Articles: April 2007 Archives

Last Guide To Networking - Page 13 of 21

David Glover is an upper level executive in the accounting department with a local utility company. Months ago, he had a brief meeting with Jeff, a college student interested in accounting and its role in business. Jeff had gotten David's name from a former colleague at the company he left five years ago. Jeff was nice and polite. His resume looked good. But, David just didn't see much drive in him, and hadn't really heard much from him beyond a follow up letter. David wasn't even sure if Jeff contacted the two people David reluctantly gave him. David also attends a local church, and is fairly active. There, he became acquainted with Susan, who is also a college student majoring in accounting. David knows Susan pretty well. His wife and her mother are pretty good friends. Susan was a big help to David when the church took on an important mission project. She helped round up other church members her age and younger, which yielded great success and helped a lot of people. David has just learned of a small local business that needs someone to help keep their books. It would be a part-time job, but could lead to better opportunities. He was asked if he knew of someone who might be qualified and interested. Who do you think he will recommend? Susan or what's-his-name? Get my point? It doesn't even matter that David has never worked with Susan on anything related to accounting, although anything is possible. But he knows Susan, the person who gives her time and talents to their church and to serve others. Jeff, on the other hand, is that paper resume hidden in a file drawer at work. In the next chapter, we will address specific starting points where you can begin building your network today. However, building relationships, again, stresses quality over quantity. You can't possibly chum up to every person you encounter. It is neither practical nor sincere.

Building Contacts and Building Relationships: The Fundamental Differences

Let's quickly review the main differences between building contacts and building relationships. Building Contacts is a short-term process. It usually focuses on trying to meet as many people is the shortest amount of time. If a person you meet does not have an immediate need for your services, nor can they lead you to anyone else, then there is little foundation for a long-term relationship.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 7:38 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Guide To Networking - Page 12 of 21

Relationships are ongoing and more sincere. You usually have some kind of continuing contact or involvement with a person with whom you have a relationship. It doesn't mean you see them or talk to them every day or necessarily every week. Your association, however, does reach beyond a first-time meeting in their office. You may have heard an expression: “When you meet someone, find a way to stay in touch with them!” I believe it is true and very important to stay in touch with people. The “how” is the most difficult. I didn't feel right calling a person up on the phone, or sending them a note, just to find out “how they were doing.” To be painfully honest, when I was looking for work, I didn't care about how they were doing, at least not enough to ask them. At the time, I was more concerned about putting food on the table, and really only cared about what they could do for me to help me accomplish this. I am not at all proud of that admission, but it is the truth. I am sure however, that few people looking for a job will deny this is how they truly feel, whether they are hitting the pavement fresh out of college or have been let go from a previous job. It's just our survivalist instinct. So, in reality, a note sent out which read on the surface: Just touching base and saying hello. I hope your business is doing fine. Would really mean: Just letting you know I am still seeking work. Any new leads yet? Of course, there is nothing wrong with stating the truth in a tactful manner. In fact, the reader might respect your honesty. That doesn't make those notes any easier to write. I also don't like reaching out to another person when all I am trying to do is help myself. It's much easier—and more fun—when there is a chance that you can help them in some manner.

People know you as a person, not a name. Through ongoing interaction and involvement, people know who you are. They are aware of your strengths and weaknesses, which is not bad. They understand what's important to you, not from what you tell them through your words, but through your actions. They have an understanding of the depth of your character. Hopefully, they trust you. These are things that take time to develop. When seeking opportunities, they can give you as good a reference as your mother, without the obvious bias. I'll give you an example:

The above is an excerpt from The Last Guide to Networking You'll Ever Need, which is available for sale for $17 in our bookstore or for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. In this tough economy, people who find jobs usually do so by networking. Written by Keith F. Luscher specifically for the job hunting students and recent graduates with zero to three years of experience who use CollegeRecruiter.com. Are you networking at least two hours a day? Those who are finding jobs are. Don't be left behind. Read this book and you will quickly find a new job. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 7:37 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Guide To Networking - Page 11 of 21

This does and can happen, but typically not until that individual becomes acquainted and is sincerely impressed with you. They would certainly not say this to just anyone who steps into their office. They may also know what is going on in other companies and around the industry, based upon what they hear from friends and colleagues, not to mention what they read in the local business publication. Get some names! I'm not trying to sound like a superficial, manipulative networker, but to meet new people, the most common way is to start with who you know. Unfortunately, not everyone understands that this is at the heart of building contacts. I met with many people who were, as I put it, dead-end leads. They were the end of that road as far as obtaining any names was concerned. They either didn't know I was looking for names (although I asked for them directly), or they didn't feel comfortable passing out their contacts to someone whom in some cases they just met. I'm sure both reasons were true on occasion. I mean, let's face it. What am I really doing when I give a complete stranger another friend's name, telling them to use me as a reference? I am putting my reputation on the line! After all, what happens if my friend hires this person, who then turns out to be unreliable and untrustworthy? How does that make me look? That can be a difficult situation to be in. I have to admit, I have met people whom I would not want using my name as a reference when calling upon a friend or colleague. And I am generally a pretty trusting fellow. Some people are more trusting than others. But one of the most important things you MUST remember is this: Not everyone you meet is necessarily going to feel comfortable putting you in touch with everyone they know. You shouldn't expect them to. After all, the two of you just met. Sure, the contact may have your resume, or biographical sketch. They might even really know the person who gave you their name (that relationship can have a strong bearing on your meeting). Still, there is something missing...a deeper familiarity...an element of trust... a relationship.

Building Relationships: Simple But Not Easy

Building relationships is the much deeper side to networking, and it is more difficult. It is also better and more powerful. Here's why:

The above is an excerpt from The Last Guide to Networking You'll Ever Need, which is available for sale for $17 in our bookstore or for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. In this tough economy, people who find jobs usually do so by networking. Written by Keith F. Luscher specifically for the job hunting students and recent graduates with zero to three years of experience who use CollegeRecruiter.com. Are you networking at least two hours a day? Those who are finding jobs are. Don't be left behind. Read this book and you will quickly find a new job. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 7:36 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Guide To Networking - Page 10 of 21

What the test reveals: does this individual who wishes to work for us really take responsibility? Think about it: what would you do? That story really hit me hard. It is so subtle, yet that kind of unconscious response says a lot about how we view ourselves and the limits of our responsibilities to those around us. Now, I can't see a piece of litter on the sidewalk without picking it up. Either way, adopting those kinds of habits and attitudes can help you make a good first impression. This is probably just as important as knowing how to dress, speak and conduct yourself. Learn about the individual and what they do. It often helps to know a little bit about the individual's organization or business before you go to the meeting. Of course, one of my biggest questions was, although rarely asked directly, do they use or have a need for the type of service I offer? It is important to get a good awareness of what your new contact does, and not only because it will help you become more rounded. It can help you stay in touch with that person, and even better, build a relationship with them. Suppose you meet someone who is involved in insurance consulting and estate planning. That person may not have a direct need for you at this time, and you may not really be concerned with planning your estate (You need to create it first!). However, you may meet other people in the process who may need this person's services. Putting them in touch with one another sure would be a good way of establishing a relationship with not just one, but two people! Also, if you come across an article that might pertain to them, you can cut it out and send it (notice how virtually all online publications allow you to email their articles to friends?). Some people would be more interested in reading that than your holiday greeting card. Gather as much useful information as possible. At the risk of sounding too vague, you want to gather any information that can prove useful to helping you jump-start or build your career. It can be information about what is happening in that individual's company, the general industry, or your community. You may meet with someone who may privately reveal that while there are no opportunities at his or her company today, certain changes are going to take place over the next several months that may create some new opportunities.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Guide to Networking You'll Ever Need, which is available for sale for $17 in our bookstore or for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. In this tough economy, people who find jobs usually do so by networking. Written by Keith F. Luscher specifically for the job hunting students and recent graduates with zero to three years of experience who use CollegeRecruiter.com. Are you networking at least two hours a day? Those who are finding jobs are. Don't be left behind. Read this book and you will quickly find a new job. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 7:34 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Guide To Networking - Page 9 of 21

3. As you listen, feel free to converse. By all means, converse. But do so with the intent of clarifying your own understanding, rather than attempting to get your own point across. In other words, you must repeat what the other is sharing with you back, so that you may--

internalize the other's viewpoint in your own mind, thus increasing your own understanding, and
reaffirm to them your own understanding of what he or she is trying to share with you.

Through this process, you enhance your communication, and allow less chance for mix-ups. More importantly, you give the other person respect and validation. There is perhaps nothing better to nurture a relationship than a sense of shared understanding.

“So, when do I get to talk?”

As Stephen Covey indicates in The Seven Habits, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Yes, believe it or not, your opinion matters! However, just as others deserve your undivided attention, you deserve to have theirs. Indeed, when you have demonstrated that you understand the other's position and have shown genuine empathy, other people will be better able to be open to what you have to say, whether it is a point of disagreement, concern, or affirmation. In fact, your expressed understanding of the other's perspective first will actually give more credibility to your own point of view.

Key Objectives to an Informational Interview

Of course, this all contributes to some of the things you want to accomplish through informational interviews. First priority: make a good impression. I'll tell you a secret that a career counselor told me when I was unemployed. This woman had worked with many managers and interviewers, and she pointed out one tactic she heard one man almost always used when he interviewed applicants in his office. While this manager and the interviewee were talking, his secretary outside would always lay a rolled up piece of paper on the floor right outside his door. It would always be placed so there was no way anyone coming out of his office would miss it. The test: whether or not the applicant would pick it up, or leave it for someone else?

The above is an excerpt from The Last Guide to Networking You'll Ever Need, which is available for sale for $17 in our bookstore or for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. In this tough economy, people who find jobs usually do so by networking. Written by Keith F. Luscher specifically for the job hunting students and recent graduates with zero to three years of experience who use CollegeRecruiter.com. Are you networking at least two hours a day? Those who are finding jobs are. Don't be left behind. Read this book and you will quickly find a new job. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 7:33 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Guide To Networking - Page 8 of 21

We must strive to reach the point that we do it without thinking of it as a "skill" or "technique" (just as some of us tell our young children, when dealing with strong emotions with another person, to "use their words," rather than hitting). But to get to that point, we must make a constant conscious effort to listen. There are three simple steps to effective listening:

1. Put your personal agenda aside. This is, I think, the most common obstacle to effective listening. Here's my point: have you ever sat through a conversation with another person, and as they were speaking to you, you went "ahuh," and nodded, all along thinking in your own mind how you would respond? I remember doing this quite a bit in the workplace when I was younger, always with a personal agenda not to truly understand the other's perspective, but to impress the other person with how smart I thought I was. How can this be avoided? It's very simple. When you attend such an interview, or when another person asks for your attention, you need to consciously command yourself, "Okay, I know I have other things on my mind right now. But this person has something important to share and discuss, and so I will have to come back to those other things a little later." Once you get the hang of it, it really IS as simple as it sounds. It just takes practice.

2. Maintain undivided attention. I just pointed out that you should not be distracted. Further, you must make a habit showing sincerity—that you want to listen and understand. This means providing regular eye contact, and establishing a clear connection with the other person. Your temperament and body language must be inviting. Further, give undivided attention. Don't allow your mind to wander, or to fall into the old habit of thinking about what you will say next. If you catch this happening, and you miss what the other is saying, simply ask them to back up and repeat it for your own clarification. There is nothing wrong with this. As you hear the other point of view, place yourself in it. Imagine their situation, imagine that you were them, and begin to approach the situation from their own perspective. This is a powerful exercise in gaining a true understanding of another human being--and an important step in making a connection and building relationships.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 7:32 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Guide To Networking - Page 7 of 21

Be sure to point out that you are not directly seeking a job from them. On the other hand, make no secret of the fact that you are eager to learn about any new opportunity to work in any capacity (either full-time or on a contract basis). Just make clear that there is no implied obligation by having this meeting. While in the meeting, you want to learn as much about the individual and their company as possible. Don't just sit down and start talking about yourself, which can be a bad habit. I know from experience that many cases, the person I am meeting with begin the meeting with the words, “So, tell me about yourself.” When this happens, I open up a little, but also make an effort to swing the topic of the conversation from “me” to “them.” Ask questions about the company (you could start out by telling them what you already know, easily learned through some modest research before the meeting), and what their needs are. This is a great way to practice effective listening skills (more on that later). When learning about the person you are talking to, seek out something the two of you might have in common. Do you have any other acquaintances in common? Perhaps you might belong to some other similar groups or activities?

Life's Most Important Skill

In work, in family, in business, in all walks of life, you must learn to work and interact with other people. This requires the building of positive, sincere relationships. Yet you would be amazed at how many people are completely lost when it comes to true, effective communication. Listening is the most important skill you can ever develop. Listening is key to mutual understanding, which forms the basis for successful relationships. When sincere understanding and caring are present in any relationship, it transcends that relationship above the daily "transactions" which may occur. Disagreements and other issues which may end a less stable relationship become almost trivial when two people share an understanding of what lies in the heart and mind of the other. In any relationship, you will never always share agreement. But you must always strive to share understanding. This is why it is crucial for you to learn to listen to all people you encounter and relate to in your life.

How to Listen

Effective listening is described here as a skill, but in reality, it is a simple habit of communication. Like language itself, it becomes second nature.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 7:31 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Guide To Networking - Page 6 of 21

Yes, it sounds insensitive. But you WILL hear it. To be honest, the most considerate people are often those who remembered what it was like to look for work. You can be reassured that there are a lot of those people out there, who will be happy to meet with you. Here are some guidelines for calling a total stranger for an informational interview: 1) Have a connection. Belonging or involvement in a common organization or activity can also be effective, providing that involvement is genuine. A common acquaintance is best, someone who doesn't mind you using their name. 2) Respect their time. Don't forget: just because they pick up the phone doesn't mean they have time to talk. Any time I call anyone, the very first words out of my mouth are: “Do you have a minute?” People will appreciate it when you offer first to call back at a more convenient time, because you will catch them at difficult moments. When you are allowed to continue, get to the point of your call, and don't start telling them your life story. 3) Make it clear you are not seeking a job interview. Again, this is sometimes the toughest thing to get through to people. It is also among the most important. 4) Tell them you would like their advice. It flatters people to be sought for advice. You may actually get some helpful tips! 5) Agree to meet at their convenience. This comes back to respecting their time. You want to make the meeting as easy as possible for them.

The Informational Interview

There is a sort of “bottom line agenda” when going on these types of interviews: to get the person you are meeting with to know you and to find out who they know, and to gather information which will be valuable to your eventual search for an employer or customers. That really is the bottom line. You want to meet as many people as possible. You want to get your name out and keep it in front of people. You want to gather information. It's that simple. Some info-interviews can go smoothly, others can be stale and uncomfortable. It depends upon the person with whom you are meeting and your ability to build rapport with the individual. One of the first things I would do when setting foot in someone's office is to thank him or her for their time. They are busy with schedules to keep and bosses to please, and it sincerely meant a lot to me that they would take a few moments out just to chat.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Guide to Networking You'll Ever Need, which is available for sale for $17 in our bookstore or for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. In this tough economy, people who find jobs usually do so by networking. Written by Keith F. Luscher specifically for the job hunting students and recent graduates with zero to three years of experience who use CollegeRecruiter.com. Are you networking at least two hours a day? Those who are finding jobs are. Don't be left behind. Read this book and you will quickly find a new job. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 7:29 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Guide To Networking - Page 5 of 21

they usually began with a phone call. If you find yourself engaged in informational interviewing, you will no doubt make many phone calls. Sometimes they go well; other times you know in your gut that this person wants to get rid of you as soon as possible. If it's the latter, it can mean a couple things about the person you are calling, including: A. It has been a long time since this person was in a situation of having to look for work or make contacts. B. He or she is basically a considerate person and you are catching them on a bad day or at an inconvenient time. As you make calls, you will find a great variance in how receptive people are to your calls, which in turn depends upon a few other key factors, few of which are in your control. Sometimes it is simple timing. I often found that the best time to call someone was just after five o'clock . That's when the gatekeepers have left the office, but most of the decision-makers are still lingering around, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. However, no matter what time you call someone for the first time, there is the chance that you will get them at a bad moment, and you must try to remain sensitive to that. When you first get the person on the line, ask if you caught them at a bad moment? If you get someone who is dealing with more pressing demands of the moment, quickly giving them the opportunity to back out will accomplish two things in your favor: 1. First, you convey a genuine respect for the other person and their time. 2. The other person sees you as a true professional, and will immedi ately take you more seriously, and take a greater interest in following up. Most importantly: Don't ever assume that once a person answers their phone they have time to talk. Believe it or not, many people do not understand the concept of networking. Even if you are just out to meet people and are not seeking a job, an individual may automatically assume that you are, and not wish to deal with you. They don't realistically accept that you “just want to shake their hand and become acquainted.” I don't know how many times I would call someone, and upon telling them that I am interested in seeking their professional advice, become acquainted, and gather some information, I would hear them respond: “Well, we don't have any positions open right now. Just send me your resume and we'll call you if something comes up.”

The above is an excerpt from The Last Guide to Networking You'll Ever Need, which is available for sale for $17 in our bookstore or for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. In this tough economy, people who find jobs usually do so by networking. Written by Keith F. Luscher specifically for the job hunting students and recent graduates with zero to three years of experience who use CollegeRecruiter.com. Are you networking at least two hours a day? Those who are finding jobs are. Don't be left behind. Read this book and you will quickly find a new job. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 7:29 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Guide To Networking - Page 4 of 21

The common mistake, and the point of frequent frustration is, most people don't make an effort to make contacts until they have an immediate, short-term objective (i.e. they need a job.) Building contacts, or collecting names and phone numbers, theoretically takes a few simple steps. Building relationships requires more than passing and collecting business cards. It isn't the occasional phone call, the holiday greeting card, or remembering names of family members you never met. Building relationships takes more time and requires more work. And you cannot possibly build as many deep, lasting relationships in your life, as you may be able to cram names into your address book. Yet, one good friend is often worth more than dozens of names of people whom you barely know and have little in common. In essence, we are speaking of quality over quantity. It is an old theme, to be sure. But it is also valid. Before we talk more about building relationships, let's talk about the dynamics involved in building contacts: the most visible and elementary part of networking.

