Applying the 5 stages of COPING to an event many of you are experiencing:
LIFE AFTER MARQUETTE!
Perhaps you have already been accepted to graduate or professional school or you have already found a professional position, or are on your way to a post gradaute service opportunity...but those who haven't here are some tips to get you through.
DENIAL --- What's the first thing you do? Pretend that May is much further away. Pretend you have your old summer job to fall back on. Pretend that you will live in a big house with all of your best friends forever! Pretend that you can count on mom and dad to still be writing the checks.
You avoid the Career Services Center.
ANGER --- "%$@^##& job market!" You start to think that you should have chosen a different major. You wish you had a better experience to put on your resume. You hate your roommate who already has three offers or the other friend who is traveling through Europe all summer (she is still in denial by the way). You consider giving up and bartending in the Bahamas.
You hate the e-mails the Career Services Center sends you.
BARGAINING --- "Oh please let me get a job, any job. I don't care what it is as long as I can pay my rent." You vow to never take anything for granted again. You vow to get to work on time everyday, to work long hours, to never stay out too late again. You consider calling your boss from your old summer job.
You decide that you will do whatever the Career Services Center tells you to do just so you get a job.
DEPRESSION --- "Oh no, what am I going to do? I'm going to be unemployed forever. I give up. I am a big loser and I don't really care any more. What's the use".
You believe you are beyond help from the Career Services Center.
ACCEPTANCE --- "Ok. I'm a grown-up now. I guess I had better take responsibility for my own job search."
You resolve to do one of the following: check out the services available in the Career Services Center, stop in the Career Services Center during daily walk-in hours from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., or call the Career Services Center for an appointment (414-288-7423).
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
How to Answer the Negative Interview Questions
After your hard work job searching, you finally got that interview! You feel prepared and confident, and it is going along smoothly when all of a sudden the interviewer starts throwing you some "curve balls" –those negative questions.
If you're interviewing for a job, you're bound to hear questions like these sooner or later:
What is your greatest weakness?
Tell me about a time you failed.
Describe a difficult person you have worked with.
Of course, you don't want to come out looking bad. Don't panic. There is a way to answer these questions honestly and still come out with your confidence and job prospects intact.
The key is to be prepared with how to answer these questions concisely and in a positive way. The following are some tips that will help guide and prepare you for these questions.
Addressing Negative Situations:
•Use the “STAR” method for answering any situational questions.
Situation = Describe the situation. State the negative simply and factually. Don't dwell on it, blame anybody, or overstate the problem.
Task= Talk about the task/challenge
Action= Explain the action you took. How did you deal with the problem or difficulty?
Result= Talk about the positive results. The best positive you could possibly state is what you learned from the experience, or how you worked to improve matters. State another positive, if you can. Describe how your efforts resulted in money saved, better communication, or some other solution to the problem, end on that note.
•The key is to not take the question literally or you might get negative too. Avoid going into detail about how dysfunctional your last work environment was, or vent about a difficult boss.
Addressing the weakness question:
•Choose a weakness that is not a primary function of the job
•Do not choose what I call “fake” weaknesses, like being a perfectionist. Employers want to see that you are self-aware and honest about your weaknesses
•Choosing a skill as a weakness can be better than a personality trait. Skills are you something you can improve, while your personality does not change much.
•Never give more weaknesses than asked. Avoid offering a laundry list of what you hope to improve about yourself. You want to spend as much time as you can highlighting positive experiences and assets you can bring to the company.
Remember: Negative questions answered literally are disempowering because they focus on what went wrong. Resist the temptation to expand on these negative questions and instead spend time highlighting the positive. Take some time to be prepared for these “curve balls”, and use your confidence and skills to turn that curve ball into a home run.
If you're interviewing for a job, you're bound to hear questions like these sooner or later:
What is your greatest weakness?
Tell me about a time you failed.
Describe a difficult person you have worked with.
Of course, you don't want to come out looking bad. Don't panic. There is a way to answer these questions honestly and still come out with your confidence and job prospects intact.
The key is to be prepared with how to answer these questions concisely and in a positive way. The following are some tips that will help guide and prepare you for these questions.
Addressing Negative Situations:
•Use the “STAR” method for answering any situational questions.
Situation = Describe the situation. State the negative simply and factually. Don't dwell on it, blame anybody, or overstate the problem.
Task= Talk about the task/challenge
Action= Explain the action you took. How did you deal with the problem or difficulty?
Result= Talk about the positive results. The best positive you could possibly state is what you learned from the experience, or how you worked to improve matters. State another positive, if you can. Describe how your efforts resulted in money saved, better communication, or some other solution to the problem, end on that note.
•The key is to not take the question literally or you might get negative too. Avoid going into detail about how dysfunctional your last work environment was, or vent about a difficult boss.
