UCF Business Careers Blog

Four Things that can send your resume into the trash (Monster.com article)

2012-01-26T13:48:00.000-05:00

By Charles Purdy, Monster Senior Editor

You may be the perfect fit for a job -- but a hiring manager is never going to find that out if he trashes your resume after a mere glance. Even in this age of online professional networking, a great resume is still the foundation of a successful job search.

It's common knowledge that spelling errors and grammatical bloopers are trash triggers (and these simple mistakes top many recruiters’ lists of resume pet peeves). But is there anything else that job seekers are unwittingly doing wrong? We asked some recruiting managers and career experts about the resume errors that cause them to crumple and toss a resume at first look -- and some of their answers may surprise you.

1. Your Resume Is Badly Formatted

Looks matter. Career expert Abby Kohut lists misaligned indentations and double spaces as a couple of the things that make a resume start to look like it belongs in the garbage. The fix? Use tabs for indents, and search your document for stray double spaces.

Also beware of being too creative. "I don't like it when I receive resumes with funky fonts," says Mona Abdel-Halim, co-founder of the Web-based resume tool Resunate, who echoed other experts we spoke to. "It is not professional and it makes the resume harder to read." When choosing resume fonts, opt ones that are widely used and readable, such as Calibri or Arial, and use no more than two fonts with their associated bold and italic styles.

2. Your Resume Is Immature

Other hiring managers we talked to said they had immediately trashed resumes with pictures on them -- for example, of cartoon character Bart Simpson (in the case of one applicant for a technical writing job) or of a kitten (an applicant for a customer service job). Cute resume additions like these are for kids -- not professionals.

3. Your Resume Is Too Templated

Longtime recruiter Mike Monroe says that unaltered, familiar resume templates from word-processing programs annoy him. "This won't automatically put you in the trash, but it tells me that you have put less thought into your resume than your competition," he says.

Jessica Campbell, an HR manager for talent agency Voices.com, says one of her pet peeves is "when a candidate has used a template resume," but hasn't updated it before sending it. (And if you use Word's Track Changes feature to edit your resume, make sure to accept all changes in the final version before submitting it.)

To prevent your resume from ending up in the trash for this reason, customize your resume for each job you apply for using the language of the job ad and highlighting your most relevant experience.

"When the resume is not tailored to the position, it shows you don't really understand what the employer is looking for and are just hoping your resume fits some of the criteria,” says career expert Heather Huhman, author of Lies, Damned Lies & Internships: The Truth About Getting from Classroom to Cubicle. “To avoid this mistake, show the employer how you fit those [criteria] through your previous experience, skills and expertise."

4. Your Resume Is Sneaky

Kohut says she immediately distrusts people whose resumes have no dates on them. “Gaps are not a problem,” she says. “The problem is when you try to be deceptive."

David S. Williams, founder and CEO of salary consultancy SpringRaise, agrees, saying that if you are or have been unemployed, don’t try to hide it. “You may be doing yourself a disservice because you may be a strong candidate for a position, but you tried to hide your current status," he says.

A better tactic is to be straightforward on your resume, and then use your cover letter to tell the story of your career's progress -- including information about how you maximized your time away from the 9-to-5 routine. And do remember to write a cover letter -- not doing so is another guaranteed way to get your resume thrown into the trash, according to the experts.

http://career-services.monster.com/yahooarticle/resume-mistakes-pet-peeves#WT.mc_n=yta_fpt_article_resume_mistakes_trash

5 Things I Look for in a Great Job Interview (www.inc.com article)

2012-01-20T08:10:00.000-05:00

Here is what separates a good candidate from a great one.

By Matthew Swyers
@TrademarkCo
Jan 16, 2012

In my career I have reviewed thousands of resumes and conducted hundreds of employment interviews for both The Trademark Company and other businesses for which I have worked. In doing so, I got to see the good, the bad, and the downright ugly in terms of resumes, interviewing skills, and the like. For other CEOs looking to hire, here's what I think makes a great candidate stand out from the good ones

Read the entire article here: http://www.inc.com/matthew-swyers/5-things-i-look-for-in-a-jgreat-job-interview.html

Calvin

10 Predictions for 2012: The Top Trends in Talent Management and Recruiting

2011-12-12T08:36:00.000-05:00

By definition, being strategic requires that you look forward — identifying trends, opportunities, and threats. With the December lull looming, now is a great time to plan for the future. I’ve listed the “top 10 talent management trends” I foresee that require your attention.

But you should certainly do your own thinking. I recommend that you start by examining this past year…

2011 Was The Year of Social Media

2011 was a tough year for many in talent management, but despite compressed budgets, organizations continued to hire and develop talent. One factor that seemed to invade nearly every high-level functional discussion was social media. It’s clear that Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter will play a dominate role in recruiting and development best practices in years to come.

Not surprisingly, 2011 saw no fewer than 40 new vendors emerge to help organizations use social media to attract referrals. We also started to see early stage tools to use social media in talent assessment (pre/post hire) as well as applicant/candidate/employee experience management. New tools brought much enhanced visibility into talent issues, but most talent-management metrics continue not to resonate with key leaders outside of the HR function.

2012 Will Be “The Year of the Mobile Platform”

By the end of next year, even the skeptics will have to admit that the mobile platform will have become the dominant communications and interaction platform by early-adopting best-practice organizations. The capabilities afforded users of smartphones and tablet devices grows immensely day by day. Long before unified inboxes existed for the desktop, smart device users could see all incoming e-mail, social messaging, text messaging, and voice and video messaging in a single place.

Tablets will become the virtual classroom, and an emerging class of tools will let employees manage almost every aspect of their professional life digitally. During the next year, talent management leaders need to invest heavily supporting execution of talent management initiatives across mobile.

Read the entire article here: http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=959560633&gid=1531417&type=member&item=83761875&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eere%2Enet%2F2011%2F12%2F05%2F10-predictions-for-2012-the-top-trends-in-talent-management-and-recruiting%2F&urlhash=XYi8&goback=%2Egmp_1531417%2Egde_1531417_member_83761875

10 Things that Scream, "Don't Hire Me!" (Career Builder Article)

2011-12-09T10:57:00.000-05:00

You just don't get it. You've applied to numerous jobs, been to countless interviews and made several new contacts in your network -- yet here you are -- still sitting on the unemployment list. What gives?

Well ... have you ever stopped to consider that what gives might in fact be ... you?

It's a hard concept that most job seekers have trouble wrapping their heads around, but applicants frequently -- inadvertently -- raise red flags to hiring managers that immediately scream, "Don't hire me!" But, it might not be entirely your fault.

"Most companies don't give direct feedback about areas people are weak in while they are employed. They are enabling poor performance and lack of accountability," says Tom Gimbel, president and CEO of The LaSalle Network, an executive recruiting firm in Chicago. "The same mentality exists when people interview. They feel they did 'great' on the interview and never look at themselves for if they feel that the interviewer was looking for something different."

Not sure if you're unknowingly blowing your chances at scoring your dream job? Here are 10 red flags to be wary of during your next job hunt:

Red flag No. 1: You don't have any contact information on your résumé

When you're crafting your résumé, you should focus on highlighting relevant skills and accomplishments that are in line with the position for which you are applying. But what good is an impressive résumé if hiring managers have no way to get in touch with its owner? If they can't find you, they can't hire you. Always provide a home address, phone number or e-mail address so employers can get in touch with you easily.

Red flag No. 2: You have long gaps between jobs on your résumé

Even if your long departure from the work force is valid, extended lapses of unemployment might say to an employer, "Why weren't you wanted by anyone?" Gimbel says. Anytime you have more than a three-month gap of idleness on your résumé, legitimate or otherwise, be prepared to explain yourself.

Red flag No. 3: You aren't prepared for the interview

There are many ways to be unprepared for an interview: You haven't researched the company, you don't have any questions prepared, you didn't bring a copy of your résumé, etc. Plain and simple, do your homework before an interview. Explore the company online, prepare answers to questions and have someone give you a mock interview. The more prepared you are, the more employers will take you seriously.

Red flag No. 4: You didn't provide any references

By omitting references in your application, employers could infer that you don't know anyone who has any positive things to say about you -- when in fact, you just forgot to provide them with people who can vouch for you. No references also shows employers that you aren't prepared for people to call them, Gimbel says. Always make sure the hiring manager has at least one person to contact who can speak on your behalf.

Red flag No. 5: You only have negative things to say about previous employment

We know how tempting it is to want to tell anyone who will listen how much of a (insert expletive word here) your old boss was -- but a hiring manager for a coveted job is not that person.

There are hundreds of ways to turn negative things about an old job into positives. Thought your last job was a dead end? Spin it by saying, "I felt I had gone as far as I could go in that position. I'm looking for something with more opportunity for advancement." Couldn't get along with your co-workers? "I really need to work in an environment where I feel like I'm part of a team and my last position didn't allow for that kind of atmosphere."

Red flag No. 6: You've held seven different jobs -- in the past six months

Job hopping is a new trend in the working world. Workers are no longer staying in a job for 10-20 years; they stay for a couple and move on to the next one. While such a tactic can further your career, switching jobs too often will raise a prospective employer's antenna. Too many jobs in too little time tells employers that either you can't hold a job or you have no loyalty, Gimbel says. Pick and choose the jobs you include on your résumé or prepare to explain yourself.

Red flag No. 7: You give inconsistent answers in your interview

One tactic hiring managers use during the hiring process is to ask you the same question in several different ways. This is mostly to ensure that you're genuine with your answers and not just telling an employer what he or she wants to hear. Keep your responses sincere throughout the entire process and you should be good to go.

Red flag No. 8: You lack flexibility

Most people know what they want in a job as far as benefits, compensation, time-off, etc. If you're unable to be flexible with some of your (unrealistic?) expectations, however, you're going to have a difficult time finding a job. Have a bottom line in terms of what you want before you start the hiring process and be willing to bend a bit if necessary.

Red flag No. 9: Your application was, in a word -- lazy

Only doing the bare minimum of what's asked of you won't get very far -- in life or in your job search. Applying to jobs with the same résumé and the same cover letter (or none at all) is pure laziness. And as Gimbel points out, if you won't spend extra time on yourself and your application materials, you sure as heck won't do it for a client.

Red flag No. 10: You lack objective or ambition

If you have no long-term goals, then you really have no short-term goals either, Gimbel says. "Long-term goals may change, however you need to have some concept of where you want to go." Know where you want to go and how you plan to get there. Otherwise you seem unfocused and unmotivated, which are two big no-no's for an applicant.

Calvin

Digital documents: Appearance matters

2011-12-09T10:48:00.000-05:00

Sure, playing around with all the fonts and colors available on a computer is cool -- if you are a sixth-grade girl sending a message to a friend. But professionals who want their workplace correspondence and job applications to be taken seriously might want to think twice about Broadway pink before hitting send. Keep presentation from overshadowing content by watching for these digital dangers:

Font faux pas

Think all fonts are created equal? Think again.

Consider the media sensation caused by Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, when he posted a rant on NBA.com about his team losing star basketball player LeBron James to the Miami Heat. It wasn't the content that got bloggers and newspaper writers irate; it was Gilbert's choice to write in Comic Sans, which many consider to be a cutesy, childish typeface. (The font even has an organized group of haters called Ban Comic Sans.)

In addition to choosing hard-to-read or wild fonts, it usually comes off as unprofessional to use:

-- Excessively large or small font sizes.

-- A nontraditional color for text.

-- Bold background color or wallpaper.

And remember that since typed items do not give expression, a writer needs to be sensitive about possible interpretation. "Putting things in all caps is the same as yelling at someone by email," notes Cynthia Favre, director of career services at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. A message completely in boldface can be similarly misinterpreted.

An inappropriate email address

Show your professionalism from the moment your message hits the inbox by choosing a regular email address. Save jerseypartyguy@whatever.com for your social correspondence, and opt for something simple and identifying for the workplace.

Matthew Randall, executive director of the Center for Professional Excellence at York College of Pennsylvania, notes that this is especially important when job hunting. "Dump old email addresses that are funky, childish or risqué, which may cause recruiters to doubt your qualifications. If you find it difficult to secure a personal email address with your name, the next best option is to include the town/city/state in which you reside. For example: juliesmith.syracuse@gmail.com."

Randall also suggests refraining from using your current employer's email address during a job search. "This may give recruiters the perception that you're using company time, instead of personal time, to job hunt -- not the type of impression you want to make toward potential employers."

Social media spillover

Don't make your messages look like graffiti. Emoticons, abbreviations (such as "U R" instead of "you are") and side comments (such as OMG or LOL) may be the norm for text messages and tweets, but they are frowned upon in the workplace. Do your high school English teacher proud and demonstrate your capitalization skills instead of writing in all lowercase.

Signature clutter

Don't blow your professionalism at the end with a flashy email signature. With clarity as the key goal, also refrain from providing a countless list of contact options. Says Randall, "A long listing of all your phone numbers, social media accounts and snail-mail options only confuses a reader as to the best method to reach you. A best practice is to share the primary phone number and physical address where someone can contact you directly."

Randall also cautions leaving readers with parting thoughts that have nothing to do with the communication you sent. "While adding a favorite quote below your workplace signature may seem like a personal touch, oftentimes the intended receiver may be turned off by the message or even the source of the quote. Best to leave these features for your personal email communications. I remember one co-worker who would consistently update her workplace signature email to include a new quote. While I don't recall any of the passages, this constant updating always made me wonder how much company time was wasted finding new quotes."

Failure to proofread

Lastly, proofread important digital documents for appearance just as you would for spelling and grammar. Send a copy of your prized report to yourself first so that you, not your boss, can catch tables that are off a column or editing marks that should have been deleted.

For job seekers, Favre suggests doing a trial run of an electronic résumé on someone you know before sending it to employers. "Sometimes I get résumés with a person's name missing. They put their name in some type of header format that doesn't go through. [If not caught] the employer would get a résumé with no name."

Following these tips will show you know workplace digital etiquette, and you'll be on your way to gaining attention the right way -- with the content of your message.

Tips for looking good on paper and in person

2011-12-09T10:46:00.000-05:00

When Lynn Hazan, president of recruitment firm Lynn Hazan & Associates, found a candidate who had excellent experience on paper, she wanted to learn more about him. As it turned out, he was difficult to work with in person: He missed a scheduled talk with her, sounded annoyed with the staff on the phone and was unresponsive with follow-up materials. Ultimately he was not a good fit for the client.

This situation isn't uncommon. With all of the advice available about résumé and cover letter do's and don'ts, almost anyone can look like the perfect candidate. But just because a job candidate looks good on paper doesn't mean he will be a good fit for the company.

"While education, past work experience, qualifications and skill set will always be a major influence in hiring, there are many other factors that are used to determine if the candidate will be a good fit for the organization," says Samantha Lambert of Blue Fountain Media, a media design company in New York.

"I can immediately tell if a candidate spent time researching us and personalizing his job application as well as if he pumped out his résumé to any job that looked somewhat appealing. You can tell a lot from email correspondence with a candidate, but nothing is as substantial as meeting him in person to gauge his compatibility with the company culture."

Eszter Szikora, marketing communications manager at an information technology recruiting firm in Sunnyvale, Calif., remembers when his company was seeking to hire a senior recruiter.

"The candidate had excellent references and a pitch-perfect résumé with plenty of experience -- all the qualifications we required. On paper, she was the dream candidate to fill this job. However, when our team started to interview her in person, we quickly realized that she did not fit into our energetic, fun, multicultural environment," Szikora says.

"We ended up hiring someone who was not the picture-perfect candidate on paper. She did not have that much industry experience but she had the drive and the personality to succeed. Sometimes it is better to hire someone who really wants the job and has the right attitude than someone who has all the skills you need but simply does not fit the environment."

Ideally, the perfect candidate looks good on paper and in person. To achieve that goal, here are some tips from Lambert and Lynne Sarikas, executive director of the MBA Career Center at Northeastern University in Boston.

Read the full article here: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2827-Interviewing-Tips-for-looking-good-on-paper-and-in-person/?sc_extcmp=JS_2827_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42827&catid=iv

Calvin

How Introverts Can Be Better Networkers (Entrepreneur.com article)

2011-12-02T14:49:00.000-05:00

Follow these tips to help break the ice in social situations and get on your way to forging lasting business relationships.

A common assumption that isn't necessarily true is that an extroverted "people person" is the best type of networker. While an extroverted person might be better at meeting new people, someone who's more introverted can be better at the second part of business networking -- communicating his or her ideas and forming meaningful relationships.

In my experience, introverted people tend to be better listeners and ask more questions, which are essential factors for getting to know a person and his or her business. But far too often, introverts eliminate themselves from the benefits that come from networking and relationship-building because they aren't comfortable initializing conversations.

