career services handbook 2014

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Career Services Handbook VISION Career advising exists to help students with personal growth and development. We want to ensure that all students become self-aware, have access to current, accurate information about careers, have awareness of opportunities within our community, and are prepared for the journey for life-long careers and career transitions. 2014 – 2015

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Page 1: Career Services Handbook 2014

Career Services Handbook

VISION

Career advising exists to help students with personal growth and development. We want to ensure that all students become self-aware, have access to current, accurate information about careers, have awareness of opportunities within our community, and are prepared for the journey for life-long careers and career transitions.

2014 – 2015

Page 2: Career Services Handbook 2014
Page 3: Career Services Handbook 2014

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Letter from Director of Career Services ..................... 4

Welcome ..................................................................... 5

CareerLink .................................................................. 6

Major and Career Decisions ...................................... 8

International Student Work Experience ................... 10

Networking ............................................................... 11

Internships ............................................................... 12

Resume Writing Guidelines and Samples ................ 13

Ten Ways to Botch Your Resume .............................. 14

Cover Letters ........................................................... 15

Thank You Notes ...................................................... 17

Dress for Success ....................................................... 18

Interview Preparation .............................................. 19

Interview Sample Questions .................................... 21

Graduate School ....................................................... 22

Proper Dinner Etiquette .......................................... 23

Your Questions Answered ....................................... 24

Career Services

Location: Brown-Lupton Center - North Wing Phone: 817-531-6512 Fax: 817-531-4980 Email: [email protected] Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Table of Contents

Location: Brown-Lupton Center North Wing

Join our Talent Network to receive alerts with new job opportunities.

scan the Qr Code or go to www.jobs.net/jobs/alcon

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Page 4: Career Services Handbook 2014

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Welcome to the Career Services Department at Texas Wesleyan University! The student is the center of our focus, where critical thinking, problem solving skills, and global awareness in students and alumni are sought, valued and nurtured.

I hope that you find this handbook helpful as you navigate through each page and learn about Career Services and some of the services we offer. I encourage you to get involved and be active in your professional development and career search.

Our career center offers great services for all including those just starting their career search to those transitioning to a new career. We invite you to take advantage of the programs, facilities, and special events available to you. There may be no better time to get started than right now!

Thank you for your interest in our services and we look forward to working with you in our office. If you have any other questions, please call 817-531-6512 or email [email protected].

Sincerely,

Robyn Bone Director, Career Services

Letter from Director of Career Services

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Page 5: Career Services Handbook 2014

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Introduction:

The mission of Texas Wesleyan’s Career Services is to foster among students and alumni critical thinking, analytical reasoning and problem solving skills con-cerning professional development and global awareness while preparing them for post graduate employment or graduate school.

Career Services works closely with students and employers to facilitate employment and hiring opportu-nities. Many faculty and staff members also participate in this process.

We offer a variety of resources to aid both our students and alumni.

Welcome to Texas Wesleyan Career Services

Below is a list of the services we provide:

CareerLink, Online Job Board

Major and Career Guidance

Computerized Job Searches

Job and Intern Seeker’s Database

Employer’s Database

Resume Posting

Resume Critiquing and Mock Interviewing

In-Class Presentations

Career Fairs and Graduate School Fairs

Etiquette Dinner and Dress for Success Fashion Show

Here are other ways to connect with us!

facebook.com/texaswesleyan.careerservices

@TxWesCareerServ

pinterest.com/txwescs/

linkedin.com/in/txwescareerservices

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Page 6: Career Services Handbook 2014

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CareerLink is a resource available to all students/alumni. CareerLink is your key to making an appointment, RSVPing for events, searching job postings and more! Go to txwes.edu/career to check it out!

Your login information for CareerLink is your Wesleyan email address and password. Here you will be able to upload a resume and cover letter and begin your job search process. If you’re looking for a career or just a part time job, Career Services can help you succeed. All current students and recent alumni have existing accounts.

Check out all our resources on CareerLink!

