Secrets to landing the job!

I found this article on CNN.com today and think it has some very valuable information. It talks a lot about the intangible factors that go into an organization's decision to hire someone. You might think it was because of your experience and skills that you did or did not get hired for that job, but read this and find out what employers are saying.
Read Article

Career Fair: List of Organizations Attending

As you hopefully know by now, the UNT Dallas Career Fair is this coming Tuesday, February 23 from 2-5pm. This year UNT Dallas is happy to be hosting 21 organizations for the career fair. These employers are coming out to meet YOU! It would be great if you could attend the career fair and show them how great UNT Dallas is!

Remember: The UNT Dallas career fair is only for UNT students, thank you!

Please take some time to look up these employers and find out about them so that you can talk with them at the career fair. Also- don't forget to bring copies of your resume and dress professionally! For a list of organizations attending please click on this link:
http://www.unt.edu/unt-dallas/careerfair/participants.htm

Hope to see you there!
If you would like help with your resume before the career fair, call the SDO to make an appointment: 972-780-3632.

Upcomming Career Fairs in Denton- Don't Miss Out!

Spring is the season for Career Fairs! We are having our UNT Dallas Career Fair on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 from 2-5pm in the Atrium. There are already a lot of employers signed up to come and talk to YOU!

UNT Denton is also hosting several career fairs. Don't miss these opportunities to meet companies, network, and set up interviews. We recommend attending as many of these events as you can.

Here is a schedule of the Career Fairs in Denton.

UNT Internship and Career Fair:
Coliseum, February 10th, 10am-1pm

UNT Business Career Fair:
Coliseum, February 10th, 3-7pm

UNT College of Engineering Career Fair:
Discovery Park, February 18th, 10am-2pm

Government & Nonprofit Career Fair:
Union, Silver Eagle Suite, March 2, 3-5pm

Alumni Workshop Series from UNT Denton

For those of you who are alumni, don't worry, career services has not forgotten about you. Many recent graduates are still looking for jobs and we are here to help. The career center at UNT Denton has started an Alumni Workshop Series! The best thing about these workshops is that you can attend in person OR online! How great is that? So there really is no excuse for not taking advantage of this opportunity!



If you plan on going in person, you must RSVP through the eagle network which you can access by going to careercenter.unt.edu.

If you want to access the workshops online please call the UNT Career center at 940-565-2105 for directions to log into the webinar.



Career Alumni Workshop Series:

1. Job Searching- Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 6-7:30pm

2. The Art of Networking- Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 6-7:30pm

3. Social media Netoworking and the Job Search- Wednesday, March 24, 2010 6-7:30

4. Navagating a Career Transition- Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 6-7:30pm

UNT Dallas Career Events Spring 2010

Welcome back! Don't you just love the start of a new semester? There is never a better time to refocus, reorganize, and start thinking about your career!!! This Spring UNT Dallas is offering several career events with the goal of helping you get on the right track towards a successful job search and career. Here is the list of events. All events except the career fair require an RSVP:

Friday, February 5: "Making the Career Fair Work for You" and Etiquette Lunch Workshop. 10:30am-1:00pm.

Friday, February 12: Federal Jobs Workshop. 10:00am-2:00pm

Tuesday, February 23: Career Fair 2:00-5:00pm, UNT Dallas Atrium

Wednesday, March 10: Lunch & Learn- Nonprofit Industry, 12:00-1:00pm

Tuesday, April 6: Lunch & Learn- Accounting Field, 12:00-1:00pm

Thursday, April 22: Professional Etiquette Dinner, 6:30-8:00pm

Friday, April 30: Job Search Boot Camp, 10:00am-1:00pm

You MUST RSVP to all of these events except the Career Fair. You can do so by logging into Jaguar Jobs (must create an account first) at www.unt.edu/dallas/jagjobs OR calling the Student Development Office at 972-780-3632. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Hope to see you at some of these events!

A Good Attitude Goes A Long Way

I was reading this article on CNN.com and something really stuck out to me. While a few of the hiring managers did mention experience, most of them didn't talk about particular skills or experience, but rather the job candidate's attitude and personality.

Ah-ha!

So fitting in with the company and having a good rapport with the people interviewing you can be even more important than your resume and cover letter! Sure you need to make your resume and cover letter as strong as possible, but that's not all it takes to land that job you want. They are looking for someone who is energetic, passionate, and has a positive attitude. Many jobs will train you on what you need to know for the job, but no one can train someone to be a happy, motivated, hard working individual. Those are the intangible qualities that many employers are looking for in the person they are going to hire.

