The Basics:

Internship/Job Search A general guideline for developing career success

Four-year career development timeline • 12 steps to career success

The basics of an internship/job search • Subscription sites and resources

Internship/job search checklist • References

Suggestions for creating a tracking system • Business etiquette

53 Campus Avenue • Lewiston, ME • 04240 Phone: 207.786-6232 • Fax: 207.786-6126

E-mail: bcdc@bates.edu • Web: www.bates.edu/career.xml

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Four-year Career Development Timeline

Regardless of where you are in your college career, we hope that you will find this timeline helpful. It aims to help

students get a sense of how they can pace themselves to develop life-long career development skills during their

four years at Bates. The Bates Career Development Center (BCDC) works closely with students to develop

individualized career development plans, and this timeline is meant to serve as a loose framework for getting

started in the process.

YEAR ONE: Set the foundation through exploring, experimenting, creating connections, getting to know yourself and the available resources at the BCDC

Develop relationships with Bates faculty, staff, older students, members of local community groups and

organizations

Participate in activities, apply for a campus job, and/or do volunteer work to further develop skills that

employers value: communication, leadership, teamwork, service to others

Meet regularly with your academic advisor to check in and begin the process of choosing an academic major

Get acquainted with the BCDC staff during walk-in hours or by appointment, attend relevant workshops, and

familiarize yourself with the plethora of career development resources at the BCDC such as LACN, Spotlight on

Careers, career assessments, just to name a few

Learn about eRecruiting and the Bates Online Community, and create profiles on each network

Polish up academic, public-speaking, and time management skills; do your best work and be sure to seek help

when necessary

Identify interests, values and abilities through conversations with BCDC staff, peers, and faculty

Brush up on workplace etiquette and basic professional conduct with the help of the BCDC

Create/revise a resume; attend workshops, check out resources such as bates.optimalresume.com, and meet

with a BCDC counselor for feedback

Develop a search strategy for a summer engagement that involves experiential learning in the form of a job,

internship, or volunteer opportunity; remember to request a reference from a supervisor at the end of the

summer

Be mindful of your web presence or “online footprint”; be sure to keep your image clean and professional

Enjoy the process of learning in all forms, and have fun along the way!

YEAR TWO: Build on your skills and experience

Seek leadership roles in both familiar and new activities to build job-related skills

Research study abroad programs and how they might fit into your academic and career development plan

Explore opportunities for hands-on learning for both the academic year and the upcoming summer, including

CDIP (Career Discovery Internship Program) and Ladd internships among others; be sure to request a

reference from a supervisor at the end of the summer

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Update your resume on eRecruiting and consult with a BCDC counselor

Create an “elevator speech” (the “who I am and what I want to do” in 30 seconds or less, or the amount of

time that it takes to ride an elevator) to use in networking situations, and polish your delivery

Hone networking skills by attending BCDC-sponsored employer information sessions, alumni networking

events, and graduate & professional school fairs as they relate to your interests

Expand network of contacts with faculty, staff, alumni, friends, connections through parents, family friends,

etc. and organize your contacts with a tracking log

Meet with a BCDC counselor to evaluate “where you are”

Identify and evaluate emerging career interests through internships, jobs, and volunteer work

Invest in appropriate attire and accessories for information sessions and interviewing

Conduct informational interviews with alumni and others in person or on the phone

Finalize your academic major; confirm course and general education requirements

YEAR THREE: Broaden and deepen your experiences, sharpen your focus on emerging interests, and

really dig into experiential learning opportunities

Investigate and identify specific post-graduate options for employment, graduate or professional school, and

fellowships by attending fairs and information sessions

Keep track of deadlines for internship and job applications, graduate and professional school exam

registrations and test dates, etc. as relevant to your interests

Take stock of academic requirements and internship deadlines, especially if you have plans to go abroad

Continue to revise your resume and eRecruiting profile

Meet regularly with a BCDC counselor to discuss plans

Enrich your academic experience through study at another institution whether it is domestic or international

Contact former employers, faculty members and others as applicable to serve as references and/or write

letters of recommendation; create a list of 3-5 references

Research and visit potential graduate programs and/or fellowships, and request applications

Invest in appropriate attire and accessories for information sessions and interviewing

Continue to polish your leadership and communication skills through various experiences such as the CDIP and

Ladd internships

Initiate solid contact with employers through calls, letters, and informational interviewing; organize your

contacts with a tracking log

Position yourself strategically with summer plans that enable you to gain substantial and hands-on experience

through internships, work and volunteer opportunities

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YEAR FOUR: Take action!

