Check Out the Little Guys

I just read employment numbers are stable for smaller (defined as 300 or fewer employees) companies in Wichita. There is even some growth! This is great news anytime, but especially when employment numbers for our city’s major aviation manufacturers remain depressed.

“According to information obtained by the Wichita Business Journal . . .18 of the 25 companies with 300 or fewer workers reported the same or higher employment totals than in 2009.”

Bottom line for job seekers: include small employers in your job search. As pointed out above, smaller companies may be hiring even when the bigger guys aren’t. According to the US Small Business Administration, small businesses represent more than 99.7 percent of all employers, employ more than half of all private sector employees, pay 44.5 percent of the total U.S. private payroll, and generate about 75 percent of net new jobs annually.

How do you find these companies? Pay attention to who is in the news. Read the Wichita Business Journal and the business section of the Eagle. Listen to the news on local television and radio. Talk to the Wichita Independent Business Association. Network! Talk to people and keep up on LinkedIn. “Walk in” – grab a copy of your resume printed on quality bond resume paper, dress up and drop in at the company. Be courteous to everyone you see and ask if you can leave your resume for the hiring manager. If the company is growing, and you really impress them with your qualifications and potential, they might even create a position for you. Sound impossible? Nope – this very thing happened to one of your WSU classmates.

There are many advantages of working for a small employer. Not the least of which may be working at a smaller company may give you the opportunity to have a variety of job duties – to wear many “hats”. The result -- a broader range of experience to help sell you for your next job.

Get out there. . .get a job!

Burning Bridges -- Don't Do It

It is an amazingly small world. People remember more than we may want them to. Things you say or do may come back to hurt you years later. This is true in the job world as well as in your personal life. You’re on your own regarding your personal life. It’s the job world I’ll talk about today.

Receive an invitation on Hire A Shocker to interview with an organization you’re not really interested in? So you just ignore the invitation, not bothering to say “thank you, but I’m not interested at this time.” Or, don’t feel like going to the job interview today, that you agreed to last week? So you just blow it off. Well, guess what. . . the interviewer you ignored or ‘stood up’ today may one day work for a company you really really want to work for. And, guess what else. . .that person may be the one to make the decision whether or not you are considered a candidate for employment.

Have a career panel to learn from in one of your classes? But, you’re tired from staying up late the night before. So, you catch a few winks. Bad idea. Anytime you can get in front of an employer is a potentially valuable experience if you make a good impression. Not valuable if you're sleeping. Sleep while I’m talking to you and I’ll remember your face for a long time, and not in a good way.

Something else to think about --the interview question “Why did you leave your last job?” is not an opportunity to 'bad mouth'a supervisor or company you previously worked for. Use it as such and you may find yourself considered a non-candidate for a job you really want. No manager wants to think that one day you might be talking about him, or his organization, negatively.

Remember your manners. Don’t destroy relationships. They are too hard to build—just like bridges.

~jan

Employer Expectations of New Grads

I had opportunity to meet with a group of engineering employers this afternoon. They discussed what they look for, in addition to technical skills, when considering new graduates for employment.

Communication was given as the number one skill--both written and oral. In the words of one of these hiring managers, "Employees must be able to concisely disseminate information." In addition, he spoke of the necessity to write professional emails, memos and. . .even letters! And, get this--he also expects correct spelling and grammar. This poses the question: is it time to give up the convenience of "text" language and go back to the practice of actually spelling words out correctly, less we lose our ability to spell?

Leadership skills came in a close second. Project management was repeated more than once as important. Fortunately, these skills can be developed as a student. Join organizations. Work as a volunteer for organizations you're devoted to. Take on leadership roles.

Interpersonal skills--the ability to work as part of a team and to get along with other people is also an expectation of candidates. Managers want to know they are hiring someone they will want to work with and who will get along well with other employees. Kinda makes all those team projects worth it, doesn't it?

Let me point out that what I heard today doesn't apply only to engineering students. Today this information was coming from the mouths of engineering managers, but it applies to all students. Listen up -- this is great information to know. It can make all the difference in whether or not you land that job you want when you graduate.

