Career Search Guide - College of Human Sciences · 6 Career Search Guide Guidelines for Accepting Job Offers and Continuing to Job Search It is poor professional practice to continue

Career Search Guide

College of Human Sciences Career Services

hs.iastate.edu/career-services • [email protected] • 515-294-0626

131 MacKay Hall • Osborn Drive • Ames, IA 50011

2 Career Search Guide

CyHire • About CyHire • Logging in • Terminology

Best Practices • Class Attendance • Canceling an Interview • Interview “No Show” Procedures • Guidelines for Accepting Job Offers and Continuing to Job Search • Email Response Time

Resumes/Accompanying Documents • Resume • About the Resume • Evaluation Guide • Sample Resume • Writing Detailed Bullet Points • Power Verbs • Reference Page • Sample Cover Letter • Sample Prospecting Letter

Social Networking

Interviewing • About the Interview • Interviewing Questions and Tips • Sample Questions • Behavioral-Based Interviewing • About Behavioral-Based Interviewing • S.T.A.R. Approach to Answering Questions • Sample Questions

Iowa State University College of Human Sciences 3

About CyHire

CyHire is a centralized, online job posting service that provides all qualified Iowa State University students and alumni equal access to employment opportunities. CyHire allows you to create a profile, store documents, search and apply for jobs, participate in on-campus recruiting, research employers, schedule counseling appointments, view career fair participants, see details on upcoming workshops and info sessions, and manage your calendar. CyHire is used by employers to post all professional employment opportunities (co-ops, internships and full-time positions). It should be one of your primary sources for employment information because employers that use the system are specifically looking to hire Iowa State University students and alumni.

Logging in to CyHire

1. Go to the Human Sciences Career Services homepage at hs.iastate.edu/career-services

2. Click on the CyHire link located in Quick Links.

3. Click on the Student/Alumni Login link.

4. Enter your username (your full Iowa State email address).

5. Enter your password. (If you do not know your password, click the ‘Forgot Password’ link and enter your Iowa State email address. Click ‘go’ once. A link to reset your password will be sent to your ISU email address.)

6. Click Go >

7. Once you are in the CyHire system, update your profile information (make sure you have the correct ‘Applicant Type’, ‘Major’, and ‘Work Authorization’ on the ‘Academic’ tab) and upload your resume. Make sure you have had your resume reviewed by a Human Sciences Career Services staff member before uploading. You have access to job postings, on-campus interviews, and other events on-campus. For more tips and instructions contact our office.


CyHire Terminology

Preselect Interviews (P)

Open Sign-up Interviews (O)

Job Posting (J)

Internships Experiential Education

Co-ops Experiential Education

On campus Interviews in which employers review resumes and determine who they want to interview.

Interviews you can immediately sign-up for on CyHire if you meet the requirements listed. No prescreening of resumes takes place.

No interview is scheduled at this time. The employer will contact candidates directly if interested.

Students work part-time or full-time Generally last for one semester or summer Paid or non-paid, credit or non-credit

Students always work full-time May occur on an extended basis (work two semesters) or an alternating basis (work, school, work, etc.) Always paid Usually not done for credit


Best Practices Related to Career Services

Class Attendance and Interview SchedulingThe Human Sciences Career Services Office recommends that classes and academic success come first in the lives of students. When scheduling interviews with companies, please make every attempt to schedule at times that do not conflict with classes. Companies are generally flexible about interview scheduling.

Canceling an InterviewStudents are asked to provide at least a 48-hour notice if they need to cancel an interview in the College of Human Sciences Career Services Office. If we do not receive notice prior to 48 hours, the missed interview is considered a “no show.”

Interview “No Show” Procedures• If a student is considered a “no show,” their CyHire account will be blocked and scheduling on-campus interviews will be prevented. The CyHire account can be unblocked when an apology email is sent. NOTE: any previously scheduled interviews should be kept or canceled appropriately.

• To remove the block from CyHire, an apology email will need to be sent to the company representative. Contact information is available in Human Sciences Career Services, 131 MacKay Hall. This information will not be provided by email or phone. Be sure to copy [email protected] in the apology email so that our office is aware you have followed the correct procedure. The account will be unblocked after we have received this email.

• If we do not receive this email within three business days of the missed interview, the CyHire account will be disabled and the student will be unable to log in. The account will remain blocked and disabled until we receive a copy of the apology email to the recruiter.

