Marketing Yourself for Internships and Jobs

Are you currently looking for internships or jobs?  Apply these P's of marketing to be successful!

For help with any of these areas, visit us in C-102!


                                                                                                                   ~Christine Davis

You've Got the Interview... Now What?

In the last post, you read about the skills that employers are looking for.  With this learned information you will now be prepared to head into an interview!

Before your interview, here are a few tips:

• Research the company. Know its purpose and the reason that it exists.
• Walk with copies of your resume to the interview even if you previously submitted it online. I recommend using resume paper versus copy paper for your resume in order to make it stand out in a pile.
• Dress the part! It is always safer to dress more business professional than business casual for the interview; you must put your best foot forward.

If appropriate clothing is an issue, the organizations below are able to help with interview clothes.

Dress for Success

32 E 31st St # 602  New York, NY 10016

(212) 684-3611

The focus is on women who are looking for a job. The charity provides interview suits, confidence boosts and career development skills.

 

Career Gear

120 Broadway

New York, NY 10271

Call (212) 577-6190

Men can receive interview clothing, motivation and follow-up , as well as free job training, resume review, and other aid.

 

Bottomless Closet

15 Pennsylvania Plaza

New York, NY 10001

Telephone - (212) 563-2499

Economically disadvantaged and unemployed New York City women can get professional work or interview clothing. Job-preparedness training is also offered.

 

Need assistance with preparing for your interview?  Visit C-102 or call 718-368-5115 to schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor.


                                                                                                               ~Kyla Hendy

Do You Have the Skills?

Searching for a job is easier than it may seem, especially for Kingsborough students. It is easier because Kingsborough students and alumni have access to a Jobs Board called CareerWave. The jobs and internships posted here have previously been verified by a Career Advisor to ensure they are legitimate opportunities. The employers posting jobs with us understand the population that we serve, therefore, the qualifications that are required match the qualifications our students possess. Employers can also request a student resume book which gives them access to your resume, therefore, you may be contacted for a job you did not apply for.

Finding a job may be simple but having the necessary skills to become hired can be tricky. Employability skills and personal values are the critical tools and traits needed to succeed in the workplace. Employable skills are all elements that you can learn, cultivate, develop, and maintain over your lifetime. There are two types of obtained skills: hard and soft. Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be defined and measured, such as typing, writing, math, reading and the ability to use software programs. Soft skills are less tangible and harder to quantify, such as etiquette, getting along with others, listening and engaging in small talk once you have acquired the sought-after skills and values and evaluated the degree to which you possess them, begin to market them by building them into your resume, cover letter, and interview answers. The table below shows skills that employers are looking for, why they are looking for it, and how to communicate that you possess those skills.

Soft Skills	Why?	How to communicate it
Teamwork	Many jobs involve working in one or more work-groups, you must have the ability to work with others in a professional manner while attempting to achieve a common goal.	Resourceful team player who excels at building trusting relationships with customers and colleagues
Planning and organization	Deals with your ability to design, plan, organize, and implement projects and tasks within an allotted timeframe. Also, involves goal-setting.	Results-driven achiever with exemplary planning and organizational skills, along with a high degree of detail orientation
Diversity	There is possibly no bigger issue in the workplace than diversity, and jobseekers must demonstrate a sensitivity and awareness to other people and cultures.
Leadership/management	Your ability to take charge and manage your co-workers.	Goal-driven leader who maintains a productive climate and confidently motivates, mobilizes, and coaches employees to meet high-performance standards
Willingness to learn	No matter what your age, no matter how much experience you have, you should always be willing to learn a new skill or technique. Jobs are constantly changing and evolving, and you must show an openness to grow and learn with that change.	Enthusiastic, knowledge-hungry learner, eager to meet challenges and quickly assimilate new concepts
Self-motivated	While teamwork is always mentioned as an important skill, so is the ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.	Highly motivated self-starter who takes initiative with minimal supervision
Professionalism	Deals with acting in a responsible and fair manner in all your personal and work activities, which is seen as a sign of maturity and self-confidence; avoid being petty.	Conscientious go-getter who is highly organized, dedicated, and committed to professionalism
Honesty and integrity	Employers probably respect personal integrity more than any other value, especially in light of the many recent corporate scandals.	Seasoned professional whose honesty and integrity create effective leadership and optimal business relationships
Adaptability	Deals with openness to new ideas and concepts, to working independently or as part of a team, and to carrying out multiple tasks or projects.	Highly adaptable, mobile, positive, resilient, patient risk-taker who is open to new ideas.
Dependability	There’s no question that all employers desire employees who will arrive to work every day — on time — and ready to work, and who will take responsibility for their actions.	Dependable, responsible contributor committed to excellence and success