Building Contacts

In his book Sharkproof, author Harvey Mackay says that to build contacts, you start with who you know. If you belong to a club or fraternity, every member, nationwide, is a contact worth calling. He says that you should collect five contacts a day. Well, that's possible, but it's tough. When you are going to call a complete stranger who is busy and ask them for their time, you had better have a strong means of linking yourself to them. You might belong to a common professional organization. But your involvement in that organization may be much stronger than theirs. You volunteer, you go to the meetings, and you even help plan them. Other members may not be as involved, nor do they feel the ownership. They may only belong because their employer requires it. You don't know. So, don't be surprised if you call upon a fellow member, and their response is, “All right, we are both members. So what?” Usually, though, the strongest connection is another human being, also known as a referral. One of the most common processes used in networking is what we call the informational interview. It is a simple meeting between two or more individuals to share information, insights, opinions, advice, and names. In my time being unemployed, I went on countless informational interviews, far more so than actual job interviews. As with any meeting,

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 7:27 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Guide To Networking - Page 3 of 21

You meet with Contact B, talk with him, and by the end of that meeting you get the scoop on what might be happening in their company, and the names of three more individuals to speak with. You call them (as well as the other leads from Contact A) and the process continues, and so on and so forth. There you have it. That's networking. Pretty simple, eh? As you have heard a million times, it's all about who you know. Right? Well, sort of. It is who you know. But it goes much deeper than that. These objectives (collecting names and phone numbers) are important, but too often are over stressed and overrated because the techniques and steps required to achieve them are easy to explain and presumably simple to follow (hence you see how I described the process as it appears on the surface in just two paragraphs). Many books and articles vary somewhat in how they recommend to specifically go about it, but the bottom line is the same: to become acquainted and share information with as many people as possible. But as simple as it sounds, networking can be a painfully frustrating effort—especially when your goal is to find immediate employment. Let me put it this way: if you had to grow your own food, would you wait until you were hungry to plant your seeds? Certainly, you would not! Why? Because of simple laws of nature. When you plant seeds, you have to nurture them, and wait for them to grow. There is nothing humanly possible that you can do to accelerate the process. You water them, make sure the soil is rich, and allow time and nature to do the rest. That's where networking suddenly becomes frustrating and difficult. It's also why you need to start doing it sooner rather than later. In my book, Don't Wait Until You Graduate II: Jump-Start Your Career in Today's Volatile Economy While Still in School (New Horizon Press, 2003), I articulate what I call the “two faces” of networking. The first “face” I described at the beginning here is the process of building a list of “contacts.” But what doesn't get as much attention, and is much more effective yet more challenging, is turning those contacts into relationships (the other face). Building relationships is a long-term goal. Building contacts is often regarded as, although mistakenly, a short-term goal.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Guide to Networking You'll Ever Need, which is available for sale for $17 in our bookstore or for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. In this tough economy, people who find jobs usually do so by networking. Written by Keith F. Luscher specifically for the job hunting students and recent graduates with zero to three years of experience who use CollegeRecruiter.com. Are you networking at least two hours a day? Those who are finding jobs are. Don't be left behind. Read this book and you will quickly find a new job. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 7:26 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Guide To Networking - Page 2 of 21

Part I.: What is Networking?

Much of what is written about networking regards people as contacts, which aims to collect other peoples' names and get your name out. The classic rationale goes like this: You know Contact A. Contact A knows other contacts, and gives you the name and number of Contact B, and says you can call him and use Contact A's name as a reference (presumably so they don't blow you off). So, let's say you call Contact B. You get him on the phone, indicate that Contact A gave you B's name and that since you were in the process of seeking opportunities, A thought that B would be a good person to speak with for advice or possibly any additional leads.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Guide to Networking You'll Ever Need, which is available for sale for $17 in our bookstore or for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. In this tough economy, people who find jobs usually do so by networking. Written by Keith F. Luscher specifically for the job hunting students and recent graduates with zero to three years of experience who use CollegeRecruiter.com. Are you networking at least two hours a day? Those who are finding jobs are. Don't be left behind. Read this book and you will quickly find a new job. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 7:25 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Guide To Networking - Page 1 of 21

Introduction To Networking

The “last guide” we say! That's claiming a bit much. Yet we stand by it. Networking is perhaps one of the most nebulous subjects when it comes to career development. Why? Because it deals with the intangibles. In this guide, you will, within a relatively short read:

Gain a clearer idea of what networking is all about, and what it isn't about.
Learn how to overcome your fear of picking up the phone
Understand the vital importance of listening twice as often as you speak (or more!)
Learn to make networking a daily habit rather than a short-term effort (and one that is often the result of desperation).

You have probably already heard quite a bit about networking. Entire books are written on the subject. But the essence of it is very simple, and does not need hundreds of pages to explain. Simply put, networking is about people. As you read, we will cover many familiar topics, and others that you will find new and refreshing. However, by the time you reach the end, I truly hope that one important message rings through loud and clear: Networking is not about learning to view others as tools to helping you achieve your goals. Rather, they represent opportunities for you to help them achieve theirs —and in doing so you will reach your own objectives and be successful. Let's get started!

The above is an excerpt from The Last Guide to Networking You'll Ever Need, which is available for sale for $17 in our bookstore or for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. In this tough economy, people who find jobs usually do so by networking. Written by Keith F. Luscher specifically for the job hunting students and recent graduates with zero to three years of experience who use CollegeRecruiter.com. Are you networking at least two hours a day? Those who are finding jobs are. Don't be left behind. Read this book and you will quickly find a new job. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:31 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 356 of 356

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The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:30 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 355 of 356

Bonus Report! Thank-You Letter Template

Note: The post-interview thank-you letter is the last, crucial link in the chain. If you follow the format below and follow up with EVERYONE you met during the job interview, your chances of getting that job will increase dramatically.

I estimate that only 5% of applicants ever send a thank-you letter. That means this letter will put you ahead of about 95% of the competition for your next job. What could be easier? And don't be put off by the brevity of this thank-you letter. You need not write a long volume to thank people for their time. Most employers will be shocked -- and impressed -- to receive any letter at all.

Dear NAME HERE:

I want you to know that I am extremely interested in the position of INSERT TITLE we discussed today. Based on the needs for INSERT JOB DESCRIPTION you outlined in our talk, I am sure that my skills in INSERT 2-3 SKILLS can help you in this area.

In any event, I want to thank you for your time and consideration. It was indeed a pleasure to meet you and INSERT ALL OTHER NAMES.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you require any additional information to make your decision. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:30 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 354 of 356

Bonus Report! How to Create a Keyword/ASCII Résumé

Once you've written a resume using your favorite word processing program, it's very easy to convert it to a keyword format, for use on the Internet.

You can do two important things with your keyword resume:

Send it by e-mail to employers who have requested your resume.

Upload it to employment Web sites, where it can be seen by employers and recruiters around the world (a list of these sites is given below).

To create a keyword resume, follow these directions:

- Open your original resume in your word processor;

- Save the resume as text only; this will turn it into a plain text (ASCII) format, suitable for use on the Internet. Now close the document;

- Open it up again and add a keyword section. Put this section of keywords at the bottom of your document.

Example keywords: manager, managing, management, BS Computer Science, mainframes, programming, programmer.

You want to include any and all nouns that might be relevant to your skills, experience and the job you seek. With a keyword resume, space is not an issue, since it's rarely printed. So feel free to be exhaustive when listing keywords -- the more you include, the better your chances of popping up when an employer or recruiter searches a database of resumes!

Now, here's how to upload your keyword resume to some of the best employment sites on the Internet. Your resume will then be available to thousands of recruiters and employers!

Follow the directions at each site to copy and paste the text of your keyword resume into their résumé databases. Point your Web browser to:

http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com

http://www.flipdog.com

http://www.hotjobs.com

http://www.headhunter.net

http://www.recruitersonline.com (click on Job Seekers)

http://www.mrinet.com (click on Resume Resources)

http://www.monster.com (click on Resume)

http://www.joboptions.com (click on Post Your Resume)

You'll have to create a user account at each site, but there's no charge for this. Just follow the instructions at each site and your résumé will be online in minutes.

If you'd like to completely automate this process, you can

email your resume to as many as 3,650 targeted employers and recruiters, and

post your resume at 10 major resume Web sites (saving you a lot of time and hassle)

How? Just click on http://www.resumecyclone.com

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:29 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 353 of 356

Tim Russell

18896 College Road · Encino , CA 92020

760-444-6666 · tim2112@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE

Position where skills in software engineering/programming will add value.

PROFILE

• Strong background in computer science field, with degree and extensive training.

• Accomplished team player . Working with database management group at Univ. of Alabama , created online multimedia store to sell books, movies, compact discs, etc. Used CGI scripts written in C++ to track customer transactions and records; also created shopping cart.

• Superior work ethic , with zero sick days during 18 months in last position.

• Highly trainable . Cited for self-directed efforts and excellent results by manager (1997-1998).

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Operating Systems : Windows 95/98, UNIX on Sun SPARC and MS-DOS.

• Programming Languages : C, C++, HTML and JavaScript.

• Software : Microsoft FrontPage, Image Composer and Word; Lotus 1-2-3 and mSQL.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science: Computer Science , University of Alabama , Huntsville , AL (1999).

• Major course work included Compilers, User Interface Design, Database Management, Computer Graphics, Data Structures, Computer Architecture, Numerical Analysis, Discrete Mathematics and Theory of Computation.

EXPERIENCE

Following graduation, began extensive online research of information technology job market and leading firms. Also create Web pages; samples available upon request (1999-present).

Detail Specialist: University Car Wash , Huntsville , AL (1997-1998).

Provided detailing services and superior customer service. Employed while full-time student.

• Followed up with commercial and individual customers to ensure high levels of satisfaction.

• Proactively sought out new tasks to make best use of available time.

• Earned reputation for impeccable work and attention to detail.

• Maintained good working relationship with managers and colleagues.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

· Extracurricular activities: played snare drum for Alabama Crimson Marching Band and performed at Atlanta Olympic Ceremonies.

· Interests include hardware/software technology, sports and antique car restoration.

· Member: HTML Writers Guild.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:28 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 352 of 356

Harold Jason

100 Cedar Blvd. · Minneapolis , MN 55408

612-555-9999 · hj@natural-leather.com

OBJECTIVE

Position where management , merchandising and customer service experience will add value.

HIGHLIGHTS

· Strong background in management . Experienced supervising and training up to 12 employees to turn product features into customer-oriented benefits.

· Skilled at merchandising products to meet changing market demands.

· Contribute to profitability with attention to detail. Saved more than $100,000 by pinpointing purchase order errors at Natural Leather.

· Helped produce $2.3 million in department sales in 1997, despite increased competition.

EXPERIENCE

Senior Merchandise Production Specialist - Accessories : Natural Leather, Coon Rapids , MN (1998-present). Ensure smooth flow of merchandise into distribution center.

· Support 755 stores and kiosks by distributing inventory and merchandising data to buyers, vendors and allocation staff. Coordinate efforts of domestic and international partners.

· Update and transmit purchase orders after matching costs with projected budgets.

· Effectively managed five projects, including assignment to change glove linings (worked with 3M sales rep, MIS staff and domestic/international vendors to produce results).

· Lowered costs by working closely with MIS staff to help expand system capabilities.

· Awarded for superior performance. Promoted from Merchandise Production Specialist.

Department Manager : Home Depot, Bloomington , MN (1996-1998).

Supervised 12 employees while providing direction to all department personnel.

· Reduced inventory costs through efficient stock management. Worked with vendors to ensure proper inventory levels and receive discounts, as needed.

· Under my direction, two staff were promoted in six months ¾ four times normal rate.

· Frequently cited by supervisors for skills in merchandising and customer service.

As Assistant Department Manager (1995-1996), helped train and supervise 10 employees.

• Reduced turnover and lowered training costs by increasing product knowledge among staff.

• Met strict payroll guidelines, consistently coming within 50 cents of daily goals.

As Manager Trainee (1995), took on new tasks while increasing supervisory role.

• Promoted after only three months ¾ less than half normal time.

• Trained in administration, cash handling, customer service, finance and taxes.

EDUCATION

BA : Marketing and Management (dual majors), Malas College , Dubuque , IA (1995).

OTHER FACTS

• Computer skills include Microsoft Outlook 98, Excel and Word.

• Enjoy building projects and outdoor sports, including golf.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:28 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 351 of 356

Bill Stone

328 Bryant Ave. S., Apt. 6 • Minneapolis , MN 55408

(612)825-1111

SUMMARY

Seeking management trainee position where skills in communication, organizing and training will contribute. Personable, able to handle high volumes of work under pressure.

Professional Skills

• Communication ¾ Praised by supervisor for superior skills in customer service. Skilled at working with others to achieve a common goal.

• Organizational ¾ Manage time and resources effectively. Supervisor noted my efficiency, describing me as “very well organized.”

• Training ¾ Experienced teaching new skills to co-workers in fast-paced settings. Complimented on my ability to explain complex terms to learners.

PROFILE

· Helped improve company performance by surveying customers, then analyzing results with co-workers. Used data and staff discussions to improve service (Applebee's).

· Research project to study how expectations determine outcomes. Required superior skills in communication and analysis. Surveyed students, then conducted telephone follow-up to interpret data (SUNY).

· Frequently trained new staff. Superior skills in supervising and clarifying goals for others.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science: Psychology , State University of New York , Buffalo , NY (1997).

Worked throughout school to finance nearly half of all expenses. Dean's list. Course work included: social psychology, self-esteem, communications and group dynamics.

EXPERIENCE

Applebee's , Minneapolis , MN (1997-present).

Praised by supervisor for customer-service skills, time management and personable attitude. Work well with variety of guests and co-workers.

A.L. Markson , White Plains , NY (1994-1995; 1996-1997).

Entrusted with closing duties and responsibilities. Worked independently when closing, assuming manager's role as needed.

Previous experience included work in food-service industry while attending college.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

· Enjoy outdoor activities, including basketball and bicycling.

· Computer skills include Windows, Word and Internet research.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:27 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 350 of 356

Cindy Roy

3311 Carlson St., #2004 · Edina , MN 55305

612-222-9999 · cr12@excite.com

OBJECTIVE

Position in sales , where skills in communication and client service will add value

PROFILE

• Outstanding communication skills; articulate in person and in writing. Experienced giving presentations to groups of up to 1,000 people. Managed up to 20 staff.

• Highly organized . Experienced handling multiple tasks while managing two ticketing systems and sales staff at Univ. of Nevada Box Office .

• Proven client service skills. Exposed to industry-leading practices at Disney Corporation. Able to quickly establish rapport and working relationships.

• Increase sales by rapidly learning and using technical information. Consistently met sales quotas by turning product features into saleable benefits at Discovery and Nature.

EXPERIENCE

Supervisor : Discovery and Nature, Bloomington , MN (1998-1999).

Managed daily operations for high-volume retailer of science-oriented educational products. Supervised up to 20 staff.

• Consistently met personal sales quotas, using up-selling and thorough product knowledge. Calculated and set sales goals for staff and store.

• Trained and developed employees, delegating tasks for maximum efficiency.

• Noted for ability to sell highest-priced items ($600-$1,000) by educating clients and providing exceptional customer service. Established loyal, profitable clientele.

Manager : Univ. of Nevada Box Office/Ticketmaster Outlet, Reno , NV (1994-1998).

Oversaw customer service and operations of two ticketing systems. Promoted twice.

• Working independently, handled and accounted for large sums of money ($25,000+).

• Trained and supervised sales staff. Worked efficiently with team members.

• Budgeted time and resources work while attending school full-time.

Intern : Walt Disney World/MGM Studios, Orlando , FL (1996).

Nationally selected to participate in highly acclaimed program. Trained thoroughly in human relations and customer service.

• Learned and led 55-minute presentation on film animation. Required ability to quickly master technical information and tailor programs to specific audiences.

• Attended weekly business seminars on Disney corporate strategies.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts: Theatre (emphasis in technical/design studies and administration), University of Nevada , Reno , NV (1997). Major GPA 3.7; Overall GPA 3.5.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Well-traveled, with knowledge of French.

• Computer knowledge includes Windows, Macintosh, HTML, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, FoxPro, basic CADD and Internet navigation.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:26 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 349 of 356

Bonuses

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:26 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 348 of 356

Constructive feedback is an essential part of any internship. Regular feedback must be an integral element of the internship process and focus on established evaluative criteria and student goals. The student should not expect to perform perfectly the first time, every time. Therefore students should seek constructive feedback that will provide important insights into personal performance and professional behaviors. Feedback should not be personalized or resented when it is not 100% positive. The only way to turn weakness into strength is to recognize it and overcome it. Many students struggle at the beginning of an internship but those who take feedback well and work on their deficits will benefit greatly. Because the internship is a partnership the student is also expected to provide constructive feedback to the site supervisor and the faculty coordinator relative to the student's needs and goals.

The success of the internship is defined by the achievement of established academic, professional and personal goals as well as unexpected accomplishments. In addition, reflection is a key activity throughout the internship; at the end of each day, week and significant activity the student must review past events for the knowledge that they have provided. Journaling or weekly reports or e-mails to the college/university faculty coordinator are common reflective techniques. Using these techniques the student can analyze those events, which were positive and negative to maximize what they have learned from the experience. The faculty member and site supervisor can provide considerable guidance, structure and assistance in the reflective process. Their input should be sought regularly.

The internship is a unique opportunity for a student to participate in the creation of a positive learning environment that can serve as the capstone of their education by enabling them to synthesize theory and practice, display their capabilities as well as to develop a foundation for his/her future. Through active engagement as a partner in the internship experience the student can make the most of this significant opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Reference

Inkster , R., and Ross, R. (1995). The Internship as Partnership: A Handbook for Campus-Base Coordinators and Advisors. National Society for Experiential Education: Raleigh , NC .

Dr. Daniel Ferguson, Pittsburgh State University, has worked with both domestic and international interns from various universities for the past 8 years. He has traveled throughout the United States , Canada and Mexico working with interns and internship supervisors in over 150 organizations. He also is co-coordinator of the Global International Internship Congress.

Dr. Richard Paulsen, Michigan State University, has supervised internships for more than 15 years and works collaboratively with Study Abroad Programs and Career Services and Placement. In addition, he is a co-coordinator of the Global International Internship Congress held bi-annually.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:25 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 347 of 356

Internships are What You Make of Them !

By Dr. Daniel Ferguson, Pittsburgh State University ,

and Dr. Richard Paulsen, Michigan State University ,

Co-Coordinators of the Global International Internship Congress

Good strong internships do not just happen. Any student who is planning to have an excellent internship must realize that what they take away from the experience will depend largely on how much they put into it. This sounds like a trite phrase but it is absolutely true.

An internship is a unique experience in which the student is engaged in practical work experience outside the classroom and normally off campus. The location of the internship site may be hundreds or even thousands of miles from the student's college or university. There are no formal classes, but rather a supervised experience where a student works with a skilled mentor in his/her field of study. Because it is an experiential form of learning for which a student receives credit the internship must operate as a three-person partnership if it is to be successful (Inkster and Ross, 1995). The partners are: 1) a faculty coordinator who consults with the student prior to the experience as to personal and professional considerations, how to locate an internship, academic expectations, assignments, evaluative criteria and who will assign a grade at the end. 2) A site supervisor at the organization sponsoring the internship. This person is a skilled professional who tutors the student in the practical application of classroom learning to problems and opportunities confronting the organization. The site supervisor also evaluates the student and gives clear constructive feedback throughout the internship. 3) The student whose focus is to refine his/her knowledge through engagement in real world problem solving and is the focal figure in the entire experience. The student is the one who stands to gain the most from the experience and therefore must make sure he/she secures the best possible internship to meet personal and professional needs, no one knows his/her aspirations as well as he/she do.

To achieve optimal success the student must understand that he/she is to be an active participant in learning. Unlike a typical course taught in a classroom an internship is a designed set of experiential, written and other activities that enable the student to synthesize what they have learned in the classroom in a work environment of their choosing.

The college/university will structure the internship by providing specific guidelines for the student to follow such as the length of the experience, number of credits to be earned, general assignments and evaluation criteria. Although the experience is organized by the college/university, it is the student's responsibility to enter into the specific content development of the internship as an equal partner with a serious interest in achieving personal and professional goals and a successful outcome.

To begin their venture into this three-way partnership it is paramount that the student fully understands the entire internship process and the relative responsibilities of the faculty coordinator, the student and the site supervisor. This understanding will enable the student to establish realistic expectations for the interactions of the three partners.

The student should write down several professional and personal goals to be achieved as a result of the internship. Development of these desired outcomes should be done prior to the student seeking an internship position. This will enable the student to determine which opportunities match his/her interests. To be useful the goals must be shared as early as possible with the faculty coordinator and eventually the site supervisor, as they will provide guidance to all three of the internship partners.

