Preparing for a Job Interview with a Little Help from the Career Center!

It’s that time of the year again, when many students find themselves applying to different jobs and internships! Whether you are a freshman exploring different interests by volunteering for the summer, or a senior searching for that full-time job after graduation, a key factor to doing well in any application process is the interview.

Have you ever had an interview that you felt went terribly? I did. I can still remember the first “real” interview I ever had. It was in high school and I was extremely nervous. In fact, my interviewer even said to me, “You look very nervous.” As expected, I did not receive a job offer, and for a while after I was very discouraged. I thought it would be impossible for me to ever do well on an interview. And if I couldn’t do well on interviews, then how was I ever going to get a job and gain experience for the future?

If you have ever had a similar experience or feel that way now, it is okay. There are many individuals that are in the same shoes! However, there is no reason to be intimidated by the interviewing process. I am a senior graduating this May, and from my experiences, I have learned that interviewing is a skill. Yes, like all other skills, some learn quicker than others and it may come naturally. But for many others, including myself, interviewing is learned through experience. Each and every time you interview, you learn from it.

A great way to prepare for a job interview, or even just to practice your interviewing skills, is to come into the Career Center for a mock interview! Our career counselors know the types of questions that employers generally ask, and the best part is that they can give you helpful and specific feedback. You will learn what your strong points are, but also what you need to work on before your actual interview. The best way to improve your interviewing skills is learning through experience, so practice… practice… practice!

I have had three mock interviews at the Career Center since the Fall 2011 semester, and I plan to have another one in the very near future! With each mock interview I’ve had, I’ve learned something new. I’ve even done a mock phone interview, which was really great! Sometimes phone interviews can feel unusual and even a little awkward. When I had my mock phone interview, I got to experience the pause that might come along when speaking to an employer, and the quick pace and style of a phone interview. These are things that you would normally read about, but aren’t really sure what they are like until you experience them. After my mock phone interview I felt more confident about the real deal that was yet to come, and I ended up doing really well!

So, if you would like to work on your interviewing skills, come to the Career Center and schedule a mock interview with one of our career counselors. I guarantee it will be a worthwhile experience that you will learn a lot from!

Best,

Denise Cheng

Career Counseling Intern

Stony Brook University

What Recruiters Look For In Your Resume

Recruiters receive many resumes at once at a job fair, not to mention the amount they see every day from their websites and places where they have posted their job openings.  So, what do YOU have to do to make sure yours stands out?

The answers are not always clear cut, as some recruiters favor certain things over others. However, I can provide you with the basics.

What is a resume?

A resume is typically a one-page description of you and is built around three areas: Education, Experience & Skills.   Experience can mean extracurricular activities, work, internships, volunteer work, and/or academic projects.   A few examples of skills that need to be put on a resume include technical (e.g. Microsoft Office) and language skills. 

What is the purpose?

The main purpose of a resume is simple: to get an interview. 

Lesson 1 – Contact Information
Make sure that your contact information (address, phone number and email address) is up to date and is professional.  Email addresses such as cutiepiesexiibabyii@ak.com will most likely be pushed off to the side—no matter how good a resume it could be.

Lesson 2 – Formatting
Templates—Recruiters tend to dislike templates because they do not exemplify all that a job seeker has to offer and they lack a personal touch.  The format that many templates use can cause your information to spill onto a second page or appear too flashy, distracting the recruiter from what’s really important—your experience.   Sometimes when you are filling out a template, it forgets to ask you for  crucial information, such as your email address.  If a recruiter usually schedules interviews by email, he/she would have to go out of his/her way to call you.  Keep it simple for the recruiter.  He/she should not have to work that hard to contact you.

Objective—This is useful when applying for a specific position at a company.  If you have a resume that you use for every position you apply for, be sure to update the objective each time.  It would be a big mistake to send out a resume to an employer with the wrong company and position title on it.  An example of an objective could be:  To utilize my communication and managerial skills for the XYZ position at YOUR Company.  This is something the recruiter will keep in mind while reading the rest of your resume.

When describing your experiences, USE BULLET POINTS!  Keep your bullets short and to the point.  A resume is also used to highlight your skills and to entice the recruiter to want to know more about you.   The only way he/she can do that is through an interview!

Most importantly, make sure your resume is clear and concise! 

**For more examples of formatting, see our Sample Resumes in the Resource Library of ZebraNet**

Lesson 3 –Job Description/Qualifications
Some recruiters use a screening process to determine which applicants will be considered for an interview.  The only way a resume will pass through the screening process is if the applicant meets all of the required qualifications listed on the job posting.  Therefore, it is imperative that the qualifications are found somewhere on your resume.  Be sure to read the job description and qualifications carefully and tailor your resume to that specific position.  Place “buzzwords” that you may find in the description into your resume so they jump out at recruiters.

