The Lost Art of the Hand-written Thank You Note

By: Adam Peter Shinn

Let’s face the facts folks, the job market took a sucker punch to the face and is still seeing stars, still striving to stand itself back up and continue the match. At a time when there is a supply and demand imbalance with regards to the amount of job positions advertised and those applying for them, differentiating oneself from the rest has become increasingly important! Matters can and should be taken to do everything possible to stand out in a positive way.

                One practice that can be followed is writing the hand-written thank you note. The hand-written thank you note can be used not only for occasions like post-interview follow-ups but in personal lives as well. Test this on yourself. Imagine yourself looking through the mail (physical mail, not your e-mail). You have a stack of envelopes; you can probably assume that 65% will be advertisements and promotions that will be trashed immediately, 30% may be bills or other important documents or reminders, and if you’re lucky you may get the occasional postcard from a relative who is visiting Germany. Whenever you get postcards or even typed notes  sent via snail mail, it almost feels like a holiday and will more than likely make you smile knowing that that person took the time to do that. The truth is that in this digital day in age, we are sending most all of our personal greetings electronically due to convenience, speed, and cost saving. Of course, why spend nearly 50 cents on a message that will take a day or two to arrive when we can send that same message instantly for free? Hence, the hand-written letter, which was once very practical in worldwide culture, has become obsolete. It essentially has become a lost art.

This lost art, however, is powerful for those who wish to take advantage of it. Imagine the HR manager of a company getting tons and tons of thank you emails from everyone that was interviewed. Even though this is a nice and acceptable gesture, one could go above and beyond what is common and expected. Out of the many that were equally qualified for the position, one applicant took the time to send a hand-written thank you note to the office. Can you imagine how dedicated this applicant will be perceived? This subtle difference in action can translate into a stark contrast in attractiveness to the employer.

Don’t overlook the hand-written thank you note. The price of postage is more than worth the results!

Nervous About a Job Interview?

By: Adam Peter Shinn

Are you on the job search? Is it time  get out on the scene and interview for a job? Are you nervous about it? Do you realize it can easily be in YOUR control? That’s right, the interview (feared and seen as an interrogation by many) can actually be controlled by you, the interviewee, if you prepare.

First, it’s important to keep in mind that an interview is a two-way street. Sure, the employer wants to see if you are qualified and a proper fit for the position, but simultaneously, you are trying to get enough information about the job to decide whether to accept or decline the offer. Remembering this will help you keep calm and realize that the interview is not 100% on you, the interviewee.

Doing research for a job will give you power in an interview. Take what you’ve learned and ask questions about it. This will make you seem invested in the company and give you some leverage against other interviewees who are just interested in a job. Also, asking questions may allow you to switch roles with the interviewers, letting them do most of the talking (which isn’t a bad thing at all).

Generally speaking, interviews call for a lot of common sense. You don’t want to go into the interview without a sense of professionalism and self-control. So, create a list of things you know you shouldn’t do in an interview and it will help you keep your focus on what you should do. (Hint: A lot of interview faux pas can be found  on the interview tips section of the University Career Center website at career.uncc.edu.) It is ideal to emanate positive energy and enthusiasm. Honestly, has there ever been a time you haven’t had a boost by talking to someone who was obviously in a good mood? Wear proper clothing: men wear a suit, tie, and shined-up shoes; women wear a suit or dress shirt and skirt at desirable length. Plan to arrive to your interview around 15 minutes early. This will ensure enough “cushion time” if you get lost on the way to it.

As far as responding to questions, interviews are mainly a test of how you think. Taking a brief moment to think about how to answer questions is fine. And developing a majority of responses as you go along (provided you know the general direction) is okay, too. Interviewers won’t expect you to perform flawlessly.

Looking for Campus Employment?

Do you all have on-campus jobs that I can apply for?