• If any additional interviews are missed, the above procedure will be followed, and an appointment will need to be scheduled with the Director of Human Sciences Career Services to discuss professional interview conduct. If illness or an emergency occurs, phone our office (515.294.0626) as soon as possible prior to the start of the interview. If this is not more than 48 hours prior to the interview, it will be treated as a “no-show.” However, by following the “no-show” policy, it may be possible to maintain a positive relationship with the company and reschedule the interview. The decision to reschedule is at the discretion of the company.


Guidelines for Accepting Job Offers and Continuing to Job SearchIt is poor professional practice to continue to job search after a job offer has been accepted. Employers take a harsh view of a student who accepts a position and later declines. Acceptance of a job offer constitutes ceasing all job searching activities including further resume submission, interviewing, etc. If a student is not prepared to go to work for the company that makes a job offer, they should respectfully decline the offer in a timely manner and continue job searching. Human Sciences Career Services is happy to advise students as it relates to issues of job searching, negotiation, and accepting/declining offers.

Email Response PolicyWhen contacting College of Human Sciences Career Services staff by email, you can generally expect a response within 48 hours. If you do not hear back in that amount of time or your need is urgent, please phone 515-294-0626.

Resume and Accompanying Documents

About the ResumeThe resume is often the first document a potential employer sees regarding the job seeker. It is typically used to screen applicants and make a first impression. Its purpose is to provide a brief summary of your skills and achievements and promote who you are. The intent of the resume is to capture and emphasize your talents and your particular interests as well as to help secure an interview. A resumeis comparable to a curriculum vitae, or CV, in many countries.

Evaluation GuideWhether you are writing your first resume, updating to add additional experiences, or revising to reflect a different career focus, you can utilize this guide to critique your resume.


Overall Appearance Comments

Makes an immediate favorable impression

Efficient use of space: Page is full but not crowded and there is appropriate use of white space

Clean and sharp reproduction

Formatting and Organization

Consistent and appropriate font size/style used (10pt min–12pt max not including headings)

Proper use of bolding, underlining, italics, etc.

Has separate sections

Has consistent layout

Is easy to read

Appropriate length: Typically no more than one page for undergraduate students; no more than two pages for graduate/ experienced level job seeker

Contact Information

Is clearly presented at top with first and last name, address (permanent and/or temporary), phone number and professional e-mail address

Objective

Is stated clearly and conveys purpose

Emphasizes strongest qualifications

Work centered, not self-centered

Content

Important data included (location, job title, dates)

Is free from unnecessary information

Has most relevant qualifications and experiences presented first

Stresses accomplishments, results, and skills rather than duties and responsibilities

Utilizes quantification to demonstrate accomplishments

Language

Expressed in a succinct/concise manner

Uses power verbs to begin phrases/bullet points

Utilizes bullet points to organize information

Free of errors

CyHire

Reviewed resume uploaded into CyHire. Our office highly recommends a review of your resume before applying to positions or programs.

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JANE CYCLONE123 Main Street Ames, Iowa 50011 515.123.4567 [email protected]

EDUCATION Iowa State University Ames, Iowa Bachelor of Science: Event Management December 2016 GPA: 3.0/4.0 Certifications: ServSafe, Cvent University

EVENT RELATED EXPERIENCE Des Moines Arts Festival Des Moines, Iowa Festival Productions Intern May 2012-July 2012 • Managed and prepared contracts with restaurateurs and performers • Assigned 75 volunteers to job tasks and managed throughout shift• Negotiated contracts for the operational logistics of the Art Fair • Created informational documents and manuals for nonprofit vendors and restaurateursXYZ Golf Course Des Moines, Iowa Bartender and Events Assistant May 2010-August 2011 • Prepared beverages and provided customer service • Scheduled tee times and arranged tournament signups • Designed menus and pamphlets advertising the golf course • Assisted General Manager with special events and golf tournaments

ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE Iowa State University Office of XYZ Ames, Iowa Student Office Assistant August 2010-Present • Enter data from departmental research projects • Assist with reconciling accounts and budgets at the end of the month• File paperwork, scan documents, and answer phone calls for six staff members

ACTIVITIES Iowa State University Event Management Club Ames, IowaActive Member 2011-Present• Plan site visits to learn about event opportunities • Organize fundraising events and social activities for 40 – 50 members

International Festival and Events Association Tucson, ArizonaScholarship Winner and Conference Attendee September 2015• Helped check in guests at silent auction registration table • Attended seminars and breakout sessions on topics related to networking, social media, event insurance, creating green events, and other event management topics


Writing Detailed Bullet Points

Achievements demonstrate your value to potential employers because past success is the single best predictor of future success. Identifying your accomplishments now, including them on your resume, and speaking about them during interviews will enable recruiters and hiring managers to determine what you can do for them and where you will contribute most to their companies. Consider the following questions when writing detailed bullet points.