~jan

Elevator speech? 30 second commercial? The dreaded interview question "Tell me about yourself". Here are a few guidelines to help you prepare.

Start by asking yourself: 1) What are my key strengths? 2) How do my instructors and supervisors describe me? 3) What do I want to let others know about me? 4) Why am I interested in this person or his/her company or industry?

Next, outline your 30 second commercial. 1) Who am I? What do I have to offer? 2) What are the main contributions I can make? 3) What do I want the listener to do as a result of hearing this?

Now, finalize your 30 second commercial. 1) Take each note you made and write a sentence about it. For example: "I have good leadership skills and people seem to look to me for answers." 2) Take each of your sentences and connect them, adding words and phrases to help them flow. For example: I'm an international business major at Wichita State University and will graduate in December. I have good leadership skills and people seem to look to me for answers. I'm excited about what I've heard about your leadership development program and would like to know more about it." 3) Go back through what you wrote and cut out any long or unnecessary words and any jargon. 4) Finalize your speech making it no longer than 30 to 90 seconds.

Here might be the hardest part. Memorize as much of your speech as you can, but focus on making it sound spontaneous and fresh each time you use it.

There you go. The next time you have the opportunity to do some networking or the next time an interviewer says "So tell me about yourself", you're ready.

So. . .tell me about yourself! Email me at jan.mead@wichita.edu to try out your 30 second commercial on me.

Follow up!

How to follow up with an employer you met at last week's career fair, or at any networking opportunity, may seem like one of life's great mysteries. The same holds true when you submit a resume. If you follow up are you going to be annoying and destroy forever your chances of being hired by a particular company or recruiter? On the other hand, if you don't follow up do you risk going into that deep dark hole, never to be seen again? What is that so called happy medium?

One thing I learned from an employer is don't call and say "I'm calling to follow up on my resume (or the career fair last week)." As this recruiter put it, "if you're going to take my time, be ready to play" -- in other words be prepared to tell her why it would benefit her to look at you as a viable candidate for employment.

Follow up requires preparation. This is a time when your 30 second introduction will come in handy. Prepare your own script, but here's an example:

“Ms. Smith, I was referred to you by Adam Long, of your recruiting team, who I met at the career fair at Wichita State last week. I will graduate in December with a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering. My cumulative gpa is 3.7. I have worked two summer internships with other aircraft manufacturing companies in Wichita. As President of Engineering Council at WSU, I've demonstrated strong leadership skills. I have applied online and I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself to you, as Mr. Long recommended. Your organization is at the top of my list of places I'd like to begin my engineering career because of your excellent reputation and innovative products. Thank you for your time today. May I provide you with any additional information?”

It's scary to follow up. It puts you right out there. On the other hand, follow up transforms you from an electronic record or paper resume to a real person. Now, that's a good thing.

Are you ready for the Fall Career Fair? Come on. . .are you really ready?

Do you have lots (as in 30) copies of your recently critiqued resume printed on bond paper and ready to hand out? Do you also have lots of your business cards to hand out to employers who can't accept resumes? Have you researched the employers of interest to you and are you ready to offer your 30 second commercial to them?

Is your suit pressed and your shoes shined? Don't forget your shirt -- it needs to be pressed also.

Do you remember your manners? Employers paid a chunk of change to come to the Career Fair to meet you. Be sure and say thank you to them for coming and for taking time to talk with you. Remember, although some recruiters may not have immediate openings they will attend the career fair knowing their situation may change and they may have openings tomorrow -- or next week -- sometime in the future.

We'll see you Thursday at the Career Fair. We're looking forward to it. Hope you are too!

~jan

Oh. . .just in case you forgot to get your resume critiqued, we'll be doing walkins tomorrow and Wednesday morning.

Dress to Impress

"Dress to impress!" What does that mean? Let's start with what it doesn't mean: wrinkled clothing, trendy outfits more appropriate for a Friday night out than for meeting employers (think too much skin showing as in low cut tops or short shorts or skirts--or too tight to be comfortable items), the distressed look, t-shirts, workout clothes, flip flops, any kind of smell other than bath soap.

