To all the Millenials who are searching for the perfect job - don't give up! The job search may seem fruitless, but the dream job awaits your application.
Working a part-time job that you dislike may put out the flame you once had for life after commencement, but do not give up hope that your dream job is out there, waiting for you. The only way to obtain the job that you want is to continue to apply for positions you want. Furthermore, employers want to see real work experience on a résumé.
You may not love the job you have now, but for having had the job you can more accurately describe what you may desire/dislike about any given job. The key to finding the job you love is knowing what you want in a career.
For those who are unsure of their plans for the future, Career Services offers free Interest Inventories, career counseling, and other helpful information. Career Services is located in the Success Center, Upper Union.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
On Being a Linchpin
http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikemyatt/2011/11/29/seth-godins-linchpin-theory-sound-advice-or-career-suicide/
When I came across this topic on Forbes.com, I had no idea what a linchpin was - but the phrase "Career Suicide" immediately following caught my attention. A linchpin is a person who attempts to make himself or herself indispensable to the business. In theory, it sounds as though a linchpin has the greatest job security - until the employer realizes how much he or she relies on that employee.
A linchpin is the antithesis of American enterprise. Today's economy thrives on specialization and independence: if a company relies solely on the knowledge and productivity of one employee, the whole business may find itself lagging in this raging economy. Furthermore, as stated by Mike Myatt in the attached article, nobody is indispensible. No matter how highly specialized your job is, another person can be trained to do the job you do now. With the advent of the internet, information of any sort is not hard to find.
What do you think about the linchpin theory? Do you agree or disagree with Mr. Myatt's statement that nobody is indispensible? Assuming that anyone can do any job, what reasons can be found to specialize in anything? Share your comments!
When I came across this topic on Forbes.com, I had no idea what a linchpin was - but the phrase "Career Suicide" immediately following caught my attention. A linchpin is a person who attempts to make himself or herself indispensable to the business. In theory, it sounds as though a linchpin has the greatest job security - until the employer realizes how much he or she relies on that employee.
A linchpin is the antithesis of American enterprise. Today's economy thrives on specialization and independence: if a company relies solely on the knowledge and productivity of one employee, the whole business may find itself lagging in this raging economy. Furthermore, as stated by Mike Myatt in the attached article, nobody is indispensible. No matter how highly specialized your job is, another person can be trained to do the job you do now. With the advent of the internet, information of any sort is not hard to find.
What do you think about the linchpin theory? Do you agree or disagree with Mr. Myatt's statement that nobody is indispensible? Assuming that anyone can do any job, what reasons can be found to specialize in anything? Share your comments!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Taking a Red Pen to Your Résumé: Building a Better Résumé Through Revision
Résumés generally look the same for all fields - the format does not change. However, taking the proverbial "red pen" to your résumé can make it more appealing to a potential employer. Some words have become so overused in the English language that they no longer hold any meaning, which is what you want to avoid when writing a résumé - make sure each word is necessary and shows the employer what you have done as an employee.
Some words to avoid when revising/writing a résumé:
Some words to avoid when revising/writing a résumé:
- skills
- experience
- team-player
- people person
- friendly
If you are writing/revising a résumé, searching for a job or internship, or trying to decide on a major, visit Career Services in the Upper Union! We can help!
(The list of words to avoid can be found at http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2011/11/04/final-cut-words-to-strike-from-your-resume/, courtesy of The Daily Muse.)
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Know Thyself: Declaration of Major
Manchester College requires all students to submit an Election of Major form by their Junior year.
Having come to Manchester with seventeen credit hours transferring, I am currently a second-semester Sophomore; therefore, I had to submit an Election of Major form. After much indecision and disagreement with family, I decided that I would major in English with a Writing Concentration and minor in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and Journalism - which I will officially declare in a little over two hours.
What a person majors in may not necessarily determine what his/her career will be, but does provide the skills necessary to work in the field associated with his/her major. As an English major with a minor in Journalism, I will be familiar with the Associated Press style and participate in an internship. These requirements for my minor give me the background I will need to compete in the job market.
The classes required for each major are critical to their field. Treat each class as an opportunity to obtain the knowledge required to be competitive in today's job market. Internships are also an opportunity to develop the skills and motivation needed to become a model employee.
For guidance in choosing a major or career path, schedule an appointment with Career Services by contacting Betty Butterbaugh at bjbutterbaugh@manchester.edu!
Having come to Manchester with seventeen credit hours transferring, I am currently a second-semester Sophomore; therefore, I had to submit an Election of Major form. After much indecision and disagreement with family, I decided that I would major in English with a Writing Concentration and minor in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and Journalism - which I will officially declare in a little over two hours.
What a person majors in may not necessarily determine what his/her career will be, but does provide the skills necessary to work in the field associated with his/her major. As an English major with a minor in Journalism, I will be familiar with the Associated Press style and participate in an internship. These requirements for my minor give me the background I will need to compete in the job market.
The classes required for each major are critical to their field. Treat each class as an opportunity to obtain the knowledge required to be competitive in today's job market. Internships are also an opportunity to develop the skills and motivation needed to become a model employee.
