A Step-By-Step Guide to Building Your Career

8/3/2019 A Step-By-Step Guide to Building Your Career

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Brought to you by Career and Employment ServicesSchenectady County Community College

222 Elston Hall(518)381-1365

[email protected]


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Table of Contents1) Career Development Theories and its Impact onEducation and Career Choices

2) Getting to Know Yourself

3) Career Exploration4) Getting to Your Destination

5) Becoming a Professional

6) Networking

7) Written Communication8) Searching for Opportunities

9) The Interview

10) Keeping the Job


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The road to

success is always

under construction

~Lily Tomlin


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Career Development:

A lifelong processAlthough there are many theories on Career Development and howdifferent factors impact our decisions regarding career and education,most will agree that the overall goal of career counseling and planningis to work toward a career goal that you will get some sort of satisfaction

from.

At this point in life, most of us have some idea of the things we aregood at, the things we enjoy, and the type of environment we like to bein.

We seek these out and continue to develop not only our personalidentities, but our work identities as well. The work environmentsthat will suit us the best are those that intertwine the two and allow usto develop personally and professionally. Therefore, it is important forus to know how our identities will impact our reaction to ourenvironments.


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Knowing yourself

is the beginning of

all wisdom

~Aristotle


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It is important to gain a personal understanding of yourselfand how you respond to the world around you. Take time touncover your personal traits, strengths, motivators,

values, needs, skills and wants.

Click on topics below for worksheets and links to help youget to know yourself.

What do you like to do?What are your skills?How do they relate to one another?

http://www.personalitypathways.com/type_inventory.htmly Afun link to help you determine your personality and how it relates to

different careers.


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Learning About Yourself-Part 1

Make a list of 10 memorableexperiences that have made adifference in your life.

What did you learn from those

experiences?

How were you involved; what impact

did you have on the experiences?

How did those experiences influence

future decisions?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.


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Now make a list of yourpersonal talents,knowledge, and experience.

Specialized Training/Education?

Knowledge gained from personal

experiences or self teachings?

Expectations others have for you orthat you place on yourself?

Skills you enjoy using during

employment or community service?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.


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Now write down your thoughts about how theexperiences youve encountered, along with the talents youpossess could relate to new opportunities you would like to

explore.For example, youve always enjoyed and excelled in sports. You also notice

that family and friends tend to come to you to help resolve conflicts.

How could these two talents be combined and applied in the future?


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Formal AssessmentIf you are still unclear about which career path is for you, a

formal assessment may help. The following assessment tools

are available in Career and Employment Services:y DISCOVER-Acomputerized program which will help you to

assess your interests, values and skills.

y Myers-Briggs Type Indicator- An assessment which will helpyou to learn how your personality type relates to different careers.

y StrengthsQuest-An assessment to help determine your strengthsand how they relate to building your career.

To make an appointment for Career Counseling

call(518) 381-1365


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If we are facing in

the right direction,

all we have to do is

keep on walking

~Buddhist Proverb


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ResearchNow that you have identified your core talents, values,

skills and motivations, you can begin to gather informationon career paths that fit with your qualities.

Onet

Occupational Outlook handbook

Bureau ofLabor Statistics

SCCC Career Guides

Network with professionals in the fields that interest you

y IdentifyAlumni and Professionals through Career Office

y Perform informational interviews and attend career related events


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You cant cross thesea merely by

standing and

staring at the

water

~Rabindranath Tagore


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Do you need additional education or training?y Talk to a Transfer Counselor

Do you need additional experience?

y Internships and volunteer work can help to provide you with relevant experienceand training that many employers are looking for.

Do you need access to additional resources for special circumstances and diversepopulations.

Information for persons with disabilities

Information on nontraditional careers

Information for veterans

Information for diverse populations Information for ex-offenders

Want to meet with a Career Professional? Stop by Elston Hall, Room 223 or Call518.381-1365 for an appointment.


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Additional Resources for Persons

With Disabilitiesy ADATransition Services at Schenectady County

Community College

y TRIO

y 55b and c New York State and Local Civil ServiceEmployment Information

y

WorkforceR

ecruitment Program (for students withdisabilities)

y Americans with DisabilitiesAct

yVESID


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Nontraditional

Careers

Information

Reasons to Consider

ANontraditional

Career

NontraditionalPrograms at SCCC

Links forNontraditional

Careers


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What is a Nontraditional Career?