CareerLink

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Page 7: Career Services Handbook 2014

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CareerLink

Steps to Scheduling an Appointment on CareerLink

1. Go to txwes.edu/career

2. Student login: use your Texas Wesleyan email address and password

3. Select “Request a Counseling Appointment”

4. Go to “Counseling Type” and select an option

Logging In: 1. Visit www.txwes.edu/career 2. Sign in to CareerLink using your RamLink email address and password 3. Complete your information under “Profile” 4. You are ready to go!

Student Quick Reference

Jobs Search and apply for jobs and internships

Documents Upload resume, cover letter, transcript, etc.

Profile Complete and edit your profile. Submit application and place-ment request for internship.

Announcements Watch the announcements section for important information

Shortcuts Quick links to some commonly used areas of CareerLink

Employers Search employers and view information about their organization

Calendar Monitor your job search activity and important dates and events

Events Search all career events on campus. These include career fairs and employer information sessions

Networking Connect with a mentor to help advance your career

Interviews Sign up for on campus interviews with visiting employers

5. View and select date from calendar (click on date)

6. Choose an “Open Slot”

7. Click Submit

8. Click “Submit Request”

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You can expect to change jobs four to five times in your 20’s alone.

Students should consider current trends and events, both local and global, when determining which fields will demand job applicants with specific academic majors and work experiences.

Where do I begin?

1. Assessment Tests - contact Career Services to obtain login and password information so you can take online versions of the “Strong Interest Inven-tory (SII): College Edition” and “Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Career Report”/

2. Schedule an appointment with Career Services for interpretation of your assessment results.

3. Browse through “What Can I Do with a Major In...?” in our Career Services Office.

4. Research salaries, occupation outlooks, and job descriptions.

5. Obtain career counseling in Career Services locat-ed in the Brown Lupton Center-North Wing or call 817-531-6512 to schedule an appointment.

Majors and Career Decisions

Checklists for Making Career Decisions

Freshman

• Talk with parents, friends and professors about career interest

• Attend Career Expos sponsored by Career Services

• Explore internships, cooperative education, and other career-related work experiences with Career Services

• Draft a beginning resume and have it critiqued by Career Services

Sophomore

• Participate in campus organizations to develop work-related skills

• Explore opportunities for service learning

• Talk to the career advisor about an interest inventory

• Investigate summer experiences that will enhance your resume

Junior

• Seek campus-wide or major-related involvement and leadership

• Begin preparing resume and cover letter

• Keep record of your community service experiences

• Consider doing an internship; talk with your depart-ment chair about opportunities

Senior

• Prepare for your career with the career advisor

• Prepare a portfolio of your work to demonstrate your writing skills and relevant experiences

• Prepare and submit your resume and cover letter to Career Services

• Attend professional meetings related to your major with faculty

• Research employers of interest and arrange for inter-views with employers on and off campus

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Majors and Career Decisions

O*net- where to look for descriptions and information on jobs includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities and interests associated with 950 occupations.

onetonline.org

Tips for Making a Decision

1,500 people were asked about the career goals they had set for themselves, and they were followed for 20 years. 83% chose their career based on the goal of making a lot of money.

17% chose based on their passion. At the end of the 20 years, there were 101 millionaires in the group. Which group did the millionaires come from? 100 out of 101 came from the 17% that chose based on their passion.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• What are your values?

• What are your skills?

• What can you do right now, and what would you like to learn.

• What kinds of people do you want to work with?

• Do you want to work alone or with people?

• What are your personal goals?

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Page 10: Career Services Handbook 2014

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International Student Work Experience

Work On-Campus

• International students on F-1 visas may work:

• On-campus up to 15 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters

• On-campus 29 hours during vacations and breaks between semesters

This may include Texas Wesleyan or any outside com-pany offering direct on-site services to Texas Wesleyan University students, staff, and faculty. Dining Services run by the Aramark Corporation is an example of an outside company providing direct on-site services to Texas Wesleyan University.

Off-Campus Internship

• If your program requires an off-campus internship, you may participate in a paid or unpaid internship if you have been in valid F-1 status for at least one academic year and your degree plan requires this internship for graduation.

• All internships, whether paid or unpaid, require authorization from U.S. Immigration and documen-tation on your I-20.

Off-Campus Employment

• F-1 regulations also allow for off-campus employ-ment upon completion of a degree or certificate lasting at least one academic year.