Show me a job seeker in a well pressed business suit and shirt, dark socks (neutral color hoisery for women), polished and shined dress shoes--I get so excited I want to capture the moment with a photo for our website. Say cheese!

Business style trousers or khakis, a dress shirt and tie for men; dress shirt or blouse for women along with trousers or a skirt no shorter than knee length--that's almost as good. Nice trousers or khakis and a polo style shirt also works.

Bottom line -- you want to impress employers . . .in a positive way. That might take some effort. Good things do.

~jan

Do you have an interview scheduled? Planning to come to the Fall Career Fair on September 16? Going to a networking event? Don't be surprised when you meet an employer if the first words out of his mouth are "What do you know about our company?" Remember this about that question: it is not an invitation for you to ask "What do you do?" The question is intended to find out if you're on the ball and have done your research.

You are so lucky because so much information is available on the Internet. Take advantage of your luck and start searching.

Using your favorite search engine, go to the organization's website and read all you can. Pay particular attention to the company's products or services (including latest endeavors), growth for the past five years, future plans, mission statement, names of managers, locations, corporate headquarters, who the competition is, and their history. With the above information in hand, you should have a good overview of the organization.

If you are interviewing, don't stop there. You want all the information you can gather. Ask everyone you know including instructors, classmates, friends, neighbors, relatives, the folks at Career Services,(you get the idea) if they know anyone who works for the organization of interest to you. If so, find out if they can refer you to that person so you can ask some questions and get an insider's perspective of the company. You may even want to visit the library, and ask the research librarian if they can provide any other information.

If you follow these guidelines, you should be ready to answer that question "What do you know about our company?" Relief. . .now you can move on to "Tell me about yourself". We'll talk about that in our next posting. ~ jan

Want to make your resume stronger?

Want to make your resume stronger? Take a look at your professional experience/work history section. Does it read like a job description? Be truthful now -- did you, in fact, cut and past your job description into your resume?

Here's a tip: your resume will be more effective if you focus on accomplishments and achievements and results of what you did, rather than job duties. How do you do that? Think of what you did really well -- what you brought to your position that someone else wouldn't have. Did you create something new? Did you reduce something negative? It may help to look at each of your work history statements and ask yourself "so what?"

Example: "Helped create fliers and posters.". Let's look at this statement and what it really means. This person worked as part of a team with two other people. Employers really really value teamwork, so let's change "helped" to "Worked in team of three". Now we have "Worked in team of three to create fliers and posters". So what? The fliers and posters marketed new products. Stronger yet: "Worked in team of three to create marketing pieces advertising new products".

One more important point. . .business increased 25% the next quarter. We have a lot of good information, probably too much for one point. So, we break it down into two accomplishment statements.

First statement:"Created marketing pieces advertising new products, working in team of three." Second statement: "Contributed to 25% increase in business for first quarter of FY 09". Compared to "Helped create fliers and posters", we came up with two dynamite accomplishment statements, pointing out teamwork, creativity and results.

Important to remember: don't exaggerate! You may be asked to speak to anything in your resume and it's very important to be honest. Bottom line -- give yourself credit for your accomplishments and achievements, remembering to be truthful.

~ jan

Temporary Assignments as a Job Search Method

Looking for a job, but haven’t found what you want? You may want to consider working as a “temp”.

Some potential benefits of working a temporary job include:

$$$$$$s! Not a small thing to most people in the job market.

A productive alternative to sitting home sending out resumes day after day after day. . .

Networking. Working a temporary position is a great way to connect with lots of people including supervisors and coworkers—and even other people working as/looking for work as a temp. Example: I landed my first job out of college based on a job lead from a woman I met in the elevator at a local placement agency.

An effective way to prove yourself – with an organization and with the people you work with/for. This can lead to a great reference. . .or even a full time job. Many companies use temporary assignments as selection tools. Another example: I moved into two great positions by starting as a temp.

The chance to try out companies and positions. Just as companies may try people out as temps before bringing them on as full time employees, you can try out companies while working as a temp.

Experience to add to your credentials and resume. Temping may offer a chance to enhance skills or learn new skills.

