Your journey to career success begins here.

Acing the Phone Interview

2012-01-25T12:53:00.000-05:00

You’ve been in touch with your dream company. They seem promising and email you back to set up a time for a phone interview before bringing you in for an in-person interview. Before celebrating the good news with your friends, take some time to prepare for the phone interview.

-First, treat it like a face-to-face interview. You’ll feel more polished and confident talking to an employer over the phone in your professional clothes rather than in your sweatpants. Make sure you are in a quiet place on a landline (remember those?) or at least an area where you are sure you will get good cell phone reception. Eliminate any distractions so you can focus on the interview.

-Have your materials (resume, notes, calendar, job description) in front of you so you can easily reference whatever the employer might ask.

-Brush up on the standard interview questions that are typically asked. Check out the phone interview sheet on the website for more information. Contact Career Services for a mock phone interview beforehand to get some practice.

-Sound enthusiastic and motivated. Because the employer will not be able to see your face, make sure you sound positive and upbeat. Sell yourself!

-Ensure that you have a professional voicemail in case you are busy when they call. If your voicemail is not professional, chances are good that they aren’t calling you a second time.

-Ask what the next steps are and when you will be notified about the position.

-Follow up with a thank you note or email.

Hone your Interpersonal Communication Skills

2012-01-18T13:09:00.001-05:00

Since you were born, you have communicated with many different types of people. Even before you could talk, you were sending non-verbal cues to your parents in order to ensure your needs were being met. As you learned to speak, you started to communicate with sentences and figured out how to ask for what you want. However, you still utilized the non-verbal cues you relied on as an infant to supplement what you were actually saying.

It is important to use that same concept in the workplace. While you communicate on a daily basis with others on campus, in your social life, or in the workforce, you must be aware of the non-verbal communication as well. It is critical to be cognizant of the non-verbal cues you give off as well as making sure you are adept at reading cues from others. By being aware of what is being conveyed non-verbally, you can be better able to form relationships, succeed in the workplace, be a friend, and more.

In the workplace, this can be crucial as you attempt to navigate the office and forge ahead with professional relationships that can produce quality work. Simply by paying more attention to what isn’t being said, in addition to what is actually being said, can be helpful when joining the professional world.

What are some non-verbal cues that you have come across in your day-to-day interactions? What are some specific areas in the workplace that this could be particularly helpful?

Start the New Year off Right!

2012-01-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

Now that the holidays are over and a new year is just beginning, it is the perfect time to take inventory of your career planning materials and take the steps necessary to get yourself organized. Once you have everything in front of you, you can have your materials at your fingertips and readily accessible. Don’t get overwhelmed so early in the semester! Here are some tips to make sure you stay on top of your career planning game:

-Create and clearly label a binder that holds all of your materials. Label specific sections in the binder for each aspect of the job searching process (for example, resume, cover letter, interview). It might be easier for you to create a folder on your computer and keep those documents in there. Be sure to email the documents to yourself so you always have a back up.

-Check to see that your reference list is up to date and that it holds all the pertinent information you will need when asking others for recommendations.

-Research and mark your calendar for upcoming job fairs and workshops.

-Stop by Career Services to pick up major sheets or other materials that can help you narrow down your job search.

-Ensure that your email address and voicemail sound professional.

-Create a LinkedIn profile to start broadening your professional network. If you already have one, update it and look for new people to connect with.

-Make a list of people in your network that you can make connections with. Follow up with anyone you might have spoken to over the winter holiday.

-Book an appointment with Career Services to have your materials critiqued, schedule a mock interview, or to get more help.

Why Should You Use College Central?

2012-01-05T13:58:00.001-05:00

Hopefully you are familiar with College Central and have used it in some way to further your professional experience or career. If not, take the time to check it out and learn about how it can help you get the internship or job offer you have your eye on.

First off, it’s free! What college student doesn’t like free stuff? Another great quality of the website is that it is catered specifically to Gwynedd-Mercy College students and alumni and the employers are interested in recruiting GMC students and alumni to fill their open positions. The website is well organized and has contact information for each company. If you see a job or internship posting that piques your interest, it is very easy to find out how to apply for the position and who to contact.

Visit collegecentral.com/gmc to get started. If you need more help, visit Career Services in Campbell Hall.

5 Challenges Facing College Graduates

2012-01-04T11:18:00.003-05:00

This is a good article for both GMC students and alumni to read. Although the article is focused on graduates, it contains great advice for all students. The five challenges that are listed will give you a good idea of what you need to do to combat these frustrations.

Check out the full article at http://www.careerealism.com/challenges-college-graduates/

Career advice from Charlie Brown and Linus

2011-12-22T09:14:00.002-05:00

Our staff preaches this message to students all the time. People should not settle for a job/career that does not make them happy. Do what you love, and love what you do.

Charlie Brown: “Do you ever think about the future, Linus?”

Linus: “Oh yes…all the time.”

Charlie Brown: “What do you think you’d like to be when you grow up?”

Linus: “Outrageously happy!”

