YOU Can Help Your Students Job Seek in This Tough Economy!

 

In Career Services, we see student concern over their job search everyday.  We are sure that you have also been engaged in conversations with students about this topic, so we wanted to give you some top tips to pass on to your students.  These tips will help them be proactive in their job search and maintain a sense of control over their post-college pursuits.

 

Remain Positive

· It is easy to hear about the poor job market and throw in the towel without a full effort.  While there are fewer new jobs available, it is also true that replacement openings for retired people are on the rise as are positions in the government, high tech, and professional services industries.  Also, the unemployment rate for college graduates is expected to be 3.7 percent next year (well below the estimated 8.5% federal rate for all workers).

· Employers look for people that will contribute positively to their office environment, not people that convey a negative attitude.  You may not even realize, but your negative attitude or lack of self-esteem can easily be detected in an interview.

 

 

Start Early!!!

· Many students, concerned about the job market, are putting off their job search rather than taking the bull by the horns.  According to recruiters surveyed by the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE), 58% of their college recruits (for June) were identified during the previous fall semester. 

· Starting early will also give the students practice in job searching and interviewing as well as give them time to build their networking base.

 

 

Utilize Career Services

· 98% of recruiters who responded to the abovementioned survey from NACE said they worked directly with college career centers to find students.

· Students can call (559) 278-2381 to make an appointment with a career counselor.  They can also log-in to BulldogLink (available through the Student Self-Service section of their MyFresnoState account) to see job opportunities.

· In this market, too, students need to have impeccable resumes and cover letters for best results – utilize career counselors to ensure you are making a winning impression.

· If you talk to employers who want to connect with our students, you can have them contact Career Services at careerservices@csufresno.edu or (559) 278-2381. They can set up a FREE account on BulldogLink and start connecting with students.

 

Did you know?

Career Matters

March 2009

 Issue

 

Utilize Personal and Professional Networks

· Although there are an abundance of job posting websites, the best way to get a job is still through the hidden job market.  The old adage, “it’s not what you know, but who you know,” remains even more true in a tough economy. Encourage students to “put themselves out there” through utilizing networking organizations like Fresno State Alumni Association (www.fresnostatealumni.com)  and Fresno Leading Young Professionals, a professional networking group in Fresno (http://www.flypinfo.com/).

· Students can also use online networking sites such as LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/) that will help connect them with other professionals.

· As always, student organizations that relate to the students’ major and career are also helpful.  Encourage students to invite employers to their organizational meetings.

· Tell students to let everyone in their personal network know what type of position they are seeking – you never know when your mom’s friend from work might have a distant cousin in your industry!

 

 

Practice Interviewing

· Since there are fewer job openings, there will also be fewer chances for students to nail their interviews.  They need to prepare for the ones they get!  The most important thing they can do is research the company to show that their interest in the organization is sincere.

· Career Services offers FREE mock interviews to students.  Students also have the option of having their interview filmed and taking the footage home on a USB drive.

 

 

Keep an Open Mind

· Poor economic times call for students to create a plan B, C, and D.  Their dream job aspirations do not have to be dashed forever, but tell them to be open to taking jobs outside their preferred industry or job function in order to make a living.  They will at least gain work experience and transferrable skills.

· In a graduation survey of May 2008 Fresno State graduates, 43.18% stayed in Fresno and 95.38% stayed in California.  Let students know that they may need to be flexible in regard to location for a few years in order to find a job.  

 

 

Being proactive and being prepared for every encounter with an employer will at least give students the confidence that they are taking control over their job search.  For additional assistance, students can make an appointment with a career counselor.

 

 

Interview Techniques Workshop

Discover how to impress employers with your skills and qualifications during the interview

 

Monday, March 9

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

University Student Union 311

 

 

Dining Success Dinner

(Vintage Room) - Advanced RSVP required

Enjoy a three course meal while learning how to impress a potential employer during a meal or special event. Cost is $5 per student. To RSVP, go to Career Services (Joyal 256)

 

Wednesday, March 11

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The Vintage Room

 

 

Resume Writing Workshop

Write a resume that makes you “shine” and attracts the employer’s interest in interviewing you

 

Monday, March 23

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

University Student Union 311

 

 

Life After College Speaker Series

See article below for details.  The actual schedule of the program will be posted on www.csufresno.edu/seniors as soon as it is available.

 

Wednesday, March 25

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

 

Thursday, March 26

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

 

University Business Center

 

Spring Greetings!

Having trouble viewing the newsletter below? Go to the web version at

http://www.csufresno.edu/careers/facnewsletters/march2009/

ALUMNI spotlight

 

 

It is our pleasure to spotlight Katie Johnson, Alumni Outreach

Program Administrator for the Fresno State Alumni Association and strong supporter of Career Services programming.

 

As a program administrator, Katie focuses on administering programs that keep alumni connected to Fresno State.  For example, the FSAA has 17 active alumni chapters and 2 regional clubs.  Alumni also stay connected through joining alumni online social networks on

Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.  This semester the FSAA started an alumni podcast called ‘DogCast which broadcasts on campus lectures

and presentations to keep distant alumni connected.  The FSAA has a student chapter called PAWS.  PAWS helps students and alumni connect through mentoring programs like TASTE.  PAWS hosted a dining etiquette dinner last fall and invited alumni mentors.  It was a blast!

 

Last year, Katie became a member of the Senior Experience committee and she really enjoys working on student programming.  She also enjoys joining committees and getting involved in her work environment outside of her job duties.  “I encourage students entering the work world to get involved in your organization and have fun,” says Katie. “You never know what kinds of connections you can make by stepping outside of your cubicle and meeting others – it could really pay off in the end!”

 

Katie graduated from the College of Social Sciences in May 2003. After graduation, Katie had a hard time finding employment.  To get her “foot in the door,” she took an unpaid internship at the Office of Assemblymember Sarah Reyes and was eventually hired full time.  Since working at the Assemblymember’s office, she has remained in the government and non-profit world.

 

To reach Katie, either contact her at the FSAA, 559-278-4669, or email her at

 kajohnson@csufresno.edu.