The student should seek experiences that will: 1) challenge his/her abilities, 2) enable him/her to demonstrate his/her knowledge and skills, 3) enable them to gain new knowledge, skills and competencies that they did not have before the internship began and 4) position him/her to achieve personal and professional goals.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:24 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 346 of 356

but it can actually be quite difficult if one is not well prepared for the hardships they may encounter. An internship is a good way to “try on” living abroad without making a long-term commitment to it.

6. It is common for students to develop strong professional relationships with their internship mentors that last a lifetime. This is perhaps one of the greatest rewards of an international internship. The mentor plays a significant role in the life of the students at a critical time in their education. Some students report that they feel a bond with their internship supervisor that transcends culture or language barriers. Both students and mentors view this a positive outcome of the international internship experience.

7. Students translate and communicate their own culture to those with whom they work and live. Those with whom they have contact with get to have a sense of what a culture outside their own world must be like.

8. Through participation in an international experience students can establish professional contacts abroad and on a scale that will enrich their careers. Networking is important to establishing a successful career, students rarely know how to establish international contacts unless they have previous experience.

Combining two valuable educational programs into one powerful experience provides unique opportunities for life changing personal and professional growth. Students find that they view the world differently, have a better perspective on their career goals, have developed mature insights into their capabilities and have developed confidence in their ability to meet challengers which confront them. Beyond skills these are qualities that set students apart from their peers. Employers are attracted to strong confident individuals who have demonstrated success in demanding circumstances, an international internship provides such an opportunity.

Dr. Daniel Ferguson, Pittsburgh State University, has worked with both domestic and international interns from various universities for the past 8 years. He has traveled throughout the United States , Canada and Mexico working with interns and internship supervisors in over 150 organizations. He also is co-coordinator of the Global International Internship Congress.

Dr. Richard Paulsen, Michigan State University, has supervised internships for more than 15 years and works collaboratively with Study Abroad Programs and Career Services and Placement. In addition, he is a co-coordinator of the Global International Internship Congress held bi-annually.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:24 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 345 of 356

Increase the Value of Your Stock

With an International Internship

By Dr. Daniel Ferguson, Pittsburgh State University ,

and Dr. Richard Paulsen, Michigan State University ,

Co-Coordinators of the Global International Internship Congress

In a global marketplace, the people with the most to offer, or who are the most attractive to recruiters are the ones who seem to secure the most interesting and lucrative jobs. There are many ways to make yourself stand out in a crowd of prospective employees which is what is required to get a first and especially a second interview. A powerful way to enhance your attractiveness to employers is to “increase the value of your stock” by completing an international internship.

Consider what an international internship can do for you as both a student and as a prospective employee. In today's job market the value of practical experience which provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory in a work environment cannot be over stated. An internship provides students with the opportunity to try out what they have been learning in the classroom in an applied situation with structured supervision.

International education experiences also provide significant opportunities for professional and intellectual growth through experiencing another culture. Coupling an internship with an international experience enhances the outcomes of both for the student.

This unique academic program benefits students in a myriad of ways, far beyond just practical work experience under supervision with academic criteria to be met. Examine each of the following points in view of how they might enhance an individual as well as a career.

1. Successful completion of an international internship is recognized by potential employers as an indicator of a student's initiative, maturity, self-reliance, flexibility and independence. The competencies gained from immersing one's self in a foreign business and social culture become marketable assets, which set students apart from their colleagues who lack such experiences.

2. Students gain a first hand understanding of the culture of the overall society in which they have to live. They begin to see, for example, that if you want to do business in Latin America you must first have a personal relationship with your clients; or they appreciate how communist ideals still shape the thinking of many people in formerly communist countries; or how tourism and industrial development impact both the natural and the social environment. This type of understanding is best gained through practical experience.

3. Every organization has a culture all of its own. It is a micro-culture within the cultural of the larger society. Students become involved in during daily activities before and after internship hours. This engagement helps them to better understand from a cultural perspective, why things are done as they are within the organization.

4. International interns usually acquire new skills that cannot be developed or enhanced in their own culture. These might be language skills, computer skills, sophisticated use of the internet or any number of other useful abilities. Students may also have the opportunity to work in settings, which do not exist in their own country such as the Mexican student who completed an internship at a large convention center in the United States . He chose this internship because convention centers are just beginning to develop in Mexico and he wanted to work in a state of the art facility to be more marketable in his own country than other graduates.

5. International internships provide the opportunity to live and work abroad while exploring career options in the international arena. Working in a foreign country after graduation sounds very romantic,

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:23 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 344 of 356

As you can see, obtaining an internship is a very serious process and should be approached with a serious mindset. Your future can be positively impacted in many ways by your internship experience. This is why I would encourage you to consider each step of the process, and once you obtain that “dream” internship, make the most of the experience. Approach each project, assignment, and task with learning in mind.

Kyle Smith is a Senior HR Analyst with Roadway Express focusing on the use of the Internet, Intranet, and other technologies in Human Resource Management. He began his career at Roadway as a Human Resources Intern in Summer 1999 while completing his MBA at Kent State University . His address is kyle.p.smith@Roadway.com

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:22 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 343 of 356

the distribution of your resume. This will allow you to better track where and when you responded to a particular opportunity. Many firms utilize multiple channels in announcing job opportunities, and you will be acting unprofessionally if you apply for the same position numerous times.

Under this plan, you would incorporate various sources to ensure that you are aware of all opportunities available to you. These sources would include friends, family members, professors, and past employers. Tapping into these existing networks will often give you an advantage in obtaining an internship - who you know can be just as important as what you know.

You should also visit your college or university's career center and inquire about the resources they have available and your desire to be made aware of internship opportunities. In addition to resources provided in the career center, many colleges and universities also sponsor job fairs during the year where local companies come to present both their career opportunities and internship opportunities. When attending these job fairs, be sure to dress professionally, bring copies of your resume, and be prepared to market yourself - develop a 30 second commercial about you that can be given to companies of interest.

The web can also serve as a valuable source for learning about and applying to internship opportunities. Be sure your Internet search includes the general job boards, those specializing in the college segment (such as http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com ), as well as those focusing specifically on internships. These web sites can be located through a basic search on any of the major search engines.

Your search should also include the use of your local newspaper. Although technology has certainly impacted the way firms recruit, many still utilize newspapers as an important tool in recruiting. Many newspapers also operate web sites where they cross-post openings that appear in their print versions. There you will have the opportunity to apply for opportunities electronically, which can save you time and money.

With all of these sources, be sure to follow very closely the instructions for applying. In addition, with each opportunity you apply for, make note of the date you apply and whether you have contact information for a follow-up call or note. This will allow you to follow-up on the status of the internship as well as to restate your continued interest in the opportunity. Wait approximately 10 business days before you follow-up.

The Interview

If you have followed this advice, I am confident you will be interviewing in a short time. As with other steps in this process, interviews require advance preparation as well. When preparing for the interview, it is a good idea to practice your question/answer technique to ensure you are thorough and relaxed in your responses - there are numerous interview practice materials available, check your local library or college career center.

For the interview, you will want to dress professionally. For women, this would include a business suit, skirt or dress slacks and dress shirt. For men, professional dress would be a business suit or dress slacks, dress shirt, tie, and sport coat. In addition, you will want to be well groomed with hair neatly combed, and any facial hair clean and trimmed.

Before the day of the interview, obtain detailed directions, including instructions on what to do when you arrive (what door to enter, who to ask for, etc.). This information will allow you plenty of time for travel, planning to arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you are going to be late, call and apologize and indicate your estimated time of arrival. Although we can never fully plan for unforeseen events, advance planning can help.

Once you are at the interview location, conduct yourself in a professional and polite manner at all times. This is a very different setting from the college environment and demands a higher level of decorum and behavior. After each interview, be sure to thank the interviewer and state your interest, if you have any, in the internship opportunity. Before leaving, be sure you have business cards for all of those you interviewed with, this will allow you to send follow-up notes with a thank you for the interview opportunity.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:22 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Obtaining That “Dream” Internship

By Kyle Smith

Senior HR Analyst

Roadway Express

If you would like to do more with your next summer break than flip hamburgers or stock shelves, you want an internship. This is a wise choice. Nothing can add more to your skill development and your future employment marketability while you are still in college than an internship. The valuable knowledge and experience you gain in your internship can serve you very well in launching your career after college. Because an internship can be so important, you need to have a game plan to guide you in obtaining one.

First Things First

Before you begin your search for that ultimate internship, you need to ask yourself a few very important questions that will determine your next steps:

· Do you have a resume? If not, you will need one. Most employers, even with internship opportunities, will request to see a resume. This allows you to provide a summary of your education, work history, and significant accomplishments in a concise, visually scannable form (this is especially important when applying online or by email). Be sure to check your resume to ensure there are no spelling errors and that all the information you provide is accurate. Visit your local library or college career center for resources to help you.

· What field are you interested in? Many times the answer to this question is dictated by your college major, such as with Marketing or Accounting. In other cases, such as with Business or Information Technology, there may be many different work groups for which your skills would be applicable. Thinking through this process now may provide insight for you upon graduation as to where you would best fit in the organizational structure. For further guidance in this area, I would encourage you to speak with your college professors and with your college's career counselor.

· Do you want a paid or unpaid internship? The most immediate answer is often paid , but I would encourage you to give this some serious consideration before making a determination. There are certainly many quality paid internships that will be available to you, with pay rates that will differ depending on various employment market conditions. However, you should always remember the purpose behind obtaining an internship: increasing your future employment marketability. There are numerous high quality internships around the country that are unpaid, but will go a long way toward helping you obtain your goal by providing an unmatched internship experience. So, consider your goals (and your financial situation) before answering this question.

· Where would you like to work? The answer to this question is often determined by where you are attending college or where your parents live, as well as your transportation situation. However, this does not have to limit your geographical search area. Internships do exist where housing is provided for the summer. Internship housing, besides broadening your search, also offers you a better opportunity to foster more lasting professional relationships with your fellow interns, something that can pay dividends as you proceed through your career. If travel away from home or college for the summer is an option, broadening your search to include internships with a housing option could offer more exciting and rewarding internship opportunities.

The Search

Now that you have answered a few critical questions about your internship situation, you are ready for the search to begin. The best way to obtain your “dream” internship is to develop a plan that determines where and how you will search. To keep from duplicating your efforts, develop your plan before proceeding with

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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Find out about professional associations within your career field - every career field has at least one. Many professional associations provide job and internship postings for students.

There are numerous internship directories - books of companies that want to hire interns - on the web and in print. Visit your school's library or simply surf the web. Here are some top picks:

· The Riley Guide's Internship, Apprentices & Volunteer Opportunities - provides links to numerous sites containing internship listings at http://rileyguide.com/intern.html

· http://www.Internjobs.com - a national database of internship sites for students and recent graduates.

· http://www.InternshipPrograms.com - a personalized internship database.

· Jobweb's Internships & Summer Jobs Page provides additional internship links from http://www.jobweb.com/experiential/jintern.htm

· The Yale Daily Guide to Internships by Kaplan

· The Internship Bible by Princeton Review

· Internships by Peterson

What do I do once I'm there?

· Make sure you understand your role as an intern and your assignments.

· Be realistic about your duties. Remember, even CEO's had to start somewhere. Treat each assignment as an opportunity to learn and to network with professionals in your destined field.

· Do not be afraid to ask questions. No one expects you to know everything. By definition an internship is educational.

· Do not wait for people to come to you. Introduce yourself to co-workers, tell them who you are and why you're there. Network!

· Get feedback. No matter what the length of your assignment, feedback is essential. Unlike the classroom, the world of work provides very little opportunity for feedback on performance.

· Avoid office politics. Understand the policies and structure of the company. Stay focused on your role and responsibilities.

An internship truly is a spring-board to a great career. When you return to campus, stay in touch with your internship supervisor and remember to add the experience to your resume.

Finally, do not forget to brag to your classmates about the great experience you had. Just like you, employers rely on students to spread the word about exciting internship and full-time job opportunities.

Sue Valerio Sladen is the Director of Co-operative Education and Career Services at Drexel University

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:19 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Internships 101

By Sue Valerio Sladen

Director of Co-operative Education and Career Services

Drexel University

No college student would argue the challenges of higher education today: classes, papers, exams, presentations, meeting new people, gaining independence, navigating the college campus and scene. Just when you think you have all of these things under control you hear the latest buzz around campus - internships.

You have an idea of what an internship is but wonder how it really differs from a summer job. So why do you really need one anyway? How do you find an internship? What do you do when you get there? These are just some of the questions thousands of college students face each year. Let's start at the beginning.

Internships Defined

Internships are integral components of the college experience. An internship is a short-term (usually two weeks to three months) educational work experience. There are many variables when it comes to internships. The variables are: hours of work per week, work performed, the time of year the internship is offered, the structure, and compensation (some are paid, others unpaid, others are credit bearing, meaning you earn college credits). Some companies have structured internship programs; others are less formal.

Why do I need one?

The definitive internship is a launching pad for full-time work. As a student, chances are previous work experience is not related to your field of study. An internship provides valuable work experience that is relevant and meaningful to your course of study. In today's increasingly competitive job market, an internship could be your edge when it's time to enter the world of full-time employment.

How do I get one?

An internship will not just fall from the sky into your resume; you need to invest time and effort in identifying the best opportunity for you. Keep in mind that you possess your own unique set of skills, values, and interests. The internship your roommate just acquired may seem convenient, but you need to constantly ask yourself - is it right for me?

You will need to apply to several internships before you find the right match. Keep an eye out for deadlines and plan ahead. Application deadlines for internships that begin in June may be as early as January. Have your resume, cover letter, references, writing samples, and letters of recommendation ready to go. Know where to go on campus to request a transcript, if a fee is charged, and how long it takes to process a request.

Here are some tips on tapping into the hidden internship market:

Visit your college career services center. Believe it or not, there is an entire office staffed with a knowledgeable group of people eager to help you find any type of job including an internship. Career services offices are ripe with specific internship opportunities. If you do not find the right opportunity - ask! Chances are a career services professional can put you in touch with a human resources representative within the company you are looking to intern.

Network with your professors, fellow students, family, neighbors, and friends. The majority of work opportunities are still found through word of mouth.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:18 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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· By processing events and experiences you are better able to step back and see what you are good at. You can better assess your interests. Reflection assists in the process of determining your fit in the business field. This process can aid you in determining what you like and where you want to go. You can narrow the job search to significant areas of interest, thereby eliminating areas that are not beneficial and helping you to spend more time on jobs that best suit you.

· As students reflect they can express growth in their abilities. This can help to increase your confidence level. We often see when students step back to reflect they can better understand what they have accomplished. By doing so they move from questioning their abilities to becoming excited about what they can do. With this confidence comes the ability to more adequately articulate your skills to an interviewer. If you have a better understanding of who you are then you are better able to share it in the job search.

Reflection is a crucial link to understanding experiences. Each intern should engage in reflection so that they can more fully reap the benefits of their experiences.

Internships are a valuable experience. You should be sure to participate in at least one during your college careers to solidify your learning. However, an internship can become merely an event or line item on your resume if it is not fully utilized. By incorporating the items mentioned into your internship experience, you can move your resume from a report of events to something that tells a story.

Kelli Schutte has worked at Calvin College for the past seven years as a business professor. She has been working extensively with the internship program for the past five years.

Beth Cok has worked in Calvin College Career Services Office as Internship Coordinator for the last three years. She has been involved in corporate management and business ownership for the past 25 years.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:18 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Making the Most of Internship Experiences:

How to Turn an Average Internship into a Positive Career Step

By Kelli Schutte and Beth Cok

Calvin College

Higher education is utilizing experiential education as a learning tool for a growing number of students. The students are placed in work assignments called internships or cooperative education. These opportunities allow them to integrate the theory from the classroom into practical hands on work experience. Students can experience significant growth during this time if they are willing to take full advantage of the learning options that are presented. This article will present some practical suggestions for turning your internship into a positive career step.

Both the internship placement search and the internship itself give you many opportunities to start to develop a networking contact list. While you are working in your internship you will have the chance to interact with a large number of individuals. Start writing down names, phone numbers, and notes about people you meet that could later be excellent individuals to contact when you are looking for a full-time position after graduation.

An internship also gives you an excellent opportunity to develop a portfolio. A portfolio is an outstanding tool to use for future interviews. A copy of your work product can be an effective visual benefit to you. When you complete brochures, web site design, research, or reports, they can demonstrate past successes that can translate into future performance predictions. As you complete projects, ask your employer if you can retain a copy of your work product to be used in your portfolio. Sometimes there can be security or competition protection issues involved in the work you have completed.

Assessing the nature of the various functions of business is another suggestion for increasing the effectiveness of your internship. Many students who engage in internships find themselves understanding a piece of the business such as marketing, accounting or finance. However, they fail to understand how each function fits together to make the business function as a whole. With permission from your supervisor, talk to individuals from other departments within your organization. Prepare a list of questions that will help you understand their department functions.

By taking an integrated approach to business, you are better able to see how business functions are interrelated, thus better equipping you to understand their jobs. In addition, by looking at the business as a whole you can more adequately assess which area best suits your abilities. This is crucial information when starting a job search and can help you avoid making a first job mistake.

To broaden your education further, it is helpful to obtain a better understanding of the industry. Ask your supervisor for industry information suggestions, including industry reports and publications. If you are considering a career in this industry, join an industry organization to learn about other employers and to assist in developing contacts in this field.

Taking initiative to delve into new projects allows you to see things from a different perspective. Volunteer for project work whenever possible. Project work is perfect for internships since there is a beginning and end to the work and it often fits well in your timeframe. Always ask permission from your supervisor before volunteering for involvement outside of your specific function area. Look for possible areas that could use improvement within your department and make suggestions for potential projects. If you see a need, make sure to prepare a plan along with the reasoning for completing the project.

A growing trend in higher education is the use of reflection as a means to understand experience. Many experiential education programs are incorporating this tool into their curriculum. We have found it to be a very valuable means to facilitate growth for the following reasons:

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:17 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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· Searching for Internships : There are thousands of websites available that house laundry lists of internship opportunities, however, less than seven percent of jobs are found using these sites (FORTUNE, May 13, 2002). These sites are good for becoming familiar with skills required in your chosen field, but not usually helpful in landing the internship. Check with your career center for listings, but be careful not to rely on only them. Your search is ultimately your responsibility. Establish your own network.

· Your Network : Think about the people you know and where they work. These individuals can inform you who to contact about internships at their places of employment. Think beyond what the company product is, and consider what your role might be within that company. Large employers will have multiple opportunities across disciplines. Smaller employers also provide interesting and unique opportunities. Consider your past or current employer; for example, your fast food restaurant supervisor can put you in touch with the corporate office, where you might try out Human Resources, Corporate Communications, or Accounting.

· Tools for the Search : Develop a good resume. There are examples and tips available on most Career Center websites. Include you education, your activities, travel, volunteer experience, work experience, related courses or class projects, and awards or honors. Your resume should focus on your skills and accomplishments. Learn how to write a good cover letter, and remember to send thank you letters after speaking to an employer.

· Applying : Once you find the opportunities, either through internship postings on campus, or through your own network, send your cover letter and resume to the appropriate contact. That is not enough, however, to land the job. You must follow up with that contact to express your interest. Be prepared to discuss briefly your qualifications. If you have none that are directly relevant, express your enthusiasm for the position, and your ability and desire to learn. This can go a long way in impressing an employer; no employer expects interns to be fully knowledgeable or experienced.