Now is a good time to think about how you are coming across to employers. Ask people in your life who will be honest with you what kind of impression you make. It also helps if the job is something you are genuinely interested in, then the passion and excitement will come naturally.

Good luck in your job search and remember to SMILE!

Metroplex Area Alumni Job Fair

Who: D/FW area College Alumni
What: Alumni Job Fair
When: Thursday, November, 5th, 5-7pm
Where: Norris Conference Center, 304 Houston Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Why: To meet face-to-face with employers!

Additional Information:
Parking- http:www.sundancesquare.com/images/map.pdf (Norris Conference Center #59)
Free parking after 5pm at the following locations:
Chisholm Trail Parking Lot- 3rd St. entrance (between Houston & Main streets)
The Saucer Parking lot- 3rd street entrance (between Main & Commerce streets)
All Sundance Square garages.

Bring Resumes and Dress Professionally!

For more information and a list of what employers are attending, contact the SDO or go to www.maccc.org.

Career EXPO- 10-20-09: List of Employers and Graduate Programs Attending

It's finally here, what you have all been eagerly awaiting...the LIST! Yes, the list of the organizations that will be attending The UNT Dallas Career EXPO next Tuesday from 2-5pm. Please check them out and do your homework. Show up in business attire with copies of your resume ready to market yourself to these companies or programs. This is a great opportunity so don't miss out!

Big Thought
Child Care Careers LLC
Dallas County CSCD: Adult Probation
Denton County MHMR
Desoto ISD
Discount Electricity Biz
Empowerment Team LLC
Enterprise Rent a Car
Garland ISD
Group Excellence, LLC
JB Hunt
Mesquite ISD
Modern Woodmen of America
Primerica Financial Services
Total Power Group
UNT Dallas

Graduate Programs:
UNT Dallas – MBA Strategic Management
UNT Dallas – Counseling
UNT Dallas – Education Administration
UNT Dallas – Criminal Justice
Universities Center Downtown
Texas Wesleyan University
Texas Women’s University
UNT Library and Information Science
UNT Denton Toulouse Graduate School
UNT Health Science Center
Texas Wesleyan School of Law
University of Texas at Arlington– School of Social Work

Wow, that is a great lineup! Stop by and show that UNT Dallas students have a lot to offer!

See you there!

Fall 2009 Career Events

Get out your calendars because here are some things you might want to mark down.

Wednesday, September 23- 5pm, Room 102, Resume and Cover Letter Workshop- By attending this workshop you will learn how to create a targeted resume that showcases what you can offer an employer. Also learn how to catch an employer's attention with your cover letter.

Thursday, September 24- 11:45am-1:15pm Lunch & Learn Career Series featuring a panel of speakers from the field of Criminal Justice. Students must RSVP for this event by logging on to Jaguar Jobs www.unt.edu/dallas/jagjobs or calling the Student Development Office 972-780-3632. Lunch is provided.

Friday, October 3- Making the Career EXPO work for you workshop & Etiquette Lunch- 10:30am-1pm, This popular workshop helps prepare students for the Career EXPO. It includes sections on resume, networking, and dressing for success. Students will also dine on a three course meal guided by an etiquette expert to learn about proper dining etiquette. Students must RSVP on Jaguar Jobs or by calling 972-780-3632.

Wednesday, October 7- Interviewing Workshop, 5pm, Room 102- Learn how to ace a job interview from start to finish at this workshop. Learn the most popular questions and how to answer them.

Tuesday, October 20- Career EXPO, 2-5pm, UNT Dallas Atrium- Join local employers and area gradate programs to find information on available opportunities. Even if you aren't looking right now, it's never too early to start building your professional network. Bring your resume. Dress is business professional.

Monday, October 26-Salary Negotiation Workshop, 5pm, Room 102, Ever wanted to know how to get a higher starting salary? Are you in a job but want a raise? This workshop can help you learn the art of negotiation in a professional and polite manner.

Tuesday, November 10- Etiquette Dinner, 6:30-8:00pm, Join fellow students, faculty, and staff at an evening dinner event to learn professional dining etiquette. Professional dress is required. Students must RSVP through Jaguar Jobs or by calling 972-780-3632.

Wednesday, November 18- Lunch & Learn Career Series #2- 11:45am-1:15pm, Come and learn about the filed of Human Resources. It just might be the career for you! A professional from the field will be there to talk about careers and answer questions. Students must RSVP on Jaguar Jobs or by calling 972-780-3632.