Anontraditional career is one in which there is a genderimbalance (where less than 25% of the workers are either malesor females). For example, in New York State, men are less than25% of registered nurses; women are less than 25% of police.

Career choice is significantly inf luenced by tradition and the waywe have been socialized; therefore, men and women are oftenunaware of the variety of alternatives that are available to them.

The purpose of identifying nontraditional options is to fosterinterest in and access to these careers with the goal of openingup these professions to the under-represented gender.


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Why Consider a Nontraditional Career? Interesting and rewarding employment opportunities Higher wages and better benefits Opportunities for advancement Increased job satisfaction

For additional information or to schedule an appointment to speak withNontraditional Staff, please contact:

MargaretAnne Williams, Nontraditional Student CounselorStudent Development Center-Elston 223

(518) 381-1337

[email protected]

Dawn Jones, Nontraditional Career SpecialistStudent Development Center, Elston 223

(518) [email protected]


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Programs That Lead to

Nontraditional CareersWomen Men

Aviation ScienceBusinessAdministration

Computer Support Technology

Criminal Justice

CulinaryArts

NanoscaleMaterials Technology

EmergencyManagement

Fire Protection

Music Business

Accounting

Early Childhood Education

Nursing*

Paralegal

*In conjunction with Ellis Hospital


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Links for Nontraditional Careers NationalAlliance for Partnership in Equity-http://www.napequity.org/

National Institute for Women in Trades, Technology, & Science (policing included)-http://www.iwitts.com/

Nontraditional Careers for Women-http://www.iseek.org/sv/10112.jsp

US Department ofLabor, Womens Bureau-http://www.dol.gov/wb/

New York State Project for Nontraditional Employment and Training-http://www.albany.edu/nontraditionalcareers

Women Tech World e-mentoring-http://www.womentechworld.org/ementoring.htm

Women Work!-http://www.womenwork.org

TheAmericanAssembly for Men in Nursing-http://www.aamn.org/

iseek-Nontraditional Careers for Men-http://www.iseek.org/sv/10114.jsp


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Resources for Diverse Populationsy Quintessential Careers

y Riley Guide


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Do not follow

where the path

may lead. Go,

instead, where

there is no path and

leave a trail.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson


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Become InvolvedThe best way to begin establishing a professional

history is to become actively involved in activities thatconnect you to other individuals who are working in or

interested in the field you wish to pursue.Join campus clubs, professional organizations, social

groups, charities, on-line groups, and attend regionalnetworking events.

This includes becoming actively involved in your coursesby going to class, completing assignments on time,being prepared, engaging in class discussions, andfollowing up with teachers when absent.


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Character is much

easier kept than

recovered.

~Thomas Paine


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Your Digital Footprint:

What it Says About YouWhat is a digital footprint you ask?

Simply put, it is the information that you post on the internet and is stored by others indatabases that can be accessed by the public or selected authorities.

y Those pictures or comments from you or your friends on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Linkedin, etc.y Blogging, text messaging, emailing, downloads, videos and picture uploadsy Your credit historyy Your driving recordy Previous convictions or public arrest noticesy Letters to the editor, newsletters, any published worky Traffic and security cameras

Most employers are now conducting internet searches and/or background checks onprospective employees before making a decision to hire.

y Consider making your pages private and leave the discussion about last nights game ofbeer pong for your private email.y Develop a professional blog where you can discuss industry trends or comment on others

articles or blogs in the industry.y Join online groups associated with your industry and participate in online discussions.y Work toward improving your credit rating, driving record and public relations.


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Background Checksy In addition to informal background checks, many

employers conduct formal background checks or

require clearance to be employed by them such ashelping professions, professions in direct contact withdisabled, elderly or child populations, and manygovernment jobs.

y

Be honest about anything that comes up.A

n arrest orconviction does not necessarily exclude you fromemployment in many jobs. Know your rights.


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Relationships of

trust depend on our

willingness to look

not only to our own

interests, but also the

interests of others.

~ Peter Farquharson


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Networking

Ask not what others can do for you, but what you can do for others.

Think of networking as more of an investment in others and less of whoyou know and how they can help you get the job you want. Those

connections will come naturally as you develop relationships based on true

interest and willingness to be involved in meaningful ways.