Make the Most of Winter Break

2011-12-21T12:13:00.003-05:00

After a long semester, the thought of spending winter break sleeping in, watching television, and playing video games sounds pretty enticing. While it is certainly important to make time to relax and recharge, this can also be the perfect opportunity to get your career in gear. Think about what you can do over the holidays to give yourself a leg up in this tough economy.

Here are some suggestions:

Create or update your resume
Take inventory of your strengths, interests, and values if you are undecided about a major and/or career
Start your job/internship search and ask family and friends about potential leads
Volunteer a couple hours a week for a cause that you feel strongly about
Conduct an Informational Interview with a friend or family member to learn about their career path

Don’t wait until the last minute to start thinking about your future plans.

Start the spring semester off on a positive note by scheduling an appointment with Career Services to develop an action plan to get your career on-track.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Career Services

What is Your Biggest Weakness?

2011-12-13T14:19:00.001-05:00

A Series About Answering Interview Questions

It is almost a given that when going on a job interview, the employer will ask you about your biggest weakness. It is a good way for the employer to gauge how you respond to see what type of worker you will be in their company. Practice your answer so that you are better prepared to show your employer you have what it takes to be a capable employee.

Don’t fall into the trap of saying that you don’t think you have any flaws, or worse, that you “work too hard.” Employers have heard it all before and want to see that you are human. They are more interested in seeing how you overcome your natural flaws and what you do to make sure that you can still produce solid work.

If there was a time on the job where you struggled, talk about that time and then explain how you overcame the obstacle. Detail what you did to learn from your mistake or weakness and share how you plan to avoid repeating the same mistake.

When forming your answer, it can be helpful to re-frame the question to make your weakness sound better. Instead of saying “I’m bad at…” or “I can’t…” say something like, “Something I’m working on is…” That way the employer can see you are aware of your weakness and are actively working on it to better yourself. Keep your examples work related and let them know what you are doing to improve yourself in the workplace.

Prepare some responses before the interview so you are ready to go when they ask this inevitable question! Contact Career Services for more help or to set up a mock interview.

Why do you Want to Work for Us?

2011-12-06T14:14:00.000-05:00

A Series About Answering Interview Questions

Going on interviews can certainly be stressful. In order to lessen the anxiety that comes with preparing for an interview, do your homework beforehand. You will be better able to go into the interview confident and ready to answer any question that is presented to you.

Before practicing your answers, try to put yourself in the mindset of the employer. Think about the motivation behind them asking the questions that they do. The employers want to see that you know about what they do, are sincere in wanting to work for them, and that you are aware of your talents and how you can apply those talents to benefit the company.

One of the most common interview questions that an employer will ask is “Why do you want to work for us?” To answer this, do your research on the company before you go into the interview. Check out their website, review news articles and press releases, and read their mission statement. In addition, Google the company to learn as much as you can. Match your talents, goals and abilities with their mission statement or job description. Use the same terminology that the company uses so they can see you are on the same page as them. Let the employer know that you value the same things that their company does.

If you need any additional help preparing for an interview, visit Career Services in Campbell Hall.

Selling Yourself to an Employer

2011-11-29T15:30:00.000-05:00

When researching and applying for a job, you need to be organized, prepared and professional. Another great way to make yourself memorable to an employer is to create an image that will stand out in the mind of an employer and make them want to talk with you further about a job opportunity. Here are three basic points to consider when selling yourself to an employer.

-Outline your best features to the employer. Features include basic information about you, or bullets on your resume that you want to highlight to the company. Discuss your work and volunteer experience and give numeric evidence of your accomplishments. Show them what type of results you are capable of achieving and let them know how you worked to achieve those results.

-Emphasize your soft skills. Show the employer the benefits they will receive by having you as a member of their team. Highlight your ability to work with others and show them specific examples of times where you demonstrated leadership. Think about your strongest characteristics and mold them into positive traits that a prospective employer would like to see.

-Ask appropriate questions that will show the employer you have a serious interest in the position. Figure out what the employer is looking for and show how you will fit those needs. Explain why you want to work for the company and ask questions that show you have done prior research about their organization. In addition, by asking questions you can express concerns or reservations you might have about working there so you can make a more informed decision in the end.

Remember, all the pieces of the job hunt can be daunting. Stay organized and work out a game plan to sell yourself to an employer so you are showing them the best version of yourself. For more help, visit Career Services.

How to get your dream job in a bad economy

2011-11-28T16:32:00.000-05:00

The end of the opening paragraph of this article has an important message: “Despite the bad economy, you can get the job you want instead of settling for one that simply pays the bills.”

Check out the full article at http://moneyland.time.com/2011/11/28/how-to-get-your-dream-job-in-a-bad-economy/?hpt=hp_c2

Network on Thanksgiving Eve

2011-11-22T13:29:00.000-05:00

The holiday season is a great way to reconnect with friends and family. Thanksgiving Eve is known as a night for students in college to come back to their hometowns and catch up with friends from high school. It can be fun to see people you haven’t talked to in awhile, and share stories about your lives. However, Thanksgiving Eve can be more than just swapping tales about college with old buddies. It can be a great way to network and let people know what type of work in which you are interested.

