Student Manual Career Preparation 2016 - 2017 “Open the book” - Coach CO Prepare for CAREER SUCCESS! Table of Contents Calendar of Events 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Career Resources and Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 School of Business and Student Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 EmployUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Resume Rubric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Career Preparation Student Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Oral Presentation Scorecard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Resume Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12 Action Verbs and Descriptive Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15 Quantification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-18 Sample Bullets for Work Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-26 Cover Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-32 Thank You Letter – Sample Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Statement of Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-36 Majors and Business Career . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-38 Career Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39-41 Dress for Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Career Assessment & Occupational Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45 Profile Optimization with LinkedIn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Internships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Informational Interviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-56 Interviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57-66 InterviewStream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Employ UM Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68-70 Thank You Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71-73 Format Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74-75 Negotiating Job Offers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76-80 Student Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81-84 2 Calendar of Events Fall 2016 August 31, 2016 Wednesday 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM Arrival Pavilion (between Holman and Conner Halls) Learn about the School of Business, campus resources, and student organizations. Participate – Network – Enter to Win! ______________________________________________________ September 22, 2016 Internship Fair Thursday School of Business Administration – Career Preparation Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Arrival Pavilion Contact: Wesley Dickens, [email protected] October 4, 2016 Fall 2016 – The All Majors Career Expo Tuesday The University of Mississippi Career Center Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Location: The Inn at Ole Miss (Ballroom) Contact: 303 Martindale, 662- 915 - 7174 October 4, 2016 Meet the Companies (Networking with Recruiters/Employers) Tuesday Time: 9:30 – 11:30 AM Location: M Club Room Contact: Lila Neely, [email protected] 3 Career Resources and Contacts: School of Business Martha “Meg” Barnes, Ed.S., NCC, BCC Director of Undergraduate Career Preparation & Instructor of Business Communication Holman Hall G6 (1st floor) [email protected] 662 – 915 – 2406 @bizbarnestoday www.linkedin.com/in/marthabarnes Wesley Dickens, M.A. Coordinator of Career Preparation and Internships Adjunct Faculty Business Communication Holman Hall G7 (1st floor) [email protected] 662 – 915 – 6546 www.linkedin.com/in/wesleydickens Services for Business majors include: Resume Review Networking Events Career Planning Interview Tips Mock Interview Strengths Assessment Business Communication Job Search Strategies Business Communication Instructors and Adjuncts: Ms. Meg Barnes Mr. Wesley Dickens Mr. Blake Dubinski Ms. Sarah Gray Dr. Jonathan Harrington Dr. Jere Littlejohn Ms. Teresa McCarver Dr. Linda Spargo Dr. Julia Welch 4 School of Business and Student Connections: Ole Miss Business Careers Like Us Ole Miss Business School Undergraduate Program Like Us University of Mississippi Career Center Like Us Ole Miss Business @UMBus_undergrad Follow Us Student Organizations Engage & Lead with Us UM Career Center Database Register with Us Ole Miss Business School Alumni Career Network Link with Us https://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/530/~/linkedin-learning-webinars https://university.linkedin.com/linkedin-for-students Career Center Mock Interview with Us 5 EmployUM: The First Things to Know about Career Preparation EmployUM Schedule and Prepare… I. LOGIN (Hit the Green Button – not the “Click here to register”! link) on the EmployUM database through the Career Center. http://career.olemiss.edu/logon.html Your Username: [email protected] [example; enter your full Ole Miss E-mail address] Your Password: ######## (Your password is case-sensitive.) without the initial “0” is your initial password.] [example – do not enter the 0; Your Student ID # Student Login Welcome to The University of Mississippi Career Services System. Registered Users: Enter your username and password below and click LOGIN. New Users: If you have NOT registered with this site before, click the registration link below to create a new account. Important: Using a PC? We recommend Internet Explorer version 8.0 or higher. If you need to upgrade or install your browser, click here. Using a Mac? We recommend Firefox version 1.5 or higher. If you need to upgrade or install your browser, click here. You should disable any popup blocker when using this site. For further assistance, please contact our office at (662) 915-7174 or [email protected]. User Name : Password : Login Click here to register! Forgot your password? II. Complete your student profile and upload a resume and cover letter through the Database (My Account – My Documents). A statement of purpose can be substituted for the cover letter. 6 EmployUM III. After your EmployUM Registration is active, please login and look for the Schedule tab. You will be able to view on-campus recruitment opportunities through this database. IV. If you experience difficulty with the EmployUM system or the registration process, you can connect with Meg Barnes (Holman G6), Wesley Dickens (Holman G7), or the Career Center – 303 Martindale Center, 662-915-7174. V. After the completion of your EmployUM registration, please login to the EmployUM, go to My Account, My Documents, and upload your polished resume and set as your default resume. You are now ready to be a potential candidate for On-Campus Recruitment! Congratulations! If you have continued problems during the EmployUM registration process or access, please contact Career Services, 662 – 915 – 7174 or [email protected] If you need assistance with the Career Preparation process, please contact the School of Business Career Preparation, 662 – 915 – 2406 or [email protected] or 662 – 915 – 6546, [email protected] OR Drop by the Career Preparation Corner – Holman G7 and Holman G6 (1st floor). (This is not the ground, but the street level on the side of the Lyceum and Library.) 7 Student Name: __________________________________ Date: _______________ Resume Rubric Business Career Prep Resume Rubric Stand out! (3 pts) Stand up… (2 pts) sit down & edit (1 pt) Professional Header. Contact info Score: 3 2 1 Name font 16 (minimum) ▪ Name prominent ▪ LinkedIn URL customized ▪ career portfolio link ▪ social media sites professional name ▪ City, State ▪ phone number ▪ email address picture on a U.S. resume ▪ personal info ▪ clip art ▪ color text on a traditional resume ▪ an inappropriate email address ▪ missing key contact info ▪ non-professional phone greeting Objective, Summary, Highlights or Headline Score: 3 2 1 targeting toward each job announcement ▪ guided by the criteria and key elements of the job position omission ▪ loss of opportunity to impact on the top third for a specific audience generic statement of self-assessment and/or desired position Format Score: 3 2 white space ▪ consistent margin ▪ tool is professional in appearance ▪ easy to scan with a glance ▪ conservative & standard font ▪ one page resume unless second page is relevant (if needed then give name header on page 2) ▪ use of one font only format choice (trad vs funct vs hybrid) determined based on marketability ▪ unique format for specific field but professional ▪ overuse of lines, borders, boxes, texts, italics, bold ▪ order of sections does not optimize effectiveness inconsistent format ▪ hard to read and scan ▪ no clear headers ▪ not in reverse chrono order ▪ too long or too short ▪ references on resume ▪ salary requirements ▪ uncommon abbreviations ▪ distracting ▪ multiple fonts and sizes that are inconsistent in structure organized and well defined ▪ university, location, grad date, major, degree, GPA if 3.0 or over, study abroad exp, relevant course work ▪ research/projects ▪ concentration & specialty basic information present but lacks order and missing elements missing crucial information, such as University of Mississippi as an institute on the resume ▪ major not listed ▪ degree not listed powerful action verbs ▪ quantify with #, $, or % as appropriate in tasks/roles ▪ titles ▪ dates coordinate ▪ bullet statements ▪ consider both paid and unpd exp ▪ results vs. duties ▪ in-field experience ▪ appropriate use of industry specific language could be polished for more impact ▪ diversity of action verbs in tasks/roles ▪ tense of verb is incorrect ▪ lacks location and dates ▪ use of "duties included" or "responsible for" vs. action verbs and results ▪ out-of-field & volunteer exp narrative format; personal pronouns - "I" "me" "my" ▪ no action results or tasks ▪ provides info on company vs. the individual illustrated transferable skills with examples ▪ industry based certification ▪ licensure reflected computer ▪ foreign language ▪ lab procedures ▪ business communication ▪ ▪software/system ▪ mgmt. ▪ ▪innovation ▪ presentation none or limited ▪ unspecific info given Extracurricular Activities Score: 3 2 1 reflected the individual involvement, contributions, honors' criteria, dates, skills, abilities, and results ▪ included leadership roles listed the organization no activities included or described Written Communication Skills Score: 3 2 1 action verbs sprinkled throughout ▪ quantification of results for impact ▪ strengths interwoven ▪ no apparent mistakes with grammar & spelling action verbs are minimal in writing ▪ passive words written such as helped, assisted, worked ▪ passive voice ▪ one grammar error ▪ minimal results or outcomes lacking action verbs ▪ lacking quantification of results and accomplishments ▪ multiple errors with grammar and spelling 21 - 24 pts: exceeds expectations 16 - 20 pts: minimal expectations 15 &↓ or a 1 pt: does not meet expectations Education Score: 3 2 Experience Score: 3 2 Skill sets Score: 3 2 1 1 1 1 TOTAL: _____ 8 Ole Miss Career Preparation Student Survey School of Business – Communication for Employment DATE: ______________________ Rate your knowledge of Career Prep before the career preparation activities: 1 2 3 Not knowledgeable 4 5 Very knowledgeable Rate your knowledge of Career Prep after the career preparation activities: 1 2 3 Not knowledgeable 4 5 Very knowledgeable Helpfulness of activities: 1 Not helpful 4 5 Very helpful 2 3 I can develop the eight sections of my Resume, meeting the minimal expectations, as assessed by the Rubric: 1 2 3 4 5 Not confident Very confident I can deliver an oral presentation, meeting the minimal expectations, as assessed by the Presentation Scorecard: 1 2 3 4 5 Not confident Very confident Rate your overall satisfaction with these activities: 1 2 Dissatisfied 3 4 5 Very Satisfied Please provide feedback, comments, and suggestions for this activity or for your career/ professional development. This aggregated data and information may be posted for staff/faculty and student review, public viewing results, and used in quality improvement and effectiveness initiatives. What did you learn from the Career Preparation activities? __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Comments/Feedback: __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ 9 Oral Presentation Scorecard Student Name: _________________________________________ 3 = Exceeds expectations 2 = Minimal expectations DATE: _____________________ 1 = Does not meet expectations Subject/Content (credible and professional language) 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 Believable Enthusiasm for content/topic Complete Up-to-date Familiarity with content - details given Evidence given Organization (effective planning of presentation) Clear - main points given Seamless flow Pattern: topical, chronological, problem/solution, cause/effect… Transitional statements Reference and reinforce key elements Conducted within timeframe and time limit Body Language (owns the stage) Appropriate eye contact - shoulders squared - good posture Conveys confidence - commands attention No tapping, hair twirling, fidgeting, swaying, rocking, hands in pocket Delivery (connects with audience) 3 Conversational tone Opening grab (humor, story, startling statistic, make audience think, invite participation) Avoids fillers (ah - um - you know - you guys - like…) Steady pace Pauses for emphasis (sink in) Articulate Fun and responsive for audience Summary (reinforces and emphasizes purpose and direction) Keyword reminders Tell 'em what you told 'em again Visual aid (PPT slide, brochure, flyer, infographic, prop, chart, picture, model, object) Enhance understanding through simplicity (no more than 1-3 bits of information) Add variety Support claims Lasting impact Impression and Influence Appearance matches topic/content Persuades/Influences Dresses appropriately and professionally "Sells" their knowledge, skills, and abilities "Sells" their experiences, strengths, and softskills Authenticity Overall Rating 10 Resume Samples Your name Oxford, MS [email protected] [email protected] 662 – XXX – XXXX LinkedIn URL Summary or Headline or Targeted Objective: Education: University of Mississippi University, MS Expected Graduation: May 2015 Bachelor of Business Administration Major: Minor: Cumulative GPA: 3.28 Major GPA: 3.52 Relevant coursework: Research or Capstone Project(s): Senior Management Project: “Communication and management of four generations in today’s workplace” – A guidebook for direct line managers and supervisors Experience: ABC Insurance Company Oxford, MS 2013 - current Marketing Developer Created a marketing plan for an insurance company with goals, strategies, tactics, and implementation timeframes Developed 2 campaigns for 2 highlighted services with an increase of service sales of 5% and 11% Created and generated social media platforms for the company, with a Facebook Fan Page and Twitter, with 867 Likes/368 visits and 1,126 Tweets/277 Followers/39 Favorites Rebel Book Mart Oxford, MS 2011 – 2013 Merchandiser Designed 50+ print advertisements for new sales product promotion Initiated a program of seasonal product displays with a sales increase of 14% in the targeted products Implemented and administered SNAPfulfil, an inventory management software for this bookstore Honors, Involvement, & Leadership: Associated Student Body Ole Miss Business Organization/Club Dean’s Honor Roll Service Organization Student Organization Skills: Microsoft Office Suite Database Administration University of Mississippi Student Senator Director of Programming 3.5 GPA Volunteer Social Events Coordinator Philanthropy Chair Adobe Creative Suite Social Media Platforms 2014 – current 2014 – current SP-SU-FALL 2014 2012 – current 2012 – current 2011 – current Enterprise Mobility Suite Proficiency in German 11 Resume Sample Your name Email Address 123.456.2345 Objective: To obtain a Marketing Internship position with Trustmark Bank Education: University of Mississippi University, MS Bachelor