· Interviewing : Know yourself and the employer. Well-prepared candidates are successful candidates. Be able to discuss your skills, talents, characteristics, and be able to support your descriptions with relevant examples of your behavior. For example, if you tell an employer that you are hardworking, give them supporting evidence to prove it, such as how you are actively involved in campus groups, and able to manage a full course load. Research the company prior to your interview - know the products or services. Have thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview that reflect you've done your research. Avoid questions about salary and benefits until they bring it up.

· Be realistic : As a first or second year student, don't expect to have a high-level of responsibility. Your goals should be to gain knowledge of the profession, the company, and to test out some of your classroom knowledge. As you progress through your college career, your level of responsibility at internships will also progress. Don't overlook the unpaid internships, commonly offered in the non-profit arena (think Red Cross, Art Councils, etc.). These experiences can be phenomenal learning opportunities, not to mention fun.

Start early, even as soon as your first year in school, as the more experiences you have throughout your college career, the better prepared you'll be to start your career. Gaining internship experiences during college will make you a more competitive candidate. You may even gain a permanent position from your internship!

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:17 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 336 of 356

Primary Pre-Requisite: Obtaining Internships

By Audrey S. Rorrer, M.A., NCC

Associate Director, Employer Connections

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The days when a college degree was the primary requirement for fast-track career jobs are over. Today, with an unprecedented number of people attending colleges, and a large pool of people seeking jobs, employers seek more than just a degree and experience- they seek relevant experience. Internships, or co-op experiences, are the best way to obtain relevant experience and become a competitive candidate upon graduation. Unfortunately, procrastination and lack of information cause many students to put off searching for internships or avoid the process altogether. It is certainly a daunting process, but well worth the rewards. Consider internships the pre-requisite to your graduation- the source of practical experience and insight into your future career. The following tips are designed to help you find internships, or co-op opportunities, that are right for you.

· Why get internships : Internships are typically one semester of work experience in a professional setting related to your career interests and coursework, sometimes for course credit. Co-ops are also professional experiences, usually more integrated with your curriculum, lasting several semesters. Both teach you practical knowledge of career fields, as well as teach you about professional cultures. (For example, consider the difference between the cultures of elementary school teachers compared to that of college professors.) Internships and co-ops provide the opportunity to practice your theoretical knowledge and to determine what culture you prefer, providing you with career clarity and focus. These experiences are experiments in your future.

· Where to start : Begin your second semester on campus, by thinking about why you ventured into college in the first place. What are your career dreams? Having many interests gives you more to work with- pick one to start with, and experiment in different fields. Many companies have summer internships, and quite often offer spring and fall opportunities, so you can build on each experience. Tip: Keep your grades up, and avoid taking those tough courses during an internship semester.

· Next Step : Talk to faculty in your interest areas about information they may have available to you, as they will be connected to the professions in which they teach through associations and other professional activities. Also visit your Career Center to check out the information they have available, because their business is to help students explore career opportunities. Career Centers will get you started by helping you define your search, and provide you with information on where to look. Most centers have internship job postings readily available.

· In Need of Direction : Consider conducting “informational interviews.” If you aren't sure that journalism is what you want to commit your summer to doing, contact a local journalist to interview him/her about what they do. This will give you a snapshot of their profession and more detailed information on which to base your decision. Again, faculty and your career center will be able to help you find professionals to contact.

· Majoring in Liberal Arts : For those of you majoring in a liberal art (such as Biology, Psychology, History, English, Geology, etc.), the world is your oyster. Opportunities abound for you too, even beyond teaching. Ignore the myth that only technical and professional degree majors (like Education, Business, Nursing, Engineering, etc.) can obtain internship experiences. Your communication and analytical skills are highly sought in the world of work. Try out different experiences in healthcare, government, education, research, sales, marketing, management, hospitality, tourism, and more, to decide what path you wish to pursue. Just be ready to sell those “soft skills” such as communication, analytical, interpersonal skills, ability to learn, and motivation.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:16 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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contact. Leverage these relationships into new contacts and new places to search. Other divisions, locations, branch offices or even subsidiaries of the parent company are all new venues that you can leverage into new prospects.

“Very large companies have many recruiting offices and frequently the recruiters in each office have a different perspective on what the needs are of that division or organization. If your goal is to find a way into a large company, keep in mind that there are multiple avenues. Having tried the front door and finding it locked, try a window. A “no” at one opening doesn't mean a “no” for them all.”

Rule #6: Follow the Golden Rule.

Your internship is your first foray into the professional world, so conduct yourself accordingly. In addition to trying to find work, you are building a reputation, one that will stick with you for sometime to come. Companies that do not hire you today - may hire you tomorrow. Make sure your actions reflect well upon yourself.

Striking the Mother Lode.

Every search is going to produce a few lumps of coal - perhaps even some silver, but if gold is what you set your sights on when you created that vision statement - then persistence and information is what you need to achieve your goal. This tenacity, dedication and unwillingness to compromise will be a quality embedded within your work ethic, establish a career foundation and set you on the right path - and eventually lead to the gold you desire.

Daniel Parrillo is Staffing Consultant - President of Strategi LLC, 415-519-1828, strategi@attbi.com or strategi@pacbell.net . We keep ALL our positions posted on ComputerJobs.com and you can view all positions via: http://www.computerjobs.com/client_jobs.aspx?clientid=37138

contact. Leverage these relationships into new contacts and new places to search. Other divisions, locations, branch offices or even subsidiaries of the parent company are all new venues that you can leverage into new prospects.

“Very large companies have many recruiting offices and frequently the recruiters in each office have a different perspective on what the needs are of that division or organization. If your goal is to find a way into a large company, keep in mind that there are multiple avenues. Having tried the front door and finding it locked, try a window. A “no” at one opening doesn't mean a “no” for them all.”

Rule #6: Follow the Golden Rule.

Your internship is your first foray into the professional world, so conduct yourself accordingly. In addition to trying to find work, you are building a reputation, one that will stick with you for sometime to come. Companies that do not hire you today - may hire you tomorrow. Make sure your actions reflect well upon yourself.

Striking the Mother Lode.

Every search is going to produce a few lumps of coal - perhaps even some silver, but if gold is what you set your sights on when you created that vision statement - then persistence and information is what you need to achieve your goal. This tenacity, dedication and unwillingness to compromise will be a quality embedded within your work ethic, establish a career foundation and set you on the right path - and eventually lead to the gold you desire.

Daniel Parrillo is Staffing Consultant - President of Strategi LLC, 415-519-1828, strategi@attbi.com or strategi@pacbell.net . We keep ALL our positions posted on ComputerJobs.com and you can view all positions via: http://www.computerjobs.com/client_jobs.aspx?clientid=37138

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:15 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 334 of 356

Networking through other students, alumni and professional associations is a great way to get noticed and familiarize yourself with the way a prospective employer treats their employees and associates. Discussions about new technology, new venues and new directions an organization is considering is a great way of developing a line of communication, performing due diligence and collecting recognizance on a prospective employer. Don't start every conversation with a prospective contact with, “Got any internships?” - it's as productive as broadcasting and spamming your resume to human resource departments. Show interest in the organization and find out if it's the right choice for you. If so, utilize that contact as an introduction - a way to get your resume through the proper channels.

The way a prospective employer treats you during the recruiting process is a strong indication of how the company will treat you as an employee. Are phone calls returned? Are your questions answered directly and honestly (either by a manager, human resources or internal internship recruiting staff)? Any tremors you pick up in this process are signs of trouble and danger ahead. If you feel you are not being treated properly, then look elsewhere. “The quality of the interview process reflects the care the company puts into their workforce - this is, after all, your first major encounter with this organization. Their effort, professionalism and interest in you as an internship candidate should be evident.”

Rule #3: Keep your eye out for small nuggets.

Good things come in small packages. Most students dream of landing an internship with their ideal Fortune 500 company or the latest “dream team” - and most name brand companies do offer solid summer and internship opportunities. So too can smaller players you may not have heard of (yet). The close contact you can have with more senior employees in a small organization may provide opportunities that large companies are unable to - like sitting in on a board meeting or talking company strategy with the president.

“While I considered an internship with the giants of the Silicon Valley , I eventually chose a small firm in Vermont that built navigation computers for gliders. I had the opportunity to trim computer settings in the back of an airplane, being flown upside down by the president of an organization that eventually became a supplier to NASA.” - Noah Richmond.

Rule # 4: Drill deep.

Upon deciding that on a particular organization could possibly be a match, drill deep - reach into that organization. Find out what groups are searching for interns and who can make the hiring decision. Contact that person directly. Look at other avenues to introduce yourself and perhaps start a dialog or a chain of communication. Start with an e-mail, then a scheduled phone conversation.

After you have developed a dialogue and an internal relationship, ask your contact about summer work or direction through the organizations internship decision process. If your contact is impressed with your conversation and eventual resume submittal, that person will make it a personal point to pull you into the organization to work for their team, division or perhaps a peer or fellow co-manager.

Rule #5: When you hit a hard rock, drill around it.

There will be circumstances when interest in your qualifications will be high and interviews will go as planned. Complements will be lavished upon you and the prospect of internship will seem “in the bag” - but the path to stacking your claim is filled with marauders, thieves and sometimes that chuck of gold only ends up being fool's gold.

Budgets are lost, intern plans and directions change - sometimes, the management changes too. All of these situations can lead to a letter or e-mail telling you that a position or opportunity is no longer available to you. What happened? What went work?

Often, you never get an answer to these questions. When this “hard rock” gets in the way of your digging, simply dig around it. Hopefully during the interview process, you collected business cards and forms of

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:15 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Prospecting for an Internship and a Start to your Career

By Daniel Parrillo

President - Strategi LLC

Major Contribution by: Noah Richmond

With the arrival of spring comes the daunting task of finding a summer job or your first internship. Finding your first position is a little like mining - you must be determined, persistent, skilled and educated in the methods of prospecting. These methods will help you to sift through the “fool's gold” and lay claim to your golden opportunity.

Before venturing off, your first steps should be to look to an obvious resource that is often overlooked - that's your own career center and internship program within your university system. This organization can provide you the guidance and direction needed to start off your adventure.

According to Kathleen Englestad, Employer Development Coordinator at the University of the Pacific (UOP) in Stockton , CA - one of the most important tools for an individual starting their quest for an internship or a start to your career is to have a mission statement.

“A mission statement is a declaration to others of who we are and what we do. It is important to a career center to have a mission statement (and a vision statement), as it can be used to keep the team focused on its goals. The vision statement is equally important, if not more so. If we do not have a vision of where we want to go, we most certainly will not get there. I truly believe that the first step to achievement is having a clear vision of the outcome.”

Noah Richmond, a fourth year Ph.D. student in the Department of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University explained the rules, procedures and strategy that he utilized in his search for internships and employment to launch his career. Noah holds a B.S. degree in Mathematics from M.I.T. and has worked for Los Alamos National Laboratories, the Rand Corporation, and the Institute for Defense Analyses. He has created novel encryption technology, developed national security strategy and patent-pending supply chain management software - all a result of the planning and the approach he established very early in his short term academic and long-term career strategy.

Rule #1: Know what gold you are looking for.

Make sure you are aware of what prospective employers will offer you in an internship and make sure that these objectives match with your vision statement. If they don't, it's just a waste of time. Spamming your resume to any e-mail address you can find without any due diligence is like only searching for gold on the surface of a riverbed. In order to strike gold, you must pan the water; sift through the sand and mud - not only in one riverbed or stream, but many. Finding some small morsels is an indication that there could be a larger, productive vein upstream. You have found some direction - do not stray.

“I once had an investment banker tell me that he would hire me because he wanted to get an ‘option' on me as a future full-time employee,” Noah Richmond told me, “Had I been sure I wanted to work for the firm, I would have snapped up the opportunity - but I was looking for an involved internship that would allow me to get a full sense of participation - so I passed.”

“Be honest with yourself in this process. You shouldn't have to talk yourself into taking a job that isn't a good fit.” The employer's goals and objects will not necessarily match your goals or vision statement. Pursue every option; prospect every stream and creek bed you can find and only pursue that will lead you upstream to the Mother Lode.

Rule #2: Keep your ear to the ground.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:14 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 332 of 356

Internship Site Selection Criteria

By Keith Massengill

Internship Director

Coastal Carolina University 's Resort Tourism Management Program

Many students choose intern positions for all the wrong reasons. The Horry Company offered me $1 more an hour than anyone else. Carolina Resorts included “on-site” housing for all interns. The Grand Strand Restaurant Group promised me the first intern position with their brand new theme restaurant. While all of these are certainly important in the overall scheme of things, they shouldn't be the main reason for selecting your internship site.

Internship positions, similar to many seasonal openings are becoming more and more competitive. Companies who are placing college students in paid internships are looking at ways to attract the top candidates.

What are the criteria for selecting the “perfect” internship? First of all, let me say you probably won't find the “perfect” internship. Your task is to select an internship position that best fits your needs during a set period of time in your college career. How then do I know what is the best fit for me? Follow these steps:

1. Write down your internship goals and objectives.

2. Research intern openings with companies that match the above.

3. Contact the Internship Director or Human Resources Director to determine the application process. Note: Do so the earlier the better. Most universities require selections to be made a full semester/quarter ahead of time.

4. Select your top three to five choices.

5. Interview previous interns and/or supervisors about their intern experiences.

6. Make your selection!

College internships vary in length of time, most last 10 to 15 weeks on average. My personal opinion on why internships fail to meet expectations is simply, the student didn't do their homework. It is critical that the student meet with their potential intern supervisor, before accepting any position. This individual will not only be your boss, but more importantly a mentor.

Don't be afraid to ask pointed questions about the intern position. Did you complete a college internship? Have you ever supervised interns before? What is the importance of interns for your company? What industry affiliations or community organizations do you personally belong to?

Remember that open communication begins with two-way conversation. The student/intern who best articulates their internship desires, will have a greater likelihood of being placed in a meaningful internship position.

Keith Massengill is the Internship Director for Coastal Carolina University's Resort Tourism Management Program located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina . Students enrolled in the RTM specialization are required to take (four) 480-hour internships during their four years in the College of Business . Prior to his current position, Mr. Massengill spent 22 years in various resort management positions supervising college interns. He may be reached a keithm@coastal.edu or visit http://www.coastal.edu .

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:13 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 331 of 356

Often the employers are not aware of all the formalities involved when an intern is also a foreign national. In most cases you will have to find out for yourself whether you need a visa and/or a work permit. And you will certainly have to find out which papers you need to show the authorities in the other country.

Remember that once you are abroad, you are responsible for yourself. You have to make sure that the internship is of good quality, and you have to look out for your own welfare and safety. Keep your institution back home informed of how the internship is going. If you can, agree beforehand on when and with whom you will exchange regular e-mails. It is also fine to hear a voice from home now and then, so if possible agree also on an occasional telephone call. All parties involved in your internship have to keep their promises. The situation needs to be clear to everyone, so be open and honest with yourself, with the people back home (your institution and your family), and above all with the company employee who is supervising your internship. Be sure to start making your arrangements well in advance because everything will take longer than you think. But if you have prepared your internship well, you will have a unique and unforgettable learning experience. And these words of warning will have been worthwhile.

Olga Marschal, Cospa Coordinator, Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education. Cospa stands for Coordinating Office for Student Placements Abroad. Cospa is a network of internship coordinators working at Dutch universities and other higher education institutions. See http://www.nuffic.nl .

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:13 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 330 of 356

An International Internship

By Olga Marschal

Cospa Coordinator

Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education

In many European countries, an internship, or period of work placement, is a compulsory part of a student's higher education. Internships are often done in another country. The European Union has a special program called Leonardo da Vinci that encourages European students to do internships in a European country other than their own. Students who apply and meet the criteria receive Leonardo grants. But many students go abroad for internships outside the Leonardo scheme and even outside the E.U. The U.S. , for example, is a popular internship destination for European students.

To do an internship abroad you must be prepared for some hardship. You have to make many arrangements and it is not always easy to adjust to life in another country. But the returns are enormous. You learn another language and get to know another culture, and you are challenged by unexpected events in a totally new environment. You learn what it feels like to belong to a minority. This gives you an opportunity to learn respect for other cultures and to see people different from yourself as fellow human beings. You will become a more well-rounded person. You will be better able to present yourself well when you apply for a job. And you will learn whether or not you are suited to an international career.

But because an internship is part of your education, the content of the work you do is important. This is why you have to make clear-cut agreements with the employer about what you will be doing, and you will have to check these agreements with the internship supervisor at your own university or college. It is best to sign a sort of contract with the employer that not only describes the educational aspects of the internship, but also lists your rights and obligations while you are working there. This document should be signed not only by you and the employer but also by your own institution. Then you have an organization to back you up, something that could be important if there are any problems. You can find a model internship agreement on the website of the European Association for International Education at http://www.eaie.org . Go to ‘Professional Sections' and select ‘Swing'.

Keep in mind that the legal position of a student intern is not always clear. A co-op student is officially an employee, but a student intern is neither an employee nor a real student. In general, in Europe you will not earn a salary; you will receive a stipend. This has an effect on your insurance. You need to check whether your regular insurance will cover you, and under which circumstances. Student interns often have to take out extra insurance because their regular policy does not cover them fully in another country. And you need to be insured not just for medical costs but also for liability at the workplace and elsewhere, and for legal aid.

Make sure to choose the location of your internship carefully. Your own university or college may have contacts with companies or other employers. You can also ask a private agency to mediate for you, but take care to find a reliable one. It is best to use an agency that someone you know has had good experience with. You can also write application letters yourself, but do not be disappointed if not all of them receive a response. In your application letter you should state clearly what you are capable of and what your education has been up to now. This too takes some effort.

As you negotiate with the host company, you can form an impression of what it would be like to work there. Are they taking you seriously? Are they answering your questions about insurance properly? Any good host company should arrange liability coverage for you while you are at work. It is a good idea to ask the employer about housing, especially for the first few days or weeks. In general, it is not easy to find a decent, affordable room in another country.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:12 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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“I realized that the longer I stayed there, the more I would fall behind. Finally, I said, ‘I gotta get out of this, despite the money.”

Allen's advice to students: “The best time to take a pay cut was while I was in school, and to start at the bottom right now, instead of waiting until graduation.”

Keith F. Luscher is a consultant, speaker, and author of the book “Don't Wait Until You Graduate! How to ‘Jump-Start' Your Career While Still in School,” available in your local bookstore. He invites--and responds to--your questions, comments and experiences. He can be reached via e-mail at keithluscher@aol.com.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:11 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 328 of 356

Jump-Starting Your Career

By Keith F. Luscher

Author

“Don't Wait Until You Graduate! How to ‘Jump-Start' Your Career While Still in School “

Internships: Paid or Unpaid?

I remember when I was in school, and often an issue that fellow students would have when it came to internships was whether or not to seek a paid opportunity, versus an unpaid one. Personally, I know that I didn't even want to consider an opportunity unless it included some kind of wage. But I began to think differently when hearing the experience of a friend of mine, who also graduated from OSU a few years ago.

Stacia Allen has worked in telecommunications at a video studio in Columbus since her junior year of college. Her first internship was a non-paid position at Wendys International.

“It seemed like everyone else in my field wanted internships to learn more, but they were insisting on paid internships,” Allen recalls. “A friend told me that may not be the best way to go, and gave me names of other contacts who may help but unable to pay.”

When Allen called Wendy's International, they were very helpful. “They said ‘Sure! We don't pay, but you can do as many hours as you need for the credit. In that aspect, it was really cool because since they knew I wasn't getting paid, so they didn't give me just grunt work. They didn't take advantage of the fact that I was an intern, and went out of their way to teach me. I began learning the very first day, and they took the time to help me.”