In between chatting with old pals, tell them where you are in your job searching process and what you hope to accomplish during your time in college and beyond. If you are searching for an internship, let them know and ask if they might know of someone in that particular field. They might have a contact in mind that you can get in touch with and start a networking relationship.

Before you head out on Thanksgiving Eve, prepare a few sentences in your head that quickly describes where you are right now and what you hope to accomplish. Just talking to a few people and letting them know what you are up to can be a good way to get your name out there and express your interest in a particular field. If you have a business card, don’t hesitate to hand it out and ask for cards from others as well. Follow up within the next few days to remind them about your goals and aspirations and ask if they would be willing to keep the lines of communication open.

Have a great time catching up with your hometown friends, but make it a productive and worthwhile night that will enhance your professional career!

Getting Involved

2011-11-15T12:02:00.001-05:00

It is essential that you take steps to get involved during your time in college. Not only does it look nice on your resume, but the experiences you gain can help mold you into a well-rounded and complete individual that a company would love to hire. You will get experience and develop skills that can help you excel in the workplace.

-Start out by making a list of your interests and abilities. See what types of things pop out at you and what you might like to spend more time doing.

-Check out the school website for a list of clubs and organizations that are offered on campus. If you don’t see what you are looking for, take initiative and the necessary steps to get that particular club or organization up and running. In addition to having the group of your choice offered, you will also be highlighting your leadership skills and showing the employer your drive and ability to make things happen.

-Make sure you become involved early in your college experience. That way, by the time you are a junior or senior, you will be able to take on a leadership role that employers like to see.

-Keep in mind that by showing you are involved in something over a long period of time, it lets employers see how committed you are.

-Remember, don’t join lots of clubs or organizations just to put on your resume. Instead, be an active member in a select few organizations and put time and effort into your experiences.

Make yourself a valuable member of anything you are involved in, and employers will be able to see how you will be a valuable part of their company.

Creating Your Image

2011-11-08T13:41:00.001-05:00

First impressions are incredibly important when meeting someone. As a result, take some time to think about what you want to convey to an employer. Why should they hire you? What special skills or qualities do you have that could enhance their organization? Here are some tips to work on your image so you are fully prepared to sell your best self to a potential employer:

-Create a brainstorm list that details what you want to highlight to employers. What are your best assets that they should know about you? What is the crucial piece of information you want them to know about you?

-Examine your resume closely to make necessary changes. Make sure you are outlining specific accomplishments, not just skills. Show the employer how you will implement positive changes in their office by highlighting specific statistics of your prior work.

-Double check to make sure that your online presence is clean and professional. Take down any offensive or immature material and be aware of the things others in your network may have posted. Try “googling” yourself. What comes up?

-Create a LinkedIn account to highlight your professional accomplishments. In addition, this is a great way to start building your network and contacting other professionals in the field.

-Consider starting a blog or a website that focuses on your area of interest. Utilize social media to make yourself noticed in a positive and professional light.

Remember, everything you do contributes to your overall image. Make decisions that will enhance your good qualities and that will show others you are a hardworking professional in the workplace. By taking yourself seriously, others will as well.

For more information, schedule an appointment with Career Services today!

Why the Little Things Matter

2011-11-01T14:40:00.000-04:00

In any aspect of the job searching process, it is important to remember to do the little things that can make you more memorable to an employer. Here are a few tips to keep in mind throughout your job hunt:

-Be sure to use resume paper when going on an interview. Employers will be impressed by your professionalism and will appreciate you coming prepared with multiple copies of your resume on special resume paper. A color like tan works best and you can buy it at most places including Walmart, Target, and the GMC bookstore.

-Have a professional sounding voicemail. Employers will not be happy if they find a goofy, giggling, immature voicemail on the other end of the phone call. Make sure you leave a clear message that conveys to the caller that you are mature and professional.

-When sending emails or any other type of correspondence, be sure to address the recipients professionally and make sure you proofread before you send. Employers do not want to receive emails, resumes or cover letters that have spelling or grammatical errors or that sound like they were meant for your best friend. You can come off as sloppy and careless when you have errors in your work and employers do not want to hire someone with those types of characteristics. Utilize professional language and double check everything before you send it.

-Follow up with a thank you note. Make sure you express your gratitude to the employer for taking the time to meet with you. In addition, sending a thank you note can help make you more memorable to the employer and it will show them that you are willing to do the little things that can make a difference.

The job search can be daunting, but making sure that you do the little things can help ensure that you put your best self out there and show the employer how well prepared you are. For more career information, visit our website at www.gmc.edu/careerservices.

Turning Rejection into Experience

2011-10-25T12:59:00.001-04:00

It never feels good to be rejected. It can be even more disheartening when you are rejected from something in which you put time, energy and money into. However, when facing rejection in the job searching process, it is important to keep in mind a few things to ensure that you learn from the experience so you can better yourself for the next opportunity.

First, don’t take rejection personally. The employers don’t know you and aren’t turning you down because they don’t like you or think you are a bad person. Keep in mind they have lots of potential candidates and they simply cannot hire everyone.