Many students come in looking for on-campus jobs (for example, working at the fitness center on campus, clerical work, etc). We, however, do not house on campus jobs. The jobs are posted in the Student Employment Office, which can be found on the second floor of the King Building.–ebs

Preparing for Spring 2010!

It’s hard to believe but the Fall semester is coming to a close! Now a lot of students are preoccupied with preparing for numerous exams, while also looking back at the Fall semester and deciding how the Spring semester will be better. Using the checklist below, you can get a jump-start on Career Planning. Below are suggestions for simple things that you can do over break, which will go a long way in making the Spring a little less stressful!

Checklist:

____ Develop your resume (use our online template service “Optimal Resume”–which can be found on our homepage www.career.uncc.edu)

____ Meet with your Career Advisor: If you are still in the area, Winter break is a great time to meet with your advisor. The Career Center is open on most days during the break, and advisors have more available appointments for students!

____ Begin Searching NinerJobNet: Start looking at Internship opportunities that interest you over the break. Because of the current economy, students may have to apply to more internships that they expected. By getting a head start and applying early, you have a much better chance to landing the internship you want most!

These are really simple things that can be done at anytime during your Winter Break, and by getting a head start, the Spring semester may be a little less hectic!–ebs

Approaching the Job Market for 2009 Graduates

With graduation rapidly approaching, many seniors are beginning to worry about their post-graduation plans. It seems every news outlet is reminding us daily about rapid unemployment and job cuts. Students eagerly walk across the stage to receive their diploma, however with today’s market it seems like that diploma no longer will guarantee a job. To handle the shifting market, students need to realize the reality of the job market to better prepare for the job search ahead.

With the market at a low, it is important that students do all that they can to distinguish themselves. The results of NACE’s (National Association of Colleges and Employers) 2009 Student Survey found that just 19.7 percent of the Class of 2009 (May) who had applied for jobs had one by the end of April. In contrast, 23 percent of graduates with an internship experience had a job by the end of April. For those who didn’t do an internship, the job market was especially unwelcoming: Just 14 percent of those who hadn’t been interns landed jobs as of April.

The study cites: “The Class of 2009 saw significant cuts in hiring, and even an internship is not a guarantee of a job offer,” says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director. “However, the numbers show that, especially in a tough job market, the student who has an internship has a distinct advantage over students who don’t have that experience.”

And while the economy is still low, the hiring outlook for new college graduates shows signs of improvement, according to results of monthly poll conducted by NACE. Results of the latest polling, reported as an index, show that the index for college hiring stands at 87.2—up slightly from 86.8 in the October poll.

Ultimately, the most important thing to remember is that there are jobs available! Students must prepare for the job search, making sure that their interview skills and resume are sharp. Students also should realize that with the tough economy they may have apply to a lot of different jobs. By increasing the applications completed, students can raise their chances of landing a job.

If you have any questions about specific companies or fields of interest, consider meeting with your Career Advisor, who will have more specific information concerning the job market. Students and Alumni (up to three years from graduation) can meet with their Career Advisor by making an appointment.-ebs

Here to Help: Meeting with Your Career Advisor

How is the Career Advisor different from my Academic Advisor? How do I find out who is my Career Advisor?

Every semester, around registration time, this is a rush among students to meet with their advisors. Some students meet because they just need their registration holds removed, while others feel lost–unsure of what courses they should consider next. While seeing an academic advisor is very important, students should not stop there. The Career Center also offers advising–career advising, that is.

Unknown to many, each student is assigned a Career Advisor based on their major (or lack of major). Students can meet with their Career Advisor to discussing choosing a major, gaining experience, resume writing, the job search, and much more. A Career Advisor will not tell you what coursework you should take, but they can discuss how your choice of a major (and minors) can determine what fields you can enter after graduation. Career Advisors can help students through the career development process, which is essential for post-graduation success. It is strongly encouraged that students meet with their Career Advisor early in their academic career, and to meet with them as often as needed.