Addressing the weakness question:
•Choose a weakness that is not a primary function of the job
•Do not choose what I call “fake” weaknesses, like being a perfectionist. Employers want to see that you are self-aware and honest about your weaknesses
•Choosing a skill as a weakness can be better than a personality trait. Skills are you something you can improve, while your personality does not change much.
•Never give more weaknesses than asked. Avoid offering a laundry list of what you hope to improve about yourself. You want to spend as much time as you can highlighting positive experiences and assets you can bring to the company.
Remember: Negative questions answered literally are disempowering because they focus on what went wrong. Resist the temptation to expand on these negative questions and instead spend time highlighting the positive. Take some time to be prepared for these “curve balls”, and use your confidence and skills to turn that curve ball into a home run.
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Time is NOW!
Are you graduating in May?
Yes?
Congratulations!!
Have you started your job search yet?
No?
What are you waiting for?!?!?
If you have not started your job search and are planning to graduate in May, the time to start your job search is now! Don't fret - you aren't too late... and we are here to help! Don't let fear or lack of information paralyze you. Make an appointment with a Career Counselor for help with beginning your search (we are all really nice - promise!). I guarantee that starting now will make you feel so much better than if you put it off until April or beyond.....
Make an appointment today!
Career Services Center
Holthusen Hall, First Floor
414.288.7423
Yes?
Congratulations!!
Have you started your job search yet?
No?
What are you waiting for?!?!?
If you have not started your job search and are planning to graduate in May, the time to start your job search is now! Don't fret - you aren't too late... and we are here to help! Don't let fear or lack of information paralyze you. Make an appointment with a Career Counselor for help with beginning your search (we are all really nice - promise!). I guarantee that starting now will make you feel so much better than if you put it off until April or beyond.....
Make an appointment today!
Career Services Center
Holthusen Hall, First Floor
414.288.7423
Monday, January 17, 2011
Welcome Back!
We are excited to have you back. So are employers who are looking to hire students for internships and full-time positions!
Spring recruiting starts this week. Employers will be in our office interviewing students from now until April. Check out MU Career Manager today to search for opportunities and request an interview.
The WorkForce Career Fair is right around the corner too. Mark your calendars for Thursday, Feb. 17 from 4pm-8pm in the AMU Ballrooms. Over 130 employers from corporations, non-profits and grad schools will be there and want to meet you. We encourage all students in all years and all majors to attend the job fair to learn about career opportunities and practice how to professionally talk to employers.
Want to learn more about what's happening??
Check out our website for all of our news and events!
Have a great semester,
The MU CSC Staff
Spring recruiting starts this week. Employers will be in our office interviewing students from now until April. Check out MU Career Manager today to search for opportunities and request an interview.
The WorkForce Career Fair is right around the corner too. Mark your calendars for Thursday, Feb. 17 from 4pm-8pm in the AMU Ballrooms. Over 130 employers from corporations, non-profits and grad schools will be there and want to meet you. We encourage all students in all years and all majors to attend the job fair to learn about career opportunities and practice how to professionally talk to employers.
Want to learn more about what's happening??
Check out our website for all of our news and events!
Have a great semester,
The MU CSC Staff
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Something to think about...
We are in the full swing of finals and the last thing you want to think about is what you want to accomplish over break. I have an easy one though! (Yes, I know some of you would definitely disagree). The WorkForce Career & Internship Fair is on Thursday, February 17th and something to think about over break is what you want to wear to the career fair, an interview, or any other professional networking event. This decision stresses a lot of people out but it doesn't have to be a panicking situation...it really doesn't!
One site that is helpful to women when determining the type of outfit to buy for your career fairs, interviews, and networking events is from www.bizme.biz - Best Interview Outfits: Suiting Up For Game Day.
The Career Services Center also has our own suggestions in a "Dress for Success" handout, located in our Online Library
Some BASICS:
Feeling unsure about your options and want a Career Counselor's opinion? Stop by the CSC or make an appointment with a Career Counselor to go over interview tips.
Call us! 414.288.7423 or Email us! career.services@marquette.edu
Good luck with finals and have a wonderful, relaxing break!
Bethany Olson
One site that is helpful to women when determining the type of outfit to buy for your career fairs, interviews, and networking events is from www.bizme.biz - Best Interview Outfits: Suiting Up For Game Day.
The Career Services Center also has our own suggestions in a "Dress for Success" handout, located in our Online Library
Some BASICS:
- It is important to project a professional image. (My two cents: much safer to overdress than underdress - even if you are doing and informational interview and there isn't an immediate "job on the line" type situation.)
- Employers may assume that this is the best you will ever look.
- Unfortunately, making your way into the world-of-work means that you may be judged on the way you look and how you present yourself. This may not always be fair. There are a number of things you can do to feel confident about yourself in an interviewing situation. Because, as you know, you only get one chance to make a first impression.
- Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
 |
| The goal is to feel great about what you have to offer the company. Feeling confident about your professional outfit is one easy way to do this! |
Feeling unsure about your options and want a Career Counselor's opinion? Stop by the CSC or make an appointment with a Career Counselor to go over interview tips.
Call us! 414.288.7423 or Email us! career.services@marquette.edu
Good luck with finals and have a wonderful, relaxing break!
Bethany Olson
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Employment Outlook for the Class of 2011
Each year members of the Marquette University Career Services staff attend the annual Recruiting Trends Conference in Chicago. This conference features the research of Dr. Phil Gardner, a nationally known economist from Michigan State University. Dr. Gardner’s Recruiting Trends report describes the opportunities and challenges faced by 2011 college graduates based on a recent national survey of 4600 diverse employers.
A summary can be found on the MUCSC website.
Basically, it's still tough out there. But... I heard this story the other day and I think it sheds some light on the outlook for college grads!
Jobless Rate Less Scary For College Grads by Adam Davidson
"Consider some numbers. The overall unemployment rate, right now, is 9.6 percent. That's really high. But for people who finished college, the unemployment rate is a much less terrifying 4.7 percent. That is hardly an economic slowdown at all. Those with advanced degrees are practically in a boom, with unemployment below three percent."
So hang in there... get crackin'. MU CSC has something for every one of you no matter what your path. Check out our updated webpage.
Happy Job Hunting!
Laura
A summary can be found on the MUCSC website.
Basically, it's still tough out there. But... I heard this story the other day and I think it sheds some light on the outlook for college grads!
Jobless Rate Less Scary For College Grads by Adam Davidson
"Consider some numbers. The overall unemployment rate, right now, is 9.6 percent. That's really high. But for people who finished college, the unemployment rate is a much less terrifying 4.7 percent. That is hardly an economic slowdown at all. Those with advanced degrees are practically in a boom, with unemployment below three percent."
So hang in there... get crackin'. MU CSC has something for every one of you no matter what your path. Check out our updated webpage.
Happy Job Hunting!
Laura
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Long-Term Internship
As a graduate student in the office, I was offered the opportunity to go to the Trends in Recruiting conference in Chicago for the Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers. The conference was two days long, but I just went down on Friday to hear the keynote speaker, Dr. Phil Gardner, talk on recruiting trends.
Other than going on my first train ride, I experienced some great opportunities including the ability to network with professionals from around the Midwest, attend informative seminars, as well as hear the hiring trends in the past and future projections.
One idea I’d like to share from my experience is how Dr. Gardner spoke about the importance of having a longer-term internship. He stressed how short-term internships are often not a sufficient amount of time for developing an individual professionally, and not always allowing them to become acclimated to the company’s culture and inner workings. Many students participate in internships that only last a semester or over the summer, but after hearing Dr. Gardner speak, I definitely recommend trying to extend that internship for at least an 8-month period. This will give you the proper time for boundary crossing and being able to truly connect with a business. Definitely take time during your internship to communicate across units, and network with professionals in other departments.
Dr. Gardner suggests that a long term internship is essential for transitioning into the workplace upon graduation. This type of internship proves most beneficial before you finish your senior year, so you can engage and figure out who you are as a learner as well as understand your professional values.
If you have yet to find an internship, now is the time to start looking. Not sure where to start? We’d be glad to help! Make an appointment with a career counselor today.
Other than going on my first train ride, I experienced some great opportunities including the ability to network with professionals from around the Midwest, attend informative seminars, as well as hear the hiring trends in the past and future projections.
One idea I’d like to share from my experience is how Dr. Gardner spoke about the importance of having a longer-term internship. He stressed how short-term internships are often not a sufficient amount of time for developing an individual professionally, and not always allowing them to become acclimated to the company’s culture and inner workings. Many students participate in internships that only last a semester or over the summer, but after hearing Dr. Gardner speak, I definitely recommend trying to extend that internship for at least an 8-month period. This will give you the proper time for boundary crossing and being able to truly connect with a business. Definitely take time during your internship to communicate across units, and network with professionals in other departments.
Dr. Gardner suggests that a long term internship is essential for transitioning into the workplace upon graduation. This type of internship proves most beneficial before you finish your senior year, so you can engage and figure out who you are as a learner as well as understand your professional values.
If you have yet to find an internship, now is the time to start looking. Not sure where to start? We’d be glad to help! Make an appointment with a career counselor today.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
3 More Reasons to use MU Career Manager!
Career Services is excited to announce that 3 new resources have been added to MU Career Manager! MonsterCollege, Internships.com and CareerRookie. By simply having a MU Career Manager account, students and alumni now have access to thousands of full-time entry level and internships across the country!