Use this experience to make adjustments where necessary. Check to make sure your resume is perfect and error-free. Also, ask a friend, family member or the Career Services center to work with you to sharpen your interviewing skills. Have them conduct a mock interview with you and take note of areas where you can make improvements.

Finally, keep in touch with the employers. After the interview, email and thank them for taking the time to meet with you and ask where they felt you could make improvements. By keeping the lines of communication open, you can stay on top of any new openings for volunteer positions or internships and make yourself visible to the company. Use the rejection as a tool for making yourself more desirable for the next opportunity!

Navigating LinkedIn

2011-10-18T10:37:00.001-04:00

There are many ways to stay connected in the professional world. A great way to network and be proactive in the job search and workplace is to create a LinkedIn profile. What exactly is LinkedIn? It is a networking resource for professionals that allows people to connect with each other.

First, you need to create a profile. Start by filling out all of your professional information and experience and listing specific accomplishments where appropriate. For this section, it can be helpful to have your updated resume in front of you to make sure you don’t leave anything out. Add extracurriculars to your profile if you think they will enhance your overall image or if you feel that skill or activity will relate to the career you are trying to break into. Finally, upload a professional photo of yourself and make sure to update the information regularly.

Once you have completed your profile, you are ready to start making connections with others and conducting informational interviews. Begin by connecting with people you know-family, friends, co-workers, supervisors, classmates, etc. If you know of a particular company you are interested in, search the company and ask to join the networks of people already employed there. That way, you can utilize the question and answer section of the website and learn more about what it would be like to work there on a daily basis. In addition, companies sometimes post job openings on LinkedIn so it is important to be aware of any changes within a company.

Make sure you are proactive with your LinkedIn account. Join groups that will bolster your professional image and that will expand your network. Remember, anything you do is experience so use your time wisely and make decisions that will enhance your career and allow you to broaden your network.

For additional information, check out the LinkedIn Tip Sheet on the Career Services website.

Draft the Perfect Resume

2011-10-11T13:09:00.001-04:00

While working on your resume, it is important to keep in mind that the seemingly unimportant little things matter a great deal. By doing the little things on your resume, it can help you stand out and allow you to land that coveted interview with a potential employer. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when working on your resume:

-Check voicemails and email. Make sure that the contact information you list on your resume is up-to-date and one you use frequently. In addition, be aware of anything that might sound unprofessional. Stay away from email addresses or voicemail recordings that might raise a red flag to a potential employer.

-Keep the layout consistent. Make sure your resume looks uniform and that the layout remains the same throughout the entire document.

-Use action words to get your point across. Instead of having a wordy paragraph describing your past experiences and accomplishments, use action words that describe specifically what it is you did for a company. Keep the sentences brief and to the point, and use specific examples when appropriate. Avoid using words like “I” or “me” when writing about your qualifications.

-Check the company website or the job description to see exactly what type of employer the company is searching for. By knowing what they would like to see in an employee, you will be better able to tailor your skills and knowledge to that particular job opening. Find skills that are highlighted in the job description and fit them into your own resume.

-Don’t lie! Make sure you are telling the truth on your resume. Employers can easily find out if you aren’t being honest with them, and it is easier to describe truthfully your credentials rather than have to remember what you lied about. In addition, employers won’t be happy when they realize they wasted valuable time talking to someone who was not being honest.

-Proofread, proofread, proofread. Go over your resume multiple times to make sure there aren’t any mistakes. Have a friend or family member go over it as well and use spell-check before sending it out. In addition, use resume paper and make sure the font is neat and easy to read.

Come have your resume critiqued by Career Services. Call or email today to make your appointment. For more information about our upcoming Resume Marathon, check out our website.

Turn your volunteer work into a career

2011-10-10T14:07:00.001-04:00

Here is a good article that we read on CNN/CareerBuilder. It discusses a job searching and career enhancing strategy that we often mention to people. Volunteering is a great way to build your skills and network. Check it out:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/10/living/volunteer-cb/index.html?hpt=hp_bn8

Attending a job fair: through the eyes of a GMC student

2011-10-06T10:11:00.001-04:00

Career Services spoke with GMC student Daniel Ressler about his experience at the Accounting Job Fair last month.

The Accounting Job Fair was a great experience for me and the other students that attended. When the event started, I was very nervous because as a sophomore this was the first time that I was going to be involved in a job fair.

After talking with a few employers, my nerves didn’t settle down, but I was gaining a lot of knowledge on how to approach the employers. The GMC professors and staff at the fair helped calm me down and reiterate that I and the other students were doing well.

I went to Career Services before the event to get my resume reviewed and that was the single best thing I did. My resume went from being so-so to being flawless which helped to boost my confidence. Students considering going to a job fair should make sure to get their resume reviewed and get a nice outfit to wear. This will help the employers see that you are interested and confident in your ability to make sure the job gets done, and gets done right!

