Seeking Bright Professionals

Hello! Let me take a moment to thank you for your interest in the Career Services Blog. I am a career counselor at Wichita State University eager to continue writing about professionalism, job trends, how to market your skills, and any topics related to having fulfilling careers. Jan Mead has imparted her insight and knowledge over the years and I look forward to upholding her standards and mission to assist those seeking career advice. With a new beginning, it seemed fitting to have a new site for the blogs. Please, come browse the newest blogs posted and join the conversation by asking additional information on any topics you would like to learn more about. Bright Professional is intended for those enthusiastic, savy individuals who want to have a fulfilling career: http://brightprofessional.blogspot.com

It is never too late to be what you might have been.

It has been my privilege for the past few years to write this blog for you. I hope I have provided you with some information, insight and food for thought.

I am now turning the Career Coffee Blog over to Vivian Rohleder. Vivian will be an excellent resource. She has a great deal of knowledge and information to share with you.

My best wishes as you continue on your journey. I leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” ~ George Eliot

~jan mead, WSU Career Development

How is your resume?

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Having a resume is, of course, very important when you are conducting a job search. There are additional benefits to the thinking that goes into putting together your résumé. Two of those benefits are:

It is a great opportunity to take into account your skills and accomplishments. It is not the time to be humble when writing your résumé. Neither is it the time to exaggerate. It is the time to accurately and honestly give yourself credit for the things you can do -- your skills. And, the things you have done -- your accomplishments. 

Writing your résumé can also be a reminder of the goals you have for yourself in the future. Where do you want to be one year, two years from now? What do you need to do between now and then to be where you want to be within that time frame?

Don’t know where to start? Pick up a Starter Kit from our office, or access it on our website (www.wichita.edu/career/) on the link “The Kits”. Put together the basics: your contact information, the degree you are pursuing, your job title and place of employment, previous job titles and employers (no further back than ten years please), organizations you belong to, volunteer work, computer skills, language skills. 

Then stop by during walk in hours or make an appointment to have one of our staff look over your resume draft. You’ll leave with a better idea of who you are, where you’ve been and where you’re going.   

A New School Year

Beginning classes fall semester is almost like celebrating New Year’s Day. It represents a fresh start. A chance to continue on a successful path or a chance to do better. Here are six suggestions, based on employer recommendations for college students.

• Make good grades. An employer needs to have ways to evaluate your potential when considering you for a position with their organization. For a college student or new grad, companies look at grade point average as an indication of your potential value to them as an employee.
• Join professional or on campus organizations and be involved. The ability to work on teams, as well as leadership experience, are also big with employers.
• Communications skills. . .I can’t emphasize enough. The ability to speak effectively with one, or a group, of people is crucial to success in the workplace. As is the capability to write professional correspondence and emails. Do your best and get the most from preparing and delivering presentations and written assignments.
• Reach out to your classmates. The guy who sits next to you in Introduction to Business may work for an organization you would like to work for in the future. This is called networking.
• Get to know your instructors. Employers often get in touch with faculty to learn about students they might be interested in hiring.
• Meet with Career Services. Their goal is to help you with anything career related. They are connected to employers and make it their job to pass on information and advice to you.

A new year. A new start. Make it a good one.

Small Employers - What's the Big Deal?

When looking for a job, your may automatically think of large employers – the big guys. In your own best interest, maybe you also want to take consider smaller organizations.

According to the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, small businesses make up 99.7 percent of U.S. employer firms. 63 percent of the net new jobs created between 1993 and mid-2013 were with small businesses. Over ½ of the workers in America own or work for small businesses. Small business creates two out of every three new jobs across the United States

On a local note, according to the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce, approximately 97% of the establishments in our county have fewer than 100 employees.

Other than the fact there are so many, why might you want to consider working for a small employer?

I met recently to discuss that question with Sam Oglesby, a former colleague at a large manufacturing company here in Wichita. Since the time he and I worked together, Sam started and operated a small business providing accounting services for small to mid-sized companies. He recently sold his ownership in that business to take a position as Chief Financial Officer for Westar Foods which is a large Hardee's franchisee.  Having worked for both large and small companies, Sam shared his perspective regarding  working for a small organization.

There is less specialization. You may “wear many hats”.  Which allows you to learn – and demonstrate a variety of skills and attitudes. 

