Fall 2009 Message to Seniors

Graduation alone can be a little scary, but doing so during a challenging economy can wreak havoc on your nerves.  The good news? There are options out there; you just need to know where to look and how to demonstrate that YOU are the best candidate for the position. For strategies and tips on making post-graduation plans, the Career Development Center has pulled together helpful information just for you.

START NOW!
Even though graduation is several months off, NOW is the time to begin planning for what comes next if you haven’t already done so!

Looking for a job?  A job search can sometimes take months even in a good economy. The fall Job & Internship Fair will be on Wednesday, September 16th in the University Union Mandela Room and Old Union Hall – that’s only the third week of the fall semester! Prepare by reviewing the list of employers prior to the fair in order to make the most of your time!

Planning further education?  Get started by attending the Graduate School Fair on Tuesday, September  22nd and/or Law Day on Wednesday, September 23rd.

GRAD SCHOOL OR NOT?
While it may be tempting to avoid the “real world” by furthering your education, this decision is one that should be based on careful research and consideration. An advanced degree in no way guarantees employment, success, or higher salary. If you are still undecided about your career goals after completing an advanced degree, you are no more marketable than you were without the degree, just further in debt. For guidance on the decision to further your education, read the Applying to Graduate School Quick Reference Guide (69kb pdf), attend a CDC-sponsored program, and visit CDC during Counselor-on-Call to discuss your ideas and goals with a career counselor. 

DEVELOP TOP-NOTCH DOCUMENTS
Regardless of what you are applying to, your writing skills will be a critical component to your success. Take the time to draft, revise, and revise again to ensure the best possible document. Need help with your writing? The Writing Center offers services to help you with content and structure.

Write a Top-Notch Resume
Your resume is typically your first contact with an employer, and it needs to be impressive. Utilize all the resources at your disposal to be sure it is the best it can possibly be and revisit your document on a regular basis to update and make improvements.

• Resume Writing Quick Reference Guide (288 kb pdf): our guide to resume writing
• CDC's Virtual Resume Program: our step-by-step tutorial will help you write and revise your own resume, 
• OptimalResume: available to all matriculated students, OptimalResume will guide you through the resume writing process and take care of the professional formatting for you. Bring your best effort into the CDC during our Counselor-on-Call hours for a review!

Learn the Art of Writing a Cover Letter . . . and it is an Art
Employers expect a cover letter to accompany your resume when you apply for a position.  Especially in a down economy, they are not willing to overlook mediocre documents. Poorly written cover letters and those not tailored to the position will simply be discarded. Take the time to stand out in the competition by writing a custom letter to each employer! For guidance, read our How to Write a Cover Letter (35 kb pdf) Quick Reference Guide and utilize the new Optimal Letter cover letter writing tool within the Optimal Resume site, and attend a cover letter writing program. Give it your best shot and bring your draft to the CDC for a review during our Counselor-on-Call hours.

Personal Statement/Essay
If you are applying to graduate or professional programs, the personal statement is a crucial part of your application. Make it a priority to spend significant time writing and revising your essay to be sure it not only answers the question asked, but also showcases your writing abilities. For guidance, read CDC’s Writing a Personal Statement (50kb pdf) Quick Reference Guide.

UPDATE AND USE YOUR eRECRUITING ACCOUNT REGULARLY
eRecruiting is the CDC's premier tool for job searches and occupational research in a wide range of career fields.  ALL matriculated students have access. That means YOU have a personal account!!

• Complete or update your profile and upload your resume
• Be sure to search “All Available Sources” and not just positions posted through Binghamton’s CDC in order to maximize your search results
• Make use of the “Save this Search” function for a more efficient search – eRecruiting will email you when new positions are posted that match your search criteria!
• Need assistance? Call the CDC at (607) 777-2400 or visit us in LSG 500/LNG 300.

USE ALL OF YOUR AVAILABLE ONLINE RESOURCES!
There’s more to job searching than Monster or Hotjobs! Use a variety of online resources, particularly those that are targeted to the career field in which you are interested. The CDC website has an extensive list of links, for example:

• www.idealist.org: contains a searchable database that links to thousands of opportunities in non-profit organizations worldwide.  Search by cause and/or function.
• www.indeed.com: includes all the job listings from major job boards, newspapers, associations and company career pages.
• www.jobsearchshortcut.com: find jobs in your metropolitan area and 30 other metro areas nationwide.
• www.bookjobs.com: search for opportunities in the publishing industry.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Get creative in how you think about your job search and expand your search outside of traditional settings for your field. For example, public relations jobs aren’t only found in PR firms. They can also be found in non-profit organizations, the publishing industry, banks, among many other kinds of employers.  Also, the government hires more than just politicians. They look for scientists, accountants, artists, and engineers.  Do your research, ask around, and take a chance. You’re likely to uncover some amazing opportunities!