Maintain regular contact with the BCDC

Update your list of references

Take graduate examinations, prepare essays, and request transcripts early if applicable

Refine and polish your resume and cover letters

Continue to research occupations, career fields, organizations of interest, and/or graduate study options as

they relate to your interests

Attend BCDC workshops, employer information sessions, and job fairs

Sign up for a mock interview at the BCDC

Invest in appropriate attire and accessories for information sessions and interviewing

Take a close look at your budget to prepare for expenses associated with travel, transcript fees, exam fees,

etc.; ask about fee waivers if available

Tap deeply into networks and organize your contacts with a tracking log

Complete the BCDC’s Cap and Gown survey before graduation

Consider your options carefully, and keep the BCDC posted on your news and plans

Congratulations! We hope to hear from you as you pursue your post-Bates goals…

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12 Steps to Career Success

1. Review and assess your career goals and interest Schedule an appointment with a Bates Career Development Center counselor to develop a personalized career

plan

2. Research and develop a target list of companies and industries Utilize web resources both internally at Bates and externally Use eRecruiting (the BCDC recruiting portal) as a launch site – check out the myriad subscription and research

databases available through the site

3. Develop a strong resume and tailored cover letter Come to walk-in hours to be reviewed by a counselor

4. Apply to positions on eRecruiting (www.batescollege.experience.com) Check out the link to consortium events (information sessions, interview days, etc.) and apply for jobs of

interest

5. Continue to NETWORK: “Make friends” LinkedIn, Career Advisory Network (through the Bates Online Community – http://community.bates.edu),

Faculty, Informational Interviews

6. Focus your search Avoid both the restrictively narrow and the unreasonably broad search. Employers can immediately identify a

resume and cover letter that is generic and unfocused

7. Visit the BCDC during walk-in hours Stop by with quick questions for our career counselors

8. Understand the recruiting timeline Research and know the timeline for recruiting/interviewing for your specific industry/field of interest Develop a strategic and manageable strategy that allows time to research, make connections, apply to

positions and prepare for interviews

9. Participate in company information sessions and workshops Explore companies that may not initially be of interest to you - you may be surprised at what they offer and

how specific functions/opportunities are in alignment with your interests

10. Utilize resources outside of Bates College Attend career fairs, associations and career events open to students Search company websites and other career search engines

11. Read emails from the BCDC The BCDC makes every effort to promote workshops, information sessions, deadlines (especially those with a

quick turnaround time); be sure to read these emails to avoid missing ideal opportunities for you to make connections and apply for jobs or internships

The BCDC Bulletin provides a weekly snapshot of upcoming events and activities and new postings provided by the BCDC

12. Stay motivated and continue to be proactive in your career search

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Interested in getting an internship or job? The Basics Regardless of your field or industry of interest, your career planning needs to include a few key elements to ensure success: Self Assessment: Who are you? What are your preferences in terms of working with ideas or things, people

or alone, structured or unstructured days? What are your values, interests, skills and personality? Exploration: What options are out there? How well do you ‘fit’ with the options? What additional skills might

you need to gain? Brainstorm, gain new ideas, and focus your job search through research, informational interviewing, and carefully thinking through how options ‘fit’ with the results of your self assessment and future goals.

Internship/Job Search: Create an action plan and track your progress.

Network: Make connections with people in the field you wish to enter. Join professional associations and/or clubs, conduct informational interviews, attend BCDC events and workshops.

Gain experience: Based on your research, what clubs, volunteer experiences, internships or jobs will help you gain the basic skills you need?

Search: Prepare your personal marketing materials (resume, cover letters, portfolio) and apply to positions of interest to you through your network, eRecruiting, company or industry websites, newspapers, etc.

Follow up: Send thank you notes. Keep in touch with networking contacts; keep a list of positions applied to and follow up when appropriate.

