1. Getting a Job in Your Field and
Fast Tracking Into the Job Market
Presented by Baker Online Career Services
5/27/2010
2. Welcome to Career Services
Student and Alumni Services Available
• Resume, Cover Letter Reviews
• Mock Interviews (on campus or virtual)
• Job and Internship Search Assistance
• Salary Negotiations
• Career Advising – is this the career for me?
• Networking Tips
• Linkedin Student & Alumni Association (join us!)
• National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS)
• OGCS Virtual Office in Bb (available to students)
• NACElink (available to alumni)
• Much more…
~ We offer Lifetime Employment Assistance to Alumni~
3. Steps to Finding a Job in Your Field
• Do An Internship
– Gives you experience to put on your resume
– Builds your network i.e. meet professionals in and out
of your field
– It is a major confidence booster
– Utilize Baker Career Services
• Resume preparation, NACElink, and etc.
• Visit our virtual office in Blackboard for more
information
– Apply Early
• Start researching the companies you want to work for
• Don’t wait until you graduate to apply for internships
and jobs, start now!
• Entry level positions are good because they are a foot in
the door
4. Steps to Finding a Job…Continued
• Know Your Companies
– Why do you want to work for them?
– What are their successes?
– What is their corporate culture?
• Be Confident in Your Field
• Study, study, study
• Reinforce your knowledge by stating your contributions
• Join student organizations & take on leadership roles
• Network
– Get to know the members of the professional
organizations you belong to
– Become a member of professional networking sites like
LinkedIn
5. Steps to Finding a Job…Continued
• Join LinkedIn
– LinkedIn is one of the biggest professional sites right
now
– It is a great way to connect to professionals in your field
all around the country
– There are currently 1,323 IT groups located in LinkedIn
• Join as many as you like and get involved by adding to
conversations or asking questions
• Through this process you will be able to network with
people who are in the positions you would one day like
to have
• Make the most of these connections by asking them
questions about how the field and how they got where
they are
6. Other Important Tips to Help
You Land the Job
• Tailor your resume and cover letter
– Be sure to include your technical skills i.e. programming
languages and platforms
– Also include your non-technical skills, such as project
management, communication, organization, and etc.
• Get certifications to keep your skills sharp
– Certifications also look great on a resume
– They show the employer that you are still working on
your goals
• Stay up-to-date on the latest technology
– Make an effort to stay current
– Read articles about the latest changes and updates in
your field
7. Other Important Tips to Help
You Land the Job…Cont.
• Use A Staffing Agency
– Sign up with a reputable agency
– Gain experience through temporary assignments
– Temporary often turns into permanent
– Get paid while looking for the job you want
– For more information on profiles for career, skills, and
companies related to the IT field, check out the
following site:
http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/jobsearchtools/u/Find
_A_Job.htm
8. Fast Track Into the Job Market
Information to Help You Get Where You
Want To Be
9. Fast Track Into the Job Market
• Internship = Fast Track
– The best way to get a job in your field is to do an
internship
– The right internship makes all the difference
– Internships give you the professional experience
you need to put you ahead of other candidates in
your field
– There is no substitute for practical hands-on
experience
– The National Association of Colleges & Employers
(NACE) states that an astounding 70% of employers
require students to have had an internship
11. How to Look for An Internship
• Review our internship offerings in our virtual office in
Blackboard
• Company websites - check with any large companies
located in your area. If there is nothing on the website,
call the human resources department to ask if they hire
interns
• Search positions on technical job boards
• Niche job boards: job boards that exist specifically for
hiring students and graduates
• Consider doing an informational interview to learn about
your industry/field of study and possibly gain an
internship or position with a company
12. Informational Interviews
• Informational interviews are a great way to make
connections with those in your field and learn from a
professional what it is like to work in the field
• If possible, do the interview with someone who works at
the company you would like to work for
• These interviews can also be a catalyst to you receiving an
internship, and possibly a position, with the organization
• Here are some sites to assist you in preparing for an
informational interview:
– http://careerplanning.about.com/cs/occupations/a/info_intervie
ws.htm
– http://jobsearch.about.com/od/infointerviews/a/infointervquest.