of Business Administration May 2017 Major: Marketing; Minor: Spanish Overall GPA: 3.0; Major GPA 3.3 Financed 50% of my education through work and scholarships (optional) Cambridge University Summer Session Cambridge, UK July 2015 Work Experience: Stuart and Marley London, UK June 2015 Marketing Intern Increased targeted marking efficiently by reorganizing customer profiles Created multimedia interactive presentations for the sales team with the acquisition of 2 new clients Decreased supply costs by 10% by designing online fact sheets University Hallmark Anytown, MS January 2014-Present Sales Associate Collaborated with a team that increased annual sales by 20% Decreased employee turnover by 40% through innovative training Improved dissemination of weekly sales reports Volunteer Experience: Sorority Name University, MS Dec 2013-Nov 2014 Event Planning Chair Designed over 50 print advertisements and posters promoting sorority events Planned and coordinated 62 social events for over 300 women Implemented QuickBooks accounting system to budget and track event purchases Honors and Activities: Dean’s Honor Roll (3.5 GPA), 3 semesters Academic Excellence Scholarship recipient Representative for the Associated Student Body, 2 semesters The Agency (UM School of Business Student Marketing Organization) Intramural Basketball team, 3 semesters Various volunteer activities through sorority/fraternity Relevant Courses: Availability: (write out the full name of the course NOT the course number) Consumer Behavior August 2017 (optional) 12 300+ Action Verbs Build your resume with these action verbs in the field of Business. Administrative and Organizational Approve Arrange Assemble Catalogue Collect Communicate Compile Coordinate Develop Disseminate Distribute Ensure Examine Execute Explain File Formalize Host Implement Increase Initiate Install Log Maintain Measure Monitor Obtain Operate Organize Perform Plan Prepare Present Preserve Process Record Register Reorganize Review Route Schedule Streamline Submit Supply Update Proofread Publicize Publish Reconcile Recruit Refer Reinforce Screen Speak Summarize Translate Write Communication Creative & Innovative Answer Apprise Author Brief Clarify Collaborate Compose Condense Construct Contact Convey Customize Demonstrate Draft Edit Educate Enlist Familiarize Influence Introduce Listen Observe Compose Conceive Conceptualize Create Design Devise Fashion Formulate Invent Launch Modernize Originate Pioneer Revamp Revitalize Revolutionize Shape Stimulate Finance & Economics Accumulate Accrue Adjust Allocate Allot Apply Appraise Assess Audit Avert Balance Budget Calculate Conserve Control Correct Correspond Counteract Cut Decrease Defray Detail Disburse Divest Economize Estimate Net Qualify Quantify Retrieve Solve Source 13 Management Accelerate Accomplish Administer Advise Advocate Analyze Appoint Approve Assign Attain Authorize Boost Chair Coach Compute Conduct Consolidate Contract Correspond Counsel Critique Delegate Deliver Determine Diagnose Direct Discuss Document Elect Eliminate Encourage Enhance Enlist Establish Evaluate Facilitate Focus Forecast Form Foster Found Gather Govern Guide Handle Head Hire Identify Implement Improve Inform Inspect Inspire Instill Institute Instruct Integrate Interpret Interview Investigate Lead Manage Mentor Merge Moderate Modify Motivate Navigate Negotiate Order Originate Overhaul Oversee Pilot Preside Prioritize Produce Project Promote Recommend Recruit Report Represent Research Respond Resolve Retain Secure Spearhead Sponsor Standardize State Start Strengthen Supervise Sustain Systematize Teach Terminate Testify Train Verify Management Information Systems Adapt Chart Classify Code Consult Convert Debug Detect Discover Expand Fabricate Form Fortify Generate Install Interface Invent Map Program Repair Restore Survey Test Transmit Troubleshoot Market Advertise Attain Attract Augment Broaden Centralize Convince Display Dissuade Deliver Entertain Exceed Excel Expedite Familiarize Gain Generate Guide Illustrate Influence Leverage Model Modify Orchestrate Outpace Penetrate Persuade Propose Prospect Purchase Pursue Shadow Solicit Solidify Supplement Tap Transform Risk Management & Insurance Acquire Arbitrate Assess Confer Expose Mediate Mitigate Moderate Rectify Regulate Request Retain Omit these words: Helped Assisted Tried Loved Worked Responsible for Tasks included 14 Descriptive Words • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Accurate Accurately Active Acuity Adaptable Adept Alert Ambitious Analytical Artful Assertive Astute Attentive Attractive Aware Bright Broad Broad-based Broad-minded Calm Caring Challenging Competent Conscientious Consistent Constructive Contagious Contributed greatly Courageous Creative Deep insight Deft Dependable Determined Diplomatic Diplomatically Disciplined Discrete Distinctive Diverse Diplomatic Discrete Distinctive Diverse Driving Dynamic • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Earning Respect Economical Efficient Efficiently Energetic Energetically Enriching Enterprising Enthusiastic Exceptional Expert Extensively Extraverted Fair Firm Forceful Helpful Highest High-level Highly Honest Honestly Humanizing Humorous Imaginative Increasingly Able Independent Innocent Innovative Instrumental Kind Lead Leading Lifelong Logical Loyal Masterful Mature Methodical Natural Never Forgets New and Improved Objective Observant Open-minded Optimistic Outgoing Outstanding • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Perceivable Perceptive Persistent Persistently Personable Pioneering Pleasant Positive Productive Proficient Punctual Quick Readily Realistic Refined Reliable Repeatedly Resourceful Responsible Responsive Self-reliant Self-trained Sensible Sensitive Significant Significantly Sincere Sophisticated Stimulating Strong Strongly Successful Sympathetic Systematic Tactful Talented Thoughtful Trained Uncommon Unique Unusual Unusual Grasp Urgently Versatile Vigorous Well-balanced Well-rounded When it comes to fine-tuning your interview, a presentation, resume and cover letter, take a look at this list of descriptive words! You might find the perfect word to describe your soft skills as well as your personality traits! Take a look! 15 Quantification Action/Accomplishment/Quantification on a Resume Qualitative/Descriptive Quantitative (impact & magnitude) A top performer for division in FY 2014 Strong Communicator Effective trouble shooter #2 in sales performance in the Southeastern region for FY 2014 95% customer service satisfacction rating for FY 2014 Prevented a crane shut down for Summer 2014, saving $20K per day during the turnaround Best Grew The Top Better Improved 2nd 23% Top 3 13 #7 Job Accomplishment Statements Processed 50+ book orders a day… Cut production time by 25%... Ensured the safety and well-being of 20 swimmers under the age of 12… Financed 80% of education through scholarships and summer work… Prepared and updated over 300 patient files… Tutored a learning disabled student and helped him raise his grade for a “D” to a “B” in one semester… Planned and directed annual weekend retreat for over 500… Founded the Poetry Society and increased membership from 3 to 50 within six months… Awarded employee of the month four times… Trained and supervised five employees… 16 Skills 17 Skills Checklist Employers often grade job candidates on relevant skills before offering a job or determining a salary. Here we’ve grouped skills into hard (data, things and other practice-based skills) and soft (people, adaptability, and other personality-based skills). Don’t be fooled by the titles though, soft skills are not always easy to master and even though many are personality-based, all can be learned. Rate yourself for each skill: 1 – I have mastered this skill. 2 – I have a good handle on this skill. 3 – I need improvement here. 4 – I need to work much more on this skill. 5 – I don’t have familiarity with this skill. Hard skills: • _____Speaking a second language • _____Recognizing and analyzing problems and designing solutions • _____Designing web pages using HTML • _____Creating still and moving photography using hardware such as digital cameras • _____Manipulating digital photographs and images using software such as Photoshop • _____Writing skills • _____Research skills • _____Speaking easily before groups of all sizes • _____Free-hand drawing • _____Math skills • _____Observation and memory skills • _____Using common computer applications: Excel, Outlook, Explorer, etc. • _____Using the most common hardware and software used in my field • _____Knowing the procedures, regulations, and laws in my field • _____Adaptability: I have lived (not just visited) outside my home country Soft skills: • _____Meeting new people • _____Conversing easily with people of all ages and backgrounds • _____Remembering the names and titles of new people that I meet • _____Making others feel comfortable in awkward situations • _____Thinking quickly when presented with sudden challenges _____I prefer a challenge that teaches me a new skill over taking the easy familiar route • _____Arriving early and well prepared for appointments, meetings, work, and class • _____Working well in team situations • _____Organizing people and delegating tasks • _____Working for long periods of time without losing my enthusiasm • _____Committing myself to tasks I don’t particularly enjoy but know must be done well • _____Not being devastated by criticism and not inflated by praise • _____Not needing constant feedback to know I am doing a good job • _____Working well with people even when I do not like them personally • _____Keeping confidential or sensitive information • _____Making the best of a less than ideal situation • _____Understanding the history of my field including important events, trends, products, and people • _____Following current events in global business, politics, and popular culture • _____Knowing who the leading industries and organizations are in my field 18 SAMPLE BULLETS FOR WORK EXPERIENCE Secretarial or Administrative Duties Performed various administrative duties Answered and directed telephone calls Received and recorded telephone messages Scheduled appointments for staff Provided hospitality service to clients prior to meetings Composed correspondence and edited other mailings Organized efficient filing of documents and other reports Distributed daily, weekly, and monthly reports Evaluated office progress with supervisor Demonstrated customer service skills through interaction with clients Generated documents using various software programs Created innovative forms for tracking budget changes and inventory control Handled petty cash transactions Achieved “x” words per minute on word processor Translated dictation for correspondence and legal documents Opened mail and directed it to the proper staff Served as a runner to various legal firms (other offices, post office, etc.) Prepared daily calendars for all staff Secured plane, hotel, and car reservations for staff Communicated with customers; aided them in understanding payment process Assistant Secretary Processed correspondence and other mailings Prepared massive recruiting mail-outs Scheduled appointments for staff and answered incoming calls Prepared expense reports on Excel Demonstrated reliability and dedication procedures for customer service Provided runner service for efficient movement of inter-departmental correspondence Established excellent working relationship with other staff Achieved 80 WPM on computer Monitored budgetary control with support staff Accurately maintained personnel files for XXXX employees Composed and updated conference schedules 19 Sample Bullets for Work Experience Office Assistant/ Runner and File Clerk Scheduled appointments for staff Served as runner to various administrative offices/ legal firms Answered and directed incoming calls to the appropriate departments Organized supplemental documents OR conducted monthly inventory audit Expanded office services through prompt delivery of documents Filed civil claims in court for clients represented by attorney Provided runner services to attorney and staff Organized employee files and documents Distributed company newsletter weekly Contributed with the editing of company handbook Filed various reports and records Answered multi-phone line system and transferred calls to appropriate staff members Performed errands and office duties Delivered supplies and documents to appropriate departments and authorized staff Mail Clerk/ Assistant Sales Clerk Operated and maintained all mail equipment Supported open communication between mail division and other departments Generated and established professional relationships with national mail services Conducted merchandise inventory processes Sorted, monitored, and delivered mail to all departments Completed various store duties assigned by manager Sales Department Manager Generated sales through client contact and customer assistance Conducted temporary and permanent price changes on merchandise Created and coordinated merchandise displays Maintained department organization in keeping with store specifications Performed inventory control with store manager Conducted marketing research, analysis, and reports Provided advertising and promotional leadership Authorized pricing over-rides Sales Representatives Advertised and promoted “whatever” sales to customers Generated annual sales of $$$ Organized and maintained product inventory Evaluated product sales and recommended price changes Negotiated services based upon company objectives Trained new sales representatives Developed expertise in customer service and “closing the sale” Facilitated skills gained though marketing courses Greeted customers and determined their specific needs Established and set new sales records for the “first time ever of past summer workers or whatever” 20 Sample Bullets for Work Experience Effectively demonstrated product to customers Generated and presented narrated PowerPoint presentations Maintained zero inventory loss through careful monitoring Customer Service Representative Provided professional and cordial environment for customers and co-workers Developed advanced knowledge of product and its effectiveness Fostered superior customer relations through diligent attention to customer needs Diplomatically handled confrontational situations Efficiently handled customer requests Effectively demonstrated professional and ethical standards of customer satisfaction Assistant Customer Service Manager Successfully performed sales duties in and out of the office Prepared nightly sales reports and bank deposits Recorded large volumes of daily sales Successfully performed nightly managerial duties Trained new employees in office and at the register Maintained positive customer relations through knowledge service Conducted daily inventory of merchandise Service and Sales Representative Managed efficient site facility through operation and organization Negotiated and obtained client accounts Actively participated in product installation Provided positive customer service Responded to customer complaints Maintained high volume of sales with minimal returns Offered purchase selection options with customers Telemarketer/Marketing Promotional Coordinator Consistently maintained highest average of surveys per hour among 18 employees Effectively communicated product excellence and market prominence to customers Created promotional product displays for public recreational events Marketed various product lines to businesses in assigned territories Maintained appropriate product inventory necessary to facilitate customer deadlines Provided professional representation of employer from home based operation Developed non-assertive approach to cold calling with 95% success rate Account Executive Serviced large corporation with cellular services Trained new employees on company procedures and use of product