Students can meet with their Career Advisors by making an appointment for a 30 minute session, or students can stop by during drop-in hours. Drop-in’s are a chance to sit down and speak with an advisor for a brief session of 10-15 minutes, with no appointment needed. Students who are interested in completing a self-assessment can also meet with a Career Advisor to go over the results. These sessions are usually 1 hour. Students who are preparing to apply for internships or full-time work also have the opportunity to participate in a Mock Interview with their Career Advisor! This is a chance for students to get instant feedback on their professional appearance and interviewing skills. As stated, Career Advisors are here to help student in every step of the way! It is so important that students take the opportunity to meet with an advisor!

To find out who is your Career Advisor (or to make an appointment), call our front desk at 704-687-2231. Students can also check out this link: http://career.uncc.edu/staff.cfm?type=advisor&sort=last_name. -ebs

Got a Question?

This blog has been designed to answer questions that students have! If you have a question that you would like answered, just submit the question to uncc-ga7@uncc.edu. Your presonal information will not be published. Submit your questions today! -ebs

Hitting the Net: NinerJobNet

What services do you have to help students find jobs/internships?

With Winter Break and December graduation quickly approaching more and more students are worrying about finding work. Lets face it, finding a job in this economy is no easy task, however, the University Career Center (UCC) strives to help students make the task less stressful and more efficient.

One of our most popular services offered at the Career Center is NinerJobNet. This is an online job database, that hosts job shadowing opportunities, internships, co-ops, and part/full-time job postings. The best part of this database is that it is ONLY open to UNC Charlotte students and alumni (up to 3 years after graduation). So, instead of competing with thousands from all over the company, students compete against a much smaller pool of candidates. Also, employers who use this database are specifically looking for UNC Charlotte students!

NinerJobNet also hosts JLD listings. JLD stands for Job Location and Development. These are part-time positions offered to CURRENT UNC Charlotte students, which do not relate to students’ majors. These jobs can range from marketing work, retail, to working in the restaurant industry. This is a great tool for students who want to pick up some extra money.

Through NinerJobNet students can explore various career opportunities by interviewing and observing employers. This available to students using our Career Prospector (job shadowing) program. Students with NinerJobNet access can sign-up with employers who are willing to host students. While this is a fantastic learning opportunity for students, it is also a great way to network! It is well-known that networking is one of the best (and easiest) ways to find and land job opportunities.

Students can also use NinerJobNet when searching for internship opportunities. By participating in career-related internships, students can earn an addition $5-$10,000 on their starting salary! Internships are found using our NinerJobNet database, as part of our Experiential Learning Program (EL). These internships DO NOT count for course credit (those internships are handled through your academic department), however these internships can be put on your transcript as an ”official” internship. Some internships are paid, while others are not based on the employer. These opportunities are always open to UNC Charlotte students, and it is just a matter of looking for an internship that fits your intended career path. It is important to remember that internships can often lead to full-time work! 

The database also houses a ton of full-time work opportunities. Employers are eager to hire UNC Charlotte students. Many of these employers attend our job fairs, as well as participate in On Campus Interviews. By signing up for NinerJobNet, you will have access to the job opportunities and you can sign up for On Campus Interviews!

NinerJobNet requires that student attend an orientation session, either online or in our office. Once students have completed the orientation, their account with NinerJobNet will be activated. Once enrolled, student can upload their resume and begin searching for opportunities! It’s a great resource that can really make the job/internship search much less intimidating and frustrating. Casting a wide net is vital in a tough economy, so use all of the resources available! -ebs

What “Experience” Really Means

I don’t have any work experience, what can I put on my resume that will help me get an interview?

This is a common situation with many college students. For some students they have limited work experience, which is usually unrelated to the field that they will pursuing after graduation. Some students do not have any work experience, often opting to focus solely on their studies. In either case, students can still write a well-developed resume that can impress employers. While students may not have professional work experience, almost all students have some kind of community, campus, or leadership experience. These experiences through organizations and clubs are just as beneficial as “professional” experience.