Review job fair tips at: http://www.gmc.edu/students/careerservices/documents/JobFairTipSheet_000.pdf

Enhancing Your Emotional Intelligence

2011-10-04T13:29:00.001-04:00

In the workforce, it is vital to use your intellect to make your mark within a company. However, don’t forget to hone another critical aspect of yourself that makes you more memorable to employers and colleagues. Having a high level of emotional intelligence can help you work effectively, solve problems, and create solid professional relationships.

Emotional intelligence refers to the interpersonal skills an individual possesses. Are you insightful? Do you make inferences about topics and push the envelope to find out more? Do you communicate effectively with the members of your organization? By doing the little things, you can succeed in making yourself invaluable to a company, as well as ensuring a positive and healthy work atmosphere.

Employers want to know you are dependable, conscientious and a team player. During an interview, highlight times where you utilized your emotional intelligence to bring about positive change or results. If you can convey to a potential employer your strong soft skills, they will be more likely to hire you and have you as a valuable member of their company. Employers can see your education and background from your resume, but be sure to show them how competent you are in terms of emotional intelligence as well. Work hard every day to enhance your interpersonal skills and show the company how well-rounded you are.

Remember, intellect helps you get a job, emotional intelligence helps you keep it!

GMC student shares job fair experience

2011-09-30T10:20:00.001-04:00

Career Services spoke with Gwynedd-Mercy College (GMC) student, Christina Haig about her experience at the recent Accounting/Business Job Fair that was held at GMC.

In preparation of the job fair I researched the companies that I was interested in. I did this in order to get a good sense of their background and to see which companies were right for me. Researching them made it easy for me to ask questions about the company and it also showed that I was interested in what they had to offer.

When I first arrived at the job fair, I have to admit I was a little nervous. It was very intimidating having to speak and ask questions to representatives from well-known public accounting firms and industry companies. After talking to a few employers, the nerves finally went away and I could be myself. This event was very successful for me. I got a chance to meet with possible future employers and had the opportunity to get experience in a so called “mock interview” and hand out my resume to numerous companies. The job fair also gave me the confidence I needed to not be nervous and to just be myself around the employers.

My advice to other students thinking about attending a job fair is to research the companies you are going to meet with. It will save you time and it will also show that you are interested. Another thing I would tell students is to be yourself because in the end you are who you are and future employers might like the fact that you’re showing your true personality. Overall, this experience was very beneficial and I would advise all students to attend job fairs.

For a list of job fair and other events visit http://www.gmc.edu/students/careerservices/Events.php

Informational Interviews

2011-09-27T15:33:00.003-04:00

A great way to learn more about a company or a position within a company is to set up an informational interview. Informational interviews are all about building a relationship with a professional in the field you are trying to break into. Schedule an interview today to speak to a person in the field and learn more about what they do on a day-to-day basis.

Informational interviews are great ways to network as well. While speaking to someone in the field, ask if they have other contacts you can be in touch with. In most cases, they will be happy to refer you along to someone who can provide you with the information you are looking for. Think about the people you can connect with. Utilize our mentoring program to get in touch with recent graduates who are in the field you are interested in.

Before you go, write down your goals and think about what you are hoping to accomplish. Have a list of questions ready that relate to your goals and that show the employer you are genuinely interested in learning more about the company. People love to talk about themselves and most likely, will be more than happy to share their tips and advice with you.

Don’t forget to follow up after! Send an email thanking them for taking the time to meet with you. Also, ask if they would be interested in staying in touch periodically. That way, you will keep the connection and make yourself memorable if a job happens to open up within the company.

For more, check out the packet on our website or stop by and schedule an appointment with us:

Career Services
215-646-7300 x230
careerservices@gmc.edu
Campbell Hall

Making the Most out of a Job Fair

2011-09-14T10:55:00.003-04:00

You saw a sign for an upcoming job fair, and think it might be a good idea to see what it’s all about. Someone there must be hiring so there is a good chance you’ll walk out of there with a job offer. Right? Wrong! Just showing up at a job fair does not guarantee you anything-in fact, it can make you completely forgettable to an employer. Here are some tips to making sure you get noticed at a job fair:

• Define your goals and aspirations before you get to the fair. What are you hoping to accomplish? What type of position are you looking to hold within a company? What career would be most fulfilling for you? It can be helpful to outline concrete goals for yourself (today I will set up 3 informational interviews).

• Do your homework! Research the companies that will be at the fair that you are interested in. Representatives from those organizations will be impressed that you took the time to see what their company is all about. In addition, showing you have an interest in their company will make you more memorable when they return to their office and are sifting through a mountain of resumes.

• Practice your pitch! Rehearse a 30 second commercial about yourself that highlights your best qualities. Think about what employers are looking for in a good worker and emphasize how your work ethic and personality would be a good fit for their organization.

• Write down questions! Employers want to know you are interested in their company, so come prepared with a list of questions written out beforehand that show you are genuinely looking for more information.

• Come prepared! Bring enough copies of your resume for everyone that will be at the fair, and make sure to use resume paper. If you know of specific companies you want to talk to at the fair, tailor your resume for that particular organization.

• Look and act like a professional! Conduct yourself as you would in a formal interview, and show enthusiasm for what you are doing. Let the employer see how your positive personality will fit in their organization.