Calculated and transmitted weekly sales commission reports to headquarters Conducted monthly inventory/audits of company products Maintained appropriate supply of company products for resale 21 Sample Bullets for Work Experience Exercise Specialist Conducted fitness assessments for diverse clientele Created exercise pattern and food plans for clients Designed, marketed, and implemented various fitness classes’ served as class instructor when needed Provided customer with home exercise prescriptions Maintained exercise equipment to exceed product minimums Followed safety procedures and facility policies when working with clients Evaluated effect of prescription drugs on exercise ability Surgery Assistant Transported patients to and from surgery Organized surgery suites for various procedures; assisted doctors during surgery Sterilized surgery room and equipment Recorded inventory used for each surgery Provided compassionate patient support and understanding prior to surgery Established professional working relationship with physicians and nursing staff Gained greater knowledge of medical terms, patient illness, and medical procedures Youth Services, Childcare, Counselor Transported “x” number of children a week; planned daily activities Diplomatically handled confrontational situations Acted as a liaison between camp directors and youths Taught various camping directors and youths Provided youth behavioral education by assessment of their interpersonal skills Reported weekly progress to parents Co-taught and co-prepared daily projects with # children Gained hands on experience through day to day interaction with children Followed safety procedures and facility policies and taught them to children Counselor/ Camp Worker Demonstrated professionalism and kindness in daily activities Provided leadership in daily activities, scheduling, and planning Maintained positive attitude and provided professional counseling Delegated appropriate responsibilities to assistant counselors Created and supervised daily activities for young children Served as a mentor to young children; corresponded with parents daily Accompanied and supervised XXXX youth on weekly outings Obtained First Aid and CPR certifications Instructed, guided, and motivated students using various tactics 22 Sample Bullets for Work Experience Teacher’s Assistant/ Student Teacher Planned daily activities for Physical Education classes Mediated disputes between students Taught and prepared daily projects Gained hands on experience through day to day interaction with children Encouraged students to follow school policy, safety rules and other regulations Interacted with parents during teacher conference and visitation days Planned and organized materials for thematic units and portfolio Used systematic lesson planning while emphasizing long and short term goals for assessments Implemented positive classroom management strategies Monitored XXXX children daily; reported weekly progress to parents Mediated disputes between students Completed course outlined by administration Monitored students and closely observed behavior during activities and exams Head Manager/ Student Worker, Basketball Office, or other Athletic Office Supervised staff of three managers to facilitate smooth functions of team management activities Organized and maintained inventory of equipment, uniforms, and other court supplies Coordinated movement/ delivery of equipment, uniforms and other supplies to “away game locations” Developed expertise in dealing with the press, University administrative staff and fans Monitored team member activities on and off campus Recorded basketball games for historical archives using professional video equipment Co-evaluated with coaches’ lead player physical condition Verified floor analysis of scores with timekeepers records Co-registered summer camp participants with support staff Reviewed recruitment files and procedures with guidance by support staff and coaches Resident Advisor/ Desk Worker Complied with university residential polices Generated enthusiasm among residents to maintain clean public areas Prepared weekly work schedules and resident hall reports Conducted regular staff meetings and resident meetings Maintained excellent relationships with residents and staff Collected fees for various rental items at residence halls Provided residents with available housekeeping and entertaining items Compiled maintenance requests and forwarded them to the appropriate areas 23 Sample Bullets for Work Experience Part-Time Summer Work Environmental Engineer Assistant Maintained horticultural environment of city property Repaired and serviced city motorized arteries and walkways Installed and repair existing city waste lines Worked with landscape artists to enhance public grounds Performed weeding, pruning, and irrigation maintenance services Contributed to beautification of local highway systems Followed guidelines of city planning commission Maintained lawns, shrubs, and bedding; assisted full-time crew with various duties Assembled various equipment for temporary company Animal Caretaker/ Assistant Veterinarian Exercised and groomed XXXX dogs daily Trained dogs to perform tricks and obey commands Increased owner knowledge of essential animal care Provided information about spaying and neutering to new animal owners Accompanied and assisted veterinarian on house calls Ensured a disease free and healthy environment Recreational Manager Prepared baseball fields and softball fields for summer activities Umpired summer baseball fields and softball games Compiled general statistics for summer league games Performed pre-season sales with ticket agent Prospected local businesses for in-kind donations to support sporting events Lifeguard/ Water Safety Instructor Educated citizens about water safety and provided swimming lessons Provided a safe, clean, and friendly environment for customers Maintained pool safety and increased knowledge regarding the facility’s policies Utilized surveillance skills to recognize and prevent injuries Scheduled staff and pool maintenance tasks with the manager Cashier/ Store Runner Maintained adequate canned goods and produce inventories Reviewed and corrected pricing of store goods Delivered produce to customers on regular schedule Distributed weekly advertisements to various offices and residents Performed accurate and timely customer transactions Performed cash transactions at the register Advertised and promoted incoming products 24 Sample Bullets for Work Experience Restaurant Worker Servers Provided positive customer service in a high pressure environment Handled daily cash transactions averaging $$$ Built professional relationships with managers and other co-workers Recorded food sales, credit card sales, and cash sales Established loyal customers relationships through friendly and timely service Handled cash and credit card transactions Host/Hostess Greeted customers at the front entrance Organized dining areas and table settings Reconciled daily cash drawer Maintained customer services with the servers Answered phoned and handled takeout orders Provided customer with friendly and professional service Trained new hostesses in duties Adhered to restaurant policies and procedures Management Coordinated weekly employee work schedules Trained/ hired new employees Built professional relationships with other co-workers Reinforced positive image through cleanliness, appearance and attitude Performed food service and hostess duties during high traffic Established loyal customer relationships through professional and friendly service Fostered employee loyalty through positive management practices Prepared serving entrees Planned weekly menus, made changes when necessary Prepared budgeting payroll and other services with the supervisor Supervised banquets and other restaurant group events Promoted employees through positive reinforcement of their ability Reconciled cash intake Organized dining areas and table settings Open and closed the restaurant Handled cash and credit card transactions Consistently met monthly sales objectives Planned and conducted weekly staff meetings; adhered to open door policy for every employee Crew Leader Recruited and trained new employees Rewarded for timely and accurate service in all areas of responsibility Exhibited positive knowledge of consumer product Created positive work environment Encouraged employees to accurately and effectively perform duties Served as liaison between crew and management 25 Sample Bullets for Work Experience Obtained an understanding of crew duties and responsibilities; communicate information to crew Supervised employees throughout day to day operations and implemented internal controls Fostered teambuilding skills amongst team members Factory Worker Arm Frame Builder Assembled frames Developed expertise in team execution Maintained and cleaned equipment Established cooperative relationships with other workers Hardware and Assembly Worker Maintained accurate inventory of line materials Received and recorded merchandise at dock Established cooperative relationships with other workers Janitorial Maintained cleanliness of building and grounds Provided efficient and effective service Maintained supply inventory Established cooperative relationships with other workers General Line Worker Learned various line work positions Successfully completed each assembly prior to schedule Transported work materials to and from workstation General Laborers Maintained cleanliness of building and grounds Operated and maintained all equipment Tested equipment and performed analysis to determine problem sources Participated in construction of new houses Carried supplies to and from the work site Developed landscape plan for homes and businesses Calculated supply quantities needed for individual jobs Maintained appropriate inventory for construction project Monitored work efficiency for other laborers Negotiated services for subcontracts Farmer/Farm Assistant Selected crops for proper soil rotation; operated farm equipment for planting and harvesting of crops Maintained and repaired farm equipment during slow season Selected and purchased livestock; achieved advanced knowledge of animal husbandry Cleaned and restocked animal stalls Organized seasonal laborers during harvest 26 Cover Letter Next Step! Cover Letters Read through the job or internship description and use the cover letter to describe how your experiences and skills relate to that opportunity. Sell yourself! The right cover letter will get the reader interested enough to look at your resume! www.olemissbusiness.com/career Cover Letters • Cover letters should be one page in length and around three to four paragraph longs. • The letter should be written in a professional business format and printed on the same paper as your resume. • The letter heading should include your return address, the date, the person to which you are sending the letter, and the business address. • In the first paragraph of the letter, you should clearly identify the position for which you are applying. • The second and third paragraphs of the letter serve as your outlet to explain your qualifications and why you are interested in the position and the company. • The concluding paragraph is an opportunity for you to ask the employer to follow up by contacting you to schedule an interview or for you to state that you will contact the employer to request an interview. • Be sure to sign the letter before it is faxed or mailed. • Proof read, proof read, proof read! A letter with grammatical errors will make an instantly bad first impression. • Do your homework on the company, and be sure to include in the letter why you will be an asset for it. • Take advantage of this opportunity to advertise for yourself! http://olemissbusiness.com/career/resumes.html 27 Cover Letter Sample Cover Letter Do Not Copy. Use Your Own Words! 102 South Lamar Oxford, MS 38655 662.815.2324 August 24, 2012 Mr. Charles Boswell Sales Manager C. Boswell and Company 245 Hampton Road Jackson, MS 39202 Dear Mr. Boswell: I am writing to you at the suggestion of John Smith of Sales, Inc., who mentioned you currently had a position open for a Junior Marketing Associate. I am seeking an entry-level marketing position and am very interested in this opportunity. In researching your company, I noticed that you recently launched a new product; I am sure that these are exciting times to be a part of C. Boswell and Company. As you will see on my enclosed resume, I graduate in May with a BBA in Marketing from the University of Mississippi. My education, coupled with my related experience, would make me a strong candidate for your position. For example, during the past two summers, I worked full-time for Smith, Inc., where I was a marketing intern. There, I learned how to write press releases, develop print collateral, and create an emarketing campaign. I also interned last semester at Marketing Inc. where I helped develop a new consumer product launch strategy that resulted in a record-breaking number of sales leads. In both positions, I was able to work in a team environment with marketing professionals, and my enjoyment of creative and print communications grew. With my strong work ethic and enthusiasm, I am confident my experience and skills can benefit your current sales strategy and ultimately your year-end numbers. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and discuss my potential contribution to the C. Boswell and Company team. I will contact you during the week of November 20 to discuss employment possibilities. If you require additional information, please call me at 662.815.2324 or email me at [email protected]. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Your Name Typed Here 28 Cover Letter Requesting an Internship Letter P.O. Box 2242 University, MS 38677 August 25, 2011 Ms. Jennifer Hendricks Internship Coordinator Central News Network 750 State Street Atlanta, GA 39031 Dear Ms. Hendricks: Heather Brumfield, a reporter in your Macon office, informed me of the energizing work environment and team atmosphere offered by your organization. I am writing to inquire about possible internships with your office’s news department. The fact that Central News Network is known throughout the region for its challenging intern training program appeals to me. Last summer while working as a public relations assistant for News One Media in New Orleans, I experienced a fast-paced news environments. In this position, I compiled press releases and partnered with representatives from the local Chamber of Commerce to plan noteworthy events in the community. As News Editor of my college newspaper The Daily Mississippian, I am gaining extensive experience in editing copy and supervising others in a collaborative effort to meet deadlines. By learning to layout several special interest sections, my skills now also extend into graphic design. During the week of December 15, 2011, I will visit in Atlanta and would like to meet with you to discuss internship possibilities with Central News Network. You may contact me by phone at 662/236-2222 or by email at [email protected]. Sincerely, Thomas B. Jefferson 29 Cover Letter Sample Entry Level Cover Letter Sample entry level cover letter for a recent college graduate. Street City, State Zip cell: 555-555-5555 Date Name Job Title Company Street City, State Zip Dear Mr. Name: A proven track record of successfully performing complex analyses on various corporations makes me an ideal candidate for the analyst opportunity that you listed through the University Career Services Office. You specify that you are looking for someone with leadership, quantitative, analytical and communication skills. Last summer, as an intern at First Real Estate Corporation, I worked within the Real Estate Finance Group, and assisted staff with problems arising from the misinterpretation of leases to miscalculation of rent schedules. As a result, I played an active role within the group and helped them to solve these issues. This process involved using the quantitative and analytical skills acquired through actively participating in coursework for my Business-Economics major. My ability to work well as part of team also related to success within this group. These attributes, combined with an enthusiasm to learn, were essential to my contributions and success during this internship. These internship experiences should help me contribute to the company. I look forward to discussing the position with you in more detail. Please contact me for an interview at your earliest convenience. I can be reached by phone at 555-555-5555 or email at [email protected]. Sincerely, Signature First Name Last Name 30 Cover Letter Sample Cover Letter for an Analyst / Entry-Level Your Contact Information Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Cell Phone Number Email Employer Contact Information Name Title Company Address City, State, Zip Code Date Dear Mr./Ms. LastName, Throughout my job search and conversations with investment advisors, I have come to respect the professionalism that characterizes your firm and its employees. I am confident that the Company team’s values and objectives would highly complement my own strengths and enthusiasm. I would like to be considered for your Investment Banking Analyst Program, or a similar position that requires refined analytical and communication skills. I was impressed to learn of Company’s recent acquisition of Hambrecht Group, a tactic which I see as indicative of Company’s commitment to achieving growth and success in the future. Innovative and exciting approaches such as this, coupled with Company’s highly regarded Analyst Program, convinced me that Company is the ideal environment to begin my business career. Evidence of my leadership and analytical skills can be seen in my responsibilities as analyst intern at Company, and my commitment to my academics. My educational background in government and business, combined with my internship experiences, has been excellent preparation for a career with Company. Please review the enclosed resume and references and consider my application for your Investment Banking Analyst program. I would appreciate the opportunity to come to New York to meet with you and explore the company environment, as well as possible job opportunities at Company. I look forward to exchanging ideas with you concerning a career at Company and the positive contributions I would offer as a member of your organization. If you need any other information, please contact me at 555-555-5555 or email me at [email protected]. Signature 31 Cover Letter Your Name City • Cell Phone • email address Today’s Date Addressee’s name Company name Street Address City, State 12345 Dear Mr./Ms. Smith, I am writing to express my interest in the Facility Operations position with the UM Campus Recreation department. Currently I am a sophomore at the University of Mississippi majoring in Marketing and Corporate Relations. I am very enthusiastic about customer service and believe I would be a perfect fit for your position. My experience with customer service first blossomed in high school when I started working at a local restaurant called Newk’s. I believe that all of the responsibilities and experience I acquired while working there would be beneficial in your customer service position. For example, I understand that it is important to greet customers as they arrive and make sure they feel welcomed. I gained valuable experience interacting with customers over the phone. Other tasks I was given responsibility for were opening and closing the restaurant, handling money and closing out the register at the end of the day, and maintaining cleanliness in the restaurant. This experience also taught me the value of working well with other employees. And most importantly, I saw first-hand how treating every person with kindness and respect goes a long way toward growing a business. For all of these reasons, I believe I would be a perfect fit for your position. Thank you for taking the time to review my resume. If you are interested in additional information, please feel free to contact me at my cell phone number (123-456-2345) or send me an email at [email protected]. I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Your name (sent via email) 32 Thank You Letter - Sample Scholarship [Date] Dear [Donor Name of Scholarship] for example, H-E-B Scholarship Endowment Donor(s), Introductory paragraph: (Purpose of Thank You letter) I was very happy to learn that I was a recipient of the [Name of scholarship]. I am writing to thank you for your generous, financial support towards my academic and career plan. Second paragraph: [Share information and insight about yourself, your background, goals, and indicate why the scholarship is important to you]. I am a General Business major who plans to pursue a start-up healthcare company with a line of medical devices. I am currently a junior, active with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. I also serve with the Mississippi Jump$tart to promote personal financial literacy. I plan to graduate in the fall of 2017. After graduation, I will seek support through the entrepreneurship hub, develop skills, gain experience, build partnerships in a network, and then work toward launching my own company. Third paragraph: [Close by thanking the donor again and make a commitment to do well with the donor investment]. By awarding me the [Name of scholarship], I am able to concentrate on what is important for me, education and student service. Your financial generosity has allowed me to be one step closer to my goal and has inspired me to help others by giving back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help other students achieve their professional goals just as you have helped me. Sincerely, Name Specify Business Major Expected Graduation Year 33 Statement of Purpose The University of Mississippi’s MBA Statement of Purpose is a short essay in which an applicant reflects on the contribution the MBA degree will make to the applicant’s future success and the special characteristics that the applicant brings to the MBA program. The typed Statement of Purpose (about 400 words) should address the following questions: (1) Why have you chosen to pursue the MBA? (2) How will these studies help you attain your career goals? (3) Is there anything you wish for us to know that is not reflected in the other application materials? ** Please ensure that your name is included on your statement of purpose. http://www.olemissbusiness.com/mba/campusmba/admission.html Writing the Statement of Purpose for a Graduate School or Professional Program What are they really asking anyway? Different schools will give you different prompts for the statement of purpose. Nonetheless, they're all asking for the same four pieces of information: What you want to study at graduate school? Why you want to study it? What experience you have in your field? What you plan to do with your degree once you have it? Admissions committees look for candidates with clear, well-defined research interests that arise from experience. With that in mind, your statement should reveal that you care deeply about your chosen discipline and that you have the background to support your ideas and sentiments. It should also demonstrate that you're a diligent student who will remain committed for the long haul. However you approach these points, it's imperative that you answer the questions asked in the essay prompt. Being substantive and direct is much better than being creative or flashy. From http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/statement-of-purpose.aspx 34 References What? You need it tomorrow? Give them time to do a written reference! Use employers, faculty members, or professionals you have worked with in student groups! Use the same heading as your resume for your sheet of references! www.olemissbusiness.com/career • References should not appear on your resume, nor should the phrase “references upon request.” • Your potential employers will ask for references when they need them. • For your references, ideally the people should have supervised you or rated your performance in some capacity, such as a former boss/supervisor or a professor you know well. • You should always ask ahead of time if someone will serve as a reference, and gather their contact information. • You should also provide your reference with a resume so he/she can speak intelligently about your background and other experiences. • Make sure to notify your references about each position you apply for, that way they can give their best “pitch” for you in a certain role. Also, be sure to THANK your references. 35 Tips for References • List references on a separate page and make sure to save the reference page in your computer. • Make sure to include reference’s name, title, employer, work address, phone number and email address. • Pick 3-5 references from personal, professional, and academic sources; good possibilities would include a professor, a community leader, someone you have interned under or an employer or business owner. • Always obtain permission from individuals before listing them as references. • Give references ample time if a letter of reference is required. • ALWAYS follow up with a thank you note. Sample Reference Page Preferably a header that matches your resume Jane E. Doe youremail@address 10567 Molly Bar Road · Oxford, MS · 38655 Home: 662/234-1234 · Cell: 662/123-1234 REFERENCES Ms. Gale Jones District Manager Barnes & Noble College Division 123 Smith Lane Oxford, MS 38655 (662) 234-1234 [email protected] Coach Evan Smith Head Basketball Coach State Public University 123 Athletic Lane Peoria, IL 90871 (409) 231-4561 [email protected] Ms. Jane Starr Human Resources Manager Most States Insurance 231 Capitol Road Jackson, MS 39245 (662) 542-9875 [email protected] Tip: • Your name format is a suggestion only, but your name should be on this page. 36 Majors & Business Careers Banking & Finance Account Executive Appraiser Bank Manager Bank Officer Bank Regulator Branch Manager Bursar Commercial Banker Commercial Lender Correspondent Lender Financial Analyst Financial Examiner Financial Planner Investment Banker Loan Officer Market Research Analyst Personal Financial Advisor Real Estate Lender Sales Representative Writer/Editor Economics Acquisition Analyst Community Affairs Advisor Data Analyst Economic Development Coordinator Environmental Economist Export Representative Financial Analyst Foreign Exchange Trader Governmental Relations Advisor International Sales Policy Coordinator Public Finance Specialist Research Analyst Shipping/Transport Specialist Statistician Risk Management & Insurance Adjuster/Examiner/Investigator Appraiser Brokerage Manager Claims Specialist Commercial Lines Estate & Financial Planner Financial Consultant Hospital Insurance Representative Independent Insurance Broker Insurance Sales Agent Loss Control Representative Risk Analyst Risk & Insurance Manager Safety Inspector Special Agent, Group Insurance Underwriter Management Administrative Services Manager Budget Manager Business Manager Buyer Agent Compensation & Benefits Manager Compliance Officer Cost Accountant & Estimator General & Operations Manager Human Resource Manager Job Analysis Specialist Industrial Relations Manager Labor Relations Specialist Lodging Manager Management Consultant Marketing Manager Office Manager Production Manager Purchasing Manager Retail Manager Social & Community Service Manager Training & Development Specialist Management Information Systems Application Developer Database Administrator Database Programmer Director of Information Systems End-user Support Manager Help Desk Support Manager Information Security Analyst Logistician Management Analyst Network Administrator Operations Research Analyst Programmer Software Engineer Support Specialist Systems Analyst Systems Integrator Webmaster Commodity Specialist Corporate Planner Credit Analyst Credit Counselor Financial Manager Financial Officer Market Analyst Marketing Advertising Executive Advertising Representative Brand Manager Business Service Sales Agent Buyer Commission Agent Communications Consultant Customer Service Representative Fundraiser Manager Logistic Manager/Analyst Manager/Consultant Market Research Analyst Marketing Consultant Promotions Public Relations Manager Retail Manager Securities Sales Agent Marketing & Corporate Relations Advertising Agency Representative Advertising Executive Business News Correspondent Business Writer Communications Manager Copywriter/Editor Marketing Executive Mass Media Producer Program Assistant Public Relations Manager Publications Director Sales Representative Real Estate Appraiser Assessor Building Consultant Community Association Manager Construction Owner Leasing Agent Property Manager Real Estate Agent Real Estate Broker Sales Representative Managerial Finance Budget Analyst Broker Revised Spring 2015 37 Majors and Business Career http://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/ 38 Career Steps - “The road to success runs uphill.” - Willie Davis Career Steps 39 Start - Self Awareness You may be a first year student: Visit the Career Center and meet the Staff Discover your personality preferences, skills, interests, and values: Myers Briggs Type Indicator & Strong Interest Inventory Learn about your field Explore classes that excite you Attend a Career Fair, Expo, or Networking event Build your Resume Register your profile on EmployUM and upload your Resume document Attend career and professional events Complete an Information Interview Connect and get involved with a student and/or community organization Volunteer or work part-time over the summer Talk and engage with your Professors and Instructors outside of the classroom. Connect and engage with Ole Miss Business Careers Facebook page Form a habit of sending Thank You notes to professionals, faculty/staff, and alumni who connect, talk, mentor, guide, or recruit you!!! Pursue – Exploration and Planning You may be a second year student: Complete a second Information Interview Discover your strengths Consider a job shadow experience Meet with the Career Counselor regarding career prep and your career plan Meet with your Academic Advisor regarding your major and degree program Connect with the LinkedIn Ole Miss Business School Alumni Career Network Keep attending Career Fairs, Expos, or Networking events during your college years Update your EmployUM profile, each semester, e.g. GPA, skill sets, graduation date, major, contact info, and your current default Resume Keep attending career and professional events Explore, search, and seek a Summer Internship Take leadership roles in student and community organizations Talk with your Professors and Instructors about your interests and career goals Schedule a Mock Interview (trial run practice) with the Career Coach Search for on-campus recruitment events through the EmployUM Search for opportunities through the Ole Miss Business Careers Facebook page Polish your Resume Write a cover letter, customized to your desired position 40 Career Steps Up & Coming - Application, Learning, and Branding You may be a third year student: Secure an internship, summer, or part-time job related to your interests and major Begin the search for an Internship in the early Fall Join professional associations as a student member and start contributing and networking Research various graduate/professional school options Develop a study plan for the appropriate graduate admission test, if pursuing a graduate or professional school Do a video online Mock InterviewStream – Hit the Get Started Now button and practice Meet with the Career Counselor to continue building your brand and career plan Build a LinkedIn profile and increase your digital visibility on social media platforms Meet with your Academic Advisor to confirm degree requirements Conduct several Information Interviews Consider Study Abroad Talk and explore with Professors and Instructors about serving as a Reference Run for an officer position with your student organization Present in your field with a poster sessions or another student, professional, or community forum Reflect - Decision You may be a fourth year student: Focus, target, and customize your resume and cover letter for each position Polish your interview skills with InterviewStream and mock sessions Gather and brand your career portfolio with projects, research, and examples of your work Network with professionals in your field of interest Meet with your Career Counselor regarding job search strategies and postings Meet with your Academic Advisor regarding your course of study and degree completion requirements, noting timeframes and graduation deadlines Critique, receive feedback, and finalize applications for employment and/or to graduate or professional schools Increase your connection and participation with on-campus recruitment through the University’s Career Center Connect and follow-up with recruiters, hiring managers, and alumni at events Keep your References updated regarding your career planning and job search Apply for jobs early Continue to build your professional online presence and monitor for “employer friendly” Seek support, pursue, and reflect relentlessly on your professional goals. 