Get LinkedIn to Success!

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Sydney Bancroft-Hart

Have you ever wished you hadn’t been tagged in an unflattering photo on Facebook? Ever posted something that you later regretted? Now imagine if your potential employer saw your Facebook profile or Twitter feed. Do you think they would still hire you? Like it or not, employers are using social media as a tool in the interview process. There are things you can do to help yourself, though.

First, it may sound silly, but Google yourself. This is the best way to see what kind of information is out there about you. This will show you exactly what a potential employer might see if they search you. Next you should carefully comb through your uploads and posts, deleting anything that may be offensive or derogatory. Changing your profile settings to private is also highly recommended. Another tip that is sometimes overlooked is your email address. We can all remember when we were younger and thought it was cool to have a silly email address, but when applying for a job, it can be embarrassing. Make sure your email is professional and appropriate. For a full list of social networking tips check out this link.

In addition to monitoring your social media use, it is also a good idea to utilize the networking site LinkedIn. LinkedIn is an online network that connects over 175 million members in 200 countries around the world. Their goal is to create a professional social media site that would allow job seekers to connect with potential employers and companies. You can create and customize your profile with your educational background, specific skills set, resume, and so much more. This is a great way to present yourself in a professional manner and make connections with potential employers. Go to www.linkedin.com and get started creating your own profile. Career Services is also planning 2 informative programs on the LinkedIn process. Attend these seminars on October 23 or November 12^th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the 1965 Room of the University Union.

Contact Career Services for more information on LinkedIn and the wonders it can do for you and your job search!

Fall Job and Internship Fair 2012

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Sydney Bancroft-Hart

As students get back into the swing of things with classes, Career Services is busy getting ready for the Fall Job and Internship Fair. This is a great event in which to meet area employers to discuss full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities.

The Job and Internship Fair will be held Wednesday, September 26 from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Be sure to prepare for the Fair by updating and printing copies of your resume. Make an appointment with a Career Services professional if you would like help making sure your resume will stand out to employers. It is also important to dress appropriately for the Job and Internship Fair. SKIP THE JEANS! A pair of neatly ironed dress pants and a button-down shirt with a tie for gentlemen, and a pants suit or knee-length skirt and blouse for ladies is always a safe bet. Remember conservative business attire will help you appear professional and hirable. This is the first time you will be meeting with a potential employer and first impressions are key. For more information on appropriate Job and Internship Fair attire, visit the Career Services webpage and click “Dress for Success.”

There are also several other ways to prepare for the Fall Job and Internship Fair. The Career Services webpage offers videos and articles from Career Spots that explain anything from making a great first impression to tips on how to successfully pitch yourself to a potential employer and more. Be sure to check these out!

Welcome Back!

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Sydney Bancroft-Hart

It’s that time of year again! Summer has come to a close and UWGB classes are back in session. Here at Career Services we are getting ready for another amazing year. We have some great events in store that will help put you on a fast track to professional success. Check out Creating a Resume 101, Linked-In, Interviewing Basics, Mock Interview Day, and, of course, the Fall Job and Internship Fair all coming this September. Look for posters around campus and announcements on the Career Services PRO, Facebook, and Twitter pages for more information.

Career Services would also like to remind you that our staff is available for one-on-one appointments to discuss resumes, cover letters, and to answer any other career planning questions you might have. Stop by the office in Student Services 1600 or call 465-2163 to make an appointment.

New this year, students are encouraged to sign up for Phoenix Phanatics, a campus program to earn points towards great rewards. Points can be earned by liking, tagging or tweeting UWGB Facebook and Twitter pages, so be sure to check out the Career Services on Facebook and Twitter. Check out the link at http://phoenixphanatics.socialfanrewards.com/ for more information. There are some great prizes to win including a 42” LCD TV, First Day Class Registration, $400 Phoenix Bookstore credit, PassPoints, and much more. Click the link to sign up and get started earning your points, and don’t forget to like and follow UWGB Career Services! Start earning your points today!!!

Welcome Back! Are YOU ready for Fall?

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Karla Miller

Throughout the summer, Career Services has been busy preparing for the upcoming fall semester. As summer break winds down, an increasing number of employers have been in touch with us as they look for part-time, full-time and internship candidates. If you’re seeking a position, you certainly don’t want to miss out on these opportunities! Here are a few things you can do now to prepare for the fall recruiting season:

• Got a plan? First things first. Before you start your job or internship search, do you know where you’re headed? Perhaps you recently declared your major and have ideas about possible careers, but haven’t really explored your options. By having a goal or general direction in mind, it will help you develop a more effective resume and target your job or internship search. Visit with a staff member in Career Services if you need help narrowing down your options or developing a plan.