For example, a post for an administrative assistant at a university may be asking for applicants to have experience working with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.  If you want to apply for the position, and you know how to use these programs, put them on your resume.  If they are not on there, the recruiter will assume you do not have those skills and will not consider you for an interview.  Most simply put, give the recruiters what they are asking for.

It is also not enough to say that you have technical and/or soft skills (organizational, teamwork, clerical, interpersonal, communication, etc.).  These skills should be highlighted in your experience on the resume.  For example, if you have used Excel in your internship or job, be sure that when you are writing your job duties, you include how you have used Excel.  If you want to exhibit your communication, organizational and other soft skills, be sure to note them in your job duties as well.

A helpful tip for any student who wants to tailor his/her resume to a particular field:  Read through multiple job descriptions and qualifications and note the similarities among the descriptions.  You will find that writing your resume just became easier because you have the gist of what recruiters in your field are looking for.

Lesson 4 – Getting Involved

Recruiters understand that as students, not all of us are able to balance school and work.  As a college student, there are numerous ways to get involved and obtain experience:

Community Service/Volunteering
Internships (paid, non-paid, credit-bearing)
Extracurricular Activities (on- and off-campus)
Relevant Coursework (including class projects and research)
Becoming a Teaching Assistant (T.A.)
Starting or becoming a leader in a student organization (on- or off-campus)

Recruiters are evaluating how you have made your experiences relevant to the position you are applying for.  A position that requires the ability to work with others could be related to being a member of the executive board in a student organization, or  working on a class project.  Leadership, helping, and communication skills could be developed through extracurricular activities, internships and/or volunteering.

Recruiters are always seeking the best candidate for the job.  Remember to read over the job descriptions and qualifications to determine if you can cater your experiences to what they are looking for.  Although you want your resume to be aesthetically pleasing, too many lines, colors and templates could distract the recruiter from what is really important: your experience and getting that interview! 

*For more resources on resumes, look for our Resume and Cover Letter Instruction Packets in your ZebraNet account in the Resource Library*

**The Career Center also provides Resume/Cover Letter Review Hours! Stop in today for one-on-one resume assistance:**

                Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1-4pm (Walk-ins)

                Fridays from 1-4pm (By appointment only; call 631-632-6810 to schedule)

Shelly Punter
Career Counseling Intern
Spring 2012

The Art of Thank You: The Secret of Success

During my senior year at Stony Brook University, I find myself in a position to give thanks to many people who are crucial to my success. The topic for this blog came from a little book I read by the same title, The Art of Thank You by William James, found in the Career Center’s Library (a great resource students tend to overlook). The Art of Thank You helped me to properly show my appreciation and gratitude to all of the people in my life that helped me further my career goals.

Why write a thank you note?

The purpose of a thank you note is to express your appreciation and gratitude. Some people may think that writing a thank you note is trivial; this could not be further from the truth. In The Art of Thank You, James writes, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” I am a psychology major so this quote really stood out to me; we want to feel like what we do is important and has had an impact on someone’s life. Showing how thankful you are to those who helped you along the way is one of the many ways to accomplish this goal.

When should you send a thank you note?

A thank you note should be sent ASAP. If the thank you note is meant for a professional occasion, like a job interview, it should be written within 24 hours while the interaction is still new.

What kind of thank you should you send?  

In this time and age, an email is a fast and realistic option when writing a thank you note. However, keep in mind that an employer will be expecting impeccable online etiquette. Make sure that the email is professional and that you are writing from the same email address that is on your resume.  To avoid your email being sent to spam, make sure that your subject line is short, but to the point.   

When writing a handwritten thank you note, what paper to use is something you need to consider. Thank you notes can be sent on informal stationary but that doesn't mean it is okay to use a piece of paper torn from your notebook. Find a note card that reflects your personality and that is professionally appropriate, and keep a ready supply on hand. Some stores where you can find thank you note paper are Target, Hallmark, and Wal-Mart. After reading this blog I am sure that you will find plenty of situations where a thank you note will be appropriate, for example, after receiving a gift, for help with an academic project, for offering a sympathetic ear, for being a good friend, for finding your Stony Brook ID, for buying you a meal, etc.

What if your handwriting mimics a doctor’s chicken scratch? A printed thank you note can be a suitable option, or just a thank you email.  

What is an appropriate occasion for a thank you note?

