Brought to you by Career and Employment Services Schenectady County Community College 222 Elston Hall (518)381-1365 ces@sunysccc.

edu

Table of Contents
1) Career Development Theories and it s Impact on 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10)

Education and Career Choices Getting to Know Yourself Career Exploration Getting to Your Destination Becoming a Professional Networking Written Communication Searching for Opportunities The Interview Keeping the Job

The road to success is always under construction

~Lily Tomlin

Career Development: A lifelong process

Although there are many theories on Career Development and how different factors impact our decisions regarding career and education, most will agree that the overall goal of career counseling and planning is to work toward a career goal that you will get some sort of satisfaction from. At this point in life, most of us have some idea of the things we are good at, the things we enjoy, and the type of environment we like to be in. We seek these out and continue to develop not only our personal identities, but our work identities as well. The work environments that will suit us the best are those that intertwine the two and allow us to develop personally and professionally. Therefore, it is important for us to know how our identities will impact our reaction to our environments.

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom

~Aristotle

It is important to gain a personal understanding of yourself and how you respond to the world around you. Take time to uncover your personal traits, strengths, motivators, values, needs, skills and wants. Click on topics below for worksheets and links to help you get to know yourself.
 What do you like to do?

What are your skills? How do they relate to one another?

 http://www.personalitypathways.com/type_inventory.html y A fun link to help you determine your personality and how it relates to different careers.

Learning About Yourself-Part 1

Make a list of 10 memorable experiences that have made a difference in your life.
What did you learn from those experiences? How were you involved; what impact did you have on the experiences? How did those experiences influence future decisions?
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Learning About Yourself-Part 2

Now make a list of your personal talents, knowledge, and experience.
Specialized Training/Education? Knowledge gained from personal experiences or self teachings? Expectations others have for you or that you place on yourself? Skills you enjoy using during employment or community service?
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Learning About Yourself-Part 3

Now write down your thoughts about how the experiences you ve encountered, along with the talents you possess could relate to new opportunities you would like to explore.
For example, you ve always enjoyed and excelled in sports. You also notice that family and friends tend to come to you to help resolve conflicts. How could these two talents be combined and applied in the future?

Formal Assessment
If you are still unclear about which career path is for you, a formal assessment may help. The following assessment tools are available in Career and Employment Services:
y

DISCOVER- A computerized program which will help you to assess your interests, values and skills. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator- An assessment which will help you to learn how your personality type relates to different careers. StrengthsQuest-An assessment to help determine your strengths and how they relate to building your career.

To make an appointment for Career Counseling call(518) 381-1365

If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking

~Buddhist Proverb

Research
 Now that you have identified your core talents, values, skills and motivations, you can begin to gather information on career paths that fit with your qualities.  Onet  Occupational Outlook handbook  Bureau of Labor Statistics  SCCC Career Guides  Network with professionals in the fields that interest you
y y

Identify Alumni and Professionals through Career Office Perform informational interviews and attend career related events

You can t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water
~Rabindranath Tagore

 Do you need additional education or training?

y

Talk to a Transfer Counselor

 Do you need additional experience?

y

Internships and volunteer work can help to provide you with relevant experience and training that many employers are looking for.

 Do you need access to additional resources for special circumstances and diverse

populations.  Information for persons with disabilities  Information on nontraditional careers  Information for veterans  Information for diverse populations  Information for ex-offenders Want to meet with a Career Professional? Stop by Elston Hall, Room 223 or Call 518.381-1365 for an appointment.

Additional Resources for Persons With Disabilities

y ADA Transition Services at Schenectady County y y y y y

Community College TRIO 55b and c New York State and Local Civil Service Employment Information Workforce Recruitment Program (for students with disabilities) American s with Disabilities Act VESID

Nontraditional Careers
Information Reasons to Consider A Nontraditional Career Nontraditional Programs at SCCC Links for Nontraditional Careers

What is a Nontraditional Career?

 A nontraditional career is one in which there is a gender

imbalance (where less than 25% of the workers are either males or females). For example, in New York State, men are less than 25% of registered nurses; women are less than 25% of police.