Filler for gaps in employment. Prospective employers look at resumes with an eye for gaps in employment. Temping shows you had the initiative to “get out there” and work at a time when you would otherwise have been unemployed.

How to find a temporary job? Look at the yellow pages under “Employment Agencies”. Print off copies of your current resume on high quality bond paper and visit the agencies of interest to you.

Temping. . . might want to think about it. Worked for me. Could work for you.

~ jan

Facebook

You may think Facebook is your way to connect with your friends. And, it's okay to say anything you want to because, afterall, it's your friends you are talking to. You might -- no, you really need to -- remember lots and lots of people have access to what you say to your friends on Facebook. "Lots and lots of people" includes employers.

In every meeting I'm at with employers when the subject of Facebook comes up, employers say they look at what job candidates have posted on Facebook. They make decisions not to hire people because of what they read on Facebook.

You may be asking "why would employers even care what I say on Facebook?". Employers invest a lot of $s in any person they hire. They want to know your talents and strengths. They also want to know who you are as a person and how you will represent their organization.

If you need a guide as to what is ok/not ok to put on Facebook, use the Grammie Measure. Ask yourself "Would my Grammie be proud of me if she read this?" If you see Grammie shaking her head no, rolling her eyes in horror, and picking up the phone to call you -- better not post it.

Facebook is a great way to connect with your friends. Just don't let it ruin your chances at a job.

That Hidden Job Market

I just read the morning edition of the Wichita Eagle. Two articles got me even more excited than my morning coffee. Airbus plans to expand from 200+ to 350 employees in the upcoming year. And, Boeing has signed a five year, $100 million contract with the U.S. Navy. I'll talk about what I would do with this information regarding Boeing in a future blog. This morning, I'll share my ideas about Airbus.

If I am an engineer looking for a job, this is my plan.

I will print off a copy of my letterhead on high quality bond paper, dress up in my best professional clothes, drive to Old Town,and stop in at Airbus. Using my best manners, I will ask if I can speak with the manager of human resources. When I get in front of the HR manager, I will deliver my carefully prepared 30 second commercial, tell her how interested I am in her company, and ask if I can leave my resume. I will ask for her business card so I can follow up.

I might get "no, you cannot speak with HR" as an answer from the receptionist. If so, I will graciously thank the receptionist, give her my 30 second commercial, tell her how interesed I am in her company, and ask if I can leave a copy of my resume. If she tells me "no, you have to apply online", I will again graciously thank her, ask her to tell the manager of human resources that I stopped in, and tell her I will indeed apply online. Best case scenario: I get to talk with HR. Worst case scenario: I will connect with someone in a company that is growing and expanding. That person just might have more influence than I imagine. And, that person just might tell HR--and/or a manager in engineering--that "the nicest engineer dropped in today. . ."

It takes work to get a job! There's a "hidden job market" out there. . .work it!

~jan

From the Mouth of Employers

The campus chapter of NSBE (thank you NSBE!) recently hosted a panel of recruiters to share advice about interviewing. The five panel members had lots of noteworthy tips. I've included some here.

You cannot be too prepared. This means research the company. Review their website. Do a google search. Ask the people in your network what they know about the organization.

Come with your own questions to ask. For good examples, look in our "Ace the Interview" booklet, page 3. Favorites of panel members included "What qualifications will the successful candidate possess?", "What are some of the challenges this department/organization faces?", and "What is your timeline for filling this position?"

Do not. . .I repeat. . .do not ask about salary. The employer will bring up salary at the appropriate time. It's important to know that salaries for new hires generally don't offer much (if any) negotiating room. Negotiating salary is for later in your career.

Expect behavior based questions. An example might be "Describe the most frustrating group project you've been involved in." You can't wing it with these questions. Better take another look at that "Ace the Interview" book -- pages 10 through 12.

Practice. Practice with your roommate. Practice with a friend. Practice with Career Services! Come by 203 Grace Wilkie or call 978-3435 to schedule a mock interview. Don't wait until two days before you have an interview -- call today.

~jan

Informational Interviews

Getting ready to graduate and not quite sure what kind of job you are most interested in? Or,are you at that point in your college career that you can't put off declaring a major any longer? Or, do you really really love a particular subject area but aren't sure what kind of jobs you could get with a major in that field?