• This type of work authorization takes effect after graduation and is valid for up to 12 months.

• Additionally, the major listed on your I-20 must directly relate to your employment. Please plan to apply for this work permit well in advance of grad-uation as approval from U.S. Immigration can take several months.

Volunteer Employment

• Volunteer employment is allowed under F-1 student status without approval from U.S. Immigration.

• You may not receive any form of compensation for your work.

• If you receive a free meal, discount on your rent, goods or services of any value, for example, your volunteer position is really employment requiring authorization from U.S. Immigration.

Uncompensated Volunteer Positions

• U.S. Immigration only considers uncompensated work as truly volunteer when associated with tradi-tional volunteering. Uncompensated volunteer po-sitions with organizations like the Red Cross, local hospitals, or soup kitchens, for example, fall into this category.

• You cannot work as a waiter, cashier, office assistant, etc., as a volunteer.

• Even without receiving payment, you occupy an oth-erwise paid position or internship opportunity in the U.S. economy. Working within any normally paid position or internship opportunity requires employ-ment authorization from U.S. Immigration.

NOTE: Working without authorization is a serious im-migration violation that can affect any future immigration application. Check with the International Programs Office before accepting any kind of on-campus, off-campus, intern-ship, or volunteer position.

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Page 11: Career Services Handbook 2014

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Networking

Networking is also one of the easiest ways to get a job. All you have to do is socialize and talk to your friends.

Three-quarters of all job openings are filled through networking.

Conventional Ways “Pound the Pavement”

• Going to the library to research companies

• Making cold telephone calls to employers

• Calling job hot lines

• Sending out hard copies of your resume

• Chatting with people

New Ways “Pound the Cyber Pavement”

• Research companies online

• Contact employers by email

• Browse employers’ job listing pages

• Visit virtual career centers (CareerLink, Career-builders.com, Monster.com, etc.)

• Submit off your resume electronically

• Cyber-chat directly with others in your field

Tips for Networking

• Tell everyone you know what kind of work you are looking for.

• Join professional organizations in school or in the community. This will help in getting information about internships and full time jobs.

• Research shows that job-hunting success increases by using all these methods.

• Understand the mission of the company and what exactly they do.

Fact:

Less than 20% of jobs are advertised, 80% are in the hidden market!

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Internships are a great way to show off your skills and abilities to an employer before being fully invested. It gives you an opportunity to learn the job requirements and work environment before even being offered a full-time job. Internships are another way to gain experience for your resume if have not previously worked in the field.

Career Services receives numerous internship listings each year from employers; these internship listings appear on the Career Services website and CareerLink. Employers visit Texas Wesleyan’s campus to interview students seek-ing summer internships. These interviews occur primarily in the spring semester but also in the fall for some majors. The Wesleyan Resume Search is a database that provides employers with the resumes of candidates who meet their internship criteria. Employers can email or call us with a description of the candidate they are looking for, and we will forward those resumes on file.

6 Legal Criterion to Consider When Hiring an Intern

1. The internship is similar to training that would be given in a vocational school.

2. The internship experience is for the benefit of the student.

3. The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under the close observation of a regular employee.

4. The employer provides the training and derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern.

5. The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship.

6. The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time in the internship unless agreed upon by both parties.

Internships

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Page 13: Career Services Handbook 2014

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The Office of Career Services offers a variety of ways to help with resume writing, including:

• Sample resumes to view (online and in Career Services)

• Resume template

• Resume critiquing

• Resume forwarding to perspective employers

Remember that the resume is designed to work for you as a marketing tool. The purpose of the resume is to entice an employer to interview you. The format should present your qualifications in the best light possible to accomplish this goal.

Resume Writing Guidelines and Samples

Sample Functional/Skill-Based Resume

View more resumes at: txwes.edu/career

Sample Experiential Resume

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Ten Ways to Botch Your Resume

Mistake #1: Writing your resume to sound like a series of job descriptions.You need to give the reader an idea of what you have done throughout your career, but instead of focusing on the duties you were responsible for at your last jobs, list your accomplishments along with quantifiable facts to back up your claims. Saying you were responsible for a 10 percent growth in overall sales is more impressive than simply stating you managed a sales team.

