Seasonal Work

Job seekers sometimes shy away from accepting a seasonal employment opportunity because it is generally short-lived and not usually in their field of interest.  My advice is to reconsider.  Many times these "temporary" jobs can lead to a full-time position with the company if you perform at a high level. Consider these opportunities a chance to audition your skills. 

Also keep in mind that many of these jobs work with the public, and you never know who you may meet. Every contact is a potential lead to the position you are seeking.  Everyone remembers competent, helpful, and likeable employees they meet.  One of these contacts just may be looking for someone to fill an open position!

Interview Like a Pro

What makes one candidate better than another in the interview process? Do some people just have "it"? In a way, yes.  The "it", however, may not be what you are thinking.  Preparation is what the best applicants possess.  A good interview is imperative in landing the job you want and requires your very best effort.

Characteristics of a great applicant

• Well dressed, well groomed, smiles, professional demeanor
• Answers questions thoroughly and relates to the position description
• Appears prepared for questions and not easily flustered
• Asks well thought out questions at the end of the interview

4 Questions to prepare for

1. Would you tell me(us) a little about yourself?
• No personal information. Spend about two minutes discussing your qualifications that match up with the position description. This is your best chance to lay your best cards on the table.
2. What are some of your greatest strengths?
• Describe an asset that lines up directly with a desired/required skill from the position description.
3. Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
• A major concern for employers is hiring someone that is looking for a layover on their way to a better opportunity. Always include the employer in your plan and make sure they feel you are commited to them for at least the timeframe in the question.
4. Do you have any questions for me(us)?
• As you can probably guess, the only wrong answer is "no". Research the company to develop well thought out and relavent questions. You should always have between three and five questions.

Being well prepared for these questions will give you confidence and keep you focused on selling yourself to the position description, which is the goal.

Using Resources

Your Student Employment office has a number of different assets for you to use in your search for employment. To increase your chances of getting a position you want, you should make use of these tools.

Web Resources
There are many Student Employment tools you can use on-line.  Resume writing, interviewing tips, and job searching are just a few.  There are also links to "Job Choices" which is an on-line magazine produced by a national organization working with colleges and employers.  There are many articles that provide excellent suggestions for improving your ability to make yourself the best candidate possible. These resources can be found by clicking on the picture.

Body Piercings and Tattoos

Body art is becoming much more popular in society, but how will it affect your employment possibilities? Most people do not think about this when they decide to add a piercing or tattoo, but your decision could have more of an impact on your future than you think.

 

 

Many companies have policies that prevent employees from having tattoos and piercings, or at least against from having them visible. Before applying for a position, research the company to find out what their policy is.

Levelwing Campus Visit

Levelwing is a marketing/data analysis company that recently expanded from New York City to Daniel Island. They will be on-campus Wednesday, October 26th from 12:45 - 1:45 p.m. in building 410 room 212 on the main campus to discuss their company and potential positions to fill. To reserve a seat, log in to Career Connection, or email the Student Employment office at stuemploy@tridenttech.edu.

 

 

Who is Levelwing?

They are a data-driven marketing solutions firm and a full-service digital advertising agency. Founded in 2002 by Steve Parker Jr. and Jeff Adelson-Yan, the agency grew out of a 450 sqaure foot New Yrok apartment into a multi-office agency serving global clients. Levelwing was named the #1 and #2 Fastest Growing Company by the Charleston Regional Business journal in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
At Levelwing, team members work as data-driven marketers providing innovative digital solutions, leveraging data in order to focus on accountability, ask smarter questions, and continually pursue more meaningful answers. The work is challenging, fast-paced, and requires an analytical mindset. Team members generally have strong backgrounds in computers, data analysis, media, and marketing.

Dress for Success

How do you dress for an interview? Two words: Professional and Conservative.

Professional

• Men - Generally, this is a suit although you may get by with a shirt and tie if the position is in a more casual setting. Always dress better than what the employees wear on a daily basis and it is always better to be over dressed than under dressed.
• Women - Business suit or a nice top (with sleeves) and slacks or skirt.