Career planning does not end when you start applying for positions. Continue to assess your ‘fit’ with positions throughout the application and interview process and beyond. Career planning is a life-long process. Help is only a mouse-click away. Try these sites for useful information:

Self Assessment and Job Search Advice www.quintcareers.com www.jobhuntersbible.com www.rileyguide.com www.jobstar.org www.careervoyages.gov www.collegegrad.com www.jobweb.com www.collegejournal.com www.doleta.gov/jobseekers www.asktheheadhunter.com www.nolljobs.com (under Interview Information) Internship and Job Search eRecruiting: www.batescollege.experience.com www.internships.com www.InternJobs.com www.simplyhired.com www.job-hunt.org www.indeed.com www.monster.com www.careerbuilder.com www.hotjobs.com www.craigslist.org

www.jobcentral.com www.truecareers.com www.idealist.org Research/Networking Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/oco www.vault.com (access through eRecruiting) www.wetfeet.com www.linkedin.com Bates OnLine Community (http://community.bates.edu) www.ryze.com www.ziggs.com www.hoovers.com www.corporateinformation.com www.superpages.com www.guidestar.org Database of professional associations: www.asaecenter.org/Directories/AssociationSearch.cfm Salary info www.salary.com www.acinet.org www.salaryexpert.com www.payscale.com www.jobstar.org www.glassdoor.com

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On Line Subscription Sites and Resources The Bates Career Development Center subscribes to a number of online resources to assist you in your career development and internship/job search. Please note that a few of these resources require a Bates-specific user name and password. These sites can be accessed via eRecruiting (www.batescollege.experience.com):

Site Name Description

SELF-ASSESSMENT

Myers Briggs Type Indicator Personality assessment tool often referred to as "MBTI"

Note: Please discuss with BCDC counselor before taking.

Strong Interest Inventory Interest assessment tool

Note: Please discuss with BCDC counselor before taking

CAREER RESEARCH

Spotlight on Careers Overview on many different careers plus job listings

Username: lacn Password: summit10

CareerSearch Resource for searching specific industries and employers

Client Referral: batestrain

Create own password

College Recruiter Video podcasts about careers plus entry level jobs and internships

Vault's Career Insider A comprehensive career resource that includes employer profiles,

industry overviews and downloadable career guides on many topics

Create your own account and password

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RESUME WRITING

OptimalResume Resume building tool

User name: Bates e-mail address Password: Bates

JOB & INTERNSHIP SEARCH

Internships.com

Spotlight on Careers

20K+ opportunities as well as helpful advice about securing internships

Overview on many different careers plus job listings

Username: lacn Password: summit10

College Recruiter Career information and entry level job listings

Current Jobs for Graduates Job listings and bulletin for entry-level and early-career jobs

User name: bates Password: cdc04240

Liberal Arts Career Network

Job database shared by 30 small liberal arts colleges

User name: Bates e-mail address Password: bates

NewEnglandJobs.org Resource for non-profit opportunities in New England

Maine College Grads Resource for opportunities in Maine

Environmental Career Opportunities Environmentally focused employment opportunities

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EnvironmentalCareer.com Resources for opportunities in environmental careers

Student Conservation Association Internships in conservation and community leadership

Opportunities in Public Affairs Resource for opportunities in public affairs in the Washington, DC area

Username: bates Password: 89ax

Going Global Resource for finding international and national employment

Maine Arts Commission Internships in the Maine arts community

Team Work Online Job opportunities in sports organizations

INTERNATIONAL JOB SEARCH

Going Global Resource for finding international and national employment

Cross Cultural Solutions Resource for cross-cultural internships

The International Educator Resource for international teaching positions

User name: Bates Password: batesbcdc

English International Guide to TEFL/TESL programs for teaching English to non-English

speakers

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Internship and Job Search Checklist

If not already done, begin immediately as applicable to your interests: Update your resume with internship, work experience and other relevant activities; load your updated

document into eRecruiting Ensure your profile is updated and accurate on eRecruiting (the BCDC sends out targeted announcements and

alerts about specific events; if your profile isn’t updated, you may miss out on great opportunities to make connections and apply for jobs)

Research target companies to focus your search and develop a list of target companies of interest Conduct informational interviews Identify 3 or more references and ask permission to give their names to prospective employers Make some personal decisions about geographic location desires Develop a cover letter template (with the understanding that each cover letter should be tailored to specific

companies and positions to which you are applying) Develop a network list; join the Bates LinkedIn community and other groups of interest Mock interview practice(s) with BCDC counselor Go on several interviews, both practice and real Attend upcoming company information sessions, other career-related events Check eRecruiting daily to see new postings, application deadlines, and upcoming events Peruse the weekly BCDC Bulletin for new postings Network, network, and network some more Develop a timely follow-up system for the connections you have made Make a priority list of companies you want to work for and research them Interview, interview, interview Write thank you letters to everyone with whom you speak and meet Develop a strategy to evaluate offers (including discussion with a BCDC counselor)

What still needs to be done:

This is your personal list to complete --

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References Potential employers will want to talk to people with whom you have worked or who know you well to verify information on your resume, find out what it is like to work with you and ask questions about your skills and personality. Ask people in advance of your job search if they would be willing to be a reference for you and verify their

contact information; if a potential reference appears hesitant, thank them politely and consider leaving them off of your final list