 

 

Hard Skill	Why	How to communicate it
Data Analysis	Analyzing some kind of data is a common part of many job positions and responsibilities.	Data Visualization Software Flowchart Software
Basic Computer Skills	It is not a surprise that almost every type of job is in a strong connection with computers.	Windows Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel PowerPoint Outlook Express Windows Share Folders
Software Development Software	If you are applying for a software developer	Java C++ Smalltalk PHP .NET
Project Management Software	If you are applying	Project Management Tools Risk Management Tools Workflow Management Software  Gantt Chart Software UML diagram types

 

If adding skills to your resume is an issue please stop by Career Services in C-102 to make an appointment to see an advisor.

                                                                                                             ~Kyla Hendy

Current Job Trends - January 2017

What are the hottest jobs on the market?  Featured below are the fastest growing industries and a handful of the occupations that are in high demand right now, reflecting various levels of experience and education. 

 

For students working towards an Associate’s degree, it could be useful to consider the level of growth you’d like in your career as you decide whether to pursue further education.

Not surprisingly, the majority of the high demand positions require a Bachelor’s or advanced degree.  However, there are a number of top occupations that prioritize experience, some combined with an Associate’s degree or other certification.

 

Healthcare

Occupations in Healthcare remain strong, in particular for Registered Nurses, Physical Therapists, Pharmacists, and Occupational Therapists.

 

College Degree Optional:  For those without a Bachelor’s degree but willing to train and be certified Nurses, Radiologic Technologists and Medical Records Technicians scored big.

 

Technology

Job seekers who have gained an advanced skill in technology have a major advantage.  More IT professionals, such as Network & Systems Administrators and Security Analysts, will be needed to maintain systems and handle growing issues of cyber security and business compliance.

 

Randstad HR and Staffing reported the jobs in highest demand in the US in 2016.  Careers that link a traditionally distinct role with digital technology, data or engineering are particularly popular.  Some hybrid positions include healthcare and IT, human resources and operations, and anything coupled with data sciences.  As technology pervades most sectors and the skills needed in many fields are changing rapidly, the demand is high for candidates who can keep pace with technological advancements.   Various kinds of engineers will enjoy broad opportunities, even in industries such as in healthcare and entertainment   (Forbes, 2016). 

 

In addition, social media and marketing will continue to surge. Successful candidates in the growing internet marketing and social media industry should possess “experience, advanced education, and strong technical or creative skills.”  (Vault Report, 2014).

Other active areas in digital technology include software application development and virtual gaming.  

 

College degree optional:  Software development, Systems Analyst and User Support Specialist.  While a Bachelor’s degree is preferred, generally these positions require just

an Associate’s degree and prioritize experience.  

 

Other Top Occupations

Besides the ever-expanding Technology and Healthcare sectors, there are occupations in marketing, accounting, financial and office administrative services that also have a strong showing.  Here are some of the top titles: 

 

Financial Manager

Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Accountant

Human Resources Generalist

Administrative Assistant

Customer Service

 

To read descriptions of these positions and detailed data on wage averages, training and education, work environment, outlook, and more, go to www.bls.gov/ooh. Type the job title into the search bar, and get informed! 

 

So your chosen career isn’t listed among the “hot” jobs of the year?  Now what?

Remember, the economy changes, as do desired skills. Knowing the current job market is just one factor along your career path.  Most importantly, look at your overall objectives for your daily work and find ways to gain experience and excel in your field, regardless of trends.

The Career Advisors in Room C-102 can help you plan your success!  Make an appointment today.

 

Sources: 

www.forbes.com/sites/karstenstrauss/2016/02/06/the-most-in-demand-jobs-and-what-they-pay/

 

http://advice.careerbuilder.com/posts/these-are-the-most-indemand-jobs-for-2016

 

http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/entry--level-tech-jobs-for-two-year-degree-holders/

 

BurningGlass.com (Analysis of 3,443 information technology jobs which require an associate degree and 0 to 2 years of experience, 05/21/2015 – 05/17/2016).

