While I sit here, trying to put myself in the shoes of freshmen and sophomores campus-wide, I think to myself, why should they be interested in the Career Services Center? Especially if they’re not particularly interested in getting a job, then it would seem kind of pointless, right?

If this seems about right, I have news for you: a visit to the Career Services Center would still benefit you enormously. There’s all sorts of things we can help you with, not just finding a job.

The only way I would eat my words is if you could answer “yes” to all of the following questions*:

• Can you explain why you chose your major or profession?
• Can you list at least five work-related skills and abilities you have?
• Can you name at least three fields of employment into which you might fit?
• Can you name at least five employers who hire people in your chosen field and clearly state why you are interested in working for each one?
• Have you prepared a resume with which you are satisfied (which our office has also looked at)?
• Do you have at least ten networking contacts with whom you regularly interact?
• Do you know the questions employers are likely to ask you in an interview?

These are just a few of the things we can help you out with, so stop by soon!

Have a great weekend!

Seghel

*All questions taken from our Overview of USF Career Services handout

Resume & Cover Letter Writing Workshop

Don't miss this opportunity!!

Resume & Cover Letter Writing Workshop
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
5:30 pm, Maraschi, Fromm Hall

Learn all the "Do's" and "Don'ts" to land that crucial interview!

Presented by the Priscilla A. Scotlan Career Services Center

For more information, any questions, or comments, feel free to check out our website or contact us at:

www.usfca.edu/career
415-422-6216
careerservices@usfca.edu

Know Your Academic Society!

Hey all!

This is my very first blog since starting as the new Career Planning Peer at CSC at the end of August. It has been a crazy few weeks for me, trying to learn as much as I can, as fast as I can, but all in all it’s a great experience, and everyone here at the office has been so welcoming and accommodating (as I’m sure you’ve all noticed in your visits here…)!

Anyway, enough about me. I’ve been brainstorming how I can best help you get in the right direction as far as making connections and building your networks. A great first step would be to find out about the academic societies/honor societies that USF offers that are specific to your major. Most programs have some type of organization or society that is major-specific. This is a great way to meet other students in your program and to network with older students, previous members and advisers. Each organization has a different way of doing things, but many are directed towards expanding your knowledge of the field and helping you succeed in your academics and beyond!

A list of the organizations that USF offers can be found on the USF organization database at http://sle.orgsync.com/. Once you’re there, there is a section titled “Browse By Category”. Here, you would click on the link to “Academic/Honorary/Professional”.

Student Leadership and Engagement has set up these organizations and their contact information nicely and neatly for you, but I always encourage you to talk to advisers within your department to find even more information.

Remember, network, network network!

--Allison

Hayes Healy Presentation Today

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to say it was great being able to talk to a group of students and answer any of their questions and concerns today!

Today was just one example of how the Career Planning Peers want to reach out to the student population. Allison and I are hoping to be able to do it more often!

Enjoy some sunshine this weekend!

Seghel

Why Using Resume Templates Is A No-No

It seems like a convenient tool, right? Why would Microsoft Office Word provide a resume template if you shouldn’t use it? I honestly don’t know. What I do know is that using a template to write your resume is pretty much the kiss of death.

Employers and recruiters view resumes written from templates as examples of a lack of initiative and interest in the position they’re offering. It basically looks like the person writing the resume was too lazy to start from scratch. It may seem kind of harsh, but it’s really not.

While starting with a blank word document when writing a resume seems kind of daunting, you shouldn’t worry. There’s a basic format that most resumes should be in. (There are a couple of different ways to write a resume, but for the general student population looking for entry-level positions, a basic chronological resume will do). We have a Job & Internship Resource Guide that has great examples of student-written resumes that you can refer to. You can find the guide in our office and on our website.

Another reason why resume templates are kinda whack is because they deviate from what a basic resume should look like. The template might throw in a couple of horizontal lines, move your name around “artistically,” and automatically include sections on your resume that are unnecessary, like a “Profile” section. If you think that nobody will be able to tell because you worked on it a lot, swing by during our Drop-In sessions and show it to a counselor to make sure. I strongly recommend it.

Have an awesome weekend!

Seghel

Salary and Negotiation

Salary negotiation is probably something you’ve never thought about until applying for a job, depending on the kinds of places you’ve been working. Salary negotiation is when you’re discussing with a current or potential employer why you should be paid a certain amount of money for your work. There’s a reason, however, why salary negotiation is not something you would discuss as a cashier at “Joe’s Pizza” or when starting out an administrative assistant in an office. What’s this reason I speak of?

In short, entry-level positions, which are sort of like the first rung in a ladder (if the ladder is the work force), don’t offer you a lot of salary-related wiggle room. When you’re starting out at a company, or if you’ve just been offered a position and are deciding whether or not to accept it, keep in mind that you’re not considered a commodity. A person who has acquired very valuable and/or rare skills through years of relevant experience is considered a “hot” commodity because they have something most people don’t but that most companies want. So until you’ve gained some serious skills, don’t ask for more money than you deserve.

That being said, it’s important to understand just how much you’re worth. It’s up to you to do the research when determining the proper salary range of whatever kind of field/position you’ve been offered. It’s also important to consider the whole package, not just the amount of zeros on your paycheck: is health insurance included? How about paid sick leave, vacation time, or holidays? Don’t jump the gun and start asking about salary and benefits until you’ve actually been offered a position.

If you want to do some research about salary ranges for certain positions or careers check out our website at www.usfca.edu/career and go to “Resources” on the left-hand navigation menu. Also, www.salary.com is a great place to start your research. You can always visit us at the office too!

Have a great weekend!

Seghel