Mistake #2: Writing in the first person.Your resume is not a personal correspondence, and should not include words such as “I,” “my,” and “me.” Save the first person pronouns for your cover letter.

Mistake #3: Including unrelated and personal information.As mentioned above, you do not have much room in a resume, so why take up valuable space with information unrelated to the position you are seeking? Leave the details about your personal life, marital status, hobbies, and other interests on the cutting room floor.

Mistake #4: Using passive language or no action words. Your resume needs to make a bold, strong statement, and the best way to do this is by utilizing action words to describe your accomplishments. Words like “coordi-nated,” “achieved,” “managed,” and “implemented” will spice up your resume and make it more interesting and relevant to the reader.

Mistake #5: Repetition.While using action words is important, it is also key to make sure you have a variety in your resume. Do not pick a couple of words and stick with them throughout the entire document. Utilize a thesaurus, career advice Web sites and other sources if you are having problems coming up with new ways to say the same thing.

Mistake #6: Poor formatting and formatting that is too flashy. While the most important part of your resume is the content, there is no question that the document’s overall look and feel is also important. By now, you should be comfortable enough with a word processing program to create a clean, polished-looking document. Use consis-tent formatting for headings and bullet points. In the same respect, steer clear of flashy formatting or overly creative resumes with unconventional fonts or graphics, unless you are seeking a highly creative position. Keep your resume simple, bold and professional.

Mistake #7: Sending a resume without a cover letter.One of the worst things you can do is send a great re-sume without an official introduction. Resume and cover letters should be inseparable. Make sure you don’t give up your chance to really sell yourself with a cover letter.

Mistake #8: Sending an unfocused or generic resume.While your work experience doesn’t change depend-ing on the job or the industry you are targeting, your resume certainly should. If you are seeking a sales-re-lated position, your resume will include details that are different from those that would be included in a resume for a management job. Make sure you write to what you are seeking and make it easy for the reader to see why you are a good fit.

Mistake #9: Including typos and other spelling or grammatical errors. Before you send out your resume, make sure you have proofread it several times. Many hiring managers will automatically throw away a resume that has typos or other errors.

Mistake #10: Sending your resume to a nameless, faceless person. Do yourself a big favor and take the time to find a real person at the company who is responsible for hiring in the department you are targeting. This is often the first and most helpful step to getting your foot in the door.

Inaccurate date or none at all – missing dates, especially for a long period of time, could send up a red flag, and resume might be discarded

Inaccurate or missing contact information –You create your resume for one reason, to get a phone call!

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Page 15: Career Services Handbook 2014

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Cover LettersA cover letter is an essential document to be included with your resume.

Sample Cover Letter Format

Name Address City, State Zip Code Phone Number Email Address

Date

Employer Contact Information (if you have it)

Name Title Company Address City, State Zip Code

Salutation

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (leave out if you don’t have a contact)

Body of Cover Letter The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

First Paragraph The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one.

Middle Paragraph(s) The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. (past experiences, future goals, present projects that RELATE to the position you are applying for).

Final Paragraph Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up.

Complimentary Close

Respectfully yours,

Signature Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)

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Page 16: Career Services Handbook 2014

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How to E-mail Your Cover Letter

At a recent career fair, I spoke with an HR professional who reads loads of resumes every day. He made this plea to me: “Please tell people that just because they’re sending resumes by email doesn’t mean they can get away with a poor cover letter or no cover letter at all.”

So don’t cut corners. Here are five ways to make sure your email cover letters deliver a powerful impact when sent with your resume.

1. Avoid character assassination

Email is quirky. Bullets, underlines, bold or italic characters won’t show up correctly when you paste them from a word processing document into an email message.

Avoid this problem by first saving your cover letter in plain text format (ASCII). Then replace special characters with ASCII-friendly ones, like these: dashes (-), asterisks (*), and arrows (>).

2. Caution! Wide Load

If your cover letter is too wide, it may produce strange line breaks on the reader’s screen, which ran hurt readability.

Solution? Set the width of your cover letter to about 4-3/4”, or less than 80 characters wide.