For guidance in choosing a major or career path, schedule an appointment with Career Services by contacting Betty Butterbaugh at bjbutterbaugh@manchester.edu!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Career Services Etiquette Dinner A Success
The Career Services Etiquette Dinner was held on Sunday, October 23 at 5:00 P.M. The dinner began in the Hoff Room with appetizers and a short networking session. Leading the networking session was Michael Dixon, Director of Multicultural Studies and Campus Diversity. Mr. Dixon provided instruction on how to professionally introduce oneself and how to politely leave a conversation. During the networking session, students met a variety of local business representatives.
Following the networking session, all participants entered the Lahman Room for the dinner. The tables had already been set and business representatives were asked to act as Table Hosts. As such, they would set the standard for proper etiquette during the dinner. Liz Bushnell, Career Services Director, gave a short introduction to proper table etiquette as the soup was distributed to each table. Discussion of the placement of the napkin opened the etiquette presentation. Attendees were told that the napkin is to be placed in their laps during the meal and set to the left of the plate when they leave the table. The place setting designated for each participant was marked by the bread plate on the left and the glass to their right. Following this short presentation, participants ate their soup and salads. There was much discussion at each table as the participants became acquainted with each other.
Mrs. Bushnell ended her presentation after the main course was served. She explained the difference between business attire, standard business casual, and basic business casual. Door prizes were given by drawing business cards provided before the event that had been distributed during the networking session. Winners were given a Manchester College portfolio. Cheesecake was served for dessert. There were eighty-three participants at the Etiquette Dinner. Copies of the etiquette handout are available in Career Services.
Following the networking session, all participants entered the Lahman Room for the dinner. The tables had already been set and business representatives were asked to act as Table Hosts. As such, they would set the standard for proper etiquette during the dinner. Liz Bushnell, Career Services Director, gave a short introduction to proper table etiquette as the soup was distributed to each table. Discussion of the placement of the napkin opened the etiquette presentation. Attendees were told that the napkin is to be placed in their laps during the meal and set to the left of the plate when they leave the table. The place setting designated for each participant was marked by the bread plate on the left and the glass to their right. Following this short presentation, participants ate their soup and salads. There was much discussion at each table as the participants became acquainted with each other.
Mrs. Bushnell ended her presentation after the main course was served. She explained the difference between business attire, standard business casual, and basic business casual. Door prizes were given by drawing business cards provided before the event that had been distributed during the networking session. Winners were given a Manchester College portfolio. Cheesecake was served for dessert. There were eighty-three participants at the Etiquette Dinner. Copies of the etiquette handout are available in Career Services.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Body Language and the Interview
One of the key elements of interviewing is body language. It can tell an employer a lot about you and affect your chances of being hired. Distracting or intimidating body language can be fatal to the job search.
There are four main movements to avoid:
There are four main movements to avoid:
- fidgeting, of any type
- crossing your arms
- avoiding eye contact
- and hiding your hands
Fidgeting, while not uncommon and often a result of nervous energy, is distracting to employers. It can also lead them to wonder why you are so nervous.
Crossed arms is a common stance for most people, but it codes as aggressive and intimidating during an interview. Keep your arms open, resting them on the arms of the chair.
Eye contact is key in interviews. If you do not look at your interviewer(s), they might think you are hiding something. However, do not stare at your interviewer(s), this is intimidating and nerve-wracking. Keeping eye contact with the person who is speaking and looking away on occasion is best.
Finally, interviewers will probably look at your hands occasionally. Hiding your hands by sitting on them or folding them in your lap under the table may make them question your interpersonal skills. Hand gestures and placement can tell an employer how well you would interact with clients.
For examples and pictures of body language gaffes in interview situations, click on the attached link: http://www.forbes.com/pictures/efkk45ehkf/interview-body-language-gaffes-that-could-cost-you-the-job.
If you have any questions about interviewing or would like to schedule a mock interview, contact Betty Butterbaugh in Career Services at bjbutterbaugh@manchester.edu!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Know The Job Before You Apply
As an employee of Career Services, I post part-time jobs as they come in to the office. Jobs tend toward those rather mundane tasks awarded to college students: babysitting, cleaning, and tutoring. However, what might appear mundane may actually be more complex than it seems.
An employer recently sent in a listing for a babysitting position, stating that he had a young daughter in need of care while he was abroad. When an applicant contacted the employer, he stated that he needed someone to pick up and mail packages to addresses that he would provide. The job differed from what was posted on our site and had to be taken down.
Before applying for any job, make sure you know the requirements of the job. If it seems too good to be true, chances are good that it is. A job that offers unusually high wages, requires a deposit for anything other than uniforms or training, or has ambiguous wording is probably a scam. Always research the position before agreeing to anything.
When looking for employment, Career Services is the place to start!
An employer recently sent in a listing for a babysitting position, stating that he had a young daughter in need of care while he was abroad. When an applicant contacted the employer, he stated that he needed someone to pick up and mail packages to addresses that he would provide. The job differed from what was posted on our site and had to be taken down.
Before applying for any job, make sure you know the requirements of the job. If it seems too good to be true, chances are good that it is. A job that offers unusually high wages, requires a deposit for anything other than uniforms or training, or has ambiguous wording is probably a scam. Always research the position before agreeing to anything.
When looking for employment, Career Services is the place to start!
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