1. Solved difficult problems? (What was the result? What was the problem? What was the solution?)

2. Identified and solved problems that others didn’t see? (What was the result? What was the problem? What was the solution?)

3. Tried something for the very first time? (What was the result? What did you do? Why was it important?)

4. Developed, created, designed or invented something? (What was the result? What was it you developed, created, designed or invented? Why was it important?)

5. Been promoted or upgraded? (From what to what? When? Because of what?)

6. Written papers, reports, articles? (What was the topic? Where did they appear or what did they achieve? Why were they important?)

7. Trained employees? (What was the result? How many? In what? Over what period of time?)

8. Developed or implemented a new system or procedure? (What was the result? What was the new system or procedure?)

9. Received any awards or special recognition? (What were they? When? For what?)

Before: Trained new floor clerks and cashiers, which reduced problems

After: Increased customer satisfaction by training seven new floor clerks and cashiers in customer service skills

Detailed Bullet Points Example


Power Verbs

PlanningExample: Developed and implemented a training program that resulted in a 45% increase in employee satisfaction.Administered • Anticipated • Commissioned • Determined • Developed • Devised • Evaluated

OrganizingExample: Coordinated weekly office schedules for eight employees.Authorized • Contracted • Coordinated • Implemented • Incorporated • Suggested • Tracked

ExecutingExample: Handled 20+ customer calls per shift regarding coverage changes, renewal rates and billing procedures.Distributed • Entered • Exercised • Forwarded • Handled • Input • Installed • Labored

SupervisingExample: Developed and supervised the implementation of new computer filing system that reduced paper use by 35%.Assessed • Compared • Controlled • Developed • Examined • Oversaw • Reviewed • Revised

LeadingExample: Trained 20+ new employees in customer service policies over a two-year period.Guided • Influenced • Initiated • Inspired • Involved • Led • Managed • Mentored • Motivated

Getting ResultsExample: Increased student participation by 25% over a six-month period.Delivered • Diminished • Earned • Gained • Generated • Grew • Rejuvenated • Renovated

QuantitativeExample: Developed and implemented a training program that resulted in a 45% increase in employee satisfaction.Checked • Compounded • Computed • Projected • Recorded • Reduced • Tabulated • Totaled

CommunicatingExample: Developed and implemented a training program that resulted in a 45% increase in employee satisfaction.Arbitrated • Educated • Explained • Informed • Instructed • Interpreted • Interviewed

HelpingExample: Provided academic support for 30+ at-risk primary school students through comprehensive after-school program.Aided • Assisted • Enriched • Familiarized • Helped • Interceded • Mobilized • Modeled


References

A reference page allows you to provide a list of contacts who can validate the information on your resume and speak to the quality of your work. References should be individuals who are familiar with your applicable skills and will provide you a positive recommendation. Be sure to ask permission before you provide contact information to anyone and supply your reference with a copy of your resume. Aim for 3-4 individuals who can serve as references.

References may include: • Former and current supervisors/managers • Coworkers • Professors/Academic Advisers • Student Organization Advisers • Coaches • Mentors • Contacts from professional organizations • Contacts from volunteer/community activities • Customers/Clients


Sample Cover Letter

The purpose and intent of this type of letter is to respond to specific job openings, AND to help get an interview! Each cover letter should be written specifically to a job description.

(Center letter on the page from top to bottom)

Your Address

City, State Zip

Current Date

Individual’s Name

Title

Name of Organization

Address

City, State Zip

Dear (Ms. or Mr.) ____________:*

First paragraph: State why you are writing, the position for which you are

applying, and how you learned of the opening. Make one strong opening

statement about yourself.

Middle paragraphs: Discuss your qualifications. These paragraphs should be

specifically tailored to requirements posted in the job listing. You might also

consider including why this specific company interested you in the first place.

Limit this section to two to three paragraphs.

Final paragraph: Refer the reader to the attached resume. If you are going to

follow up in one to two weeks, mention a specific date. Mention you look forward

to discussing your qualifications further. Also provide your email address and

phone number. Close with thanking them for their time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name

*If you do not have or cannot obtain the name of job title, “Hiring Manager” is an appropriate option. Avoid using “To Whom it May Concern.”


