By Angela Cooley
As the spring semester draws to a close, students are becoming more and more focused on finding a summer job or internship to gain some extra income and build their resumes, while graduating seniors are scrambling with interviews and applications in hopes of launching their careers and jumping head-first into life after college. Luckily, you can take LACD's great advice with you even after your time at Purdue has come to an end... in the form of our new ebook, Are You Career Conscious? From Collegiate to Professional.
This helpful guide will contain tips on everything you'll need to make your transition a successful one, whether you plan to pursue an advanced degree or enter the job market. From resumes to interviews, from job fairs to portfolio building, topics included will offer guidance from a career development office with its finger on the pulse of today's best practices. What's more, Are You Career Conscious? isn't just for seniors: the four-year plan informs students of what steps to take to prepare for the future while still in college, and our exclusive "Is Graduate School Right for Me?" flowchart will help make sense of the difficult decision many students face. Coming soon to the LACD website, this guide will be available as a free download to anyone!
Keep an eye on our twitter and website for the upcoming release!
Showing posts with label Angela Cooley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Angela Cooley. Show all posts
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
It's All In the Handshake
By Angela Cooley
"A firm handshake" is one of those interview tips that often gets ignored because of its simplicity. "My handshake is just fine," a jobseeker may grumble, but the truth is that something as basic as a handshake can really set the tone for the whole interview, even going so far as to factor into the hiring decision! Whether you think you need to or not, go out and practice shaking hands with someone and ask for some honest feedback to find out which category your handshake falls into...
"A firm handshake" is one of those interview tips that often gets ignored because of its simplicity. "My handshake is just fine," a jobseeker may grumble, but the truth is that something as basic as a handshake can really set the tone for the whole interview, even going so far as to factor into the hiring decision! Whether you think you need to or not, go out and practice shaking hands with someone and ask for some honest feedback to find out which category your handshake falls into...
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Monday, April 4, 2011
Lacking Inspiration? How to get Un-Stuck
By Angela Cooley
We've all been there: the deadline is approaching, and you know you can get this project done in enough time if you could only come up with the perfect idea... and you end up spending an hour staring at a blank page. Thought seems to screech to a halt while time slips away, and even after all the time you've invested, you're no closer to the finish line than when you started. Finding the right jumping-off point is an art, not a science, and I want to share a few tips that help me get "un-stuck" when inspiration is scarce.
Don't edit as you go.
Everything doesn't have to be perfect the first time around! I know it can be difficult, but resist the urge to self-edit too much in the early stages of a project, it completely stifles the creative process. If you spend less time shooting down your ideas and instead take them for a test drive, you can get a better sense of any problems or shortcomings. Then you can decide whether to discard it completely or work on its weak points; the solution you've been looking for might only be a tune-up away! When you have a substantial rough draft coming together, you can (and should) put your Super-Critical Hat back on and edit the tar out of it so your final result is as polished as possible.
If this method doesn't work, don't waste your time banging your head against the wall. Instead, do something else.
I know it seems counter-productive, but really, just walk away before you get too wound up to function. Work on something else, like a reading assignment, where you don't necessarily have to generate new content. If you have the luxury of free time, go ahead and take an hour to watch a TV show or spend a while just vegging out. You'll return to your task with a clear head and a fresh perspective.
These are the techniques I use to break out of writer's/designer's block, and I hope they'll help you overthrow whatever nasty block is giving you trouble.
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| www.iainclaridge.co.uk |
Don't edit as you go.
Everything doesn't have to be perfect the first time around! I know it can be difficult, but resist the urge to self-edit too much in the early stages of a project, it completely stifles the creative process. If you spend less time shooting down your ideas and instead take them for a test drive, you can get a better sense of any problems or shortcomings. Then you can decide whether to discard it completely or work on its weak points; the solution you've been looking for might only be a tune-up away! When you have a substantial rough draft coming together, you can (and should) put your Super-Critical Hat back on and edit the tar out of it so your final result is as polished as possible.
If this method doesn't work, don't waste your time banging your head against the wall. Instead, do something else.