Friday, December 4- Job Search Boot Camp- 10am-1pm, It's the end of the semester and you are graduating, do you have a job yet? Need to kick your job search into high gear? This is the workshop for you. A guest speaker from Jobing.com will present and answer questions. Lunch Provided. Students must RSVP on Jaguar Jobs or at 972-780-3632.

Individual Appointments are always welcome. Call the SDO to schedule one today!

Welcome Back!

After going with out a post for a month and a half, the blog is back! We hope everyone had a good summer and is having a great start to the school year. Things around here have been very busy. UNT Dallas is getting closer and closer to becoming our own standalone institution. We will start accepting freshmen and sophomores next fall and the most exciting news, we broke ground on our second building and things are happening!
Things are also happening in the Student Development Office. We have a semester packed full of events starting with a student organization fair today from 4-6pm in the atrium. Stop by and see if there is an organization you would like to join or, if not, maybe you should start one! This is a great way to get involved with UNT Dallas and something nice to put on your resume when you start looking for an internship or job.
There will be several career and academic success workshops and events throughout the semester. There will be a separate post about those events, so stay tuned!

2010 Job Choices Magazines Are Here!

Each year NACE, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, comes out with a magazine called Jobs Choices. There are several editions of the career related magazine for students. UNT Dallas subscribes to the Diversity Edition and the Business & Liberal Arts Edition. Both editions came in a few days ago and I've gotta say, are pretty great! The magazines are filled with useful articles about relevant career related topics. One article talks about salary ranges for recent graduates. Here are a few ranges for majors that we have here at UNTD:
Accounting....................$45,000-$55,000
Business Admin...........$35,000-$54,000
Criminal Justice...........$29,120-$48,000
Elementary Education &$32,000-$38,000
Information Sciences & Systems...$$44,000-$60,000
These ranges come from an article called, "Check Your Salary Expectations".

Other articles include, "Playing Fair: Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Job Seeker", "Network for Your Job Search", The Interview: Connecting Your Qualifications To the Employer's Needs", "The Critical First Year on the Job", "The Attention Getting Resume", and "From Student To Professional".

The magazines also offer information about Employers, the market, and how to succeed at a career fair.

Come by the Student Development Office today to get your copies of Job Choices 2010 FREE while they last!

Summer Interns

This summer UNT Dallas participated in the City of Dallas Mayor's Summer Intern program. We have had 4 High School aged interns working on our campus this summer. They each rotated around to different departments so that they could learn about as many different areas of higher education as possible. Here in the student development office we had each one of them for one week. This week we have Daniel, a soon to be junior from Dallas. He has worked on several different projects for us throughout the week. He also sat in on various appointments and meetings to learn more about career services. He even participated in some career services such as the "Perfect Interview" software that we have available to our students. Afterwards, he wrote this about his experience:

"Perfect Interview is a program that helps you answer questions when you are under pressure as you look into a web camera which is located in the Student Development area. You can also do it from home. You get to look at your movements when you answer a question and how you react. This program is very helpful; it helps you prepare for job interviews. In my opinion, if you take it over and over again you will be able to know how to answer questions fast and good. If you don't know how to answer a question, you get two examples of how hothers reply to the question being asked. It also tells you how to answer the question, and what details to give them. It can also help you learn how to speak clearly to other people to make sure that they understand what you are saying to them. I reccoment you try this program so you can see how good it really is."

There you have it! Call or come by the Student Development Office to practice your interviewing skills today! Other students who have tried this program have also reported that it is very helpful.

Daniel wrote one other blog post about his overall experience as an intern here at UNTD this summer. Here it is:

"My internship at UNT Dallas has been super fun. Everyone has been great to hang around with and talk to. Being here I have learned how to install computers, and some programs. They've also taught me how to make labels and file. If you work in IT or in the student advising office you will always have something to do. I'm trying to learn as much as I can because in the future I might need something they are teaching me. You may have also thought that teachers are the most important people in school, but that's not true. Without advisors, counselors, or student services you wouldn't be able to find out what classes you need or if you need someone to talk to you have your counselor. I wouldn't change this job for any other one that would just be a big mistake. Everyone treats each other like family, but without the arguing or anything like that. Around here everyone helps everybody out with any problem thy have. They treat each other so good it is hard to believe. If I have the change to come back next year I wouldn't say no. I'll be more than happy to come back. When I get here, it feels like a second home to me. My first week I was still kind of scared, but everyone here treated meme like if they have known me or I had been working here for a long time. That's why I love waking up in the morning and getting ready for work. The other interns also enjoy being here. They say they wouldn't like to work anywhere else. They like working here with all of the employees because they feel super comfortable. I'm very happy I took this internship with UNT Dallas. I'm hoping to learn more stuff as the future comes."