• Gear up for round 2! Don’t be shy about asking if the company would be willing to partake in an informational interview. In addition, bolster up your list of contacts so that after the fair, you can network, network, network.

Remember, the time and preparation you put into a job fair can be the difference in getting you that job you want. Make the most out of it!

Stop by and schedule an appointment with us:
Career Services
215-646-7300 x230
careerservices@gmc.edu
Campbell Hall

Researching Careers

2011-09-08T14:16:00.003-04:00

Not sure where to start when it comes to finding information about all of the different careers out there? Don’t worry. Here are a couple of resources to help you get started with your research:

O*NET
This database allows you to look up facts about any career. You can learn about the day-to-day tasks, skills and level of education needed, and a variety of other information. This is a great place to start your research.

Career Stories
These are actual first-hand accounts of real people talking about their jobs. There is a career story for just about any job you can think of and while reading through them, ask yourself if you could picture yourself in the same role.

Job Descriptions
Entering in a job title in a job search website like Indeed or SimplyHired can give you information about the daily responsibilities and qualifications needed for that particular field.

Informational Interviewing
One of THE best tools you can use when researching careers. If you have questions about a certain career, who better to ask than someone who is actually doing that job? See our previous blog post and Informational Interviewing Guide for details.

Using Labor Day to get a Job

2011-09-02T09:58:00.003-04:00

In a few hours people will be enjoying a three-day weekend, thanks to Labor Day. The extra day off on Monday is to honor and celebrate the American worker. Traveling, barbecuing and having fun with your family and friends is customary. However, don't forget about another hidden benefit of spending time with numerous people.

The holidays, especially Labor Day weekend, are a great chance to network. You will spend a lot of time talking to people, family, friends and others. Make sure to ask them for help. Ask them if they know about any job or internship openings. Ask them if they know of some people who would be good for you to connect with. Read our networking guide on our website at http://www.gmc.edu/students/careerservices/documents/NetworkingGuide_004.pdf.

So, enjoy the weekend, but keep networking on your mind as well.

-Career Services

Welcome Back!

2011-08-29T11:33:00.002-04:00

Welcome GMC students! As you get back into school mode after summer vacation, don’t forget to make plans this semester that will help you prepare for your future career.

Not sure about what to major in? Confused about how to make a meaningful career path for yourself? Need help creating a resume or finding a job? Career Services is here to help!

Schedule an individual appointment this semester to:

• Discuss possible options if you are undecided, undeclared, or thinking about switching your major
• Explore possible career paths based on your skills and interests
• Find an internship for this year
• Have you resume critiqued
• Brush up on your interviewing skills

Keep us in mind as you start planning for this semester. Stop by or schedule an appointment soon:

Career Services
215-646-7300 x230
careerservices@gmc.edu
Campbell Hall

Top Reasons to Conduct Informational Interviews

2011-08-11T12:46:00.002-04:00

Informational interviewing is one of the best tools you can use to help you work through the career development process. Interviewing people about their current job, previous positions, company, etc. can reveal a wealth of information that you can use to evaluate your own career path. Who better to ask for advice than someone who is working in the field you are interested in?

Conducting informational interviews can help you:

Gather valuable information: Whether it is deciding on a major, narrowing down possible career options, or figuring out what to specialize in, the more information you have the more confident you will feel about your decision. People enjoy talking about themselves and helping others you share the same interests, so don’t be shy!

Find a mentor: No matter what your career goals, chances are there is someone out there working in the same type of job you are interested in. Being able to relate to someone with common interests and goals can be the start of a supportive mentoring relationship. Remember: behind every great success story is a great mentor.

Practice professional communication skills: One of the top skills that employers look for is the ability to communicate effectively. Contacting people for and conducting informational interviews is a great way to practice speaking with professionals (which is much different than texting or emailing friends).

Make networking contacts: You hear it all the time “It’s not about what you know, it’s who you know.” While informational interviews are not a place to explicitly ask for a job or internship, they will allow you to increase your network of professional contacts.

To learn more about this topic, check out the Informational Interviewing guide on our website.

REJECTION

2011-08-01T09:30:00.002-04:00

Even the most successful people have faced set-backs in their careers; but if looked at from the right perspective, “failures” can be the very things that motivate us to keep pursuing our goals. Here are a few examples of people who turned rejection into success:

• Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.
• Dr. Seuss sent his first book to 27 different companies before it was published.
• Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first television job.
• Jerry Seinfeld was booed off the stage during his first stand-up comedy routine.

Instead of letting rejection hold you back from your job search and career goals, use it to strengthen your determination by:

• Maintaining a positive outlook: Not getting a job or internship you really wanted can certainly be disappointing. What you do after learning about rejection is 100% your choice. You can let it discourage you completely, or you can view it as a learning opportunity.

• Asking for feedback: If you developed a good rapport with the employer, try asking for advice on how to make yourself a better candidate. Also, check-in with Career Services and family/friends for constructive feedback on your application materials and interviewing skills.

• Being professional and mature: No matter how upset you are, make sure that all contact with any employer is polite and courteous. You never know when another job opening at that company might surface.