• Develop or update your resume. If you created a resume last year, review it carefully. Does the same information apply? Does your objective accurately reflect your search? Have you added your summer employment or internship to your resume? It might be time to delete older information (such as high school involvement) and include relevant courses or projects you’ve completed. We have guides and resources on our website to help you develop or update your resume. Remember, our staff can review your resume to help you effectively market yourself to employers.

• PRO – Phoenix Recruitment Online. Be sure to upload your resume into PRO. Not only is it required to participate in on-campus interviews, but it also allows employers to find you if they conduct a resume search in the system. You will also want to update your profile in PRO – check your contact information, major, anticipated graduation date. Set up a search agent – this tool in PRO will notify you be email when new openings are posted in the system. Instructions for uploading resumes, searching for jobs and setting up a search agent are located in the Resource Library in PRO. (TIP: Look at the tabs on the left side of the screen – click on “Resource Library” – and find the “PRO User Information” folder.)

• Attire. This might sound simple (and it is), but do you have appropriate attire if you’d be invited for an interview… let’s say… tomorrow? Sometimes students are caught off-guard, receiving an interview offer sooner than they had anticipated. Avoid the last-minute scramble and make a great first impression. Check your wardrobe to see if you have at least one interview appropriate outfit. We have tips to “Dress for Success” on our website at http://www.uwgb.edu/careers/skills/dress-for-success.asp

• Know (and utilize) your resources. Career Services has a comprehensive website and hosts various workshops and programs throughout the semester. We also coordinate visits for employers who hold information tables on campus, conduct interviews, and attend our job & internship fairs. And don’t forget – our staff members are a valuable resource, whether you’re exploring your options, developing your professional skills, or making connections with employers. You can view the our workshops and programs at http://www.uwgb.edu/careers/skills/calendar.asp and our a complete calendar of programs, employer visits, and campus interviews is available in the “Career Events” section of the PRO system.

On behalf of the staff in Career Services, best wishes for a great start to the Fall 2012 semester. Please connect with us as you have questions!

Make the Most of Your Summer

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Karla Miller

Many of us view summer as a chance to take some time off from classes or work - some well deserved R&R. Others may use summer as an opportunity to take summer classes or participate in a summer internship. May and August graduates may be hitting the pavement, attempting to land their first full-time position. Other recent graduates, might think that “no one is hiring right now” and have decided to take the summer off from their job search. Well, according to an article “Tips for Summer Job Search Success” (http://insightnews.com/business/9055-10-tips-for-summer-job-search-success) many companies actually anticipate conducting summer hirings. Ford R. Myers who is a career coach and author of “Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring” says, “Summer is no time for job seekers to be trading in their business suits for swimsuits or their briefcases for beach bags. Summer is the perfect time for career advancement.”

Myers provides tips that can be helpful not only for job seekers, but also for current college students. Below are some of the suggestions he provides, along with tips from a UW-Green Bay Career Services perspective:

Create and control your internet image. Take a look at your LinkedIn profile. Is your content current? Does it have a professional appearance? Have you connected with professional groups or associations that might be beneficial for your desired career field? Never underestimate the power of networking.
Invest in Career Coaching. As a UW-Green Bay student or recent alumnus, you have access to “Career Coaches” through the professional staff in Career Services. We can help you develop a job search plan based upon your goals and interests. If you’ve been struggling during interviews, perhaps a practice interview would be beneficial for you. You might be in the early stages of your search and need help getting started, or simply need confirmation that you’re on the right track.
Perform an internal career audit. Sometimes we get wrapped up in the day-to-day details of balancing work, classes and our personal lives. At times it can be helpful to take a step back and look at the big picture. Where are you going? What do you want to do? What will help me get from “here” to “there?” Career Services can help you assess if you are on the right path.
Update your career “tool kit.” When was the last time you updated your resume? Have you recently connected with your references? Now is the time to revisit your resume to make sure it is up-to-date. Career Services can review your resume (as well as cover letters) to make certain you are putting your best foot forward for your job or internship search.
Gain experience. Employers want candidates who have experience related to their field. One way to do that is through volunteering, especially if internships aren’t available at this point in time. Volunteer experiences can also be a building block to help you decide upon a career path. Connect with your county’s Volunteer Center to see what opportunities might be available in your areas of interest.

Remember, Career Services is here to assist you with your career planning and job search process. We offer appointments throughout the summer; call our office to schedule an appointment to get a jump on your job search or to plan for the upcoming fall semester. (920.465.2163)

What Employers are Saying (and What You Should Know!)

