The adventure continues!
It has been so long since I have posted…I’m sorry everyone! Class and work have really taken time away from my career search, as well as my blog entries. I have quite a bit to update everyone on!
As you may have read in Becky’s latest blog entry, I had another meeting with David in Career Services, and once again I was blown away with some great information. I first discussed my portfolio with him. A portfolio is a great thing to have, and it gets major points in an interview…but is not something everyone needs. Generally, if you are going into an area that requires creative thinking, a portfolio should be compiled of your best work. Sitting in an interview, the employer is not going to be able to judge what you are thinking…but being able to show them exactly what you have done in a neat and professional manner is a great way to gain some extra credit.
My portfolio consists of a three-ring binder with clear plastic sleeves to protect the individual pages of my work. While a great start, David said there was room for a lot of improvements. First of all, the three-ring binder is not professional enough. A leather-bound folder or something similar is a better way to go. These can be found at any office supply store. Next, a table of contents matching color-coded tabs for individual sections should be made so someone can easily thumb from one project area to the next. After the table of contents, a copy of your resume should be placed, along with a reference page for easy review. Finally, each item should be properly labeled describing the project, where it was displayed/published and other relevant information.
An interesting point to remember with your portfolios was told to me by my former manager for my internship. She said to never leave your portfolio with an employer, because if, for example, you had a portfolio with logo design concepts, it would be really easy for that employer to make copies and replicate them as their own. Now, if an employer is really interested in your work and wants to take a further look at your portfolio, whether or not to leave it there is up to you and it might make for an akward situation if you tell them no, but it is something to keep in mind.
The next thing we talked about, and something that Becky touched on in her blog, is posting your resume on job search sites. To many seniors, any and all channels you can use to get your name out there to employers seem like a great idea. But this is not always the case. Employers want candidates who know what they want and are serious and passionate about their job. Posting a resume on a job search website shows the employer that you are looking for any position that comes open. And, according to David, employers will research you name. He said more and more employers are looking up candidate’s names on job sites. If they find your name, it tells them you are just looking for a job…not a specific career, which means your resume has a good chance of getting tossed. Now, posting your resume on these sites does not mean you will not get calls, job offers and interviews…but it may be for a position vaguely related to your major and something that does not relate to your interests. To find the job you really want, you have to go get it yourself and not wait on someone to find you!
If you go after the companies you want to work for on your own accord, there is not always a chance they will have open positions. A great way to get noticed is a prospecting letter. This is similar to a cover letter, except this letter describes your interest in the company, career field, qualifications and acknowledges there may not be any openings, but that the company should keep you in mind. This shows the company you are proactive in your job search and career-oriented. It may pay huge dividends towards the career you really want!
As far as my own job search goes, there is really nothing new to report. I am finding out that my job search has already started WAY too late. It is uncomfortable to know that in a month I will be graduating and I have no idea where I’ll be after that! I had looked into some internship programs as a back-up plan, but the deadline for application on all of them was sometime in March. I have sent my resume off after making some much needed changes to some prospective jobs and I need to send it to a few more places, and then I can start making follow-up calls. I need to make those changes to my portfolio in preparation for interviews (hopefully!). Until next time…good luck to all seniors, and I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Now, this is not only meant to be a blog, but a forum for discussion on how that job search is going! Does anyone have any stories or experiences to share? Any comments or questions you would like me to look in to and write about? Let me know what’s up!!
Brett