If any of these (or similar) situations apply to you, you may want to come in and talk to one of our counselors regarding informational interviews. An informational interview is a brief 15 to 20 minute meeting with someone working in a job you would like to know more about.

We can give you an overview of informational interviewing, plus sample questions. . .plus contact information for people who make themselves available for these informational meetings with WSU students. It's a great way to learn about potential career fields, meet interesting people, and make a contact.

Call, email or come by today to schedule a meeting to learn more.
203 Grace Wilkie, career.services@wichita.edu, or 978-3435

~jan

LinkedIn

When I logged into LinkedIn a few minutes ago, I saw an announcement for a great job opportunity. Last night I read an article about LinkedIn "Fire Up Your Career!" in the April 12 issue of FORTUNE. Yesterday morning, I watched the youtube video "Using Social Media for your Job Search" presentation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVlUwwgOfKw&feature=channel

Why am I so interested in LinkedIn? And, why do I think you should be interested in LinkedIn? Just a few things to think about:

LinkedIn is a professional social networking site, designed to facilitate networking among business people. This network is populated with experts in their fields. Members post questions to receive well thought out answers from knowledgeable people. LinkedIn is a great tool to connect with previous coworkers, supervisors, classmates you may have lost touch with. Joining groups links you to people and resources you can learn from and stay current in your field. Employers post jobs. Recruiters use LinkedIn to find top notch candidates.

FORTUNE said LinkedIn has profiles of more than 60 million members. 60 million members building professional connections. What are you waiting for? Check it out!

Beyond Monster Job Search

The four panelists of " Beyond Monster" one of the many great events of Business Week, gave lots of heartfelt advice regarding networking, based on their own individual job searches.

One panelist said "Strike up a conversation wherever you are. No contact is too minor. Don’t be afraid to say ‘I’m looking for a job’."

She continued to suggest: remember your friends have parents. Those parents have friends and neighbors. Everyone you know has their own network so anytime you talk with just one person you have the potential to reach lots and lots more people.

She gave a personal example of a conversation she had recently with her food server when dining at an upscale restaurant. As their conversation ended, the server said “This is what I’d really like to do. May I give you my name and number?” The server had given excellent service and our panelist remembered her. She made sure to give her a job lead when, a couple of weeks later, she heard of a position she thought the server might be interested in.

Networking works! What are you waiting for? Get out there and talk to people!

Networking by email

I just saw a great example of a networking email. It is brief but includes important information. The three paragraphs include:

1st paragraph--a summary of the kind of work you are looking for
2nd paragraph--a brief summary of your most recent work
3rd paragraph--your education, including any recent courses or certifications
Closing--a thank you for keeping you in mind
Your name
"Resume enclosed" notation

An example follows:

I will complete a BBA in Human Resources from Wichita State University in May and am available for an internship in Human Resources. Pay is irrelevant. I am looking for an opportunity to gain practical experience.

Although I am interested in all aspects of Human Resources, I worked two years as a technical recruiter from 20XX through 20XX. In addition, I am hopeful that my background in accounting will also be advantageous in the field of HR.

Please keep me in mind if you hear of opportunities.

Sincerely,

Jan Larrer

Resume attached


Remember WSU Career Services is here to help with your job search correspondence!

Career Services
Wichita State Universit
978-3435
careers.wichita.edu
203 Grace Wilkie

Five Good Reasons to Volunteer

There are many reasons to volunteer. Let me list a few.

1. To include in your resume.
2. Work can be paid or unpaid. Volunteer work can be a good way to fill a gap in employment.
3. You can maintain skills, or develop new skills, through volunteer work.
4. Volunteering is a great way to meet people and develop relationships. When you volunteer, you work alongside other good hearted people. If those people see you do good work and demonstrate good personal qualities, they may very well think of you if they hear of a paid job opportunity.
5. Working as a volunteer can be a great confidence booster, especially if you're out of work--or job hunting for any reason. Volunteering will get you out of the house and out around people, which can be a very good thing.

Questions? Come see us in Career Services!