Interview- A thank you note after you have an interview sets you apart from other candidates for the same position. In your note, make sure to reiterate your interest in the position and in the organization. A thank you note can also remind the employer about your qualifications for the position; if you thought of something you forgot to mention in the interview, mention it in your thankyou letter. A hard copy note (not handwritten) is most formal and appropriate after an interview.

Job offer- A thank you note after you have been offered a position is a formal way to accept or decline a job offer. This thank you note will be different from the interview thank you note in that you are letting the recruiter know how grateful you are that they chose you for the position in the company.

Job rejections- Thank you letters should be sent to employers that have offered you a position, but that you have decided not to accept. In declining an offer, you want to express your appreciation for the offer and thank the employer for their consideration. Your objective is to reject the offer, but maintain a relationship with the employer. This continued relationship is important because if you reapply for another position the employer will acknowledge your determination and passion for the company. The world is a very small place, so it’s also a good idea because you never know how networking and making connections will come up!

Recommendations- Most graduate schools, awards applications, and job positions will require you to provide recommendations. The person you ask to recommend you should receive a thank you note. In this case, a personalized, handwritten note would be best.

Thank you samples:

Thank you email for an interview:

This can be found in the Career Center main website under the Students section. This website is a great place that has many resources aside from the thank you sample.

Thank you for an initial interview:

http://www.career.vt.edu/Interviewing/AfterThanksFollowUp.html#Sample5.4

Thank you for an on-site interview:

http://www.career.vt.edu/Interviewing/AfterThanksFollowUp.html#Sample5.5

Acknowledging a job offer, neither accepting nor declining: http://www.career.vt.edu/JobSearchGuide/AcknowledgingOffer.html

Thank you for a recommendation  

http://www.ablebits.com/outlook-templates-phrases/thank-you-letters-samples.php

Posted by Aline De Jesus

Career Counseling Intern

Spring 2012

The Do's and Don'ts of Dressing Professionally

When we are stressed about an important professional development event, the way we dress can take a back seat to other worries. The importance of our resumes can take over, but do not worry about your resumes. The Career Center is here to help on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm to 4pm (you can also come on Fridays by appointment – call 631-632-6810 to book a slot!). You will meet with one of our wonderful Career Center counselors and review your resume so that you can be represented in the best possible light. Carrying ourselves professionally can be a difficult and intimidating task for some of us, but following these quick do’s and don’ts should help you secure a job or internship!

Dress Professionally

Do not worry that you are overdressed. This is not a problem and can only set you apart from other candidates who decided to not dress up.

Dressing professionally for women:

If wearing your hair down, make sure your hair is not distracting you (e.g. will you be twirling your hair in your fingers?)

Do wear a black suit.

It is also appropriate to wear your hair in a classic up do. This creates a polished first impression.

Do wear a light colored suit.

This outfit would not be appropriate for the Stony Brook job fair. Below are the reasons why it would not be appropriate.

Do not wear high heels with open toes.

Do not wear short skirts.

Do not show cleavage.

Do not wear noisy and flashy jewelry (e.g. hoop earrings and bracelets).

Warning: Subtle differences like the ones shown above can be the difference between dressing professionally and dressing casually. The Stony Brook job fair requires dressing professionally.

Places for women to shop when looking for professional clothing:

Going from most expensive to least expensive:

Express

J. Crew

H&M

Mandee (use some caution when shopping at Mandee; this store also caters to women going clubbing)

Dressing professionally for men:

I came across this cartoon, and it pretty much covers how a man should dress for any professional occasion. For the Stony Brook job fair you should follow the formal business attire. (This cartoon contains a typo “acceptible” that should be “acceptable”)

Do not wear a vibrant nail polish color (especially red nail polish; it can be too provocative for employers).

Do wear different colored suits (these are some acceptable looks).

DO NOT wear white socks with dress shoes. Wearing white socks contrasts with the suit. If possible, wear the same color of socks as of your suit pants.



Do not wear sparkly nail polish, because that will make you look childish.

Can anyone tell what is wrong with the picture above?

Do not have scuffed shoes (not shined).

Do not let your pants drag on the floor.

Do not leave your shirt untucked.

Do not have unpressed clothes.

Do wear a suit jacket.

Do Comb hair.

Do shave.

Places for men to shop when looking for professional clothing:

Going from most expensive to least expensive

Karako Suits

Banana Republic

Express

H&M

Have a professionally looking hands and nails:

Leave a good impression with the recruiter you were talking to in the job fair by shaking their hands. The recruiters will notice if you have sweaty hands so if you know you get nervous and your hands sweat, make sure you discretly wipe your hands before shaking hands with anymore. Also make sure your hands look and feel their best. Your hands should be moisturized; your nails should be clean and an appropriate length. There is a lot that can be said about someone just by looking at their nails.

