got where they are

Other Important Tips to Help You Land the Job

• Tailor your resume and cover letter– Be sure to include your technical skills i.e. programming

languages and platforms

– Also include your non-technical skills, such as project management, communication, organization, and etc.

• Get certifications to keep your skills sharp– Certifications also look great on a resume

– They show the employer that you are still working on your goals

• Stay up-to-date on the latest technology– Make an effort to stay current

– Read articles about the latest changes and updates in your field

Other Important Tips to Help You Land the Job…Cont.

• Use A Staffing Agency

– Sign up with a reputable agency

– Gain experience through temporary assignments

– Temporary often turns into permanent

– Get paid while looking for the job you want

– For more information on profiles for career, skills, and companies related to the IT field, check out the following site: http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/jobsearchtools/u/Find_A_Job.htm

Information to Help You Get Where You Want To Be

Fast Track Into the Job Market

Fast Track Into the Job Market

• Internship = Fast Track– The best way to get a job in your field is to do an

internship– The right internship makes all the difference– Internships give you the professional experience

you need to put you ahead of other candidates in your field

– There is no substitute for practical hands-on experience

– The National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) states that an astounding 70% of employers require students to have had an internship

Penn State Study

Source: Penn State University

How to Look for An Internship

• Review our internship offerings in our virtual office in Blackboard

• Company websites - check with any large companies located in your area. If there is nothing on the website, call the human resources department to ask if they hire interns

• Search positions on technical job boards

• Niche job boards: job boards that exist specifically for hiring students and graduates

• Consider doing an informational interview to learn about your industry/field of study and possibly gain an internship or position with a company

Informational Interviews

• Informational interviews are a great way to make connections with those in your field and learn from a professional what it is like to work in the field

• If possible, do the interview with someone who works at the company you would like to work for

• These interviews can also be a catalyst to you receiving an internship, and possibly a position, with the organization

• Here are some sites to assist you in preparing for an informational interview:– http://careerplanning.about.com/cs/occupations/a/info_intervie

ws.htm

– http://jobsearch.about.com/od/infointerviews/a/infointervquest.htm

– http://jobsearch.about.com/od/infointerviews/a/infointerafter.htm

Where to Look? Great IT Job Sites

• http://www.odesk.com/w/• http://www.dice.com/• http://webworkerdaily.com/• http://www.itjobs.com/• http://www.itjobs.net/• http://it.jobs.topusajobs.com/• http://www.tech-centric.net/• http://www.jobs4it.com/• http://www.nationjob.com/computers/• http://www.odinjobs.com/• http://www.techcareers.com/• http://jobs.slashdot.org/• http://www.computercareers.net/• http://gigaomjobs.com/a/jbb/find-jobs• http://www.prgjobs.com/• http://www.rentacoder.com/RentACoder/DotNet/Default.aspx

References

• http://www.ehow.com/how_2168130_job-field.html

• http://www.fasttrackinternships.com/parents.asp

• http://www.careershifters.org/node/130

• http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/jobsearchtools/u/Find_A_Job.htm

• http://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Job-in-Computers

Car

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Serv

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How to Tailor your Resume

• A tailored objective statement includes the position you are applying for and 1-3 key skills from the posting or other transferrable skill that make you the best candidate for the position

Develop a TailoredObjective Statement

Important Buzz Words to include in resume and cover letter ...

•Update and maintain web pages•Designing• Scripting•Database Creation•HTML Programming•Macromedia Programs•JavaScript•Communication skills•PERL•PHP•Web Design

*Make sure to pay close attention to how the employer wants you to apply. Employer are looking to see that applicants have attention to detail.

Sample Job Posting•COMPANY NAME XYZ COMPANY•Contact: Joe Smoe•Web Support Specialist Intern

• Job Duties: Help update and maintain My eLibrary web pages on Bb. May involve designing, scripting and database creation.