 

http://www.vault.com/product.aspx?isbn=9781581318746

                                                                                                                           ~Tai Yee Ho

Fact or Fiction: The Realities of Life After College

            For a college student, nothing feels better than moving your tassel from the left to the right, signifying that you are officially an alumni. You have finally made it! All of those sleepless “ramen noodle-study” nights have finally paid off. It is almost like an instant feeling of euphoria, like you have finally arrived. Then suddenly, all at once, all of your thoughts become jumbled into one big mesh of confusion, and reality begins to set in; I am actually an adult now.

If you participated in an internship or various volunteer efforts throughout your college career, then more than likely you already have an offer on the table for a position of employment. However, if you were not previously employed in your field of study prior to completing college, or if you have not participated in an internship, then this is the time that worry and anxiety begins to flood your mind. Questions of “What do I do now” or “Will anyone hire me without experience” begin to fill the mind. If this sounds like a story or a fairy-tale, it is not. Many college students encounter various obstacles and real life challenges when they exit their college career.

One obstacle that college graduates commonly experience is lack of necessary education. Depending on one’s career choice, furthering your education may be a requirement in order to receive certain positions. For instance, to become a teacher, depending on the grade level that one will teach, masters level or even PHD level courses may be necessary. Another obstacle that college students commonly face when exiting their college career is accepting failure. One of my high school friends graduated college with her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice last year, and has ventured off on many interviews, but to no avail. One vital piece of advice that she gained from her interview experience was, in order to succeed in your job search, you must first become comfortable with failure. Most college students believe that they will land a job straight out of college, but the reality is, there are many employers that will not hire without prior experience. However, failure is not always a bad thing. The process of going on multiple interviews can enlighten one on what they will like, dislike, expect and require from the job that they will eventually obtain. Persistence is the key to finding a job, so failure will teach you what employers really want.

Another challenge is lack of opportunity and settling for less. Due to lack of experience and limited opportunities for college graduates, most students feel like they have to settle or accept anything that comes their way; Negotiation is key to succeeding as a college graduate in the work force. Set clear boundaries, be firm and know what you expect before approaching an interview or accepting a position.

One piece of advice that is helpful for choosing and successfully landing a career out of college is being diligent. Research information about each company prior to endeavoring on any interviews; Know the company inside and out, have questions that your are ready to ask and express interest in what you like about the company. Showing an employer that you have done your research before hand, is an excellent way of selling yourself to the employer and showing how you stand out. Most college students expect to receive an easy handout when searching for careers, but the reality is that there are many qualified applicants that are willing to push the envelope to show what they possess. So don’t be afraid to brag about yourself a little bit.

In conclusion, there are many challenges, obstacles and eye opening realities for college graduates. However, with persistence, diligence and confidence, one can master the trials of the job force.

By: Lamasia Moss

Your Brand on Campus

You’ve made it to college. Congrats! There are so many dreams and ideas wrapped up in college but the hard part is figuring out which parts of those dreams and ideas help shape who you want to become. As you move through time as a college student, ideally, you will discover things about yourself that help guide you to the place of ‘who you want to be.’

Here are some useful steps to start building your “Brand on Campus”

Take Note of Those Around You

While you are on campus, you will be interfacing with faculty, staff, and classmates regularly. All of these groups have the potential to help you understand your goals albeit, personal, academic or professional. The important question becomes: What is the best way to present myself to each of these groups?

Classmates/Peers
Members of this group share a common bond with you in that everyone is working towards a degree. All of you can relate to the struggle of juggling classes, work, family and more. Engage with your peers! Talk to people about your shared experience and get to know people working towards similar goals.

• Join a Campus Club, Organization or Activity
  • Kingsborough has over 50 clubs and organizations on campus. This is the perfect way to meet other people in this group who share the same interest as you!
• Attend Campus Events
  • Job Fairs, Musicals, EcoFest, Blood Drives
• Connect on Social Media and Keep in Touch

The important thing with peers is to be yourself!

Staff
The Staff are here to help you. Be respectful, polite, courteous and patient.  If you are not sure about something, ask us questions.  Staff want to see you succeed and find answers to questions. We appreciate when students engage with us and utilize their time interacting with us positively. This always resonates with us.

Faculty
Again, be respectful, polite, courteous and patient. Faculty want to assist you in enjoying whatever you may be in their classroom to learn. They want to invigorate you with what they have to offer on the subjects they teach.