Three to five references are recommended Former supervisors or co-workers are the best professional references, but professors, coaches, friends or customers

can also be valuable resources Family members should not be listed as references Ensure that you request references only from those people who know you well enough to answer employer

questions, and who are enthusiastic and encouraging of your career progress; references who work in the industry that you are trying to enter are ideal

Provide your references with a copy of your resume and let them know of the specific types of jobs you will be applying for and the specific skills that should be emphasized

Include each reference's full name, title, company, address, phone number and email address on the list of references (unless specifically asked to leave something out by a reference); some employers request fax numbers as well

List your references on a separate sheet of paper from your resume, and title the document "References" or "Reference List"; the heading and paper used should be the same as that of your resume

Bring your reference list with you to every interview but do not give it to the employer unless it is requested Thank your references for their help before and after an employer contacts them Keep in touch with your references even after you get a job; update them on your new position and

accomplishments and they will be better able to help you again in the future If your references are no longer at their old job, or their company doesn't appear on your resume, indicate your

relationship on the reference page (i.e., Former supervisor at XYZ Company)

Suggestions for Creating a Tracking System

On your path to developing an internship/job search strategy, you will build an extensive network as you connect

with a growing number of people through informational interviews, networking and interviews. An ideal way to

manage these contacts is to create a customized tracking log that helps you to stay organized. Consider including

the following categories:

Name of contact Job title Name of organization Address, phone and e-mail address for contact Address, phone and e-mail address for organization Class year if Bates alum Dates of contact Type of contact: e-mail, call, etc. Type of activity: networking, interview, etc. Thank-you note: date sent Recommendations Referrals to other contacts Next steps of action Outcome of contact

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Business Etiquette Dress for Success Consider this: Every interaction you have with a recruiter or company representative should be considered as part of the interview. It is unlikely that you would walk into an interview wearing flip-flops, torn jeans and/or revealing clothes. Every interaction with a company representative is an OPPORTUNITY to sell yourself. Start by creating a good first impression – that’s reflected in what you wear. Follow these tips to ensure that you hit the mark in a formal interview and at “business casual” events or activities.

General Guidelines DO DON’T

Always look professional Dress for the audience Wear clothes that fit well

Wear wrinkled or stained clothing Wear scuffed, noticeably old shoes Wear clothes with a shine/sheen to them

Interview Attire There is an assumption that your interview attire represents you at your best. Recruiters cite a few areas where candidates fail to impress: out-of-date styles, slovenly appearance and a too-casual look. The following are examples of what is appropriate to wear and what is not appropriate to wear.

DO DON’T

Men and Women Wear a two-piece suit (black or other dark color) Have a well-groomed hairstyle Use a breath mint before greeting recruiter Carry a nice briefcase or portfolio

Wear a suit with sandals or sneakers Style your hair in an unusual style or color Use too much cologne or perfume Display visible body piercings (i.e., tongue ring,

multiple earrings in one ear) Wear more than one ring on each hand Display visible body art Carry a backpack

Women Wear a white, off-white, or neutral-colored blouse

with a conservative neckline Wear closed-toe leather pumps with low to

medium heels Wear black or skin colored hosiery Carry a briefcase or portfolio in place of handbag or

purse Wear understated makeup Wear small stud earrings Wear subtle nail polish, if at all

Wear ill-fitting (short, tight, clingy, or slit) skirts;

hem higher than one to two inches above the knee when standing

Wear open-toe strappy high heels, sandals, or shoes with decorations

Wear dangly or oversized earrings

Men Wear long-sleeved shirt in white or light blue Wear conservative necktie in color and pattern Wear high-fitting dark socks Wear business-style leather shoes Match shoe and belt color

Wear tie with cartoon characters, less-than-serious

graphics, or theme ties Wear light-colored socks with dark suit Mix black and brown

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Business Casual Attire There are many opportunities, outside of interviews, to interact with representatives or recruiters from companies to which you are interested in applying. Whether it is a career fair, a seminar, or an information session, deliver a strong impact. This is your opportunity to make a great first impression. While it may not be required to wear a suit, it is important to dress appropriately. The following are some examples of what to wear and what not to wear in these circumstances. These guidelines may also be used for a company with a business casual dress code.

