From the Desk of OU Career Services

2010-04-08T09:00:00.001-07:00

Career Services Senior Magazine

2010-04-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

Rachel Reardon

Oakland University Career Services
Marketing Intern

ACE your Interview
So you’ve made the contacts, done the research and got the interview.
Now use these poker-themed tips to help you succeed.

Don’t think you can bluff.
Do your research and be prepared.

Know about the company or organization, their products/services, clients and competitors. Think about your own career goals and objectives. Practice interviewing beforehand.

Work on your poker face.
Appearance matters.

Dress professionally. Be on time! You may be nervous but it’s important to stay calm, collected, positive and enthusiastic.

Follow Suit

Follow the interviewer’s lead.

A typical interview follows this format:

I. Greeting, introductions and “small talk”

II. Resume Review

III. Questions and responses

IV. Description of organization

V. Responding to your questions.

VI. Closing interview and the next step

VII. Recording impressions/recommendations

Show your cards.
The interview may have gone perfectly, but the game’s not over yet.

Sending a thank you card to the interviewer(s) is an often over-looked but very important step. A thank you card or email reiterates your interest and qualifications, clarifies information and leaves a positive impression.

Have more questions or want to practice interviewing? Check out our interviewing web page or call 248.370.3250 to schedule and appointment with an adviser.

2010-04-06T07:30:00.001-07:00

Courtney Zimmer
Oakland University Career Services
Intern

Ever have one of those day where you just feel like life is too busy? Do you sometimes not see the positives of balancing work (sometimes two jobs), school, then on top of that friends and family? Fellow blogger Kim Clark provides insight on how working a job and going to school can be beneficial in different ways, more than just the monetary aspect.

7 Reasons to Work your Way through College by Kim Clark

1. Earn bucks: Working just 10 hours a week typically generates at least $75 a week, which should be plenty to fund weekend entertainment and incidental costs. Frugal students working 15 hours a week or so can cover books and supplies as well. Those typically run about $500 a semester.

2. Learn to budget: Students who have to earn their own pocket and entertainment money learn budgeting and are less likely to overspend than those who can charge a Cancún spring break or pizza party to a parental credit card, counselors say.

3. Time-manage: Part-time jobs force students to learn time-management skills they'll need the rest of their lives.

4. Improve learning: Part-time jobs seem to improve academic performance. Research shows students who work no more than 20 hours a week have higher grades and are more likely to graduate college than both those who don't work at all and those who put in too many hours.

5. Career experiment: Part-time jobs give students chances to learn what kind of work they like and, perhaps more important, don't like. This can help them avoid costly mistakes such as majoring in something they later learn they hate.

6. Build résumé: Working during school helps students build their résumés , which gives advantages to graduates looking for career-oriented jobs.

7. Connect with professors and students: Some work-study jobs give students opportunities to do research or work with professors. But even those who don't get plum work-study assignments say on-campus jobs help them make friends with other students and network with university staff. Some studies show that those with on-campus jobs are more successful students, perhaps because of the connections they forget on the job.

Here is the link to the whole article for more information:
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/college-cash-101/2009/10/09/7-reasons-to-work-your-way-through-college.html

Looking for a summer or new job? Be sure to check OUcareerlink.com for new job postings!!

If you need help with formatting a resume for a job, be sure to contact Career Services at 248.370.3250 to schedule an appointment with an adviser who has a specializes in your major.

2010-03-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

Erin Denomme
Oakland University Career Services
Graduate Assistant

Ladies, Leggings are NOT Proper Business Attire.

As I watch fashion trends very closely and am selective as to which trends I choose personally to participate in I have noted a fashion statement that clearly does not belong in the young professional’s professional closet. Leggings may be perfectly cute with that tunic top and ankle boots or high-heels when out on the town with friends, however, they are NOT appropriate for any business related function.

When I see young professional women attending business functions in leggings it is often a matter of different shoes and different bottoms. Most young women understand what a professional top requires.

Instead of ankle boots and leggings, dress pants and dress shoes will set you down the road to success.

A nice professional blazer over the dress shirt will finish the outfit and tell recruiters and potential employers that you know where you belong.

Check out the links below for some shirts, pants, and shoes that are appropriate for business functions.

Blazer, Dress Pants, Top

Business Casual Suit

Business Skirt Suit

Shoes

2010-03-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

Courtney Zimmer
Oakland University Career Services
Intern

Lights, Camera, Action!