Do not have dirt under your nails.

Do not keep your nails lengthy.

Do not have chipped nail polish on.

No designs or intricate nail polish creations; looking professional calls for simplicity.

Do wear nude nail polish colors, or clear nail polish also works.

How to do your makeup for a professional occasion:

Less is more when it comes to makeup. Too much make-up can be distracting to your potential employer. If you have skin discoloration and dark circles, foundation and concealer can be used to correct those problems. The eye makeup can be as simple as curling your eyelashes and putting on some mascara.  When it comes to the lips, keep it simple and moisturized with some LipBalm.

Also watch this makeup tutorial by Miss-Chievous; she is famous for her makeup tutorials on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClP7Jc7ac5c

Other Tips

Do not chew gum; use mints to refresh your breath instead.

Do not bring your backpack.

Do not wear strong perfume/cologne.

Do wear a watch (don’t rely on your phone for time.)

Posted by Aline De Jesus

Career Counseling Intern

Spring 2012

Email Etiquette

How many emails do you send in a day? 5? 15? 50? Couple that with the different people you are communicating with and all of this can make for some difficulty when composing an email. Here, we will focus on emails that are in the more professional realm.

There are a few key things to keep in mind.  First, your audience; what is appropriate for a friendly email exchange with your co-worker isn’t going to work in an email to your boss. Second, your message; be concise and pleasant when sending any sort of professional email.  Third, the little things; remember that your word choice, spelling, and grammar/punctuation are important.  Word choice affects how the recipient of your email will perceive the tone of your email.  Try to stay in the professional/friendly/effective spectrum.  Misspelled words are a no-no at all times.  Most email programs will have a spellcheck function… make sure you use it! Lastly, proper grammar and punctuation indicate that you took more than 5 seconds to compose your message.

The basic formula for an email is below: 

1.   Appropriate Introductory Greeting: (Hello ____, or Dear _____)

2.   Identify yourself, your title, what you do (if relevant), and your place of work

3.   Mention the person who referred you to this person if you do not know them already   (ex. My supervisor, Joe Shmo, referred me to you…)

4.   Clearly state what information you need

5.   Give the person a deadline that is realistic and in line with your own personal project timelines

6.   Offer to provide more information in a follow up email or by phone and state your contact information

7.   Close with a positive sign off, and your signature.  

Do this:

·     Remember that email isn’t private: save personal emails for your own time and your personal computer/mobile device.

·     Use a signature that includes contact information.

·     Say please and thank you.  These have tremendous power and can really go a long way.

Don’t do this:

·     Use fancy fonts, colors, backgrounds, emoticons, or (gasp) clip art. 

·     Send an email when you are upset.  This is always a bad idea. Take a deep breath and then begin writing.

·     Ramble. Say hi, get to the point, and move on.

·     CC everyone.  It is rare that ‘everyone’ needs to know.  CC those that do, and leave it at that.

Please feel free to ask us your email etiquette questions below!

Non-Verbal Communication in the Workplace

What signals are YOU sending in the workplace?

Understanding nonverbal communication is a major component to succeeding in the workplace. Why? Because we live in a visual world and actions really do speak louder than words.  We can attribute most of how we are perceived by our coworkers to everything besides what we say.  There are a few main areas of non-verbal communication to consider: eye contact, gesturing, proximity, posture, and time.  Perhaps the best thing to remember is mirroring- especially when it comes to your boss.  Mirroring is exactly what it sounds like- a reflection of the nonverbal cues of the individual(s) you are interacting with.  So if your boss makes a lot of eye contact with you- you should try to do the same.  Your best bet is to be aware of how your actions ‘fit in’ with those of everyone around you.  Sound complicated?  It’s not! Read on for some tips:

Eye Contact: Good eye contact is essential.  You don’t need to stare (staring is rude!), but you do need to maintain eye contact for a few seconds at a time- especially if you are trying to explain yourself or express your undivided attention.  Eye contact helps build rapport and establish personal connection.  Not to mention, it ensures the speaker that you are actually listening.  So, be sure to look up once in a while.  This goes for presentations as well.  Scan the room, focus on one person for a few seconds, and then move on.  This can take some practice… but practice makes perfect.