Consider me, for example. One evening during a dinner conversation with my wife I mentioned something about my being an extrovert. She looked at me and said, "Um, honey, I hate to break it to you but, you're an introvert."

An introvert? A networker like me? I laughed, but she insisted I was, and she outlined all the ways I have introverted tendencies. So, I went online and took a personality test. It determined I am a "situational extrovert," that I am a loner who is reserved around strangers but outgoing in the right context.

It struck me then that I started the BNI networking organization almost three decades ago because I was naturally uncomfortable meeting new people. I found that the smaller, more intimate approaches to building a network enabled me to meet people in an organized, structured networking environment that did not require that I actually "talk to strangers."

While there are numerous techniques that can help make networking easier for introverts, here are three that can get you meeting new people now and building valuable relationships for the long haul:

1. Be an 'ambassador.'

If you feel uncomfortable approaching strangers at, say, a chamber business mixer, you can volunteer to be an ambassador for that group. In this role, you are in effect a host for the chamber, which makes it easier and more natural for you to greet people and say, "Welcome to our event. My name is [your name]. I'm an ambassador for the chamber and . . ." Before you know it, the ice is broken and you're engaged in conversation.

2. Get involved.

Opportunities to learn the art of networking abound, and often in places you may not have considered. Do you do volunteer work for a cause you feel passionate about? You can help organize committees, recruit other volunteers (on the phone or in person) or help solicit donations for your group's worthy cause. You start off talking about the project and the next thing you know you're chatting about any number of topics.

These can be effective opportunities for meeting new people -- many of whom could be future clients.

3. Be an influencer.

Another way to break the ice is by speaking formally to a group about a specific topic. People have become great networkers by joining a parent-teacher association, where there are opportunities to speak on behalf of the children, or by speaking at a political event for a local or national aspiring candidate. Once you have presented the platform of a political candidate to a group of voters that you can sway with the power of your words, you can present yourself, one-on-one, in an equally engaging manner.

Bottom line: Networking is a skill that can be learned no matter your level of gregariousness. If you remain ill-at-ease in environments where you have to mix and mingle or meet new people one-on-one, you can take steps to interact with people in other ways to help break the ice. You'll find that when you learn ways to handle these situations, you'll become more relaxed and confident in a networking setting.

Calvin

Networking Strategies for the Holidays (Entrepreneur.com article)

2011-12-02T14:46:00.000-05:00

Holiday parties mean much more than free food and fun. They also can bring entrepreneurs a host of new opportunities to network and build relationships.

Most people think of networking only through the traditional venues, whether chamber of commerce events, business contact referral groups, or online sites such as LinkedIn. But holiday parties, including professional and industry social events where you can network with people outside your business, can be an even better time to introduce yourself to a new contact or share a friendly conversation with someone you already know.

To make the most of holiday party networking, here are a few things to keep in mind:

•Be prepared. Try to learn in advance the names of people you will likely chat with, their jobs and their recent accomplishments. You will need to do a little homework, perhaps a Google search and a look at their LinkedIn or Facebook pages. Use the information you glean to break the ice.

•Ask good questions. From the CEO to intern level, people love to talk about themselves. Here are some suggested conversation starters: How did you get started? What were some of the challenges with. . . ? Have you read any good books lately? My favorite is: How can I help you?

•Have a "teaser” topic ready. Approaching the end of the year, every business executive is thinking about how to increase profits and performance in the new year. Have an idea ready that describes the steps you'd take to improve your networking contact's business. Make this research part of the homework you do ahead of time. But don't give away the goose; save the details for a later conversation.

•Don't have more than a couple of drinks. It's a party, but you don't want to smell of liquor or be too relaxed when you approach people you want to connect with. Impressions count. Make the right one.

•Be confident of your value. Introducing yourself to an executive can be an intimidating experience, so give yourself a pep talk before the party. Make a list of your accomplishments over the past year and figure out how you might weave them into conversations. Once you've got that down, you should feel good about yourself.

•Use the introduction to segue to a future meeting. You don't want to end your chat at the party. The endgame here is to open the door for a follow-up meeting one-to-one. But remember that a party is a social gathering, so keep it natural and leave them intrigued.

•Honor the event. This is really important. Make sure that when networking at a holiday party -- or any nontraditional networking event for that matter -- you don't treat it like a business mixer. Show finesse. Yes, it is a great networking opportunity, but if you overtly sell, you may turn people off. After all, it is a holiday.

Student Assistant - Graphic Designer - KnightLink ID: 50777

2011-11-18T08:33:00.000-05:00

Position Vacancy Announcement

Position: Part-time (20 hrs.) graphic designer

Department: Career Services

Needed: Beginning Spring 2012 Semester

Pay: $10 hr.

Job Description:

Developing, designing, and coordinating print and copy orders for CSEL events and team projects. Coordinating and managing projects with other CSEL graphic designer and teams.

Preferences:

Career Services is looking for a graphic designer at the junior or senior level who can create print designs from conception to final completion. The preferred candidate will be proficient with Photoshop and have enough knowledge to feel comfortable using other programs, such as Quark and Illustrator if needed. Knowledge of print ordering procedures and experience in project management using tools, such as work orders and project boards is desirable, but not necessary.

Majors:

Graphic Arts and Digital Media students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please email Mayra Hoffman at mehoffma@mail.ucf.edu with your resume and Spring 2012 availability.

100 Potential Interview Questions

2011-11-17T11:36:00.000-05:00

While there are as many different possible interview questions as there are interviewers, it always helps to be ready for anything. So we've prepared a list of 100 potential interview questions. Will you face them all? We pray no interviewer would be that cruel. Will you face a few? Probably. Will you be well-served by being ready even if you're not asked these exact questions? Absolutely.

Basic Interview Questions:

Tell me about yourself.

What are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

Why do you want this job?

Where would you like to be in your career five years from now?

What's your ideal company?

What attracted you to this company?

Why should we hire you?

What did you like least about your last job?

When were you most satisfied in your job?

What can you do for us that other candidates can't?

What were the responsibilities of your last position?

Why are you leaving your present job?

What do you know about this industry?

What do you know about our company?

Are you willing to relocate?

Do you have any questions for me?

Full article here: http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-questions/100-potential-interview-questions/article.aspx

5 Things New Grads Should Know About Job Hunting (MSN Article)

2011-11-17T11:35:00.000-05:00

1. Relevant experience Twenty-three percent of hiring managers say the candidate's ability to relate their experience to the job at hand is the most important factor in the hiring decision. Unfortunately, new graduates often underestimate the experience they have through internships, part-time jobs and extracurricular activities, but 63 percent of hiring managers say they view volunteer activities as relevant experience.

2. Fit within the company culture Just because you look good on paper doesn't mean you're a shoo-in for the job. To 21 percent of employers, the trait they most want to see in a candidate is the ability to fit in with co-workers and the company. Offering up a blank stare when the interviewer asks why you are the right fit for the job will not go over well. Just be yourself, but mind your i's -- never insult, interrupt or irritate the interviewer. This can also be evaluated by that "unimportant" small talk at the beginning of an interview or non-job-related questions like "What was the last book you read?"

3. Educational background Nineteen percent of hiring managers place the most emphasis on your educational background: the institution you attended, major, minor and degree earned. Be sure to also include courses taken and completed projects if relevant to the job. With grade point average, it's tricky. A good rule of thumb is to omit it unless it is 3.0 or higher and denote if it's your overall or major GPA.

4. Enthusiasm Passion for the job is the top characteristic 19 percent of employers look for in a candidate. Employees who are passionate about their jobs tend to be more productive workers. The answer to "Why do you want to work here?" should always focus on the strengths of the company and the challenge of the position, not the perks. A "take or leave it" attitude about the job will leave the employer feeling the same about you.

5. Preparedness Eight percent of hiring managers say the ideas you bring to the table and the questions you ask carry the most significance. Come in prepared to discuss how your qualifications can specifically contribute to the success of the company. Actually put yourself in that role and explain how you would perform your work and ways to improve it.

Five things hiring managers won't tell you (MSN Article)

2011-11-17T11:32:00.000-05:00

Boy, wouldn't the ability to read minds come in handy during the job interview? At the risk of stating the obvious, who wouldn't love to know what hiring managers really think about your qualifications or what they consider the perfect answer to a certain question? Armed with this information, you'd be a step ahead of other job applicants.

Unfortunately, none of us have this skill. But you can get a peek into the minds of most hiring managers. Read on to find out what they're likely thinking but won't admit.

1) 'I haven't had time to prepare.'

Chances are you aren't the only person with which the potential employer will be meeting. The hiring manager may have a dozen or more interviews lined up. And between those meetings, he or she has everyday job duties to tackle, too.

The truth is the hiring manager may not have had time to review your résumé in great depth before sitting down with you. He or she might not even have a copy handy. That means you should bring extracopies with you, printed on high-quality paper.

Also, make sure you are familiar with your résumé. When was the last time you looked at it? This is especially important if you've sent different versions of your résumé to various employers. If necessary, you want to be able to summarize your work experience and main qualifications within 30 seconds to help guide the interviewer.

2) 'What you wear matters to me.'

First impressions count, and the way you dress significantly impacts how you come across to the hiring manager. Show up wearing a T-shirt and jeans, and the person will likely wonder about your professionalism and true desire to land the job. Make the best impression by donning a clean, well-fitted suit or similar outfit.

3) 'I've heard that one before.'

Saying that your greatest weakness is that you "work too hard" or "can't help but be a perfectionist" can set off warning bells to a hiring manager, because these types of responses are clichéd. Not only will you come across as insincere, you run the risk of being quickly forgotten thanks to your generic answer.

Before the interview, consider how you will answer routine questions such as, "What's your greatest weakness?" and practice with a friend to help hone your responses. You don't want to be so forthright "I've never met a deadline I could keep!" that you harm your chances of landing the job, but you do want to seem genuine. Cite a real weakness that won't cause the employer to question your ability to do the job, and note the steps you are taking to overcome it.

4) 'I may try to make you uncomfortable.'

Hiring managers know all the tricks in the book. And they use them to make you uneasy. The reason? Not to torment you. Rather, they're hopeful that being knocked off your game a little will help elicit more insight into how you handle challenging situations.

So, what can you expect? Off-the-wall interview questions, for one. If you're asked how many Ping-Pongballs it would take to fill a jumbo jet or why manhole covers are round, don't panic. Take a moment, and walk the interviewer through your thought process. He or she wants to see if you can think on your feet.

Another tactic hiring managers use is to stretch out the pauses between questions. We all know how awkward they can be. Resist the temptation to fill the dead air. If you're satisfied with the answer you gave, wait for the employer to make the next move. Over-answering is a great way to put your foot in your mouth.

5) 'I'd like to impress you.'

Job seekers often forget that they aren't the only ones on display during the interview. This meeting is also a chance for the hiring manager to convince you that joining his or her firm is the right choice for your career.

When given the opportunity, ask questions that will allow the employer to open up about the company and his or her time there. For example, you might inquire about the person's own career progression. This can yield valuable information about the growth potential at the firm.

Career Services Workshop Schedule

2011-11-15T08:43:00.000-05:00

The Career Services workshop schedule allows students and alumni a flexible way to gain knowledge and prepare for life after college. Please plan to attend several sessions to help your personal and professional growth: http://events.ucf.edu/?calendar_id=54&upcoming=upcoming

Calvin

What is KnightLink?

2011-11-15T08:41:00.000-05:00

Through KnightLink, students can search for part-time and full-time jobs, post resumes for full-time employment, obtain employer information and access on-campus interviewing and recruiting events. This is a FREE service for UCF students and recent graduates. There are 'currently' over 560 part-time and full-time positions in KnightLink!

To register for KnightLink, please review the following instructions:

1. Register online at https://ucf-csm.symplicity.com/students/. You will need to enter your NID to register. Click here if you do not know or cannot remember your NID.

2. Once you have filled out the registration form, you will receive an e-mail verification. Please click on the link in the verification e-mail to confirm your e-mail address.

3. Your account information will be reviewed and confirmed. You will receive a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours with your username and password. The e-mail will also have a document with additional information on using KnightLink.

4. After completing your profile, be sure to upload your resume. In order to make your resume visible to employers, you must select ‘Yes‘ on the "Privacy" tab of your profile. Making your resume visible does not guarantee that it will be noticed, so plan to actively search the database on a regular basis. You may also set up job search agents so new job listings meeting the criteria you select can be emailed to you.

* By making your resume visible to employers, you are also making it available to third-party employers who may use our system. Please click here for a definition of third-party employers.

For Job Seekers, Company Sites Beat Online Job Boards, Social Media

2011-11-15T08:38:00.000-05:00

By JOE LIGHT

To make one hire, recruiters wade through more than six times as many applications from job boards than they do from their own websites, according to an analysis of hiring data by Jobs2web Inc., which helps companies track the sources of applicants and hires.

According to the analysis, companies look through about 219 applications per job from job seekers who discovered the posting on a major board, such as Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com, before finding someone to hire, compared with 33 applications per hire from job hunters who find the job on the company's own career site and 32 per hire when a job seeker types the job they are looking for into a search engine.

Someone who is browsing on a job board might bump into many jobs that he thinks he might have an outside shot of getting, said Jobs2web chief financial officer Steve Shaffer.

On the other hand, someone who searches for a specific job on a search engine or decides to look at a certain company's website probably has more relevant experience, he said.

"The fewer applicants you need to go through, the better," he said.

There were about 116 applicants from social-media sites, like Facebook.com and Linkedin.com, for every one that was hired.

Even though job boards are more crowded, they remain a major source of hiring for many firms, noted Gerry Crispin, co-founder of CareerXroads Inc., a consulting firm. A January CareerXroads study found that about 25% of hires of external candidates came through job boards.

Still, for job seekers, getting a referral from an employee is far and away the best way to get noticed by a recruiter, Mr. Crispin said. CareerXroads found that recruiters made one hire for about every 10 referrals they received.

"It increases your chances of getting a job tenfold. If an employee makes a referral, they at least have some feeling that the individual will be a better employee," he said.

The Jobs2web analysis included 1.3 million applications and 26,000 hires in 2010.

Working the Holidays (Wall Street Journal Article)

2011-11-15T08:36:00.000-05:00

Holidays are a time for spending. But they also can be a good time for younger workers to earn some extra money, gain new experience and make professional connections.

Twentysomethings can take on extra work at their employer or seek out a second job in industries that traditionally boost their ranks during the holidays. Seasonal work also can be a means to test the waters of a new career. And those who are unemployed can try to parlay a temporary holiday job into a permanent one.

If you have a full-time job, first try in-house. Ask your manager if you can take on extra hours—such as covering a co-worker's vacation—in order to earn some extra money.

Even if you won't get paid extra, ask about taking on more duties while others are out or helping out on projects. The initiative—and any new skills you acquire—could pay off down the road when a higher position opens up.

If getting extra work isn't an option, then check with your manager and human-resources department about your employer's policy on working a second job outside the company, says Lindsey Pollak, author of "Getting from College to Career." Mention that you're thinking of taking on some extra work during the holidays. Be sure to make it clear that moonlighting won't interfere with your duties and don't give any indication that you're displeased with your current job, she says.

Eva Binda earned about $2,000 last season (and got an employee discount) working for two months as a sales associate at Saks Fifth Avenue. The 23-year-old had just moved to San Francisco to work as an account strategist at Google's AdWords and wanted to make some extra money. She says she spoke with her manager before accepting the position at Saks, assuring him her performance wouldn't be compromised. She initially worked weekends and two weeknights, but after a couple of weeks realized the weeknights were too stressful and decided to cut back.

"It's non-negotiable that you can't let it affect your full-time job," Ms. Binda says.

Industries that traditionally boost their ranks during the holidays this year are expected to hire the same number of workers or slightly fewer than last year, says John A. Challenger, chief executive of job-search firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

Among the types of jobs available this season: retail sales, catering, back-room work in inventory and stocking, as well as warehouse shipping and receiving (think FedEx, which has said it expects to hire 20,000 seasonal workers this year). There's also seasonal work for customer service and credit and collections, experts say.

Mr. Challenger says you can expect holiday jobs for basic skill sets across the board to pay anywhere from the federal minimum wage ($7.25 an hour) to $12 an hour.

Though this may be a temporary gig, you should treat the interview and the job itself as you would a full-time position, including dressing professionally, says Maryam Morse, senior principal specializing in the retail industry for management-consulting firm Hay Group.

If you're using a holiday job as an entry point to another industry or are seeking full-time employment, have a basic understanding of how the company operates. Also show initiative and volunteer to help with projects. For instance, if you're working in a retail store, volunteer to help set up or maintain holiday displays.

Also, let managers know that you're interested in pursuing a career in the field. Once your stint is over, keep in touch with the manager and reiterate your interest in a full-time position. There may not be openings right after the holidays but you could be considered for a future spot.

