i efx professionalism_presentation

Interviewer Pet PeevesInterviewer Pet Peeves• Interviewer: “Tell me about

yourself ”yourself.– Interviewee proceeds to read

the resume line by line, or talks about fantasy baseballtalks about fantasy baseball team.

• Interviewees forgetting a copy of their resumecopy of their resume.

• Wearing casual clothing, unless specifically asked to.

• Interviewer: “So, any questions for me?”– Interviewee: “Yeah, so what

does your company do exactly?”

• Interviewees talking only g yabout academic experience.

Professional DevelopmentProfessional Development

Q: Is Professional Development in collegeQ: Is Professional Development in college important?

A: No. It is essential.

Common MisperceptionsCommon Misperceptions

• F: I don’t have to figure out this professionalism thing until I graduate and get p g g ga job in another 4 + years

• iSA: You have 4 + years to develop yourself professionally such that your are qualified for your job upon graduationyour job upon graduation


• F: Why should I have to worry about going “above and beyond” my education?y y

iSA I i i ld h b h i• iSA: In a competitive world, the best get their pick


h b d ll h• F: The economy is bad now, so I will use that as my excuse for not developing myself professionally

• iSA: There are plenty of companies hiring and lots of opportunitieslots of opportunities

• Brett: The economy is always bad; don’t let that be your excuse. Good candidates will always have excellent job prospects


• F: My GPA is the single most important factor for determining my success following g y ggraduation

• iSA: Your GPA, while very important, is one of several very important factors which will determine your success following graduationdetermine your success following graduation


• F: Putting all my eggs in one basket and doing really well on one thing (GPA, work y g ( ,experience, involvement, etc) is the best tactic for professional successfor professional success

• iSA: Your professional success is a table with many legs, all of which should be strong andmany legs, all of which should be strong and developed

Getting your foot in the doorGetting your foot in the door

• The apparent perpetual cycle– Recruiters tell me I need experience to get p gexperience

– Where do I start???Where do I start???

• Everyone starts somewhere– Recruiters know this

• This is why you are here!This is why you are here!

Tonight’s Agendag gHow to grow professionally

ResumeResumeCover LetterFashionCareer FairsCareer FairsNetworkingCorrespondenceInterviewsInterviewsBehaviorLast Word

• Cramming many hours of experience into 1 hour

• High‐level summary• Refer to iSA, “Resources” slide for

more• Timeline at bottom of slides

Resume Cover Letter Fashion Career Fairs Networking Correspondence Interviews Behavior Last Word

Résumés (spelled resume from here on)Résumés (spelled resume from here on)


Myth Truth

• The more I have on it, the better chances I’ll have.

• A cluttered resume only gives the recruiter a h d h I l d i i iheadache. Include activities pertinent to the position.

A d l ki• It’s okay to embellish my activities.

• A good‐looking resume might get you an interview, but the truth always comesbut the truth always comes out – keep it honest.


Ineffective formatting Ineffective contentCHRIS T. SMITH CHRIS T. SMITH

resume credit: ECS

205 E. Illinois Street, Champaign, IL 61820 | 217-755-7488 | e-mail: [email protected]

OBJECTIVE Seeking a summer 2006 process control internship with a leading automotive manufacturing company. EDUCATION

CHRIS T. SMITH205 E. Illinois St., Champaign, IL 61820 · 217-555-7488 · Email: [email protected]

OBJECTIVE

Seeking a summer internship with a leading company. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL B.S. Industrial Engineering, expected May 2008 GPA: 3.4/4.0 Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL A.S. Engineering Transfer Program, May 2006 GPA: 3.6/4.0

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Urbana-Champaign, ILB.S., Industrial Engineering, May 2008 ANYTOWN HIGH SCHOOL Anytown, IL

RELATED EXPERIENCE Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI Process Design Engineering Intern, Summer 2006

- Designed a secure wiring harness for a future product; project included identifying proper location of sensors, clamp types, and attachment points

- Modified fuel gauge production process for Taurus models to decrease warranty claims - Implemented new fuel gauge design using ProENGINEER software, enabling future

Diploma, May 2004 WORK EXPERIENCE

COLLEGE PRO PAINTING Dearborn, MIPainter Summer 2006· I worked with a team of painters to completely re-paint several apartment building interiorsp e e ed ew ue gauge des g us g o NG N so wa e, e ab g u u e

modifications and worldwide access

Home Depot, Kankakee, IL Sales Associte, June 2004 – May 2006 - Built wood display decks, storage sheds, and other items for sales lot - Assisted customers in selecting and purchasing materials for small and large projects - Exceed monthly sales goals 5 consecutive months

p p y p p g· I worked several 12-hour shifts and volunteered to purchase supplies in the evening