I know it seems counter-productive, but really, just walk away before you get too wound up to function. Work on something else, like a reading assignment, where you don't necessarily have to generate new content. If you have the luxury of free time, go ahead and take an hour to watch a TV show or spend a while just vegging out. You'll return to your task with a clear head and a fresh perspective.
These are the techniques I use to break out of writer's/designer's block, and I hope they'll help you overthrow whatever nasty block is giving you trouble.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Expanding Your Job Search
By Angela Cooley
With spring break come and gone, the end of the school keeps drawing closer and soon-to-be-graduates all over campus are starting to ask each other about their plans for the future. While some are preparing to pursue an advanced degree, many students are venturing out into the job market, beginning their job search the same place they begin all of their searches: a simple Google search. There are so many job boards, finding an opening will be a cinch!
Well, that's at least half right... sure, you can find plenty of listings, just like the other 5,000 people who searched "HR jobs." What many young job-seekers don't understand is that the positions listed on popular job boards are seen and pursued by a ridiculous amount of people, your application can sometimes become a needle in a haystack. You may send multiple resumes and cover letters to potential employers, refreshing your email incessantly as you anxiously await to be invited to an interview... but then weeks pass, and you never hear a word from those companies. Your heart sinks; that cheery "Apply Now!" button suddenly seems to mock you...
But fear not! There is a secret place where many other job opportunities exist, often with even fewer applicants competing for the same position... it's called: "NOT THE INTERNET." That's right. You've got to talk to some real, live people. There are many job openings that are not even "advertised" because posting to the big-name sites costs big-name bucks, so networking and referrals can really help reveal some new opportunities. Tell everyone you know about the career you're building and hoping to pursue, and what do you know, it might turn out that your friend's boss's aunt knows a guy. Don't dismiss networking and asking around when looking for a job, because there are still some things Google just can't find.
With spring break come and gone, the end of the school keeps drawing closer and soon-to-be-graduates all over campus are starting to ask each other about their plans for the future. While some are preparing to pursue an advanced degree, many students are venturing out into the job market, beginning their job search the same place they begin all of their searches: a simple Google search. There are so many job boards, finding an opening will be a cinch!
Well, that's at least half right... sure, you can find plenty of listings, just like the other 5,000 people who searched "HR jobs." What many young job-seekers don't understand is that the positions listed on popular job boards are seen and pursued by a ridiculous amount of people, your application can sometimes become a needle in a haystack. You may send multiple resumes and cover letters to potential employers, refreshing your email incessantly as you anxiously await to be invited to an interview... but then weeks pass, and you never hear a word from those companies. Your heart sinks; that cheery "Apply Now!" button suddenly seems to mock you...
But fear not! There is a secret place where many other job opportunities exist, often with even fewer applicants competing for the same position... it's called: "NOT THE INTERNET." That's right. You've got to talk to some real, live people. There are many job openings that are not even "advertised" because posting to the big-name sites costs big-name bucks, so networking and referrals can really help reveal some new opportunities. Tell everyone you know about the career you're building and hoping to pursue, and what do you know, it might turn out that your friend's boss's aunt knows a guy. Don't dismiss networking and asking around when looking for a job, because there are still some things Google just can't find.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Improve the Look of Your Resume - Part 3
By Angela Cooley
Although resumes today are often submitted via email, there are still occasions when you’ll want to have printed copies on hand. Since you already know how to organize and style your resume, you don't want to undercut the great professional image you've created when presenting your materials to a potential employer!
1. Choose a quality paper
You don’t want to be stuck at that job fair or interview with a limp, wimpy sheet of generic printer paper. Higher quality paper stock shows that you took the extra time and effort to present yourself in a professional manner. Again, this doesn’t mean you should go over the top... do not pull a Legally Blonde and bust out the scented pink paper in an effort to stand out. Avoid dark colors too, they photocopy poorly. Packs of specifically labeled “Resume Paper” are available at most office stores, and if you’re not ready to commit to a whole ream, they’re also sold by the sheet at University Bookstore. Just remember: if your resume paper has a watermark (aren’t you classy), make sure that it’s not upside down or backwards on the final printout!