Revamping your job-search strategy (MSNBC.com article)

2011-11-04T09:02:00.000-04:00

Stephen Cobain was laid off from his executive position at a major Pittsburgh financial services company in December of 2008 and spent nearly a year looking for a job with little to show for it.

“I was doing all the things everyone tells you to do,” he said. “I prepared my résumé, wrote letters, contacted recruiters, looked on all the job boards, responded to 400 positions and maybe sent out 1,500 résumés.”

It all led to no job, just frustration.

Until this past Thanksgiving, when his always-supportive wife stunned him by saying: “You must accept the fact that you’re doing something wrong.”

“My reaction was to say, ‘I think I’m doing everything right. The right thing will come along,’ ” Cobain recalled. “And her response to me was, ‘It hasn’t come along yet.’ ”

It’s hard to hear this type of criticism, especially when you feel you’re doing everything in your power to land a job. And clearly, most job seekers have a great excuse right now — a crummy economy.

But if you’ve been job searching for months with few tangible results, it may be time to take a hard look at yourself in the job-hunter’s mirror.

Read full article here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35605070/ns/business-careers/t/revamping-your-job-search-strategy/

Calvin

Applicants' Personalities Put to the Test (Wall Street Journal Article)

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

Armed with an M.B.A. from Arkansas State University, 24-year-old Dana Lund figured she had what she needed to succeed at her new job in the sales-training program at Acxiom Corp., a global interactive marketing firm.

But it wasn't until she took the Birkman Method personality assessment test -- a 45-minute assessment to identify an individual's work style and behavior -- that she really got the tools she needed. The Little Rock, Ark.-based Acxiom requires nearly every new employee to take the 298-question test. Ms. Lund, who joined the company last year, says she quickly learned she worked best by planning a task step-by-step, being creative and having time to reflect. "It has helped me to learn how to interact better with work teams and to leverage my strengths in the workplace," she says.

Many young people are facing this extra hurdle. These days, more than 80% of midsize and large companies use personality and ability assessments for entry and midlevel positions as either pre-employment or new-employee orientation tools, says Scott Erker, a senior vice president at Development Dimensions International, a global human-resources consultancy. These assessments have been widely used in retail positions but are quickly spreading to other industries, including finance, technology, health care and operations.

Ultimately, these tests aim to help a company hire a specific type of person for a job that might require particular traits -- or conversely, to rule out traits that are likely to lead to job failure. "Companies understand that the right personality fit is a critical criteria for good performance," says Mr. Erker. Getting that fit right reduces turnover costs -- typically one year's salary -- required to recruit and train each professional. "You can reduce turnover up to 50% with the right pre-employment assessment," Mr. Erker says.

What's more, companies are using them to screen candidates as they apply; candidates won't even get an interview unless they reach a certain score or result.

That's how Murrel Karsh, president of Windy City Fieldhouse, uses a test that measures attention to detail to hire for the team-building and corporate-event company. In the past three years, more than 100 applicants have been required to take the test, which asks takers to do things like do a count of the letter "l" in a three-sentence paragraph to measure how carefully a respondent works. The test, provided by Roswell, Ga.-based PreVisor, has done its job. Mr. Karsh says he has found that people who have results below a certain score don't do well on the job.

While you can't study for a personality assessment, there are some things you can do to get a leg up. First, do your homework to understand the job and the organization, says Mr. Erker. "The criteria used to score the test is linked to the job being filled," he says. Try to find out which assessment is being used and then research how and why companies use it. That will give you insight into the company and the particulars of the job.

If the job you're applying for has a high customer-service requirement, for example, then it's likely that the test will try to determine whether you have those personality characteristics that are necessary to deal with people of all temperaments and the patience to solve problems on a continuing basis. If that's not you, you might not want to continue your application.

It might be tempting to study up on what kind of answers you should give to score well, but experts caution against doing so. "Don't try to psych out the test," says Jo Bennett, a partner at Battalia Winston, an executive recruiting firm in New York. Be honest and open in your answers. If you lie or try to manipulate your answers to land a job that doesn't fit you or your personality, you're more likely to be miserable at work. If you land a job and then try to fudge a work-style assessment, you could find yourself misunderstood by your boss.

Matt Rion, a 29-year-old marketing and operations manager at Windy City Fieldhouse, was a bit anxious when asked to take the attention-to-detail test a few years ago. "I didn't really know where the assessment factored into the application process," says Mr. Rion who now administers the test himself. "I understand now that we just want to make sure that someone has the capability to do the job."

Results of the pre-interview assessments aren't generally shared with job applicants. But if your assessment was given after you agreed to take a job, the results of the test are typically shared.

Ms. Lund, now a client-relationship manager with Acxiom, not only learned she was a planner in her work style but also what that meant: She tends to be very organized and needs to know well in advance what needs to be done to complete a job.

The Birkman test also gave her insight into her co-workers. Results are given on a four-square matrix attached to a color: green (communicator), red (problem solver), yellow (detailed scheduler) and blue (planner). At Acxiom, everyone wears their Birkman colors on a badge. If Ms. Lund is working with a communicator she says she knows she will need to provide a lot of information to that person, or if her work partner is a detailed scheduler Ms. Lund knows she needs to be very specific.

"We see the assessment as an opportunity for our professionals to better understand themselves," says Debbie Pyle, human-resources training and development leader at the company.

Graduating With a Major in Go-Getting (Wall Street Journal Article)

2011-11-04T08:58:00.000-04:00

Darvika Sarin had been working toward finding her first post-college job since she arrived at school her freshman year.

A business and psychology major at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., Ms. Sarin consistently kept in touch with professionals she met working as a summer intern, including stints with an investment bank in India and at National Economic Research Associates in New York City. Her networking, follow-through and focus paid off: The latter firm offered her a full-time position after she graduates. "I was fortunate," says Ms. Sarin.

Many college students graduating this spring haven't been as lucky. That's no surprise given that the number of U.S. job openings sank to below three million in January, according to the Labor Department, the lowest level since 2000. Worse, employers recruiting on college campuses expect to hire about 22% fewer graduates from this year's class than last year's, according to a new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. But with the right strategy, you may be able to turn the odds of success in your favor, as Ms. Sarin did.

"It's probably never been harder for a degree holder to find a job," says Rabia de Lande Long, a human-resources consultant with Chartwell Advisors in New York.

Still, career experts say graduates have some advantages over senior professionals. "There are definitely benefits to hiring graduating students," says Kerri Day Keller, who directs career services at Kansas State University.

Read the full article here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123845358462571299.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_Careers_TheJungle

Calvin

How to Look and Act Like a Leader (Wall Street Journal Article)

2011-11-04T08:56:00.000-04:00

Savvy executives know the part, act the part and look the part. That's because they exude "executive presence," a broad term used to describe the aura of leadership.

For Janie Sharritt, now a vice president at Sara Lee Corp., an image makeover helped her gain the managerial gravitas that she needed to advance further up the ladder.

In 2005, Ms. Sharritt was a newly promoted middle manager for another consumer-products manufacturer. She preferred to wear a ponytail, scant makeup, khakis, sweaters and loafers. But by taking a "Power of Image" workshop led by image coach Jonna Martin, she got an expert makeover. Her revamped look included a sophisticated hairstyle, dressy slacks and jackets, pumps, colorful necklaces and extra makeup.

She thinks the changes boosted her self confidence, resulting in faster acceptance of her ideas by senior management. "In the past, [that quick buy-in] wasn't one of the things I was known for," says Ms. Sharritt. She joined Sara Lee four years ago.

To Improve Your Executive Presence:

Sit on one hand if you gesture excessively

Avoid interruptions by counting to four before you reply

Stand or sit large to demonstrate you take up space

Use few qualifiers as they imply lack of confidence

Don't clasp your hands behind your back because you'll look deceptive

Practice a firm handshake

Presence plays an increasingly important role as companies grapple with a weak recovery and fewer management layers. "You have less time to make that lasting impression,'' warns Stefanie Smith, head of Stratex Consulting, a New York coaching firm. Today, 75% of her coaching practice involves enhancing clients' presence–up from 35% in 2007.

Several big businesses, including Intel Corp. and Morgan Stanley, recently launched programs to teach ambitious staffers about executive presence. Rosalind Hudnell, Intel's chief diversity officer, says she created a "Command Presence" workshop for its rising female technical stars last year after realizing they needed extra help selling their ideas within the company. Nearly 200 women at the computer-chip maker have taken the four-hour session.

These mid-level staffers learn how to present effectively through a discussion of "constructive confrontation" and a simulated meeting with an executive audience, according to an Intel spokeswoman.

Ms. Hudnell recalls that her survival long "depended on my being able to command a room.'' She believes executive presence also involves the ability to command other leaders.

How can polish your presence? For starters, you should pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. "People are blind to their biggest derailers," says Karen Kaufman, a Philadelphia executive coach.

You could glean additional clues by keeping a journal based on workplace observations of executives with authoritative presence, says James Citrin, a CEO recruiter for search firm Spencer Stuart. Imitate their behaviors "that feel comfortable and natural for you," he recommends. Mr. Citrin cites a CEO candidate he recently watched being interviewed by the board search committee at a $10-billion company. Among other things, the prospect "looked the committee members alternately straight in the eye" as he answered their questions "slowly but very clearly.''

Formal assistance may make an even bigger difference. It ranges from extensive sessions with an executive coach to voice lessons, presentation training and improvisational acting classes.

Jason Bernstein retained coach Dee Soder in 2009 to bolster his presence while an executive of a midsized technology company in suburban New York. "People who don't know him can miss his high energy and drive because he has such an easygoing style,'' says Dr. Soder, an industrial psychologist who founded CEO Perspective Group, an executive assessment and advisory firm in New York.

To correct this misperception, Mr. Bernstein says he embraced many of her suggestions. He tried to avoid a monotone in commanding his employees, sit upright during meetings and display powerful confidence at a conference table by marking his territory with a water bottle and notebook.

Dr. Soder also urged him to wave his hand slightly rather than nod his head in agreement when someone else speaks "to show you got it," Mr. Bernstein adds.

"Nodding your head is in some ways a gesture of deference,'' Mr. Bernstein explains. "It was one of the toughest things I found to work on.'' He says the executive-presence coaching "helped improve my performance reviews,'' which soon praised his board-level presentations and leadership ability.

Colleagues also notice flaws in your executive presence. But it's frequently hard to get frank feedback. "You have to take the responsibility to ask,'' says Gillian Christie, a managing director of a big financial-services firm. She remembers how coworkers at a prior employer only hinted about her tendency to show off during meetings because her behavior intimidated them.

Now, Ms. Christie continues, she often solicits associates' reaction following her presentations. Some reply, "You were a little off base.'' As a result, she tones down her strong delivery.

Intel's Ms. Hudnell finds male colleagues usually request her advice before they appear before the executive team for the first time. They want to know who will ask the toughest questions. Yet many Intel women only seek her counsel after a presentation "has not gone well,'' she says.

The insight inspired Ms. Hudnell to propose the presence workshop for emerging female stars. "You have to have executive presence in ways that will set you apart,'' she notes

Career Services Workshops

2011-11-01T09:59:00.000-04:00

Career Services conducts Professional Edge workshops each semester to help students and alumni prepare for: Career EXPOs, Building Resume, Interview Prep, Networking and Job Search Strategies. Make sure you take advantage of these workshops to help you prepare for life after college. The workshop schedule is attached: http://events.ucf.edu/?calendar_id=54&upcoming=upcoming

Stop by Career Services to learn more about our events and services--thanks!

Calvin

Turning a lot of experience into an effective résumé

2011-10-27T10:49:00.000-04:00

Learn how to create an effective resume that allows you to stand out from the crowd. Use your experiences to help employers understand what you would bring to their open position:

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2691-Cover-Letters-Resumes-Turning-a-lot-of-experience-into-an-effective-r%c3%a9sum%c3%a9/?sc_extcmp=JS_2691_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42691&catid=cl

Calvin

Popular Jobs for Business Management Majors

2011-10-27T10:32:00.002-04:00

In business, it all comes down to the profits and losses, and business management majors know how to keep profits growing. As a sales director, you'd earn the really big bucks, but there are plenty of other well-paid gigs available. See our list of most popular jobs for business management majors:

http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/jobs-for-business-management-majors.asp

Calvin

Career lessons from the recession

2011-10-27T10:31:00.000-04:00

As painful as the recent recession may have been, the downturn gave workers insights into how to stay marketable and maintain professional momentum, even during the worst of times. Here are several key lessons from the recession and how they can help your career:

Expect change

Keep your skills current

Don't ignore your network

Always be ready

Full Career Builder article: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2491-Job-Info-and-Trends-Career-lessons-from-the-recession/?sc_extcmp=JS_2491_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42491&catid=cj

Career Services Updates

2011-10-25T11:02:00.000-04:00

The following information is provided for your use:

KnightLink = Jobs!

- There are 599 employment opportunities in KnightLink as of this morning

- Update your resume and apply for these opportunities available to UCF students and alumni

- KnightLink opportunities are added daily by employers looking for top talent at UCF

Information Sessions (RSVP in KnightLink)

- Direct Action & Research Training (DART) Center / October 25, 2011 / 6:00-7:00 pm / Career Services, room 121

- Consulate General of Japan / October 26, 2011 / 3:00-5:00 pm / Career Services, room 121

- Northwestern Mutual Financial Network / October 26, 2011 / 6:00-7:00 pm / Career Services, room 121

- United Parcel Service (UPS) / October 27, 2011 / 4:00-5:30 pm / Career Services, room 121

- Entrust Administration Services, Inc. / November 1, 2011 / 5:00-6:00 pm / Career Services, room 115

- Progress Energy / November 7, 2011 / 5:00-8:00 pm / Career Services, room 121

- Abercrombie & Fitch / November 17, 2011 / 5:00-6:15 pm / Career Services, room 115

Career Services Workshops

The Career Services workshop schedule is available on-line. Please plan to attend sessions to help you prepare for life after graduation: http://events.ucf.edu/?calendar_id=54&upcoming=upcoming

Calvin

College Student's Guide to Career Goals

2011-10-20T11:16:00.000-04:00

College is about many things, from learning about specific subjects and the world in general, to increasing your breadth through a broad range of new and different experiences. But for almost everybody, including those who plan to get more education, college is, at its core, primarily concerned with one thing: preparing you for a career.

"Prepare" is a qualifed term. College in no way makes you an expert in any field. Only experience will do that. But what college can do is make you qualified to embark on a path to gain that experience. It gives you the necessary skills to start on a journey that probably would not have been an option had you not taken time to get your degree.

But the degree alone is not enough to ensure that such a journey will begin anytime soon. What you need, in addition to a diploma (along with the knowledge and skills it embodies), is a plan. Without a plan, you're leaving your fate up to chance, which means you could end up anywhere. It's grim but true—there are over-qualified, under-employed college grads waiting tables in every city in the country. Especially during tough economic times such as these. But even during tough times, there are also grads from every college and university who end up on stellar career paths, immediately upon leaving school.

What is the difference between the two? Raw talent? Connections? Luck? Yes, sometimes. But there is one thing that consistently differentiates between those who let life happen to them and those who take active control over their own careers, lives, and destinies. To get where you want to go, you must make some decisions, and then make a plan.

The Importance of Having a Plan

A student without a post-college plan is much less likely to get off to an early start than a student with a plan. The importance of formulating a plan, as early as possible, cannot be overstressed. Indeed, freshman year is not too early to be thinking about your first job out of school. This is because college affords many opportunities, aside from your chosen major, to increase your chances of getting a great job. Opportunities include summer jobs, internships, extracurricular activities, and even the specific courses you take (both electives and those related to your major). Imagine yourself as the employer who's interviewing two potential job candidates. Would you rather hire somebody who's only evidence of commitment to your field is that she says she's interested, or the candidate who has been interning and otherwise increasing his exposure to your field for years? All other things being equal, the job will go to the candidate who can demonstrate the commitment. Not only will his interest level be higher (a good predictor of job success), but so will his actual relevant experience (an even better predictor).

The importance of having a plan now (or as soon as possible) becomes even more important further down the road. The distant future can be tough to plan for, and may even seem totally irrelevant to most college students, but the simple (and sometimes sad) truth is that many people's first "real" job out of school, for better or worse, sets them on a track that can be difficult to switch later. This is because skills and experience come mostly from where you have worked and what you did while you were there. The next job offer or promotion is likely to pay more because of what you have learned at the last job. But if you didn't like the job function or industry where you worked, then you might need to start over from square one in a new company or industry. It can be difficult to say no to enticing offers that come along, even when the jobs don't sound too exciting, if the pay is good. This upward spiral of pay increases often draws people increasingly deeper into a career track that is increasingly less fulfilling. The later one waits to make a later move, the more difficult it can be (which explains why so many people list "to change careers" as the reason for returning to school years later). True, experience from one industry is sometimes transportable into firms in a different industry. But the options can be limiting, and the biases of potential new employers can be difficult to overcome, as they will be inclined to choose people with experience in their own industry.