Self Employed Summer 2005· I performed odd jobs for families in my neighborhood, including mowing, housework, minor repairs, etc. · I was able to expand my customer base through referrals

SKILLS

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Lakeview Landscaping, Bradley, IL Project Manager, Summer 2005

- Managed 7 residential landscape installation projects with more than $65,000 total - Supervised teams of 4 part-time laborers - Developed project design estimates and quotes for nearly 20 residential and commercial

clients

SKILLS Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, Internet

Language Skills: Intermediate in Spanish

ACTIVITIES

clients SKILLS Computer skills: Matlab, Simulink, Mathcad, TAS, MacroFlow, VisualNastran/Working Model,

Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, AutoCAD Language skills: Fluent in French; intermediate in Spanish

Member, Society for Business and Management in Engineering, UIUC, Fall 2006 – Present HOBBIES

· Golf · Working with motors

LEADERSHIP AND HONORS Vice President, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), UIUC, Fall 2006-Present

g· Comic books


CHRIS T. SMITH 205 E. Illinois Street, Champaign, IL 61820 | 217-755-7488 | e-mail: [email protected]

OBJECTIVE Seeking a summer 2006 process control internship with a leading automotive manufacturing company.

EDUCATION University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL B.S. Industrial Engineering, expected May 2008 GPA: 3.4/4.0

K k k C it C ll K k k ILBeware of

Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL A.S. Engineering Transfer Program, May 2006 GPA: 3.6/4.0 RELATED EXPERIENCE

Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI

automatic h li ki ! p y

Process Design Engineering Intern, Summer 2006 - Designed a secure wiring harness for a future product; project included identifying proper

location of sensors, clamp types, and attachment points - Modified fuel gauge production process for Taurus models to decrease warranty claims - Implemented new fuel gauge design using ProENGINEER software, enabling future

modifications and worldwide access

hyperlinking!

Home Depot, Kankakee, IL Sales Associte, June 2004 – May 2006 - Built wood display decks, storage sheds, and other items for sales lot - Assisted customers in selecting and purchasing materials for small and large projects - Exceed monthly sales goals 5 consecutive months

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Always send ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Lakeview Landscaping, Bradley, IL Project Manager, Summer 2005

- Managed 7 residential landscape installation projects with more than $65,000 total - Supervised teams of 4 part-time laborers - Developed project design estimates and quotes for nearly 20 residential and commercial

your resume in PDF format! p p j g q y

clients SKILLS Computer skills: Matlab, Simulink, Mathcad, TAS, MacroFlow, VisualNastran/Working Model,

Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, AutoCAD

PDF format!

Language skills: Fluent in French; intermediate in Spanish LEADERSHIP AND HONORS Vice President, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), UIUC, Fall 2006-Present


Ineffective vs Effective writingIneffective vs. Effective writing– “I worked with a team of painters to completely re‐paint several

t t b ildi i t i ”apartment building interiors”vs…– Coordinated team of six to re‐paint 30 apartment interiors, generating

$6000 i$6000 in revenues• Action verbs

– “Coordinated”– “Managed”– “Generated”– “Analyzed”y

• Show your impact/results and personal qualities– $$$, % increase/decrease– New processes methods capabilitiesNew processes, methods, capabilities– People (motivation, satisfaction, etc.)

• Try to keep your items to one line eachD il d il d il ! (W d P L Ali Vi G idli )• Details, details, details! (Word: Page Layout – Align – View Gridlines)


and remember…

It’ !It’s a process!Resume Cover Letter Fashion Career Fairs Networking Correspond

ence Interviews Behavior Last Word

There is moreThere is more ….Sure, you can apply, but first I’ll need your ….


You’ve already done a lotYou ve already done a lot ….

• Resume

• Career FairCareer Fair

• Company Contact

• Followed up

• Online ApplicationOnline Application

• Cover Letter …. NO CHECK!


Cover LettersCover Letters

• One of the last (or first, it depends) involved steps in the application processp pp p

Sh ld b f ll id d d• Should be carefully considered and put together

Oft h t i d fi t b ft i k• Often what is read first, or maybe after a quick glance at your resume


Resume v Cover LetterResume v Cover Letter

Structured Flowing Approach … Approach …


Cover LettersCover Letters

• Not to fear….

• Cover Letters, once completed, can be used dl lik f i il i irepeatedly like resumes for similar positions

• For positions that you may not immediately lifi d f t il l ttseem qualified for, tailor your cover letter


Crafting a Cover LetterCrafting a Cover LetterA Structured Approach

RESUME COVER LETTERD

Contact Information• …..•

Dear …. :

Paragraph I: Job you want and how you heard about it• …..