Allen also says that those first mentors were also helpful in guiding her in class projects. After some time at Wendy's, another friend asked Allen to do “craft services,” for a video shoot that was to last a week. Having no idea what crafte services were, she said yes anyway.

“I then found out that it was making sure that the food and refreshments were set up on the location shoot. It was a great way to start, and before I knew it, others were asking me to do craft services for them, and asking me for my business card. They even passed my name onto other people they knew. And I was only a junior in college!”

That led indirectly to her current professional position. An instructor at school suggested that she check it out. “I went in without a resume, only leaving my name and number with the owner. Eventually, he called me, and asked for a rundown of my experience.”

“When I said that I did craft services, he was immediately impressed. How many college juniors know what craft services are? I got the job. And with no resume.”

He later pointed out that he gets tons of resumes each day, but hasn't the time to sort through them. He needed someone right away, and I was the one at arms length.

Allen sees the importance of making valuable use of your time, no matter what year you are in school. “I waited tables for 3-1/2 years, and made some very good money, working with other college graduates.”

“But they were still waiting tables,” Allen continues. “It was good money, and they couldn't handle the pay cut of starting at the bottom in their field. As a result, they finish school, never to go anywhere else. These guys were accountants and stuff like that...and still serving tables.”

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:11 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 327 of 356

credentials in terms of how it suits their needs -and that's what will dictate their next move. But the fact that you made the first move yourself is a feather in your cap.

The best part is, you will not be competing with your fellow students, and by having the guts to make a phone call, you may be on your way to jump-starting your career.

Keith F. Luscher is a consultant, speaker, and author of the book “Don't Wait Until You Graduate! How to ‘Jump-Start' Your Career While Still in School,” available in your local bookstore. He invites--and responds to--your questions, comments and experiences. He can be reached via e-mail at keithluscher@aol.com .

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:10 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 326 of 356

By-pass the Competition for Internships:

Go Straight to the Phone!

By Keith F. Luscher

Author

“Don't Wait Until You Graduate! How to ‘Jump-Start'

Your Career While Still in School”

College students have many opportunities to gain practical experience. Some of them are highly visible, others are not so. Internships are, of course, a highly visible opportunity available to students, and they are common in many companies and organizations.

When I refer to “popular” internships, I am referring to those typically in big-name organizations, where the competition to land one compares to the same level of competition you may face to land a full-time job (Be aware: even in “flush” times, there will always be competition.).

Many resources, such as printed directories and websites very similar to those for job-hunting, are targeted specifically for internships.

Perhaps you are interested in a popular internship program, such as with a government agency in Washington , D.C. or with a big-name advertising firm in New York , or here in Columbus , Ohio . You are aware that there are many more applicants than openings, that they don't pay much (we discussed the issue of paid internships in an earlier article), and that you will compete and be interviewed just as you would for a full-time job. But what is your true reason for wanting that opportunity?

· Is it for a big name company on your resume?

· Is it a chance to visit somewhere you have never been?

· Or, is it an opportunity for experience that you cannot obtain anywhere else?

If your reasons fall under the first two above, and you don't mind battling that competition, then go for it. However, if you really think it will provide the kind of professional experience that you can't get anywhere else, you may wish to reconsider.

Experience is primarily what internships are all about, from your perspective. From the company's perspective, often it is to have an extra hand in the office to help get things done. Some companies do nothing but give interns clerical assignments. Many others get them involved in work tied more closely to a chosen profession. But I assure you, if you want an internship but do not wish to go through a long hiring and interview process, or if you can't find an internship that suits your needs, there are alternatives.

You can by-pass the competition by going where they are not: to the telephone.

Think about the kind of company or industry in which you would like to intern. Make a list, and from there, look them up in the phone book or even a chamber of commerce directory.

Don't think in terms of finding a company that will offer you an internship--think of it as finding a company that has a need for extra help.

You can also take the networking approach. Talk to people you know, including friends, family, teachers, and make a list of individuals you might call on to offer your abilities.

When you place a call, if a common friend or acquaintance gave you their name, mention that contact first. Then let them know that you are a student seeking a possible internship, and you would like to offer your assistance to them.

Some people will not be interested. Many will at least be interested in learning more about what you can offer, and probably ask for a resume (if not a meeting first). Remember, they will be reviewing your

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:10 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 325 of 356

Three great experiences and just one disappointment would have to be pretty good odds. In fact, good enough to try the process again. This time, I have relocated to South Carolina . Through a unique series of events, I have created an international business magazine around the “Theory of Constraints” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. He is best known for his best selling business novel “The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement.” One of my first actions was to start calling local colleges and universities in search of interns in journalism. Another long story shortened: I am unsuccessful in locating an intern. The premier issue with 64 full color pages on nice glossy stock makes its entrance. Nobody notices. Second issue available on not so glossy stock. Third issue available only on CD-ROM. The moral of the story: I should not have proceeded without an intern.

Conclusion

If you aspire to be a member of the Inc. 500 or the Fortune 500 or one of the Forbes Richest 400, hire an intern! Perhaps you are in college today: become an intern! Sign up for the internship process with enthusiasm. It is not simply a way for employers to take advantage of your skills for a reduced fee (or in many cases for free!). It is a way to learn how to apply the basics of your profession to solving real life problems. It is the last step of your formal education at that moment.

For me, education is a cradle to grave adventure. The internship is a process of proving your worth to yourself and others. Take advantage. As Apple says, “Think Different.”

Jeff ‘SKI' Kinsey is CEO of eDivision.net LLC and founder and Publisher of TOCreview. He credits the U.S. Marine Corps for his sense of discipline and Kent State University TusCampus for his keen appreciation for higher education. Today, SKI mentors start-ups as an eCommerce consultant. As one might imagine, among his bullet points to would be members of the Inc. 500: hire a great intern!

He loves feedback and promises to respond to those writing him at TOCeview@aol.com .

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:09 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 324 of 356

Internships: A Brief but Real History

By Jeff ‘SKI' Kinsey, CEO

eDivision.net LLC

What do most Fortune 500 companies know that few high-tech start-ups do not? Interns. I would even go as far as to say one of the reasons for the “dot com” meltdown was the lack of interns at those dot com companies. The press simply called it “burn rate!”

A Brief History

The year was 1985. The company was a small office supply outfit that sold IBM typewriters. They also had to “black market” IBM's Personal Computer line. Shortly after my joining the firm to sell computers (including the Victor 9000), the COO and I decided to hire a college intern to augment our newly formed custom programming group. Why an intern? We needed to keep costs under control while we determined the feasibility of creating custom solutions for our computer clientele. It was a home run!

Consider 1987. I formed a consulting practice and left the comfort of receiving a weekly paycheck. My first hire: a college student majoring in Computer Science. Better yet, as part of his education, he was able to accept a non-paid position. For 10 weeks, my small start-up had the advantage of a great programmer. Of course, he really did not know anything about the real world of commercial software development. However, and this was the key, he was willing to learn. His attitude was that of wanting to help. His real enthusiasm: to apply the fundamentals of computer science to the task at hand, producing code that clients would pay real money to own.

Long story short, I hired him at the end of the internship part-time with pay. Then after graduation, he became a full-time employee. Ultimately, he earned a minor interest in my company. A small gift to a great kid from a grateful employer. A few years later, I attended his wedding, shared his excitement when his son was born, and in general was a friend, not just an employer. He became my equal.

How was that possible?

It started with the internship through my local branch of Kent State University . But it was the student's attitude that made it work. He gave 100 percent for 10 straight weeks without pay. He acknowledged that his education had focused on the primary building blocks of computer science. College had in no way given him the sense that he “had arrived!” It was simply a ticket to gain admission to great ride.

Consider 1988. My small computer consulting practice was running along nicely. But sales were off. What would you do? As for me, I returned to the basics. Yet another trip to the university. Hire another intern. A new mission: increase sales. This time, I selected a woman in the Business Management Technology program. Another free 10 weeks. At the close of the internship, another job offer. However, this time the results were not as dramatic. Why? I would suggest a failing on both our parts. My desire was for her to use her powers of business acumen to make intelligent sales pitches and to close deals based on those skills. Her desires were a little more simple: earn a living. A non-traditional student and a mother of a young child, her primary interests obviously and rightfully were non-job related. She failed us both by trying to be a salesperson simply because that was the role being offered.

Fast forward to 1996.

I have relocated across the state and am working as a consultant. On assignment for a large division of an international organization, I meet one of their interns. A woman that wants to be a Java guru! One of my co-workers has just written a book on the API (Application Programming Interface) of Java and is sharing the enthusiasm of this Java intern with me. The intern has everyone's attention in our bullpen as she wows us with her small Java applet. Great memories of days gone by flood my being.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:08 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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7. Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions. Always remember that an internship is a learning experience for you. While the employer expects to get a certain level of work from you, you are not expected to know everything. Seek advice and raise questions whenever you encounter something that is not familiar to you. Be open-minded about new ideas and procedures -- remember that you don't know everything and that your professors didn't teach you everything. Hint: Smart people know that there really is no such thing as a dumb question, so ask before doing.

8. Take Initiative. Employers love employees who dive into tackling tough problems and who think “outside the box” in finding solutions. Just make sure you work with your supervisor(s) so you don't overstep your authority -- and make sure you share successes with her. Hint: There is a fine line between taking initiative and being perceived as a “know-it-all,” and for interns especially, it is best to err on the side of caution.

9. Find a Mentor . A mentor is someone at a higher level in the organization that looks out for you and makes sure you are learning what you need to know and accomplishing what you need to do. A mentor can also shield you from office politics and be a good sounding board for you to discuss ideas, ask questions, etc. Hint: Your supervisor could be your mentor, but it could also be another person within the organization.

10. Network, Network, Network. One of the key tools of job-hunting is utilizing your network to find your next career step, whether another internship or a job upon graduation (and beyond). Build professional relationships with your supervisor(s) and other managers in the organization. These people are also a good source for getting other job-hunting advice and tips from their years of experience. Hint: Even if you have a bad experience on an internship, never burn your bridges because you never know when it could come back and hurt you. Always leave on good terms.

11. Leave with Tangible Accomplishments. One of your goals with any internship is leaving it with some tangible results - both for your resume and your career portfolio (if you use one). Maybe you developed a brochure, computerized an inventory system, organized a sales conference, met with clients, tracked industry trends, etc. Hint: Keeping a journal may help you remember all the things you accomplished on your internship.

12. E njoy Yourself. Most internships are great experiences, so make sure you have some fun while you're working and learning. Don't be so uptight that you are perceived as something you're not. Hint: Just make sure you don't overdo the fun -- and avoid office romances.

Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.

Dr. Randall Hansen is currently Webmaster of Quintessential Careers, as well as publisher of its electronic newsletter, QuintZine. He writes a biweekly career advice column under the name, The Career Doctor. He is also a tenured, associate professor of marketing in the School of Business Administration at Stetson University in DeLand , Florida . He is a published career expert -- and has been for the last ten years. He is co-author, with Katharine Hansen, of Dynamic Cover Letters and he has been an employer and consultant dealing with hiring and firing decisions for the past fifteen years. He can be reached at randall@quintcareers.com .

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:07 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Making the Most of Your Internship(s)

By Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

Publisher, Quintzine

Career counselors, employers, and others have long touted the importance for college students to work one or more internships during their college years, and a recent study released by http://www.Vault.com shows that college students are listening: almost nine out of 10 (86 percent) college graduates reported completing at least one internship, and more than two-thirds (69 percent) reported completing two or more internships.

So, knowing that you will have one or more internships during college, what are the keys to making the most of your internship? What follows are the 12 keys to internship success. Follow these guidelines and you should be well on your way not only to a successful internship, but to a successful career.

1. Set Personal Goals. While some internships are very structured, others are not, so you need to spend some time before you start the internship setting goals that you want to accomplish. Maybe it's deciding on what area within marketing that you want to specialize, or learning new skills, or building your network. Whatever your goals, you will feel a greater sense of accomplishment once you achieve them. H int: Setting unrealistic goals could make even a good internship seem bad, so make sure your goals are realistic and attainable in your internship.

2. Have Regular Meetings with your Supervisor(s). Sound obvious? Well, maybe, but you may get a supervisor who never schedules meetings with you or travels quite a bit, so you have to make sure to have regular meetings where you can share experiences and lessons learned -- both good and bad -- as well as give progress reports. Hint: While you want to keep your supervisor abreast of your accomplishments, remember to also be a good listener and learn as much as you can during these meetings.

3. Tackle all Tasks with Enthusiasm and a Positive Attitude. In just about every company, the new hire/intern is going to have to “pay his or her dues.” You will undoubtedly be given some grunt work to do, such as making photocopies, but the key is to complete all your work assignments with the same level of enthusiasm and professionalism. Hint: You might also consider working extra hours (beyond the required number for the internship) to show your work ethic to your supervisor(s).

4. Avoid Negativity. The quickest way to kill a good internship is being negative. So, avoid complaining, being rude, disrespecting coworkers, arriving late, leaving early, being closed-minded, missing deadlines, appearing arrogant, wearing improper attire, acting unprofessionally, appearing inflexible, and taking part in office politics. Hint: A common mistake among interns and new hires is treating secretaries and clerks as being beneath them -- avoid this behavior at all costs.

5. Never Shun a Chance to Learn More About the Company/Industry. Take every opportunity to attend company or industry meetings, conferences, and events; participate in training workshops; and read all company materials. Hint: Meetings may appear (and actually be) boring to you, but they can often offer a good chance to increase your knowledge, network, and build relationships.

6. Get as Much Exposure as Possible. Some of the best internships rotate you among departments and supervisors, but if yours doesn't, don't let that stop you from tackling new tasks, meeting people outside your department, and attending company social events. The more you are exposed to new ideas and new people, the more you'll learn. Hint: Joining the company softball team (or other informal group) is a great opportunity to meet people in a relaxed and informal way.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:06 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 321 of 356

What Do I Want in an Intern?

By Bubba Fender

Norman Career Services

Arkansas Tech University

My advice to those of you looking for an internship, or even a new career position, is the same as the Boy Scout creed, “Be Prepared.” I want my intern to have ‘great' communication skills, which for me, includes oral and written terminology regarding my industry (or his/her major). After all, I'm looking for someone to help me in my work, which includes meeting, visiting, presenting to customers, fellow workers, and so on. Consequently, I'd like to have an intern I'm proud to introduce - one who is serious about the job opportunity at hand, including the ability to speak cordially, dress appropriately, and willing to learn new skills or techniques.

I expect my interns to research my company and division - on our website or articles. They should know our major competitors and at least a few of their products. I'm hoping my intern will be innovative/creative enough to learn how our products are presented/sold.

My intern will be a team player, taking directions politely and willingly. He/she will feel confident to candidly offer new ideas when asked, or lead a project team of other interns.

Lastly, I truly am looking for an intern who will become a viable candidate to my company upon their graduation. That includes working hard, listening and learning at my office, plus continuing the same when they get back to their collegiate campus.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 6:04 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Meeting the Challenge

By Bubba Fender

Norman Career Services

Arkansas Tech University

Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief; Doctor, lawyer, fireman, chief; Banker, teacher, baker man, priest - how can you be sure what is right for you? Work as an intern. Paid or unpaid, an internship will help you determine if you've made the best career decision.

While many majors require an internship, most often the student must determine who, what, where and how to meet that requirement. Begin with your collegiate advisor and your career service center, as either or both will have solid ideas regarding companies who typically offer internships, as well as the type of duties and responsibilities for which you will be charged. Use the Internet for specific searches, including intern sites such as http://www.usinterns.com . If you have a company in mind, look on their website for Employment/Internship Opportunities, then apply directly.

Have an electronic resume ready to send as an attachment, including your contact information, current student status, major, past work histories, campus/community involvement, and professional references, which is a list of names/contact information for one or two present/past employers, as well as one or two academic professors (make sure these are professors under whom you have acquired an ‘A' or ‘B' grade in your major).

Internships may be during summer months, or even the academic year, and will most likely involve 10 to 20 hours of your time (full-time in the summer). Interns are normally paid a rate above the federal hourly requirement, but do not include insurance or other benefits supplied to full-time workers.

These jobs may be structured to introduce you to each department within the company, minor decision-making, more complicated teamwork, business philosophies, or more. Remember that internships are not to be a one-way street for students to learn hands-on processes, but also for the employer to determine if you are a person they will be willing to hire, train and employ on a full-time basis after your graduation. If you do well, chances of a career position offer are over 90 percent.

Try broadening your search for an internship to a location remote to your home. Not only are they more exciting, but they show a prospective employer you are not afraid to attempt new ideas, places or things. For example, the state of Florida has great intern openings for biology students at Water World; or check out the federal parks, such as Yellowstone ; or contact Walt Disney World theme parks. There are H-U-G-E varieties of internships, including several on the PGA Tour. Plus, there are internships in our nation's capitol. All these companies and places give you hands-on experience in management, customer service, work ethics, and more.

Don't interview just one time for one company and one internship. Interview with as many as give you that opportunity. This is the way to make the best choice and meet the challenge!!

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:57 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Other scenarios may involve dealing with rude customers or sensitive company information. In all your answers try to convey a level of maturity and clarity of purpose that would serve your workplace well.

Like the situational interview, conversational interviews usually start out as factual ones. But instead of remaining a formal question-and-answer session, this interview quickly becomes an unstructured conversation between you and the interviewer about things like the internship, the workplace, your background and any other topic that arises. Often the style is relaxed, and even fun. While this interview is less stressful, don't take it any less seriously than the other two. Whether you realize it or not, your interviewer is still assessing your character, poise, articulation, and ability to relate to other people.

In a conversational interview you should adjust your conversation style to better fit your interviewer's style. But don't get too chummy or informal, and avoid saying things that reflect badly on you as an applicant. For example, don't say things like the following, even in light moments:

• I am really bored by school.

• Most of my professors are clueless.

• Nobody works because they like to, but because they have to.

• My main goals are to make money and retire early.

• I am a born leader.

• I'm not a morning person.

• Like most college students, I like to party.

You get the idea.

Be Prepared to Ask Questions

Internship interviews are a two-way process. You should evaluate your interviewer and the workplace at the same time you are being evaluated. During the interview (usually at the end) most interviewers will ask if you have any questions for them. Make sure you always have a couple of questions ready. This shows that you have done your homework and are taking responsibility for your own internship success.

Because many of your questions will be answered in the interview, it is important to formulate questions in your mind as the interview progresses. Here are some generic questions to give you the idea:

• Who would be my direct supervisor?

• What would be my primary tasks?

• How much interaction will I have with other staff?

• Will I have opportunities to take on more responsibilities and work on real projects?

• Is there a formal training program?

• How will I be evaluated?

• Is there a possibility this internship could lead to a part or full-time paid position?

• Have past interns been hired by the organization?

After the Interview

At the conclusion of the interview, thank your interviewer for the opportunity to meet with her in person, and to learn more about the organization. Also verify when a hiring decision is expected. Within a day be sure to send a typed or hand-written thank you note. In it, thank your interviewer for meeting with you. Also reaffirm your interest in working for the organization, and your ability to do a good job if given the chance.

Joel Clark is assistant professor of government and co-director of internships at George Mason University, and director of Michigan State University 's Washington Semester program. Professor Clark's book, Intern to Success, was published in 2002 by Houghton Mifflin. His internship tips are also featured in Peterson's Internships (2003). For more advice on internships visit http://www.InternSuccess.com .

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:56 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Interviewing for Internships

By Joel F. Clark, Ph.D.