The easiest solution to this troublesome scenario is to follow your passions early, securing a job in the industry that interests you most, even if the job does not pay as well as some others. The rewards will come later, whereas switching later might be prohibitively expensive--it's much easier to take a low-paying job out of school than it is to take a low-paying job after working at a high-paying job and establishing a lifestyle at that pay level.

Thus, planning is not only important for increasing your odds of getting any job, but it's also important for getting the right job.

So okay, planning is important. But where does the plan come from? Where should you start?

The Secret: Set Goals

Do you currently have goals? Sure, everybody has some things they know they'd like to do at some point. But do you have REAL goals? A list of 5 or 10 things that you have committed yourself to doing? Things that you will do, in specific terms, by a specific date? Can you list them off the top of your head right now, as you read this?

If you said "no" to any part of the above questions, then your "goals" are probably more like "notions" than actual goals. Everyone has notions, and some people might even have some basic ideas about what they'd like to do after school. But how many college students actually set specific career-related goals and make a detailed plan about how they will accomplish their aims? How many students do you know who possess a written to-do list of steps that they will take between now and graduation that are designed to secure a great job?

If you don't have written goals that you can list off the top of your head, then you need to set some goals immediately.

Why set goals? Life is tremendously varied. At any given moment, there are thousands of things you could do. When you're driving, you could turn left, turn right, speed up, slam on the brakes, stop for lunch, stop for gas, decide to drive to Alaska to see what Kodiak bears look like, and on and on. But what is it that keeps you from ending up in Alaska every time you get into your car? Why don't you end up at random locations all the time? The answer is that you got into your car with a clear idea of where you wanted to go. You knew at the beginning.

Life is the same way. If you know at the beginning where you want to go, you'll probably get there. Even if detours and delays arise, eventually you'll get there. But if you don't know where you're going, you probably won't get there.

Consider, for instance, all the things you could do with your free time: you could read, eat, sleep, go for a run, go shopping, call someone, watch television, and so on, for an infinite number of options. How to choose? Even if you decide to spend an hour watching television, there are hundreds of channels you could surf through, not to mention your DVD collection. Or what about surfing the Web? Literally millions options are just a couple mouse-clicks away. It would be easy to fetter away a lifetime if we woke up each morning without any idea of what we where we wanted to go, what we wanted to do, or how we were going to get there.

The human brain is very good at sifting through large amounts of information, searching for that which is most important in a given situation. It's also very good at answering questions that are posed to it. However, the brain does require that someone tell it what it's looking for or what question it's supposed to answer. In that way, it's like a powerful computer sitting on the desk—it's a powerful tool, but somebody needs to tell it what to do.

That's exactly what goals do. By setting goals, you're giving your brain instructions for what it is supposed to be doing. Any time you have a decision to make, whether big or small, it's going to take your goal into account if you have bothered to tell it what your goal is. Sometimes your goal will not make any difference. For instance, if you're about to get hit by a car, your brain really doesn't care whether you'd like to get a job at a bank or in the entertainment industry; it's going to try to get you out of the way of the car. This is because your brain is, first and foremost, designed to keep you alive. In general, this means preventing you from experiencing pain. It's also design to help you experience pleasure, which is what makes us eat when we're hungry, sleep when we're tired, and even create kids, who hopefully get good jobs of their own after school so that they don't have to live with you until their 30s.

Brains are clever in that they avoid pain and seek pleasure, whether we tell them to or not. (They even get better at both of these as time goes by— it's called it "learning.") The problem is that, if we don't tell our brain exactly which pain to avoid (and pleasure to seek), they'll go with whatever's most convenient, obvious, and quick. Unfortunately, this leads to short-sited thinking. What would feel good right now? Pizza? Sleep? Even if you're trying to lose weight, the pizza might sound good to your brain, because you haven't told it specifically enough that it needs to go against its instincts and do what you tell it to do: forego short-term rewards in favor of a greater future reward—maintaining a proper weight. Likewise, you may be desperately craving sleep. In the absense of overriding instructions, the brain thinks sleep is more important. Whereas, in truth, getting sleep right now is sometimes more important than what you're doing, and sometimes it's not. When in doubt, about any decision, goals are what keep us on track with what's ultimately important—our long-term vision.

When you set a goal, and keep yourself reminded of it, the brain tends to ask the thousands of daily little unconscious questions in their proper context. Instead of processing the question, "Do I want this pizza?", the brain asks, "Is this pizza more important than my goal to lose weight?" If your body truly requires fuel (and nothing healthier is available), then the answer is yes. If not, then no. Or instead of asking "Do I want to sleep?" (which is almost a trick question... who doesn't like to sleep?), it asks the more appropriate question, "Is sleeping right now more important than studying for tomorrow's mid-term?" Sometimes the sleep will be more important, sometimes it can wait another hour or two. The goal that you have set is what makes your brain ask the right questions, and come up with the best answers, all throughout the day.

In short, goals are what keep your brain making decisions with an emphasis on where you want to go, not this minute, but in the long run.

Are Goals Enough?

Goals, by themselves, are not enough. In fact, a goal, without a plan for how you intend to reach the goal, is little more than wishful thinking. As said above, the goal will help your brain decide between choices A and B. But a plan creates entirely new options—C, D, and E—for your brain to choose between, and then makes your path so clear that, half the time, your brain doesn't even need to make a choice, just as you don't need to make many conscious choices about which route to take when you are driving a familiar route, such as between home and work.

The goal is the "what." The plan is the "how."

The absolute best way to make any goal work is to sit down and make a plan. (For tips, click here.)

Goals and Plans Are Nice, But What If I Don't Know What I Want?

Many students don't know exactly what they want to do when they leave school. Most people do, however, have a few general notions. If you're unsure of what your career goals are, the first thing to do is to simply spend some time thinking about it. First write down everything that you think you might be interested in doing. Go ahead and write down everything that comes to mind.

There are many different possible reasons, all valid, and ultimately your decision. Even if you don't know exactly what you want from college (or after college), you probably have some idea of what things are important to you, or that you might hope to get from the time spent at school.

If you're unsure of what your goals are, the first thing to do is to simply spend some time thinking about it. First write down everything that you think you might be interested in doing. Go ahead and write down everything that comes to mind.

Even if you don't yet know what you want, you still need goals.

If you're not sure what all of your options are, then set a goal right now entitled "To find out more about my career options." Give yourself a timeframe of 3-6 months, perhaps longer if you're a freshman, shorter if you're senior.

Once you've compiled a list of all the things you think you might like to explore while at college, the next step is to sort them by importance. You could rank them in decending order of importance, or put some number of stars from 1-5 next to each, depending on how important it is, etc. Whatever works best for you.

If you're like most people, you'll have a couple of things that you know you for sure want to do. Immediately set goals related to these!

Once you've compiled a list of all the things you think you might like to do upon graduating, the next step is to sort them by preference. If you're not dead set on a particular type of job or career, then this list might be long. That's okay; include anything that comes to mind. If you don't know enough about a job to sort it by preference, then sort them by interest level.

After the no-brainers (the ones that you know are interesting to you), you'll probably have a few items on the list that you think might be interesting, but you don't know enough about them to be certain. No problem. When you create a plan for your new, "To Find out More About My Career Options" your plan will end up comprising mostly a lot of fun tasks to gather information, such as talking to people, searching online, reading books, attending introductory meetings, and so on, until you know enough about the job to know whether you want to pursue it or take a pass. If you're pondering something big like choosing between two entire industries, then consider doing an internship in that industry to see if you like it. Paid internships are great (in essence, being paid to learn), but don't be too afraid of unpaid internships if that's what's required to get your foot in the door. Whether it leads to a paying job later, or steers you away altogether because you discover you don't like the field, it will be well worth your time.

Is That All?

The people who rise to the heights of whatever career they choose will all tell you that college was just the beginning of their education. Landing your first post-college job is where the rubber hits the road and is, itself a huge accomplishment. But remember that it's really just the first step on a long and rewarding career path. In fact, the moment you get your first job, the next most important objective (goal) will probably be to do well at the job. And it never ends. There will be an on-going string of goals to accomplish on the job, new skills to acquire, and eventually new and better jobs as you advance in your career. It's not only important that you continue setting goals throughout this process; it's actually the goals that make the process happen in the first place.

Never stop setting goals, revisiting them periodically, updating your plan, and keeping yourself reminded of the plan. If you do these four simple things, you're virtually guaranteed to make continuous progress into any direction you choose.

More Goal-Setting Tips

Be sure to write your goals down or use myGoals.com's goal-setting site to write and manage them.

15 companies hiring for the holidays

2011-10-20T11:12:00.000-04:00

Job seekers, get out your seasonal cookie cutters and hunt down some eggnog, it’s time to prepare for the holidays.

OK, so maybe it’s a little early for the festive cookies and cocktails, but if you plan on looking for work during the holiday season, it’s high time you started preparing.

Although full-time hiring tends to dip in the final quarter of the year, many companies add temporary positions during the holidays, positions which they start hiring for now. Yes, it’s true that many seasonal jobs fall into the retail category, but the holidays are also a busy time for businesses in shipping and warehousing, accounting, travel and hospitality, and the nonprofit sector so job openings in a variety of functions within these industries aren’t uncommon, either.

If you don’t work in an industry that typically needs extra hands during the holidays, consider taking a job outside of your field — it can still be beneficial to your job search.

“A large number of the unemployed have been unemployed for six months or longer,” says Raina Fuentes, office manager at Momentum Specialized Staffing, a recruiting firm in Phoenix, Ariz. ”Taking a seasonal position can help lessen the noticeable gap in employment on your résumé. It will also allow you to take a break from the monotony job seekers face these days and help you go into your 2012 job search with a freshened state of mind and outlook on the future.” Plus, seasonal hiring can provide job seekers with valuable networking opportunities and the chance to learn transferable skills.

To help you jumpstart your holiday job search, here’s a look at 15 employers that currently have seasonal openings.

1. Aeropostale

Industry: Retail, fashion

Holiday job openings: 2,000 +

Sample job titles: District managers, store managers, assistant managers, retail associates / role models

Location: Nationwide and Canada

2. A.M. Castle & Co.

Industry: Metals distribution/industrial/manufacturing

Holiday job openings: 50+

Sample job titles: Territory manager, inside sales representative, director of strategic sourcing, warehouse operator

Location: Nationwide

3. ANN INC. (Ann Taylor/LOFT)

Industry: Retail

Holiday job openings: 3,000 – 5,000

Sample job titles: Sales associates

Location: Nationwide

4. APAC Customer Services

Industry: Customer service, telecom

Number of openings: 250

Sample job titles: Customer service representative

Location: Ariz., Iowa, Fla., N.Y., Texas, Wisc.

5. DialAmerica

Industry: Telemarketing

Holiday job openings: 1,000

Sample job titles: Customer service agents, contact center sales agents for health care, financial services and Sirius satellite radio programs, team leaders trainers

Location: Calif., Fla., Ga., Ill., Neb., N.J., N.Y., Ohio, Penn., S.C., Tenn., Texas

6. Diamond National Adjusting, LLC

Industry: Adjusting/appraising

Holiday job openings 50

Sample job titles: Insurance adjuster/ appraiser

Location: Ala., Ariz., Ark., Calif., Colo., Fla., Ill., Ind., Iowa, Kan., Ky., La., Mich., Mo., Neb., Nev., N.M., Ohio, Okla., Texas

7. Helzberg Diamonds

Industry: Retail

Holiday job openings: 100+

Sample job titles: Retail sales associate, part time kiosk sales

Location: Nationwide

8. Headway Workforce Solutions

Industry: Workforce Solutions

Holiday job openings: 11,000+

Sample job titles: Store sales associates, store managers, assistant store managers, warehouse (distribution), loss prevention, call center, regional area supervisors, and retail corporate level positions.

Location: Nationwide

9. Massage Envy

Industry: Health and wellness

Holiday job openings: 2,500

Sample job titles: Sales associate, massage therapist, esthetician, clinic manager

Location: Nationwide

10. Medcor, Inc.

Industry: Occupational health care, health care

Holiday job openings: 50

Sample job titles: Registered nurse, paramedic, licensed practical nurse, IT developer

Location: Ill., Texas, N.M.

11. The Men’s Wearhouse

Industry: Retail

Holiday job openings: 70+

Sample job titles: Sales consultant, sales manager

Location: Nationwide

12. Rue 21

Industry: Retail

Holiday job openings: 100+

Sample job titles: Retail: District manager, store manager, retail sales associate; Corporate: merchandising, marketing, finance, HR, recruiting

Location: Retail positions nationwide; Corporate positions in Pittsburgh

13. The Salvation Army

Industry: Non-profit

Holiday job openings: 80 +

Sample job titles: Store manager, assistant store manager, production associate, retail clerk, cashier, associate counselor, resource development manager, intake coordinator

Locations: Nationwide

14. Sleepy’s, LLC

Industry: Retail, mattresses

Holiday job openings: 100+

Sample job titles: Sales professionals, sales assistants, call center representatives

Location: Conn., Del., Md., Mass., N.C., N.J., N.Y., Penn., R.I., Va.

15. Spencer Gifts/Spirit Halloween Stores

Industry: Retail

A specific number of openings they expect to fill for the holidays: 20,000

Sample job titles: Costume designer, planning manager, assistant buyer, seasonal store manager, seasonal district sales manager, seasonal sales associates, seasonal assistant manager

Location: Nationwide

2011 Career Development Conference Invitation!

2011-10-18T13:32:00.000-04:00

Greetings from UCF Collegiate DECA!

We are pleased to announce that Collegiate DECA at UCF, will be holding a one day UCF wide conference on Monday, October 24th and we want your participation!

This conference will provide a unique opportunity for students of all majors to experience how members of Collegiate DECA apply classroom knowledge to real worldscenarios in the following fields:

 Business Management & Administration

 Communications & Technology

 Business Management & Administration

 Communications & Technology

 Entrepreneurship

 Finance & Accounting

 Hospitality & Tourism

Date: Monday October 24th from 9:00-5:00 pm

(Students only attend at the times of orientation 9:00-10:00 am, their event/test time and the award ceremony)

Registration

First 20 to register receive a Free T-shirt!

Free for UCF students

DeadlineOctober 20th- Register soon, spots are limited!

Onlineat https://sites.google.com/site/collegiatedecaucf/home/fall-conference-2011

Location: UCF Student Union - Registration Cape Florida Room 316CD

Competition

Students will participate in various competitive events that will challenge them to take exams, prepare presentations and solve case studies related to the competitive event of their choice.

Judges

Forty five executives from all over the country will judge the competitive events. This is a great opportunity to network with potential employers and show them that you are ready to apply what you have learned in the classroom!

Awards

Students who win 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in their categories will receive cash prices of $100, $75 and $50 respectively, at the award ceremony at the end of the competition.

Professional Edge

Career Services workshops during the competition Resume Building and PracticeInterviews

Attached, is the invitation with further information about the 2011 Career Development Conference.

If you have any questions, please, do not hesitate to ask!

We look forward to hearing from you,

EstefaniaMartinez

CollegiateDECA at UCF

MarketingVice President

Contact usat CollegiateDECAUCF@gmail.com

For more information about DECA please visit www.deca.org

Kohl's Department Stores Information Session

2011-10-18T08:52:00.000-04:00

Tourism Ticket Sales Representative (Orlando Magic)

2011-10-17T14:32:00.000-04:00

The Orlando Magic is hiring for a full time Tourism Ticket Sales Representative position! View the job description and apply online at orlandomagiccareers.com!

Calvin

Learn proper interview techniques

2011-10-13T10:14:00.000-04:00

Job interviews are stressful. Being peppered with questions about your employment history, the skills you possess and how you'd handle hypothetical work situations is hard enough. You don't want to compound the challenge by making an easily avoidable mistake, like showing up late or failing to bring an extra copy of your résumé.

Over the years, Robert Half has surveyed hiring managers and workers, asking them to recount the biggest interview gaffes they've either seen or heard about. Following are some of the most unforgettable responses -- and suggestions for avoiding a similar fate.

Stop by Career Services to learn more about interviewing.

Complete article: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2796-Interviewing-4-interview-killers-to-avoid/?sc_extcmp=JS_2796_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42796&catid=iv

Calvin

Don't be a slowpoke networker

2011-10-13T10:12:00.000-04:00

Time is of the essence, not only in life, but also in your job search. Whether you've just had an interview, met a new contact or gotten off the phone with a recruiter, you must act quickly -- potential jobs and connections can be gone in a flash.

