Job Readiness Seminar

1. Job Readiness Seminar Presented by Cooperative Education & Placement Services Fairchild Building Suite 150

2. Top 25 Fastest Growing Careers in the U.S. • Network systems and data communications analysts • Computer software engineers, applications • Personal financial advisors • Veterinarians • Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors • Financial analysts • Forensic science technicians • Mental health counselors • Mental health and substance abuse social workers • Marriage and family therapists • Computer systems analysts • Database administrators • Computer software engineers, systems software • Physical therapists • Physician assistants • Network and computer systems administrators • Health educators • Multi-media artists and animators • Environmental engineers • Environmental scientists and specialists, including health • Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents • Social and community service managers • Hydrologists • Athletic trainers • Medical and public health social workers

3. Sample Career Planhttp://www.aie.org/HighSchool/Careers/samplecareerplan.cfm Career goal: To become a civil engineer. To design, plan, and supervise the construction of buildings, highways, and rapid transit systems.. Long-range, general abilities and requirements: • At least a bachelor's degree in engineering • Ability to work as part of a team • Creativity • Analytical thinking skills • Capacity for detail work • Presentation skills • Writing skills • Knowledge of physical sciences and mathematics • Accreditation by licensing board

4. Sample Career Plan Continued… Current skills, interests, and experiences: • Summer employment with a construction company • High school mathematics courses (geometry, trig, advanced math, calculus) • High school science courses (physics, chemistry) • Experience working within a team (summer employment, school organizations, course projects) • High school writing courses (four years of English, technical writing) • Top 10% of class • Natural creative ability and organizational skills Short-term, specific goals to make your dreams a reality: • Graduate in top 10% of high school class • Achieve good test scores • Be accepted to a university with a good engineering program • Keep grades up to meet requirements for School of Engineering • Continue work experience with internship or part-time/summer employment • Participate in campus organizations for engineering students • Earn a bachelor's degree • Consider graduate school • Improve presentation and writing skills by focusing on courses designed to enhance them

5. Steps For Planning For Your Career • Selecting an occupation or career. • Selecting an area of study or major. • Selecting a college or university. • Internships & Cooperative Education. • Job search!

6. How Your Decisions Today Affect the Future • Credit • Criminal Background • Virtual Presence FaceBook MySpace Twitter Anything found on the internet

7. The Application

9. The Resume

10. Types of Resumes Chronological Represents your experience in a date order with the most recent/relevant experience first. Functional Emphasizes qualifications according to categories using job-related skills.

11. Your Name Here 3100 Cleburne Houston, TX 77004 713-313-7001 E-Mail: yournamehere@tsu.edu OBJECTIVE Seeking management level position in marketing where excellent skills in business development, marketing, and research will enhance company visibility and profitability. SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS Over 9 years of marketing management experience. Expertise in managing all aspects of promotional, advertising, and multi-media communications. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. EDUCATION Candidate for the Master of Business Administration - May 2004 Texas Southern University – Jesse H. Jones School of Business - Houston, Texas B.S. in Business Administration, Minor in Marketing, Detroit City University, Detroit, Michigan – 1998 WORK EXPERIENCE Westwood Manufacturing Company, Phoenix, Arizona – May 1999 - Present Director of Sales and Marketing · Organize and staff marketing activities. Sales growth compounded at 17% per year from $10 to $40 million in nine years. · Initiate programs in advertising, price analysis, product line profitability, market research and applications engineering to support planned growth. · Provide advertising with direction on all creative executions and allocation of $1.5 million media budget. · Prepare, manage and monitor total marketing budgets representing $10 million, for nine market areas. Sales increased 40% within six months after implementation of marketing strategy. XYZ Company, Chicago, Illinois – January 1991 - December 1997 Area Marketing Manager · Planned and chaired quarterly meetings to present new marketing programs to franchise community. · Supervised 18 administrative staff providing marketing, operations and personnel support. · Conducted training classes for assistant managers to help them identify marketing techniques and increase sales. Persuaded eight franchisees to invest in the implementation of a marketing program. This resulted in a 5% - 20% increase in sales. ASSOCIATIONS /AFFILIATIONS Member, American Marketing Association (AMA) Board Member, Institute of Marketing