41 Dress for Success Guidelines Men's Interview Attire – Business Professional • Suit (charcoal, navy or gray) • Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit) • Leather Belt • Tie • Dark socks, conservative leather shoes • Little or no jewelry • Neat, professional hairstyle and shave • No strong aftershave • Neatly trimmed nails • Portfolio or briefcase Women's Interview Attire – Business Professional • Suit (navy, black or dark grey) • The suit skirt should be knee length or pants • Solid color blouse – white or off-white preferable, no revealing necklines! • Closed-toe pumps or sling-backs – not strappy • Limited jewelry • Neat hairstyle – pulled back if long • Neutral pantyhose • Light make-up and perfume • Neatly manicured clean nails • Portfolio or briefcase Business Casual • Sports Coat with Khakis or dark pants • Button-Down, Oxford Cloth Shirts • Loafers or Oxfords in Brown or Black • Skirts or Slacks similar to suit pieces – Knee Length Skirt • Blazers • Sweater Set – Not too tight • Dress Shirt or Blouse • Low-heeled shoes or boots Professional Tips for Career Related Events & Interviews • Wear professional business attire. • Take several copies of resumes. • Get business cards from recruiters. • Clean up Facebook, Twitter, and My Space. • No Chewing Gum. • Turn your cell phone off. • Do not walk in with a beverage. • Do not wear a Cap. • Know the culture of the company for your interview and dress accordingly. 42 Career Assessment and Occupational Outlook It is not always easy to choose a major or determine what career you might like to pursue! The Career Center is 303 Martindale offers a number of career assessments to students such as the Myers Briggs (MBTI, $20) or the Strong Interest Inventory (SII, $30). These are designed assessments to help you know yourself and thereby make more informed decisions! Go to www.career.olemiss.edu and look under the “Helpful Links” tab. Make an appointment with a Career Counselor, if you want to take advantage of these tools! StrengthsQuest is part of Gallup’s Education Practice. The SQ tool is a 30-minute online assessment. SQ has helped millions of people around the world discover, explore, and tap their talents to achieve academic, career, leadership, and personal success. To Take the StrengthsQuest Assessment visit www.strengthsquest.com and purchase a single access code. Occupational Outlook Information 43 Networking NETWORK YOUR WAY TO A JOB Statistics show that only a limited amount of jobs are ever published— that means that the bulk of jobs remain hidden in the job market. For this reason, networking remains the #1 job search strategy. What is networking? Networking is a reciprocal relationship where common interests are developed. In simple terms, networking is “making professional friends.” A few potential benefits of networking include increased visibility within your field, propelling your professional development, finding suitable mentors, increasing your chances of promotion and perhaps finding your next job. Eight Keys to Networking 1. Be Prepared. It is important to both know yourself and to define what information you need and what you are trying to accomplish by networking. Your networking meeting should include the following elements: introduction, selfoverview, Q&A, obtaining referrals and closing. 2. Be Targeted. List potential networking prospects: family members, friends, faculty, n, classmates, alumni, bosses, coworkers and community associates. 3. Be Professional. Your networking meetings should be a source of career information, advice and contacts. Focus on asking for one thing at a time. 4. Be Patient. It may take time and effort for the networking process to payoff. 5. Be Focused on Quality—Not Quantity. In a large group setting, circulate and meet people, but don’t try to talk to everyone. If you are at a reception, be sure to wear a nametag and collect or exchange business cards so you can later contact the people you meet. 6. Be Referral-Centered. Exchange information and expand your network by obtaining additional referrals each time you meet someone new. Be sure to mention the person who referred you. 7. Be Proactive. Stay organized, track your meetings, and send a thank-you note if appropriate. 8. Be Dedicated to Networking. Make networking part of your long-term career plan. Questions to Ask During Networking • What do you like most (least) about your work? • Can you describe a typical workday or week? • What type of education and experience do you need to remain successful in this field? • What are the future career opportunities in this field? • What are the challenges in balancing work and personal life? • Why do people enter/leave this field or company? • What advice would you give to someone trying to break into this field? • With whom would you recommend I speak? When I call, may I use your name? 44 Networking Top Hot Spots for Networking 1. Family and Friends 2. Web-Based Networks (for example, LinkedIn) 3. Professional and Volunteer Organizations 4. Charity/Fundraising Events 5. Civic and Community Groups 6. Religious Community 7. Golf Course 8. Tennis/Racquetball/Basketball Court 9. Health Club 10. Political Campaigns 11. Chamber of Commerce 12. Nail salon/beauty shop 13. Graduation Ceremonies 14. Travel 15. Alumni Clubs 16. On-line Discussion Groups 17. Sports Teams/Leagues 18. Clubs (General) 19. Art Exhibition/Gallery Openings 20. Coffee Shops Join the Rebel Network/Ole Miss Alumni Association Ole Miss Business has two Facebook “Fan” pages that will keep you in the loop! “Like” Ole Miss Business Careers and “Like” Ole Miss Business School-Undergraduate Program Ole Miss Business has a group just for you! 45 Profile Optimization with LinkedIn Join LinkedIn! Hit these links for helpful resources and tips to strengthen and build your profile and network: https://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/530/~/linkedin-learning-webinars https://university.linkedin.com/linkedin-for-students Consider ways to optimize your LinkedIn Profile: Include a professional headshot photograph Create a headline List your jobs List your job position(s)/description(s) Develop your skill sets & include a minimum of five on your profile Develop a summary Tap into your industry for connections Include locations List your education + 50 professional connections Update settings Join groups Research companies Endorse skills sets of your connections Seek recommendations Add career portfolio documents to your profile for visual impact LinkedIn and the LinkedIn logo are trademarks and registered trademarks of LinkedIn Corporation and affiliates. Used with permission. 46 Internships 12 Steps to Landing the Internship 1. Develop a list of your most job-transferable skills and assets that you could bring to the workplace. 2. Research and develop a list of your top ten companies based on your skills and interests. 3. Meet with career center staff to have your resume and cover letter critiqued. Visit the Career Center. 4. Reach out to three professionals in your areas of interests and ask them for an Informational Interview. Networking is critical. 5. Attend career fairs and professional career panels for networking opportunities. 6. Join a campus organization that relates to your interest areas. 7. Meet with your professors to discuss your plans and seek advice. 8. Search EmployUM and online for internship opportunities. (www.internships.com Password: "Rebels") Also attend campus interview sessions via EmployUM! 9. Apply, apply, apply! You may have to apply to multiple internship sites before you land one. 10. Be sure to have the proper business attire for interviewing. 11. Practice interviewing before the real deal. Schedule a mock interview at the Career Center. 12. Do you want to receive academic credit for your internship? If so, explore with your School/ Department/Advisor regarding instructions and steps before you begin your Internship. The Internship Overview Handout is available on the Business School website: http://olemissbusiness.com/career/documents/InternshipOverview_002.pdf Academic Credit for an Internship The School of Business Administration offers a 3 credit hour course - BUS 500 - for internships. During your internship you will need to keep a daily log. At the end of the semester you will write a 16-20 page paper describing your experiences in the internship. Contact the Instructor or Professor assigned to the course regarding specific requirements and details, prior to accepting an Internship. 47 Informational Interviews Even in the age of technology, most jobs are still attained via networking. Informational interviews, a form of networking, are key components of any successful job search. An Informational Interview is a conversation you have with a professional who can provide information and expertise about career options, industries, employment conditions, employers/ professional organizations, or their personal experience. Informational interviews can help direct your job search and establish rapport with alumni in your prospective field. While the contacts you make from these interviews may help you find a job down the road, the purpose of the interview is to gather advice and information – and not to ask for a job outright. POTENTIAL OUTCOMES OF INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS: • • • • Gain insight that will help you to decide whether a particular career is for you. Learn valuable, candid, and up-to-date information about a particular career or industry from a person in that field. Find out more about the culture of a company. Begin to develop a network of contacts within a particular career field. PREPARATION: • • • Identify people you would like to meet who are working in a career field that interests you. Research the career field and the company’s website of the person whom you are interviewing and prepare a list of questions you want to ask. Contact the person and set up an appointment in-person, over the phone or via email. REQUESTING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW: • • • • • • • • Writing an email to prospective contacts is often the best approach. Even if they already know you, it is courteous and lets them prepare for your request. Identify yourself as an Ole Miss student and explain where you found their name and why you are writing. I recommend that you attach a resume to provide more information about your background. Mention that you are broadly interested in their field and that you would like to schedule a visit in their office to get some advice and information about their career field. A 30 minute face-to-face informational interview is recommended; however, when schedules or geographical location preclude the possibility of this, a telephone interview can also be effective. You may want to indicate some days and times that work for you as a place to start, but let them know that you are flexible would like to work around their schedule. When emailing, remember to be professional. First impressions are crucial! Confirm the date, time, and location of the meeting. Follow through if you book a time. Keep in mind that you do not want to ask directly for a job. This is an opportunity to gather information and get advice from an experienced person working in a field of interest to you. The Informational Interview is a professional appointment: Arrive on-time, and dress and act professionally. If you must cancel, call the contact with days of advance notice. 48 Informational Interviews SAMPLE QUESTIONS THAT YOU MIGHT ASK: The following questions are intended as a guide. Your questions should be customized to suit the individual and industry. You will probably only get through a handful of questions and the meeting might change directions depending upon the contact, but you should be prepared. • What is a typical day like in your current job? • What drew you into this line of work? • How did you break into this field/industry? • Can you describe your career path? • What skills have been most important in your field? • What skills do you look for in a hire? • What do you like most about your job? • What are the most difficult challenges in your position? • What kind of experience would employers in this field look for in a job applicant? • What is the market like? What areas do you feel promise the most growth? • What are the opportunities for advancement within the field? • What is the best advice you received regarding your career? • To what professional organizations do you belong? • Who else would you suggest I speak with to learn more about this field? May I use your name when I contact them? • Would you be willing to look over my resume and to provide advice on how to market my skills? FOLLOW-UP: Send a thank-you note to every person who grants you an Informational interview. Not only will this express your appreciation for their assistance, it will also help to establish you in their minds as a courteous, professional person. You may email a thank you letter, but it should be formal. Hand written notes provide a nice touch. 