Thanks Daniel, we have enjoyed having you as an intern!

And we have enjoyed having the other interns too, here are some pictures of them in action!

ATTENTION! Job Search Boot Camp- August 5th, 2009

Are you in shape? Job Search shape? Has your search been losing momentum? Well then you need to come to this workshop to get your energy back! The Job Search Boot Camp will be on Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 from 10:00am-1:00pm. We will talk about Resumes, and Networking, and we will even have a guest speaker, an expert on the non profit industry, here to help too! She will offer insight based on her experience as a UNT alumni and tips on how to increase your chances of getting a job. Don't miss this opportunity! A boxes lunch will be served. An RSVP is required. You can RSVP by calling the student development office at 972-780-3632 or logging into Jaguar Jobs (It's easy to create an account if you don't already have one) at www.unt.edu/dallas/jagjobs. We hope to see you there!

Beat the Heat with Summer Workshops at the Dallas Campus!

There is a lot going on this summer at the UNT Dallas Campus! No, we don't have a pool (yet!), but we do have lots of workshops! Come on, who doesn't want to take in at least a few workshops this summer? At least the workshops are inside in the air conditioned building! The summer is your chance to take advantage of all that the great workshops that the student development office offers. Here is a quick rundown:

June 2- APA workshop 5pm
June 3- Job Search Workshop 5pm
June 16- Writing Institute 11am-1pm- Must call to RSVP 972-780-3632
June 16- Resume Writing Workshop 3pm
June 17- APA workshop 11am
June 18- APA workshop 5pm
June 23- Job Search Boot Camp 10am-1pm- Must RSVP on Jaguar Jobs www.unt.edu/dallas/jagjobs
July 1- Interviewing Workshop 11am
July 21- Writing Institute 11am-1pm- Must call to RSVP 972-780-3632
July 21- Job Search Workshop 3pm
July 27- Resume Writing 11am
Aug 4- Interviewing Workshop 3pm
Aug 5-Job Search Boot Camp 10am-1pm- Must RSVP on Jaguar Jobs
www.unt.edu/dallas/jagjobs

We hope to see all of you over the summer at one of our workshops!

Thursday, April 30 6-8pm: Managing Your Job Search in a Downturn Economy

WHO: UNT Current students and Alumni

WHAT: A Career event hosted by the Student Development Office, The UNT Denton Campus Career Center, and the UNT Alumni Association called "Managing Your Job Search in a Downturn Economy". The event will consist of a presentation as well as networking time.

WHEN: Thursday, April 30, 2009 6:00-8:00p.m.

WHERE: UNT Dallas Campus, Room 102

WHY: To help students and alumni with their job search during this touch economic time.

RSVP to Demetria.Caston@unt.edu

Congratulations Graduates of Spring 2009!

Tuesday April 14, 2009 the UNT Dallas Campus hosted a special graduation ceremony to honor the Spring 2009 graduates who took the majority of their classes on the Dallas Campus. There were over 60 graduates in attendance along with family members, friends, faculty, and staff. The Student Development Office congratulates all of the graduates and gives them our best wishes for a successful future!

Graduating Seniors- Are You Ready To Get a Job?

As graduation gets closer and closer those of you who are graduating might be thinking more and more about what you are going to do after graduation. You may have been listening to the bad news about the economy and getting discouraged, but that doesn't mean that you should give up before you have even gotten started. It is good to stay informed about current events and the economy, but use that information for good, not as an excuse! There are still plenty of employers who are hiring. Ask yourself these questions to see how ready you are to get a job upon graduation:

Have you started your job search?- If not, start now! It takes new graduates up to six months to find a job, so the sooner you start looking the better.

How are you conducting your job search?- If you are spending the majority of time sitting in front of your computer then you need to shake things up a bit. Start by talking to everyone you know and letting them know you are looking for a job. Maybe they have some leads or can lead you to people who know people if you get my drift. That is called networking and it is the most effective way of finding a job so it is a good idea to make it a part of your job search.

Do you have a current resume?- If not, get one! If you don't know where to start, make an appointment with the Student Development Office to get help.

What does your resume look like? If you haven't updated your resume in a while or had someone else look at it, take the time to do so. Make sure you are presenting the employers with a document that is easy to read and really shows you in the best light.