 Career choice is significantly influenced by tradition and the way

we have been socialized; therefore, men and women are often unaware of the variety of alternatives that are available to them.

 The purpose of identifying nontraditional options is to foster

interest in and access to these careers with the goal of opening up these professions to the under-represented gender.

Why Consider a Nontraditional Career?

Interesting and rewarding employment opportunities Higher wages and better benefits Opportunities for advancement Increased job satisfaction
For additional information or to schedule an appointment to speak with Nontraditional Staff, please contact: Margaret Anne Williams, Nontraditional Student Counselor Student Development Center-Elston 223 (518) 381-1337 williama@sunysccc.edu Dawn Jones, Nontraditional Career Specialist Student Development Center, Elston 223 (518) 381-1334 jonesda@sunysccc.edu

Programs That Lead to Nontraditional Careers

Women
Aviation Science Business Administration Computer Support Technology Criminal Justice Culinary Arts Nanoscale Materials Technology Emergency Management Fire Protection Music Business

Men

Accounting Early Childhood Education Nursing* Paralegal *In conjunction with Ellis Hospital

Links for Nontraditional Careers

 National Alliance for Partnership in Equity-http://www.napequity.org/  National Institute for Women in Trades, Technology, & Science (policing included)-

http://www.iwitts.com/
 Nontraditional Careers for Women-http://www.iseek.org/sv/10112.jsp  US Department of Labor, Women s Bureau-http://www.dol.gov/wb/  New York State Project for Nontraditional Employment and Training-

http://www.albany.edu/nontraditionalcareers
 Women Tech World e-mentoring-http://www.womentechworld.org/ementoring.htm  Women Work!-http://www.womenwork.org  The American Assembly for Men in Nursing-http://www.aamn.org/  iseek-Nontraditional Careers for Men-http://www.iseek.org/sv/10114.jsp

Resources for Diverse Populations

y Quintessential Careers y Riley Guide

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Become Involved
The best way to begin establishing a professional history is to become actively involved in activities that connect you to other individuals who are working in or interested in the field you wish to pursue.
 Join campus clubs, professional organizations, social

groups, charities, on-line groups, and attend regional networking events.  This includes becoming actively involved in your courses by going to class, completing assignments on time, being prepared, engaging in class discussions, and following up with teachers when absent.

Character is much easier kept than recovered.

~Thomas Paine

Your Digital Footprint: What it Says About You

What is a digital footprint you ask?
Simply put, it is the information that you post on the internet and is stored by others in databases that can be accessed by the public or selected authorities.
y y y y y y y

Those pictures or comments from you or your friends on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Linkedin, etc. Blogging, text messaging, emailing, downloads, videos and picture uploads Your credit history Your driving record Previous convictions or public arrest notices Letters to the editor, newsletters, any published work Traffic and security cameras

Most employers are now conducting internet searches and/or background checks on prospective employees before making a decision to hire.
y Consider making your pages private and leave the discussion about last night s game of

beer pong for your private email. y Develop a professional blog where you can discuss industry trends or comment on other s articles or blogs in the industry. y Join online groups associated with your industry and participate in online discussions. y Work toward improving your credit rating, driving record and public relations.

Background Checks
y In addition to informal background checks, many

employers conduct formal background checks or require clearance to be employed by them such as helping professions, professions in direct contact with disabled, elderly or child populations, and many government jobs. y Be honest about anything that comes up. An arrest or conviction does not necessarily exclude you from employment in many jobs. Know your rights.

Relationships of trust depend on our willingness to look not only to our own interests, but also the interests of others.
~ Peter Farquharson

Networking
Ask not what others can do for you, but what you can do for others. Think of networking as more of an investment in others and less of who you know and how they can help you get the job you want. Those connections will come naturally as you develop relationships based on true interest and willingness to be involved in meaningful ways.