Education•

Job you want and how you heard about it

Paragraph II: Education which qualifies you for the job…..

• …..Experience• …..

Education which qualifies you for the job

Paragraph III:Experience which qualifies you for the job…..

• …..Honors and Activities• …..

Experience which qualifies you for the job

Paragraph IV:Activities you have been involved with that

• …..y

further qualify you

Paragraph V:Closing


General Apparel TipsGeneral Apparel Tips

• WWJBD?


General Apparel TipsGeneral Apparel Tips

• Men– Slacks, dress shirt, tie– Jacket optional, though people often wear them– Belt matches shoes

• WomenSuit skirt or pants or business dress– Suit, skirt or pants, or business dress

• No suit? Time to get one, it’s a good i t tinvestment

• Accessories– Portfolio


Attire Career FairAttire ‐ Career Fair

• Business casual is the minimum– Jackets are not always required

– Be weather conscious (rain, heat, snow)• Look polishedp

• Wear deodorant

• Clean‐up or hide your sweat stains!

– Grooming• Men: Washed, combed, no 5 o’clock shadow, clean nails

• Women: Washed, combed, clean nails

– Bling should be conservative


Attire Info Session/Company DinnerAttire ‐ Info Session/Company Dinner

• “Casual” doesn’t reallymean casual– Smart Casual

• Same grooming considerations as Career Fair and Interviewsand Interviews

• Smart Casual is the minimum, but business casual is preferred– Exceptions: When dress is specified by hostExceptions: When dress is specified by host

• Don’t gorge yourself!


Attire InterviewsAttire ‐ Interviews

• This one’s easy…

• Business Formal – NO EXCEPTIONSBusiness Formal NO EXCEPTIONS– Also called “Business Professional”

• Grooming is important– You are the only person they will be looking at for y p y g45‐60 minutes!


Career FairsCareer Fairs

• Purpose of a career fair– Networkingg

• What’s a career fair like?C d d– Crowded

– Busy

– Long waits

• Illinois Career fairs• Illinois Career fairs– EXPO, Engineering Career Services, Business

– Many moreResume Cover Letter Fashion Career Fairs Networking Correspond



d f• How to succeed at a career fair– Research, research, research– Prepare your 30 second pitch

• Why?• Make your point, Keep it comfortable

– Know answers to basic questions a recruiter may have

• Why do you want to work for us?• Why did you select your major?

– Have plenty of resumes


30 Second Pitch30‐Second Pitch

• “Hi, my name is Jim Bob”

• “I’m a senior in ….“I m a senior in ….

• “I’ve had a lot of project management and d i i h h i hi hdesign experience through my internships, the most recent of which was …. “

• “I’m looking to apply the skills I’ve attained within your company as ”within your company as ….

• “I’m curious as to what full‐time opportunities you may have coming up in May”



• When walking in– Fill out a name tag if you don’t already have oneg y y

– Get a map with company locations• There will be several hundred of them!• There will be several hundred of them!

• Approaching employers– Resume

– 30 second pitchp

– Casual conversation



• Following up– Send a Thank You email the next dayy

Re iterate what was discussed– Re‐iterate what was discussed

– Keep it short and simple


Contact CorrespondenceContact CorrespondenceDear Benjamin,

I wanted to thank you for the time you spent with me at the Illinois EXPO career fair on Wednesday. I really enjoyed talking about my interests in Super Consultants, Inc. and hearing more about your firm.

As we discussed, I will be graduating in May of 2014 with my BS in Civil Engineering with a geotechnical emphasis, and am looking for a position for this coming summer I am verylooking for a position for this coming summer. I am very interested in opportunities with your firm, and hope to keep in touch with you in the coming months.

I have attached my resume to this email for your reference. Thanks again, and have a great weekend.

BrianResume Cover Letter Fashion Career Fairs Networking Correspond


NetworkingNetworking

• You will meet many people that could be an excellent professional resourcep

f i l C f i• Professional Events, Conferences, Dinners, etc

• How can you use networking to your d t ??advantage??


NetworkingNetworking

• “Hey, I met you last Friday, how about you give me a job?”g j

• … .... ……

• “How about …. no.”


Networking with your iCOANetworking with your iCOA

ff h h h• Coffee with the iTeam when an iCOA is on campus

• Field trip to organization/corporation• Mini projectMini project• Video conference• Visiting presenter• World of work workshopp• A day in the life of ...