If you have caught the film bug and want to participate in the many feature films that are coming to Michigan here are some potential jobs offered both on and off screen.

Extra
You have the opportunity of standing in the background of the scene. This job is more than likely not paid but does offer free food and free time. Plan to stay on set for awhile, some shoots can take up to 12 hours or more. It is a great way to see how a film is being made. An extra can learn a lot about how scenes are shot. Don't get too starstruck, although you may be able to see big Hollywood names they are just there to shoot their scenes and go back to their trailers. Once in a great while an actor may take pictures if he or she has some free time. Also if an extra takes the opportunity to ruin a shot, he or she can and will be banned from the set.

Trailers for the movie "Red Dawn (2010)" filmed here in Michigan!

Intern
This job isn't always the most glamorous but does provide a lot of hands on experience in making a movie. Most of the intern's tasks include answering the phone and getting coffee. This can be a valuable way to network amongst the film company. If you are well-liked, the company may ask you to work on another project with them.

Michael Cera getting his make-up done for "Youth in Revolt (2009)" filmed in Michigan!

Actor
If your dream is to be on the big screen than this may be the place for you. Believe it or not, big time Hollywood companies are hiring Michigan talent for some roles. To attain these roles it is necessary for an actor to have an agency. If an actor is not apart of one, he or she won't have as much knowledge about upcoming roles. There are many talent agencies available in the area but be sure to watch out for fake ones. The number one rule in acquiring an agency, never take one that asks for money from you, the actor. If the agency is asking to pay a fee, what is their incentive to be getting auditions for their actor? They already have an income that is steady.

As well as any job, experience is key in the Film business. Here at Oakland University there are many opportunities for potential film makers or actors to put on a resume.

Clubs such as OUT V, Student Video Productions and the Filmmakers Guild give students a han ds on experience and help train them how to use the equipment. Here is a website that shows a few of OUTV's video podcasts. http://www2.oakland.edu/outv/pgm_info.cfm

There is also a Grizzdance film festival where Oakland University students can submit films that they have made for awards.

Oakland now has a Cinema Studies Major that helps to provide insight to film making.

If you are looking for a Career in Filmmaking, please stop by Career Services in 275 West Vandenberg Hall or call (248) 370-3250 to make an appointment.

2010-03-04T11:45:00.001-08:00

Courtney Zimmer
Oakland University Career Services
Intern

Etiquette Dinner

At its recent etiquette dinner, Oakland University Career Services brought together employers, students and alumni at this unique networking event. This dinner became so popular that it was sold out! There were many employers such as Chase Bank, Rehmann, JHP Pharmaceuticals, and Myinsuranceexpert.com.

Students dressed in business attire and learned good manners and networking skills by Denise Anne Taylor. There was a 4-course meal to which Denise Anne Taylor made the place setting less intimidating. For example, she stated that one always goes from the outside in when it comes to silverware.

Some students were invited to sit at tables with employers which provided a great networking opportunity.

One of the lessons learned at the etiquette dinner was that American's eat their food differently than the rest of the world. American's traditionally cut their food with their knife in their right hand and then switch their utensils. The fork is in the right hand making it easier for a person to eat his or her food while, the majority of the world dines continental style. The knife stays in the right hand and fork remains in the left hand. This was difficult to get used to but good to learn if ever on a business meeting that takes place either in the US or another country.

The Etiquette Dinner provided great insight for many students as to how to conduct themselves properly at a meal. For more information on other events that Career services is hosting go to www.oakland.edu/careerservices or check out our facebook and twitter pages!

Networking

2010-02-19T10:50:00.001-08:00

Erin Denomme
Oakland University Career Services
Graduate Assistant

Networking

As you prepare for graduation, you also prepare to begin you career. Whether you have already been given an offer, or you are still searching, the key to your future success will be networking.

You should begin networking early on in your college careers. You can network at a number of events such as:

Trade Shows
Career Fairs
Career Events (i.e. Etiquette Dinners)
Association Events (i.e. SHRM, Inforum, Detroit Economic Club)
Student Clubs and Organizations
Social Media (i.e. Twitter, LinkedIn)
Informational Interviews

Every social event is a networking opportunity.

While you are a student you have the best networking opportunities available to you. Try to schedule one informational interview every month. Each time you participate in an informational interview you should gather the names and contact information of 1-3 individuals. Then, utilize this new contact information to broaden your network and schedule additional information interviews.