Working for a small organization can offer opportunities you might never have in a corporate environment. You may be connected directly to the owner. He can see your talents, initiative and dedication first hand. In Sam’s words, "in a small company, people really know when you do the right things."

Sam also offered some “words of wisdom” in working for smaller organizations.

In small businesses, there is “no hiding”. You take personal ownership for your actions and decisions.

There may not be opportunities for training and development within a small company. Therefore, it is important to develop yourself outside the four walls of the business.

There are distinct advantages to working for large and small organizations. You owe it to yourself to consider both.

Application for Employment - On-Campus Jobs Fair

If you come to the On-Campus Job Fair, Thursday, July 17, 2014, in the RSC, 2nd floor, you will want to come prepared to complete job applications. You may want to read through this information in order to save yourself stress on the date of the event.

 

 • You will need to provide your name, address, email address, phone number, social security number, eligibility to work in the U.S., and if you have been convicted of a felony within the past five years. 

 

 • Bring information regarding past employment including name, address, phone number of employer; your first and last date of work; your job title; your supervisor’s name and title; your rate of pay at start and termination; your reason for terminating. You will probably be expected to provide this information for your last three jobs.

 

 • You will also need information regarding your education. Come prepared to provide name and location of schools you attended; degrees/certifications/programs of study completed; graduation or completion date. The application may also ask for skills and qualifications including licenses, training, awards.

 

 • You will be expected to provide the name, job title, organization, address, email and phone number for three references. Be sure you ask these people if they are agreeable to being a reference for you before you give their information on your application. 

 

 • The application may also ask for your availability: when you could start the job and the days/hours you are available to work.  

 

 • Fill out the application neatly, completely and accurately. Make sure the name of the office with whom you are applying appears on the application form so you know where to return the application. WSU offices and departments will give different application instructions. Follow these instructions. Proofread your application before you turn it in. It would be a good idea to bring a pen with erasable ink and an eraser in order to most neatly make any corrections. Use blue or black ink. 

 

When you sign an employment application, you verify that all information you included is accurate and truthful. I cannot stress this point too strongly. Employers terminate employees for falsification of information on employment applications.

 

It is your responsibility to return the application(s) you complete to the appropriate office(s). Try to do so during the fair, but if this is not feasible, return to the appropriate office (not Career Services) as soon as possible, if not during the fair. 

How to Use Social Media to Your Advantage in Your Job Search

Did you graduate over the weekend and are now seriously looking for work in your field of study? Keep LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter in mind as job search resources. Social media can play an important role in the success of your job search.

Make sure your social media sites are employer ready. Check your information just as closely as you check your resume and cover letter. Eliminate any questionable information. In a survey conducted last year by CareerBuilder.com, more than 2000 hiring managers and human resource professionals were asked “if, how, and why” they use social media as part of their hiring process. Findings showed that two of five organizations surveyed used social media profiles to evaluate the character and personality of candidates. And, one third of employers said they have not hired potential candidates because of information they found.

The flip side of this coin is that you can use social media to your advantage, increasing your visibility to employers. Post a professional photo along with your professional profile. Ask previous managers or coworkers for recommendations. Spend time each week participating in group discussions and sharing information. Make sure your information is consistent from site to site.

Social media is another way to stand out from other candidates. Just make sure you stand out in a good way.

Transition from College to Work

Many of you will soon be tossing your black caps into the air, hanging your tassles around the rear view mirror of your car -- and transitioning from college to the professional workplace. Congratulations!

There are many things your new bosses will expect you to know. Your field of study, of course. But, also, professionalism in how you dress, speak, present yourself. They are not going to be happy if they walk by and you are talking or texting on your cell phone. Or, tweeting or facebooking. . .unless all or part of your job is social media. They want you to work while you are at work.

They will expect you to be at work on time – preferably early – and to stay until the official “quitting time – preferably a few minutes late. 

They will want you to ask questions. And, they will want you to learn whatever you need to learn to do your job well.

Bottom line: They want you to demonstrate a strong work ethic. Show commitment to your job. And, make them glad they hired you instead of that other candidate.

Do good work. . .it’s important.  

What is the one change you make today?

I just left the Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards Luncheon. I attended to network and learn about the organizations who were nominated for this year’s awards. I received much more. The speaker, Jon Rolfe, of Carlos O’Kelly’s and Applebee’s, is also the father of four kids under the age of five. His words sent me back to campus with much to think about.