Required Skills:•HTML programming and scripting•Proficiency with Macromedia programs•Working knowledge of JavaScript, strong communication skills, PERL and PHP

Preferred Skills:•Strong skills in JavaScript, PERL and PHP•Intuitive web design capabilities

Working Hours: 8am-5pmDays of the Week: Mon-Thurs (15-20 hours per week )

Method of Contact: Fax Mail Phone E-Mail Apply Directly Apply Online

Highlight Key Qualifications

•Market your relevant course work that

you have taken if you have little or no

work experience

• Focus on your transferrable skills

Resume Example

No Related Work Experience…

Perfect Candidate1234 W. Bristol Rd. Flint, MI 48503

•perfectcandidate@baker.edu

Objective: To secure the Web Support Specialist Internship at XYZ company where my creativity, communication and education

will add value to the Marketing department.

Education: Baker College OnlineAssociate of Applied Science Web DevelopmentAnticipated Graduation fall 2010

Relevant Courses: Java Web DevelopmentPerl Visual Basic

SQL HTML

Computer

Skills: Proficient in Word, Excel, and web applications

Working knowledge of JavaScript, strong communication skills, PERL and PHP

Knowledge of Macromedia programs

Work

Experience:

2008-Present Burger King Flint, MI

Crew Member

Provide quality customer service to internal and external customers

Strong multi-tasking ability

Processed orders and maintained drawer

Resume Example

Relevant Work Experience…

• Utilize industry specific job duties

•Focus on your transferrable skills

Perfect Candidate1234 W. Bristol Rd. Flint, MI 48503

perfectcandidate@baker.edu

Objective: To secure the Web Support Specialist Internship at XYZ company where my creativity, communication and education will add value to the Marketing department.

Education: Baker College OnlineAnticipated Graduation fall 2010Associate of Applied Science Web Development

Work

Experience:

2009-Present Google Flint, MI

Computer Support Technician

HTML programming and scripting

Provide trouble shooting to customers

Problem solving computer issues

Strong multi-tasking ability

Computer

Skills: Proficient in Word, Excel, and web applications

Working knowledge of JavaScript, strong communication skills, PERL and PHP

Knowledge of Macromedia programs

Certificates: Employee of the month 2005, 2007, and 2009

Cover Letter Guidelines

Your Name

Your Street Address

Your City, State, Zip

Phone Number

Email

September 8, 2001

(4 Spaces)

Mr. Jon P. Employer, Personnel Manager

ABC Accounting Company

101 Baker Dr.

Flint, MI 48507

(1 Space)

Dear Mr. Employer,

(1 Space)

First Paragraph: In your initial paragraph, state the reason for the letter, the specific position or

type of work for which you are applying and indicate from which resource (Career Services, news

media, friend, employment service) you learned of the opening.

(1 Space)

Second Paragraph: Indicate why you are interested in the position, the company, and/or it's

product or services. If you had some practical work experience, point out the specific

achievements or unique qualifications. Try not to repeat the same information the reader will find

in your resume.

(1 Space)

Final Paragraph: Refer the reader to the enclosed resume or application which summarizes your

qualifications, training, experience, and education. Indicate your desire for a personal interview

and your flexibility as to the time and place. Repeat your phone number in the letter and offer any

assistance to help in a speedy response. Finally, thank the reader for their consideration.

(1 Space)

Sincerely,

(3-4 Spaces)

Ted E. Grad

(1 Space)

Enclosures

Cover Letter Sample

Jon Smith

000 Hire Me

Flint, MI 48507

(000) 111-1111

Jon.smith@baker.edu

June 28, 2008

Joe Some, Library Director

XYZ Company

1050 W. Bristol Rd

Flint, MI 40807

Dear Mr. Some:

While researching internship opportunities at XYZ Company I was excited to find the position

as Web Support Specialist Internship working with the Library Department.

In the winter of 2010, I will achieve my Associates Degree in Web Design and need to gain 120

hours of related work experience to meet the requirements of my degree. I have targeted your

company because I feel that it will provide great hands on experience.