Conservative

• Darker colors (blue, black, grey, etc.)
• Minimal jewelry (small earrings, one ring, small necklace, etc.)
• Hair should be well groomed and not contain bold colors or highlights
• No bright colors
• Women - clothes should not be low cut or above the knee
• Men - clothes should fit well and be pressed
• Very minimal cologne/perfume; none is better

This may seem to be a lot of guidelines that shouldn't make a difference in your ability to perform the functions of the position, but the first impression you make on an interview team may determine whether or not you are hired. You do not want to be remembered for dressing inappropriately for an interview.

Employer Visit

Coca-Cola Consolidated will be on campus Wednesday September 28th at 12:45 and September 29th at 1:00 p.m. Representatives will provide information on working for Coca-Cola as a career and discuss available openings at their distribution warehouse. This is a good opportunity to ask questions and possibly discuss a part-time opportunity while you attend college. To register, go to the Career Connection website, or send an email to stuemploy@tridenttech.edu.

Work-Study

Welcome to the 2011 Fall Semester!

Each new school year brings new students seeking employment opportunities through the work-study program. It also brings a lot of questions about the program. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.

What is work-study?

- The program is designed to allow students an opportunity to earn an hourly wage working part-time in either an on-campus or select off-campus position. These opportunities do not interfere with your class schedule.

What are the qualifications?

- There are two types of work-study, Institutional and Federal. Institutional positions are funded by the college and require enrollment in 6 hours or more and an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher. Federal positions are based on financial aid eligibility and require enrollment in 6 hours or more, GPA of 2.0 or higher, and the student cannot be on Financial Aid Probation.

How do I apply?

- You must complete an application with the Student Employment office so that your eligibility may be screened. You also must register on Career Connection, upload a resume, and then apply for work-study positions that are advertised. You will be contacted for an interview just as you would for any job you apply to. For more information, visit our work-study web page.

The Job Search

You may have heard that finding a job is a full-time job in itself. It can be. The market is very competitive for many industries and employers are searching for the "best" candidates instead of the only candidates.

What does this mean for the job seeker? First, you should make sure you are presenting yourself as a candidate who can fulfill the job description. Pay attention to the requirements of the position. Make sure you are clearly demonstrating your ability to perform required tasks.

Second, you should be prepared to apply for more positions than you may have anticipated. Competition is stiff and managers receive many applications/resumes for each opening. You may be qualified, but not "as qualified" as others who apply.

Third, use many methods of finding openings. On-line gives you the quickest method to find the most openings, but remember to network and use personal interaction as well. Many companies only accept resumes on-line so that should be your first resource.

Finally, do not be discouraged! It is easy to lose motivation, but your opportunity is out there. You just need to locate it. Many times you find the job you wanted in a place you didn't expect. Keep in mind that most companies need people in administration, information technology, accounting, marketing/sales, etc. Example: if you are a computer programmer, keep in mind that Food Lion has a computer network. Hidden jobs are some of the best sources of opportunity.

How to get noticed

Today's job market is extremely competitive. For every open position you can expect to compete with dozens of other applicants at a minimum. Sometimes even hundreds. Managers cannot afford to interview everyone, so they generally select 5 - 10 of the top candidates. How can you make the cut?

• Address the needs of the position rather than trying to list every accomplishment in your life
• Use key words from the position description in your resume
• Organize your resume so that the most important information for the position is listed first

Using a generic resume that you send out for every position is poor use of your time. You must convince the hiring manager that you are a good candidate for "their" position. The use of key words and addressing the position requirements will do just that.

Networking - What is it?

Most employment advisors will tell their clients that the most effective tool for finding a job is networking. Many times the conversation on that topic ends there and the student/client is left to wonder what "networking" is and how to go about it.

First of all, is it really the most effective means of landing the job you are seeking? Yes and no. The truth is that there is no one single most effective tool for the job seeker. Those that employ the most tools are generally the first to land a good position.