12. Ennis Scott 3100 Cleburne Houston, TX 7704 713-313-7000 escott@tsu.edu OBJECTIVE A position in Student Affairs that utilizes the educational and on the job skills acquired in undergraduate studies. EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts, Psychology GPA: 3.8 May 2000 Arizona State University Tempe, AZ SKILLS Leadership • Facilitated a leadership retreat for 250 active Arizona Students Against Destructive Decisions(SADD),chapters, focusing on communication, leadership and decision-making skills. • Represented SADD chapter in a statewide conference and presented chapter report. • Supervised activity leaders for statewide conference and resolved communication barriers between individuals. Communication • Informed students of the consequences of making poor decisions through formal and informal presentations and advising. • Explained good decision-making process to assist with appropriate outcomes. • Informed parents regarding children’s daily activities and problems to keep parents of children in childcare current with relevant information. Organization • Planned and organized facilities, presentations, and activities for a statewide conference for more than 1000 people. • Resolved schedule conflicts by coordinating work times and activity assignments. COMPUTER SKILLS Microsoft: Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Windows Internet: Netscape, Internet Explorer PROJECTS • Community Conflict Resolution: Researched public policy to understand the role of policies in enhancing or detracting from community dynamics. Analyzed relevant models and research findings generated by both case studies and comparative methods. • Policy Analysis: Research focused on assessing quality of parent-child relationships as they pertain to child abuse. Policy debates are concerned with the role of formal and informal support systems for parent and child and parent-child interactions in terms of contact, exchange, assistance, support, and relationship quality. Researched existing policies, interviewed parents, social workers, and legislators. Analyzed qualitative and quantitative data. Wrote a 45 page report on results. • Public Program Management: Analyzed interagency relationships and their roles and developed programs for families in crisis. • Diversity Issues and Public Policy: Examined public policy issues affecting women, Black, Latino, Asian, and American Indian communities. Researched issues as they related to interpretation of child abuse and child abuse policies and issues.

13. Accomplishment Statements Use statements that emphasize achievements rather than duties. • Waited tables • Stocked beverage counter • Ordered supplies • Assist up to 100 customers during a four hour time period in a fast paced, stressful environment • Troubleshoot beverage inventory issues, ordering supplies proactively to maintain appropriate inventory levels crucial for effective customer service • Problem solve and negotiate a diversity of customer service issues

14. Using strong action verbs • Avoid starting phrases with “Handle…”, “Work with…”, “Duties included…”, “Responsible for…” • Start each bulleted statement with a descriptive action-oriented verb and combine with accomplishment statement • (Not this) Handled incoming telephone calls • (This) Directed up to 40 customer calls per hour to appropriate service departments throughout company

15. The Cover Letter • Why you are writing/submitting your resume • What you want • How your skills and abilities match the employer's needs • How you will follow up

16. The Hunt Group Mr. John Thomas, Staffing Manager 1234 Houston Ave. Austin, TX 23232 Dear Mr. Thomas: I recently read an article in the newspaper about your agency opening a location in the Houston area and am interested in becoming a Human Resource Generalist with your organization. I will graduate from Texas Southern University in December with a B.A. in Human Resource Management. During my four years at Texas Southern University, I took numerous courses in the area of Human Resource Management. I also worked part time as an Administrative Assistant in Human Resources. My knowledge of Human Resources and my strong work ethics would make me a great team member for your organization I will call you next week to arrange an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jason Grille 1411 Williams Street Houston, TX 77032 832-713-2810

17. Preparing for the Interview

18. Pre-interview research • Research company on-line • Contact employees you may know • Pick up some company brochures

19. COMPANY FACT SHEET Company Name & Address Hiring manager Type of business Number of employees Main location Other locations What is the company’s reputation? Long and short- term goals New products in development Public or private Competitors Annual sales Growth pattern (last 5 yrs) Current stock price Stock activity (2-3yrs) Profitable last year? Profitable last quarter?

20. Marketing Profile (Your Commercial) Identify I’m a ________________________ with _____ years experience in _________________ ________________________________________________________________________  Or I have ______ years experience in the field of____________________________________ Skills My main areas of expertise are in: ____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Or  I am skilled in: ___________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Accomplishments My major accomplishments have been in the area of: _____________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Targets I am interested in obtaining a position as a: _____________________________________ in the ________________________ (field/ industry) or with a _____________________ sized firm.

21. Top Interview Questions Q. Tell me about yourself. Remember, the interview is about you and you are the expert. Set the stage for success by focusing on your most marketable skills and strengths. Deliver your 60 second commercial with natural sincerity and enthusiasm. Keep responses relatively brief (about two minutes or less) and job-related. Q. What are your strengths? Support your strengths with specific examples, and focus on how you saved time and money or improved sales and service, i.e., Last November I was voted Employee of the Month for outstanding customer service at XYZ Company. Q. What are your weaknesses? Avoid appearing defensive. Identify a common weakness and turn it into a strength, i.e., Sometimes I become impatient when there are delays out of my control…but I think wanting to complete the job on time is also a strength Q. What has prepared you for this job? Focus on your education, training and work experience. Provide examples of how you have successfully managed Similar tasks in the past. Note: Research the company in advance to find out as much as you can about the position. Request a job description and if possible, visit the company before interviewing. Q. How well do you work under pressure? Assure the interviewer you can handle multiple assignments, and keep your cool. Share an example of how you have managed a stressful situation in the past by being well-organized and having a positive attitude.