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Karla Miller

Written by Linda Peacock-Landrum, Director of Career Services

A recent article appeared in Insight, a business publication for the New North region in Wisconsin. Employers in the New North region were asked to comment on what recent college graduates needed to know in order to be successful making the transition from college to the professional work world. According to the author, Amy Spreeman, many of the employers interviewed focused on soft skills. In addition it is important for a candidate to be well-rounded with leadership experience and solid front-line business experience in customer service, food service, etc. The article is worth a detailed read for any current college student, recent college graduate as well as recent high school graduate. When employers speak and share a perspective, college students and college graduates should consider listening. The complete article can be viewed here:

http://www.insightonbusiness.com/5309/higher-education-%e2%80%93-cream-of-the-crop-%e2%80%93-business-leaders-offer-wish-list-for-today%e2%80%99s-four-year-college-students/

New Look to Phoenix Recruitment Online/PRO – Check it Out!

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Karla Miller

It is coming…..Thursday, May 24, 2012 to a computer or smart phone near you! Phoenix Recruitment Online/PRO is getting a facelift and upgrade! What does this mean for you?

Nothing will change about your login. It should be easier to use and more friendly to navigate. The color scheme has changed, some icons have changed and there are LESS clicks to get where you want to go! Also – there will be a mobile app for your SMART PHONE! How cool is that?

These exciting new changes have been made in PRO to help make your experience looking for jobs and internships better than ever! The design has been upgraded to make your experience easier including these great options:

Streamlined and updated look
Easier layout to complete your account
Less clicks when job searching
The ability to open job listings in multiple tabs

Visit PRO now by clicking here: https://www.myinterfase.com/uwgb/student/

Also new is a mobile app for your smart phone to allow you to access PRO on the go. To access/create the mobile app you will need to follow these instructions:

Go to www.myinterfase.com/uwgb/student on your smartphone
Click the “Share” icon in your mobile browser
Choose the “Add to Home Screen” option – this will create a shortcut to access this site on your smart phone home screen
Give this shortcut a name and click “Add”

If you have any questions or have problems navigating the new PRO – please contact a staff member in Career Services: careers@uwgb.edu or 920-465-2163.

Remember the new student view of PRO is set to release this Thursday – May 24!

Still Undecided?

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Sydney Bancroft-Hart

Choosing a major is one of the most important decisions of your college experience. It can also be one of the most difficult and stressful decisions you will make. But did you know it doesn’t have to be? UWGB offers so many resources to help you make the right decision for you with as little pressure as possible. One of the most interesting options is the Career Planning course that is offered every semester.

Human Development 225 is a rewarding class that offers students the opportunity to explore major and career options through self-evaluation. A description of the course as described by the syllabus reads:

This course is designed to help you develop a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on career development, as reflected by the definition presented in the text book: “the total constellation of economic, sociological, psychological, educational, physical, and chance factors that combine to shape one’s career.” The class sessions and assignments will provide the knowledge and resources necessary for conducting self-assessment, researching occupational and educational options, and establishing goals for career/life planning.

In the class you will also learn how to understand and apply career development theories, assess your own values, personality, and skill set, explore your academic options, and learn how to make informed career decisions. The course is worth one credit, has two sections to choose from, and is open to everyone.

Register for the Human Development 225 this fall through your SIS account or visit Career Services in SS 1600 for more information!

Spring Job & Internship Fair

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Sydney Bancroft-Hart

It’s that time of year again! The Spring Job and Internship Fair is right around the corner on Wednesday, March 7, 2012. You may be wondering, “What is the best way to prepare for it?” Well, there are a few simple things you should do to make sure you are absolutely ready for the Job and Internship Fair.

First of all, you are going to want to make sure your resume is updated. A good resume is paramount to the job search. It is the first glance that an employer will get of your background and credentials, so you want it to be neat and tidy. You want to make sure you include your most recent employer and possibly take out any information that may be irrelevant. For help with your resume you can find helpful information on the Career Services website, or you can always schedule an appointment with a Career Services professional. They can guide you step by step; making sure everything is in order and giving you useful suggestions on how you can improve the professional appearance of your resume. Once you have your resume in tip-top shape, you should print off several copies to hand out to the employers you speak to at the Job Fair.

The second thing you should do is to make sure you have appropriate professional attire. It is important to remember that the Job Fair is just like a job interview: you want to make the best first impression possible. Here are a few of the basic tips on professional attire.

For guys…

Wear nice dress pants that are clean and pressed with a buttoned up shirt and tie.
Choose a solid-color button down shirt that is wrinkle-proof.
If you can’t afford a suit, purchase a single-breasted, black, two-button blazer that will go with several of your dress pants.
Black leather laced shoes are another “must have” that can be worn with a variety of outfits.

And for ladies…

If you don’t own a suit, you could wear a skirt (knee length or below) with a sweater set or nice blouse.
Avoid heels unless you need the height and are comfortable wearing (and walking!) in them. Remember – closed-toed shoes.
Ideally, blouses should not reveal any cleavage or undergarments (bra straps, etc.).