I have through knowledge and skill in HTML programming and scripting, proficiency with

Macromedia programs and working knowledge of JavaScript, PERL and PHP. I am eager to

apply my education to assist with, update, and maintain My eLibrary web pages on Bb.

Enclosed, please accept my resume formal application for the Web Support Specialist

Internship. I hope to meet with you to further discuss my interest with XYZ company. Please

feel free to contact me, I look forward to meeting with you. I will email you next week to

follow up with my application.

Sincerely,

Jon Smith

Enclosure

Cover Letter Examples

• Are skills gathered through various jobs, volunteer work, hobbies, sports, or other life experiences that can be used in your next job or new career

Examples:

– Communication: Speaking effectively, Writing concisely, Listening attentively, Expressing ideas, Facilitating group discussion

– Human Relations: Developing rapport, Listening, Conveying feelings, Providing support for others, Motivating

http://www.quintcareers.com/transferable_skills_set.html

Transferable Skills

• Action verbs should be used abundantly throughout your resume and cover letters to promote your achievements. They help make a strong impression.

Action Verbs

addressedarbitratedarrangedauthoredcommunicatedcorrespondedcounseleddevelopeddefineddirecteddraftededitedenlistedformulatedinfluencedinterpretedlecturedmediated

moderatedmotivatednegotiatedpersuadedpromotedpublicizedreconciledreunitedrenegotiatedreportedresearchedsummarizedspoketranslatedwrote

achievedadministeredanalyzedassignedattainedchairedconceivedcontractedconsolidatedcoordinateddecideddelegateddevelopeddirectedencouragedevaluatedexecutedhandledimplementedimprovedincorporatedincreased

inspiredlaunchedledmanagedmotivatedorganizedoutlinedoversawplannedprioritizedproducedrecommendedreevaluatedrejectedreportedreviewedscheduledstrengthenedsupervisedunited

Management Action Verbs Communication Action Verbs

For more action verbs visit: http://www.writeexpress.com/action-verbs.html

Action Verbs Cont…

•Tailor your resume

•No template resume, avoid a cookie-cutter approach

•Focus on your transferrable skills

•Do not list your high school

•Use a font size of 11-12

•Utilize action verbs

•List education, work experience and volunteer

information most recent to past

RESUME TIPS

Car

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How to Make a Career Change

• Step 1: Assessment of Likes and Dislikes

• Step 2: Researching New Careers

• Step 3: Transferable Skills

• Step 4: Training and Education

• Step 5: Networking

http://www.quintcareers.com/transferable_skills_examples.html

10 Steps to a Career Change

• Step 6: Gaining Experience

• Step 7: Find a Mentor

• Step 8: Changing In or Out

• Step 9: Job-Hunting Basics

• Step 10: Be Flexible

10 Steps to a Career Change Continued…

My work-study position as a computer-lab assistant involved solid knowledge of the technology within the labs, the ability to teach that technology to fellow students, and the skills to assist those who had problems with the software and hardware. To me, that's what consulting is all about — possessing the knowledge to teach and assist clients and the interpersonal skills to do so successfully.

Computer-Lab Assistant Seeking a Position in Consulting

Real Life Examples of Transferable Skills

College Student Seeking Software Engineer Position

I have a strong background in computer science, with both a degree and extensive training in the field. An accomplished team player, I've worked with a database management group at Baker College Online, created an online multimedia store and used CGI scripts written in C+++ to track customer satisfaction.

Real Life Examples of Transferable Skills Cont…

Amanda Banks Tammy MattisonCareer Advisor Career Advisor(Students L-Z) (Students A-K)(810) 766-8754 (810) 766-4246amanda.banks@baker.edu tammy.mattison@baker.edu

Niki Perkins Director of Career Services(810) 766-2090niki.perkins@baker.edu

Career Services Contacts

Questions?

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your

meeting. We are happy to assist you any time!

Sincerely,

Baker Online Career Services

Niki, Tammy and Amanda