htm
– http://jobsearch.about.com/od/infointerviews/a/infointerafter.ht
m
13. Where to Look? Great IT Job Sites
• http://www.odesk.com/w/
• http://www.dice.com/
• http://webworkerdaily.com/
• http://www.itjobs.com/
• http://www.itjobs.net/
• http://it.jobs.topusajobs.com/
• http://www.tech-centric.net/
• http://www.jobs4it.com/
• http://www.nationjob.com/computers/
• http://www.odinjobs.com/
• http://www.techcareers.com/
• http://jobs.slashdot.org/
• http://www.computercareers.net/
• http://gigaomjobs.com/a/jbb/find-jobs
• http://www.prgjobs.com/
• http://www.rentacoder.com/RentACoder/DotNet/Default.aspx
16. Develop a Tailored
Objective Statement
• A tailored objective statement includes the
position you are applying for and 1-3 key skills
from the posting or other transferrable skill
that make you the best candidate for the
position
17. Highlight Key Qualifications
Sample Job Posting Important Buzz Words to include in
•COMPANY NAME XYZ COMPANY resume and cover letter ...
•Contact: Joe Smoe
•Web Support Specialist Intern
• Job Duties: Help update and maintain My eLibrary web pages •Update and maintain web pages
on Bb. May involve designing, scripting and database
creation. •Designing
• Scripting
Required Skills: •Database Creation
•HTML programming and scripting
•Proficiency with Macromedia programs •HTML Programming
•Working knowledge of JavaScript, strong communication •Macromedia Programs
skills, PERL and PHP
•JavaScript
•Communication skills
Preferred Skills: •PERL
•Strong skills in JavaScript, PERL and PHP
•Intuitive web design capabilities •PHP
•Web Design
Working Hours: 8am-5pm
Days of the Week: Mon-Thurs
(15-20 hours per week )
Method of Contact:
Fax Mail Phone E-Mail Apply Directly *Make sure to pay close attention to
Apply Online how the employer wants you to apply.
Employer are looking to see that
applicants have attention to detail.
18. Resume Example
No Related Work Experience…
Perfect Candidate
1234 W. Bristol Rd. Flint, MI 48503
•perfectcandidate@baker.edu
Objective: To secure the Web Support Specialist Internship at XYZ
company where my creativity, communication and education
will add value to the Marketing department. •Market your relevant course work that
Education: Baker College Online you have taken if you have little or no
Associate of Applied Science
Web Development
Anticipated Graduation fall 2010
work experience
Relevant Courses: Java Web Development
Perl Visual Basic
SQL HTML • Focus on your transferrable skills
Computer
Skills: Proficient in Word, Excel, and web applications
Working knowledge of JavaScript, strong communication
skills, PERL and PHP
Knowledge of Macromedia programs
Work
Experience:
2008-Present Burger King Flint, MI
Crew Member
Provide quality customer service to internal and external
customers
Strong multi-tasking ability
Processed orders and maintained drawer
19. Resume Example
Relevant Work Experience…
Perfect Candidate
1234 W. Bristol Rd. Flint, MI 48503
perfectcandidate@baker.edu
Objective: To secure the Web Support Specialist Internship at XYZ
company where my creativity, communication and education will
add value to the Marketing department.
• Utilize industry specific job duties
Education: Baker College Online
Anticipated Graduation fall 2010
Associate of Applied Science •Focus on your transferrable skills
Web Development
Work
Experience:
2009-Present Google Flint, MI
Computer Support Technician
HTML programming and scripting
Provide trouble shooting to customers
Problem solving computer issues
Strong multi-tasking ability
Computer
Skills: Proficient in Word, Excel, and web applications
Working knowledge of JavaScript, strong communication skills,
PERL and PHP
Knowledge of Macromedia programs
Certificates: Employee of the month 2005, 2007, and 2009
20. Cover Letter Examples
Cover Letter Guidelines Cover Letter Sample
Your Name Jon Smith
Your Street Address 000 Hire Me
Your City, State, Zip Flint, MI 48507
Phone Number (000) 111-1111
Email Jon.smith@baker.edu
September 8, 2001 June 28, 2008
(4 Spaces)
Mr. Jon P. Employer, Personnel Manager Joe Some, Library Director
ABC Accounting Company XYZ Company
101 Baker Dr. 1050 W. Bristol Rd
Flint, MI 48507
Flint, MI 40807
(1 Space)
Dear Mr. Some:
Dear Mr. Employer,
(1 Space)
While researching internship opportunities at XYZ Company I was excited to find the position
as Web Support Specialist Internship working with the Library Department.
First Paragraph: In your initial paragraph, state the reason for the letter, the specific position or
type of work for which you are applying and indicate from which resource (Career Services, news
media, friend, employment service) you learned of the opening. In the winter of 2010, I will achieve my Associates Degree in Web Design and need to gain 120
hours of related work experience to meet the requirements of my degree. I have targeted your
(1 Space) company because I feel that it will provide great hands on experience.