49 Informational Interviews Wondering which direction to take in your career path? Try INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING! If you are choosing a major or entering the workforce, informational interviewing can help you find the right career. It can help you discover the “hot” issues in your chosen field, learn the lingo, and find out what people value in job applicants. If you are changing careers, the skills you learn and use in one field of work may apply to other career areas as well. Your personal, interpersonal, and technical skills may make it possible for you to choose from several job opportunities. Use informational interviewing to narrow the possibilities. Armed with information gained from your interview(s), you can polish your resume to highlight your competence in areas prospective employers find most valuable. Finding the right person to interview can be challenging. Here are some suggestions to help you get started: Contact friends and family who work in the type of job you think you might like and ask for a brief meeting. Or, ask them to help you set up an interview with a colleague. Find out if your co-workers know anyone you can contact. Ask professors or advisors to help you get in touch with professionals in your field. Search the internet, phone books, or area newspapers for names and contact information of companies that do the type of work you want to do. Then, call the organizations to request an informational interview. When asking for an informational interview, explain that you are gathering information about a career. Most people like to talk about their work, and will welcome informational interviews as soon as you assure them you are not looking for a job. It is best to schedule a brief face-to-face meeting at the interviewee’s place of employment. It is also a good idea to find out all you can about the company before you go to the interview. When you call, find out if the company has a website where you can get information or if someone can send you information brochures. On interview day, be on time and dress as you would for an employment interview. You want to make a really good impression. The person you are interviewing may be able to help you when you are ready to look for employment. If you impress your interviewee with your interview skills and interest in the field, he or she may offer help in your job search later. To ensure a successful interview: Limit the interview time to 20-30 minutes. Ask if the person could recommend others to talk to in the same field. Do this only if you feel the person will not be offended. After all, you did ask to talk to the person because of his/her experience in the field. Thank the person for the opportunity to talk to him or her. The next day, send a letter thanking the person for taking the time to help you prepare for your future. Do’s and Don’ts of Networking through Informational Interviewing Do research on the organization, career path, job title, etc. so that you can talk intelligently with your contact. 50 Informational Interviews When you speak to the person, do ask IS THIS A GOOD TIME? Give a quick summary of who you are and what you want. Focus on what you have in common. Have a goal. State your purpose. Be flexible in scheduling. Do ask for information and advice, NOT A JOB. Be prepared with a short list of questions or topics to discuss. Don’t push yourself on someone who isn’t interested or who is unable to speak with you. Don’t ask personal questions or specific questions about money. Don’t ask for a job! You are there to obtain information only, not to gain employment. Don’t overstep your time limits. The following questions could be used during your informational interview. Questions for Classmates What classes have you enjoyed? What classes have you liked least? Do you participate in any clubs or organizations related to this major/career? Are they helpful? Have you had any part-time, internship, or co-op experience related to this major? What occupations can you obtain with this degree? What occupations are you seeking? Why? What personal advice would you give to a person entering this field? How or why did you decide to choose this major? Where, in your opinion, is the best place to look for a job in this field? What other courses not listed in the core curriculum should I take? Why? Can you recommend any other person who might provide me with additional information? Questions for Professors What can I do with a degree in this major? What jobs are recent graduates getting? What is the placement rate of recent graduates? Can you give me the name and phone number of a junior or senior in this major, who is a good student, whom I may contact? To what professional organizations or student groups should I belong if interested in this major? Can you recommend any journals or books I should read related to this major? Tell me about the backgrounds of the teaching staff in this department. What skills are needed of a student in this field? Can you tell me the specifics about the courses offered in this major? What personal advice would you give to a student entering this field? Do you foresee developments in this major/career/department that will affect my future opportunities? Questions for Practicing Professionals On a typical day in this position, what do you do? Has the work changed recently due to technology, marketplace, competition, etc.? How did you find your job? How do you see jobs in this field changing in the future? How does your work contribute to the organization’s overall goals or mission? Is there a "career path" in your field? Is there a demand for people in this occupation? What are the basic prerequisites for jobs in this field? 51 Informational Interviews What do you like least/most about your job? What entry-level jobs are best for learning as much as possible? What is the salary for entry-level and more advanced positions in the field? What is your level of freedom to solve problems and take action on the job? What opportunities for advancement are there in this field? What personal qualities or abilities are important to being successful in this job? What potential downside do you see for this field in the future? From your perspective, what are the problems you see working in this field? What special advice would you give a person entering this field? What special knowledge, skills or experience did you have or need for this job? What training or education is required for this type of work? What types of training do companies offer persons entering this field? Which professional journals and organizations would help me learn more about this field? Who do you know that I should talk to next? When I call him/her, may I use your name? With the information you have about my education, skills and experience, what other fields or jobs would you suggest I research further before I make a final decision? How to Reach Out for an Informational Interview “1 out of every 200 resumes…results in a job offer. 1 out of every 12 informational interviews, however, results in a job offer,” from A Foot in the Door, by Katharine, Ph.D. A Sample Phone Script Requesting an Informational Interview I recommend using the telephone to arrange interviews as it is often the most persuasive and time-efficient method of contacting an individual. It is easier to delete an e-mail than to say "no" to a pleasant, friendly professional who wants to know more about your career. If shyness is an issue, I use a written phone script. There are many excellent phone scripts available in employment books and websites, such as: "Hello, my name is (NAME). I am a student at the University of Mississippi majoring in Biology and looking to enter (FIELD). Your company really stands out in the industry because (REASON) and I'm looking for information on this field. So I'm wondering if you would have 20 minutes to meet with me to talk about your career?" 52 Informational Interviews A Sample Email Requesting an Informational Interview Dear Mr. Gonzales, Wesley Dickens, Career Planning Specialist at the University of Mississippi Career Center provided me with your email address. As a college senior studying photography and digital art seeking to learn more about careers in this field, she thought you might be able to provide me with useful information. If you are able to find time, I would like to meet with you in person for 20 minutes to interview you about your career. Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your reply. Sincerely, Javier Romano A Sample Letter Requesting an Informational Interview These are letters addressed to individuals you would like to meet with to explore career options. Make it clear you want only 30 minutes of their time and that you are not asking for employment, only an informational interview that will help guide your job search. Sample 1 2838 Camphor Lane Oxford, MS 38655 Ms. Kathy Brown Harbor Federal Bank 4035 Nova Road Oxford, MS 38655 Dear Ms. Brown: I am currently a student at the University of Mississippi majoring in banking and finance. A family friend, Dr. Randall Hansen of Ole Miss, suggested that you might be willing to meet with me so that I can learn more about banking. I understand your time is valuable, but I would be extremely grateful if you allowed me 30 minutes of your time to meet with you at your convenience. During this meeting I would love to get your input on the banking industry to help guide my career decisions. Thank you so much for considering my request. I will call you the week of October 10 to see about scheduling the informational interview. If you need to reach me before that time, please feel free to contact me via phone (662-5552922) or via email [email protected]. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, An Ole Miss Student 53 Informational Interviews Sample 2 Your Address City, State Zip Current Date Laura Arnold Jackson Speech and Hearing Clinic 100 South Third Avenue Jackson, MS 39456 Dear Ms. Arnold: Linda Jones, Director of Career Services at the University of Mississippi suggested I contact you given my interest in exploring a career in Speech Language Pathology. I would appreciate the opportunity to spend 30 minutes with you for an informational interview to help guide my curricular and career decisions. Enclosed is a resume to give you a sense of my background. Thank you for your consideration. You have done what I hope to do: graduate from the University of Mississippi Master’s program and develop a successful and rewarding practice. Any guidance you may provide would be most appreciated. Sincerely, Elizabeth Taylor Enclosure 54 Informational Interviews Sample 3 Your Address City, State Zip Current Date Ernie Zimmerman Littler Mendelson 21 East State Street Charlottesville, VA 85000 Dear Mr. Zimmerman: In my research of companies which have exemplary reputations in marketing research, I discovered Littler Mendelson. I am very interested in pursuing a career in marketing and would love to speak with you about your career and any tips you might have as I choose courses and make summer internship decisions. I am requesting an informational interview and would only take about 30 minutes of your time. I hope to get a sense for what your company is like and what a typical day entails. I am attaching my resume so you have context on my background. I can be very flexible with my schedule to match your availability. My contact information is 662-555-5555 and [email protected] in case you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you and to meeting in person soon. Sincerely, Beth Brown Attachment 55 Informational Interviews Sample 4 Your Address City, State Zip Current Date Harriet Jones Dallas Star Newspaper 123 North Dearborn Dallas, Texas 02108 Dear Ms. Jones: I am a junior at the University of Mississippi majoring in Journalism. I plan to move to Dallas upon graduation to begin my career as a journalist. As an Ole Miss alumna working in Dallas, I was hoping to talk with you about the job market and opportunities in the area. I will be coming home over the upcoming holiday break from December 5 through January 25, and would appreciate the opportunity to spend 30 minutes with you for an informational interview. Enclosed is my resume to give you a sense of my experience. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you, and hope to meet you in person soon. Sincerely, Sally Student Enclosure Informational Interviewing Packet: a resource provided by the University of Mississippi Career Center 56 The Interview Finally…it’s show time! An interview is an opportunity to showcase your skills and accomplishments, and show the employer you are the best candidate for the job or internship. Essentially you want to explain why you want to work there, why they should hire you and that you possess the personal qualities they need (motivation, drive, strengths, etc.)! Tips to consider before interviewing for a job or internship • Learn Behavioral Interviewing, which focuses on specific examples of past behavior as a means of predicting future behavior. • Investigate the employer. • Prepare follow up questions for the end of the interview in advance. • Practice with mock interviews. • Make sure you shoes are polished and attire is well pressed with no stains. • Keep jewelry/perfume/cologne to a minimum. • Arrive early. • Introduce yourself to the receptionist and indicate who you are there to see. • Use proper grammar, and pause for a moment before answering questions. • Shake hands firmly with everyone to which you are introduced. • Make eye contact when speaking. • Always wait until you have been offered a seat, or until the interviewer sits. • Be aware of your posture the entire interview. • Ask for a business card at the close of the interview. 57 Interviews 58 Interviews 59 Interviews 60 Interviews 61 Interviews BEFORE THE INTERVIEW: • Research the employer. • Identify your strengths and skills for the specific position. • Compile examples of accomplishments and scenarios that showcase your skills. • Prepare questions for them. • Practice with a mock interviews. How to Dress • If you have a suit, wear it, even if the employer is in a casual industry. • If you don’t have a suit, dress in professional work attire that is clean and pressed. • Keep jewelry/perfume/cologne to a minimum. Making the first impression • Plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes early. If you are late, call to let them know. • Introduce yourself to the receptionist and indicate who you are there to see. Remember the interview starts the moment that you hit the door and does not end until you drive away. • Know how to pronounce the interviewer’s name. • Shake hands firmly. • Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Your attitude • Show confidence, interest, assertiveness, and enthusiasm. • Be yourself. Smile, relax, and be friendly. • Be honest. • Be courteous, polite, and respectful at all times. • Allow the interviewer to lead the interview. Verbal Communication • Pause for a moment before answering questions. Take time to formulate a well thought out, organized response. • Answer questions thoroughly by stating results and using examples. • Do not monopolize the conversation or ramble on. Answer questions succinctly. • Make sure to answer each part of the question asked Nonverbal Communication • Make eye contact when speaking. • Always wait until you have been offered a seat, or until the interviewer sits. • Be aware of your posture the entire interview. • Do not talk with your hands too much. 62 Interviews Phone/Video Interviews More and more companies begin the interview process with a phone or video interview in an effort to streamline costs and narrow the candidate pool. Be prepared! A good phone interview will get you to the next step! Tips for Phone Interviews and Video Interviews • Treat your phone interview as an “in-person” interview. • Always answer the phone in a courteous manner. Smile when you speak. • Instruct anyone else who answers the phone to do so politely and professionally. • Never talk with food or gum in your mouth. • Post a resume and a copy of your cover letter to the interviewer on the wall near the phone, eye level. • Dress for the interview and stand up while talking. • Make sure to check your voicemail message to assure that it is not rude or inappropriate should the interviewer get it. • Turn off your call waiting so that you are not interrupted while being interviewed. • Speak up so that your confidence will be evident. • If you are taking the interview call at home, put a sign on the door so that you will not be interrupted. • Do not rush; answer your questions concisely. • Don’t forget to close. It is a crucial step in making any sell…even selling yourself! • Don’t forget the thank you note after the interview. Behavioral Interview Questions: focuses on specific examples of past behavior as a means of predicting future behavior. The best way to answer a behavioral interview question is to utilize the STAR method. 1. Situation: Discuss a specific situation or problem that you encountered. 2. Task: Explain the task goal. 3. Action: Tell specific actions which you took, steps you followed, obstacles you had to overcome, etc. 4. Results: Highlight outcomes, goals achieved, and accomplishments. 