"Every move you make in approach and response to any opportunity is greatly magnified in your audience's eyes. For better or worse, this fact can be unfair unless you use it to your advantage," says Gordon Curtis, author of "Well Connected." "If you are the quickest to respond to an opportunity or the fastest to follow up on a conversation, you will be considered the most responsive person overall, even if, truth be told, you actually are a procrastinator."

But the circumstances in which immediacy is key vary. After an interview, for example, it's imperative to follow up right away to extend the positive impression you made, says Colette Ellis, founder and head coach at InStep Consulting.

"In today's tight job market, it's important that job seekers do all they can to stand out from the crowd. If they wait too long to follow up, the interviewer may forget about them -- and why they're the best candidate. The interviewer could even fill the position in the interim."

While you want to show responsiveness and interest, the key to following up after an interview is control, Curtis says.

"Retain control by not leaving voice mails or emails that basically say, 'Don't forget about me,'" he says. Instead, try the following techniques:

"If you can't reach the interviewer by phone, hit zero to be forwarded to someone (anyone) you can ask when a better time to call is. If they ask you to leave a message, graciously reply, 'I'm happy to call back so he or she doesn't have to chase me down.' If your follow up is via email, end it with, 'I'll follow up again shortly unless you catch me first,'" he says.

When it comes to tapping into your network or new contacts, you may not need the same velocity as when you're following up after an interview. And if you take the right approach, you don't risk losing a potential connection, Curtis says.

"If they are taking time to be focused, targeted and strategic with the most valuable people, they won't miss out on a thing," he says.

Echoes Ellis: "Job seekers should take time to get to know the people in their network so that they can maximize their connections and find ways to build professional relationships beyond their job search. It's not about attending tons of events, tossing out hundreds of business cards and résumés and hoping things will pan out," she says. "It's about being strategic in your approach: selecting specific events that are relevant to your target industry; engaging in thoughtful conversations with new and current connections; being diligent about following up on new leads and contacts; and staying in contact with your network to let them know your progress and offering to help when you can."

Complete article: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2599-Job-Search-Dont-be-a-slowpoke-networker/?sc_extcmp=JS_2599_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42599&catid=js

Calvin

3 things that make you irresistible to employers

2011-10-13T10:10:00.000-04:00

In a tight market, every job seeker needs to find a way to stand out from the crowd. What separates the great from the good and makes a particular candidate too irresistible to pass up? Often, it is one of these three things:

1. Ability to prove your worth
2. More than a simple knowledge of the company
3. Enthusiasm

Read the complete article here: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2603-Job-Search-3-things-that-make-you-irresistible-to-employers/?sc_extcmp=JS_2603_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42603&catid=js

Calvin

47 percent of employers plan to add workers by year's end (MSN Article)

2011-10-13T09:50:00.000-04:00

We're halfway through 2011 and many job seekers are wondering what the state of the job market is. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases employment figures each month, the data can be informative but still doesn't answer the questions a lot of people have: Who's hiring? What are my chances of finding a job? Where should I be looking?

One way to get answers is to just ask employers. Since you probably won't get a response if you call an HR department ask, "So, what are your hiring plans for the rest of the year? More than last year? In what fields?" Instead, we did the asking for you, and some of the results are promising.

For a reminder of what employers expected 2011 to be like, you can look at the 2011 Job Forecast and the 2nd Quarter Forecast. What we found then was that employers expected this year to be better than the last few, and this latest survey indicates they were right.

As we pointed out in June, job cuts are down this year, online postings are up, and manufacturing grew for 22 consecutive quarters. Plus, more states have improving job market than worsening ones. In other words, despite some occasional setbacks and slow growth, the overall job situation is better than it has been and seems to be heading for more improvement. The latest results from the 2011 Mid-year Job Forecast echo those sentiments.

Here's some of the good news we found:

•47 percent of employers plan to hire new employees between now and year's end

•Actual hiring exceeded expectations for eight quarters in a row.

•50 percent of employers say there is a shortage of skills within their organization, which is good because it means they need qualified job seekers to apply for their positions

Here's a glimpse of employers' hiring plans:

•26 percent of employers plan to add full-time, permanent employees in the third quarter

• 35 percent of employers are hiring full-time, permanent employees (up from 28 percent in 2010)

•15 percent of employers are hiring part-time employees (the same as 2010)

•12 percent of employers are hiring contract or temporary employees (up from 9 percent in 2010)

Complete article: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2706-Job-Info-and-Trends-47-percent-of-employers-plan-to-add-workers-by-years-end/?sc_extcmp=JS_2706_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42706&catid=cj

Story Filed Thursday, July 28, 2011 - 12:49 PM

10 Paying College Jobs That Look Good on Your Résumé

2011-10-10T15:41:00.000-04:00

It may be hard to find a job, but that won't be a good excuse for a slim résumé when you're sitting across from a recruiter next year. Like it or not, college students are expected to pull good grades in tough classes while gaining professional experience on the side. And for students who depend on their own paycheck, steady work also brings in much-needed cash.

Your best bet is to look for a job that's related to the career you're hoping to pursue, so you can gain relevant skills, contacts, and experience. If you don't know yet which career is right for you, use your college job to help you figure that out, says Lindsey Pollak, author of Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World. If you don't end up enjoying the job you choose, you can cross it off your list of potential careers.

These 10 jobs are great choices for students because they look good on a résumé, work around class schedules, and offer decent pay. Keep in mind that if you work on campus, your boss may be more sympathetic when you need time off to study for a sociology exam or finish that chemistry lab.

1. On-campus tour guide: By showing prospective students, their families, and alumni around university grounds, you'll no doubt improve your speaking and presentation skills. It can also be an opportunity to learn more about your school. "You also demonstrate that you have maturity," says Dan Klamm, outreach and marketing coordinator at Syracuse University's Career Services office. "The school typically would only put someone in that role if they entrust the student to represent them in a positive and mature way."

2. Brand ambassador: Whether you're working for Pepsi, JetBlue, or Neutrogena, marketing a product to your peers can be a great way to make a buck—or at least bring home a few free samples. Many medium and large companies want a presence on college campuses, and those free samples are likely to make you a hot commodity among your peers. "That type of position has the backing of the national company," says Klamm. "You put down on your résumé that you worked for Starbucks in a marketing role, [and] that looks really impressive... In most cases, [students] are setting up events, they're generating word-of-mouth interest, they're speaking at student organization meetings. So it's a lot of the communication skills [and] organizational skills that a professional employer would be looking for." If you're interested in becoming a brand ambassador, RepNation, which connects students and companies, is a good place to start.

3. On-campus IT support: Because you'll gain real-world experience without leaving campus, this is one of the best work-study jobs for students working on a degree in a relevant area. Sue Dahlin, assistant director for career advising at University of Puget Sound, says technology-services work usually involves diagnosing and solving technical problems for other students and teachers, as well as installing and setting up computer systems on campus. Since that includes providing customer service, it can help you sharpen your "people skills," she says.

4. Social media consultant: As online brand building becomes more important, small businesses are turning to part-time or contract employees to help run marketing campaigns on Facebook or Twitter. Though some companies may be wary of having a student serve as the face and communicator for their brand, they may still hire 20-somethings for help with the technical side of social media. For students, that means a chance to use and improve both IT and marketing skills. Other so-called "virtual jobs," like programming or designing websites, can also be a good way to earn a buck, says Pollak, the author who specializes in careers for Generation Y. "A lot of small business owners are hiring people virtually to do their social media, to design websites, to do work that a lot of young people are really good at—and you never have to leave your dorm room."

Complete article: http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2010/12/13/10-paying-college-jobs-that-look-good-on-your-rsum?PageNr=1

Job Search Help (from Kavaliro)

2011-10-10T15:39:00.000-04:00

Don’t let the Holiday Season influence you to put your job search on hold! Instead you should use this time to get a head start on landing a job for the New Year! Many businesses know what jobs/needs they will have open for Quarter 1 of the New Year, and now is the time to get your foot in the door. Take this time to prepare yourself for any opportunities that will be available in the upcoming weeks by following this 12-day guide!

Day 1 - On the first day of job searching, find the right career for you! Taking a career aptitude test is a great start, try this one.

Day 2 - On the second day of job searching, update (or rewrite) your resume! Check out our guide to writing a winning resume.

Day 3 - On the third day of job searching, recognize the important role of social networking in job searching and join/tailor your personal profiles! It is estimated that around 50% of employers search potential applicants on social sites, so be seen (in the right light) today! Here are some thoughts by two of our recruiters to get you started: John Putoff and Matt Rowles.

Day 4 - On the fourth day of job searching, search Kavaliro’s open job database to find the right job for you! You can even apply directly from the portal and create a profile with your resume so our recruiters can help you find a great fit!

Day 5 - On the fifth day of job searching, contact a Kavaliro recruiter to start applying for jobs!

Day 6 - On the sixth day of job searching, work on improving the 10 most desired soft skills.

Day 7 - On the seventh day of job searching, give yourself a mini work makeover! Make sure that you are dressed for success with this guide and tips from recruiter Angel Diaz!

Day 8 - On the eighth day of job searching, work on your listening skills! Having good listening skills not only helps you to ace your interview, but is a quality that makes you a valuable employee! Here are some quick tips on how to improve your listening skills.

Day 9 - On the ninth day of job searching, research the companies you have applied to. One of the best ways to prepare for your interview (and later, potential employment), researching potential employers/companies presents you as an empowered and dedicated applicant/employee. Taking some time to go that extra step can pay off in the long run, even by way of being able to strike up a conversation during your interview about a current company project, etc. that can speak to your skills if they bring you on board!

Day 10 - On the tenth day of job searching, practice running through possible interview questions! Try to be prepared for any questions you may be asked. Here’s 100 example interview questions to help you along.

Day 11 - On the eleventh day of job searching, learn to ask great questions! Don’t think that you should only be answering questions in an interview – an interview is also the time for you to gain more insight into the company and position you are applying for so you can determine if it feels like a good fit for you. Opportunities for advancement, management/decision-making styles, internal politics/company history & direction (a good time to bring up key points from your research), the types of projects you would be working on, and backgrounds of clients you may be working with are all great examples of the types of questions you should ask.

Day 12 - On the twelfth day of job searching, send Thank You notes or emails to your interviewers. Thank them for their time and express your excitement about the position and any important take-aways you had from the interview.

Helpful Interview Tips (from Kavaliro)

2011-10-10T15:24:00.000-04:00

Let’s face it, competition for jobs is about as fierce as it gets these days. As we slowly climb out of recessionary times, open positions across many industries are scarce, and employers are faced with the burden of having to wade through increasing volumes of candidates. Those who are fortunate enough to land interview opportunities need to make the most of them.

So what can you do to separate yourself from the pack during the interview process? Well, the job search experts at Kavaliro have assembled a few key points to remember that just might mean the difference between landing the job that you covet and having to continue your search. Let’s take a look:

1. Be engaging.Smile. Show some personality. Embrace the conversation rather than just going through the motions. Be energetic without coming across as frantic. You are interviewing for the chance to form a long-term working relationship with someone. Give the impression right from the start that you are someone that they would want to spend 40+ hours a week with.

2. Look the part.We’re not just talking about your dress here, though that is a big part of it. Be confident in your posture and mannerisms. Look the interviewer in the eye when you speak to one another. You want to show this person that you are more than capable of representing them in a positive light with clients and associates. Oh and by all means, leave the smart phone in the car…..a simple leather portfolio should do the trick.

3. Ask questions.Interviews are a two-way street. You’re feeling out the company just as they are you. Though you’ve surely done a good amount of research prior to the interview, you can’t possibly know everything that you need to know about the position without asking a few thoughtful questions. And no, “how much does the position pay” should not be the first inquisitive words that you utter.

4. Be authentic.You want to paint yourself in the best possible light, but don’t project yourself as something that you are not just to land the job. If you have to reach too far out of your comfort zone to give the answer that you think they want to hear, you’re doing yourself and the interviewer an injustice. Let your guard down a little, and don’t be afraid to judiciously show a flaw or two (we all have them).

Though this is by no means a comprehensive list of suggested interview protocol, these four points should put you in the right mindset to make your interview experience stand out in the mind of your potential employer…..and standing out is the name of the game.

As always, the staffing professionals at Kavaliro are here to help. We encourage your interview questions via the comment section below. We also implore you to visit our job portal to help you in your search.

http://www.kavaliro.com/separate-from-the-pack-4-essential-interview-tips-to-help-you-stand-out

The importance of asking questions during 'your' interview

2011-10-10T15:14:00.000-04:00

As discussed in a previous blog (Winning the Face-to-Face Interview by "leading the Witness"), in an interview you actually have much more power than you might think. Still, during the course of the typical job interview, either on the telephone or face-to-face, you can expect to be asked a series of "standard" questions and it is critical that you answer them in the "right" way.

Here are just a few examples of those types of questions I'm talking about:

•"Tell me about yourself."

•"What do you know about our company?"

•"Tell me about a time when. . . ."

•"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

•"Why would you want to work for our company?"

And, of course, you should anticipate the perennial "gotcha!" questions, such as...

•"Tell me about your current (or former) boss."

•The "salary" questions: "What is your current salary?" "What salary would it take to hire you?" "What salary are you expecting?"

•"Why are you considering leaving your current employer?"

(To learn more about the best way not to answer such questions, see Powerfully Branding Yourself to Lose the Job Interview or refer to "Headhunter" Hiring Secrets.)

As important as these types of questions are, though, there is one KEY question that trumps them all, and it's a question that you absolutely, positively must answer correctly if you are to brand yourself as the candidate of choice in today's brutally competitive economic environment! Here is that question:

What questions do YOU have?"

Sounds rather harmless, rather innocuous, doesn't it? Almost sounds like a "softball" question. Make no mistake about it, though, this is THE key question, usually asked as the interview winds down, that, in today's tight job market, you must answer correctly! Let me explain the reasoning behind this.

All too often, the job candidate perceives this question (incorrectly) as indeed being just a "softball" question and all too often will give an answer like this:

"I honestly don't have any questions. You've been very thorough in providing me information about the job and the company."

Or...

"Actually, all of my questions have been answered up to this point."

I understand, and usually, the hiring manager understands as well, that answers such as these are primarily intended to flatter the hiring manager and strongly imply that he or she has done such a tremendous job during the interview that virtually all questions have been answered for the candidate. Philosophically, such reasoning may be sound but, in fact, such answers strongly work against the candidate. They brand the candidate as someone who, apparently, is lacking in a.) intellectual curiosity; and/or b.) strategic thinking ability.

How a 'superstar' might answer the question

While there is no one "right" answer to the "What questions do YOU have?" question, let me give you an example of how a "super star" might answer it:

"Mr./Ms. Hiring Manager, let's say for a moment that I am your candidate of choice. It is one year from today and you are conducting my performance review. What is it that I would have had to have done and accomplished in order for you to say, 'I made a good hire?'"

(By the way, we coach all of our recruiting firm's candidates to ask this key question. It's also just one of the many "secrets" we use from "Headhunter" Hiring Secrets to coach candidates.)

Let's dissect this question in detail and see why it is considered an excellent way to answer the "What questions do YOU have?" question:

". . . let's say for a moment that I am your candidate of choice . . ."

In sales we call this the "assumptive" close. You are putting the decision-maker in the role of actually using your product (and in this case it is you!).

". . . It is one year from today . . ."

Here, of course, you are planting the idea that you are indeed a performer and that you will be around for at least a year. This provides the manager the safety (or at least the feeling of safety) that he or she needs to know that you probably won't quit on them after, say, two or three months.

". . . What is it that I would have had to have done and accomplished . . ."

With this element of your question you are asking the hiring manager to lay out expectations and tell you what you need to know in order to do a good job. Obviously, this shows that you are apparently dedicated to doing a good job.

". . . in order for you to say, 'I made a good hire?'"

In this part of your question you are reinforcing the idea that you not only will get the job done but you will also do the job in an exemplary manner!

Just how powerful can such an answer be for a candidate? Very powerful! Here is what a hiring manager told me recently after our candidate gave this very answer to the "What questions do YOU have for me?" question:

"Skip, you won't believe the question your candidate asked. (and he repeated the question above) I have never heard a candidate ask such an insightful question. I am going to hire him based upon that question alone!"

Going into the interview, you need to be armed with at least five questions of this quality and caliber. Here is one more for your consideration. This comes from my friend and colleague David Perry, co-author of the perennially international best-selling Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 3.0:

"Mr./Ms. Hiring Manager, three of your competitors are ABC, XYZ and QRS. What is it that they do that keeps you awake at night?"