2. Go to a print/copy shop
A typical inkjet printer has lousy print quality, and if you're running low on ink, the horribleness increases exponentially. Please do not make the mistake of handing in a resume that is (unintentionally) tinted blue and covered in mysterious stripes. What's more, the dots of ink from an inkjet printer can make text appear fuzzy or uneven; the laser printers at a copy shop will produce a nice, crisp print.
3. Keep it consistent
Use the same style you established on your resume for your cover letter, reference sheet, business card, and even envelopes if you’re sending your resume or follow-up correspondence by mail. Creating a cohesive look for all of your materials makes you look just as put-together on paper as you’ll look in person, all suited up for the interview.
Although resumes today are often submitted via email, there are still occasions when you’ll want to have printed copies on hand. Since you already know how to organize and style your resume, you don't want to undercut the great professional image you've created when presenting your materials to a potential employer!
1. Choose a quality paper
You don’t want to be stuck at that job fair or interview with a limp, wimpy sheet of generic printer paper. Higher quality paper stock shows that you took the extra time and effort to present yourself in a professional manner. Again, this doesn’t mean you should go over the top... do not pull a Legally Blonde and bust out the scented pink paper in an effort to stand out. Avoid dark colors too, they photocopy poorly. Packs of specifically labeled “Resume Paper” are available at most office stores, and if you’re not ready to commit to a whole ream, they’re also sold by the sheet at University Bookstore. Just remember: if your resume paper has a watermark (aren’t you classy), make sure that it’s not upside down or backwards on the final printout!
2. Go to a print/copy shop
A typical inkjet printer has lousy print quality, and if you're running low on ink, the horribleness increases exponentially. Please do not make the mistake of handing in a resume that is (unintentionally) tinted blue and covered in mysterious stripes. What's more, the dots of ink from an inkjet printer can make text appear fuzzy or uneven; the laser printers at a copy shop will produce a nice, crisp print.
Inkjet vs Laser print quality
Image courtesy of http://judyonthenet.com
Image courtesy of http://judyonthenet.com
3. Keep it consistent
Use the same style you established on your resume for your cover letter, reference sheet, business card, and even envelopes if you’re sending your resume or follow-up correspondence by mail. Creating a cohesive look for all of your materials makes you look just as put-together on paper as you’ll look in person, all suited up for the interview.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Improve the Look of Your Resume - Part 2
By Angela Cooley
Last week, I listed some of the tools at your disposal when designing your resume. By far the most abused of those elements is the humble font. PC and Mac users alike have access to a large selection of different typefaces, from the plain and simple to the ornate and decorative.
This week's tip: Use classic fonts, not tired fonts.
Ah, Times New Roman. A perfectly acceptable choice, to be sure, but its tenure as a default font has rendered it dull through sheer overuse. If you want to switch things up a bit, stick with simple, clearly legible choices like Georgia, Garamond, Cambria, or Verdana. Now is not the time for Curlz MT. It’s never time for Curlz MT.
This is what you should ABSOLUTELY NEVER DO.
Size also matters when it comes to type, and 10 to 12pt is an acceptable range for your body text. Anything bigger than 12pt looks too clunky, and going smaller than 10pt gets too hard to read. If you need to shrink your text that small to fit it all on the page, you have too much text. Edit it down. Your headings, of course, can be a larger size, but please don't make your name 72pt... you'll look like an egomaniac.
You need not chain yourself to a single font, either: pairing a serif body text with a sans-serif header creates a pleasing contrast. If you're feeling adventurous, check out this article for an in-depth look at combining fonts.
You need not chain yourself to a single font, either: pairing a serif body text with a sans-serif header creates a pleasing contrast. If you're feeling adventurous, check out this article for an in-depth look at combining fonts.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Improve the Look of Your Resume: Tips from a Graphic Designer
By Angela Cooley
No matter what field you’re going into, attention to the visual details of your resume are important. The resume is often the first thing an employer sees when considering a candidate and creates a lasting first impression before you even set foot in an interview. Now, a spruced-up design won’t magically make a sub-par resume more impressive, but it will reflect how you present yourself and the pride you take in your work. With just a few simple tweaks, you can set yourself apart from similarly-qualified competitors—all without leaving the conservative “comfort zone” most industries demand.
This week's tip: Create a visual hierarchy.
