Dating - Path to Pride

Why didn't they call?

I thought we hit it off...

Does this sound familiar…when it comes to your job search? Yes, getting a call back from your interview can feel a whole lot like trying to get a second date from that person you're really into. And just like dating, you need assistance to follow the steps to success.

1. Visit With a Career Counselor

When you're not sure what to do or need to vent, doesn't it always feel better when you have someone to hear you out? Making an appointment with a career counselor can provide that. You can express your concerns and figure out a game plan to get to the career you want.

2. Take a Career Assessment

When dating, you sometimes run into a dead end and have to self-reflect on what you really want. The same goes for figuring out the careers best suited for you. At The Career Center, you can "find yourself" by making an appointment to take a Career Assessment.

3. Research Careers

When you have figured yourself out and what you want in a significant other, the next step is to see who's available and if they fit your "type".  After you have narrowed down your career choices, you can start researching them by using the resources provided at The Career Center's website (Hofstra.edu/career).

4. Begin to Make Connections

Studies show that most people meet their significant other through a mutual friend. Networking is just as important in your career development. Put yourself out there and make connections by developing your LinkedIn profile, joining Hofstra clubs and attending campus events such as the Job Fair.

5. Develop Your Career Skills

Stepping into the dating world can seem daunting, so it's important that you have all your "tools" ready: clothes, hair, etc. The same goes for finding a job or internship; you want to make sure that your resume, cover letter and interview skills are all the best that they can be. The Career Center can help with one-on-one appointments and Mock Interviews.

6. Search and Apply for Internships

Once you are ready, going out on dates is a good way to figure out what you like and don't like. Figuring out the career that you want is a similar process. The best way to find out if a career is right for you is to get relevant experience through internships, part-time jobs and/or job shadowing.

7. Establish Post-Graduation Goals and Plans

After dating for a while, you will probably come at a crossroads where you have to decide what you want, which may include picking someone to be in an exclusive relationship with. At the end of your time at Hofstra, you will also have to make a decision. Will you start finding full-time work in your chosen career field or will you go to graduate school?

Lorraine Massiah

Assistant Director For Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

eNetworking - Effectively Building your Online Profile

Upwards of 70% of all open positions are filled through networking. If you are on the job hunt, tapping into your network of friends, family members, classmates, professors, and coworkers can be the shortest route to employment.  But what do you do when you’ve exhausted all of your resources, or when you don’t know anyone at that dream company?

Technology has revolutionized the way we approach the job hunt, from finding companies, too submitting applications.  It has also changed the way candidates can differentiate themselves and network.  Utilizing platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake can empower people looking for employment by allowing them to build a unique brand and connect with employees that can help them get their foot in the door.  In this two-part post, we’ll help you craft a meaningful digital brand and instruct you on how to professionally connect with new people on LinkedIn.

“Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but about the stories you tell” - Seth Godin, Best Selling Author and Blogger

Sculpting your digital brand is as essential to e-networking as your handshake is to starting off an interview right.  Your online profiles, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, all curate a story about yourself.  This story informs your candidacy and influences how employers perceive you. Your story, your brand is meant to sell you. You are the product that your portfolio is trying to sell. When you tell employers this story, make sure it is unique to you. This will help you stand out as a candidate and allow other users to understand who you are, which will make them more inclined to talk to you.

Joining different communities online will allow you to naturally expand your network and develop a well-rounded profile.  Whether it is college alumni associations, sports team fan groups, or industry-specific organizations, becoming a part of groups that interest you will help you meet people online who may be able to share information about your desired industry and build a habit of engagement online.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

Regular, meaningful engagement on your platforms is also an important aspect of building your online profile. This will allow you to spark conversation and engagement, which will help you connect with your network. Your posts can be questions to spark a conversation, relevant articles, and career updates. Whatever content you post, realize that it reflects on the type of candidate you are and the type of contacts you will reach.

Your online brand is like a hyper-relevant resume, it tells your story and must be updated as often as possible. Although this can be exhausting, it will make you stand out from other candidates.  Next time we will discuss how to professionally expand your network with meaningful and relevant connections.

Michael Goldin
External Relations Graduate Assistant

What is a Career Fair?

What is a Career Fair and Why Should I Go?

Good question, and we know some of you are thinking it. While the words “career fair” are thrown around in our office with great frequency, we realize that students may not truly know what a career fair is. So, consider this Career Fair 101 regarding our Spring Career and Internship Fair, happening on Wednesday March 13th from 11-2 in the Mack Arena.

A career fair is a gathering of companies that are looking to hire students for full-time, part-time or internship positions. If a company is at the fair, chances are they are actively looking to fill these roles, although they may have varying timelines. For example, some hiring needs may be immediate, while some may be for the following academic year or summer. So, no matter when you graduate, chances are you will find employers who fit your time table.

Not looking for any position at the moment? Coming to a career fair is still a great idea so that you can walk around and know what to expect when you are ready to search for an internship or job. Walking into a room of over 130 employers can be intimidating, so doing a practice run is a great idea!

Here are some frequently asked questions about our career fairs:
What should I wear?
Wear your professional best! Come in business attire. If you are not sure what that means, we can help!

Is the fair only for business majors?
NOPE! Employers attending the fair will be representing a wide variety of industries, including engineering, education, health care, not-for-profit, and may others!

What employers are coming?
You can find the list on Handshake. Review this list prior to the fair, and identify your top preferences. Research those companies so that you know who they are and what they do. Don’t just look at the company name, but review the jobs that they are seeking to fill. If you are a marketing major, don’t necessarily skip over a non-profit organization, as the organization may be looking for interns to market their services to the community.

Should I bring resumes?
Yes, and plenty of them. It’s a good idea to have your resume looked over by The Career Center prior to the fair. Students can get a quick resume review during our Quick Question drop in hours, which are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 and Wednesdays from 11-1, no appointment necessary!

Should I bring cover letters?
Nope, not necessary.

Should I follow-up with employers?
Yes, take a business card from the representatives and make notes on the back with anything relevant that they told you. Send them a thank-you email for taking their time to attend the fair, and attach your resume, even though you may have given them a hard copy at the fair. Don’t be disheartened if you do not receive a reply. Recruiters attend many fairs and meet many students, but taking the time to follow-up with them shows your interest.

Have any more questions? We are here to help! Give us a call at 516-463-6060 or email us at careercenter@hofstra.edu. See you at the fair!

Darlene Johnson
Director of External Relations