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Sources for Networkingy Family and Relatives and their

friends/family

y Professors/Teachers and their contacts

y Friends and their friends/family

y Classmates and their friends/family

y Participate in Volunteer/Internship orApprenticeship programs

y Membership in community organizations,churches, athletic teams, associations,lodges, private clubs, adult education

classes and anything else that brings youin contact with others

y Applying in person

y Mailing a targeted cover letter to acompany that you researched in advance

y Reviewing business news to see who ismoving, expanding, or opening

y Introduce yourself at establishments thatyou visit frequently

y Schedule informational interviews withbusinesses you are interested in

y Visit public libraries and book stores andview the literature in their career section

Click here for a networking worksheet


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NetworkingS

heetList 10 people you know

1.

2.

3.4.

5.

6.

7.

8.9.

10.

List people they know

1.

2.

3.4.

5.

6.

7.

8.9.

10.

List 10 businesses

1.

2.

3.4.

5.

6.

7.

8.9.

10.


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A synonym is a

word you use when

you can't spell the

other one.

~Baltasar Gracin


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Before you BeginBe sure the information you are including is honest and

accurate.You must be able to discuss the information you put on your

resume.Consequences for including false or misleading information

on your resume can be serious and if you are hired based onthat information you can lose your job even years down theroad.

What you will need:Paper

Pen or pencil

Names of past employers and dates of employment.


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Taking Inventory Start with 6 pieces of blank paper. Title each with the headings: education,

work, activities, honors and awards, interests and miscellaneous.

Education: List colleges and universities attended, exchange programs, andoff-campus study.

Work: List all jobs held-full or part time, paid or unpaid.

Activities: List everything you have done now and in high school, in terms oforganized groups, teams, clubs, community involvements, etc.

Honors andAwards: List scholarships, class standing, special recognitionsand academic achievements.

Interests: List hobbies, travel experiences, special talents.

Miscellaneous: List everything you have left out thus far.


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Now its time to start editing. Under each section ask yourself thefollowing questions:

Are there things on this list that I feel a sense of pride about?

Can I make these things relate to what a prospective employer

might be looking for? For example, being a member of a fraternitymay not be important to an employer, however, the fact that youorganized philanthropic functions to help the community may be.And although your job flipping hamburgers may not seem relevantto you, the fact that you were a conscientious worker during that jobmay be very important to the employer.

Which things on my list show my strengths and other aspects of mypersonality.

Which activities have been superseded by more recentinvolvements.


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Putting it all Togethery Contact Information or Heading

y Objective

y Educationy Honors andAwards

y Experience

y Skills/Certifications/Qualifications

y References


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Contact InformationExample

ArnoldSmith184 Baldwin Road, Williamston, MA04276

Home: (413) 423-4432 ~ Work: (413) 662-4200

Internet: [email protected]

Every resume must include your name and theaddress where you can be reached.

y

Telephone numbers are very important to include since mostemployers prefer this means of communication.y Make sure that the number you leave will be answered

appropriately or has a professional sounding voicemail.y Email addresses are optional, but be sure the address you list

reflects positively on your character. It is best to set up an emailaccount that you use only for work related correspondence.


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Job ObjectiveFor some, this is the most difficult part of

writing a resume. Remember that most employers

prefer a carefully worded, targeted objective asopposed to a vague statement.

You may want to have a few versions of your

resume with objectives that are geared towardeach type of job you are applying for.

Click here for examples.


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Examples of Targeted Objective

Statements:

To secure a position as a computer programmer,

analyzer, or designer.

Because of past involvement in environmentalresearch and land use policy, I am seeking a market

research position with a firm managing naturalresources.


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EducationIt is common for students orrecent grads to start theirresumes with an Educationsection. However, there isno rule that says it has to befirst. It just works out best

for many students tohighlight academicaccomplishments in thebeginning to catch anemployers eye.

An EDUCATION section caninclude extremely relevant

courses, G.P.A. , High School(particularly if you wereactive in clubs or charitablecauses), honors and awards,language proficiency andcomputer skills.

B.A. SociologyMay 1996SUNY College at PotsdamPotsdam, NYy Exposure to computer, cartography ,

surveyingy One week internship in Quebec City;

took aerial photos, conversed inFrench

y Minor in French

A.S. HumanServicesJune 1993Schenectady County Community College

Schenectady, NYy GPA: 3.32/4.0


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Honors and AwardsG.P.A. 3.4; Deans List five semesters

Good Student Scholarship Finalist: One of twenty

students to receive the highest scholarship honor award ofthe College, based on academic achievement, campusleadership and community service.