Co-director of Internships

George Mason University

Employers generally have lower expectations for their interns' skills and experiences as compared to their regular hires. Thus, there is less at stake, and usually less reason to be nervous in your internship interview. At the same time, there are several reasons to take internship interviews seriously. First, some intern positions are highly coveted, and therefore highly competitive. Students must still compete with each other for the “privilege” of interning at a competitive internship. Also, because many employers rely heavily on interns to help them accomplish their mission, they take the hiring process very seriously. Those employers with few positions to offer want the best applicants. If they sense you are unprofessional or uncommitted they will pass you over. Your job is to convince them you are the best “fit” of all applicants.

Three Types of Job Interviews

There are three basic interview styles: factual, situational, and conversational. In each case your goal is to showcase your skills, education and achievements, and to convey that you are a mature and trainable individual. Of course, this is easier said than done! So think carefully about and practice answering common interview questions in all three styles.

Factual interviews focus on facts associated with thing like grades, work experiences and activities. A typical question might be: “So, you are a history major and economics minor, what does a minor in economics require?” In answering this type of question aim to succinctly provide the information asked for and then steer your answer toward one of your major strengths. Your response might go like this:

My economics minor required both Micro and Macroeconomics, Economics Theory and Practice, and three upper-level economics courses of my choosing. [Note: a weak answer might stop here]. For my electives I chose Political Economy, Monetary Policy and International Markets because I am very interested in the economic and political dimensions of globalization. My economics minor also required me to do hands-on projects and analysis using the latest economic forecasting methods. So I think my economics minor really complemented my history major, which focused more on facts and dates.

Just because your interviewer emphasizes “facts” in her questions doesn't mean you should take the interview lightly. Simple factual questions can be easily mishandled. The question, “Why do you want to work here?” presents both traps and opportunities. Avoid answers that betray your poor understanding of what the office does, or your haphazard way of choosing to apply for an internship. For example, avoid saying things like, “My friend Jim is also applying here, and we thought it would be cool to work at the same place this summer.” Instead, be prepared to show that you have carefully researched the workplace and associate it with your short and long-term goals.

Situational interviews may start in the factual style but move quickly to questions about how you would respond to certain (usually difficult) situations. For example: “Our interns at New Horizons have to interview youths locked up in county juvenile halls. How would you handle a situation where a male youth only wanted to talk about your dating life?” The point of this question is not to determine whether you read the training manual (you wouldn't be expected to), but instead how mature and tactful you are in responding to awkward situations. Your answer might go something like this:

I would remind the individual that we were talking for a specific purpose, and that his participation in the New Horizons program was a privilege that could be revoked if he didn't take the interview process seriously. If the youth persisted, I would terminate the interview and notify my supervisor immediately about what happened.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:55 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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avoid mistakes or costly delays in completing your tasks. As an intern, you are not expected to understand fully everything you are asked to do on the first try.

Here are some general Do's that, if followed, can significantly improve your chances for intern success.

Do be an enthusiastic and active learner. Try to make a learning experience out of even the most mundane jobs. Are you sorting and distributing mail? See if you can learn who the most frequent correspondents are, and what their interaction is with your organization. If you are doing a lot of photocopying, try to absorb the knowledge contained in the originals. Elena Mayberry, an intern coordinator at the Smithsonian and former intern herself, suggests that what distinguishes a great intern from a mediocre one is what she calls “intellectual sparkle.” This is “a desire to learn, a curiosity about a lot of things, and an enthusiasm for what you do.”

Do give your internship some time to develop before concluding there are problems. Students often feel unfulfilled on the job once the orientation or training is over, but before they have a chance to work up to more challenging tasks and projects. How you handle this lull is crucial to your overall internship experience. If you maintain an eagerness to do a good job with even the most mundane tasks, better work should follow.

Do seek out opportunities to create your own projects. As you complete the routine tasks look for where improvements can be made. Is the filing system a disaster? Are boxes of unrecorded data lying on the storage room floor? Instead of just coping with these problems, savvy interns take it upon themselves to fix them. Be sure to seek permission before you start. Such projects are also a good way to show that you are indispensable to the organization.

Do go the ‘extra mile' at times to demonstrate your willingness to pitch in and be a team player. Are there certain ‘crunch times' in your office? How you act during these periods is crucial. Instead of always dropping your work and leaving right at 5 p.m. , it may be better to finish that day's project or pitch in to help others finish theirs. Steve Selby, senior vice-president at a Washington political communications firm, looks for interns who can meet the challenges of working in a fast-paced office. According to Selby: “The kind of people we like to hire are those who show some initiative and extra hustle. When it comes to hiring those interns stand out in our minds.”

Do actively develop working relationships with supervisors and co-workers to maximize your chances of gaining a mentor. Having one or more “mentors” can be an invaluable resource for career advancement. Mentors are more senior staff and supervisors who take a special interest in your career aspirations and progress. If you listen closely to successful people when they discuss their career histories, a mentor invariably shows up at their critical periods of advancement.

Do actively share your career aspirations with supervisors and co-workers. This suggestion relates closely to the last. While you know what your immediate and long-term goals are, others don't, unless you tell them. At appropriate times you should make your intentions and aspirations clear. This provides those who want to help you the information they need to help in the right way.

Do be open to learning from people whose backgrounds or education levels are different from yours. An under-appreciated value of internships is that they can expose you to people with different backgrounds and life philosophies than your own. Just because someone didn't go to college doesn't mean he or she doesn't have valuable knowledge or wisdom to impart. Sometimes you can learn more from lower placed staff than your supervisors. Try to meet and talk with as many people as you can, from all backgrounds and job positions. Listen carefully to what they say, and learn from them.

Joel Clark is assistant professor of government and co-director of internships at George Mason University, and director of Michigan State University 's Washington Semester program. Professor Clark's book, Intern to Success, was published in 2002 by Houghton Mifflin. His internship tips are also featured in Peterson's Internships (2003). For more advice on internships visit http://www.InternSuccess.com .

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:54 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 316 of 356

Internship Dos and Don'ts

By Joel F. Clark, Ph.D.

Co-director of Internships

George Mason University

It is important to apply the general “dos and don'ts” of workplace behavior right from the very start of your internship. Let's reverse order and start with the don'ts.

Basic Don'ts for All Internships

Don't be late. This seems obvious, but employers frequently complain about interns who show up late, or not at all. Just because your internship is unpaid doesn't mean you can set your own hours. No matter what else you do effectively on the job, and how personable and competent you are, your consistent tardiness will be a serious mark against you, even if your supervisor or co-workers don't ever seem to notice.

Don't make personal phone calls or emails, and don't play on the computer. Personal phone calls and emails are another pet peeve for most employers, even if they don't confront you on it right away. A personal call to take care of business every now and then, or an occasional email to a friend is probably okay. Beyond that, you are abusing your position and setting yourself up for a poor job evaluation. Many workplaces are tightening their e-mail and Internet usage policies, and monitoring their employees more closely. Don't find this out the hard way!

Don't dress inappropriately. There is no one standard for workplace dress. The general rule-of-thumb is to emulate your office dress code. In casual dress offices, sloppy dress and grooming are never a good idea. A sloppy appearance conveys the strong impression that you are sloppy in how you approach your job and life. Aim for clothes and accessories that don't detract from who you are and the job you are doing.

Don't disrespect others' workspaces. A good rule of thumb is to always leave the office workspaces cleaner than when you found them, even in very messy offices. If you use someone else's desk, clean up your mess. This seems obvious, but you would be surprised at how much this simple rule is broken.

Don't bring personal issues to work. We all have “issues,” and when appropriate it is okay to discuss them with co-workers. But generally speaking, employees who consistently bring their personal issues to work soon gain a negative reputation. Your boss will think you are devoting insufficient time to your job, while your co-workers will tire very quickly of hearing about your many crises.

Don't be a gossip. Gossip exists in all workplaces, and we all engage in it to some extent. In certain situations gossip may even provide one way to assimilate into the workplace culture. As a rule of thumb, however, it is a good idea to avoid gossip when you can. And you never want to be the source of gossip.

Don't be a complainer. Like gossips, complainers can quickly gain a negative reputation. Complaining is probably the most often-cited negative attribute that employers identify in their intern evaluations. Bosses dislike complainers because it's clear they are not team players.

Don't be a “know-it-all.” There is a fine line between being confident and knowing it all. At times you may know more than your co-workers, or even your boss. But no matter how bright and capable you are no one likes to work with someone who has all the answers. It's okay to have opinions, even strong ones once in a while. But be sure to express them only when it's appropriate. Often a better strategy is to sit back and quietly assess a situation before blurting out the most obvious answer. You may avoid those simple yet costly gaffes that know-it-alls frequently make.

Don't be afraid to ask questions or speak up when it's appropriate. If you have a legitimate question, ask it. Your bosses will appreciate your attempts to clarify their instructions. A well-timed question will help you

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:54 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Believe it or not, your area's telephone directories can also help you locate interesting workplaces. Many students have had success contacting workplaces directly after finding their phone number through a directory. Once you locate several interesting listings, do further research by reviewing their websites. Don't be deterred just because an organization or company isn't advertising for interns. Chances are they already employ interns. If they don't, try proposing an internship for yourself and see what happens. If you show interest and initiative, they may hire you! You'll never know unless you try.

During your internship search keep reminding yourself that you have little to lose and everything to gain from being assertive and resourceful. As you actively consider which internships are right for you, keep this thought in mind: There is no “best” internship. There are only better and worse ones depending on my values, needs and goals.

Good luck with the internship search!

Joel Clark is assistant professor of government and co-director of internships at George Mason University, and director of Michigan State University 's Washington Semester program. Professor Clark's book, Intern to Success, was published in 2002 by Houghton Mifflin. His internship tips are also featured in Peterson's Internships (2003). For more advice on internships visit http://www.InternSuccess.com .

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:53 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Finding the Right Internship For You

By Joel F. Clark, Ph.D.

Co-director of Internships

George Mason University

If you live in a major metropolitan area, or are willing to commute to one temporarily, you are almost guaranteed to get an internship. Internships in rural areas are less plentiful, but still quite attainable. Thus, finding an internship should not be difficult. Finding one that is right for you, however, will take more effort.

Where do you find internships? The short answer is almost anywhere. Your internship search might draw on several resources including internship guidebooks and directories, college career centers, professors, the Internet, family and friends, and even the White Pages.

Most internship directories, such as Peterson's Internships and The Yale Daily News Guide to Internships provide extensive information on where internships are, the types of work they offer, and whom to contact. This information is useful in that it describes the broad range of internships you should consider, and briefly describes the types of work and projects involved in specific positions.

In today's computer age, where most people have access to the Internet and various electronic job postings, it is relatively easy to obtain information about internships for any career type and geographical area. Usually it is most efficient to go directly to the intern provider's web site to find information about the workplace, guidelines for applications, and updated contact information.

You should also try to develop a network of contacts to help you identify and choose from a range of good internship options. Your school's career center, individual professors and alumni network can help you get started. Many students mistakenly think their school's career center will only help seniors get jobs after graduation. This is a costly misnomer. Career centers offer valuable services for students at every stage of their career development, including internships. The longer you wait to utilize career centers, the less they can help you. No matter what else you do to secure an internship and maximize your workplace experience, do yourself a favor and make an appointment today with a career specialist at your campus career center. You will be glad you did.

Your professors are another underutilized source of career help. They know a lot about the intern and career opportunities in their given field of study. They are also good sources of letters of recommendation for students with little work experience. Unfortunately, students are reluctant to meet with their professors. This is a problem because when students do need letters of recommendation or other types of assistance, they don't know any professors and, more importantly, no professors know them well enough to be of help. Most professors are very willing to discuss your internship and career plans. Make a point to visit your teachers at least once during the semester, and go back and revisit the ones that seem willing to talk about your career and academic goals.

Your school's alumni network is another invaluable source of career advice and contacts. Most schools maintain lists of alumni who are willing to provide advice to students. These lists, which are usually organized by academic major and career field, can be found through your campus alumni office or career center. Alumni contacts are particularly helpful for several reasons. First, they are affiliated with your school, which means they might help you more than students from other schools. Second, the alumni found on contact lists have already volunteered to help the students who call them. You can avoid “cold calling” complete strangers to get advice on where to intern. Finally, your school's alumni understand the challenges and uncertainties you face in exploring career fields before graduation. They were once in the same place you are now.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:52 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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More references and further reading :

Trade Magazines

· Hollywood Reporter

· Daily Variety

· Electronic Media

· Broadcasting and Cable

· Billboard

· Radio and Records

· Media Week

Internet Job Sites

· http://www.Showbizjobs.com

· http://www.Hcdonline.com

· http://www.EntertainmentCareers.net

Recommended Reading

· “Making a Good Script Great,” by Linda Segar

· “Screenplay,” by Syd Field

· “Story,” by Robert McKee

· “The Art of Dramatic Writing,” by Lajos Egri

· “All You Need to Know About the Music Business,” by Donald S. Passman

· “This Business of Music: The Definitive Guide to the Music Industry (This Business of Music, 8th Ed),” by M. William Krasilovsky, Sidney Shemel, John Gross, This Business of Music Marketing and Promotion, by Tad Lathrop, Jim Pettigrew

· “Radio Programming: Tactics and Strategy (Broadcasting & Cable Series),” by Eric G. Norberg

· “Radio Advertising: The Authoritative Handbook,” by Pete Schulberg

· “This Business of Television,” by Howard J. Blumenthal, Oliver R. Goodenough

· “ Hollywood 101: The Film Industry,” by Frederick Levy

· “How to Make It in Hollywood : All the Right Moves,” by Linda Buzzell

· “The Producer's Business Handbook,” by John J. Lee

· “The Movie Business Book,” by Jason E. Squire (Editor)

· “All You Need to Know About the Movie and TV Business,” by Gail Resnik, Scott Trost

Tim Burgess is Director of Career Development at USC Annenberg School for Communication. Prior to coming to USC Annenberg, Mr. Burgess was a Recruiting Manager for CBS in Los Angeles .

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:51 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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network (is that cool or what?). Why was she a successful intern? “My eagerness to help wherever and whenever needed,” she says, “I never said no when someone would ask me to help out. I learned that attitude is everything. Chances are that as an intern you are going to be asked to do some of the most menial office jobs, but regardless of how mundane the task you should always do it with enthusiasm. Once people see that you are positive and helpful they are more willing to give you more exciting tasks.”

Romelle Ecung says successful interns can handle a variety of tasks and will work to gain the confidence and trust of others leading to greater responsibility. Let's face it, if you can't or are unwilling to do the mundane duties why would they ever give you the cool jobs? Remember, the more you do, the more you'll be asked to do and the more you will learn. You'll be well liked, too-and that's important. Bottom line: Be their go-to intern.

Besides being an intern with a great attitude who is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, what else can you do to make this a valuable learning experience? You should be watching, listening and learning. Observe the culture. How do people interact with each other? How do things get done? What are the unwritten rules of the department and company? Identify the stars of the office (not the successful jerk, though!)-you know, the ones you want to be someday. Why are they successful? These individuals will be your role models. You can learn a lot from them just by observing. Try taking it a step further. See if you can meet with them. Check with your supervisor (remember, before you get any perks you have to be a great worker) and see if it's okay for you to try and set-up informational interviews with some of the executives you admire.

In the meeting, find out how they got to be where they are, what do they look for when they hire people, what is it they love about their job, what should you be doing now to build for your future in entertainment?

A word about assistants. Assistants in the entertainment business can be pretty powerful. They may not make the big money decisions, but they hold the keys to the gate. If you want to get to the key players, you'd better respect their secretaries. You want the assistant to be on your side. In fact, it pays to have a positive attitude with everybody you meet in the office. One day an individual may work in the mailroom, the next day he or she could be your boss!

On top of all that, keep doing your homework. Learn how your department runs. Try to learn the who's, how's and why's. Get to know people outside of your department. What do they do? How does their work relate to your department? How does it relate to the company as a whole?

Oh, and don't dress like a student! Look around the office, how are the employees dressing? Dress like the people you want to be someday. You'll be taken more seriously.

After the Awards Ceremony (It's The Relationships, Stupid)

You just completed your internship. By being a good intern you probably have a better idea which skills you need to develop. You know, the ones they look for when they hire people? Work on them! Make yourself easier to hire!

All businesses, but especially the entertainment business are about relationships.

Stay in touch with your former co-workers, but don't be a fair weather friend. In other words, it doesn't really look good if the only time you stay in touch with people is when you need something from them. Send them holiday cards, notes, etc. just letting them know what you are up to. If you see an article you know they'd be interested in, email it to them. Don't overdo it, though! Be friendly, but keep it professional. It's a simple, yet effective way to stay in touch that will pay off in the long run.

There are many different career possibilities in the entertainment industry as well as many different types of businesses…studios, networks, production companies, talent agencies, record companies, recording studios, public relations companies, promotion companies, radio stations, etc. There are so many possibilities…Well, what are you waiting for? As they say in the movies: “Action!”

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:51 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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reading…you should know more than what's going on in entertainment-know what's happening in the world. You should, on a daily basis, be reading a major newspaper like the New York Times , Washington Post , Wall Street Journal , or the Los Angeles Times and listening to National Public Radio, news radio, etc. The more you know and the more you are interested in the world around you, the more interesting you will be!

Another tool regarding trade magazines is that they give you access to the names and titles of entertainment industry players. Let's say you read in an article that a producer has just signed a deal with one of the networks to produce a TV show. Contact the producer-see if they can use the help of a bright and motivated intern. Very few people use this strategy when it comes to jobs and internships. It can be very effective. Trade magazines are a great source of possible contacts.

5. Try getting informational interviews. Now that you've accumulated names of alumni, and possible contacts from trade magazines-as well as any personal contacts you may have--maybe you should try to meet with some of them. What are you doing during spring break? Ditch the traditional spring break get-a-way and head for Hollywood . Besides there are great beaches in southern California-oops this is a working vacation-sorry, no time to work on your tan! Spring break would be an excellent time to try and meet with entertainment executives. You need to plan ahead, though! Write to the folks on your contact list and let them know when you'll be in town. Tell them you're looking to get career advice and ask if you could meet with them for 20 minutes one day. You'll need to follow-up your letter with a phone call. In fact, your letter should state that you will give them a call the following week to see if an interview can be arranged. This is a great internship-hunting tool that not many applicants use.

Getting Nominated (What Do Hiring Executives Look For In An Intern?)

Romelle Ecung, Director of Recruitment and Training for Dreamworks, looks for students who can communicate effectively and are passionate about the industry. She adds that students should have the ability to articulate how their background relates to the position. If the student has no previous entertainment experience, Ms. Ecung says that internship candidates should use extracurricular activities to gain skills and experience. “Get involved, take an active role in helping whatever organization you are part of meet its objectives.” An executive at CBS states that students should be enthusiastic, flexible, eager to learn and possess a strong work ethic. Don't forget to research the company-know what they do! Sounds simple, but many applicants don't do their homework. You don't want to be an average applicant!

And don't worry about your major. Entertainment hires students studying journalism, communication, business, liberal arts, etc. What you must focus on is why you would be a good intern. Ask yourself: what can I do for the company, not what the company can do for me. You must be able to spell it out. Provide examples of past work experience and/or school projects to back up your claims. Oh, and don't forget to let them know you have good typing and computer skills (if you don't have them, get them!).

Location Shooting

What if you can't make it to Los Angeles or New York ? Then get relevant experience where you can. Try interning at one of your local television or radio stations. If that's not possible, try getting an internship at a local public relations or advertising firm. You could get great experience, build some terrific transferable skills and, of course, get great references!