3. Follow the right order

When sending your cover letter and resume in an email message, your cover letter should come first and your resume second. For easier reading, include a line that clearly separates the two documents, like this:

END COVER LETTER

4. Get personal

If you know someone influential at your target company, say so! This can help establish a rapport between you and your reader.

Here’s an example cover letter beginning that can do this:

“Dear Employer (insert name if known), “George Best suggested I contact you regarding your possible need for…”

5. Enthusiasm sells

Cover Letters

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Page 17: Career Services Handbook 2014

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Resume Checklist

o No more than two fonts or two sizes

o No personal data or potentially discriminatory data

o Is contact information clearly stated; campus and permanent addresses both listed if appropriate?

o Does it have a clear, focused objective?

o Are the margins no less than 1” and no more than 1.5”?

o Did you use Times Roman or other Serif font, 10 point to 12 point size?

o Is it word processor generated, with full spell check (automated and manual) and proofing?

o Is it the appropriate length (depends on field)?

o Did you use quality bond paper, 8.5 “ x 11”?

o Does it have core competencies/qualifications at the top that lists your top three or four accomplishments, skills or competencies and has bullet points?

o Is your degree and university listed?

o Is your GPA listed if over 3.0?

o Is your graduation date listed, even if you have not yet graduated?

o Does it have descriptive job titles?

o Does your experience section list notable accomplishments?

o Does it have the right keywords?

o Does it highlight the heart of your career?

o Does it include time-related successes? “Finished project one month before deadline”

o Does it look attractive/professional?

o Does it make the right first impression?

o Does it showcase your successes?

o Does it target the job?

o Does it use strong action verbs?

o Does it leave the employer wanting to know more about you?

o Does your activities section list your most notable extracurricular activities?

o Did you include professional affiliations or memberships?

o Did you use spell-check and grammar-check?

o Did you have at least two other people proof it for you?

o Does it come with the proper cover letter?

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Page 18: Career Services Handbook 2014

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Thank You Notes

A thank you letter is essential after a job interview. It should be sent promptly and is recommended that it be sent within 24 hours of the interview. A thank you letter should be short and simple. Be sure to always proofread before sending the thank you letter. Your thank you letter is a way to stand out and make a good impression.

Sample Thank You Letter-Job Interview

Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email

Date

Name Title Organization Address City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

It was very enjoyable to speak with you about the assistant account executive position at the Smith Agency. The job, as you presented it, seems to be a very good match for my skills and interests. The creative approach to account man-agement that you described confirmed my desire to work with you.

In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring to the position strong writing skills, assertiveness and the ability to en-courage others to work cooperatively with the department. My artistic background will help me to work with artists on staff and provide me with an understanding of the visual aspects of our work.

I understand your need for administrative support. My detail orientation and organizational skills will help to free you to deal with larger issues. I neglected to mention during my interview that I had worked for two summers as a temporary office worker. This experience helped me to develop my secretarial and clerical skills.

I appreciate the time you took to interview me. I am very interested in working for you and look forward to hearing from you about this position.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

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Page 19: Career Services Handbook 2014

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Dress for Success

Do’s and Don’ts for Women

Do Wear

• Suit/Tailored dress

• Not too short

• Neutral hose

• Hair up, if long

• Low heals (2” or less)

• Light perfume if any

• Clean, subtly polished nails

Don’t Wear

• Lots of makeup

• Lots of jewelry

• 5-7 pieces

• Open-toe shoes

People start judging you from the moment they first observe you. After the first two seconds they have formed conclusions. Remember, you are marketing a product -- yourself -- to a potential employer, and the first thing the employer sees when greeting you is your attire; thus, you must make every effort to have the proper dress for the type of job you are seeking.

Do’s and Don’ts for Men

Do Wear

• Navy, charcoal, gray, or pin-stripe suit

• Over the calf, dark socks

• Neat hair - get a haircut before if possible

• Polished dress shoes

Don’t Wear

• Casual attire

• Tennis shoes

• Jeans, khakis

• Open-collared shirts

• Flashy jewelry

• Cufflinks, rings or chains

• Strong cologne

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Page 20: Career Services Handbook 2014

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Interview PreparationResearching the Employer:

• What does the company do? Understand the mission of the company.