Gestures: Go with what is natural for you.  It is fine if you have a tendency to use your hands when you speak, but keep in mind that it can be visually distracting.  Gestures convey a number of subtle messages, so take the time to learn about how you may be perceived when you cross your arms during a meeting, or lean back in your chair while speaking to a colleague. 

Proximity: Since you can quickly and easily make someone feel uncomfortable if you invade their space, it’s important to follow a few basic etiquette guidelines.  On a larger scale, when entering someone’s office or work area, you should make your presence known (‘Hi’ works wonders) so that they aren’t startled.  Don’t just barge in.  On a smaller scale, when you are having a conversation with one person (or even a small group of people), be respectful of personal space and boundaries.  If someone takes a small step back, don’t try to fill in that space.  They’ve just communicated that they need some breathing room.  Remember that you have the power to do the same.

Posture: No one likes a sloucher! Stand and sit up straight and you will not only look better, but you will also feel better.  Don’t do this to the point of discomfort, but just know that slouching won’t get you anywhere- it conveys laziness and disinterest. 

Time: This is perhaps the ultimate component of nonverbal communication.  If you are consistently on time (which in reality, translates to a minute or two early) for meetings, etc., you will convey a strong message of professionalism.  What about when you are late? You will seem inconsiderate and self-centered (how rude!).  So, be on time, and you will be golden. 

Some quick tips: smile, nod your head, and be aware of the tone and volume of your voice.  

A Business Casual Style Guide

Whether you are preparing for your first company outing or your first summer Friday, what should you wear when the dress code is ‘business casual’?  This term strikes fear in many young professionals because it is broad and deceivingly easy to mess up.  First, always remember that it’s important to dress to impress.  Second, look neat and clean 110% of the time- there is no excuse not to.  Third, use your trusted co-workers as a style guide.  Even if you are the youngest, newest (and coolest) hire at your company, you can still use those around you as a reference for fashion appropriateness.  Read on for a quick business casual guide broken down by ladies vs. gentlemen.

Ladies:

Hair: Neat and groomed.  Pull it back if it gets messy during the day. A cute hair accessory (headband, barrette) is fine as long as it’s subtle. 

Face: Make up is totally fine as long as it’s not distracting.  Fake eyelashes, purple lipstick, etc. are probably too over the top for anything work-related. And remember, no one likes your perfume besides you, so keep it to a minimum. 

Outfit:  Tops should be fairly conservative in terms of cut and length.  Trendy colors are usually just fine. Bring a cardigan to cover up.  Skirts and pants can be a bit trendier in terms of cut (high waist, etc.) but keep them to a limited color palette.  Make sure everything fits properly (get them tailored if they don’t) and don’t show up in anything skin tight.  Denim is typically a no-no (but not always) and it goes without saying that jeggings are NOT allowed…ever!

Feet: Heels or flats are fine.  Heels should not be sky high- make sure you can walk confidently in whatever you’re wearing! Tread lightly when it comes to sandals, boots, etc… follow the lead of your co-workers.  Sneakers are a bad idea- wear them only during your commute.  Nude hosiery is sometimes necessary but always old-fashioned.  If you can wear opaque black or navy tights instead, go for it.

Accessories: Jewelry is fine as long as it’s not distracting.  The same goes for bags. 

Overall: Keep it neat and classy. 

Here are some great places to shop for business casual attire that will fit any budget (and remember that all of these stores have outlet locations- which offer great discounts):

Ann Taylor LOFT

Banana Republic

New York and Company

Gentleman:

Hair: Trimmed and under control.  Visit the barber, please.  No baseball hats!

Face: Keep it neat.  Shave regularly and put the time into making sure you aren’t missing anything.  Scruff isn’t acceptable.  And remember, no one likes your cologne besides you, so go easy.

Outfit: Forgo the tie. A clean, pressed, collared, button-down shirt is perfect.  Make sure it’s in an appropriate color.  Subtle patterns are nice too.  Quality does make a difference, so be sure you have a few nicer options in your closet.  Fit is essential, even if you aren’t paying top dollar.  Slacks need to fit properly as well- get them hemmed if necessary.   A jacket is a nice touch, but not always necessary.

Shoes: Pick up a few pairs of dress socks.  Make sure you have a few well-maintained loafers and oxfords- no sneakers, please!

Accessories: If you must wear jewelry, please keep it to a minimum.  Bling is never a good idea.  Carry a basic bag (yes, a “man purse”) to keep yourself organized. 

Overall: Keep it neat and classy.

Here are a few places to shop for all of your business casual needs:

Banana Republic

Brooks Brothers

Joseph A. Banks

Check out these guidelines on the Career Center website for more business casual suggestions!