Sources for Networking

y Family and Relatives and their friends/family y Professors/Teachers and their contacts y Friends and their friends/family y Classmates and their friends/family y Participate in Volunteer/Internship or Apprenticeship programs y Membership in community organizations, churches, athletic teams, associations, lodges, private clubs, adult education classes and anything else that brings you in contact with others y Applying in person y Mailing a targeted cover letter to a company that you researched in advance y Reviewing business news to see who is moving, expanding, or opening y Introduce yourself at establishments that you visit frequently y Schedule informational interviews with businesses you are interested in y Visit public libraries and book stores and view the literature in their career section

Click here for a networking worksheet

Networking Sheet
List 10 people you know List people they know List 10 businesses

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one.
~Baltasar Gracin

Before you Begin

 Be sure the information you are including is honest and accurate.  You must be able to discuss the information you put on your resume.  Consequences for including false or misleading information on your resume can be serious and if you are hired based on that information you can lose your job even years down the road.  What you will need:  Paper  Pen or pencil  Names of past employers and dates of employment.

Taking Inventory
 Start with 6 pieces of blank paper. Title each with the headings: education,

work, activities, honors and awards, interests and miscellaneous.

off-campus study.

 Education: List colleges and universities attended, exchange programs, and

 Work: List all jobs held-full or part time, paid or unpaid.  Activities: List everything you have done now and in high school, in terms of

organized groups, teams, clubs, community involvements, etc.

 Honors and Awards: List scholarships, class standing, special recognitions

and academic achievements.

 Interests: List hobbies, travel experiences, special talents.  Miscellaneous: List everything you have left out thus far.

 Now it s time to start editing. Under each section ask yourself the

following questions:

 Are there things on this list that I feel a sense of pride about?  Can I make these things relate to what a prospective employer

might be looking for? For example, being a member of a fraternity may not be important to an employer, however, the fact that you organized philanthropic functions to help the community may be. And although your job flipping hamburgers may not seem relevant to you, the fact that you were a conscientious worker during that job may be very important to the employer. personality.

 Which things on my list show my strengths and other aspects of my

 Which activities have been superseded by more recent

involvements.

Putting it all Together

y Contact Information or Heading y Objective y Education y Honors and Awards y Experience y Skills/Certifications/Qualifications y References

Contact Information
Example

Arnold Smith
184 Baldwin Road, Williamston, MA 04276 Home: (413) 423-4432 ~ Work: (413) 662-4200 Internet: smitha@jobwanted.com
 Every resume must include your name and the

address where you can be reached.

y Telephone numbers are very important to include since most

employers prefer this means of communication. y Make sure that the number you leave will be answered appropriately or has a professional sounding voicemail. y Email addresses are optional, but be sure the address you list reflects positively on your character. It is best to set up an email account that you use only for work related correspondence.

Job Objective
For some, this is the most difficult part of writing a resume. Remember that most employers prefer a carefully worded, targeted objective as opposed to a vague statement. You may want to have a few versions of your resume with objectives that are geared toward each type of job you are applying for. Click here for examples.

Examples of Targeted Objective Statements:

To secure a position as a computer programmer,

analyzer, or designer.
Because of past involvement in environmental

research and land use policy, I am seeking a market research position with a firm managing natural resources.

Education
It is common for students or recent grads to start their resumes with an Education section. However, there is no rule that says it has to be first. It just works out best for many students to highlight academic accomplishments in the beginning to catch an employer s eye. An EDUCATION section can include extremely relevant courses, G.P.A. , High School (particularly if you were active in clubs or charitable causes), honors and awards, language proficiency and computer skills.

B.A. Sociology May 1996 SUNY College at Potsdam Potsdam, NY y Exposure to computer, cartography , surveying y One week internship in Quebec City; took aerial photos, conversed in French y Minor in French A.S. Human Services June 1993 Schenectady County Community College Schenectady, NY y GPA: 3.32/4.0

Honors and Awards

 G.P.A. 3.4; Dean s List five semesters  Good Student Scholarship Finalist: One of twenty students to receive the highest scholarship honor award of the College, based on academic achievement, campus leadership and community service.
Students who have been the recipients of numerous honors and awards often have a tendency to put everything down on a resume. It is better to select those which present a composite picture of your strengths than to list all of your triumphs.

