Anyone who has ever experienced job-hunting firsthand will tell you that it is a time-consuming process that will demand a good deal of your energy. However, there are steps you can take and resources you can utilize to maximize your chances of success. Early on, you'll want to take advantage of the seminars offered every semester by Career Services in the MBNA Career Services Center. Seminar topics include writing resumes, learning how to network, making the most of career fairs, and looking for jobs on the internet.
- Drafting a Résumé
- Networking
- Using the Internet
- On-campus Recruiting
Drafting your résumé---one of the first steps in the job search process
What is a résumé?
· it's a marketing tool that job applicants use to market themselves to potential employers
· it's a summary of your experiences, academic preparation, accomplishments which are relevant to career objectives and which attest to your work ethic, organizational skills, etc.
· a résumé is something that “grows” with you as you expand your expertise
What a résumé is NOT:
- · your résumé should not be an exhaustive list of everything you’ve ever done
- · a résumé is not your autobiography
- · résumés are not one-time projects which seniors complete right before or after they graduate
How do I get started?
- · pick up your copy of the Placement Manual from Career Services in the MBNA Career Services Center and read the section about résumé writing.
- · take some time to reflect on and list your educational background, jobs you’ve had, organizations and activities in which you’ve participated, special honors you’ve achieved, and skills you’ve developed.
- · start drafting! Don't be afraid to try out different résumé styles to see which ones appeal to you. There's no "right" way to complete a résumé.
- · consult with the counselors in Career Services or with the advisers in Oswald Tower if you feel "stuck."
Some tips to consider:
- · pay particular attention to spelling and grammar; always proofread your résumé and then ask someone else to take a look at it, too.
- · don't undervalue your “nonrelevant” work experience (waiting tables, mowing lawns). Many employers place a high value on students who worked their way through college, doing hard, unattractive jobs. Such an employer may place more value on your work experience than you do.
- · use “active” language rather than “passive” language to describe your duties.
- · be prepared to frequently revise your résumé.
Networking: an important job searching strategy
What is networking?
Networking is not asking for a job, but making contacts with people who can help you find out where the jobs are.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 70% of all job openings are not advertised, recruited for, or made known outside of an organization. In other words, 7 out of 10 jobs are secured through the "who do you know" method of job search.
But I don't have a network…
Yes, you do! Think of all the different roles you have at this point in your life---and all of the people you know through those roles.
I am … a student
- a Penn Stater
- a volunteer at…
- an intern
- a member of my religious organization
- a former employee …
- a current employee at …
- a friend
- a niece/nephew
- a neighbor
Ways to expand your network
- Always, always, always participate in events involving alumni and visiting practitioners
- Complete an externship
- Complete an internship
- Talk to people about their jobs---every chance you get!
- Participate in Lionlink; this is a networking service coordinated by Career Services and the Penn State Alumni Association; it's free! Check the Website for additional information at www.lionlink.psu.edu
- Request occupational interviews with professionals in the field
Occupational Interviewing: A Networking Tool
Occupational interviewing does not involve asking, "How do I get a job with your company?" It involves asking for information about jobs, about career fields, about career trends, and asking for advice on career planning.
What's the value of occupational interviewing?
Talking to people in different professional areas not only gives you the opportunity to find out about these types of jobs and to see if they appeal to you, but it also is a means of establishing professional contacts. You can always end an occupational interview by saying, "If I have any other questions, would it be all right to give you a call?" or "Would you recommend talking to anyone else about….."
How should I get started?
You can find people to interview through your network. You can also target specific organizations that interest you and request an interview from someone in the appropriate position there. Explain that you are a college student doing some career exploration. Ask if the person might be available to talk to you some time in the upcoming weeks about his or her position for 20 minutes or so.
How can I find people to interview?
- · You can use the LionLink service. Student Participant Forms are available in the MBNA Career Services Center or you can register on-line at www.lionlink.psu.edu
- · You might find some good contacts in the Career Development Center files in 304 Oswald as well as in Career Services (the MBNA Career Services Center).
- · Look in the phone book, search the Web, and talk to people you know currently for ideas about possible contacts.
Some tips:
- · Bring a résumé so that you can ask the person you are interviewing to review it and to offer advice
- · Don't leave your résumé with the interviewee unless you're asked to do so
- · Never turn the interview into a request for a job
- · Always, always, always, send a thank you note to the person you interviewed.
Using the internet
There are lots of Web sites which post job openings on the Internet. While you shouldn't focus all your energy on applying for jobs found through the Web, it is helpful to check out different Web sites for posting information. Here are several links to useful job Web sites:
The Job Web: http://www.jobweb.com
Federal Government Agencies: http://www.lib.lsu.edu/gov/fedgov.html
Career Builder: http://www.careerbuilder.com
MonsterTrak: http://www.monstertrak.monster.com
Using on-campus recruiting
Using on-campus recruiting is a good strategy if you are interested in a job in the for-profit sector. Interested students should go to MBNA Career Services to register and attend a mandatory orientation. Check this link for updated information http://www.sa.psu.edu/career/pdf/ocr_instructions.pdf