Sample Prospecting Letter

The purpose of this letter is to communicate with potential employers when you are not aware of a specific job opening. Prospecting letters are used extensively for long distance searches. Structure this letter similarly to the cover letter, but instead of using position information, focus on your strengths, your skills and what you can bring to the organization.

(Center letter on the page from top to bottom)

Your Address

City, State Zip

Current Date

Individual’s Name

Title

Name of Organization

Address

City, State Zip

Dear Mr. or Ms. _____________:

First Paragraph: Indicate your interest in the company, organization, or type

of work and state how you learned about them. Make one strong opening

statement about yourself.

Second Paragraph: Outline your strengths focusing on work experiences, co-op/

internships and coursework. Convince the employer that you have the skills and

motivation to contribute to the organization. Tell them what you can do for them,

not what you expect from them.

Third Paragraph: Request an interview and indicate that you will call during a

specific time period to discuss interview possibilities. If you will be in the area

of the company over break or for a long weekend, suggest the possibility of

meeting during that time. Express appreciation for their consideration and that

you look forward to speaking with them about possible opportunities.

Sincerely,

Your Name


Social Networking

Social networking is an increasingly common way to reach out to others and make connections. Talk with the College of Human Sciences Career Services Office staff about professional methods of communicating via social media.

About the Interview

Interviewing Questions and Tips

What to bring to the interviewEnthusiasm and a good attitudeExtra copies of your resume and transcript (official and unofficial/AccessPlus)A professional pen and notepad in a padfolio or folderKey questions you want to be sure to askYour reference list (printed on paper that matches your resume)Dates of employment and social security number (for completing an application)A portfolio or appropriate project documentation

Sample general questionsTell me about yourself.What courses did you like best? The least?What qualifications do you have that make you feel you will be successful in your field?What do you like about our company?Do you prefer working with others or by yourself?What interests you about our product or service?How has your college experience prepared you for a career?What have you learned from your mistakes?

Sample questions you could ask your interviewerWhat do you (the interviewer) like best about your job/company?Can you describe the team/project work?Can you explain the training program?What qualities would your ideal candidate possess?What is the next step in the hiring process? OR When can I expect to hear something back from you?


Behavioral-Based Interviewing

About Behavioral-Based InterviewingBehavioral-Based interviewing is a common practice based on the premise that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance under similar conditions. This Situation/Task, Action, and Result (S.T.A.R.) method of asking —and responding to questions — is designed to provide the employer with a more objective set of detailed facts on which to base their employee-selection decisions.

This interviewing method often probes more deeply to better determine whether a particular candidate actually exhibits the particular behaviors and traits the employer is seeking. S.T.A.R. Approach to Answering Questions Whether or not an employer is using the behavioral interviewing technique in the interview, the best candidate responses are specific and detailed. They use responses that tell the interviewer about particular situations the candidate has experienced that relate well to each question.

Organize Your Answers Using the S.T.A.R. Approach:

Situation or Task: Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. Choose a specific example. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to picture you in your situation.

Action: Describe the action you took, not a generalization of a team or group. Do not tell what you might do, explain what you did.

Result: What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?

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Sample Behavioral-Based Interviewing Questions

Ability to plan tasks: Tell me about a big project you had to plan for school or work.

Ability to set priorities: Describe a situation when you had several things to do in a limited time.

Ability to delegate: Tell me about a big project you were in charge of and had to let others help.

Client relations: Tell me about a time when you’ve had to deal with members of the public.

Being a team player: Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a group problem.

Ability to deal with people: Describe a time when you worked closely with someone in a position above (or below) you.

Problem solving: Tell me about the most difficult work or school problem you have ever faced.

Ability to apply knowledge: Tell me about a situation in which you had to apply some acquired knowledge or skill.

Knowing limitations: Tell me about a time when you had to turn to someone else for assistance.

Taking initiative: Tell me about a time when you had to take charge and get a job done or resolve a difficult situation.

Ability to learn: Tell me about a time when you had to learn something new in a short time.

College of Human Sciences Career Services

hs.iastate.edu/career-services • [email protected] • 515-294-0626

131 MacKay Hall • Osborn Drive • Ames, IA 50011

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic infor-mation, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 3350 Beardshear Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011, 515-294-7612, [email protected].