• How is the company structured?

• What are the company’s goals?

• What are the employers like?

• What is the “personality” or “culture” of the company?

• What is the reputation of the organization?

• Ask current employers.

• Who are their competitors?

• Company size – in terms of profits, current employees & growth

• Locations outside your community

• Be prepared to articulate why you desire employ-ment based on your research

Researching the Position:

• What are the responsibilities of the job?

• Obtain a job description if possible

• Prepare to match your qualifications to those listed on the job description

• Know how the position fits with your goals

• Purpose of Interview – To determine if you are the best candidate for the position or the best “fit” for their organization

• Selling a product - YOU

• Buying a product - The company

Where do I start?

• Do your homework

• Research the company

• Research the position

• Research yourself

Suggested Sources for Researching the Company:

• The Internet

• Chamber of Commerce

• Better Business Bureau reports

• College Placement Annual (College Placement Council)

• CollegeGrad.com

Who Am I?

• Researching yourself

• Have information at your fingertips

• Employment records

• Volunteer activities

• Extracurricular activities

• Be ready to give specific examples

• Be able to recall related stories or experiences that are relevant to the posted position

• Be able to verbalize goals, both short-and long-term

Prepare

• Review possible questions & formulate answers

• Have examples ready to backup your answer. Do not completely memorize answers

• Be prepared to respond to follow up questions

• Develop a list of questions to ask the employer

Practice

• Mock interview at Career Services

• Friends/Family

• In front of mirror

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Page 21: Career Services Handbook 2014

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Interview PreparationThe Big Question

• Don’t talk about salary too soon

• Talk about salary when they say they want you for the job

• If asked about salary right away, change the subject

• Do your research and prepare to negotiate: know the going rate for your experience and position

• Visit salary.com

Interview Options

• Phone interview – Often used as a screening process

• Interviewing in-person

• One interviewer

• Panel interview

Tips

• Sleep and eat well

• Dress appropriately

• Be positive about yourself and others and about your experiences

• Never speak negatively about former employers

• Show energy and enthusiasm for your field of interest

• Be aware of your body language

• Be sure to smile

• Maintain good eye contact

• Practice a good handshake

Tips Con’t

• Follow the interviewer’s cues

• Listen carefully and give clear concise, and thoughtful answers

• Ask if you are unclear about a questions

• Never use slang or incorrect grammar

• Write a thank you letter - the same day of the interview

• Contact your references

• Supply any additional information requests from the employer promptly

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Page 22: Career Services Handbook 2014

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Interview Sample Questions

1. Tell me about yourself

2. Why did you choose this career?

3. What 3 words describe you?

4. What goals do you have in your career?

5. How do you plan to achieve these goals?

6. What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?

7. Do you consider yourself to be ethical?

8. Do you handle conflict well?

9. How do you resolve conflict?

10. Do you handle pressure well?

11. What is your greatest strength?

12. What is your greatest weakness?

13. How has your education prepared you for your career?

14. What do you know about our company?

15. What kind of salary are you looking for?

16. Why should I hire you?

17. Do you have any questions about the position?

Fact:

Do not apply to a 3rd party site. Find the employer and apply directly, most candidates are hired through the company’s website.

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Page 23: Career Services Handbook 2014

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Proper Dinner Etiquette

When a recruiter invites you to dinner or lunch, it is all about making a good first impression. Follow our suggestions below to ensure it is a success.

Plan Ahead

• Review restaurant ahead of time and wear appropri-ate attire.

• Look at the menu online and choose something that is not a messy meal.

• Put the location address in your phone navigation and have a paper back up of directions. Allow time for traffic and arrive early.

At Dinner

• Allow women to be seated first.

• Even if the recruiter orders an alcoholic beverage it does not mean it is okay for you to order one.

• If you unsure of which utensils to use work your way from the outside in to the plate.

• Which ones is your drink? Remember bread on left, drinks on right. You can hold up your fingers to make these letters as a reminder.