Students who have been the recipients of

numerous honors and awards often have atendency to put everything down on a resume. Itis better to select those which present a composite

picture of your strengths than to list all of yourtriumphs.


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ExperienceWhether you begin with a position title or the name of the

organization is a matter of preference.Group the most relevant experiences on top or create sub

categories for types of experience. It is not necessary to list every job youve held. High school jobs,

unless particularly relevant, can be left off as long as you have 3-4more recent jobs.

Related volunteer and internship positions can also be listedhere.

Use short descriptive phrases that include power words to listyour major job duties.Be sure to write past experiences in the past tense, use present

tense for current jobs or activities.Examples


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ExperienceSamples

PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCESenior Project, Colby College, Waterville,ME (Jan. 1993)

y Analyzed the data flow of the Colleges maintenance department

y Created a database to handle an inventory of over 2200 items as well as allinvoices for a maintenance department (up to 50 daily)

COUNSELING EXPERIENCEMigrant Tutorial Outreach Intern, Boston, MA

Tutored junior and senior high school students from migrant farming families Assessed academic subjects that needed to be strengthened

Assisted students on an individual basis

Coordinated subject matter with students teachers

Spring 1993


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Power WordsWhen describing your job duties, use words that convey action.

For example:

Accelerated Accommodated Advanced Achieved

Analyzed Budgeted Coached CommittedComposed Counseled Customized DedicatedDemonstrated Developed Drafted EducatedEmpowered Envisioned Evaluated ExaminedExcelled Facilitated Fulfilled GeneratedGrew Identified Implemented IncreasedInitiated Interpreted Introduced LaunchedLed Maintained Motivated Operated

Organized Performed Planned PreparedPromoted Recruited Reinforced RelatedResearched Repaired Satisfied ShapedStimulated Supervised Transformed TrainedUpdated Upgraded Valued VisualizedWrote


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Qualifications/Skills/Certificationsy If listing your qualifications, you should list those

things that relate to your industry or field such asspecific certifications, computer skills, spokenlanguages, and any other abilities that might make youthe ideal candidate.

y This can be done in one section or separate sections oreven in combination with other sections in yourresume.


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Referencesy In most cases, references are left off of the resume

entirely and only submitted after the prospectiveemployer has requested them.

y Many people choose to include this information on aseparate page ready to hand an employer if requested.In this case, it should have the same heading as yourresume and be in the same format.

yReferences should be past employers or coworkers whocan speak about your work ethic and habits as well asyour abilities.

y References should NOT be family members or friends.


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To see more resumesamples or to make an

appointment withCareer and Employment

Services call(518)381-1365.

Or stop in during walkin hours everyMonday

and Tuesday from1:00-3:00 pm

Elston 223

GLENDA F. SMITH10 Cream Cake Drive, Schenectady, NY 12304 * (518) 355-1234 * [email protected]

Event Planning, Culinary Arts & Hospitality ManagementSeeking a full-time, Event Planner/Catering position

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT

The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center. Albany, NY (Sept. 2002 - Present)

Special Events Assistant

y Assisted in conceptual, planning, and execution stages of both the 03 & 04 New Years Eve Celebrations(attraction over 1,200 guests) and the 17 th & 18th Annual American Wine Festivals (attracting over 3,000 gueststhroughout out the three day event).

y Solicited vendors, suppliers, printers, wineries & advertising sponsors for both events.y Processed guest & exhibitor registrations in database.y Complied & set-up program information for graphic artist before printing.y Crossed trained to serve in Reservations, Operations and Executive departments within the hotel.

Blue Moon Catering. Mechanicville, NY (Aug. 2002 - 2007 / Fasig Tipton at Saratoga) -Seasonal

Pantry Chefy Created appetizers, salads, sandwiches & dessert specials for dining room customers.y Assisted in banquet preparation and carving station service for catered private auctions & elite clientele partiesfor up to 200 guests.

Chrissys Cakes. Scotia, NY (Oct.1990 - Present)

Free Lance Cake Designer and Independent Baker

y Created, designed and sold over 1,000 cakes for Birthdays, Bridal Showers, Weddings and other special eventsto corporate and residential customers.

y Designed & created petite pastry & cookie trays, holiday, specialty pies, including molded & hand-dippedconfections.