63 Interviews Questions Frequently Asked by Employers 1. What are your long-range and short-range goals and objectives, when and why did you establish these goals and how are you preparing yourself to achieve them? 2. What specific goals, other than those related to your occupation, have you established for yourself for the next 10 years? 3. What do you see yourself doing five years from now? 4. What do you REALLY want to do in life? 5. What are your long-range career objectives? 6. How do you plan to achieve your career goals? 7. What are the most important rewards you expect in your business career? 8. What do you expect to be earning in five years? 9. Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing? 10. Which is more important to you, the money or the type of job? 11. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses? 12. How would you describe yourself? 13. How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well would describe you? 14. What motivates you to put forth the greatest effort? 15. How has your college career prepared you for a business career? 16. Why should I hire you? 17. What qualifications do you have that make you think that you will be successful in business? 18. How do you determine or evaluate success? 19. What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours? 20. In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company? 21. What qualities should a successful manager possess? 22. Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those reporting to him or her. 23. What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why? 64 Interviews 24. Describe your most rewarding college experience. 25. If you were hiring a graduate for this position, what qualities would you look for? 26. Why did you select your college or university? 27. What led you to choose your field of major study? 28. What college subjects did you like best? Why? 29. What college subjects did you like least? Why? 30. If you could do so, how would you plan your academic study differently? Why? 31. What changes would you make in your college or university? Why? 32. Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree? 33. Do you think good grades are a good indication of your academic achievement? 34. What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities? 35. In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable? 36. How do you work under pressure? 37. In what part-time or summer jobs have you been most interested? Why? 38. How would you describe the ideal job for you following graduation? 39. Why did you decide to seek a position with this company? 40. What do you know about our company? 41. What are two or three things that are most important to you in your job? 42. Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Why? 43. What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work? 44. Do you have a geographical preference? Why? 65 Interviews 45. Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you? 46. Are you willing to travel? 47. Are you willing to spend at least six months as a trainee? 48. Why do you think you might like to live in the community in which our company is located? 49. What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it? 50. What have you learned from your mistakes? There are many different formats for interviews, but the most important step is PREPARATION! Research the company and practice with Mock Interviews! You get better with each interview you do! Schedule a Mock Interview with the School of Business Career Prep, the Career Center, and InterviewStream! Now… Are you ready??? 66 https://olemiss.interviewstream.com/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2f Mock Interview with us… Reflection paper and some areas that you may explore: Specific questions that you nailed Specific questions that were a struggle What did you do well in, during the interview What areas can you improve Were you able to interweave your skills, knowledge, experiences, and strengths throughout the interview Were you able to give an example, using the STAR method – set the situation – the task – action/steps – results (the most important aspect) How would you describe your delivery What did you learn from this experience How would you rate yourself: Exceptional – a top 5 candidate; Good – steady and learning how to express my value and unique selling proposition as a worker/professional; Improvement needed – work on my communication & delivery, identification of strengths & values, and comfort level. Specific plans to improve your job interview skills for the future. 67 EmployUM Tips The EmployUM Database posts the spectrum of positions for you to search for positions. Register with the Career Center and receive access to explore and search for opportunities and events. Please keep you profile current to optimize opportunities and connections with employers, including your address, phone number, Major, GPA, Classification in School, Work Authorization, default resume, and other data elements. Please Login today to access the EmployUM. https://www.myinterfase.com/olemiss/Account/LogOn Call 662 – 915 – 7174 if you have any trouble registering for EmployUM. For further assistance, please send an e-mail to [email protected] The Career Center (http://career.olemiss.edu/students.html) is located at 303 Martindale. This is a campuswide student service offering: Career testing and counseling Career Resource Library Outreach and recruitment activities Connection and networking with recruiters and employers Job search tips and postings Career and Life Planning course for Junior and Senior-level students. 68 EmployUM Tips EmployUM – for students www.career.olemiss.edu The University of Mississippi 1. To login into EmployUM visit, www.HireOleMissRebs.com and click on the Student Login link 2. NEW USERS: If you are not a current user, click on “Click here to register” and follow the directions on that page Complete all sections and click on the Register button. All required fields are marked with an (*) When you have filled out all required (*) fields, click the submit profile button If you get a message that says invalid student ID, then email both your full name and student ID number to: [email protected] Once you have submitted your profile, and if it is approved, will send you an email notification Once you have submitted your profile, your account will be in pending status and an administrator will review/approve your profile You will receive an email notification when your account is approved ***If you do not receive your email notification within 48 hours, please contact our Office at (662)915-7174 3. EXISTING USERS: Log into system by visiting www.HireOleMissRebs.com using your Username and Password To update your profile put your cursor over my account and select my profile ***You must update your email address to reflect the new go.olemiss.edu email address - Login to your account (use your full old email address) - Go to My Account, and a drop down to my profile - Under Personal Information, hit the edit button and change your email address to the new @go.olemiss.edu - You may also change your username to their new email address so that it is easier for you to remember Sections listed under the profile tab will include personal information, demographic information, skills, and additional information Remember you will need to enter a GPA and your major(s) and/or minor(s) for the job opportunities to populate correctly when you conduct your searches You may edit sections by clicking the edit link Carefully go through each section and complete all the fields making sure to click the save button ***The more detailed your profile is, the better we can assist you! To upload your documents put your cursor over My Accounts and click My Documents Next click on the upload file link, then click the browse button to locate your file Select the correct file, name it, and click the upload button ***You may upload several resumes to your EmployUM account; be sure to name them each differently ***You must have a resume on profile to apply for any position within the EmployUM system 69 EmployUM Tips To search for jobs, internships or co-ops put your cursor over Jobs tab, and click job search Fill in any search criteria you have to narrow down your job search, or simply click search Click on Job ID to see specifics about the position and how to apply To save your search and choose to be emailed about new jobs click save search Types of Interview Schedules Resume Drops- simply click on schedule id number and apply (it will ask you to choose your resume document that you wish to upload) Schedules that are open, you may simply select an interview time Schedules that are preselects, you must click on the schedule id number and then the apply button which will upload your resume that is on file in EmployUM To search On-campus Interviewing Schedules Scroll over the On Campus Recruiting tab and select All Upcoming Interviews I qualify for. Select the schedule id number you wish to apply to and click the apply button You will be asked to select which resume you have on file in order to apply Once you apply, you may check your status by going to My Profile tab, and selecting My Activity , then select the Schedule’s tab, then select Preselect Tab You will see a displayed list of the companies you have requested to consider you for an interview and a status of each request To Sign Up for an Interview once Preselected Login to your EmployUM account Scroll over to My Profile tab (it will drop down) and select My Activity tab Then select the Schedules Tab and lastly select the Preselect Tab The jobs you have applied for will be displayed and you will look in the status column for your status of the request For the ones that say Accepted, click the schedule ID number to sign up for an interview time If it says Requested, the employer has not made a decision yet If it says Not Accepted, then the employer has decided not to interview the student Need to Prepare for an Interview? Tryout InterviewStream, an online mock interview program at https://olemiss.interviewstream.com/default.aspx Questions??? Email: [email protected] Call: 662-915-5984 Follow Us on Twitter @HireOleMissRebs Like Us on Facebook at University of Mississippi Career Center 70 Thank You Letters • A thank you letter should always be sent to individuals who have provided assistance to you during the job process. • Sending a thank you letter within twenty four hours via email will set you apart from the candidates who fail to do so. • It will also give you the opportunity to reiterate any of your qualifications or provide additional information. • If you meet with a group of people, you can just write a letter to your host and have them extend your gratitude. • A follow-up hand written letter is a nice touch. • Make sure to mention the date of the interview and reference something that was mentioned during the interview process. • Make sure to ask for the business cards of those conducting the interview so that you will have their mailing and email addresses. 71 After any job interview, do not forget to write a Thank You note to the person who interviewed you. Your Thank You note can be either handwritten on a note card or a formal letter, as below. Sample Thank-You Letter Your Street Address City, State, Zip Date Individual’s Name Title Organization Address City, State, Zip Dear________: Thank you for meeting with me yesterday to discuss the position of Social Media Assistant at National Bank. I was impressed with the company’s ability to maintain such a high standard in such a competitive market. The opportunity to learn more about your company further convinced me that I am a good fit for the position. My past experience as an intern at Bank and Trust Company prepared me to fulfill the requirements you outlined for this position. My internship in a very similar role enabled me to assume the responsibilities associated with meeting deadlines, communicating with fellow employees and working under pressure. As I stated at our meeting, I enjoy the challenge of a competitive environment in which success is based on achievement. I want to reiterate my strong interest in the position and in working with you and your staff. National Bank offers the kind of opportunity I seek. If I can provide you with any additional information, please call me at 662.941.4444 or email me [email protected] . Once again, thank you for the opportunity to interview with you and for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, (handwritten signature) 72 THANK YOU LETTER GUIDELINES (Use 11 or 12 point type and make sure copy fits in the center of the page) Your Street Address City, State, Zip Code Today’s Date Employer’s Name Title Company Street Address City, State, Zip Code Dear________________: Your opening paragraph should: Thank the interviewer for meeting with you without apologizing for taking the time. Mention the interview date and the specific job for which you interviewed Refer to something that made the meeting especially valuable for you (e.g., meeting other people, a specific description of some aspect of the job that impressed you, new knowledge that you learned about the company, etc.) In the second paragraph: Reaffirm your interest in the position and restate one or more of the reasons why you are a top candidate for the position. This is your last opportunity to emphasize one or two of your qualifications to remind the employer of why you are an asset (could be something you talked about in the interview). You may ask a question about something that was not covered during the interview. You may say that you are returning some documents or information that the interviewer asked you to complete or provide. Closing Restate your interest in the company. This lets the interviewer know that you are genuinely interested in a position with his/her firm. Be sure to name the company. You can include your name and e-mail again in case the interviewer has any additional questions. Sincerely, Sign your name Type your name under your signature 73 Format Tips Microsoft Word How to fix the line spacing that is the default in Word: Control A will highlight your entire document Click on the little arrow in the bottom right corner of the paragraph tab Make sure the “before” and “after” boxes in Spacing are set to “0” and the Line Spacing is set to “Single.” Click “Okay” and you will return to your document that now has single spacing. How to move a bulleted list by placing the cursor at the beginning of the list and then clicking the “decrease indent” or “increase indent” arrows at the top of the page. How to make a line across a document – hit 3-4 dashes and then “enter” and it will make the line. Resume Editing Step Guide Name and Contact information * Name should be larger than 12-point font * Include address, phone, and e-mail * E-mail should not be juvenile or sexy Objective * Should be for a specific title within a specific industry or company * Mention and list employee skills, but save the descriptive words, such as “enthusiasm” and “work ethic” for the cover letter. Education * Only list higher educational institutions that issued a certificate or degree * No high school, no partially completed programs (unless still enrolled) * Should list global education or opportunities * List degree, major, minor, GPA, funding (if relevant) Skills * List skills * Especially list skills that would be essential to the job you want (such as MIS) Work Experience * Put most recent first * Include job title, location, and dates of employment * Include contributions, responsibilities, and tasks in a bullet format and start the sentence stem with an action verb * Highlight accomplishments and back these up with numbers Unpaid relevant experience * May include this with Work Experience, if relevant and adds value * Put most relevant first * Do not list more than 6 * Reflect your skills and experiences Honors and Activities * A few good ones are much more effective than many common ones * Dean’s Honor Roll and scholarships should list GPA requirements and other criteria * Emphasize leadership, initiative, variety, skill 74 Format Tips Heading Notes: * If you use an initial for your middle name, it is customary to place a period after the initial. * All fonts, sizes, and formats above are suggestions only and may be tailored to your specific resume. * You do not have to indicate “current address” or “permanent address”… It is understood that the address with the town in close proximity to the University of Mississippi is your current address. * If you are emailing your resume, it is optional to leave the hyperlink e-mail address active. If you are printing your resume on paper, it is recommended that you remove the hyperlink. * If you have a nickname or use your middle name, it should be included in quotation marks, for example, Joseph “Edward” Nielsen. Headline vs Objectives: Industry or job type specific * Include the specific skills * Be aspirational – how you want to be perceived * Do not tell them what you hope to learn Following is a sample of Headlines sometimes used in lieu of the Objective: Finance Driven Professional Top Analytical Skills MBA Fortune 500 Internship Experience Manufacturing Operations Quality Engineer Experience MBA 3.8 GPA Marketing and Public Relations Professional Agency Experience Social Media Marketing Specialist MBA Student Involvement and Leadership highlights Volunteer Intramural Soccer Coach Marketing Ambassador Philanthropy Chair 75 Negotiating Job Offers You have survived months of job searching—targeting the type of position you wanted to look for, writing the resumes and cover letters, networking, applying, interviewing—and then repeating all of the above several times. When you receive a job offer, the hard work doesn't end. Making the best decision is not easy. It is a challenge that you have been working for—so you need to prepare for the final step of the challenge: negotiating the offer. Steps To Negotiation 1. KNOW YOURSELF Depending on the market, negotiating can be risky. Before you start any type of negotiation, be sure to clearly define your own personal goals. Remember that salary is not the only thing to consider. Think also of the following: * Job Security * Salary * Benefits * Coworkers * Advancement Opportunities * Reputation of the company * Size * Growth Potential * Product diversification * Location 2. KNOW THE COMPANY AND ITS INDUSTRY Do more research to find out: * Current demand on job market—supply & demand * Urgency to fill the position * Size and financial strength of the company * Who “pulls the strings” (makes the decisions)? * Can the company negotiate? 3. KNOW YOUR MARKET VALUE What is the market currently worth? What are others in the field being paid? How do salaries compare in different cities? * Bureau of Labor Statistics This site includes wages, productivity, unemployment rates, information on the US economy, and more. * Occupational Outlook Handbook (by occupation) * Occupational Outlook Handbook (by industry) * Salary.com Salary wizard plus negotiating salaries, understanding benefits, and more. 76 Negotiating Job Offers 4. EXAMINE YOUR PRIORITIES What things are most important to you? Money may not be a driving force. Being close to family, a satisfactory relationship with supervisor or co-workers, or having a good health plan may be more important to you. * Salary * Promised Increases * Yearly Bonuses * Signing Bonuses * Profit Sharing * Stock Options/ESOPs * Benefits * Overtime/Comp Time * Company Car * Travel Awards * Relocation Assistance * Expense Coverage * Location * Opportunities for Advancement * Other 5. NEGOTIATE You've been offered a job—and now it's time to negotiate. How do you get started? There are two reasons why you would want to negotiate: You have received an unacceptable offer but you are still interested in working for the company OR You have received an acceptable offer but want to see if there is a way to get a desired benefit or salary increase. Don't know if the offer is acceptable or unacceptable? Get more information about the job if that will help you decide. Questions may include: * What is the salary range? * What is the hiring salary range? * Do you ever pay higher than that range? * What is the average increase? * How often are employees reviewed? 77 Negotiating Job Offers Unacceptable Offer: If your offer is truly unacceptable, you must communicate this fact in no uncertain terms to the decision maker while keeping the outlook for resolution positive. Key elements of this approach: •You must communicate specifically what is lacking in the initial offer * You must provide a proposed solution and reassure the employer that if your stipulations are met you will definitively accept * “If it is within your power” appeals to the position and their power * Be ready to consider alternatives if necessary, i.e... Hiring bonus or relocation assistance in lieu of higher pay * Indicate when you will make your decision and stick to it. Avoid commitment words such as: always, must have, deal breaker, never, won't consider. Acceptable Offer: When starting negotiations on an acceptable offer it's important to do two things: 1) Formally accept the position 2) Approach your future supervisor by asking him/her for his assistance in meeting your further needs, giving him/her an opportunity to show his power within the company. * This locks in your acceptance and takes that acceptance out of the negotiations. * Works because it is a Win / Win situation * Give reasons why you want something. These do not include: I just bought a new boat, house, etc. 6. DECIDE You have negotiated and decided to accept the offer. There are some things to keep in mind at this stage. Job Offer Guidelines & Ethics: * Acknowledge the offer with appreciation immediately. * Is there a contract to sign? * Do you need to submit a formal acceptance letter? * Clarify all aspects before accepting. Keep careful notes. * Remember that an employer has the right to withdraw the offer any time prior to its acceptance. * Obtain everything in writing. REMEMBER! After Accepting an Offer: * Let all other organizations know of your acceptance. Do not continue to search! * Write thank you to everyone, including references and anyone else who helped. * Keep track of career search expenses. Many are tax deductible. 78 Negotiating Job Offers BENEFIT QUESTIONS Before you accept a new job, ask about BENEFITS! Benefits can add another 25-40% to your salary when you consider how much your employer has to pay for these benefits. It’s a “hidden” cost, just like training a new employee is a “hidden” cost. The Human Resources Department in any company will be happy to answer these questions for you so don’t be afraid to ask. However, DO NOT ask before you are offered a job. If an interviewer voluntarily tells you about benefit information during an interview, then it is okay to ask any additional questions. But let them bring it up first. Otherwise wait until you have been offered a position with the company, but before you accept the job. Also note: Not every company will offer all of the benefits listed below. That said, Health Insurance is the #1 most expensive benefit – make sure you are covered! Health Insurance – When does it go into effect? Is there a waiting period? How much are the premiums? Does the company pay the entire premium? i. For yourself? ii. For dependents (spouse a/o child) Dental Insurance – Same questions as above for Health Insurance Vision Insurance – Not all companies will offer this but it’s nice to have Group Term Life Insurance – How much coverage – typical would be 1 or 2 times salary Accidental Death and Disability Insurance (AD&D) – Typical coverage is the same as life insurance amount Long Term Disability Insurance – Will the company pay for this coverage? And when does it go into effect? 401k Plan or 403b – Is there a company match when you contribute? Typical would be 2-5%, if there is a company match. Note: Most companies do NOT offer a defined benefit (“pension”) plan. Instead they expect YOU to start saving for your retirement through a 401K plan. Star saving early. Public entities, such as the Federal, State, or Local government, use 403b accounts instead of 401K accounts. They are virtually the same thing. 79 Negotiating Job Offers Benefit Questions (con’t) Vacation Time – How many days/weeks per year (paid)? Will unused vacation time roll over to the next year and how much can you accrue? Sick Time – How many weeks/days per year and does unused sick time accrue from year to year? Flexible Spending Account – You contribute pre-tax dollars and use this account for unreimbursed medical expenses. The only caveat is that if you contribute, say, $400 per year, you need to submit unreimbursed expenses for $500 in order to get all of your money back. So it takes a bit of estimating and a crystal ball to come up with the $$ amount that you want to put into this each year. Moving Expenses – Some employers will help with moving expenses but may not volunteer this reimbursement. Before you inquire you will need to do some research to figure out how much it will cost you to move your personal belongings by either hiring a moving company or renting a moving truck. Remember, the worst they can say is “no, we don’t reimburse for moving expenses.” So don’t be afraid to ask! Be prepared to negotiate this amount and keep your moving receipts to submit for reimbursement. Cost of Living Calculator – If you Google “cost of living calculator” there are several very good calculators online which will help you compare how much it costs to live in a new location compared to your current location. This is very helpful if you are moving to another state or larger city. 80 Student Organizations The University of Mississippi has more than 250 student organizations for students to get involved. There is something for everyone. We encourage our students to be intentional about what they do with their “cocurricular” activities. “Co-curricular” means outside the classroom activities that complement but are not part of the regular curriculum. Being intentional about what you do with those activities can be very important. Take advantage of the opportunities outside the classroom to gain experience and build your resume. STUDENT GOVERNMENT The Associated Student Body The ASB Minority Affairs Committee The Graduate Student Council The Law School Student Body Student Programming Board Residence Hall Association HONORARY Chi Epsilon: Civil Engineering Honorary Eta Kappa Nu: Electrical Engineering Honorary Tau Beta Pi: An Engineering Honor Society Kappa Kappa Psi: Honorary Fraternity for Band Members Gamma Beta Phi: An Honorary Service Society Golden Key: Honorary Lambda Sigma: Honorary Society Phi Alpha Theta: International History Honor Society Phi Beta Kappa: Undergraduate Honors Organization The Honors College Sigma Tau Delta: International English Honor Society Nat'l Society of Collegiate Scholars INTERNATIONAL African Caribbean Association Friendship Association of Chinese Students India Association International Students Organization Korean Student Association Malaysian Student Association (MSA) Taiwanese Student Association Thai Student Organization RECREATION Badminton Club Ballroom Dancing Bridge Club Chess Club Cricket Club 81 Student Organizations Fencing Club Iaido Club Karate Club Tip Off Club Ultimate Frisbee Club Volleyball Club RELIGIOUS Baptist Student Union Campus Crusade for Christ Catholic Campus Ministry Chi Alpha Chinese Christian Fellowship Episcopal Church Fellowship of Christian Athletes Muslim Student Association Rebels for Christ Reformed University Fellowship Westminster Fellowship Young Life SPECIAL INTEREST Anime Club Black Graduate and Professional Student Association Black Student Union College Democrats College Republicans Financier's Club Feral University Rebel Rescuers Gamers Association Gay Straight Alliance Habitat for Humanity Hyperbole - Literary Magazine Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation Model United Nations NAACP Ole Miss Ambassadors Ole Miss Cheerleading Ole Miss Percussion Studio Ole Miss Society for Human Resource Management Omega Phi Alpha Rebel Radio - WUMS The Society for Creative Anachronism Sigma Alpha Iota 82 Student Organizations Silver Wings Society of Student Anthropologists Student Alumni Council Students Envisioning Equality through Diversity (SEED) Student Media UM Fashion Board UM Mac User Group The University of Mississippi Marching Band The University of Mississippi Gospel Choir Go to the following link to search for information on student organizations: http://dos.orgsync.com/stuorgssearch 83 School of Business Student Organizations Alpha Kappa Psi focuses on leadership and the professional development of its members. Contact: Dr. Hugh Sloan, 662.801.4532, [email protected] Association for Information Technology Professionals Contact: Dr. Brian Reithel, [email protected] Beta Gamma Sigma is the premier national scholastic honorary society for business and accounting students. Since its founding in 1913, the International Honor Society has recognized academic achievements of collegiate business scholars. The Alpha Chapter at the University of Mississippi initiates junior and senior students in the spring of the academic year. Contact Ms. Susie Potts, Administrative Assistant, 662-915-5820, [email protected]. Chief Emissary Officers CEOs hold ambassadorial positions at academic, professional and recruiting events. Contact: Kim Phillips, [email protected] Financiers Club is an organization for all students, especially the ones interested in finance related majors. Contact: Dr. Bonnie Van Ness, [email protected] The MBA Association is for all MBA students who wish to take an active role in shaping the MBA Program. Contact: Ms. Ashley Jones, 662.915.5483, [email protected] Student Marketing Association (SMA) A student led group offering you the chance to develop your leadership, marketing, creative, sales, and entrepreneurial talents. The association allows you the opportunity to learn through experience and networking opportunities with professionals. Past activities have included creating commercials, executing marketing campaigns, conducting market research for Domino's, learning interviewing etiquette, as well as working with the Boys and Girls Club, and local businesses. Contact: Kathy Wachter, [email protected] The Risk Management and Insurance Society Gamma Iota Sigma is an organization for students majoring in Risk Management and Insurance. The Ole Miss (Mu) chapter of this international RMI fraternity provides students with career development and networking opportunities. Contact: Dr. Stephen Fier, [email protected] Ole Miss Real Estate Finance Association (REFA) is an organization that encourages interest in real estate, promotes interaction between real estate professionals and students, and informs students and professionals on current issues. REFA is open to real estate finance majors and to any student interested in real estate Contact: Dr. Lloyd “Chip” Wade, [email protected] The Student Advisory Board is made up of two representatives from each Business organization, the Business School President and Vice-President, and the Dean and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs. Contact: Dean’s Office, 253 Holman Entrepreneurship Club A club for students interested in entrepreneurship to connect with the startup community, learn about developing businesses and expanding their business acumen and skill set. Contact: Michael Davis, [email protected], or [email protected] 84 My Career Notes _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ 85
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