Use all of your tools - Career Connection

As a current student or graduate of TTC, you have access to our Career Connection system.  This on-line job posting system allows employers the opportunity to advertise open positions directly to you.  The majority of employers are local and are looking for employees with the qualifications obtained in our degree programs.  Registration is free and you can upload multiple versions of your resume, cover letters and other documents.

How do I get hired at Boeing?

I hear this question at least once or twice a day.  The answer is:

• Be qualified - carefully read the job description and evaluate your past training and experience
• Be pro-active - do not wait for someone to do the work for you
• Make sure your resume shows that you can perform the work described in the position description - employers can't read your mind so use "key words"
• Look for contractors who work with Boeing in addition to applying to Boeing itself
• Check the ReadySC website for open application periods.
• Post your resume on the Boeing Talent Network site.  This allows Boeing staff to search for qualified applicants for new positions that become available.

At the time of this posting, at least two of these contractors (Yoh Aerospace and CDI) are trying to fill over 100 positions at the Charleston plant.  Please contact the Student Employment office if you are interested.  There is a job description on the Career Connection system.

574-6302
stuemploy@tridenttech.edu

Employer Vist To TTC

Spinx will be conducting interviews on November 6th and 7th for a new Summerville store location.  All interviews will be held in the Student Employment office in building 940 suite D on main campus.

Contact our office for an appointment (574-6302) or apply on-line at myspinx.com.

Student Employment Workspace

Come visit Student Employment Services and take advantage of the materials available to help you with creating a resume, job hunting, interviewing or browse the employer brochures.  We have two computer stations available for resume writing, job searching and employer research.

You may also schedule an appointment to meet with staff one-on-one in developing your resume or working on interview skills.

940 D
843-574-6302
stuemploy@tridenttech.edu

Do Your Homework

Researching Employers

by Alicia Bervine, Anne Orange, and Jennifer Whetstone-Jackson
Researching employers is perhaps the single-most important activity you will undertake in your job search. The information you uncover can help you:

• Discover organizations that are a good match for you,
• Identify the organization’s goals and needs,
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experiences that match the employer’s needs,
• Know what questions to ask employers,
• Demonstrate your interest in and enthusiasm for the organization,
• Answer interview questions with confidence, and
• Make an informed employment decision.

Unfortunately, many students overlook the importance of research when undertaking a job search or looking for an internship. In fact, it’s common for employers to complain that potential job candidates haven’t “done their homework,” and instead come into the interview with little or no knowledge about the organization. These candidates flounder, asking questions that could be easily answered by a cursory look at the company website or literature. Needless to say, they make a poor impression, because employers often assume lack of research means lack of interest.

Where should you begin?

Start by developing a list of organizations in which you might be interested—companies that have the types of jobs or do the type of work that interests you. These could be organizations that visit your campus for career fairs, information sessions, and interviews, or they might be companies you have identified on your own as potential employers. An added bonus: You may discover lesser-known organizations that might be a match for your skills and interests. (Having a problem with this step? Talk with a career counselor in your campus career center for direction.)
Research companies to obtain information in each of the following categories:

• Organizational overview: age, size, financial outlook, growth, and structure
• Trends/issues in the industry
• Mission, philosophy, objectives
• Public or private or foreign-owned
• Location of plants, offices, stores, subsidiaries
• Products and/or services
• Names of key executives
• Competitors
• Sales, assets, earnings
• Growth history and current growth activity
• Current challenges
• Major achievements and activity, issues, news
• Career paths, training, benefits
• Company culture

Alicia Bervine is Program Manager, College of Arts & Sciences; Anne Orange is Career Librarian; and Jennifer Whetstone-Jackson is Program Manager, College of Engineering & Computing, at the University of South Carolina, Columbia.

Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

A view from the employer's side of the table

Hiring a new employee is a big investment of time and money for an employer. If the person selected does not work out, it is a waste of both. This makes the selection process very important to an employer and is why resume review and the interview process can seem so grueling. So what is an employer looking for?

Job specific skills. Read the job description carefully and make sure you are selling yourself as the best person to fill the job. Your resume should be tailored with "key words" in the job description to make it easy for the employer to want to interview you. During the interview you should emphasize your qualifications that are a fit for the job description as well.