There are many reasons why this question is quite powerful. First, it shows that you have done your due diligence before the interview because you demonstrate that you know some of the key players in the company's market. Second, it also demonstrates your acute awareness of today's highly competitive economic environment. And finally, it clearly demonstrates empathy for the hiring manager and his/her company. (And, as an added bonus to you, the candidate, based upon the hiring manager's answer to your question, it can also show you how the hiring manager thinks and what the company is doing to remain competitive in the marketplace.)

Now, after working with literally thousands of candidates for nearly a decade, I know what some of you who are reading this blog may be thinking: "Oh, Skip, you're just 'splitting hairs.' This is just a 'tempest in a teapot.'" You would, however, be quite wrong. Let me relate to you what a hiring manager said to me just last week.

"Skip," he said, "I no longer ask questions during an interview. I conduct the entire interview based upon the questions the candidate asks me. The questions they ask show me what they have done to prepare, what they know about our company and how they think when they are on the job."

Here is what another hiring manager who had just conducted a telephone interview with one of our candidates had to say:

"I was about ready to invite (the candidate) in for a face-to-face interview," he said, "and then he blew it based upon the questions he asked me at the end of the interview."

The questions that "killed" this candidate's chances?

•"What sales contests do you have?"

•"What is the average time it takes to get promoted?"

The hiring manager went on to say, "These questions were questions I would expect from someone right out of college, not from a ten-year professional."

It is, of course, crucial, particularly in today's extremely tight job market, that anything you say during an interview focuses primarily on what you can do for the hiring manager and his/her company-not on what they can do for you. Both of the questions asked by this particular candidate did not adhere to that principle. Rather, the questions were tinged with hues of short-sightedness, were principally self-centered and self-serving and lacked the depth of intellectual thinking ability that hiring managers today look for-and demand!

One of the "rules" of the "hiring game" today is that anyone hired in this down economy must be able to unmistakably brand themselves as being able to have an immediate impact in the job. They must also be branded as being enthusiastic and must clearly be branded as representing the safest (not a risk) hiring choice. The questions you ask in response to the "What questions do YOU have for me?" question are prime indicators of how closely you meet (or fail to meet) these criteria. They are also a prime indicator of how you think and where your "head" is in regard to the value you can deliver to an organization.

So, when you are asked the "What questions do YOU have for me?" question, make sure you "get it right!" Your answer to the question can, and usually does, spell the difference between a successful candidacy and a failed candidacy.

NOTE: There is one more important step you can take to properly arm yourself with the answer to the "What questions do YOU have for me?" question. If you would like to know what it is, "Link In" with me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/skipfreeman. In the invitation, state, "David Perry's competitor question," and I will respond with additional information that will put another powerful "headhunter" secret in your job hunting arsenal.

Skip Freeman is the author of "Headhunter" Hiring Secrets: The Rules of the Hiring Game Have Changed . . . Forever! and is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The HTW Group (Hire to Win), an Atlanta, GA, Metropolitan Area Executive Search Firm. Specializing in the placement of sales, engineering, manufacturing and R&D professionals, he has developed powerful techniques that help companies hire the best and help the best get hired.

The importance of internships

2011-10-10T15:11:00.000-04:00

If you're going to do an internship, or anything else for that matter, you might as well do it right -- there's more competition out there than ever, and every minute, every experience, counts. After all, it isn't just students who are doing internships these days -- but graduates who need more professional experience under their belts. And seasoned professionals who want to change careers are also going the internship route. That's a lot of competition.

Philadelphia JobsInterning also has become so much more than just learning how to do a particular job. Many workers are now turning to internships to get the hands-on experience that they need, but also to make contacts among those who can help them get to the next level in their professional lives.

Will Sprayberry is one savvy worker who, while a student at SAE Instititute, where he studied creative media, interned at Doppler Studios. He not only interned like a rock star, but because of it, got to work with rock stars. The hands-on experience he enjoyed during his internship lead to working with celebrities including Ludacris, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Akon and Nelly.

How did he do that? Sprayberry offers the following tips:

1. Persistence pays off.

When looking for an internship, research positions that best suit your goals and apply early; this will show your punctuality and eagerness to learn. Keep in mind when applying, a "no" today does not necessarily mean "no" next month.

2. A schedule is a guideline.

While you may only be assigned to work certain hours, make it clear you're willing to come in early or stay late whenever needed. Make it evident your internship is your number one priority.

3. Dress to impress.

Take care to dress professionally. Dress for the position you want, not the position you have. This is a sure way to stand out, and make others take notice.

4. Be flexible.

As an intern, your technical abilities are important but so is your willingness to do everything else. Whether it's picking up coffee, mopping the floor or making copies, you should be willing to do it. Hard work isn't always glamorous, but it pays off.

5. Network, network, network.

Develop a solid professional relationship with your advisers during you internship. Use them as mentors and pick their brains about the industry you're interested in. When your internship ends, make sure to request a recommendation and make an effort to keep in touch with any connections you make.

Recent College Grads Called 'Unprofessional'

2011-10-10T15:08:00.000-04:00

Recent college grads are not getting good grades on their post-graduate performance. In a recent survey, human resources and business professionals said they felt that half of all college grads don't exhibit professionalism at work, and the executives don't expect any change in the near future.

The recent York College of Pennsylvania poll ranked inappropriate appearance at the top of the unprofessional work behavior list.

"College grads grew up on technology and don't realize smartphones, and now tablets, are huge distractions that send a message to the other person that this text, this email, this download is more important than you. It screams poor communication skills," says Pamela Eyring, president of The Protocol School of Washington. She thinks a recent Yahoo! HotJobs poll sums it up: "A third of more than 5,000 respondents said they often check emails during meetings."

Eyring says that soft (people) skills account for 85 percent of job success. "We're spotlighting the importance of people skills, professionalism, and protocol: how you shake hands, make eye contact, and dress appropriately at work," says Erying, who offers new fans business etiquette tips on her Facebook page.

One of Eyring's favorite tips is to get a "personal business card" with your name and contact info. "The Wall Street Journal reported (April 17, 2011) 'personalized business cards are enjoying a revival and job-hunters are finding them a handy way to differentiate themselves from the masses.' " Eyring agrees with The Journal that personal business cards don't shout, they flirt with potential employers, and are a quiet rebuttal to the jabber-jawing of Twitter and Facebook.

She has several other tips for the recent-college-grad job seeker. They may seem obvious to those who are more mature, but judging by the responses of the HR professionals surveyed, those new to the workforce could use a few reminders:

1.Clean up your virtual image. Delete inappropriate photos and text from social networking sites, including your friends' sites. Replace them with professional photos and a one-to-two-page resume and references (from summer jobs or internships).

2.Dress like a professional. Wear neutral colored suits. Ties and polished shoes for men, closed-toe shoes, traditional jewelry, and some makeup for women. (Employers view a little makeup as professional.) Also, don't show too much skin. It's employers' No. 1 complaint.

3.Research the company. Know their history, vision and recent press.

4.Turn off your cell phone. Remember, ringing or vibrating phones are distracting.

5.Be on time. Arriving 10 minutes early shows anxiety. Arriving late could cost you the job.

6.Make direct eye contact. Hold eye contact 40 to 60 percent of the time, shake hands making firm web-to-web contact (when meeting and leaving), maintain straight (not too stiff) posture.

7.Write a thank-you note. Spend five minutes "writing" a thank-you note on quality paper and boost your hiring chances by 20 percent. Send it within 24 hours of the interview.

Complete article: http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2011/06/07/recent-college-grads-called-unprofessional/

16 job-search errors you may be making

2011-10-10T15:06:00.000-04:00

Use this MSN Article to avoid the 16 job-search errors that can impact your progress.

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2693-Job-Search-16-job-search-errors-you-may-be-making/?sc_extcmp=JS_2693_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42693&catid=js

Calvin

Social media not your thing? It could hurt your job search

2011-10-10T15:05:00.000-04:00

Allie McCormick left her full-time public relations position to be a stay-at-home mom. Once she was ready to get back to work, she posted to Facebook that she was looking for a job.

"I believe my status was something along the lines of 'Allie McCormick is officially job hunting. I have over 10 years of experience in PR and marketing and am overall awesome [smiley face],'" she recalls.

McCormick says she received several messages instantly. "Within four weeks, I had interviewed formally with three companies and had two offers on the table," says McCormick, now a PR consultant with Innography, an intellectual property software company.

Social media, also referred to as social recruiting, is on the rise. And if you're not familiar with it, you had better get to know it soon.

"Social media is where the employers are and where they're investing," says Adriana Llames, Career Coach and author of "Career Sudoku: 9 Ways to Win the Job Search Game."

In a recent study by Jobvite, an online recruiting website, 55 percent of employers said they plan to increase their investment in social recruiting. Eighty-seven percent of them are already using LinkedIn for recruiting and 95 percent hired a new employee from their LinkedIn recruiting efforts alone, not to mention Facebook or Twitter.

Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that up to 85 percent of career opportunities go unadvertised, which means that you have to use your network.

Complete article: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2729-Job-Search-Social-media-not-your-thing-It-could-hurt-your-job-search/?sc_extcmp=JS_2729_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42729&catid=js

How to stand out in the job market

2011-09-20T16:35:00.000-04:00

Employers meet a lot of candidates during their recruiting season. Make sure you stand out from the crown by going the 'extra' mile to communicate with employers. Learn the importance of Cover, Follow-up and Thank you letters:

Cover Letter

One of the most common--and most damaging--mistakes job seekers make is neglecting their cover letter. Getting a hiring manager's attention is first and foremost a marketing endeavor. Like a trailer for a movie, a cover letter encapsulates the main ideas and most compelling highlights of your career potential. This creates interest and prompts the hiring manger to take the time to read the full story in your resume.

A well written, focused cover letter tells a hiring manager that you are committed to getting this job (as opposed to a job) and that you possess a drive for excellence that will carry over once you're hired. A great cover letter sets you apart from casual job seekers and can make all the difference between languishing at the bottom of a pile of resumes and winning the interview. On the other hand, a sloppy or generic cover letter tells a hiring manager that you're not so special--and that you don't think this job opening is either.

What can a cover letter do that a resume can't?

A cover letter can generate interest to convince a hiring manager to give the more extensive information in the resume full attention.

A cover letter can outline exactly how your qualifications match up with what the hiring manager is seeking.

A cover letter can address a specific company and a specific job posting, demonstrating that you really care about this job.

A cover letter can encapsulate your most compelling qualifications and dramatic achievements.

A cover letter can show your personality--your compulsion to crunch numbers, your drive to network new clientele, your inborn flair for customer relations.

A cover letter can put a positive spin on any negative or unusual career history.

Follow-up Letter

Keep in mind these two facts: First, hiring managers are looking for candidates with drive and follow-through. Second, they are often slogging through a mire of dozens or hundreds of resumes. Show your spunk--and keep your name at the top of the hiring manager's pile--by sending a follow-up letter a few days after your resume and cover letter. This letter should briefly highlight the key match-up between your professional abilities and the hiring manager's needs.

Thank You Letter

Congratulations! You got the interview. . . .Unfortunately, you weren't the only one. Help seal the deal with some good old-fashioned manners. Send a brief thank you letter the day after your interview. This often-overlooked component of job-seeking etiquette shows you're a serious candidate and can tip the scales in your favor. Even better, it lets you remind the interviewer of your positive points, build on rapport established in the interview, or correct any misperceptions you feel you left at the interview.

Full article: http://gradtogreat.com/tips_advice/article-entry_level_resumes_for_college_grads_1.php

Calvin

Appreciate an Informational Interview

2011-09-20T13:53:00.000-04:00

Too many job seekers blow informational interviews off as a waste of time, but they can be an invaluable resource. An informational interview is not a job interview. The purpose of a sit-down with a successful person is to learn from their experience, learn about their industry, and learn the steps that they took to get where they are. Informational interviews can be brief discussions over cups of coffee, formal meetings in an office setting, or anything in between.

Amanda Nell, Director of Employer Relations at the University of Missouri, offers these tips to inform your about proper information interview etiquette.

When you request an informational interview with someone, make sure to open with how you got their name. For example, “Professor Smith recommended I contact you regarding your experience in the natural energy industry.” Personal references are always better than cold contacts.

Select someone in the position you wish to have someday, or who does almost exactly what you want to do. Ask them about their career path and how they got where they are today. Ask them for recommendations about how you can achieve your goals.

Ask them to look over your resume and point out areas where you need improvement. This isn’t about structural or grammatical improvements, but rather about your experience. Where are the gaps? Ask them to suggest things you could do to enhance your resume. This is also an appropriate way to get your credentials in front of someone.

Do not ask for a job during an informational interview. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, they may not be aware of job openings at their company right now. Second, asking for a job is pretty much a yes or no question. You will lose out on the opportunity to learn about the career you are pursuing. (Better they should be so impressed by you that they go and find out what positions are open and invite you to apply.)

But how exactly do you arrange to have an informational interview? There are no hard and fast rules, but one common method is to use your network. Who do you know that is in an industry in which you are interested? Do you have friends with a successful sibling or parent? Perhaps you have successful friends and you just want to sit down to pick their brain. Even if you don’t have a personal connection to someone, you can write a letter or telephone a complete stranger and state your interest in setting up an informational interview. Most times you will find people are flattered with your interest in them and more than willing to take time out of their schedule to meet you and talk about themselves. Since they are doing you a favor, be sure to meet at their convenience—and pick up the check! If you hit it off with your interviewee, they might know of someone else that you should talk to; they might know of a job that would be a good fit for you; and at the very least you just made a new contact in your network.

The full article can be located here: http://gradtogreat.com/tips_advice/article_informational_interviews.php

Calvin

3 Crucial Career Fair Tips For College Students

2011-09-20T13:51:00.000-04:00

Career Fair preparation is a key to a successful experience.

There are a few tricks and tips I will tell you that will make you stand out at any company, no matter how many people are in line. These tricks have proven to be very effective by students I have taught, across the U.S. at colleges and universities from coast to coast. But they are rarely used and I always wondered why for years; until I discovered that students just don't know about them.

Read the rest of the article here: http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2011/08/19/3-crucial-career-fair-tips-for-college-students/

Calvin

Get Hired Before You Leave Campus

2011-09-20T13:49:00.000-04:00

Make sure you partner with Career Services to ensure a successful transition to life after college.

Get Hired Before You Leave Campus

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), when employers rate the effectiveness of recruiting methods for college graduates, they rank the following as their top 10:

On-campus recruiting

Organization’s internship program

Employee referrals

Organization's co-op program

Career/job fairs

Faculty contacts

Job postings on the company web site

Job postings on the campus web site

Student organizations/clubs

Job postings on commercial web sites

Notice that the top five preferred recruiting methods involve some degree of face-to-face interaction between the job applicant and the company. This means you need to get in front of the person who is making the hiring decision, preferably well in advance of graduation time. And forget about the job boards since simply posting your resume online is highly unlikely to yield positive results in the current job market. Now, more than ever, it is critical that college seniors and recent graduates do the following three things:

Read the entire article here: http://gradtogreat.com/tips_advice/article-Class_of_2009_start_job_search_early.php

Calvin

UCF/Lockheed Martin Work Experience Information Session

2011-09-15T11:31:00.000-04:00

Friday, September 16, 12:00 – 1:00 pm

CSEL Room 121

Lockheed Martin Work Experience program provides students an opportunity to gain professional work experience related to their academic discipline while maintaining full-time university enrollment. Four current CWEP students and members from the CWEP staff will be available to discuss the program and answer questions from interested students:

Contact Lauren Baker (lauren.baker@ucf.edu) if you have any questions--thanks!

How to market your personal brand for job search success

2011-09-15T09:20:00.000-04:00

You will need to market yourself to have a successful job search process. Look for ways to create the Brand 'U' to help employers understand why they need to hire you!

Take a look at this article to find ways to market yourself: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2701-Job-Search-How-to-market-your-personal-brand-for-job-search-success/?sc_extcmp=JS_2701_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42701&catid=js

Calvin

Job Search Tips for New Grads

2011-09-14T08:43:00.000-04:00

Job search strategies should start 'before' you need a job. This MSN article helps you create a strategy after graduation:

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-750-College-Internships-First-Jobs-Starting-From-Scratch/?sc_extcmp=JS_750_advice&SiteId=cbmsn4750&catid=cg

Stop by Career Services for help with your job search strategies.

Calvin

Combating Entry-Level Boredom

2011-09-14T08:40:00.000-04:00

How do you handle a slow day at work? Make sure you understand the correct ways to move forward in the workplace when you experience down time.

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1429-College-Internships-First-Jobs-Combating-Entry-Level-Boredom/?sc_extcmp=JS_1429_advice&SiteId=cbmsn41429&catid=cg

Why Are Internships So Important?

2011-09-14T08:38:00.000-04:00

Internships can help you bridge the gap and gain relevant work experience in your field. Stop by the Experiential Learning office to get additional information on internship opportunities available to UCF students.