• Not giving up! Rejection can actually be a helpful tool that allows us to re-strategize our job search methods and make improvements on how we present ourselves in a professional setting. Don’t take it personally, learn from it, and keep moving forward.

Resume: more than just responsibilities

2011-07-27T10:18:00.002-04:00

In today’s competitive job market, it’s important that your resume be the very best representation of your skills, experiences, and capabilities. Creating an accomplishment-focused resume will give specific evidence to the reader that you go above and beyond typical job responsibilities.

By shifting the focus of your resume from generic bullet points to concrete and individualized accomplishments, the reader will be given a much better sense of who you are and what you have to offer.

Most employers and hiring managers have a general idea of what the main responsibilities of various job titles entail. Instead of using up valuable space on your resume with information that the reader most likely already knows, try creating accomplishments or key contributions sub-sections under each position.

An accomplishment-focused resume will help you stand out against the other applicants. Demonstrate that it mattered that you held this position and not some other random person.

Check out resume-accomplishment packet: http://www.gmc.edu/students/careerservices/documents/Resumeaccomplishments_001.pdf

How to Turn Your Internship into Full-time Employment

2011-07-19T11:21:00.002-04:00

Doing an internship is one of the most important things you can do while in college (or even after college in some cases). Career Services recommends that students do at least 1-2 internships to gain some professional experience. It will help you market yourself when applying for a job and also help you figure out what type of career you want.

Here is an article from Career Realism that discusses using your internship to assist you in getting a job.

http://www.careerealism.com/internship-full-time-employment/

Choosing a Major

2011-07-07T12:54:00.003-04:00

Choosing a major is a big decision, which is why it’s important to take your time and really consider all of your options. Whether you are choosing a major for the first time, or thinking about switching majors, keep these things in mind while you work through this decision-making process:

1. Be thoughtful and do your research. The more information you have about yourself and your options, the more confident you can be in your decision:

Assess your skills, interests, personality and values.
Gather information about the different majors at GMC and talk to professors and current students in programs of interest to you.
Explore career fields. While you may not know exactly what you want to do after graduation (which is okay), but having a general idea or a few possible options is a great place to start.

2. Take it one step at a time. It’s hard to think about possible career options if you don’t know what you are interested in or what talents you can bring to the table.

3. It’s okay to be unsure (for now) – use your indecision to fuel your research: “I don’t know right now, but I’m going to work hard to narrow down my options.”

4. Take advantage of the resources available to you through the Career Services office:

Individual career counseling appointments.
Career Exploration section of the Career Services website outlines this process and provides helpful links to resources that will assist with your research.
Self-assessment inventories available on the website and to be taken and discussed with a Career Services staff member.

To schedule an appointment with Career Services, contact us at:
215-646-7300 x230
careerservices@gmc.edu
www.gmc.edu/careerservices

3 ways to boost your job search

2011-07-01T10:06:00.002-04:00

Are you frustrated with your job search? Is it becoming tiresome and stressful? Yes, job searching is tough and can take time (average job search takes 4-6 months), but there are a few things you can do to make it more manageable. Before discussing techniques, let’s be clear that candidates need to do more than sitting at a computer and applying for jobs through websites. Be proactive in your job search. Here are three strategies:

• Volunteering: This gives you a chance to get experience in a field you would like to work in and also develop and enhance skills that are related towards that career. Also, allows you to make connections with people in career fields of interest to you.
• Informational Interviews: This form of networking is one of the top job search methods. It involves talking with people who are currently working in the field to gain a better understanding of an occupation or industry and to build a network of contacts in that field.
• Professional Organizations: Most career fields have an association that offers professional development resources, networking opportunities and sometimes job postings. Try to attend a conference to learn more about the field and also meet professionals in the career you are interested in.

Using a variety of techniques in your job search increases your chance of successfully getting the job you want while also decreasing the amount of frustration and stress.

5 Things You Don't Need on Your Resume

2011-06-13T15:31:00.002-04:00

A generic Objective statement
Avoid overused statements such as “Pursuing a career where I can use my skills and education to make a difference.” This does not say much about you or your qualifications and will most likely get glossed over by the employer.

“References available upon request”
This phrase does not need to appear at the end of your resume. If an employer needs references, they will ask for them.

More than 1 phone number
There is no need to include more than 1 phone number because an employer will most likely call the first number listed and leave a message. List the number you check most frequently and make sure you have a professional voicemail message.

Information from High School
Employers do not need, or want, to see information from high school. As a college student or recent grad, you want to distance yourself from the image of a high school student and instead highlight your more recent accomplishments.

Irrelevant or short-term employment
Resumes are not a list of everything you have done in your life, just the best and most related information. Jobs that have no relation to your desired career, or you only worked at for a short time, do not need to be included on your resume.

Today's tip: be careful, be professional

2011-06-07T10:00:00.004-04:00

A big part of being a professional is acting like one. One area that is sometimes overlooked is communications.

Make sure you read over your email and all communication (cover letter, resume) before contacting people. Your email can not contain errors (spelling or grammatical). You need to be more formal in your communication to people such as employers, co-workers, staff, faculty and other professionals.