Communication and “Networking”Communication and Networking

E i ti f l d i f l i h• Every communication, formal and informal, is a chance to “network”

• “Networking” does not just happen in the 48 hoursNetworking does not just happen in the 48 hours prior to and following your interview

• Send a follow‐up letter because that’s just what you do, p j ynot because you want to one‐up everyone else

• “Networking” is most effective when you are:– Sincere– Honest– Yourself– Yourself

• Don’t be “that kid” – an experienced recruiter can tell


“Interesting” ExamplesInteresting Examples

“To Whom it May Concern – Thank you for letting us know we will be there. Thank you g yagain and see you then. Take care.Best regards Thomas Frankie”Best regards, Thomas Frankie



“555‐007‐1337

Sorry about that!

Thomas"


AccuracyAccuracy

• Is the email free of typographical errors?

• Is the email free of grammatical errors?Is the email free of grammatical errors?

• Dates, times, and locations– Double Check

– Is Thursday actually the 4th?y y

• Side note: did you know that Office products don’t automatically spell check?don t automatically spell check?



“hi...I lost paper what has hw problem... Could you tell me what is hw for this week, y ,please???”

“hey, I enjoyed talking with you at the career fair, and want to know about job openings at your company. If you could tell me that wouldyour company. If you could tell me that would be great! Thanks again!!”


ContentContent

• Is the message appropriate for the audience?

• Is the message clear, concise and to the point?Is the message clear, concise and to the point?

• Does the message contain all necessary ?components?

– Attachments

– Links (have they been tested)?



T h itTo whom it may concern:

Hi, I am a freshman engineer here at the U of I and part of the Illinois Engineering Freshman Experience (iEFX) My iTeamIllinois Engineering Freshman Experience (iEFX). My iTeamestablished a student organization called Programs for Engineering Excellence (PEE). One of our goals is to eventually help improve the discussion on educational tools here and make suggestions. Sincediscussion on educational tools here and make suggestions. Since your company is already such a well established organization in this subject , we were wondering if you could be willing to meet with us to discuss some questions and concerns?q

One of my teammates and I were also interested in possibly shadowing one of your employee as they performed a service call to maybe get a feel for the process. Would this be possible?

Thank you,Thomas Frankie


IdentificationIdentification

• Has an appropriate introduction been given?

• Has the purpose for the communication beenHas the purpose for the communication been given?

H f i i b k b• Has a means for communicating back been given?



“Oh no!

OOps! I always forgot to attach the fiels when I h S b h i h k fsay that. Sry about that again. Thanks for

everyhing!

Th ”‐Thoma”



ORIGINAL EMAILORIGINAL EMAIL:“Hi Thomas, Hope your weekend is going well. I just wanted to

let you know that at the iSA meeting today, Brett asked if y g y,you could maybe order and sign for the pizza for the Professionalism seminar since I have class immediately before the workshop Please let us know if that will workbefore the workshop. Please let us know if that will work for you. You would also need to get the receipt to Tracey the following day.

I dditi d h lid d i ti ?In addition, do you have your slides done on communication?Thanks!‐Q”‐Q

RESPONSE:“Sure thing!”


RecipientsRecipients

• Recipients: Have all necessary recipients been included?– Ethics of cc'd vs. bcc’d

• What is your intent privacy or sneakrecy?What is your intent, privacy or sneakrecy?

• Who needs to know the information contained within the communication?the communication?

• Have all bases been covered? f h d ll h l d– If Q gives a request, have Q and all others involved in the logistics of the task been included?



“Hi I h ’t b bl t fi d th b l“Hi, I haven’t been able to find the below on your website and hope you can help. Do you have office in Chicago or no? I want an internship in oroffice in Chicago or no? I want an internship in or near Chicago? I know you work on buildings and sometimes bridges, what else does your company g , y p ydo most of the time? Can I get an interview with your HR to discuss, I am very interested in maybe

ki f I h !working for you I hope!

h k !Thanks!‐Thomas


ResearchResearch

• Ask yourself: "Do I have access to this information already?"y

• Ask yourself: "Can I find this information myself?"myself?

• Ask yourself: "Do I have other resources?"


Remember to check forRemember to check for...

• Accuracy

• ContentContent

• Identification

• Recipients

• ResearchResearch


Best practices for contacting iCOAsBest practices for contacting iCOAs

• Learn about the company and what they do!