It is important for everyone to remember that as a general rule, jeans are a no! If you are having trouble figuring out what to wear, always err on the side of caution and go for being over-dressed. Also, be sparing with make-up, perfumes, and colognes. More information can be found on the UW-Green Bay Career Services’ website.

Once you have your resume finalized and your outfit picked out, the last thing you should do is do your homework! Research the companies that will be at the Job and Internship Fair and get to know a little bit about the ones you would like to speak with. It is a great way to make a good impression and you will be more relaxed knowing you will have something to talk about with the employers. The company representatives will also be impressed that you took the time and effort; just another way to stand out in the crowd! A full list of the employers attending can be found on the PRO website – and if you log into PRO, you can view all of the information submitted by the employers, including informatino about their organization and the types of positions which they are hiring. There are 66 employers signed up to attend so you will have many diverse options.

So don’t forget to mark your calendars for March 7^th, 2012. Get your resumes ready, get out your pants suits and sports coats, and brush up on your interview skills. The Spring Job and Internship Fair 2012 is almost here!

Business Week 2012

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Sydney Bancroft-Hart

If you have been in the Career Services Office lately you might have noticed a buzz of excitement. That’s because we are currently getting ready for Business Week, coming February 27^th through March 7^th. This is an opportunity for students of ALL majors to explore areas in business, particularly the job search. With many events, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Business Week kicks off on February 27^th with a special LinkedIn Speaker. Some students may have heard of this social media site that aids in the job search, but far fewer utilize it. UWGB Career Services is excited to welcome Dana VanDen Heuvel, a renowned blogger, author, and speaker to our Business Week festivities. VanDen Heuvel is the founder of The MarketingSavant, a business-to-business marketing firm specially designed to use social media to promote business and hiring. She will demonstrate the usefulness of the LinkedIn site and its benefits as a new, interactive marketing trend. The event is free to all students and runs from 12:00pm to 1:30pm on Monday, February 27^th in the Phoenix Room B.

The second event to look forward to is the Dine Like a Professional Etiquette Lunch. This event will give students the unique chance to speak with UWGB alumni and community members and develop professional table manners. The free event will be led by registered dietitian and Associate Director of Dining Services at St. Norbert College, Matthew Doyle. Doyle will share his insight on professional dining and proper etiquette. Students must pre-register by noon on February 21^st for this event. Students will be charged $15 if they do not attend or fail to cancel registration before February 21^st. To register click on the following link, http://www.uwgb.edu/careers/skills/etiquette-program.asp. Professional attire is highly recommended.

Wednesday, February 29^th begins bright and early with the Mock Interview Day. This event will help students brush up on their interviewing skills by meeting for 20 minutes with a professional from various Green Bay area businesses. It is a no-risk setting that allows students to get tips and feedback about their interview style and how effectively they communicate their strengths and qualifications. Registration is required for the Mock Interview Day and you also must have a resume loaded onto the PRO website. Time slots are available from 8:00am to 4:30pm and will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait! Register today!

Navigate to www.uwgb.edu/careers to access PRO.
Your username is your UW-Green Bay 9-digit campus ID number in this format: uwgb_123456789
Your password is your birth date in this format: ##/##/## – (2 digit month/2 digit date/ 2 digit year)
Go to “Campus Interviews” and click on Schedule ID# 402- Mock Interview Day for February 29, 2012.
Click on a session to view the available time slots. Click “Sign Up” to submit your resume and select a time slot. There are multiple sessions; you may need to view several sessions to find a time slot that works with your schedule.
You MUST have a resume uploaded into PRO to sign up for a mock interview.
The deadline to sign up for a mock interview is 11:59 p.m. on February 26.

And if you want to know what employers are really looking for in a potential employee, you’re not going to want to miss Insider Tips on the Job Search From Area Employers on March 5, 2012. A panel of experts including, Tonia Gibeault (Senior Human Resource Specialist, ACUITY), Linda Johanek (HR Professional and Adjunct Instructor), Cassandra Anick (HR/Sales Capability Associate, Frito-Lay/PespiCo), and Geoffrey Rullend (Human Capital Leader, Humana), will take your questions on anything from resumes and interviewing to networking. The program will be held from 12:00pm to 1:15pm in the Phoenix Room B.

Business Week will wrap up with the Spring Job and Internship Fair on Wednesday, March 7^th. Dress professionally and don’t forget to bring your resume! You can find more information and RSVP the Business Week events by Liking the Career Services Facebook page. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact Career Services, SS1600, or at (920) 465-2163. Hope to see you all at Business Week 2012, and remember it is open to ALL students!