First National Bank of Scotia. Scotia, NY (1988 - May 2001)

Indirect Marketing Representative

y Crossed trained to serve in all departments with in the banking industry.EDUCATION

Long Island University/Southampton Campus, Southampton, NY

Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies (May 2004)

Schenectady County Community College, Schenectady, NY

Associate in Applied Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management (Dec. 2002)

Associate in Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts-Baking(May 2002)

(Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Member / GPA 3.97)

PRACTICAL TRAINING

Bakery Assistant Intern. J & S Watkins Home Baked Gourmet Desserts. (Mar. 2002 - Jul. 2002)

Garde Manger Assistant & Rounds Person Intern. Volume Services America. (2002 Belmont Stakes)

Assistant Dessert Chef& AssistantPantry ChefPantry Intern. Panzas Restaurant. (May - Aug. 2001)

Rounds Person/ Service Volunteer. Glen Sanders Mansion Catering (Dec. 2001 & Feb. 2002)

Prep-Cook Volunteer. Regional Farm & Food Project Benefit (Sept. 2001)

Winery Exhibit Volunteer. Saratoga Global Wine & Food Festival (May 2001)

References Available Upon Request


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Things to Keep in MindNo matter what you include in your resume, the format should

remain the same throughout.Limit your resume to relevant information (adjust accordingly).

Be sure to check spelling and grammar.Keep your descriptions crisp and clear.Make sure your resume is visually balanced.Avoid using templates, they are difficult to change later. If you

like the look of a template, format your document to look similarby using the tools in your word processor.

Use a good quality resume or bond paper, but avoid trendycolors.

Have others review your resume for you.Click here for a resume example.


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The Cover Lettery Acover letter is written specifically for each resume you send and if at all possible

addressed to a particular person. If youre unsure of who it should go to, call the companyand ask. Be sure to get the correct spelling.

y If you have a connection in a company, ask for permission to use their name in your letter.Include it in the first sentence. If you dont have a connection, your first sentence should

include how you learned of the position.y The purpose of a cover letter is to convince the recipient to read your resume andhopefully request a personal interview with you. Highlight a few main points of yourresume but dont rewrite your resume.

y Use a business style format with single spacing and no indentation on paragraphs. Besure that the text is centered and balanced and not jammed into the top or bottom of thepage.

y After the last paragraph, leave one line space and then type your closing followed by a

comma.L

eave five additional line spaces and type your name, then sign your name inblue or black ink between the closing and your printed name.y Be sure to check for errors in spelling and grammar.y Use the same stationary used for your resume.y Always keep a copy of the letter youve written to a specific company for reference.y Click here for examples.


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SAMPLE COVER LETTER

MICHAEL SMITH1111 Washington Avenue

Schenectady, New York 12305518/372-1234 * [email protected]

May 13, 2007

Ms. Jane JonesCorporate RecruiterIBMHuman Resource Office1000 North Plaza DriveFishkill, New York 12789

Dear Ms. Jones:

After reviewing your companys Web site, I was excited to see that you have openings for Electronic

Technicians at your Fishkill facility. I would be an excellent candidate. (Reason for writing, name ofosition, and mention how you heard of the opening.)

My recent Electrical Technology training allowed me to take additional coursework in areas of NanoMaterial Science and Networking Systems which will support your companys leadership in the Tech Valleymovement in New York State. (Next 1-3 paragraphs should highlight your connection to industry/position

and how your expertise and/or initiative has prepared you for this opportunity.)

I worked closely with faculty members to bring technology experts on campus to share current trends andtechnological theories that are important to those pursuing related careers. Due to those panel discussions, Iwas able to secure an internship at SuperPower in Schenectady. This opportunity allowed me to trainalongside excellent co-workers on unique testing equipment that ensured the accuracy of the equipment andthe quality of the output. It also reassured me that this industry is where I wish to make a significantcontribution.

As a re-careering adult student with 10 years of manufacturing experience, Im proud to say Im considered atop student by faculty due to my excellent grades, and more importantly, my ability to bring out the best inmy peers. Im a career oriented person who is ready to grow with the demands of this ever changing industryand to help position IBM as a continued leader.

I have applied online, but felt it necessary to share my interest with you directly. I will follow up in the nexttwo weeks to understand my status as a candidate and if a phone call can be arranged to better understandyour future workforce needs. (Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for further interaction with the

company to determine their hiring process and your standing as a candidate.)