Be a Star! (How To Be A Great Intern)

You've landed that prize internship! Now is the time to get on the “A” list. One of the downsides of an entertainment internship-other than the fact that very few are paid-is that many of your duties will be pretty much run of the mill. You'll be faxing, filing and working phones for the most part. Doesn't sound like a whole lot of fun? Welcome to the entertainment. But (there's always a but!) there is hope. Edith Mendoza started off as an intern in Press Relations for CBS. She is now the Director of Comedy Development for the

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:50 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Internships in Entertainment

By Tim Burgess

Director of Career Development

USC Annenberg School for Communication

So, you want to work in the entertainment business? Internships are a great way to start.

Entertainment is a wonderful and fascinating business that constantly looks for up-and- comers who are passionate about the business and don't mind hard work.

I know you've heard it before, “you have to know someone in the business” or “it's not what you know, it's who you know.” Not true! It does help to know someone (in any case, this article will help you find people to know), but even if you don't know anyone, the doors can still be opened. We'll provide you with some of the keys; the rest is up to you, so fasten your seatbelts…

The Development Process (Where to Start)

Yes, working in entertainment certainly sounds cool, but it is a business. Don't forget that. Just liking movies, TV or music is not enough. You should not only have a passion for entertainment, you should know something about the business of entertainment-sales, ratings, box-office, TV schedules, and you should know something about content and about the people and companies who create it.

But you do need to love the industry in which you want to work. Sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how many people say they want to work in the entertainment business, but don't really like TV or the movies or the record industry. If you want to work in TV you should be watching television. If you want to work in film, you should be watching all the latest movies, etc. A word of advice: Don't have stars in your eyes. It takes a lot of work, more than most people can imagine, to put something on the screen or to cut a CD. Entertainment companies are not looking for star-worshippers. They want to hire smart, passionate people, with great attitudes who can get things done.

I want an internship, but how do I find one?

1. Check out your campus career center. Really! Get to know the career counselors. They are a great resource and, frankly, you can never have enough help.

2. Find out if your school has any alumni working in the entertainment industry. If so, contact them! Alumni can be pretty receptive, and you should take advantage of your school affiliation. I'm sure you know this, but I'll say it anyway---always be courteous and professional when dealing with contacts.

3. Log onto Internet jobs sites. Here are three very good sites that list internships in the entertainment industry: http://www.ShowBizJobs.com , http://www.hcdonline.com , and http://www.EntertainmentCareers.net .

4. Keep up with the trade magazines. Just the thought of reading trade magazines may bring a yawn to your face, but they are a goldmine of information. Different trade magazines cover different industries. For example, if you are interested in television or the movies you should be reading Daily Variety and the Hollywood Reporter (both available online). There, you'll find info on everything that's going on in the TV and Film industry. Don't scan the articles, read them! Remember, these are trade magazines, and who reads trade magazines? That's right, the people who make the headlines and those who are behind the headlines. If the people who you want to be someday are reading these publications, you should be, too. The more you know about the industry, the more you'll start separating yourself from the applicant crowd. Let me add to your

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:49 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 309 of 356

Paid vs. Unpaid Internships and

Criteria for Choosing the Best Internship

By Carol R. Anderson

Director of Career Development and Placement

New School University

Unpaid internships are common and legal. The premise is that as an intern, you are not yet an “up-to-speed” professional and will need more supervision and training, and deliver less value to the organization, than an already competent employee. The internship “pays” you with training and real-world experience that adds value to your résumé. Another acknowledgment that your internship provides valuable training is that some schools will offer academic credit for internships they monitor, but when an employer says “available for academic credit,” that may mean only that they don't want to pay you, not that your school has agreed to give credit.

Whether an organization chooses to pay its interns is a function of supply and demand, budget, organizational philosophy, and the ability of international students to get work authorization. For example, if students are eager to work for a certain organization to get its name on their résumés, the company may not need to offer pay to get qualified students as interns. On the other hand, large national corporations that use internships as a primary recruiting tool often pay interns very well. Certain nongovernmental organizations offer only unpaid internships because they are in high demand from European students who must have an internship in such an organization in order to graduate: again, larger supply of students than demand drives the decision. In New York City , with over 60 nonprofit organizations per square mile, competition for interns can be stiff, and all but the poorest funded nonprofits (i.e., arts organizations and small start-ups) offer pay in order to be able to attract interns. In Washington , D.C. , there are more students seeking government and nonprofit internships than opportunities, and many are unpaid or paid very little, such as $6.50 an hour. In 2002, graduate students earn $12 to $25 an hour in New York City in the nonprofit sector and $19-$27 in the for-profit sector; undergraduates earn significantly less, often $8 to $10 in nonprofits, more in the corporate sector. Financial services is the best paying industry.

Whether or not you choose to pursue an unpaid internship is a matter of weighing the value of the experience against your need or desire to earn money during the period of the internship. All other factors being equal, why not get paid for learning the skills of your chosen profession? But often, not all factors are equal. Here are some important criteria:

• Amount of interaction with an expert in your field : this is often more important than whether the project you are working on is one of interest to you. The amount of attention and guidance you get from a working professional often produces the highest level learning experience.

• Know what you want to get out of an internship, and hold out for it : a new skill, more experience in a role you've had some in (depth), training in a software program, an experience in a different function or role (breadth), to get on a hiring track with an organization or within an industry. Trying on a different role allows you to find out what you like and don't like about different job functions; getting an internship with an organization that hires primarily through its internship program is an inside track.

• Nature of tasks you will perform -are they commensurate with college or graduate school levels of skill? Avoid internships without defined tasks. Most good internships are project-based and expect you to deliver a product by internship's end: a survey, a report, or an analysis. You get to demonstrate the application of a skill set to a real-world problem. Make sure it goes on your résumé.

If the internship that satisfies most of these criteria is unpaid, and you can afford to spend the time unpaid, it may be the most appropriate. A paid internship that does not meet these criteria is a bad investment.

Carol R. Anderson is Director of Career Development and Placement for a professional graduate school of management and policy at New School University, where she counsels and places graduates and interns in nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors, and maintains a part-time private practice in career transition management.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:48 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Section 6

Internships

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:48 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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American businesswomen that spoke there. My distant friend is my dear friend now and I have a new friend, her name is Elvira Borisovna from the Moscow University of Management. The only conversations we ever had were in German, our common language. You don't know when you are giving things away that it's going to come back as a global experience.

6. Be Nice. You Don't Know Who's Watching. A woman that I met was the Human Resources Director at the Board of Pensions in downtown Minneapolis . She told me her sad story. She had worked for Control Data in Human Resources and went through the great layoffs in the 1970's. She did all the exit interviews and said goodbye to all of her friends. Then the day came for her. She took her resume, went out and at one point stopped at 3M. She was very sweet and nice but they had nothing for her. She thanked them for their time and went on her way finding this job at the Board of Pensions. Oh but then life took a very nice turn. She fell in love and she married a man from Menomonee , Wisconsin . Now she's driving from Menomonee , Wisconsin to downtown Minneapolis . That's one hour each way. Someone at 3M heard about this. They remembered how nice she was and sent her resume to Swiss Miss in Menomonee , Wisconsin . Guess who is the head of Human Resources there today?

7. Become A Critical Relationship Yourself. I started my company 10 years ago. Instead of believing that we were the only ones who could do a good job of placing people in jobs, we immediately joined an association and met all these other people who specialized in zillions of other ways. We started giving away business. I refer to it as my “Miracle on 34th Street ” philosophy of doing business. You are all probably way too young to remember the story. Santa Claus is sending everyone to Gimbels' down the street instead of keeping them at Macys'. In doing so, by giving away so much business, we have grown into a multi-million dollar corporation and, in the United States , we are the biggest staffing company which specializes in the placement of recent college graduates. Mind you, I probably can't help you but I have a list of the people that I know who can. We give it away. I would like you to do the same thing because you will be unable to keep up with the returned favors.

8. Don't Make The Worse Networking Mistake. Believing that you can go out all on your own and find your next job without any help is the worse networking mistake.

Colleen Kay Watson, is president of Career Professionals, which helps job seekers find entry-level opportunities in Management, Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, Finance and Administrative positions. For more information about Career Professionals, please go to http://www.gocpi.com or call 952-835-9922.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:47 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 306 of 356

Making the Right Friends By Networking

By Colleen Kay Watson

President

Career Professionals

1. Do A Personal Network Inventory. Sixty-eight percent of you are going to find your next job through networking. Fifteen percent of you will use a search firm. Nine percent of you are going to find your future job through newspaper ads while eight percent will be through direct mailing. So you'll need to do a personal network inventory. It has been estimated that if you were to pass away today, your passing would impact 250 lives. Call these people now. They obviously care about you. That is your personal network inventory group.

2. Ask For Introductions. Now ask your group for introductions. Do you know how many people you are away from meeting Ted Turner, Oprah Winfrey or the President of the United States ? It has been estimated between two and ten introductions. The median is six. I met a woman named Ginger. She decided that she wanted a date with Ted Turner. This is pre-Jane Fonda. It took her four introductions to get a date with the billionaire. Do you know anyone over at XYZ Company? No, but I know someone who might. Ask people for introductions. You can meet anyone you want even a billionaire!

3. Take Your Boss To Lunch. While you're working on getting the ideas for names, take your boss to lunch. Now this means that you pay. Say to your boss, “Who do you know? What do you think I'm good at? Where do you think I need improvement? Will you be giving me a good reference?” Ask him for that reference. Ask him for ideas of leads that you should go and meet. A friend of mine took his boss to lunch. That day a recruiter had called his boss with a job offer. The boss did not want the job. He sent my friend there and my friend got a 50 percent pay raise. Your boss is well connected. Take your boss to lunch…it pays for itself 10 fold.

4. Ten Minutes To Success. I want you to make a phone call and say, “So and so gave me your name. I would like to have 10 minutes of your time. Would any of these times, 8:40 a.m. , 10:50 a.m. , or 3:20 p.m. , be convenient for you?” Do not make an appointment on the hour or the half-hour. Psychologically, when you ask for those 10 minutes and ask for them on the hour, you are asking for an hour of their time. When you ask for time on the half-hour, I hear a half-hour. I will not give that to you. I will give anyone 10 minutes. When you talk to them say, “How did you get to your present position? What do I need to know how to do? And who should I meet?” Then, go back home and write a thank you note to the individual who gave that time. I did not write type or email. The reason I suggested the writing is that most employers know how easy it is to email and are not impressed. It is so easy to get a boilerplate thank you note off your computer. What's not easy is for you to sit down and carefully pen a note. Think how you feel when you go to your mailbox and there's a handwritten card with a stamp on it.

5. Remember Your Peers. Whenever you find information that is not of use to you, give the information away. Maybe, it's still of use to you, still give it away. There is not a finite amount of data available. Give away as much information as you can. This is what happened to me. When I went to graduate school, I had a Professor named Dr. Noonan. She specialized in Russian-Soviet relations with America . Years later a packet arrived on my desk. There was a conference in Moscow , which was of no interest to me but I remembered her. I picked up the phone and called Augsburg College and got Dr. Noonan on the phone. “This is Colleen Watson. I took your class”. “Oh yes, Colleen. How are you?” I told her what had happened. I lost my job and started my own company and we were doing pretty well. Six months later the phone rang. “Colleen, I just got a email from Moscow . A conference that was going to be held for sharing of intellectual papers from the colleges has been expanded to the emerging capitalist society for women. Would you come and represent the United States as a businesswoman at the University of Moscow ?” I was among three

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:46 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 305 of 356

Networking? How Can This Help Me Obtain a Job or Internship?

By Wendy Stubbs, MA, NCC

Career Development Specialist

University of South Dakota 's Career Development Center

Creator/Owner of CareersCounseling.com

Parents bugging you to get that job or internship? But, you have no clue how to go about this process, right? Then, you go to your college career office and the counselor tells you to network. Sure, you say, not a problem! Reality hits though when you get back to your apartment and you realize you have no clue what networking really is or how it works!

Career counselors will often mention to students who are job seeking to use networking skills. Yet, many students may not really know just what is involved with networking. One student said recently, “Gosh, I am just not good at asking for favors!” The reality is that career counselors may need to teach students what networking is and how it works.

What is networking?

Networking is actually just the ability to visit with people about job openings. If you can talk, or communicate, you can network! Some jobs are never advertised for and are filled due to the networking that goes on in the world!

How does networking work?

Talk to your neighbors, parents, relatives, past employers, minister, professors, etc. about any possible openings that they may know about. Often times, people do know about company openings and will be glad to refer you to the correct department. Let them know about your skills, abilities, education, interest, enthusiasm, etc. and when you are available. Ask people whom to contact within a company.

What would be some examples of this?

A college student works part-time as a caddy at a golf course. While there, she gets to know many business executives and even has many of their business cards. These golfers know her as an enthusiastic, hard worker. This student could contact those people later down the road and remind them who she is and ask them about any potential openings they may know about. She would explain her educational background and abilities while asking to set up an informational interview. Some of these executives will probably gladly assist her in making contacts about openings!

You go to a college job fair and meet many recruiters. While there you should ask as many people in your field as possible about any openings in your field. Because one company's recruiter will talk with recruiters from other companies, when you speak with a recruiter act as if you are interested in their company. When you network, ask people about any openings. Tell them your interests, skills, abilities, education and goals.

Why does networking work?

People like hiring people they already know and trust! And, many people will trust the recommendation of their friend, co-worker, or a colleague. Research into job hunting has shown that many jobs are landed through networking. So, you may as well as use a technique that works as opposed to other methods that do not work as well!

Wendy Stubbs, MA, NCC is Career Development Specialist atUniversity of South Dakota 's Career Development Center and is creator/owner of http://www.careerscounseling.com

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:45 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Equally important is to come to the meeting prepared to join in and help others. Think about people who you know, including your parents and relatives. Which companies do they work for? Where did they go to school? The more you help others, the more they'll want to help you.

Make it easy for people at the meeting to contact you afterwards. Have business cards and resumes available. Have personal business cards printed up with your name and phone number. You can get them at office supply stores for as little as little as $10 for 500 cards. Hand them out along with your resume to connections you make at these meetings.

Don't be shy about mixing with the participants. Introduce yourself to the group leader and stay around after the meeting to have coffee and talk to other participants. Group leaders are often experts in the job hunting profession and are generally quite willing to offer suggestions.

Dress in a casual but professional manner. Remember, these people are recommending you to someone they may know, so look as though you merit their trust. Networking groups are informal sessions but you should still put your best foot forward.

It is estimated that over 80 percent of jobs are found through personal networking rather than help wanted ads. Your use of networking groups will not only broaden your contacts, but will also enable you to strengthen your verbal communication skills for those all important job interviews.

Steven Rothberg is the President and Founder of CollegeRecruiter.com at http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com , the highest traffic, non-password protected, site used by job hunting students and recent graduates and the employers who want to hire them.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:45 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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The Value of Networking with Alumni

By Steven Rothberg

President

CollegeRecruiter.com

Experienced job hunters know, and now you will too, that the single most important technique for finding a new job is networking. By networking, you communicate with people that you know, such as friends, relatives, business acquaintances and alumni of your school. You have two primary goals: let them know that you are looking for a new job and ask them to help you in that search by letting you know if they hear of any opportunities or can refer to others who might be of help. The more people with which you network, the more leads you're likely to generate.

Networking, unfortunately, is often overlooked by college students and graduates. These job seekers often believe that networking is something reserved to executives or those with years of experience. Nothing could be further from the truth. While many formal networking groups are reserved to such high level job seekers, the vast majority of networking groups, both formal and informal, are open to job hunters at any level.

Informal Networking

Students and graduates who want to network can do so formally or informally. Formally often involves joining or organizing a networking group, which can take a lot of time but often pay handsome dividends. Informal networking can be done more quickly, especially if your school's career service office is willing and able to help.

Students and graduates with good career service offices are often able to contact those offices and explain to them that they are looking for a new job in a certain occupational field and city and ask them for the names and phone numbers of alumni who are employed in that field and city. If you're able to obtain such a list, pick up the phone and call the alumni. Briefly explain who you are and that you were referred to them by your career service office. Tell them that you're not asking them for a job but that you would like to take them for coffee or lunch so you can find out from them if they have any leads for you. Offer to send a copy of your resume to them in advance.

Treat the meeting as an interview, but do not try to land a job. Your goal, remember, is not to get hired, but to find out who may be interested in hiring you. Pay for the coffee or lunch and promise to keep them updated on your job search. One reason to do so is simply that it is polite. They have helped you and it is only proper that you acknowledge their help by thanking them and by showing them that you valued their assistance enough to actually act on it.

Formal Networking

Formal networking is often done through networking meetings. At the beginning of the meeting, each person introduces themselves and talks about what they are looking for. If someone in the group thinks they can be of help with a contact, they volunteer a name or two. After everyone has had a turn, there is usually time for informal communication, perhaps over coffee.

Churches, community centers, trade associations and schools are good sources if you're looking for a networking group. The key, however, isn't finding one. It is making one work for you.

The first step in making a networking group work for you is to come prepared with a one or two minute summation that answers the question, “Tell us a little about yourself.” Where did you go to school? What type of job are you looking for? What is your work experience? What are your skills? In which companies and industries do you have an interest?

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:44 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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For those graduates who are connected to a community of faith, church mentors, who nurtured and led them throughout their lives, often can, upon graduation from high school and college, provide links to possible jobs in the working world.

Also as part of the networking process, college graduates need to do their homework on the company or organization where they want to work in preparation for significant job interviews that will be conducted not only on the job site, but by telephone and videoconferencing. The first question the job applicant needs to answer is, “Why do you want to work for a particular company or organization?” Before opening your mouth to respond in an interview or even write a letter of introduction to a specific company, know that using pronouns in the first few lines of the introductory statement is unacceptable.

Not only should you avoid repetitive use of pronouns, but also avoid mentioning salary as a reason for seeking employment within the first minutes of the interview, or first few sentences in the letter of introduction. Discuss the facts you know from what you have read and researched about the company. Employers require letters of recommendation for job applicants, but what facts do you know about the company and the reputation of the place where you are seeking employment?

Did you take time to check Internet information about the company? Have you talked to an employee who has some degree of tenure with the organization? How is the company rated in news clippings, the business or political world, or the field? How does the company invest funds, treat employees? Do you know the purpose, values or any ideals of the company? Just because you have credentials in a specific field does not mean that you know the background of the place where you want to work. In other words, do your homework and be prepared to make a good impression.

The second question, “Why should an employer hire you?” provides an opportunity to sell yourself. This is the place to focus on your strengths, commitment, positive characteristics, and qualifications that would make you an asset for the company or organization where you are seeking employment. Remember, the job maze is filled with applicants who have the same qualifications, prestigious degree and charming personality like you: network and do your homework. The job market is a competitive one, but not an impossible one to find your dream job; be tenacious, focused and informed.

Dr. Cecelia A. Robinson is Professor of English, William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri .

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:43 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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By Dr. Cecelia A. Robinson

Professor of English

William Jewell College

More than 1.2 million college graduates received their degrees in May of 2002. Amy Brown , Elly Richards, and Jubilee Green of William Jewell College, “ Times Liberal Arts College of the Year” in Liberty , Missouri , were among the recent graduates. All three are astute and personable English majors who received Bachelor of Arts degrees. Amy is planning to attend graduate school in Montana , Elly is preparing for a fall internship in England with the BUNAC organization, and Jubilee is headed to the work force. Of these three young women, only Jubilee has chosen to enter the job maze of the working world.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies expect to hire about 36 percent fewer college graduates this year as compared to 2001. And after checking top popular job sites, as of March 27, 2002 , there were currently 14,114 entry level positions posted. Due to duplicate listings and other variables, as many as 106 spring graduates could be competing for each entry-level job listed on popular job sites. Networking and researching the Internet about potential employers are essential skills for success in finding the job one desires.