Do you just have one resume that you send to everyone? If you answered Yes to that question then it is time to start tailoring your resume. Each time you send your resume to someone for a job opening you should tailor or tweak your resume to fit that position. it sounds like a lot of work, but it will pay off. If you have been sending out a generic resume to everyone it has most likely gotten passed over because it doesn't stand out to the employer.

If you have answered these questions and feel like you need some help, it might be time to make an appointment with a career advisor. You might want to try out one of the career exploration packages (see the post below).Call 972-780-3632 or e-mail studentdevelopment@unt.edu.

Of course there is much more to finding a job that just these questions, but this is a good start. If you have any specific questions e-mail us and we will try to address them on the blog because most likely, other students have the same question.

Good Luck!

Career Exploration Packages

Pack your bags, it's time to take a trip! No- not a trip to the beach for spring break, but rather a trip to explore your career options. The Student Development Office is now offering special career exploration packages for students who are seeking career guidance.
There are two options for students to take advantage of:

Career Quick Trip: 3 Sessions
Attend three sessions of Career Advising. During these three sessions you will have professional help with your resume, cover letter and interviewing skills. The career advisor will help you focus targeting your resume and cover letter to meet your career goals and stand out from the crowd. After the third session, students will also have a chance to use the Perfect Interview Software here in the SDO to practice their interviewing skills. Perfect interview allows you to record yourself and watch the playback to critique yourself. It also gives you an example of a "good answer" to each question that it asks you. You can keep practicing until you are comfortable with your response.

Career Journey: 3 Sessions
This package includes three sessions of Career Counseling with the option of extending to four sessions. Students will be able to take 2 or 3 career assessments and have them professionally interpreted by the counselor. This interpretation is aimed at helping the student jump start their career exploration, not to give east answers! The sessions will also include personalized guidance and job search strategies. You will have the chance to talk about career exploration and ideas in a confidential, non-judgemental environment.

You can start with the Journey or the Quick trip and then schedule the other one afterwards. Call the SDO to schedule on of these packages today!
972-780-3632

Job Web- A Job Hunters Best Friend

If you don't know what I am talking about when I say Job Web, then listen up because this is the best resource to have when you are looking for a job. Job Web in a website developed by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) to help college students and alumni with thier job search. The resources are practically endless. Here are just a few things that this website offers:

1. Resume Articles and Sample Resumes for a wide variety of majors.
2. Salary Information
3. List of Job Search resources including disability resources, nonprofit resources, and government resources
4. Employer Research
5. Information on professional organizations
6. Job Outlook information
7. A student blog about job searching
8. Tips on how to market yourself
9. Information about internships
10. Articles about interviewing

This is just the tip of the iceberg! Job Web is constantly coming out with new and relevant information for students and alumni. When you can't make it to campus to meet with a career advisor or it is 3 in the morning and you can't sleep, Job Web is there for you. If you get stalled in your job search and need motivation, Job Web is a good place to get information that will get you back on track.

To access Job Web go: http://www.unt.edu/unt-dallas/campuslife/career.htm and click on the Job Web Logo under "Career Exploration".

Career Fair Employer List

The career fair is only 5 days away, are you ready? Here is a list of employers who are attending so that you can research them and decide which ones to approach at the career fair. Remember-it is important to show that you have knowledge of their organization and the industry they are in.

Aircom International, Inc.
Arbor Education and Training
BH Management
Chacon Autos
Child Care Careers, LLC
CIGNA
Dart Transit
Denton ISD
DeSoto ISD
Farmers Insurance
Grand Prairie ISD
Mesquite ISD
Modern Woodmen of America
Mosaic
Round Rock ISD
Saville, Dodgen & Company, PLLC
Smile Builders Dental Center
The Assurance Group
Uplift Education
UPS
Several area Universities will also be on hand to inform you about Graduate programs.

Now is also the time to practice your "2-minute Commercial". This is a short (professional) speech about you that you can use when networking and talking with employers. You should spend about 15-30 seconds on why you are here/what you are looking for, then another 15 seconds on your personal (not too personal) and educational background. The next 15-30 seconds should be talking about your early career or relevant coursework/projects/internships. The final 45-60 seconds will be spent talking about your accomplishments and how you can continue to be successful and contribute to their organization.

It helps to think about this ahead of time and even write something out and practice it in front of a mirror or with a friend. That way, when the time comes, you are prepared and polished.

Plan on attending the career fair Tuesday, March 3, 2009 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in the UNT Dallas Campus Atrium. See you there!