Already have an account?
Students and alumni who have an MU Career Manager account already have access to MonsterCollege positions. When you do a job search, you will see a second tab called MonsterCollege Jobs. Once you click on a position you are interested in, you will be re-directed to either the MonsterCollege website or the company website to apply.
To gain access to Internships.com and CareerRookie postings, simply log into your MU Career Manager account and you will be prompted to register for one or both of these job search engines. By clicking on the "Sign Me Up" button, students will be automatically registered on these websites and see the postings on the third and forth job tabs after doing a job search. If you aren't interested in opting in to these resources, simply decline the offer or click on "Remind Me Later."
Don't have an account?
It takes less than 5 minutes to create an MU Career Manager account. You just need to enter some basic information and upload a default resume.
As always, if you have any questions about our online resources, stop in or call our office. We are here to help!
Already have an account?
Students and alumni who have an MU Career Manager account already have access to MonsterCollege positions. When you do a job search, you will see a second tab called MonsterCollege Jobs. Once you click on a position you are interested in, you will be re-directed to either the MonsterCollege website or the company website to apply.
To gain access to Internships.com and CareerRookie postings, simply log into your MU Career Manager account and you will be prompted to register for one or both of these job search engines. By clicking on the "Sign Me Up" button, students will be automatically registered on these websites and see the postings on the third and forth job tabs after doing a job search. If you aren't interested in opting in to these resources, simply decline the offer or click on "Remind Me Later."
Don't have an account?
It takes less than 5 minutes to create an MU Career Manager account. You just need to enter some basic information and upload a default resume.
As always, if you have any questions about our online resources, stop in or call our office. We are here to help!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Online Teacher Job Fair November 29th - December 1st
Hey future educators, check out the American Association for Employment in Education (AAEE) annual online job fair. This is a free opportunity to connect with schools districts in an online environment. In this job fair you can chat online with representatives from school districts, submit job search documents, and learn about prospective employers through virtual information booths. The AAEE online job fair runs today through December 1st and is FREE for job seekers.
Check out the details here http://aaee.org/cwt/external/wcpages/files/virtual_jf_flyer.pdf
Jeremy
Check out the details here http://aaee.org/cwt/external/wcpages/files/virtual_jf_flyer.pdf
Jeremy
Sunday, November 7, 2010
But I Need More Time...
Every semester we see students going through the job search process, whether directly through our office or externally. Being the quality job seekers that Marquette students are, most of these students are spreading their options and applying with a number of different organizations. This helps the students get a good feel for the companies out there, and in turn which may be the best fit for their needs. The best news comes for the truly fortunate students that get to choose which company they ultimately work for. But as good of news as this can be, at times it causes the most stress of any part of the process.
Most students go into the job search process having an idea of which company is their first choice. The interview process will usually help to reinforce this feeling. However, the problem that often arises is when an offer comes that is not from the first choice organization. Due to the timing of recruiting cycles, you may run into a situation such as this where you receive an offer before you have completed your interview with your top choice organization. How should you then proceed in this circumstance?
First, any offer you receive should allow you time to consider all the details. If you are being pressed for an immediate answer, you may want to think about why they would want such an immediate decision. Should this happen, ask for time to think about the offer and make the best decision for yourself. If you do have an interview upcoming, it is acceptable to let the organization know about this. Most companies will be flexible to allow you to make the best decision for yourself, as they want employees that want to be working for them.
As with anything, you need to use some reason with asking for additional time. If you are asking for a few days, or maybe even a week, you should be fine. If you are delaying your response by an extended amount of time, you are risking your spot being taken, as the company may then assume you are not truly interested. Ultimately the companies are willing to show some flexibility, but you need to be respectful of the position they are in, just as you would hope they are respectful of the position you are in.
Most students go into the job search process having an idea of which company is their first choice. The interview process will usually help to reinforce this feeling. However, the problem that often arises is when an offer comes that is not from the first choice organization. Due to the timing of recruiting cycles, you may run into a situation such as this where you receive an offer before you have completed your interview with your top choice organization. How should you then proceed in this circumstance?
First, any offer you receive should allow you time to consider all the details. If you are being pressed for an immediate answer, you may want to think about why they would want such an immediate decision. Should this happen, ask for time to think about the offer and make the best decision for yourself. If you do have an interview upcoming, it is acceptable to let the organization know about this. Most companies will be flexible to allow you to make the best decision for yourself, as they want employees that want to be working for them.
As with anything, you need to use some reason with asking for additional time. If you are asking for a few days, or maybe even a week, you should be fine. If you are delaying your response by an extended amount of time, you are risking your spot being taken, as the company may then assume you are not truly interested. Ultimately the companies are willing to show some flexibility, but you need to be respectful of the position they are in, just as you would hope they are respectful of the position you are in.
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