Good organization should be the backbone of any resume design; it's extremely important that the reader be able to easily find specific information at a glance (employers don't exactly spend hours poring over each applicant's qualifications). What this means for us is that we need to establish headings and sub-headings that clearly distinguish each section of your resume from each other. You have a whole arsenal of tricks at your disposal!
- Font choice
- Font size
- ALL CAPS
- Bold
- Italic
- Underline
- Color
- Spacing/indentation
Sound simple enough? Good! Work on polishing that resume and stay tuned for more little tips that can make a big difference!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Career Week is Here!
By Angela Cooley
That's right everyone, it's finally here! We've had some great events this morning already. The day started with our Elevator Pitch Contest, where students gave it their all in front of the camera - be sure to view their YouTube videos and vote for your favorite. The winner gets a free suit from JC Penney! Liberal Arts Career Development Director Lisa Lambert Snodgrass gave students tips on resume writing at "Keeping Your Resume Out of the Circular File," and Stephanie Farlow explained how to use CCO Express to its fullest in her presentation, "Maximizing Your Job Search Using the Web." The CCO also offered critiques to help students fine-tune their resumes.
There's still more to come! Tonight at 6PM, nationally acclaimed speaker Yvonne Harvey Williams will present "How to Actively Engage in Your Job Search" in Lawson 1142. Yvonne speaks from her own personal experiences to inspire others to pursue their dreams; when she visited Purdue in the fall of 2009, I was wowed by her life story. I know I can't wait to hear her speak tonight! A reception with food provided by HungryBoiler.com will be held in the Lawson lobby prior to the presentation.
And this is just day 1! Remember, if you attend 5 events throughout the week you can enter to win a free iPad provided by www.BoilerCribs.com! Simply pick up an event scorecard and get it stamped by a Career Development rep at the end of each event. Once you get your 5 stamps, turn it in before 5PM on Thursday, February 24 to enter the drawing. Check out our full schedule of events and get to work filling up those scorecards!
That's right everyone, it's finally here! We've had some great events this morning already. The day started with our Elevator Pitch Contest, where students gave it their all in front of the camera - be sure to view their YouTube videos and vote for your favorite. The winner gets a free suit from JC Penney! Liberal Arts Career Development Director Lisa Lambert Snodgrass gave students tips on resume writing at "Keeping Your Resume Out of the Circular File," and Stephanie Farlow explained how to use CCO Express to its fullest in her presentation, "Maximizing Your Job Search Using the Web." The CCO also offered critiques to help students fine-tune their resumes.
There's still more to come! Tonight at 6PM, nationally acclaimed speaker Yvonne Harvey Williams will present "How to Actively Engage in Your Job Search" in Lawson 1142. Yvonne speaks from her own personal experiences to inspire others to pursue their dreams; when she visited Purdue in the fall of 2009, I was wowed by her life story. I know I can't wait to hear her speak tonight! A reception with food provided by HungryBoiler.com will be held in the Lawson lobby prior to the presentation.
And this is just day 1! Remember, if you attend 5 events throughout the week you can enter to win a free iPad provided by www.BoilerCribs.com! Simply pick up an event scorecard and get it stamped by a Career Development rep at the end of each event. Once you get your 5 stamps, turn it in before 5PM on Thursday, February 24 to enter the drawing. Check out our full schedule of events and get to work filling up those scorecards!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Perfect Your Elevator Pitch and Win a Free Business Suit
By Angela Cooley
Your "elevator pitch" is a brief summary of who you are and what you can do, and as the name suggests, it shouldn't last any longer than a standard elevator ride. Whether you're networking with industry contacts or you've finally reached the front of the line at that job fair booth, you truly only have a few moments to make a stellar first impression and hook that person in to want to learn more about you. So, what does it take to craft a great elevator pitch?
1. Be brief. Don't launch into a huge list of everything you've done and try to recreate your resume; an overlong spiel will make your audience wish you would stop talking, which is exactly the opposite of what you're trying to achieve. Keep it down to 60 seconds or so.