Jon presented a short (not a bad thing) and thought provoking talk including poignant examples of people he knows who dedicated themselves to their careers at the expense of their personal lives. The message he left us with was “Don’t think about what you want to do; think about who you want to become.”

Doesn’t that say it all? Who do you want to become? One thing is sure – we all change. All the time. What changes do we want to purposefully make to have control over our evolving persons?

Small changes count. Shawn T. Smith, Denver Psychologist, says “Luckily, I don't need to make jarring habit changes in order to become the person I want to be. . . That question, who do I want to be in ten years, tells me all I need to know about the present moment. Instead of watching one more rerun of The Office, I'll read a few more pages of a book in the service of becoming more intelligent.”

What is one change I want to make? Today. What about you?

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute...

A student called this morning. He was frantic. He has an interview tomorrow and he’s not ready. He wanted to schedule a mock interview. We didn’t have any appointment times available. None.

That disappointed student stayed in my head. So, I want to remind you – don’t wait until the last minute. Schedule an appointment with one of our counselors early your final semester to go over your job search plan, as well as your resume, cover letter and reference page. Schedule a mock interview so you have opportunity to practice your interviewing skills before an employer calls to schedule an interview with you.

You leave too much to chance if you wait until the last minute. Employers are in control of whether or not they want to talk with you or even read your resume. But, you can be in control of presenting the best “you” possible. And, that takes some time. The clock is ticking. Don’t wait. 

Are you ready to graduate and start earning big bucks?

Are you ready to graduate and start earning those big bucks? If so, there are probably a few things you want to know regarding salaries for new grads.

The market drives wages--how much demand is there for people in your field? You are competing with other graduating students from many colleges and universities in addition to Wichita State. You may also be competing with experienced people who have lost their positions due to downsizing of their organizations. Salaries also vary greatly by geographic area.

Do your research before you interview. Our website provides links to several sources of information. (http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=CAREERSERVICES2&p=/IndustryAndSalaryInformation/). The information from our Graduating Student Survey is a good place to start.

If an employer asks your salary requirements, you can say “negotiable”. You can also ask what their salary range is for the position. Or, it is appropriate to say “I hope to be paid commensurate with the requirements of the job.”

If you strongly believe you are worth more money than an employer offers you, tell them you are very interested in the position and ask courteously if they are open to negotiation.

Many organizations do not allow very much, if any room for negotiation when they make offers to new graduates. However, sometimes they may be able to offer a sign-on bonus in lieu of a higher salary offer. A sign-on bonus is a lump sum of money the employers pays you when you begin your job. It is an advantage to the employer because it doesn’t increase your base salary, on which your potential raise(s) will be based. And, it may be a fair tradeoff to you because you undoubtedly have expenses to pay as you graduate.

Remember benefits may add on as much as an additional 30% to the employer’s cost for your compensation. Perhaps you can negotiate something other than salary such as, flexible hours, working from home one day per week, vacation time or other paid time off, stock options, insurance benefits, tuition reimbursement for a graduate degree, additional training.

If you attempt to negotiate your salary, it is very important to be prepared to point out why and how you are worth more money than the original offer. It is not enough to say “I need a higher salary.”

Always be respectful when dealing with employers. If you attempt to negotiate salary and are unsuccessful, decide if the opportunity and experience you will get are appealing enough for you to accept the offer proposed. It may just be worth it to start at a lower salary than you might hope for in order to get in with a desirable organization.

Welcome Back, Shockers!

As I drove into campus this morning, I saw lots of you. Traditional, returning adult, international. Sporting a Packer sweatshirt, lots of Shocker sweatshirts (of course), a few suits. Laden with backpacks, messenger bags, clutching just a couple of textbooks close to your chest.

As you hurried across campus, I didn’t have time to see the expressions on many faces but, I hope you’re excited. Excited about your instructors, the other students you will meet in your classes, and what you will learn. I hope you’re optimistic about how much your eyes will be opened to new material and the rewards you will earn based on your effort.

Most of all I hope you’re committed to learn and meet new people – and expand your world beyond what it is this morning.

I hope to meet some of you. And, help you with information and decisions about majors, career fields, jobs.

What a great time in your life this is. You may not realize this until a few years down the road. But, I know. I have my years as a college student to look back on and be thankful for. My education at Wichita State totally changed my life. It can do the same for you.     