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2202-College-Internships-First-Jobs-Why-Are-Internships-So-Important/?sc_extcmp=JS_2202_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42202&catid=cg

Calvin

Fall 2011 Employment Prep Conference: “READY, SET, GO: Take Charge of Your Career”

2011-09-13T08:18:00.000-04:00

Fall 2011 Employment Prep Conference: “READY, SET, GO: Take Charge of Your Career”

A great opportunity to connect with employers and learn what you need to know to succeed at upcoming job searches, career fairs, and interviews, and to land the job of your choice!

When: Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Student registration begins at 11:30 AM

Location: Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom

For additional information, go to www.career.ucf.edu or call 407-823-2361

This event is open to all UCF students and alumni!

Employer Panel from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM---hear from leading industry recruiters about how students/grads can be successful in today’s job market and on the job.

Practice interviews, Resume critique sessions, and Job Search workshops from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM—will be conducted by over 20 local, national, and international employers.

Career Services helps UCF students map out their academic programs and career paths as well as obtain related employment.

Additionally, Career Services helps employers and community partners access talented students and alumni to meet their workforce needs.

10 commandments of workplace dress

2011-09-13T08:15:00.000-04:00

Use this article as a starting point to understand what to wear in the workplace.

In a 2010 national poll conducted by the Center for Professional Excellence at York College of Pennsylvania, "appearance" ranked second only to "communication skills" when respondents named qualities most often associated with professionalism. "How an individual dresses for work can be a powerful extension of his personal brand," says Matthew Randall, executive director of the CPE. "Clothes, accessories and even the footwear an employee chooses to wear help to reinforce or diminish his skills and qualities in the eyes of his employer, co-workers and clients." Read the entire article here:

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2724-Workplace-Issues-Thou-shalt-look-professional-10-Commandments-of-workplace-dress/?SiteId=cbmsnhp42724&sc_extcmp=JS_2724_home1&gt1=23000

2011 Fall Career Services Information Session Schedules

2011-09-07T08:32:00.000-04:00

The following companies will conduct Information Sessions. Please sign-in to KnightLink to RSVP for these events:

- Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC 9/20/11 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm CSEL room 115

- Levin Financial Group/Mass Mutual 9/29/11 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm CSEL room 115

- Kohl’s Department Stores 10/3/11 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm CSEL room 121

-Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company 10/5/11 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm UCF Arena

- First Investors Corporation 10/5/11 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm CSEL room 115

- First Investors Corporation 10/6/11 10:00 am – 12:00 pm CSEL room 115

- Northwestern Mutual Financial Network 10/6/11 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CSEL room 115

- Coca Cola 10/11/11 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm CSEL room 121

- Target Stores 10/13/11 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm CSEL room 121

- Kohl’s Department Stores 10/18/11 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm CSEL room 121

- Siemens Corporation 10/19/11 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm CSEL room 121

- Northwestern Mutual Financial Network 11/3/11 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CSEL room 115

Stop by Career Services to learn more about the employers and how Information Sessions can benefit your job search.

Calvin

Fall 2011 Information Sessions

Please check KnighLink for the most current Information Session schedules—thanks!

You Can Get a Job With Any Major

2011-09-02T08:33:00.000-04:00

Don't let your major 'limit' your career options. Most employers hire based on the candidate's personality and projected fit within their organization. Here's a list of characteristics most employers are looking for:

- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Interpersonal skills
- Computer skills
- Self confidence

Read more here: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1478-College-Internships-First-Jobs-You-Can-Get-a-Job-With-Any-Major/?sc_extcmp=JS_1478_advice&SiteId=cbmsn41478&catid=cg

Calvin

Leave This Info Out of Your Interview

2011-09-02T08:29:00.000-04:00

Practice interviews with Career Services can help you prepare for your 'real' interview with employers. This process can enhance your interview skills and help you get a job offer.

This MSN article will highlight things to avoid during your interview: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1324-Interviewing-Leave-This-Info-Out-of-Your-Interview/?sc_extcmp=JS_1324_advice&SiteId=cbmsn41324&catid=iv

Schedule your practice interview today.

Calvin

10 Ways to Get Your Résumé Noticed

2011-09-01T14:19:00.000-04:00

How do you make your resume stand out from the crowd? You need to invest time into making your resume an effective marketing tool.

MSN has an excellent article on how to get your resume noticed by employers: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2143-Cover-Letters-Resumes-10-Ways-to-Get-Your-R%c3%a9sum%c3%a9-Noticed/?sc_extcmp=JS_2143_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42143&catid=cl

Stop by Career Services for drop-in hours Monday - Friday from 10 am - 3 pm or schedule an appointment with our staff.

Calvin

LINKEDIN as a networking tool

2011-09-01T12:10:00.000-04:00

LINKEDIN is a very effective tool to make new business contacts, research companies and request recommendations. Please read this article to find out additional ways LINKEDIN can help you meet your goals.

Full article: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2689-Job-Search-How-to-connect-with-an-employer-via-LinkedIn/?sc_extcmp=JS_2689_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42689&catid=js

Calvin

What hiring managers really want to see

2011-09-01T12:08:00.000-04:00

Do you ever wonder what hiring manager want to see during the application process? You need to ensure you stand out from the crowd even during the application process.

Read more here: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2718-Job-Search-What-hiring-managers-really-want-to-see/?sc_extcmp=JS_2718_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42718&catid=js

Career Services is available to help you prepare to meet employer expectations.

Calvin

3 words that will kill your job search

2011-09-01T12:05:00.000-04:00

MSN has a very good article on the three words that will kill your job search: I'll take anything!

Make sure you take the time to research companies to identify specifics of their positions.

You can read the entire article here: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2720-Job-Search-3-words-that-will-kill-your-job-search/?sc_extcmp=JS_2720_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42720&catid=js

Stop by Career Services to learn how to target your job search.

Calvin

How to Turn Your Internship Into a Full-Time Job

2011-08-26T08:55:00.000-04:00

Young job seekers who can't seem to land full-time employment may want to tap into a segment of the job market that is always recommended, but often overlooked: internships.

Internships have always been encouraged among college students and recent graduates, but they've never been more important than in the current economy. In this competitive job market, the first thing employers are looking for is relevant experience. Internships help not only to build skill sets and establish successful track records, but they offer great networking opportunities to land a full-time position after graduation.

Fifty-nine percent of employers said they are likely to hire their college interns as full-time, permanent employees, according to a new survey from CBcampus.com, CareerBuilder.com's college job-search site. Twenty-four percent of hiring managers said they plan to hire college interns in the first half of 2009, while 12 percent plan to do so as early as the fourth quarter of 2008.

Read the full article here: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1690-College-Internships-First-Jobs-How-to-Turn-Your-Internship-Into-a-Full-Time-Job/?sc_extcmp=JS_1690_advice&SiteId=cbmsn41690&catid=cg

Calvin

What Everybody Ought to Know about GPAs

2011-08-26T08:53:00.000-04:00

After four years of exams, thesis statements, projects and internships, college graduates everywhere are ready to put their hard-earned grade point averages to use in their job hunt.

But will they matter?

Cy Wakeman, a human resources consultant and keynote speaker, says GPAs are valued less these days than in years past. Today, employers care more about a candidate's potential contribution to the company.

"While a GPA characterizes past successes in a controlled environment, it is not an accurate future predictor of effectiveness in the real world," Wakeman says. "To truly thrive in today's challenging times, candidates who can demonstrate the ability to capitalize on opportunity presented by change, and who are resilient and confident, [deliver] more results than those ... who have tested well."

Employers seem to agree that GPA isn't everything when it comes to the perfect candidate. Fifty-five percent of employers said they had no GPA requirement for college-graduate applicants, according to a recent CareerBuilder survey. Twenty-five percent require a 3.0 or higher, 12 percent require higher than a 3.5 and only 1 percent look for a 4.0.

Read the entire articles here: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1950-College-Internships-First-Jobs-What-Everybody-Ought-to-Know-about-GPAs/?sc_extcmp=JS_1950_advice&SiteId=cbmsn41950&catid=cg

Calvin

5 Ways College Gave You More Training Than You Thought

2011-08-26T08:51:00.000-04:00

What information can you put on your resume? A CareerBuilder survey identifies the following as relevant experience for your resume:

- Coursework
- Part-time jobs
- Campus leadership positions
- Student organizations
- Volunteer work

An additional way to enhance your resume is to complete an internship. The full article can be located here: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-774-College-Internships-First-Jobs-5-Ways-College-Gave-You-More-Training-Than-You-Thought/?sc_extcmp=JS_774_advice&SiteId=cbmsn4774&catid=cg

Stop by Career Services so we can help with your resume.

Calvin

Job Search Solutions - 6 Tips

2011-08-19T08:57:00.000-04:00

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is failing to pay attention to details.

"Always proofread everything that a recruiter might see, including the obvious -- your resume, cover letter and emails, as well your social-media profiles," says Tony Lee, publisher of CareerCast.com. He adds that sloppy grammar is frequently reason enough to eliminate candidates from consideration.

Discrepancies can be another red flag for recruiters, Lee says. Differences between resumes, applications and social-media profiles raise questions in hiring managers' minds about whether an applicant is lying or just sloppy.

One way to cut down on the number of discrepancies it to create a spreadsheet that includes past jobs, degrees and awards that can be referred to when job seekers are filling out applications.

Beyond lack of attention to detail, CareerCast.com notes these other "red flags" that job seekers should avoid to better their chances of securing an interview and landing a job:

1.If you are unemployed, volunteer for a worthy cause, take a class or seek freelance work to show employers that you are still engaged in the workforce.

2.Customize your resume and cover letter to match the job description or you may not get past the applicant tracking system, which is set up to screen out candidates who do not match keywords listed in the job listing.

3.If you have lengthy gaps between jobs, briefly explain them in your cover letter.

4.In each correspondence with hiring managers, keep a formal and professional tone, using a person's surname until they indicate they don't mind being addressed more casually.

5.Use your social media pages to market and brand yourself -- and remember that there is no privacy on the Internet.

6.Avoid a cutesy email handle -- sign up for an email address that shows your professionalism.

You can view the entire article here: http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2011/08/18/jobs-seekers-beware-6-red-flags-to-avoid/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl9%7Csec1_lnk1%7C87647&a_dgi=aolshare_email

Calvin

10 things to do after the interview

2011-08-15T08:14:00.000-04:00

Make sure you set yourself apart from the competition after your interview:

- Show that you are still interested in the position
- Let them know you will be in contact
- Be punctual
- Send a thank you note (hand written is better)
- Keep researching the organization

The complete article can be find on MSN.com: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2680-Interviewing-10-things-to-do-after-the-interview/?SiteId=cbmsnhp42680&sc_extcmp=JS_2680_home1&gt1=23000

Stop by Career Servicess so we can help you with this process.

Calvin

Workplace wardrobe don'ts

2011-08-04T08:51:00.001-04:00

Do you wonder what you should wear in the workplace? Surprisingly, there are numerous mistakes made everyday in workplace wardrobe. Here's an insightful article on ways to avoid this mistake:

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/poweryourfuture/bosses-reveal-worst-wardrobe-don-ts-2518505/

Calvin

Critical First Year on the job

2011-08-03T08:10:00.000-04:00

Many of you will begin new positions in the near future. The transition from student to employee is a process you must become aware of now. The attached article is an excellent starting point for your transition:

http://www.jobweb.com/studentarticles.aspx?id=198

Look to establish those first year goals and work towards them. You will also benefit from having a mentor guide you through this process.

Calvin

Social Media in the Job Search: LinkedIn, Twitter Outpace Facebook as Tools

2011-07-20T14:02:00.000-04:00

Spotlight for Career Services Professionals, June 8, 2011

Spotlight for Recruiting and Employment Professionals, June 8, 2011

Overall, just under 41 percent of seniors taking part in NACE’s 2011 Student Survey reported using some form of social media in their job search.

Among that group, those with LinkedIn profiles and Twitter accounts are much more likely to use social networking in their job searches than students with just Facebook profiles.

Facebook dominates the social networking landscape for college students—nearly 91 percent of responding seniors indicated they have a profile—but less than one-quarter use Facebook as a job-search tool.

Conversely, though fewer students report having LinkedIn profiles (31.5 percent) or Twitter accounts (22.7 percent), they are much more likely to use them. Nearly 70 percent of those with both a LinkedIn and Twitter account use them in the job search.

The most popular uses? Roughly half of students using any kind of social media in their job search use it to discuss potential jobs, but those using LinkedIn in the job search are much more likely than their Facebook counterparts to distribute their profiles through the network (81 percent vs. 62 percent). Similarly, nearly half of those incorporating LinkedIn into their job search use it to research employers, compared to approximately 36 percent of Facebook users.

The survey also found that student attitudes toward social networking in the job search are changing.

Nearly 71 percent of Class of 2011 seniors said they expect employers to view candidates’ social networking profiles, compared to 66.5 percent from the Class of 2010 and 57.1 percent from the Class of 2009.

Furthermore, although the majority of seniors remain unhappy at the prospect of employers viewing their profiles as part of the candidate assessment process, there has been movement toward acceptance. Approximately 34 percent of the current class thinks employers should view student profiles as part of the process, up from 29.4 percent in 2010 and 26.7 percent in 2009.

The 2011 Student Survey was conducted mid-February through April 30, 2011. More than 50,000 students nationwide, including nearly 20,000 graduating seniors, took part in this year’s survey. Information in this story is based on data gathered from graduating senior respondents.

Retrieved from: http://www.naceweb.org/s06082011/social_media_job_search/

Most Employers Call for HR to Research Candidates Online

2011-07-20T13:26:00.002-04:00

Spotlight Online for Career Services Professionals, March 17, 2010

Think employers aren’t checking the online information about job candidates? Three-quarters of recruiters and human resources professionals report that their organizations have formal policies in place that require them to research candidates online, according to results of a recent survey commissioned by Microsoft. The survey was conducted in December 2009. Approximately 275 recruiters, HR professionals, and hiring managers participated, as did approximately 330 consumers.

In addition, 85 percent of those responding say that positive online reputation influences their hiring decisions and 70 percent say they have rejected candidates based on information they found online. Still, just 7 percent of U.S. consumers surveyed believe online data affected their job search.

What types of sites do employers check most often when considering candidates? Following are the most common types of sites by percentage of respondents who use them:

•Search engines—78 percent

•Social networking sites—63 percent

•Photo- and video-sharing sites—59 percent

•Professional and business networking sites—57 percent

•Personal web sites—48 percent

•Blogs—46 percent

Retrieved from: http://www.naceweb.org/Publications/Spotlight_Online/2010/0317/Most_Employers_Call_for_HR_to_Research_Candidates_Online.aspx

The Most Versatile Degree

2011-07-05T13:23:00.000-04:00

Forget about skinny jeans. The most popular accessory in school these days is a business degree.

Over 300,000 students graduated with a bachelor's in business in 2008, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That's more degrees than social sciences, history and health sciences, combined, according to the "Digest of Education Statistics, 2009" report.

Business is a popular degree with employers too.

"In general, the average employer views business majors as very solid job candidates, thanks to their broad-based education and business know-how," writes Kate Walsh in her book "What Can You Do With A Major In Business: Real People. Real Jobs. Real Rewards."

Wondering what you could do with a business degree? Keep reading for six increasingly popular business career choices that could offer great earning potential and opportunity:

http://education.yahoo.net/articles/business_degree_careers.htm?kid=1H99A

MSN Job Search Strategies

2011-07-05T08:20:00.000-04:00

Excellent MSN article on job search strategies that get results:

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2672-Job-Search-Getting-results-10-strategies-for-job-search-success/?SiteId=cbmsnhp42672&sc_extcmp=JS_2672_home1&GT1=23000

Stop by Career Services to get help with this process--thanks!

Calvin

6 tips to help you use LinkedIn more effectively

2011-06-20T16:05:00.000-04:00

The attached article can help you leverage LinkedIn and maximize your exposure.

Calvin

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2516-Job-Search-6-tips-to-help-you-better-leverage-LinkedIn/?SiteId=cbmsnhp42516&sc_extcmp=JS_2516_home1&gt1=23000

Career Services Summer Workshop Schedule

2011-06-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Plan to attend a Career Services workshop during the summer sessions. These workshops can help you prepare for a job interview, write a professional resume and begin to network with employers--see you soon!

http://events.ucf.edu/?calendar_id=54&upcoming=upcoming

Attitudes of Successful Workers

2011-06-07T08:36:00.000-04:00

Why do some people seem to reach the top of the corporate ladder easily, while others remain stuck on the middle-management rung? You might think that it is just because those people have more of what it takes to succeed, like brains, talent and powerful people in their corner. But there is something else that is just as important: attitude.