Soft skills. This is an area that many employers find to be very lacking in candidates. These are skills such as:

• Strong work ethic
• Initiative
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Teamwork
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Flexibility and adaptability

Be sure to give examples of your soft skills during an interview. This can go a long way towards convincing an employer that you are a good fit.

How do you find employment?

Job openings will not find you. It is up to you to locate the job openings. The days of passively posting your resume on a job board and waiting for an employer to call are long gone.  So too are the days of scanning the newspaper and responding to want ads. Many employers require an on-line application and will not accept a hard copy of your resume. This means you must be proactive in your search and use every resource you can find.

Internet searches
This must be a "part" of your plan, but not the entire plan. The internet can be very useful in finding openings, but do not rely on job boards like monster.com or career builder. You will only find postings that were sent to them and there are some dubious postings on these sites as well. The same goes for craigslist. Though much more time consuming, visit the websites of companies you would like to work for or that you think may have positions in your job field. Many times this is the only place you will find these postings. A good place to start is with our web links.

Networking
You may hear this all the time, but what does it mean? Meeting people and establishing connections. The more professional people you know, the better chance of finding those "hidden" jobs. Get involved with community organizations, professional groups, social groups, volunteering, etc. Let the people in these groups know you are looking for employment and what your qualifications are. A referral generally goes a lot farther than an application from an unknown source.

Personal Visits
Instead of mailing, or emailing your resume, put on your interview attire and deliver it in person. Make sure you do this in the morning hours, not after sleeping in until noon.  Many managers are impressed with someone who shows up early in the morning with their resume and is ready to interview. Some employers may not be able to accept your resume in a hard copy form, but even if you have the chance to make a good first impression, get a feel for the business, and put names to faces. This will help when they do call you.

Finding that next job is not easy. You will be faced with many challenges and setbacks, but a dedicated and diverse approach will greatly improve your chances.

Be Effective With Your Resume

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 match the job description
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.

Boeing Information Technology Jobs

You have probably heard the news about Boeing adding approximately 300 new IT positions in the near future.  If you have never applied to Boeing before, you need to be aware of their strict selection process.  Followng directions is critical to be considered for an interview.  The following information was taken from the Boeing LinkedIn page:

(Recruiter Tip) Prior to applying, please make sure your resume is aligned (Tailored) to the Skills, Competencies, Education and Experience listed in the job description and you’re qualified to answer the Basic Qualification Questions “Required” to do the job.

This is an important step to insure that your resume is accepted in the system as a qualified candidate for further consideration.


Desired Skills & Experience

Competencies

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Customer Focus
• Decision Making
• Work Standards

Technical
• Analytical Skills
• Project Leadership
• Software Development/Application Tools
• IT infrastructure Networks/Systems.
• Code and or Query languages a plus

 

 

 

To search for IT jobs with Boeing, please use this web link:

http://jobs-boeing.com/careers/information-technology-jobs/job-list-1

Internships - Are they worth the time?

Working as an "intern" can sometimes be a difference maker in the hiring process, but be careful before you jump in.  There are many factors to consider before accepting an internship position.  Here are a few:

1. Will it be accepted by your program of study as credit?
• Talk with your advisor if you are seeking academic credit for an internship. He or she will provide you with the accurate information on whether an intership is approved and will count towards your degree. 
• Many internships will not count towards your degree, but will still be a nice bullet for your resume and may give you a path to a position with that company.
2. Paid or unpaid?
• Do your research here. Ask questions. It seems more employers are offering unpaid internships, but some are only seeking free labor.  Find out what makes this a true internship instead of a "volunteer" position.  An internship should benefit both parties.
• While we all would like a paid position, sometimes a true unpaid internship can payoff in the end.  Getting hands on experience in your chosen profession will help you when seeking employment later.

Experience matters to employers.  If you have the chance to gain experience in your field through an internship, I would usually recommend doing it.  Whether you are paid or not, experience counts and can many times be the deciding factor on who gets hired and who does not.

Continuing on to a 4-year college

Many of you have intentions of transferring to a 4-year college after completing your studies at Trident Technical College.  Hopefully, you have done your research and know which school and what major you are going to pursue.  Each college and program has different requirements, so the earlier you map out your education plan, the better your advisor at TTC can assist you with course selection.