Application Information for Employment

If you come to the On-Campus Job Fair, Thursday, January 16, 2014, in the RSC, 2nd floor, Lucas Room, you will want to come prepared to complete job applications. You may want to read through this information in order to save yourself stress on the date of the event.

 

 • You will need to provide your name, address, email address, phone number, social security number, eligibility to work in the U.S., and if you have been convicted of a felony within the past five years. 

 

 • Bring information regarding past employment including name, address, phone number of employer; your first and last date of work; your job title; your supervisor’s name and title; your rate of pay at start and termination; your reason for terminating. You will probably be expected to provide this information for your last three jobs.

 

 • You will also need information regarding your education. Come prepared to provide name and location of schools you attended; degrees/certifications/programs of study completed; graduation or completion date. The application may also ask for skills and qualifications including licenses, training, awards.

 

 • You will be expected to provide the name, job title, organization, address, email and phone number for three references. Be sure you ask these people if they are agreeable to being a reference for you before you give their information on your application. 

 

 • The application may also ask for your availability: when you could start the job and the days/hours you are available to work.  

 

 • Fill out the application neatly, completely and accurately. Make sure the name of the office with whom you are applying appears on the application form so you know where to return the application. WSU offices and departments will give different application instructions. Follow these instructions. Proofread your application before you turn it in. It would be a good idea to bring a pen with erasable ink and an eraser in order to most neatly make any corrections. Use blue or black ink. 

 

When you sign an employment application, you verify that all information you included is accurate and truthful. I cannot stress this point too strongly. Employers terminate employees for falsification of information on employment applications.

 

It is your responsibility to return the application(s) you complete to the appropriate office(s). Try to do so during the fair, but if this is not feasible, return to the appropriate office (not Career Services) as soon as possible, if not during the fair. 

You Can't Know Everything

I met with a graduating student today who said “Even though I learned a tremendous amount at WSU, I realize there is still a lot I don’t know.” He has a 3.96 gpa in Engineering, so undoubtedly he did learn a lot. But, he has the humility to also know there is still a lot left for him to learn.

Employers appreciate that attitude. They respect candidates who are confident but not arrogant. They were where you are at one point and they know they didn’t know everything – so neither can you. They expect a learning curve for new graduates.  

It pays to be humble. Good to remember when you meet employers and when you interview.  

“You shouldn't gloat about anything you've done; you ought to keep going and find something better to do.”  ~David Packard

New Year Resolutions

New Year...New Year Resolutions

I don’t know about you, but the beginning of the new year always gives me hope. The opportunity to leave the old behind. To change direction. To move on to new beginnings.

Work, career, education are central to who we are and what we do with our lives. Perhaps one of your new beginnings involves your career.  A few guidelines to help you focus on career follow.

Discover who you are.  What are your top interests? Skills? Values?

• Research what jobs would be a match for you and who you are.
• Establish a plan of action to put yourself in a job suited to you. What can you put in place to help you get the job you want now and in the future? What organizations can you join? Where might you volunteer your time and talents? Who can you get to know? Who can you learn from?

Sound like big undertakings? They are! But, you’re not alone – call our office at 978-3435 and schedule an appointment with one of our Career Counselors today. We’re here to help.

Holiday Networking

Tis the season. . .for shopping, and caroling and spreading good cheer. And. . .if you’re in the job market, ‘tis the season’ for networking. For getting out there and talking to people. The hustle and bustle of the season, including holiday parties and festivities, provide perfect opportunities for “running into” friends and family you haven’t seen for awhile, as well as meeting new people.

Accept invitations to holiday gatherings. Introduce yourself and shake hands with people who may have forgotten you and people you’ve not met before. Spend a little time getting acquainted or reacquainted. Listen and show genuine interest in folks and in what is going on in their lives. And, when they ask “So, what do you do?” or “What are you doing now?” you can tell your story.

Don’t be so bold as to ask for jobs. Make your goal instead to build rapport. It is appropriate to ask if you can call later for advice or to hear more about a particular person or organization. Take time and make the effort to jot down names and titles of people you talk with so you can follow up with a note saying how nice it was to meet/talk with them.

Take the challenge. Meet new people this holiday season. You never know when you might make a new friend . . . or meet a future coworker or even a future boss.

Happy holidays!

Moving On, Or. . . Finding a Job Out of State

Ready to graduate and begin a new career? Want to begin that new career in another city or state? Here are a few suggestions to help you identify employers who would benefit from your skills and what you have to offer.