Experience
 Whether you begin with a position title or the name of the

organization is a matter of preference.  Group the most relevant experiences on top or create sub categories for types of experience.  It is not necessary to list every job you ve held. High school jobs, unless particularly relevant, can be left off as long as you have 3-4 more recent jobs.  Related volunteer and internship positions can also be listed here.  Use short descriptive phrases that include power words to list your major job duties.  Be sure to write past experiences in the past tense, use present tense for current jobs or activities. Examples

Experience
Samples PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE
Senior Project, Colby College, Waterville, ME (Jan. 1993)
y Analyzed the data flow of the College s maintenance department y Created a database to handle an inventory of over 2200 items as well as all

invoices for a maintenance department (up to 50 daily)

COUNSELING EXPERIENCE
Migrant Tutorial Outreach Intern, Boston, MA Tutored junior and senior high school students from migrant farming families Assessed academic subjects that needed to be strengthened Assisted students on an individual basis Coordinated subject matter with students teachers Spring 1993

Power Words
When describing your job duties, use words that convey action. For example:
Accelerated Analyzed Composed Demonstrated Empowered Excelled Grew Initiated Led Organized Promoted Researched Stimulated Updated Wrote Accommodated Budgeted Counseled Developed Envisioned Facilitated Identified Interpreted Maintained Performed Recruited Repaired Supervised Upgraded Advanced Coached Customized Drafted Evaluated Fulfilled Implemented Introduced Motivated Planned Reinforced Satisfied Transformed Valued Achieved Committed Dedicated Educated Examined Generated Increased Launched Operated Prepared Related Shaped Trained Visualized

Qualifications/Skills/Certifications
y If listing your qualifications, you should list those

things that relate to your industry or field such as specific certifications, computer skills, spoken languages, and any other abilities that might make you the ideal candidate. y This can be done in one section or separate sections or even in combination with other sections in your resume.

References
y In most cases, references are left off of the resume

entirely and only submitted after the prospective employer has requested them. y Many people choose to include this information on a separate page ready to hand an employer if requested. In this case, it should have the same heading as your resume and be in the same format. y References should be past employers or coworkers who can speak about your work ethic and habits as well as your abilities. y References should NOT be family members or friends.

GLENDA F. SMITH
10 Cream Cake Drive, Schenectady, NY 12304 * (518) 355-1234 * Glena.smith@aol.com

Event Planning, Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management

Seeking a full-time, Event Planner/Catering position

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT

To see more resume samples or to make an appointment with Career and Employment Services call (518)381-1365. Or stop in during walk in hours every Monday and Tuesday from 1:00-3:00 pm Elston 223

The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center. Albany, NY (Sept. 2002 - Present) Special Events Assistant
y Assisted in conceptual, planning, and execution stages of both the 03 & 04 New Years Eve Celebrations (attraction over 1,200 guests) and the 17 th & 18th Annual American Wine Festivals (attracting over 3,000 guests throughout out the three day event). Solicited vendors, suppliers, printers, wineries & advertising sponsors for both events. Processed guest & exhibitor registrations in database. Complied & set-up program information for graphic artist before printing. Crossed trained to serve in Reservations, Operations and Executive departments within the hotel.

y y y y

Blue Moon Catering. Mechanicville, NY (Aug. 2002 - 2007 / Fasig Tipton at Saratoga) -Seasonal Pantry Chef
y y Created appetizers, salads, sandwiches & dessert specials for dining room customers. Assisted in banquet preparation and carving station service for catered private auctions & elite clientele parties for up to 200 guests.

Chrissys Cakes. Scotia, NY (Oct.1990 - Present) Free Lance Cake Designer and Independent Baker y Created, designed and sold over 1,000 cakes for Birthdays, Bridal Showers, Weddings and other special events y
to corporate and residential customers. Designed & created petite pastry & cookie trays, holiday, specialty pies, including molded & hand-dipped confections.

First National Bank of Scotia. Scotia, NY (1988 - May 2001) Indirect Marketing Representative
y Crossed trained to serve in all departments with in the banking industry.

