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!

Etiquette Lunch and Career Workshop a Success!

Last Friday, February 20th eight Dallas Campus students took advantage of a 3-hour long career preparation workshop held on campus. The participants learned about job searching, writing resumes, approaching employers at the career fair, dressing for success and finally dining etiquette. This is an event that is held every semester a couple of weeks before the career fair and gives students an opportunity to ask questions and get ready to have a successful time at the career fair. The participants this year included juniors and seniors with varied majors and career plans. Everyone that attended indicated that they got something out of the workshop and that they would attend another Student Development workshop.

The lunch portion was catered by A Different Plate catering and cafe of Lancaster, TX. Chef Carlos (owner) prepared a wonderful 5 course meal (pictured above) including an appetizer, soup, salad, main entree, and dessert.

Dr. Greta Davis presented the etiquette portion and answered questions regarding the do's and don'ts of dining etiquette. It is safe to say that everyone learned something from her well presented information! Be sure to watch for this event again in the Fall!

Etiquette Lunch Workshop this Friday! Sign up Now!

This Friday, February 20 the SDO will be having our semi-annual Etiquette Lunch and Career Workshop!
It is just in time for the career fair and you will have a chance to learn everything you want to know about interacting with employers, writing your resume, and dressing for success. On top of that there will be a sit-down etiquette lunch where you will have a chance to listen to an etiquette expert while you dine on a four-course meal!
This event has been very popular in the past and it is sure to be helpful again this semester.
The workshop takes place from 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.. You must RSVP to attend this event. To RSVP: Log into Jaguar Jobs and click on "events". Then select the "Making the Career Fair Work for you and Etiquette Lunch" workshop. Then click on RSVP. The link for Jaguar Jobs is:
https://dallas-unt-csm.symplicity.com/students/. You should have received your user name and password via e-mail 2 weeks ago.

If you have any questions about how to do this, please call the Student Development Office at 972-780-3632 or email us at studentdevelopment@unt.edu.

Nonprofit Internships Available Now on Jaguar Jobs!

Speaking of working at a nonprofit, there just happen to be three internships currently avialable at nonprofits on Jaguar Jobs. Interning at a nonprofit is a great way to get your foot in the door, learn more about the industry, and start making contacts.!

1. American Red Cross- 300 hour internship as a Community Recruitment Liaison
2. Big Brothers Big Sisters- Special Events Intern
3. Central Dallas Ministries- 10 week internship as an AmeriCorps member

To find out more about these internships log on to Jaguar jobs at https://dallas-unt-csm.symplicity.com/students/. You should have received a user name and password for your Jaguar Jobs account via email last week. Please call the SDO with any questions about Jaguar Jobs. 972-780-3632.


The SDO also has information on several other (paid) internships available this summer. They are through a program called the ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program. Please contact us for more information. There will also be an e-mail sent to the listserv about these internships.

Are you signed up for the listserv? Messages about jobs and internships are often sent out over the listserv so if you are not signed up, today is the day. Call the SDO to sign up and stay informed on all the latest job and internship news.