22. Interview Questions Continued… Q: Do you like being a team player? Absolutely, teamwork is essential for success. Market your people-skills in term of how you communicate effectively with an increasingly diverse population. Give a specific example of how your writing, speaking or listening skills contributed to the success of a program or project in the last year. Q: How would others describe you? This question can be tricky, so prepare by focusing on your key employment traits. Honesty, dependability, and positive attitude are highly valued today. Remember to put your best foot forward and project a credible image. Q: What do you want to do in five years? Respond with a plan that outlines steady progress and increasing responsibility, i.e. Everything is changing so rapidly in this field…but my plan is to continue learning and gaining experience so that one day I can move on to the next level. Q: Why do you want this job? Position yourself as a team-player who can be counted on to do a professional job. Match your education, training and experience to the position. Q: Do you have any questions? YES! Show your interest, enthusiasm and confidence by asking- among other things- about a typical workday, priority projects and on-the-job training. And always let the interviewer raise the issue of salary and benefits first.

23. Questions????? • Could you describe what my workday would be like? • Who will I report to on my first day? • What reservations if any, would you have about offering me the job?

24. Personal Preparation • Prepare a Thank You note • Practice travel route in advance • Select & prepare clothing the night before • Personal Hygiene!!!

25. Dress for Success

26. The Facts • Your dress will speak for you 90% • Accessories and hair style make up 30-50% of the total dress. • Research shows that women who wear make-up earn 23% more than their counterparts who don’t because make-up enhances your key communication portals, your mouth and eyes.

27. Dress for Success Women - Consider These Tips/Advice Suits • Women should wear dress suits, preferably black, dark grey or blue. • Skirts should be no more than one inch above the knee. • Suits should fit properly and be comfortable. • No trimming or zippers on suit attire. Shoes • No flat or open toe shoes, pumps are preferred; black or blue. Pantyhose should be skin tone color or black. No other colors! Jewelry • Should be moderately worn (no dangling bracelets or earrings). One ring on each hand. No body piercing or tattoos.  Hair/Makeup/Nails • Hair style should be conservative (Braids – pull back and tied). Make-up should be conservative, no apparent colors on eyes (blue, pink, red). Nails should be conservative length, no bold colors.

28. Sample skirted suit dress attire

29. Sample pantsuit dress attire

30. Dress for Success The standard attire for men is a conservative black, dark navy or gray two-piece business suit Suits • Dark suit, light shirt • Preferably white long-sleeved button-down dress shirt • Avoid cotton shirts (preferably 50% cotton/polyester to avoid wrinkles) • Suits should fit properly. •  Conservative silk tie (that matches the colors in your suit) Shoes • Black leather shoes (wingtips or loafers) that are polished. No boots. Accessories • Should be moderately worn, no earrings or tattoos. • Minimal jewelry - watch, wedding ring and school rings are acceptable. • You should always wear a belt and your belt should always match your shoes. Grooming • If you have a beard or mustache, your facial hair should be neatly trimmed. • Conservative haircut - collar length, above the ears, neatly combed.

31. Examples

32. DON’T choose attire that will cause undue attention such as fluorescents or animal prints. • DO mix and match. Coordinate colors. When you begin with 2 or 3 pairs of pants in black, navy or grey, you can add any color shirt or sweater and still look business-like. Wearing the same shirt with the same tie or blouse is lazy and will be noticed. • DON’T wear those three-inch heels you wear to the club. • DO dress for the job you want and not the one you’ve got – appearance is a key indicator of how seriously you take your career and your company. • DON’T forget to smile – it makes the perfect accessory to your new look and demonstrates your confidence and approachability. • DO take pride in your appearance – after all, you are an ambassador for your company and what you wear says a lot about you as a person. • DON’T forget to iron – there’s no point spending lots of money on a look or having ‘the right shirt’ if it looks as if you just rolled out of bed.

33. Remember!!! • First impressions do matter. • You never get a second chance to make a first impression. • Conservative is best!

34. Be Prepared Two pens with same (blue or black) ink Copies of your resume Neatly completed application List of questions you want answered Current picture ID and Social Security Card Any correspondence from the employer List of references

35. Interviewing Etiquette • Know the date and time of the Interview • Go alone and arrive early • Offer a firm handshake • Smile and Speak clearly • Project confident body language; poise • Show enthusiasm • Use Titles; Mr. or Ms. with Interviewer’s name

36. Interviewing Don’ts • Don’t be late • Don’t interview unless you are interested • Don’t condemn past employers • Don’t chew gum or drink beverages if offered • Don’t ever bring up salary or benefits first

37. Whether you are a student, alumni, or employer, we are committed to assisting you in meeting your goals. When we can be of assistance, please give our office a call at 713-313-7346. or Email robersonan@tsu.edu or If you are on campus, come by our office located in Suite 152 of the Thornton M. Fairchild Building. We look forward to working with you and wish you much success.