EDUCATION
Long Island University/Southampton Campus, Southampton, NY Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies (May 2004) Schenectady County Community College, Schenectady, NY Associate in Applied Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management (Dec. 2002) Associate in Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts-Baking (May 2002) (Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Member / GPA 3.97)

PRACTICAL TRAINING
Bakery Assistant Intern. J & S Watkins Home Baked Gourmet Desserts. (Mar. 2002 - Jul. 2002) Garde Manger Assistant & Rounds Person Intern. Volume Services America. (2002 Belmont Stakes) Assistant Dessert Chef & Assistant Pantry Chef Pantry Intern. Panzas Restaurant. (May - Aug. 2001) Rounds Person/ Service Volunteer. Glen Sanders Mansion Catering (Dec. 2001 & Feb. 2002) Prep-Cook Volunteer. Regional Farm & Food Project Benefit (Sept. 2001) Winery Exhibit Volunteer. Saratoga Global Wine & Food Festival (May 2001)

References Available Upon Request

Things to Keep in Mind

 No matter what you include in your resume, the format should

remain the same throughout.  Limit your resume to relevant information (adjust accordingly).  Be sure to check spelling and grammar.  Keep your descriptions crisp and clear.  Make sure your resume is visually balanced.  Avoid using templates, they are difficult to change later. If you like the look of a template, format your document to look similar by using the tools in your word processor.  Use a good quality resume or bond paper, but avoid trendy colors.  Have others review your resume for you.  Click here for a resume example.

The Cover Letter

y A cover letter is written specifically for each resume you send and if at all possible addressed to a particular person. If you re unsure of who it should go to, call the company and ask. Be sure to get the correct spelling. y If you have a connection in a company, ask for permission to use their name in your letter. Include it in the first sentence. If you don t have a connection, your first sentence should include how you learned of the position. y The purpose of a cover letter is to convince the recipient to read your resume and hopefully request a personal interview with you. Highlight a few main points of your resume but don t rewrite your resume. y Use a business style format with single spacing and no indentation on paragraphs. Be sure that the text is centered and balanced and not jammed into the top or bottom of the page. y After the last paragraph, leave one line space and then type your closing followed by a comma. Leave five additional line spaces and type your name, then sign your name in blue or black ink between the closing and your printed name. y Be sure to check for errors in spelling and grammar. y Use the same stationary used for your resume. y Always keep a copy of the letter you ve written to a specific company for reference. y Click here for examples.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER MICHAEL SMITH

1111 Washington Avenue Schenectady, New York 12305 518/372-1234 * michael.smith@yahoo.com May 13, 2007 Ms. Jane Jones Corporate Recruiter IBM Human Resource Office 1000 North Plaza Drive Fishkill, New York 12789 Dear Ms. Jones: After reviewing your companys Web site, I was excited to see that you have openings for Electronic Technicians at your Fishkill facility. I would be an excellent candidate. (Reason for writing, name of position, and mention how you heard of the opening.) My recent Electrical Technology training allowed me to take additional coursework in areas of Nano Material Science and Networking Systems which will support your companys leadership in the Tech Valley movement in New York State. (Next 1-3 paragraphs should highlight your connection to industry/position and how your expertise and/or initiative has prepared you for this opportunity.) I worked closely with faculty members to bring technology experts on campus to share current trends and technological theories that are important to those pursuing related careers. Due to those panel discussions, I was able to secure an internship at SuperPower in Schenectady. This opportunity allowed me to train alongside excellent co-workers on unique testing equipment that ensured the accuracy of the equipment and the quality of the output. It also reassured me that this industry is where I wish to make a significant contribution. As a re-careering adult student with 10 years of manufacturing experience, Im proud to say Im considered a top student by faculty due to my excellent grades, and more importantly, my ability to bring out the best in my peers. Im a career oriented person who is ready to grow with the demands of this ever changing industry and to help position IBM as a continued leader. I have applied online, but felt it necessary to share my interest with you directly. I will follow up in the next two weeks to understand my status as a candidate and if a phone call can be arranged to better understand your future workforce needs. (Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for further interaction with the company to determine their hiring process and your standing as a candidate.) Sincerely,

Michael Smith
Michael Smith Enclosure: Resume

If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.