Quick Dining Etiquette Tips:

1. Eat to your left, drink to your right.

2. Start with silverware farthest from your plate.

3. Keep your elbow off the table.

4. Never return utensils to table once used.

5. Always pass the salt and pepper together.

6. Butter is transferred to plate not bread.

7. Taste food before seasoning it.

8. Never put items or purse on the table.

9. Do NOT talk with food in your mouth.

10. Pass food to the right.

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Graduate School

Graduate school constitutes an advanced program of study focused on a particular academic discipline or a specific profession. Traditionally, graduate school has been “academic” (centered on generating original research in a particular discipline), but it may be “professional” (centered on imparting skills and knowledge to future professionals), or a combination of both traditions.

Graduate school differs from undergraduate education in terms of expectations regarding the quality and quan-tity of your academic work and its concentrated nature. Generally, you arrive at graduate school with the desire to pursue a course of study in a specific discipline or profession; typically, there is not a lot of room for exploration or elective courses. Your work will be more rigorously evaluated, often by both faculty and fellow students. Classes tend to be small; interaction is expected and often necessary to excel. Most likely, you will be required to produce some type of original research. These demands are often coupled with a work experience, be it a career-related internship, grading, teaching, or researching.

Graduate degrees are available in almost any subject and come in three levels-Master, Specialist, and Doctorate. Depending on your graduate school program and degree level desired, your programs requirements and time to com-plete the degree will vary.

Deciding where to apply:

• The reputation of the faculty

• The quality of the program

• Financial cost of the program

• The program requirements

• Available course offerings

• Geographic location

• Facilities

• Employment

• Student life

How do you connect with these recruiters to find out this information? You can attend our Graduate Fair.

Graduate Fair connects students with graduate schools opportunities in their field of interest. Representatives from graduate and professional programs throughout the United States are made available to provide infor-mation and materials regarding their specific programs.

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Your Questions Answered

When is Career Services open? Career Services’ hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays are available by appointment only. The office remains open during the winter and summer breaks.

Does Career Services work with all students at the University? Yes, Career Services serves all students and alumni as well as their family and friends. Please visit CareerLink to make an appointment.

How do I make an appointment with a counselor? It’s easy. You can visit CareerLink at txwes.edu/career. Use your Texas Wesleyan email address and password and request an appointment at a convenient time for you.

Do you have information on the GRE, LSAT, TOEFL, CLEP, etc? Yes, stop by Career Services and browse our bookshelf for help with testing and graduate school or view our website at txwes.edu/career.

Do you offer computers for student use? Yes, we have five computers for student and non-student use to help with job searching. Make sure to check-in at the reception desk to gain access to the computers.

Do I need to sign up for a workshop in advance? Yes, generally you should sign up for workshops in advance. To learn what workshops and events are sponsored by Career Services, logon to CareerLink and view events.

Will Career Services representative speak to my organization or club? Yes, a Career Services staff member can visit your group’s meeting to go over services or a related topic of your choice. Call 817-531-6512 or stop by the office to make arrangements. Advance notice is appreciated.

Where can I take an interest test to help me make a career/major decision? Vocational assessments (Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) are available online. Just call, email or visit Career Services and make arrangements to get the online instructions. You should also make an appointment with a counselor to have the results interpreted to assist you with your decision.

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“Thanks to your help I am now a licensed Chemical Dependence Counselor Intern at Hemphill Treatment Services. The resume workshop helped tremendously!” — Alumna, Counseling Major

“Last Monday I came in and you helped me with my resume and the following Thursday I was asked to interview! Because of your help I finally got an interview after 5 months of searching. I can’t thank you enough!” — Mass Communications Major

“I wanted to thank you for posting and sending me that email. This is the second job that I have gotten through the Career Ser-vices in Texas Wesleyan, and I just wanted to extend my gratitude to you and the others that work hard to get students where they would like to be!” — Alumnus, Biochemistry Major

“I never got to tell you thank you for putting in a good word for me on the Alumni Coordinator position. I just wanted to let you know I really appreciate the help you gave me with applying for that position and also for talking to me about career paths. Thank you so much, you’re the best!” — MBA Student

“Thank you for helping me land a job! I don’t think it would have been possible without your help on the resume.” — Senior Exercise Science Major

Reviews

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Career Services | Brown-Lupton Center | 817-531-6512 | txwes.edu