2. Play up your most relevant skills and experiences. If you're having a hard time deciding what you can say that packs the most punch, brainstorm and create a list of all the good qualities, skills, and experiences you have to offer. Then, it's time for the elimination round: cut the list in half. Get rid of redundancies and focus on the claims that have the most evidence to back them up (saying you're "motivated" or "hardworking" isn't going to do any good if you can't think of an example of that trait in action). This isn't, however, just a platform on which to wax poetic about how awesome you are; make sure to convey how your skills can benefit the company.
3. Be flexible. Just like your resume, your pitch can (and should) be tailored to match your audience. Prepare a few different speeches for different situations, and if you know who you're going to be talking to, research the company and make sure to speak to the qualities they value.
4. Practice, practice, practice. Trot out your little speech as often as possible so it comes naturally, even when you're anxious. Try videotaping yourself so you can pick out nervous fidgeting or rushed speaking that you might not notice otherwise.
5. Don't fizzle out at the end. Concluding with "and, um, I guess that's it" isn't going to impress anyone. End your moment in the spotlight with a request to exchange business cards or meet for an interview, depending on the situation.
It's time to polish up those pitches! On Monday, February 21, Liberal Arts Career Week will kick of with an Elevator Pitch Contest in the Beering lobby. Entrants will pitch to our camera crew and videos will be posted to our YouTube channel for voting. The student with the top video will win a shopping session with JC Penney for a free business suit! Join us next Monday in the main lobby of Beering between 10AM - 12PM and show us what you've got!
Your "elevator pitch" is a brief summary of who you are and what you can do, and as the name suggests, it shouldn't last any longer than a standard elevator ride. Whether you're networking with industry contacts or you've finally reached the front of the line at that job fair booth, you truly only have a few moments to make a stellar first impression and hook that person in to want to learn more about you. So, what does it take to craft a great elevator pitch?
1. Be brief. Don't launch into a huge list of everything you've done and try to recreate your resume; an overlong spiel will make your audience wish you would stop talking, which is exactly the opposite of what you're trying to achieve. Keep it down to 60 seconds or so.
2. Play up your most relevant skills and experiences. If you're having a hard time deciding what you can say that packs the most punch, brainstorm and create a list of all the good qualities, skills, and experiences you have to offer. Then, it's time for the elimination round: cut the list in half. Get rid of redundancies and focus on the claims that have the most evidence to back them up (saying you're "motivated" or "hardworking" isn't going to do any good if you can't think of an example of that trait in action). This isn't, however, just a platform on which to wax poetic about how awesome you are; make sure to convey how your skills can benefit the company.
3. Be flexible. Just like your resume, your pitch can (and should) be tailored to match your audience. Prepare a few different speeches for different situations, and if you know who you're going to be talking to, research the company and make sure to speak to the qualities they value.
4. Practice, practice, practice. Trot out your little speech as often as possible so it comes naturally, even when you're anxious. Try videotaping yourself so you can pick out nervous fidgeting or rushed speaking that you might not notice otherwise.
5. Don't fizzle out at the end. Concluding with "and, um, I guess that's it" isn't going to impress anyone. End your moment in the spotlight with a request to exchange business cards or meet for an interview, depending on the situation.
It's time to polish up those pitches! On Monday, February 21, Liberal Arts Career Week will kick of with an Elevator Pitch Contest in the Beering lobby. Entrants will pitch to our camera crew and videos will be posted to our YouTube channel for voting. The student with the top video will win a shopping session with JC Penney for a free business suit! Join us next Monday in the main lobby of Beering between 10AM - 12PM and show us what you've got!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Need to Get Motivated? 10 Songs to Kick it Into Gear
By Angela Cooley
Everyone has a hard time getting motivated from time to time, and the recent snow recess proved no exception. Students throughout the Midwest pondered that critical dilemma: do I use this snow day to forge ahead on that important project looming ominously on the horizon, or to indulge in an all-day marathon of watching Dexter and “decorating” the neighborhood snowmen with Hawaiian Punch?
When the landscape around you is constantly screaming “SLED ON ME,” it can be hard to buckle down and get to work, but unexpected free time really is a great chance to accomplish all those things that are simmering on your back burner. With Liberal Arts Career Week just around the corner, this is no time to futz around—there’s an elevator pitch contest, resume reviews, a career fair, and so many networking opportunities to prepare for! When I’m not feeling particularly motivated, I find that the right music can really kick me into gear and get me to focus on the task at hand. So, in the hopes that we can all overcome the powerful urge to hibernate until spring, I present to you my top ten GET PUMPED* songs.