If you, like Jubilee, are entering this maze what is your employment strategy? Perhaps you are befuddled, but no matter what discipline you represent, thousands of students from Alaska to Wyoming are updating resumes, preparing letters of introduction, requesting letters of recommendation and highlighting jobs advertised in local newspapers. A specialty degree helps and will give many graduates a slight edge over the masses in the field. In a recent article from East Bay Business Times , John Challenger, Chief Executive Officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas says, “College graduates [this spring] will be competing with young people who have already been in the work force for one or two years, but are unemployed due to downsizing. Some of these individuals may be more inclined in this uncertain economy to accept entry-level pay.”

The competition is fierce, and the job maze has a labyrinth of corridors and chambers. Knowing alternatives to the traditional job search can be beneficial for graduates who have omitted networking among past employers, family friends, and the church for potential job openings where hiring recommendations can be made. For the average college graduate, the church is an area that is often overlooked when networking.

Rev. Bobby Love, Pastor of Second Baptist Church of Olathe, Kansas, observes, “Once college graduates leave home in pursuit of a degree, many unplug or disconnect from the church and tend to think “I can do this on my own.” Usually they don't return until they are about 25 after having experienced knocks and bruises.” Love says, “The church offers many opportunities for networking: it is a conglomerate of different disciplines and professions that meet on a regular basis and is accessible to young people in a non-threatening and nurturing environment.”

Moreover, Rev. Robert Hill, Senior Pastor of Community Christian Church on the Plaza in Kansas City , Missouri , points out, “We are discovering more and more in all aspects of society that a sense of belonging is absolutely necessary to a meaningful life. It is in a community of faith where everybody can be accepted and celebrated. In the church we find some of our best friends, strongest colleagues and influential mentors. In the church we see the well to do and the nothing to do. We see the down-and-out and the up-and-coming. In fact, the church is the place where everybody can be somebody.”

Marian Wright Edleman in her new book, Lanterns , reflects on the influence of mentors from her church and community: “O God, I thank you for the lanterns in my life who illumined dark and uncertain path calmed and stilled debilitating doubts and fears with encouraging words, wise lessons, gentle touches, firm nudges, and faithful actions along my journey of life and back to you.”

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:42 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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• Don't hesitate to tell everyone you know you are looking for a job! Think about all the people you know. Neighbors, former teachers, relatives, friends, parents of friends, work associates, past employers - all of these contacts might yield that perfect job! Let them know what you are looking for and then follow up.

Job networking contacts are not job interviews, but it is important to conduct yourself professionally. Dress appropriately to make an excellent first impression, write clear, concise letters, know your field and the company or organization, and ask astute, targeted questions. Nothing will knock you out of the running quicker than a sloppy, unprofessional manner.

Start networking today using the resources you have available. Talking to the right people and presenting your skills, background and professionalism appropriately is one of the best tools you have for finding the perfect job.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:41 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Networking: Get Connected and Get a Job!

By Cynthia Panton

Coordinator

Cleveland State University

The Career Services Center

Networking has become the new buzzword for job hunters competing in today's tight job market. Everybody knows somebody, but how can that be turned into an internship or full-time job?

The first step is to define what networking is in career terms. Getting connected with the right people who can assist you in finding jobs is the usual definition. But are all employees of a company or organization network-savvy? Not necessarily. Where do you find the right people who can help you become part of the job network?

There are several tried-and-true methods for finding and successfully using networking contacts. Here are a few ideas:

• Join a student professional organization prior to graduation. Never underestimate the power of working together with fellow students on projects and events. Professionals who work closely with these organizations rank these students highly for future career positions. They also know each other and are often willing to refer students to other firms.

• Volunteer with community organizations. You never know who will be working alongside you in a volunteer capacity! Many corporate and community leaders place a high value on volunteer activities. Not only do they encourage their employees to volunteer, but the leaders are often found working these events themselves.

• Talk to your professors. Sometimes it is easy to think of school and work as separate entities. Professors have academic knowledge, but they also possess strong links to the business and civic communities. Don't hesitate to talk to them and ask them for names of professionals with whom you can talk about your career aspirations.

• Utilize the services of your college career center. Career services offices work at developing strong ties to the employment community. The office can be a rich resource for you to find the names of networking contacts in your field. Most career offices also provide resume referral and on-campus recruiting services, as well as targeted events.

• Attend career fairs and other special career events. This is networking at its finest! Career and job fairs provide you with an opportunity to talk to many potential employers in one place. Even if you are not in the job market, these events allow you to meet those people in your field who make hiring decisions. Gather their business cards for future reference.

• Become a member of your alumni association. People like to hire people they know is an old adage, but a true one. By joining your alumni association, you will be meeting with those alumni who are already working in the community. Many of them will be in a position to hire and will look favorably on students from their alma mater. Most alumni association fees are relatively low, so it is a good investment right after graduation.

• Complete information interviews. Although this is becoming more common, it is still a good way to find out about your field and how to find that internship or first job. Information interview contacts can often put you in touch with others in the same field for future job openings.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:40 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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picture. Like any other endeavor, you will get out of it what you put into it. Attending meetings and events, offering to help and becoming involved will go a long way towards making the experience a truly valuable one.

Professional Development

“Every job I ever got in the field was, either directly or indirectly, through my

membership in FPRA,” says Kate B. Holcomb, APR, public relations director for Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach . While professional organizations may help you to land a great job in your field, they offer more than that. As your career progresses, many organizations offer conferences and professional certifications that can help you to hone your skills and take your career to the next level. Many provide print publications to its members to share new products and innovative advances.

The contacts and the friendships made through these professional affiliations can last for years. These are people who share your interests, understand your industry and recognize the value of building lasting relationships. Whether seeking employment, looking to move up in the business, relocating, transitioning to a new career, finding educational opportunities or just looking for advice, the right organization can provide all of these and more.

Where to Find the Group for You:

• Chambers of Commerce

• Local newspaper

• Civic organizations

• Colleges

• Churches

• Alumni Associations

• Career Advisors

• The Internet

Jill Meridith is a member of the Florida Public Relations Association. She has worked extensively in higher education and career counseling, has a bachelor's degree in Communication and is a free-lance writer.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:39 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Looking for your Dream Job? Join the Club!

By Jill Meridith

Member

Florida Public Relations Association

We've all heard the old job search adage, “It's not what you know, it's whom you know.” It often takes being in the right place at the right time to land the perfect position. But how do you meet the movers and shakers in your industry? How do you get valuable face time with those who have the right connections? One practical and fun way to get to know the people in the know is through involvement with professional organizations.

The Florida Public Relations Association's (FPRA's) local chapters meet monthly. A recent luncheon was held at Daytona International Speedway's (DIS's) state-of-the-art media center. “The Daytona 500 alone brings more than twice as many fans as the Superbowl to the Speedway ,” according to DIS manager of publicity, Kathy Catron. Guests at the presentation, local leaders in the industry, got an insider's view of “what it's like to put on an event of Olympic proportions.” From security and technology issues to coffee service, the program provided practical industry tips as well as a fascinating look at the inner workings of this unique and exciting business.

FPRA's monthly meetings often showcase local businesses. Panel discussions on hot topics, mentoring programs and meaningful networking opportunities are all benefits of joining this organization and others like it. Students are often invited to join at a discounted rate.

As early as medieval times, crafts and tradesmen recognized the value of professional groups. Artists' guilds, a precursor of unions, played a vital role in advancing the image of craftsmen to one of respected professionals. By bringing together influential businessmen who share a common goal, a strong voice is created. A voice that has the power to accomplish what mere individuals cannot.

Today, the same concepts apply. The best way to understand your business and be successful in it is with the guidance and input of those with the advantage of experience. The best way for any industry to protect and advance itself and the interests of its members is by joining together.

Dress Up Your Resume

It's one of the toughest challenges to overcome. The job requires experience, but you can't get experience without a job. Many professional organizations extend invitations to members for work on local projects or events. Volunteering in these situations can create a great resume entry, one that provides real world experience and professional references. Volunteer opportunities also offer invaluable learning opportunities and the chance to see the experts at work. Volunteering can give you the flavor of the work you plan to spend your life doing.

Becoming involved in the organization's operations can also be a great way to expand your skill base. Taking on a leadership role like treasurer or secretary will reflect well when you go looking for the real job. And some of the most impressive and gratifying rewards take the form of professional recognition. Associations often organize industry awards to highlight and acknowledge excellence.

Take it for a Test Drive

From landscapers to music lovers, from business people to artists, there is an organization out there for nearly everyone. By joining more than one, you may be able to compare services and benefits while exploring several career options.

Getting to know future colleagues and learning about the industry culture will provide the insight that can give you an extra edge. It can also help to evaluate where your talents and interests fit into the bigger

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:37 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Networking Abuses to Avoid

· Problematic Pacing: Avoid contacting individuals too frequently, contacting too many people at once, and overstaying your welcome. If you have asked for a 10-minute meeting, you should honor that time frame. It is acceptable to ask how often is too often to follow up.

· Poor Planning and Organizing: To avoid this, create a spreadsheet that lists your contacts, your purpose for contacting, date of contact, key points from the conversation, next steps and a timeline for future contact.

· E-mail Informality: Although e-mail is a widely accepted networking tool, you must treat e-mail messages like any business correspondence - formally and professionally. First, let your contact know why you are writing, and then provide a snapshot of yourself. End by reiterating your interest and asking for assistance.

· Mass E-mail: You must make the recipient of your messages feel that he/she has been specifically targeted. Sending a single e-mail to multiple addresses sends the message that you didn't put much thought into your correspondence. If you're going to use a similar e-mail message, be sure to personalize it with the person's name, or some background information about the individual's company.

And, once you've made contact - don't forget to send a thank you note and keep in touch. You never know when you may need to call upon this contact's expertise or guidance in the future. Send a simple e-mail greeting once a year or take him/her to lunch. It will go a long way in building a secure network that you can lean on professionally.

Barbara Limmer is Director of Career Management Programs, Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management. Barbara Limmer oversees the student preparation functions of the Career Management Center, including job-search related workshops and programs, individual career advising, and the Graduate Associate Program.

Prior to coming to Thunderbird in December 1997, she spent 11 years working in human resources, with positions involving recruiting, training and employee relations for companies including AlliedSignal, Bank of America, MetLife Capital Corp., and Aldus Corp (now Adobe). Ms. Limmer also worked as a “headhunter” in New York City while attending graduate school and as a career advisor at UCSB and UCLA.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:35 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Networking = Relationship Building

By Barbara Limmer

Director of Career Management Programs

Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management

Know Your Objective

Networking is the gathering and sharing of information - an ongoing process of relationship building. The main keys to networking are understanding your objective and continuing your relationship.

Are you gathering information for job search purposes, conducting market research, investigating new business development opportunities, or are you searching for a support network in your professional field?

Brainstorming for Contacts

Once you know why you're networking, the first step is to brainstorm about whom you know or anyone who might know something/someone related to your purpose. The goal is to create a succinct, targeted list that can be built upon.

Consider this example: You are interested in applying for a job at United Parcel Service (UPS) in Atlanta , but don't know anyone who works there; you do, however, know family friends who live in Atlanta . Take the opportunity to investigate whether they have any UPS connections or know of anyone else in Atlanta who does.

What other ways might you develop contacts?

· Your school's alumni office: Are any alumni affiliated with your field/company of interest/objectives?

· Magazine articles: Search for professionals who have been quoted in articles related to your purpose. Let them know that you read about them in the magazine and would like to speak further with them about the highlighted topic.

· Professional Associations: Major libraries have lists or directories of professional associations. Set goals of making contact with 10 people per meeting, or take a leadership role in the organization.

· Building a Pyramid of Contacts: Never end a networking appointment without asking, “Do you know anyone else I should contact?” This is how your network continues to grow - like a pyramid.

How to Make Contact

There is no best way to make contact. Consider what your relationship is with the person; only you can decide whether it is most appropriate to call, send a letter or an e-mail.

But it is important, as always, to do your homework. Research the contact's company, and find out as much about the person as possible. Also think about how you can return the favor. Can you provide an article that will be of interest to the person? Can you offer a valuable skill set to the company?

If your networking purpose is to seek job opportunities, make sure you know your strengths and how they relate to the contact's business. You should be prepared with a 30 second commercial - a brief explanation of your employment background, what you are currently doing and your goals. It is also important - whether in face-to-face or written communication - to ask for permission to follow up.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:34 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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A Simple First Step to Networking

By Keith F. Luscher

Author

“Don't Wait Until You Graduate! How to ‘Jump-Start' Your Career While Still in School “

You probably have heard a lot about how important it is to network--getting to know as many people as you can who can open up doors of opportunity. For many, the whole process seems overwhelming. Want in on a simple, first step? The answer is simple. Adopt a mentor.

Perhaps the advice should be: Have a mentor adopt you. A mentor is usually a professional person in a top level within an organization (or profession) who counsels, advises and guides a less-experienced individual. A mentor can be great if you have a fairly clear idea of what you want to do for a living. By associating closely with someone in the field, you can learn all kinds of insights that you won't get in the classroom.

A mentor can even help you be sure you are making the right decision as far as your career is concerned.

You can learn all kinds of important things from a mentor:

· You can observe them “in action” in the courtroom, meeting room, office, with customers, or wherever they work.

· You can learn how they came to be in their positions. You'll hear about their pitfalls as well as their victories. Don't be surprised when they tell you they started out going in a completely different direction.

· Mentors can inform you of different types of positions in their field, most often because they have held most of them as they have advanced in their careers.

· You can gain a clearer career direction for yourself, from their guidance in academic choices and outside activities.

· With their connections with you as well as other people, they may be able to help you find opportunities to serve and learn.

Mentors can be great. The trick is finding one yourself if your college doesn't have a structured mentoring program. If it doesn't, here's what you can do:

· Check your career-guidance office and ask about finding a mentor. A counselor should be able to help you out.

· Call some local chapters of the professional organizations for your chosen field. An official there may also be able to mention it at the next meeting (don't be surprised if they invite you) or even run a blurb in the newsletter. While you have them on the phone, don't forget to ask about volunteer opportunities!

· Consider looking to a college teacher or professor for assistance.

· Lastly, think of whom you know already!

Many professional people are very willing to become mentors once someone asks them. They often see it as a chance to help a younger person out and to give back to a profession that has done very well for them.

Keith F. Luscher is a consultant, speaker, and author of Don't Wait Until You Graduate! How to “Jump-Start” Your Career While Still in School, available in your local bookstore. He invites--and responds to--your questions, comments and experiences. He can be reached via e-mail at keithluscher@aol.com .

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:34 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 293 of 356

services. Environmental consulting was still eluding her. One evening in Boston she ran into a friend who happened to be employed at the environmental consulting firm that was at the top of her list, where she had applied, without success, many months previously. Her friend encouraged her to re-apply. Much to Jennie's surprise the firm still had the original résumé, but she submitted a revised version to highlight her additional skills. She was quickly called in for an interview, which resulted in second and third interviews. Following the last meeting, she wrote strong letters to the four people whom she had met. She included information that reinforced issues discussed in the interview.

Follow-up, follow-up.

Less Money, But a Brighter Future

Jennie followed up this way on all her interviews during the six-week period. She received three simultaneous job offers, but the choice was really between two: one as a researcher in environmental consulting and the other a research writer in financial services. The latter paid $10,000 more than the former, but Jennie decided to go with her dream job in environmental consulting.

This job search, resulting in a job she really wanted and that positions her well for the future, was a lot of hard work. She was amazed at what she accomplished in less than two months by rigorously applying the Five O'Clock Club methodology. And now come the next steps: settling into the new job, keeping her skills fresh-and managing her career for the long run.

Sharon Kassakian is Career Coach of the Five O'Clock Club. She is former Assistant Director Career Services Center , Kean University . http://www.fiveoclockclub.com/

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:33 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Last Job Search Guide - Page 292 of 356

Job Search For Young People: A Five O'Clock Club Case Study

By Sharon Kassakian

Five O'Clock Club Coach

One of the unwritten rules for career coaches is never try to counsel a spouse! Sometimes, however, sons and daughters are more receptive to advice-in my case, the fact that I am both a career advisor at a college and a Five O'Clock Club counselor might have carried some weight.

Having heard me talk about the Five O'Clock Club for years, my daughter Jennie decided to put the Club methodology to work. For example, we never tire of pointing out that networking is one of the four ways to generate interviews. Direct contact is often not given its due, since people usually misidentify direct contact as networking (direct contact means reaching out to someone when you don't have a networking lead). Search firms and ads are the other two sources of interview leads.

Acquiring Experience to Improve the Résumé

Jennie majored in biology with an environmental concentration, and minored in economics. She dreamed of landing a job as an Environmental Consultant. During her senior year, two environmental consulting firms came to campus to recruit. She was selected to be interviewed by one and was actually offered a job in Washington , D.C. She turned this down because she did not want to move to that area. The other was based in Boston -where she really wanted to work-but, after reviewing her résumé, the recruiter decided not to interview her because her skills “did not match their needs.”

Somewhat demoralized, she decided to follow a crucial piece of Five O'Clock Club advice: if you don't have the experience you need, get it. To make herself more marketable she accepted a five-month paid internship at the University of Maine to conduct underwater lobster research. One of Jennie's passions is scuba diving and the internship offered her the opportunity to hone her research skills and do something she loved-even though the water temperature was only 54 degrees!

If you don't have the experience you need, get it!

A Second Target: Part of the Strategy

At the end of the internship she renewed her job search. Her primary target had not changed: she still wanted to work at an environmental consulting firm in Boston . Because there weren't many such firms in Boston , she expanded her search by developing a second target (based on experience gained through another internship): financial services companies. With excellent writing, research and analytical skills there were many things she could do. First, she contacted an employment agency that concentrated in the financial service field. She was sent on a number of interviews for administrative assistant positions for which she was clearly overqualified and which did not interest her.

The jobs that were of interest (i.e., entry level financial analyst positions), were usually filled by the campus recruiters. Because she had already graduated, she did not have access to these people. Although she knew there were jobs at these firms, getting to the right people with the right message proved to be very difficult. She risked everything one day by being candid with an HR officer. She answered the question ‘What would she like to do?' by telling the recruiter exactly what she wanted to do. Apparently from her résumé and presentation the recruiter saw her as a desirable candidate and passed her résumé on. As a result she was interviewed for a position as a writer- researcher, which was of great interest.

A Friend Encourages Her to Re-apply

Jennie intensified her efforts, and during a six-week period lined up interviews for several positions, in some cases being asked back for second and third interviews-primarily in her secondary target, financial

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 5:29 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

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Search Jobs

Search Content

Last Words

Who Else Do You Know?

Other Opportunities to Build Relationships

A Tip for Students: Know Your Teachers

Part II: How to Get Started

Building Contacts and Building Relationships: The Fundamental Differences

Building Relationships: Simple But Not Easy

“So, when do I get to talk?”

Key Objectives to an Informational Interview

Life's Most Important Skill

How to Listen

The Informational Interview

Building Contacts

Part I.: What is Networking?

Introduction To Networking

By Dr. Daniel Ferguson, Pittsburgh State University ,

and Dr. Richard Paulsen, Michigan State University ,

Co-Coordinators of the Global International Internship Congress

By Dr. Daniel Ferguson, Pittsburgh State University ,

and Dr. Richard Paulsen, Michigan State University ,