~ Milton Berle

Searching for Opportunities

 NETWORKING only 15-20% of jobs are actually advertised. Ask friends, family and 

  

associates for information about their companies or jobs. They ll enjoy telling you about them and will be more forthcoming with contacts and additional information. REGISTER WITH EASE (SCCC Students and Alumnae only) Get access to Employer contact information and job opportunities posted specifically for our students and alumnae. Upload your resume for review by professional staff Find information on employment related topics including career guides for each of SCCC s majors. Links to additional online employment websites including the civil service website. Visit company websites to see which jobs they are hiring for. Apply in person to jobs. Many employers will meet with people at the time they apply. Even if they don t have a job at that time, you now have a new contact. Internet job sites such as Indeed will list ads from most other job search sites as well and you can have new results emailed to you daily.

Additional Resources
 Newspapers/Professional Journals (Times Union         

http://www.timesunion.com) New York State Dept of Labor (http://www.labor.state.ny.us) US Office of Personnel Management (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov) New York State Civil Service (http://www.cs.state.ny.us) New York Unified Court System (http://www.courts.state.ny.us/) County Civil Service Exams/Announcements (Albany, Sch'dy, Saratoga) Federal Job Listings (http://usajobs.opm.gov/) Staffing Services (Adecco, Manpower, etc.) Re-employment Centers (SJTA, Capital District Reemployment Center, VESID) College Career Centers (SCCC, UAlbany, Union College, HVCC, etc.) Local Job/Career Fair Events

One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.
~Benjamin Disreali

The Interview
y Dress for Success y Be Prepared y Getting Off to a Good Start y The Questions y Wrapping it Up

Dress for Success

Dressing nicely and appropriately is a compliment to

the person you meet, so if in doubt, err on the side of dressing better than you might need to.
Even if you are aware that employees of an

organization dress casually on the job, dress up for the interview unless you are specifically told otherwise by the employer.
Click here for guidelines

Guidelines
 Suits: A two piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice. If you think the industry in which you're interviewing would frown on a suit, or the interview will involve going to a work site where a suit would be inappropriate, look for advice through professional organizations, your professors who have been employed in that industry, and/or by asking the employer directly and politely.  Conservative colors / fabric: Navy, dark gray (and black for women) are safe. Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Solids or very subtle weave patterns or plaids (the kind that look solid across a room) are safest. Wool, wool blends, or good quality micro fiber for women only, are generally the best fabrics in all seasons. Avoid acetate / rayon blends.  Cost / quality: You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a corporate CEO. Do invest in quality that will look appropriate during your first two or three years on the job. One good quality suit is sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. You can vary your shirt/blouse tie/accessories.  Details: Everything should be clean and well pressed. Carefully inspect clothes for tags, dangling threads, etc.  Click here for more detailed information for Men and Women

For Women
 Suits-Pants should be creased and tailored, not tight or flowing. A skirt that ends at the knee

when you're standing also looks chic and professional. Longer narrow skirts are professional too; just make sure they are not so narrow that you can't climb stairs comfortably.
 Wear a blouse in a color or small print that coordinates nicely with your suit. A fine gauge, good

quality knit shell is also appropriate underneath your suit jacket. Don't show cleavage.
 Jewelry- keep choices simple and leaning toward conservative.  Makeup Be conservative. A little is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails should

be clean and well groomed with no or subtle color. Avoid wearing strong perfumes.
 Shoes - Closed-toe pumps are the best choice. You may be taken on a tour of the site so be certain

you can walk comfortably in your shoes. No stilettos or chunky platforms.

 Hosiery- even if you have the perfect tan, wear plain, sheer (not opaque), neutral colors

complementing your suit. Avoid high contrast between your suit and hosiery color.
 Purse - Keep it small and simple. Purse color should coordinate with your shoes. You may choose

to carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. Leather is the best choice for briefcases; micro fiber or fine wovens are also acceptable.