Networking is meeting people, introducing yourself, and letting them know you are seeking employment. Networking with people you already know allows you to develop several extended recruiters to look for opportunities for you. If you share your resume/skills with them and tell them what type of position you are looking for, you now have an advocate who in turn has many contacts. Meeting new people at community events, business luncheons, chamber events, alumni functions, job fairs, etc. provides you an opportunity to pass on your resume/business card and discuss your qualifications in person. Many times this can lead to an interview, which is your objective.

Professional Resume Services

Recently, I have been asked about the feasibility of using paid resume specialists to assist in creating a resume. My advice in most cases is to keep your money in your pocket. These professionals are not necessarily attempting to defraud you or are unscrupulous, but they are not providing a unique service. They refer to the same guides and examples available to anyone.

• There is no magic format for a resume that will instantly land you the job of your dreams!
  

The "trick" that professional resume writers use is to gather as much information about you as possible and then find out exactly what profession/position you are seeking. They then write a resume that puts your best relevant skills/qualities on paper that are most directly linked to the position you are seeking.

The format of your resume is never as important as the content. The format is how to arrange the content. A good resume shows the employer that your possess the skills and abilities to perform the job as advertised. Professional resume writers stick to that script. So should you, but with the extra money in your pocket!

Graduation!

Now that you are graduating, what next? Finding a job can be a daunting task. You have probably heard the phrase "finding a job is a full-time job itself". This is true in many cases. So how do you start?

1. Develop a plan. Just applying at random and mass mailing resumes is inefficient and less productive. Try to narrow your focus to the type of employer you would like to work for and conduct some in-depth research. Apply to the comapanies that meet your benchmarks first.


2. Create a high quality resume and cover letter. Do not try to create one generic resume to send to every employer. Review the position description carefully and use the key words the employer uses throughout your resume. Your resume/cover letter should show the employer that you have the skills/training that meets their needs.


3. Be aggressive in your search. Employers won't call you! You need to use the intenet, network with friends and contacts, and make personal visits. Employers appreciate someone with initiative!

There are jobs out there, but you must seek them out and show the employer that you are the best candidate. Do not discount temporary agencies as a first step. While they may not be in your plan, they can provide you with experience while your search continues. Many times they can lead to a full-time position as well.

Career Connection

What is Career Connection? It is an on-line job posting system managed by the Student Employment office. Similar to other tools (Monster, Career Builder, etc.) with the additional component of Student Employment staff screening the postings and approving employer accounts. The end result is postings that are true job offerings and not attempts at fraud or are misleading.

Students and alumni may create an account at no charge and keep the account as long as you like after graduation. The account has the convenience of allowing users to upload documents such as: resumes, cover letters, certificates, etc. These are then available to send electronically to employers in response to job postings. The system is also used to announce employer visits, events, and special opportunities.

Sign up today and use this as another tool to land the job you have been looking for!

Information Session by Verizon Wireless

Staff members from Verizon Wireless will host an Information Session on April 20th, 2011 in building 410 room 212. Take advantage of this opportunity to listen to their presentation on landing an interview and getting the job. These skills are valuable for any position you pursue, not just at Verizon Wireless.

• Wednesday, April 20th 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.


• Building 410 Room 212


• Resumes - "What an employer looks for"


• Interviewing - "How to be the best"

Be sure to RSVP through your Career Connection account (preferred) or send an email to the Student Employment office requesting a seat.

Career Fair Planning

Why attend the Spring Career Fair? To access approximately 100 employers in one location! This is one of the largest employer fairs in the area each year. All students and graduates should make an effort to attend if possible. Even if you are not presently looking for employment you will be able to speak with company representatives to prepare yourself once you are in the market for a career. Making the most of the career fair.

1. Dress accordingly. Showing up in shorts and flip flops does not make a favorable impression. You are meeting with company representatives, dress to impress! Your first meeting could leave a lasting impression (good or bad). You do not necessarily have to wear a suit, but dress to look professional. Example: Males - consider khaki's and a nice polo shirt or dress shirt and pants. Females - consider slacks and a blouse.