Sincerely,

Michael Smith

Michael Smith

Enclosure: Resume


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If opportunity

doesn't knock,

build a door.

~Milton Berle


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Searching for OpportunitiesNETWORKING only 15-20% of jobs are actually advertised.Ask friends, family and

associates for information about their companies or jobs. Theyll enjoy telling youabout them and will be more forthcoming with contacts and additional information.

REGISTERWITH EASE (SCCC Students andAlumnae only)

Get access to Employer contact information and job opportunities postedspecifically for our students and alumnae.

Upload your resume for review by professional staff

Find information on employment related topics including career guides for eachof SCCCs majors.

Links to additional online employment websites including the civil service

website.Visit company websites to see which jobs they are hiring for.

Apply in person to jobs. Many employers will meet with people at the time theyapply. Even if they dont have a job at that time, you now have a new contact.

Internet job sites such as Indeedwill list ads from most other job search sites as welland you can have new results emailed to you daily.


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Additional ResourcesNewspapers/Professional Journals (Times Union-

http://www.timesunion.com)

New York State Dept ofLabor (http://www.labor.state.ny.us)

US Office of PersonnelManagement (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov)

New York State Civil Service (http://www.cs.state.ny.us)New York Unified Court System (http://www.courts.state.ny.us/)

County Civil Service Exams/Announcements (Albany, Sch'dy,Saratoga)

Federal Job Listings (http://usajobs.opm.gov/)

Staffing Services (A

decco,M

anpower, etc.)Re-employment Centers (SJTA, Capital District Reemployment

Center, VESID)

College Career Centers (SCCC, UAlbany, Union College, HVCC, etc.)

Local Job/Career Fair Events


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One secret of

success in life is for

a man to be ready

for his opportunity

when it comes.

~Benjamin Disreali


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The Interview

y Dress for Success

y Be Prepared

yGetting Off to a Good Start

y TheQuestions

yWrapping it Up


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Dress for SuccessDressing nicely and appropriately is a compliment to

the person you meet, so if in doubt, err on the side ofdressing better than you might need to.

Even if you are aware that employees of anorganization dress casually on the job, dress up for the

interview unless you are specifically told otherwise bythe employer.

Click here for guidelines


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Guidelines Suits:Atwo piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice. If you think the industry inwhich you're interviewing would frown on a suit, or the interview will involve going to awork site where a suit would be inappropriate, look for advice through professionalorganizations, your professors who have been employed in that industry, and/or byasking the employer directly and politely.

Conservative colors / fabric:

Navy, dark gray (and black for women) are safe.Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes.Solids or very subtle weave patterns or plaids (the kind that look solid across a room) aresafest. Wool, wool blends, or good quality micro fiber for women only, are generally thebest fabrics in all seasons. Avoid acetate / rayon blends.

Cost / quality:You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a corporate CEO. Do investin quality that will look appropriate during your first two or three years on the job. Onegood quality suit is sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. You can vary

your shirt/blouse tie/accessories. Details:

Everything should be clean and well pressed.Carefully inspect clothes for tags, dangling threads, etc.

Click here for more detailed information for Men andWomen


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For WomenSuits-Pants should be creased and tailored, not tight or flowing. Askirt that ends at the knee

when you're standing also looks chic and professional. Longer narrow skirts are professional too;just make sure they are not so narrow that you can't climb stairs comfortably.

Wear a blouse in a color or small print that coordinates nicely with your suit. Afine gauge, goodquality knit shell is also appropriate underneath your suit jacket. Don't show cleavage.

Jewelry- keep choices simple and leaning toward conservative.

Makeup Be conservative. Alittle is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails shouldbe clean and well groomed with no or subtle color. Avoid wearing strong perfumes.

Shoes - Closed-toe pumps are the best choice. You may be taken on a tour of the site so be certainyou can walk comfortably in your shoes. No stilettos or chunky platforms.

Hosiery- even if you have the perfect tan, wear plain, sheer (not opaque), neutral colorscomplementing your suit. Avoid high contrast between your suit and hosiery color.

Purse - Keep it small and simple. Purse color should coordinate with your shoes. You may chooseto carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. Leather is the best choicefor briefcases; micro fiber or fine wovens are also acceptable.


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For MenAtwo-piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice. Don't combine a suit jacket

with pants that don't match. Everything should be clean and well pressed with alltacking stitches and outer labels removed.