Make connections in the geographic area you are interested in relocating to. Network to let people know you are looking for a job out of state. Talk to instructors who may know of former students who are located where you want to move.     

Join professional associations affiliated with your career field. Contact officers of those associations regarding the job market and suggestions for your job search as you relocate. Let them know you will be a valuable member of their organization when you move.

Review the WSU Alumni Directory to find Alumni to potentially network with. Find out if there is a chapter of the WSU Alumni Association in the city you want to call “home”. Connect with the President or another officer.

Utilize LinkedIn to make connections and communicate. Join professional groups on LinkedIn, including the WSU Alumni Association Group. Participate in discussions to establish visibility.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce in the city you are interested in moving to. Ask if they have a directory similar to Wichita’s “Book of Lists”. Go through the yellow pages and make note of organizations that could use your skills. (Note: You may be overwhelmed with the number of employers you identify so break your possibilities down into workable groups.)

Use LinkedIn and networking to connect with people at the organizations, or people who may know about, the organizations of interest to you.

It is far less expensive for employers to hire a local candidate. Therefore, make it clear in your cover letter, emails, etc. that you are relocating to their area, have begun the transition and are looking for a job in advance of moving. Establish a mailing address in the city you plan to move to. Get a post office box or use the address of a friend or relative.

Plan a tentative trip. Notify actual and potential networking contacts and employers of interest that you will be in their area on a certain date. Ask to meet with them while you are “in town”.

As in any job search, making connections is crucial. It takes far more effort to connect with people across the country than to connect with people in our city, but the payoff is worth it. Once again the answer to the question “How do I do that?” is “Network”. You have to do it. So. . .what are you waiting for? Get out there. Network! Get a job. . .

Spending Time with Brad Haralson at Printing, Inc.

Our office was fortunate to tour Printing, Inc. yesterday. The purpose of our tour was to learn more about the Leadership Development Program offered by Printing, Inc.’s parent company, Consolidated Graphics.

The tour was informative and even offered the opportunity to jump across, or through, rain puddles, but the best part for me was learning from Brad Haralson, President of Printing, Inc. Brad’s three steps to success are straight to the point and pretty easy to work by:

1.      Come in early.

2.      Connect with people.

3.      Learn something new every day.

We also asked Brad what he looks for in candidates when he is hiring. The first words out of his mouth, with absolutely no hesitation, were “work ethic.”  Work ethic as demonstrated by working hard, doing more than expected, doing more than the other person is willing to do.  

I think we can all learn from Brad Haralson. Come in early, connect with people, learn something new every day. And, don’t forget. . . work hard. Sounds like good advice to me.

 

“ And where I excel is ridiculous, sickening, work ethic. You know, while the other guy's sleeping? I'm working.” ~ Will Smith

A Good Job

A good  job. We all want one.

A good job is different for all of us, but you know it when you have it.  You’re excited to go to work when you have a good job. And, excited about what you accomplish while you’re at work.

But . . the real reason for this post is to say “there is no such thing as a bad job.” Every job teaches you something. Every job gives you the opportunity to connect (i.e. network) with other people. Every job gives the chance to do good work and make a reputation for yourself. And, if you perform well, any job, can be a stepping stone for your next job.  

So, even if the job you have right now is not one you want to stay in long term, take it seriously and do your best. Be at work and be at work on time. Do what needs to be done – don’t be afraid to do something not in your job description and don’t wait to be asked to do something that needs to be taken care of.  Set a positive example for other workers. Show respect for your manager and coworkers.

In short, appreciate the opportunity to have that job. You just don’t know where it might lead you!  


"The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today."

~ Elbert Hubbard, American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher.

5 Step Method of Effective Networking

Lou Adler, CEO, best-selling author of The Essential Guide for Hiring & Getting Hired offers a 5 Step Method of Effective Networking.

1.            Find 3-5 people (previous employers, supervisors, instructors, coworkers) who can vouch for your performance and would be willing to put in a positive word for you and recommend you to other people?

2.            Meet and greet with each of these people one on one.

3.            Ask each of them to review your resume.

4.            Ask each of them to give you the names of 3-5 people in their network who it would be good  for you to talk to and connect with.  

5.            Repeat steps 2 – 5.

To learn more about Lou Adler, check his LinkedIn site (http://www.linkedin.com/in/louadler)