If you haven't made a decision yet, consider the following information.  7 out of the top 10 starting salaries for graduates from 4-year colleges in 2013 were in technical disciplines. This data was gathered in a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Keep in mind that this data is from a national survey, not based on local area information.  The trend is a pretty safe bet however.  Technical disciplines seem to be much more in demand than other majors in just about every area of the country. 

Graduated...now what?

The search for a career can present many challenges and frustration. If you watch the national news programs, you may get the impression the economy is on the rise and finding a job should be no problem.  What isn't mentioned is "what type" of jobs are coming back and "where" the jobs are coming back.  National reports look at averages across the nation which include hundreds of cities and millions of people.  An analysis of that magnitude will not really help you locally since an "average" will include areas that are very prosperous and areas that are not doing well at all.  It is important to research your local area for data.  A good source for local information is SCWorks.

 

 

 

Identifying growing job markets will help you target your efforts in landing a position.  Do the research and learn about the Charleston job market.  It will help you land the job you have been hoping for.

Sell me on "you".

I work with people everyday that struggle with the interviewing process.  The majority have very similar problems.

• They have not thought about what they are going to say before they arrive
• They do not understand that interviewing is a sales presentation
• They have not thoroughly reviewed the job description

Each of these points is critical to conducting a successful interview.  First, you must have an understanding of the position you are interviewing for.  If you do not know what skills are required to perform the job functions, how will you convince the interviewer you are a good fit?  The job description is your key to developing your presentation.

Second.  You have to spend a good amount of time organizing your qualifications and deciding what skills/strengths/experience are the most important to present in the interview.  No, you should not develop a script to memorize, but you should have a strategy with areas that you want to highlight.  Knowing what you are going to present prior to arriving will give you confidence and make the interview much easier.  Make your presentation fit the job description.

Last.  Make no mistake, an interview is a sales presentation.  You are attempting to sell yourself to the interviewer.  Interviewing is a competition between you and anyone else who may be interviewed.  You need to be the best. 

Career Fair Update

As of this morning, we have reached our capacity of 121 employers registered for the Career Fair on April 3rd.  Be sure to plan your calendar to incorporate a visit to the College Center in building 920 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.  A current list of attending employers is found here.  The list will update on Tuesday, March 19th for the final time.

Final reminders for the fair:

• Open to current students, alumni and the public
• Employers are looking at you as a potential employee - present yourself accordingly
• Bring resumes even though some companies may not accept at the fair
• Do not bring children or other family members with you - does not make a good impression with employers
• Dress like you are seeking a job - leave the flip flops at home
• Prioritize the companies you want to speak with - there are over 100, so you can't speak to them all

Above all, enjoy the atmosphere and bring a positive attitude. This is a chance to find employment and learn about our local employers.

Career Fair 2013

2013 Spring Career Fair

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

10:00 - 1:00

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. It also presents the image that you are not a serious candidate if you cannot dedicate all of your focus on the recruiter.
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!

How to find the jobs.

Job openings will not find you.  It is up to you to locate the job openings.  The days of passively posting your resume on a job board and waiting for an employer to call are long gone.  You must be proactive in your search and use every resource you can find.

Internet searches
This must be a "part" of your plan, but not the entire plan.  The internet can be very useful in finding openings, but do not rely on job boards like monster.com or career builder.  You will only find postings that were sent to them and there are some dubious postings on these sites as well.  The same goes for craigslist.  Though much more time consuming, visit the websites of companies you would like to work for or that you think may have positions in your job field.  Many times this is the only place you will find these postings. A good place to start is with our web links.

Networking
You may hear this all the time, but what does it mean? Meeting people and establishing connections. The more professional people you know, the better chance of finding those "hidden" jobs.  Get involved with community organizations, professional groups, social groups, volunteering, etc.  Let the people in these groups know you are looking for employment and what your qualifications are.  A referral generally goes a lot farther than an application from an unknown source.

Personal Visits
Instead of mailing, or emailing your resume, put on your interview attire and deliver it in person.  Many managers are impressed with someone who shows up early in the morning with their resume and is ready to interview.  Even if you don't get an interview on the spot you have the chance to make a good first impression, get a feel for the business, and put names to faces.  This will help when they do call you.

Finding that next job is not easy.  You will be faced with many challenges and setbacks, but a dedicated and diverse approach will greatly improve your chances.

Use your 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.