I have through knowledge and skill in HTML programming and scripting, proficiency with
Second Paragraph: Indicate why you are interested in the position, the company, and/or it's Macromedia programs and working knowledge of JavaScript, PERL and PHP. I am eager to
product or services. If you had some practical work experience, point out the specific apply my education to assist with, update, and maintain My eLibrary web pages on Bb.
achievements or unique qualifications. Try not to repeat the same information the reader will find
in your resume.
Enclosed, please accept my resume formal application for the Web Support Specialist
(1 Space) Internship. I hope to meet with you to further discuss my interest with XYZ company. Please
feel free to contact me, I look forward to meeting with you. I will email you next week to
Final Paragraph: Refer the reader to the enclosed resume or application which summarizes your follow up with my application.
qualifications, training, experience, and education. Indicate your desire for a personal interview
and your flexibility as to the time and place. Repeat your phone number in the letter and offer any Sincerely,
assistance to help in a speedy response. Finally, thank the reader for their consideration.
(1 Space)
Sincerely,
(3-4 Spaces) Jon Smith
Ted E. Grad
(1 Space) Enclosure
Enclosures
21. Transferable Skills
• Are skills gathered through various jobs,
volunteer work, hobbies, sports, or other life
experiences that can be used in your next job
or new career
Examples:
– Communication: Speaking effectively, Writing concisely, Listening
attentively, Expressing ideas, Facilitating group discussion
– Human Relations: Developing rapport, Listening, Conveying
feelings, Providing support for others, Motivating
http://www.quintcareers.com/transferable_skills_set.html
22. Action Verbs
• Action verbs should be used abundantly
throughout your resume and cover letters
to promote your achievements. They help
make a strong impression.
23. Action Verbs Cont…
Management Action Verbs Communication Action Verbs
achieved inspired addressed moderated
administered launched arbitrated motivated
analyzed led
assigned managed arranged negotiated
attained motivated authored persuaded
chaired organized communicated promoted
conceived outlined corresponded publicized
contracted oversaw
consolidated planned counseled reconciled
coordinated prioritized developed reunited
decided produced defined renegotiated
delegated recommended directed reported
developed reevaluated
directed rejected drafted researched
encouraged reported edited summarized
evaluated reviewed enlisted spoke
executed scheduled formulated translated
handled strengthened
implemented supervised influenced wrote
improved united interpreted
incorporated lectured
increased mediated
For more action verbs visit: http://www.writeexpress.com/action-verbs.html
24. RESUME TIPS
•Tailor your resume
•No template resume, avoid a cookie-cutter approach
•Focus on your transferrable skills
•Do not list your high school
•Use a font size of 11-12
•Utilize action verbs
•List education, work experience and volunteer
information most recent to past
26. 10 Steps to a Career Change
• Step 1: Assessment of Likes and Dislikes
• Step 2: Researching New Careers
• Step 3: Transferable Skills
• Step 4: Training and Education
• Step 5: Networking
http://www.quintcareers.com/transferable_skills_examples.html
27. 10 Steps to a Career Change
Continued…
• Step 6: Gaining Experience
• Step 7: Find a Mentor
• Step 8: Changing In or Out
• Step 9: Job-Hunting Basics
• Step 10: Be Flexible
28. Real Life Examples of Transferable Skills
Computer-Lab Assistant Seeking a Position in Consulting
My work-study position as a computer-lab
assistant involved solid knowledge of the
technology within the labs, the ability to teach
that technology to fellow students, and the
skills to assist those who had problems with the
software and hardware. To me, that's what
consulting is all about — possessing the
knowledge to teach and assist clients and the
interpersonal skills to do so successfully.
29. Real Life Examples of Transferable Skills
Cont…
College Student Seeking Software Engineer Position
I have a strong background in computer science, with both
a degree and extensive training in the field. An
accomplished team player, I've worked with a database
management group at Baker College Online, created an
online multimedia store and used CGI scripts written in
C+++ to track customer satisfaction.
30. Career Services Contacts
Amanda Banks Tammy Mattison
Career Advisor Career Advisor
(Students L-Z) (Students A-K)
(810) 766-8754 (810) 766-4246
amanda.banks@baker.edu tammy.mattison@baker.edu
Niki Perkins
Director of Career Services
(810) 766-2090
niki.perkins@baker.edu
31. Questions?
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your
meeting. We are happy to assist you any time!
Sincerely,
Baker Online Career Services
Niki, Tammy and Amanda