2. Come alone. Do not bring family members. This is a professional event, not a family outing. If you have children, arrange for care. An employer sees someone with a stroller as someone who may have child care issues and would not be a safe hire.


3. Bring copies of your resume. Not all employers will accept a resume at the fair, but those that do will be impressed that you are prepared. It will also be a chance to get some feedback for future resume updating.


4. Have some questions prepared. Don't just wander around! Know what you want to ask employers ahead of time. Prepare some questions to ask before you go.


5. Do not discount any employer based on their name. Too often I hear that there were no employers who represented "_________" industry. Most companies hire many different occupations. Example: Roper hospital not only needs medical personnel, but also computer technicians, accountants, office staff, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians, and many others.

Attend the Spring Career Fair and make the most of your opportunity!

Effective Resumes Part II

Your resume is the first demonstration of the quality of your work. Make it great! Spelling and grammar errors, formatting problems, inappropriate email addresses and many other seemingly small mistakes can prevent you from receiving a call for an interview. An employer assumes that you have spent some time preparing your resume, and if you still have errors, they will also assume your work place skills are less than desireable. I recommend the following:

• Eyeball test. Does it look professional? Your resume should look like a professional document with appropriate fonts, text size, margins, etc.
• Second checker. Enlist the help of someone you trust. Have them review your resume to check for spelling/grammar errors and give you honest feedback.
• Sell it. Your resume should convince the employer that you can fulfill the requirements of the advertised position. Have two or three aquaintances read your resume and ask if they are convinced you are qualified for the position you are applying for.

"To desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly." - Confucius

Effective Resumes - Part I

Writing an effective resume is paramount to landing job interviews. Your resume is the first demonstration of the quality of your work. If you quickly put together a resume and send it out, you will probably be disappointed in the results.

Your resume should do the following for the employer reading it:

1. Tell him/her what you want
2. Show that you have the skills/qualifications to do the job
3. Create a desire to speak with you in person

To fulfill all of these objectives you first need to decide what format of resume is best suited for your situation. There are three basic types of resume: Chronological, Functional or Hybrid.

• Chronological - This format focuses on your work history. Generally, you will list your most recent work position, with a short list of duties, and go back in time. This type of resume is effective if you have significant work experience in the type of position you are applying for.
• Functional - This type focuses on your skills and potential, not your work history. Your skills can be learned anywhere: school, work, volunteering, etc. This format is most effective for those who are just out of school or changing careers.
• Hybrid - A combination of both the chronological and the functional. This is best for those who have some relevant work experience, but perhaps not a lot.

Examples of each format may be found on the Student Employment website. Check back next week for part II in our resume writing series.

Disney Internship Presentation

Have you ever wondered who works at the Disney theme parks and how they got there? Many are college students just like you. The training and experience they receive in the Disney College Program look great on a resume for any career. Find out how to participate and what is included in the program from a TTC student who has been there.

When: Monday, March 7th @ 12:15
Where: Main Campus building 410 room 212 (second floor)

Programs like this are invaluable experience towards your career and Disney has a world wide reputation for quality. Invest a few minutes to see if this is right for you.

Increase your chance for an interview

With the unemployment rate at 8% or higher, the competition for vacant positions is very high. To improve your chances of landing an interview, here are a few suggestions:

1. Only apply for positions that you are actually qualified for. You should have either education or work experience to meet the position requirements. Applying for openings that you are not really qualified for will only increase your frustration when you do not receive a call for an interview.
2. Do not send generic resumes/cover letters/applications. Your package should be specific to the position requirements. Tailor your resume to address the skills and requirements as listed by the employer. Make your cover letter for the position you are applying for, not a generic letter for all employers.
3. Read the position description! To improve your chances of landing that interview, you must address the needs of the employer. In most cases, the advertisement will tell you what the employer needs. Do not ignore this.

Keep in mind that you are trying to fill an employer's needs. Put yourself in their shoes and see if your application package addresses those needs. If it is not clear on paper that you are a good fit, you probably will not move to the interview phase.