Dr. Martin Seligman, an authority on optimism, discovered that attitude was a better predictor of success than I.Q., education and most other factors. He found that positive people stay healthier, have better relationships and go further in their careers. And he even found that positive people make more money.

Anyone can adopt the right attitude. No matter where you are from or how much innate talent you have, the right attitude can make a difference in your career. Try adopting these 10 attitudes of successful workers:

1. I am in charge of my destiny
2. Anything is possible
3. No task is too small to do well

You can view the entire article here: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-666-Workplace-Issues-10-Attitudes-of-Successful-Workers/?sc_extcmp=JS_666_home&SiteId=cbmsnhp4666&ArticleID=666&gt1=23000&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=0464827203de4df7b9c3829caf024936-331115501-x1-6

Calvin

Job Search Tips

2011-06-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

Preparation is the key to your job search. Here are a few tips from CareerBuilder:

1. Narrow your search
2. Know what you want
3. Re-evaluate your skills
4. Set goals
5. Clean-up your on-line footprint

You can read the entire article here: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2463-Job-Search-11-job-search-tips-for-2011/?SiteId=cbmsnhp42463&sc_extcmp=JS_2463_home1&gt1=23000

Calvin

ATTENTION: ON CAMPUS POSITION OPEN

2011-03-24T16:07:00.000-04:00

UCF Career Services
Position: Career Peer Advisor

Jump start your own career planning process by assisting students with routine questions about major and career exploration and employment skills (training provided).

15 hours/week @ $8.00/Hr

***Deadline for submitting applications is Thursday March 31, 2011

For more information please contact Ms. Annie Ware at Career Services, Bldg.140 (Located at Memory Mall) Telephone # 407-823-2361 E-mail: annie.ware@ucf.edu

"The wow factor: Impressive job candidate qualities"

2011-03-03T13:33:00.000-05:00

Careerbuilder.com has recently published an article highlighting 12 keys aspects to obtain the job of your choosing. For all of the seniors who follow this blog LISTEN UP!

1. Results- "What is something you do that is better than anyone else in the world?" "Passionate people leave behind results wherever they go"

2. Good Fit- "Position must fit the talents, interests and skills of the candidate"

3. Preparation- "Candidates who have done their research and as intelligent questions demonstates a strong interest in the position"

4. Initiative- "Being pro-active, and showing strong desire to learn and grow to be the best without being provoked"

5. Sense of humor- "Will help make the dull cycle of interviewing much more entertaining and real"

6. Passion- "Shows the liklihood that the candidate will excel in their roll"

7. Confidence- "While maintaining a humble stature, will exude knowledge and knowhow"

8. Professionalism- "Key to getting any job, demonstates that you have the right blend of technical and soft skills, mixed with enthusiasm and dedication"

9. Body Language- "Having a good strong hand shake can make or break an interview from the get go"

10. Longevity- "Seeing growth in past positions and seeing consistency"

11. Communication- "Not only much the perfect candidate have a tangible skill set, they must also be able to convey themselves in a proper and knowledgable aspect"

12. Attitude- "Having a 'high performer' attitude will give you an up in an interview"

For the full article: Click Here

Northwestern Mutual Info Session

2011-02-24T14:09:00.000-05:00

We are looking forward to discussing Northwestern Mutual Financial Network as a company as well as the exciting Internship / Full-time opportunities available as a Financial Representative with our company.

The internship program with Northwestern Mutual has been rated as one of the Top Ten in the nation, which provides you with real work experience and priceless knowledge that is applicable in all aspects of business.

This information session allows you to gather as much information as possible to decide if this could be the internship for you!

All majors welcomed!!

Please RSVP in KnightLink.
LOCATION: CSEL Room 115

Date: March 1, 2011

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Two NEW Informational Sessions!

2011-02-08T10:44:00.000-05:00

Target Stores
2/22/2011
6:00-7:00 p.m.
(CSEL Room 121)

You can expect a lot from a career at Target. An energetic culture. Incredible opportunities. A community-focused company. And one of the most powerful brands in the world. Your best is just ahead. Representatives from our stores and distribution centers will share their experiences, describe what it is like to work at Target and talk with students about job opportunities available.

Direct Action & Research Training (DART) Center
2/22/2011
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
(CSEL Room 115)

Stephanie Pavolini, a UCF alum and Community Organizer with The DART Center, will be on campus to present information and interview applicants interested in careers working for social, economic, and racial justice. She will discuss:

· Strengthening relationships through One-on-Ones
· Developing leaders in communities to take direct action on issues of injustice
· Congregation-based Coalition Building

The DART Center has built coalitions throughout the country that have won important victories on a broad set of justice issues including:

· Education reform in low-performing public schools,
· Fair immigration policies
· Access to Affordable Healthcare
· Living Wage campaigns & job training
· Affordable housing, etc.

An Information Session will take place on February 22, 2011. Initial interviews will be scheduled at the close of the information session. To RSVP, contact Hannah Wittmer at (785) 841-2680 or hannah@thedartcenter.org with name, phone #, and email. For more info visit: www.thedartcenter.org.

Want an Internship or Co-op??!!! You're in luck!!

2011-01-25T12:49:00.000-05:00

February Events at the BRAND NEW Career Services and Experiential Learning Building

2011-01-25T11:33:00.000-05:00

Attention Students of UCF!!!!!!

If you have not seen it yet, the brand new facility for Career Services and Experiential Learning on Memory Mall is finally open to students! The following is a list of employers who will be visiting the new building to give informational sessions of their companies. Take advantage of these amazing opportunities!

Deutsche Bank Info Session

2011-01-20T10:52:00.000-05:00

Who: Deutsche Bank Jacksonville, FL

What: Information Session-Come meet with recruiters and managers from our office. We will be having on campus interviews with qualified candidates.

When: Wednesday, 2/9/2011

Come learn more about Deutsche Bank and what it is like to work with us! We are looking for recent graduates in the Financial and Business Management fields, but are open to all majors. Refreshments will be served and we would love to meet with you. RSVP on the UCF Career Services website and upload your resume and apply on KnightLink to be considered for an on campus interview.

Entrepreneurial Speaker Series Event - January 25, 2010‏

2011-01-20T10:46:00.000-05:00

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) will host guest speaker engagements throughout the academic year in an effort to provide networking and learning opportunities for entrepreneurial students outside of the classroom. The first CEI Entrepreneurial Speaker Series of the semester will be Entrepreneurial Strategies: How to Form Your Own Company featuring Ty Roofner.

DATE: Tuesday, January 25, 2010
TIME: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 PM
LOCATION: BA-1 Room 135 (CEI)

Mr. Roofner is a corporate lawyer whose practice primarily focuses on business transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and corporate financing transactions. Ty also frequently represents emerging companies in developing and revising their business plan and structuring their business.

For more information, please visit the CEI website at: http://cei.ucf.edu/competitions_events/event_detail/entrepreneurial-speaker-series---strategies-how-to-form-your-own-company-with-ty-roofner

UCF Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation cei@bus.ucf.edu
Phone (407) 823-3683

GEICO's Achievement Award Scholarship

2011-01-18T11:07:00.000-05:00

Spring ExpoMania

2011-01-11T08:49:00.000-05:00

Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011

12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.

Location: Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom

This event is open to all UCF students and alumni!

Come and connect with employers at the Spring 2011 ExpoMania in preparation for the Career Expo and on-campus interviews.

No appointments or registration is necessary.

Career Services staff will be providing resume critiques and assistance with one-minute informercial preparation.

Infomericals are brief introductions that can be used for networking at Career Fairs.

http://www.career.ucf.edu/About%20Career%20Services/Career_Services_Events/Spring_Expomania_69_437.aspx

Peachtree Special Risk Brokers, LLC - Accounting Boot Camp positions

2010-12-16T10:41:00.000-05:00

Peachtree Special Risk Brokers, LLC has posted Accounting positions in KnightLink:

Our company is looking for energized talent who want to be part of a winning and dynamic team! Our desire is to attract and retain the best talent in our business. If you think you are up to the challenge, please submit your resume.

The position requires a B.S. degree in Accounting. Candidates should be self-starters able to work under general supervision and possess strong computer skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as organization and multi-tasking skills.

Position will begin as a two year training program, followed by two years of working in our company’s internal audit program, with the goal of becoming an Accounting/Operations Leader. Accounting/Operations Leaders in our organization are responsible for preparing balance sheets, P/L statements, and other financial reports. Responsibilities also include accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank reconciliations, account analysis, journal entries, month-end close and other special projects.

The ability to travel and relocate is a requirement of this position. The first two years of the program will be based in Stockbridge, GA. Years 3-4 will be based in one of four regions of the US, with travel required 50-60% of the time. Location of ultimate position(s) will be based on availability within our company. We currently have 170+ offices throughout the US.

This is a great opportunity to become a team player with a company that values its employees and considers them to be the #1 asset in the organization. Competitive salary and excellent benefits await the successful candidate.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact: Jackie Sible
Email: jsible@psrllc.com

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) - Auditor I position

2010-12-15T16:57:00.000-05:00

GOAA has added a full-time Auditor I position in KnightLink:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelors Degree in Accounting or a related field and up to one (1) year experience in auditing or an equivalent combination of closely related education, experience and training. Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Governmental Accounting Principles, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), Attestation Standards and Government Auditing Standards (GAS) and the Institute of Internal Auditors’ International Professional Practices Framework. Must have knowledge in statistical sampling methodologies, financial, cost and management accounting theory and practice, and the understanding of contracting principles and administration. Must have basic knowledge of audit workpaper technique. CPA or CIA is desirable. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access and Excel required, experience with ACL preferred. Good oral, written, analytical and problem solving skills required. Valid Florida driver’s license required.

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Job Opportunity Hotline: (407) 825-2253
Orlando International Airport FAX: (407) 825-2099
5855 Cargo Road TDD: (407) 825-4800
Orlando, Florida 32827-4399
Webpage: www.orlandoairports.net
E-mail: resumes@goaa.org

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Human Resources Coordinator / E-Brands Restaurants

2010-12-15T16:46:00.000-05:00

E-Brands Restaurants added a new job opening in KnightLink for a Human Resources Coordinator:

Human Resource administrative responsibility:

- Benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k, STD/LTD, FSA, vacation, etc.)
- I-9 compliance
- Self Service web portal for Company
- Recruiting via websites
- Workers Compensation
- Order business cards
- Set interviews for VP of HR and VP of Operations
- Additional HR assistant duties

Contact : Mr. Jason Cobb

               7680 Universal Blvd.
               Suite 195
              Orlando, Florida 32819
              jcobb@e-brands.net
              407-226-1433

Orlando Magic hiring - Executive Assistant to the President

2010-12-07T14:13:00.000-05:00

The Orlando Magic are currently hiring for an Executive Assistant for the team President.

http://orlandomagic.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/jobs/jobs.cfm/Administration?supcat=1040

Please follow their instructions for consideration for this position.

Career Services

Career Services is moving to a new building

2010-12-03T15:06:00.000-05:00

Come visit us in our new location! We are moving into a new 25,000 square foot building located on Memory Mall across from the Arena.

We are very excited about our new facility and can't wait to see you there!

Opening Spring '11.

The Career Services Staff

College of Business Administration - Career Services Liaison

2010-11-30T14:35:00.000-05:00

I would like to take a few moments to introduce myself. My name is Calvin Williams and I am the Assistant Director of Employer Relations for the College of Business Administration (CBA).

I partner with faculty, staff and employers (local, regional and national) to help find career opportunities for students in the CBA. Career Services can be viewed as a one-stop shop for recruiters to connect with UCF students. We also provide workshops to help you develop a professional resume, prepare for the job interview and networking. These workshops are provided in Career Services and in classrooms as requested by faculty or student organizations. I would like to stress the importance of networking as you prepare for your job search.

I would like to partner with CBA students to prepare for life after college. Please let me know how I can help you move forward…thanks!

The main Career Services page is attached for your use: http://www.career.ucf.edu/.

Calvin Williams
Assistant Director, Employer Relations
College of Business Administration
407-823-1741
lcwillia@mail.ucf.edu

McGladrey Audit, Tax, Consulting

2010-11-17T15:22:00.000-05:00

Description: McGladrey is a local accounting firm that is hiring candidates with 1+ years of experience. They need new employees with accounting, tax, or consulting experience throughout Florida and the US East coast. Candidates need accounting/business background.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Function: Accouting/ Auditing, IT Consulting

Contact Info: Please send resumes to codyskene@mcgladrey.com

HD Supply Informational Sessions

2010-10-20T14:00:00.000-04:00

Thursday, Oct 28, 2010

Ferrell Commons, Rm 185C

1st session- 1:00pm - 2:30pm

2ns session- 4:30pm - 6:00pm

HD Supply is one of the largest wholesale distribution companies in the

US with total sales of $9 billion. We have 11 lines of businesses in

800 locations across 44 US states and 9 Canadian provinces. We have
16,000 associates and 450,000 professional customers.

We are always looking to attract and retain top talent. HD Supply

Electrical and Plumbing/HVAC lines of businesses have developed the

Career Development Program directed at attracting promotable entry level

talent. The program's mission is to attract, hire and develop diverse

and hardworking college graduates, committed to building a long term

successful career within our organization. Within the program are

unique opportunities for accelerated learning & development, awareness

and exposure to senior leadership, mentor and peer support

opportunities, deep dive project management, and defined reward and

recognition tollgates. Positions will start in May 2011.

We are looking for the following kind of students:

* Seniors of all majors

* Minimum GPA requirement 2.0

* Students that are interested in exploring a career in

construction related or wholesale distribution industry that help build

their communities, cities and towns

* Students exploring a career in sales or operations

* Prefer students that have been a member and/or involved in an

on-campus association or student government

* We welcome people from different backgrounds because they bring

unique experiences, perspectives and ideas to our company

ATTENTION STUDENTS!!!

2010-09-22T15:36:00.000-04:00

UCF Career Service's Career Expo is just around the corner!!! This coming Tuesday, September 28th there will be 100+ companies lined up in the UCF Arena looking for you!

To be successful, be sure to have a resume ready. Don't have a resume? No problem! Stop by UCF Career Services anytime to have your resume read for FREE! Take advantage of this great opportunity while you have the chance!

Infusion Info Session AFTER THE CAREER EXPO

2010-09-22T15:31:00.002-04:00

UCF's Career Expo is just around the corner!

2010-08-30T14:32:00.002-04:00

Career Services Employment Prep

2010-08-30T14:29:00.000-04:00

Harris Corporation Expo Prep

2010-08-30T14:26:00.000-04:00

Free Practice Interviews!!!

2010-07-21T11:17:00.000-04:00

Attention UCF Undergraduate Accounting students! KPMG is offering a select number of UCF Undergraduate Accounting students the opportunity to do a practice interview with KPMG representatives in their Orlando offices.

Please see below for information on date, time, and location.

Date - Thursday, August 19, 2010
Time - 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location - KPMG, LLP
111 North Orange Avenue, Suite 1600
Orlando, FL. 32801

Deadline to submit resume (via KnightLink system) is FRIDAY August 6, 2010. No late submissions.

Business Sales Leadership Development Program

2010-07-19T11:23:00.000-04:00

The Business Sales Leadership Development Program offers an accelerated track for an exciting business-to-business sales career with AT&T. This 5-6 month paid program will put participants on the fast track toward a future with the industry’s leading services and solutions provider.

As a Business Sales Account Executive, participants will complete a 5-6 month paid program at the AT&T Business Sales Leadership Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia. This comprehensive program immerses participants in an environment that fosters the ability to sell our services and solutions to a broad range of businesses. With instructor-led and web-based training, as well as hands-on application, individuals will learn the communications industry from the inside out while discovering the value of initiative and entrepreneurial thinking. The program includes a combination of training targeted to enhance sales skills, leadership, AT&T product knowledge (including Wireless and Wireline, IP, Data & Voice), total account management, relationship building and business management. While in the program, participants will be required to make cold calls, prospect, handle customer issues, place orders, and meet quotas.

You will have the chance to work closely with a sales management team and benefit from their experience, ongoing coaching, assessment and support. Participants must be prepared for relocation to another US market after successful completion of the program. In market, you will be securing new business and managing existing business accounts.

Qualifications

Completion of a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree within the past three years
Strong academic performance and active involvement
Related experience in Marketing or Sales
Demonstrated leadership and strategic-thinking attributes
Strong communications skills
Effective problem-solving skills
Sales passion and strong interest to be in a sales career path at AT&T
A strong desire for accelerated growth in professional sales
High customer service standards
Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent work authorization
Willing and able to relocate to another territory in the U.S.
Valid and clean driver's license, current auto insurance and a reliable vehicle per transportation needs of the market

APPLY NOW by visiting: www.att.jobs/b2b

AT&T College Connection Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/attCollegeConnection