If an employer were to read something that contained errors you would most likely be eliminated as a candidate. The employer would think of you as being sloppy, careless and unprofessional.

So don't hurt your chances of getting the position you want because you didn't put the effort (check the spelling and read over the communication) in to make sure your communications are professional and formal.

Today’s Career Tip: little things matter in an interview

2011-05-31T11:35:00.006-04:00

Showing up to a job interview well dressed and on time is important, but it is not the only part that matters. Here are some other things you should bring with you:

• Extra copies of your resume (3-5 copies on resume paper): When you walk into the room where you are interviewing offer each person who is interviewing you a copy of your resume. Even though they might already have your resume on file (as part of your application) don’t assume so. This shows the employer you are organized and professional.

• A typed list of at least 3 professional and/or academic references: References should be drawn from the pool of people who are in the best position to assess your performance. Make sure you ask permission to use someone’s name in advance as a reference.

• Professional-style portfolio or binder that contains a pen and paper: This will help you stay organized as you can carry copies of your resume and reference sheets in this. You will also give off the image of being a professional.

• Approximately 3-5 questions you would like to ask your interviewer(s): These questions should be written/typed out before the interview. They can be on the note pad in the professional-style portfolio/binder. When the employer ask if you have any questions for them you can open the portfolio/binder and tell them you do and that you prepared them ahead of time. This displays your work ethic and preparation. Also, one of employer’s top pet-peeves is when candidates tell them they don’t have any questions. You should absolutely ask them a few questions. Remember you are interviewing the interviewer(s) too.

• Portfolio of work samples: Put together a collection of artifacts and examples of your accomplishments from, internships, part-time, full-time and summer jobs, class projects, community and campus involvement, and academic endeavors. You can also create a smaller portfolio that you can give to the employer to keep.
Remember an interview is more than just answering questions. You need to sell and market yourself. The above bullets will help you accomplish that goal.

Today’s Tip: best time to job search

2011-05-24T15:51:00.001-04:00

The average job search takes 4-6 months. This number escalates if the job searcher is ill-prepared. Whether you are currently working or not you need to be ready. Most jobs don’t last forever and as the late John Wooden said, “Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.” This is so true when it comes to job searching.

The number of unemployed people in the U.S. has remained high since 2007. Experts predict the number to decline but at a slow rate. Workers are still getting laid off and unemployed people are having difficulty finding new jobs.

However, don’t let the tough economy scare you into staying put in a shock-like state. Even though people are worried of getting laid off, they don’t put adequate effort in preparing for such a scenario.

Just because you have a job doesn’t mean you can’t look for a new and sometimes better job. In fact, I believe the best time to job search is when you have a job. You can still make your full salary and maintain your benefits all while looking for a job that may be a better fit for you.

While you are working you should get these things in order:

• Update your resume and references and keep track of your work accomplishments.
• Organize your professional portfolio.
• Enhance your LinkedIn page.
• Brainstorm the types of jobs you want, including where and when.
• Create a game plan and strategies for how you will conduct your job search.

If you start preparing now, while you are working, you won’t be caught off guard. You will be ahead of the game. You will also be prepared to apply for a new job that you may like better (or sturdier) then the one you have now. Don’t lose out on an opportunity for the job you want because you didn’t put the time and effort in while you were working.

Career Tip: using examples during an interview

2011-05-16T10:16:00.001-04:00

The job market is tough. The competition is fierce. Candidates need to do everything possible to help them stand out from the crowd.

This includes your job documents (resume and cover letter) and your interview. Don’t ruin your chances of landing the job by having a so-so interview. Just as you put a lot of hard work constructing your resume and cover letter, you need to do the same when preparing for your interview.

One important piece that you should practice is coming up with stories/examples. Think of some short stories that explain where you have successfully used the skills you’ve acquired. These should be skills that are relevant towards the job you are applying for.

It is one thing to call yourself great at multitasking but it means much more to back up your statements with examples. This will offer the employer some proof to your statements and depth to your answers.

However, remember you need to practice these examples in order to communicate them effectively to the employer.

What's your biggest WEAKNESS?

2011-04-14T14:14:00.003-04:00

This is often thought to be one of the most challenging questions an employer could ask during an interview. Everyone has a weakness (most of us have more than one!), so the key to answering this question is to focus on what you do to compensate for a lack of experience or skill in a certain area.

Think about it this way:

• BE BRIEF when describing the actual weakness. There's no need to draw too much attention to it.

• Keep it related to your PROFESSIONAL life. This means not sharing a weakness that is too personal.

• Re-phrase your answer: Something I’m working on is… Or Something that does not come as naturally to me is…

• Focus your answer on describing the ACTION STEPS you take to overcome your weakness.

• Let the employer know you are SELF-AWARE and open to constructive criticism.

• Don’t raise any red flags. Stay away from mentioning anything along the lines of having a problem with being on-time, working too hard (this is a cliché), or lacking the skills/professionalism essential for the job you are applying for.

If you need help preparing for an interview, contact Career Services:

215-646-7300 x230
careerservices@gmc.edu