Career Corner

A great tip is to practice filling out a job application before you are under pressure!  Gather important dates, addresses, phone numbers and other info and the fill this out.  Take it with you to a real interview and it will make the application a breeze!

Sample Job Application

Finding a job takes effort and takes time.  Remember, the more time you put into your job search EVERY day the sooner your efforts will pay off.  Keep a job search log and always follow up.  It is important to make yourself standout in a stack of resumes. Put your best foot forward and apply to a MINIMUM of 5 places daily!  Happy Hunting!

Remember to select individuals who can attest to your work ethic, academic performance, skills and abilities.  Unless you have worked for them as an employee, do not ask friends or family members to be references for you. Always ask individuals prior to listing on your reference page.   Include the following information for each of your references:

Ÿ Name                                 

Ÿ Title                          

Ÿ Organization/Company

Ÿ Street Address                    

Ÿ Phone Number

Ÿ E-mail (optional)

Ÿ Relationship to You              

Ÿ Years Known

Click on General Tips & Advice for a sample and references worksheet!

Check out the “Looking for a Job?” Packet under General Tips & Advice.

Also download the new cover letter templates and updated resume templates!

When do you send a thank you note: The SAME DAY as the interview (even if you think you don’t want the job- they took time out of their day to visit with you)

Why: A decision will already be made if you wait longer than 24 hours to send it!

How: Snail mail.  Email is only appropriate if your email address is VERY professional and this is the prefered form of communication of that employer. Your email must be perfect- no slang or poor grammar.

Who do I send it to:  Send a thank you note to anyone that took time to interview you- always ask for a business card so you can check the spelling of their name and have the exact address.

What do I say:  Intro, thank them for their time, briefly mention something interesting from your conversation and how you are qualified, closing

MUSTS: Always print your name (legibly) and include your phone number

Additional resources and examples:

http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_thank-you_letters.html

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/thankyouletters/a/samplethankyou.htm

http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/interview/after.htm

http://career-advice.monster.com/interview-follow-up/Follow-the-Interview-with-a-Thank-Y/home.aspx

http://www.jobbankusa.com/CareerArticles/Interview/ca10706a.html

ALWAYS FOLLOW UP with a thank you!  

The first step in your job search should be updating (or creating your resume).  Visit the Resume Templates Page for ideas!  Next, identify a plan- where are you going to apply? How? Plans for follow up? Goals?

Finding a job is a job- it requires planning and some extra effort!  Happy Hunting!

Are you looking for a new job or starting your career hunt?  The new year is a great time to get re-motivated!  Make a list of goals and stick to a plan of applying to at least 5 places a week and calling to follow up!  Think outside the box- where else can you apply that you haven’t looked?

Sooo… maybe you haven’t worked in the industry yet…. that’s ok!  Highlight your transferable skills- these are skills that apply to your “new” job.  Showcasing your past experience is a great way to get your foot in the door! 

Below are links to a few articles from other sites that might answer your questions about references. 

http://www.quintcareers.com/job_reference_services.html http://www.rileyguide.com/refer.html http://content.monster.com/articles/3471/17633/1/home.aspx http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/CareerBytes/Hints0299a.htm

With graduation fast approaching, I just wanted to send a quick note. My biggest advice is to stay engaged in your job search and devote time every day!  It will pay off in the end.  Keep your resume updated online as well- www.monster.com; www.careerbuilder.com; www.jobing.com; www.medicalofficejobs.net; www.dice.com just to name a few. Also look on http://dallas.craigslist.org/ or just type A POSITION YOU WANT + CITY, TX into Google or any other search engine.  The newspaper has A LOT of job postings too… especially check the classifieds on Sunday. 

Remember to keep in touch about where you are applying, interviewing and when you get a job J