• Be Professional. While school is not a ‘job’ it is a great practice arena on how to interact with someone who has set expectations for you.
• Communicate Openly. When you communicate readily and openly with faculty they are able to gain a better sense of where you are coming from. This helps if issues arise for any reason.
• Ask for Help. When you don’t understand something, let a faculty member know. After all, you are here to learn and faculty are here to teach.
• Keep in Touch. Maintaining your relationships with faculty goes beyond the academic calendar, these relationships are the spring board to your professional networks.

 

How you choose to conduct yourself will make an impact on everyone around you. It is important to start to think about what kind of interactions you would like others to have with you as this will help shape the choices you make.

 

For more on how to cultivate your own personal brand, please see us in C102!

Video Interviews

We are living in age where more and more companies are now using video interviews at some stage in the hiring process.  Video interviews can be a great way to connect with a potential employer without having to travel. So if you’re asked to participate in a video interview, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready. Video interviews should be taken just as seriously as an in person interview. Here is what you need to know to prepare for a video interview:

• Familiarize yourself with how your webcam and camera work. Make sure that you troubleshoot any potential technical difficulties are dealt with beforehand. Make sure the camera is also on eye level that you are looking directly in the camera.
   
• Ensure that your surroundings are neat and not visually distracting. A plain wall, a screen, a bookshelf (with nothing odd on the shelves) is fine. Make sure the location is quiet, i.e; coffee shops with noisy backgrounds, screaming toddler, pets, etc.
   
• Dress appropriately. Even though you are not in person, you should still dress in      appropriate interview attire. Avoid wearing white (shirts, blouses or jackets as this will be too bright and distracting). Many softer, solid colors (blues or neutral tones) will work better.
   

  -Make sure the lighting does not cast a shadow on your face. You’re looking to      achieve nice even lighting across your face.

-Last but not least, practice, practice, and practice! Practice with a friend, a counselor, a spouse, a boyfriend or girlfriend, a parent.  Learning to interview in front of a camera can be daunting but like anything else practicing will help to ease any fears.

Elevator Pitch

“Tell me about yourself” or “Why should I hire you for this job.” These questions are the most commonly asked questions at a job interview. Knowing how to put together a strong answer to the most common interview questions is obviously key to landing a job. The art and science of creating great answers involves being strategic in crafting your responses as well as practicing until you’re as strong as possible.

So what exactly is an elevator pitch? It is simply a 30-second speech that summarizes who you are, what you do and why you’d be a perfect candidate.

The biggest challenge for many people is communicating all their years of experience in 30 seconds. Here are a few tips that can help you with developing an elevator pitch.

• Begin with putting it all down on paper. Write down everything you’d want a prospective employer to know about your skills, accomplishments and work experiences that are relevant to your target position.
• Keep editing until you narrow it down to a few key bullet points that is relevant to your target position. 
• Format it.  A good pitch should answer three questions: Who are you? What do you do? What are you looking for?
• Make sure tailor the speech to them and not you. The interviewer will always listen for how you can benefit the company.
• Read your pitch out loud. If you’re not careful, your speech can sound like an infomercial and not a conversation.
• Practice, Practice, Practice. Rehearse your pitch in front of the mirror so you can see and hear how you sound.

Dressing for Success in the Workplace

Skirt or slacks? Tights or bare legs? Sandals or pumps? These are the questions you might find yourself asking each morning as you select work attire. Too many people have forgotten why proper business attire is important. The major reason why dressing in proper business attire is important for every business professional is because it presents a visual image and sends a message that the employees are professional.

Another reason why dressing in proper business attire is important in the business world is because you never know when you will be required to meet with someone from outside your company. Your image to this outsider will be the image remembered of your company. Whatever else we think about dressing for success, we need to be reminded that first impressions are everything, and we only get one chance to make a positive first impression. Whether your place of work is strict or relaxed, there is a certain level of refinement that should always be maintained and things you should simply never do.

 

Here are a few simple rules of how what NOT to wear in the workplace.

• Never show your midriff. Wear shirts of a proper length, and shun pants that ride too low.
• Avoid revealing too much cleavage
• Don't wear anything see-through
• Save your flip-flops for the beach
• Try not to go too tight. The office isn't the right place to hug every curve.
• Its fine to express your personal style, but keep it refined.

It is often said that first impressions and overall judgments about people are formed by the way they dress. Since the way someone dresses affects the perception of a company's customers or business partners, it is important to maintain a standard of dress that creates a positive impression.