DO DON’T

Men Wear khakis, chinos or gabardine trousers Wear a collared shirt, either polo-style or button

down Wear a belt

Wear T-shirts and jeans Wear sneakers, sandals Wear your shirttail out Wear T-shirt with a logo (except company’s logo) Wear caps Wear sports/active wear

Women Wear slack or skirt Wear sleeveless top with jacket or sweater Wear hosiery or socks

Wear poorly coordinated outfits Wear humorous attire or accessories Wear shirts that show midriff Wear shorts Wear ultra-short skirts (more than 2” above the

knee) Wear T-shirt with a logo (except company’s logo) Wear camisoles (as outer wear) Wear sports/active wear Wear flip-flops

The above are general guidelines for interviews and business functions. However, for a specific company event, function or interview, don’t hesitate to call the company recruiter or human resources representative to ask for a few tips on appropriate attire. If you hear the term “Business Casual” you may want to probe a little more; business casual may be interpreted differently from one organization to another.

Telephone Etiquette At all times during your job search, be prepared for unexpected calls from employers or networking contracts. Make sure your cell and home phone outgoing messages are professional and to the point Let roommates or other household members know that you are expecting employer calls and ensure that they

take detailed messages If you are not prepared to talk to an employer at the time (i.e., when you are in a noisy location or do not have

strong reception on your cell phone), do not answer the phone; you can always call back later Always answers with a simple “Hello” or “Hello, this is…”

Dining Etiquette Interview processes can sometimes include an invitation to lunch or dinner with a recruiter or hiring manager. Do not be fooled - even though the situation may seem more relaxed then a formal interview, it is still an evaluatory situation and it is best to be prepared. It is important to follow several rules of etiquette:

Do not drink alcohol at the meal unless the host presses (and you are over 21) in which case do not have more than one drink

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The utensils are used from the outside (for salad) in (for the entree)

Use your napkin sparingly, place it on your lap when you sit down, and lightly brush your lips when needed; do not use it to blow your nose!

Take undesirable foods out the same way they went in (i.e., with your fork or hand); this attracts less attention than trying to discreetly spit it into a napkin

Place all used utensils on a flat dish so that they do not touch the table

Cut one piece of food at a time

Break off one piece of bread at a time and butter it individually

Close your mouth when chewing, do not make noises, do not talk with your mouth full, no elbows on the table, sit up straight…everything your parents taught you!

Stick to simple, easy-to-eat foods such as chicken breast, vegetables or fish. Rice, spaghetti, and dishes that are loaded with sauces can be difficult to maneuver. Keep in mind that cherry tomatoes can cause quite a splash if you bite into them quickly!

Do not dip your food into sauces, olive oil, or other dips; place a little bit on your plate before using

Eat a normal amount of food - not very little, not a huge quantity; follow your host's lead in terms of pace

Interpersonal skills are vital in this setting as in all others; keep the conversation on business and other non-controversial topics - avoid bringing up religion, politics or parties

Do not make an issue out of your dietary restrictions; do not smoke, chew gum or answer your cell phone

Consider the cost; follow the host's lead or stick with a medium-cost dish

Do not fight over the check; the host will pay

Be polite to everyone in the restaurant; everything you do makes an impression

“Netiquette” Email is used so frequently in correspondence these days that it is easy to dash off a note without paying proper attention to the reception it will get when it is received. Whether to email or write a handwritten thank-you note will depend on the company and industry you are trying to enter, but there are some general rules that you can follow to ensure that you make the best possible impression with every mail that you send: Don't overdo it by flooding busy professionals with emails since they often have overflowing mailboxes

Pay attention to employer requests; for example, if they specifically state 'no emails', follow their guidelines

Make sure that the email address you are using for your job search is professional; your Bates address is the best - no witty email names

The subject line of an email should catch attention, be specific, and be professional - no vague 'hellos'

Spell check and proofread! Follow professional writing standards and be polite

Avoid emoticons or email jargon/abbreviations; do not write in all caps or all lower case

When forwarding messages, delete extraneous address information and leave only the important content

Let the recipient know what program attachments were created in

Send important emails to yourself first to check on formatting

Do not share recruiters' email information if they share it with you - respect their privacy

When replying to a question, copy only the question into the new message and provide your answer; do not send answers with no context

Address and sign all emails, for example: "Dear Mr. ...:" Include your full contact information including address, phone and email; you may wish to establish a professional automatic signature that will appear on all of your outgoing email messages

Do not label a message as “Important” if it is not Choose words carefully to convey the appropriate tone REMEMBER: You never know to whom an email will get forwarded! Do not write in an angry or frustrated

mood, you might regret hitting ‘Send’ Proofread again and again!