Waiting for Bulletproof at First Sight – DJ Paul V
Take On Me – A-Ha
Blitzkrieg Bop – The Ramones
Back in Black – AC/DC
Gasoline - The Airborne Toxic Event
Can’t Stop – Red Hot Chili Peppers
I Will Survivor – DJ Lobsterdust
Take On Me – A-Ha
Blitzkrieg Bop – The Ramones
Back in Black – AC/DC
Gasoline - The Airborne Toxic Event
Can’t Stop – Red Hot Chili Peppers
I Will Survivor – DJ Lobsterdust
*Most effective when taken with regular doses of RANDOM DANCING.
Share your favorite “get pumped” songs in the comments!
Monday, January 31, 2011
I don't have a job. Do I need a business card?
By Angela Cooley
When you don’t belong to a business it may seem strange to make a business card, but it is an invaluable networking tool because it carries your critical contact information. When engaging in conversation or an informational interview, offer to exchange business cards instead of whipping out your unsolicited resume and asking for a job. Think of nurturing your professional contacts like dating: you wouldn’t declare your undying love to someone you’ve just met and ask them to make a commitment on the spot (at least I certainly hope that you wouldn’t). You’re pursuing this relationship with a goal in mind, sure, but you have to build some sort of rapport first, “courting” your target and eventually winning them over.
When you don’t belong to a business it may seem strange to make a business card, but it is an invaluable networking tool because it carries your critical contact information. When engaging in conversation or an informational interview, offer to exchange business cards instead of whipping out your unsolicited resume and asking for a job. Think of nurturing your professional contacts like dating: you wouldn’t declare your undying love to someone you’ve just met and ask them to make a commitment on the spot (at least I certainly hope that you wouldn’t). You’re pursuing this relationship with a goal in mind, sure, but you have to build some sort of rapport first, “courting” your target and eventually winning them over.
This is where your personal business card comes into play: you’ve made a good first impression, and it’s time to exchange digits! Your card, as a student or recent grad seeking employment, should contain your field of study, degree level, university (boiler up!), email, and phone number. If you have an online portfolio, include the url. Don’t be tempted to turn it into a tiny resume, and don’t give yourself an imaginary job title. Your business card by itself won’t land you a job, but it isn’t meant to—it’s meant to get your foot in the door. Because they’re so much easier to tote around than a folder full of resumes, you can (and should) carry your cards with you at all times (an inexpensive business card case will keep them safe and crisp, even in the most treacherous purses or backpacks). You never know when you’ll meet “that special someone” who’s looking for a new employee.
Monday, January 24, 2011
What is workplace culture?
By Angela Cooley
When seriously considering a new job, dozens of questions spring to mind: how much money will I make here? What is the benefits package? How much vacation? How long is the commute? These are all good questions that deserve an answer, but what many interviewees overlook is the critical question that can help them determine whether or not they even want to accept an offer: what is the office culture?
Every workplace has a distinct atmosphere and set of rules (some clearly stated, some unspoken) that govern how employees conduct themselves. Environments can fall anywhere on the spectrum between extremely formal and extremely casual. When pursuing a job opportunity, determining if you would be a good fit—not only for the position, but for the office team already in place—is of the utmost importance. If you can’t stand wearing a full suit every day, or if the weekly “sharing circle” makes you cringe, it’s better to find these things out beforehand than be hit with unpleasant surprises your first day on the job. It’s also a good idea to ask more than one person about workplace culture. After all, Michael Scott of NBC’s The Office prides himself on fostering a “fun” working environment, but whether or not he has succeeded is another matter entirely!
For Liberal Arts Career Development, office culture falls somewhere in between formal and casual, sort of a comfortable transition from the hoodie-and-flip-flops college environment to the professional world. Because we work in an office environment and may have to meet with the dean at a moment’s notice, dress is business casual, but the atmosphere is far from stifling. We talk, tell jokes, listen to music, and go out to lunch together… as long as we get our work done!
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