When you are listing any kind of experience it is vital that they make all experiences connect with the internship, or position, that they hoped to be hired in. You can do this by making sure that they have strong descriptors of their past experiences. Strong descriptors include what are known as “power verbs” and “transferable skills.” By using these statements, you can better highlight their qualifications. For example, the statement below is a common statement on many students’ resumes:

• Worked as a waiter/waitress, provided friendly service

This statement is a great start, but it could be made more relevant; thus stronger. The statement above represents more of a job description, but doesn’t set the students apart from their colleagues. An example of a statement that is more appealing would be:

• Worked effectively in a fast-paced environment, providing quality customer service

Notice that this statement is still concise; however this statement gives the employer a more concrete knowledge of how your past experience can benefit their company. No matter what experiences you are noting, the best thing you can do is show the employer that you are, without a doubt, qualified for the position they are hiring.

If you are limited in experiences in general, students can also highlight academic achievements. Note related courses that you have taken. If you are in technical field, like engineering, list class projects that you have done. For students who interested in research fields or graduate school, listing significant papers and research you’ve done can help give the employer or graduate school a better idea of your interests and background knowledge.

When writing your resume, the most important thing to remember is that the resume is your chance at a good first impression. Market yourself well, but don’t embellish or lie. When describing your background use power verbs and transferable skills to show the employer your qualifications, don’t expect them to read inferences. If you are still unsure, it is always helpful to have someone else look at your resume. Stop by the Career Center for a drop-in to have a Career Advisor look over your resume, and make recommendations. In the end, make sure that you are comfortable with the final product, be proud of your experiences and confident in your abilities, and you will be one step closer to that interview! -ebs

Making the “Major” Decision

I am a sophomore and I still don’t know what I want to major in, HELP!

This statement is one of our most frequently heard at the Career Center. Many students begin their university studies without any idea about their intended major, and that is perfectly normal! Even students who begin at university with a selected major find themselves re-evaluating their choice. As a matter of fact it is estimated that  80% of students will change their major at least once during their undergraduate experience! When it comes to choosing a major, students should take time for serious self-reflection, using all available resources. The choice of a major undoubtedly is one that will have the most influence on the success of your undergraduate experience.

Some resources that may be useful include WCIDWAMI cards. These are cards available at our office or online, that represents a major offered at UNC Charlotte. These cards hold information about what the major is, what career options there are for students with that major, and resources about joining professional associations!

The UCC also offers four self assessments, Focus-2, Bridges, the Strong Interest Inventory, and the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator. These assessments are designed to better help students understand themselves in relation to specific areas of study and career paths.

Both Bridges and Focus-2 are online career exploration and planning programs. Focus-2 helps you better recognize your values, interests, and abilities through a series of questions. Students can also use Focus-2 to explore all majors offered at UNC Charlotte, as well as more than 800 career options. Both Bridges and Focus-2 are open to all UNC Charlotte students, but are particularly useful for freshman, sophomore and transfer students. Both of these online assessments provide you with results immediately; however it is recommended that you make an appointment with your Career Advisor to discuss the results in more detail.

The Strong Interest Inventory (Strong) and the Myers Brigg Type Indicator (MBTI) In order to take this assessment, students are strongly encouraged to come in for a drop-in BEFORE taking the assessment. This is recommended so that students can have an initial consultation and be advised to take the assessment best suited for them. These two assessments require that students make an appointment with their Career Advisor, or attend a designated workshop, in order to get the results. These two assessments not only indicate what field of study may be of interest, but also what type of work environment you would prefer. The Strong and MBTI also provide students with insight into their own personality and preferences.

These are just a few ways that students can explore major options through the Career Center! The most important thing for students to remember is that you should choose a major that fits best with your values, abilities and interests. Once you’ve figured out what those values, abilities and interests are, the choosing of a major is a lot less daunting.  -ebs