• Short-term Service Opportunities can be a way to gain experience, increase self-confidence, live in another part of the US or abroad, contribute to a cause that is important to you and perhaps position yourself for other more permanent positions. Consider service programs such as AmericorpsVISTA, Peace Corps, Healthcorps or Teach for America.  CDC’s website links to many such experiences in the section “One Year Opportunities”.  You can also learn about One Year Service Opportunities in the U.S. through Idealist.org.  Numerous links to international opportunities are available on CDC’s website as well.

• Consider a Temporary Position!  Hiring temporary workers allows employers flexibility in changing market conditions. A temporary job can be an excellent way to make money, gain experience, get your foot in the door and perhaps position yourself for something long term.  If you perform well you just might parlay the temp job into something more permanent. There are generally two ways to secure a temporary position:   “temp” through a temporary employment agency or apply for a temporary position with a specific organization.  What may initially be presented as a one month position might be extended for additional months based on the employer’s needs.  This is a great way to break into an organization with which you’d like a permanent job.  The bottom line is, when applying for jobs and/or searching the internet, don’t overlook a posting for a temporary position.  Apply and see where it takes you!

NETWORK!
Perhaps the most critical step to a successful job search, especially in a difficult economy, networking is often avoided like the plague!! The good news is that it is frequently avoided simply because it is misunderstood. Avoid these common stumbling blocks:

“I don’t have a network”: Of course you do. You have friends. You have family. And those people have friends and family. These people can’t help you if they don’t know what you need, so ask them – not for a job, but for advice and other connections. Try Facebook.  Update your status with a statement such as “___________ is hoping to speak with someone who works in the_______ field – anyone know anyone?” And then there is the Alumni Career Network. Binghamton alumni have volunteered to be a professional contact for you, so make the most of this service!

“The thought of asking people for a job makes my skin crawl”: This has an easy remedy. Don’t ask them for a job! Ask for advice and guidance. By doing so, you will begin to build relationships that may lead to job prospects.  Once a person knows you, they’re more willing to help you. Who are you more willing to help, an acquaintance or someone with whom you’ve never had any contact?

Research has shown that 60-80% of jobs are found through networking, so take the time to spend 60-80% of your job search time on networking activities. Remember to thank the people with whom you network and to return the favor someday!

SHARPEN YOUR INTERVIEWING SKILLS!
Even with a solid resume, stellar cover letter, and great connections, you still need to ace the interview, so use all the resources we have made available to you:

• Our Effective Interviewing Quick Reference Guide (50kb pdf) will get you started with tips on how to prepare and strategies for answering questions.
• Look for CDC programs that can help you gear up for interviewing. We offer a full spectrum of interviewing-related programs, from our employer mock interview day, to full-length interviewing presentations, to our 30-minute Express workshops.
• OptimalInterview, found through the OptimalResume skills center allows you to conduct a “virtual interview” and even provides coaching on what employers are really looking for and how to effectively answer questions. You even have the opportunity to record your virtual session.
• CDC will sponsor an Employer Mock Interview Day on Friday, October 2. More information is available on the eRecruiting calendar.
• Watch the eRecruiting calendar for opportunities to participate in the Alumni Phone Practice Interview Program – a chance for you to conduct a practice interview by phone with an alumni volunteer. It’s a great way to not only practice your skills, but also to network with professionals with a connection to your alma mater!

KEEP AT IT!
A job search rarely produces results immediately. It takes time and effort. Some leads will take you to dead ends, and, unfortunately, rejection is part of the job search process. Try not to lose focus and keep going. Pick yourself up and get back in the race.

POSITION YOURSELF FOR THE FUTURE!
While your first position may not be your “dream job,” keep in mind that many kinds of experiences can be career stepping-stones.  Make choices that increase your future options.  Learning new skills, volunteering in a field that professionally interests you while working “just for money,” thoughtfully investigating graduate school, and effective networking are positive steps to take for the long term.

AND WHAT IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO DO?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE. But that doesn’t mean you should sit back and wait for the future to fall in your lap. Instead, visit the Career Development Center and speak with a counselor who can help you begin sorting out your next steps. To start, you’ll need to evaluate yourself – What are your interests? Your values? Your skills? Knowing answers to at least some of these questions before you meet with a counselor will be helpful. And keep in mind that the decision you make is NOT “for the rest of your life.” It is only a first step in a journey you will take and you can always change directions later.