Choose conservative colors like navy and dark gray. Black for men may still beconsidered too formal in very conservative industries. Choose a solid or very subtle weavepattern or plaid (the kind that look solid across a room).

Select good quality silk ties and avoid fashion extremes, like character ties, in interviews.

Long-sleeved dress shirts (button down collar) should be worn, even in summer. Choosewhite or light blue solid, or conservative stripes.

Wear dark socks that match your pants. They should be mid-calf length so no skin isvisible when you sit down.

Shoes should be leather, lace-up or slip-on business shoes, preferably black or brown.

Your belt should be black or brown leather, to match your shoes.

If you have facial hair it should be well-groomed. Beards, in general, should not be wornto an interview.

Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other jewelry, be conservative.Removing earrings is safest.


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Be PreparedBegin your preparation at least a few days in advance if

possible.Have all clothing cleaned and pressed.

Know who you will be interviewing with and where theinterview will take place.

Prepare at least three questions to ask prospectiveemployers.

Have extra copies of your resume, certificates andreferences.

If you are not driving yourself, make sure you know howyou will get there and have a back up plan just in case.


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Getting Off to a Good StartArrive on time or a few minutes earlyGreet the receptionistGo alone - If you need to have someone else drive you, have them

wait in the carHave all of your information available, including drivers license,

Social Security card, employment and reference information,your resume and any other important documentation such asprofessional licenses

Offer the interviewer a firm handshake

Establish eye contactSmile, listen attentively and speak clearly If you did not send the interviewer a resume, this is a good time

to give it to them -Bring an extra copy just in case


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The Questions

Make sure your answers to questions are clear andconcise.

Its best to have answers to questions and how you canapply them to variations of those questions wellthought out in your head.

Never answer a question with Thats never happened

to me and leave it at that. If you have honestly neverdealt with a scenario that the employer presents, tellthem how you would handle it if the situation arose.


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Sample Questions an Employer Might Ask

Tell me about yourself.

What made you choose your career?

Why are you interested in this company?

What is your major strength/weakness?What do you know about our company?

Describe a problem you encountered and how you dealt with it.

Where do you see yourself in three years?

Describe an experience where you worked as a team.

Describe a difficult person you had to work with and how you dealtwith him/her.

How would a former employer/instructor describe you?

What kind of supervisor do you prefer?

Why should I hire you?


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Sample Questions to Ask an Employer

Please describe the duties of the job for me.

How often are performance reviews given?

Is this a new position or am I replacing someone?

What are your growth projections for the next year?

What do you like best about your job/company?

What qualities are you looking for in the candidate who fills this position?

What skills are especially important for someone in this position?

May I have a tour of the facility?

What is the next step? When should I expect to hear from you or should I contact youafter a certain amount of time?


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At the end of the InterviewBe sure to thank the interviewer by name.

Ask when you might expect to hear about a decisionand when is appropriate to call if you havent heard

from them.Be sure to write a thank you letter any time an

employer takes the time to meet with you.


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Thank You LetterNo matter how well you feel you presented yourself

during an interview, its important to thank the

interviewer for their time. Its also a good idea tohighlight positives from the interview or to reiterate why

you feel you would be a good fit for the company.

You can find some good examples of thank you letters

for everything from general interviews to damage

control.


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The best way to

appreciate your job is

to imagine yourself

without one.

~Oscar Wilde


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Keeping the JobNow that youve landed the job and begun to settle in,

keep in mind that although you are responsible forcompleting the necessary tasks, the job itself belongs to the

company or agency you work for and they can appointsomeone else to that position if they choose.

y Be present both physically and mentally and continually look for waysto improve your skills.

y Be flexible and offer to complete additional assignments when needed.y Complete tasks when they are assigned and avoid shortcuts that may

lead to bad habits and incomplete work that piles up.y You never know who you may work with in the future, so it is always

best to complete your work to the best of your ability and maintainpositive working relationships.


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Intellectual PropertyMost businesses and agencies now have a policy

regarding intellectual property, which is in simple terms

any intangible asset that consists of human

knowledge and ideas.It is generally accepted that if you develop materials or

ideas on work equipment (i.e. computers) and time,

Then it is owned by the employer.

Employers also reserve the right to monitor your usage ofsuch equipment including the internet, downloads

and computer files.


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Documents

A Step-By-Step Guide to Building Your Career