Networking may not always come easy.

Most of the time networking will require that you remove yourself from your comfort zone and introduce yourself to people you've never met before. It may be easy to stand around with a group of your friends and colleagues at social event but this will not allow you to expand your network.

One great way to make sure you find balance at networking events is through goal setting.
Before you enter the event, set yourself a goal (i.e. I will introduce myself to "x" number of people tonight before I return to my comfort group). This will force you to make use of the time you have at networking events while still allowing you to socialize and keep-up relationships with friends and colleagues you already know.

Twitter Job Search

2010-02-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

Rachel Reardon
Oakland University Career Services
Marketing Intern

Twitter for Job Search

Learn how to use Twitter as a powerful tool to find a job and build your personal brand online.

I. Why Twitter?

Reason #1: Twitter is popular.

Twitter is growing at a rate of 1,382% annually (Mashable). Yes, 1,382% !

Everyone from Ashton Kutcher to President Obama to my Grandma are Tweeting but it doesn’t stop there. What job seekers need to know is that CEO’s and HR managers are also tweeting. While LinkedIn is, without a doubt, the best outlet for professional networking, following company accounts or the personal accounts of CEO’s is a great way to learn about companies from the inside.

Reason #2: Twitter is instantaneous.

What makes Twitter so unique is its real-time reporting.

News is on Twitter before it is anywhere else. This goes for news about companies as well. Many times important information about companies is posted to Twitter first because of its ease and broad audience. Twitter allows job seekers access to the most current information coming directly from companies and/or CEO’s. In this information age where anyone can find almost anything on the internet, utilizing Twitter can set you apart from other job seekers by knowing the most up-to-date information instantly.

II. 2 Simple ways to find a job on Twitter

With Twitter’s rapid growth, it was only a matter of time before people started harnessing the power of this communication tool for more than sharing mundane details about their day. Students and alumni can utilize Twitter to search for jobs and be alerted to the newest job postings from specific companies.

1. Search for job postings.

It’s important to know that more and more companies are posting jobs through Twitter and often posting them FIRST on Twitter!

http://twitterjobsearch.com is a fantastic resource.

Here, you can search for postings by job title, location, industry etc. TwitterJobSearch also lists the number of new job postings on Twitter in the last 30 days and the last hour. Right now, there have been 1,447 new jobs in the last 1 hour. Say goodbye to the corkboard job boards of the past!

2. Follow job accounts.

Many companies have Twitter accounts used exclusively for posting jobs such as:

http://twitter.com/DOSCareers (Department of State)

http://twitter.com/xbox360careers

http://twitter.com/VerizonCareers

http://twitter.com/AllstateCareers

http://twitter.com/MTVNetworksJobs

And there are many more! If are you looking for a specific company’s Twitter account, search the company name on Google, followed by “twitter” and if they have an account, it will be one of the first search results.

Other great ways to find job postings are by following accounts that post jobs according to a specific field like:

Find advertising jobs by following: http://twitter.com/GetAdvertisJobs

Or get even more specific with: http://twitter.com/mymichiganjobs

There are tons of accounts like this on Twitter so do a little searching; it will pay off.

Contact Career Services and Rachel on Twitter!

Add to Network

2010-02-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

Add to Network

Professionalize your social media presence with this Linkedin presentation brought to you by Career Services and the Student Technology Center.

Mention the keyword "invigorate" at the registration desk for your travel coffee mug gift!
February 9, 2010
5-6pm, Student Technology Center, OC
Only 20 spots available. RSVP on our Facebook page.

2010-02-01T10:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Oakland University Career Services blog! Learn a bit about the services we offer and check back often for updates on career events, news, articles and links !

Confucius said, “Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Easier said than done, Confucius. That’s where we come in…

Utilize our free online jobs database, OUCareerLink to find internships, co-ops and on and off-campus student employment.

Get your career questions answered and your resume reviewed by a Career Services Adviser by calling and making an appointment, stopping by during walk-in advising hours or chatting with us online.

Network and interview with hiring companies at our career fairs, company meet-and-greets and networking events.

Learn strategies and essential skills to succeed in the world of work by attending our many presentations and information sessions.

Log on to our website, www.oakland.edu/careerservices for career resources.

Stay connected to OU Career Services on Facebook and Twitter .