Never Never Never Give Up!

Nobody ever said life was easy.  Sometimes when you are looking for career opportunities you will hit a lot of dead ends.  You may feel frustrated and dejected; these are normal feelings to feel.  But what separates you from everyone else is how you respond to rejection.  Some will give up, stop looking, and retire to the comfort of their couch to watch the rest of that Netflix series they have wanted to finish.  But others will up the ante.  They will follow up on emails sent to employers and ask them where they stand in the application process.  They will explore other organizations and look for opportunities for which they can get involved in.  They will come to the Career Center to get their resume and cover letters checked to make sure they are what employers are looking for.  In the words of the famous film and television actor Kyle Chandler, “Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door.”  The path to success may be full of obstacles and challenges but you are the only one who can walk it.  It starts and ends with you.

Scott Davidson, Career Fellow

Why didn't that employer call?

The two things that we often neglect to pay attention to when applying for jobs is our E-Mail address and the outgoing message on our cell phone. Be mindful of what employers will assume about you based on those things. If your outgoing message on the phone has music with curse words and inappropriate language, you my want to consider switching to the default outgoing message. And if your email address is something like phatgurlzrock69@email.com or bigballover69@email.com, please know it is time for something that is more workplace appropriate. When employers are going through hundreds of potential applicants don't let your email address or outgoing message prevent you from advancing to the next round. Think smart, make appropriate changes, and land that next opportunity!

Lorraine Massiah,
Assistant Director

Finding the Distinction: Personal Statements vs. Cover Letters

What is the difference between a cover letter and a personal statement?

A personal statement is exactly what it says, it's "personal". It tells a personal story about you and how you have gotten to where you are today. It may consist of why you want to be a doctor, social worker, teacher, lawyer or accountant. The story has to be compelling it should keep the reader interested. It may also explain why you want the reader to know these things about you. Convince them to choose you!

A cover letter may have the same elements but you need to link your story to the job in which you are applying. Make sure the employer can envision you doing the job, give clear and concrete examples of your work.  

Common denominators between a personal statement and cover letter:

• Keep readers interest
• Explain yourself
• Set yourself apart.

There a lot overlap but vast differences.  Make sure your cover letter is not too personal but has aspects of your personality. Either way make sure you put your best foot forward. And if you need an unbiased eye to look over your personal statement or cover letter, remember the Career Center is here to help! Give us a call at (516) 463-6060 to make an appointment or stop by our Quick Question hours Monday-Friday 10-11AM & 2-4PM.

Lorraine Massiah,
Assistant Director

The Best Places to Work

This past week, Glassdoor came out with their annual list of the best employers to work for in the U.S. and the U.K . Google was rated #1 not surprisingly, especially if you saw the movie, The Internship with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. Google looks like a dreamland: free food, a slide, bikes, being surrounded by brilliant and creative people, Quidditch matches, nap pods and more!  However, if you read the employee reviews of Google, even the most magical place on earth has reported cons, such as the hiring process and the immense size of the company.

What strikes me about the Glassdoor List is that employees report working hard, and in many cases working very long hours. Yet, in most cases it is employees’ values that impact their happiness at work. For instance, being able to go home for a kid’s soccer game, appreciation of their work, being assigned interesting and creative work, being able to learn from senior staff, and even bringing pets to work directly contributed to higher ratings.

Have you ever given time to thinking about what is important to you in work?  Sometimes, when looking for a job or internship we get caught up in the name and prestige of an organization, and the salary.  We tend to forget about the work we will be doing, the culture of the organization, and the other aspects of work that we value. For instance, it is very important to me that my place of employment appreciates and acknowledges my abilities and knowledge, and the work I produce.  I would not be happy nor would I rate an organization highly if this was not the case.  For others, it may be work that allows them to travel, or an organization that offers extensive time off, or work that directly helps others.  What is important to you?

So, begin researching organizations early and often, network with employees both in-person and online through sites like LinkedIn, and when you land that all important interview, ask them questions that will allow you to see if they can support your values.

Suzanne Dagger, Director of
Career Development and Assessment

Why The Career Fair Is For You

POP QUIZ!!! When is the Fall Career Fair?  If you answered, Wednesday, October 22, then congratulations! The Career Center’s Fall Career Fair offers you a chance to meet employers face-to-face and ask about their job and internship opportunities.

Employers from many industries will be there to meet YOU. Yes, that’s right, YOU!! Over the years I have heard many reasons (excuses) as to why students do not attend career fairs.  I would like to address those concerns here

1. The employers there are only looking for salespeople.

Not true. Yes, there are always going to be a fair amount of sales opportunities. Think about it, pretty much every company uses sales staff in one way or another. However, there are plenty of opportunities in other areas as well.

2. I am not graduating yet so there is no need for me to go. 

Not true! Many of our employers are looking to hire interns or volunteer workers. This is a terrific opportunity for you to gain work experience that is related to your major and career goal while you are still a student.  Not sure of your major or career goal? An internship is also one of the best ways to “try on” a career to see if it fits.

3. I don’t have a resume. 

Well, that one is a problem; you do need a resume for the career fair. However, The Career Center counselors are here to help you create a resume, or revise the one that you have. To get resume assistance, you can either make an appointment with a career counselor, or come to The Career Center during our Quick Question hours. Quick Question hours give you the opportunity to meet with a counselor for a quick resume review without having to make an appointment; you can just come see us Monday-Friday at any time between 10-11 or 2-4.

4. I don’t have anything to wear. 

Yes, you do need to dress professionally for a career fair, but chances are you do have something appropriate in your closet, or on the floor, that would do. Just be sure to iron it first.

5. There is nothing in my major/industry. 

While we try our best, we cannot always accommodate every single major at every single career fair.  But you should always take the opportunity to come and meet with employers. You never know what they may have for you. Accounting firms have marketing people, hospitals have human resources staff. At the very least, you are making connections with people.

See you there!

Darlene Johnson,
Director of External Affairs

Tips From a Hiring Manager

Even after the work day is over, being a career counselor never stops. Sometimes when I am home and looking at my personal Facebook page, I come across posts with job tips and career advice. Most recently, I noticed that a Facebook friend of mine, who is an Assistant Principal, is looking for a teacher. She had posted some tips for prospective teachers based on her hiring experiences and I thought I would share them with you. Please note that these tips are applicable to all job seekers. 

Tips for Job Hunters:

1.     When you apply for a job, you should KNOW what position in which you are applying for and be prepared to ask intelligent questions about the position.

2.      If a potential employer contacts you to invite you in to visit the work site and shadow a current employee, do not ask why it is necessary.

3.     When the potential employer asks if you know anything about the job site or company, the answer should not be "I don't know." Make sure you do your research. 

4.     During an interview, pay attention to the questions that are being asked and make sure you answer all parts of the question.

5.     Also while interviewing, if you are given the questions to look at and have the opportunity to take notes, do it! 

6.     If you are asked what you struggle with, please take a moment to think and be reflective about the answer before you respond. Do not respond with nothing. There is always room for improvement. 

Employers want qualified candidates to fill open positions and the interview is to see how well you will fit into their organization. Always remember, first impressions count!

Lorraine Massiah,
Assistant Director