For Men
 A two-piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice. Don't combine a suit jacket with pants that don't match. Everything should be clean and well pressed with all tacking stitches and outer labels removed.  Choose conservative colors like navy and dark gray. Black for men may still be considered too formal in very conservative industries. Choose a solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid (the kind that look solid across a room).  Select good quality silk ties and avoid fashion extremes, like character ties, in interviews.  Long-sleeved dress shirts (button down collar) should be worn, even in summer. Choose white or light blue solid, or conservative stripes.  Wear dark socks that match your pants. They should be mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down.  Shoes should be leather, lace-up or slip-on business shoes, preferably black or brown.  Your belt should be black or brown leather, to match your shoes.  If you have facial hair it should be well-groomed. Beards, in general, should not be worn to an interview.  Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other jewelry, be conservative. Removing earrings is safest.

Be Prepared
Begin your preparation at least a few days in advance if

possible.

 Have all clothing cleaned and pressed.  Know who you will be interviewing with and where the

interview will take place.  Prepare at least three questions to ask prospective employers.  Have extra copies of your resume, certificates and references.  If you are not driving yourself, make sure you know how you will get there and have a back up plan just in case.

Getting Off to a Good Start

 Arrive on time or a few minutes early  Greet the receptionist  Go alone - If you need to have someone else drive you, have them

wait in the car  Have all of your information available, including drivers license, Social Security card, employment and reference information, your resume and any other important documentation such as professional licenses  Offer the interviewer a firm handshake  Establish eye contact  Smile, listen attentively and speak clearly  If you did not send the interviewer a resume, this is a good time to give it to them -Bring an extra copy just in case

The Questions
Make sure your answers to questions are clear and

concise. It s best to have answers to questions and how you can apply them to variations of those questions well thought out in your head. Never answer a question with That s never happened to me and leave it at that. If you have honestly never dealt with a scenario that the employer presents, tell them how you would handle it if the situation arose.

Sample Questions an Employer Might Ask

Tell me about yourself. What made you choose your career? Why are you interested in this company? What is your major strength/weakness? What do you know about our company? Describe a problem you encountered and how you dealt with it. Where do you see yourself in three years? Describe an experience where you worked as a team. Describe a difficult person you had to work with and how you dealt with him/her.  How would a former employer/instructor describe you?  What kind of supervisor do you prefer?  Why should I hire you?
        

Sample Questions to Ask an Employer

 Please describe the duties of the job for me.  How often are performance reviews given?  Is this a new position or am I replacing someone?  What are your growth projections for the next year?  What do you like best about your job/company?  What qualities are you looking for in the candidate who fills this position?  What skills are especially important for someone in this position?  May I have a tour of the facility?  What is the next step? When should I expect to hear from you or should I contact you after a certain amount of time?

At the end of the Interview

Be sure to thank the interviewer by name. Ask when you might expect to hear about a decision

and when is appropriate to call if you haven t heard from them. Be sure to write a thank you letter any time an employer takes the time to meet with you.

Thank You Letter

No matter how well you feel you presented yourself during an interview, it s important to thank the interviewer for their time. It s also a good idea to highlight positives from the interview or to reiterate why you feel you would be a good fit for the company. You can find some good examples of thank you letters for everything from general interviews to damage control.

The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one.
~Oscar Wilde

Keeping the Job

Now that you ve landed the job and begun to settle in, keep in mind that although you are responsible for completing the necessary tasks, the job itself belongs to the company or agency you work for and they can appoint someone else to that position if they choose.
y Be present both physically and mentally and continually look for ways

to improve your skills. y Be flexible and offer to complete additional assignments when needed. y Complete tasks when they are assigned and avoid shortcuts that may lead to bad habits and incomplete work that piles up. y You never know who you may work with in the future, so it is always best to complete your work to the best of your ability and maintain positive working relationships.

Intellectual Property
Most businesses and agencies now have a policy regarding intellectual property, which is in simple terms any intangible asset that consists of human knowledge and ideas. It is generally accepted that if you develop materials or ideas on work equipment (i.e. computers) and time, Then it is owned by the employer. Employers also reserve the right to monitor your usage of such equipment including the internet, downloads and computer files.