• Provide complete and succinct background p ginformation if no previous communication

• Make sure to give the iCOA one or two concrete• Make sure to give the iCOA one or two concrete options of actions you might benefit from

l l k– Suggest a low‐commitment activity unless you know you can get a good turnout

– Try to find common ground between your team’s interests and the company’s expertise


ApplicationsApplications

• Many companies require an application in conjunction with your networking effortsj y g– Online

Paper– Paper

• Often details what is in your resume, and other information – Q: Why do I need to regurgitate my resume??Q y g g y

– A: Because you want the job


Getting the interview invitationGetting the interview invitation

• The long application process is over, and you have finally been invited to interview!y

hi i i il l i• This is quite a milestone, congratulations

• There are still more, much more important t i th hsteps in the process, however


Interviews


TypesTypes

B h i l• Behavioral• Office visit / Final round / Company fit• Informational (you ask the ?s)• Background (screening)• Written• Technical / Case• Technical / Case• Group discussions• Stress

• May be given:– in personin person– over phone– over computer / skills test


General pointersGeneral pointers

99% f it h t• 99% of recruiters hate:– “So, what do you do?”– “How much does this position pay?”p p y– informally dressed applicants

• Ask the right question, phrased the right way, to the right personperson

• Prepare good answers to expected questions– No answer? “Hmm…that’s an interesting question.”No answer? Hmm…that s an interesting question.

• No arrogance• Flesh out your answers• Make eye contact/hand movements

– but don’t be creepy!


Behavior


Prior First ImpressionsPrior, First Impressions

h!• Do your research!• If possible, get contact with interviewer

• Get there early, but don’t sign in too earlyGet there early, but don t sign in too early• While waiting…

don’t slouch (guys *cough cough*)– don t slouch (guys *cough cough*)

• Smile• Good handshake• Icebreaker comments / questions


DuringDuring• WWKND?• Be energetic• Be succinct to the pointBe succinct, to the point

– STAR• situation (1‐3 sentences for (background)

• tasks (what needed to be done)done)

• your actions• results from those actions

• Ask good questions– take notes (or at least d dl )doodle)


FinishFinish

A k h t t t• Ask what next steps are• Get contact info• Follow up!• Follow‐up!

– see correspondence section for more info• No offer?No offer?

– still express thanks, continued interest in position/company

• Offer?– express thanks, excitement, determine negotiating strategy or accept if it’s really the one you wantedstrategy or accept if it s really the one you wanted…

– remove yourself from consideration at other companies


General Pointers for the InterviewGeneral Pointers for the Interview

• Not too relaxed

• Not too wiredNot too wired

• Confident, NOT arrogant

• Please, be presentable– get sleepget sleep

– grooming

b h d– be washed

– fashion


Resources Job SearchResources – Job Search

E i i C S i (ECS)• Engineering Career Services (ECS)– Access to Symplicity– One time fee of $40 so sign up right away!$ g p g y– Links to engineering job sites– spiffy namecardC C t ll d• Career Center: careercenter.illinois.edu– Workshops held throughout the year– Resume & cover letter critique: M‐F, 2‐4:30pmq , p– Free access to:

• Optimal Resume create resume• Vault & WetFeet resume cover letter and interview guides• Vault & WetFeet resume, cover letter, and interview guides• Going Global resume and interviewing guidelines for different countries


Resources Job SearchResources – Job Search

• Research Park: researchpark.illinois.edu

• Virtual Job Board: secure admin illinois edu/osfa/vjb/Virtual Job Board: secure.admin.illinois.edu/osfa/vjb/

– Part‐time jobs on campus

G i f bl kill– Gain transferrable skills

• F‐1 students: Research which companies psponsor– www h1base com– www.h1base.com

– www.MyVisaJobs.com


Resources Interview PrepResources – Interview Prep

• ECS mock interview– Call or sign‐up in persong p p

• Career Center mock interview2– 2 per semester

– Sign‐up in person, bring resume

– CD with recording of interview

• Interview Survival Kit• Interview Survival Kit– Free from ECS


Back up PlanBack‐up Plan

• If you don’t find an internship the summer after freshman year:y– Take summer classes

Work/intern close to home– Work/intern close to home

– Study abroad

– Volunteer

• Learn something new, gain experienceLearn something new, gain experience


“Trash Resumes”Trash Resumes

• Recently heard a recruiter refer to

“Trash Resumes”Trash Resumes

• Resume lacking interests and experiences id f h i di id l’ d ioutside of the individual’s education

• Where do you want your future resume, and y y ,your future professional prospects to be?

The trash?– The trash?

– The CEO’s desk?


Q + A

Career Services, upperclassmen,Career Services, upperclassmen, professors, the internet, and many other resources at your handsother resources at your hands

i efx professionalism_presentation

Documents

commonmisperceptions

interestingexamples

secure wiring

engineering

sales lot

future product

industrial

large projects