Alumni Chat 4-20-09 Transcript
Did you miss our chat with Director of Career Services Jennifer Pickerell? Well, you can read the transcript and her great advice here.
Welcome to Alumni Chat! Thanks for joining us!
Jeff Campbell: Welcome! We hope this experience is beneficial for you!
Jeff Campbell: I see that Jennifer Pickerell, Director of Career Services has logged on. She will help us answer questions.
Jim_-_Salem: If I am thinking about changing jobs, what can McKendree do to help me?
Jennifer Pickerell: Jim, thanks for your question. If you are interested in looking for another position you are more than welcome to utilize our services free of charge. You can schedule an appointment either in person or by telephone to speak with me about how to begin your job search or to mock interview. You are also welcome to email me (jkpickerell@mckendree.edu) a resume or cover letter for review, and I will email you back changes.
Jeff Campbell: Keep those questions coming!
Jeff Campbell: Just wanted to let everyone know - we're answering questions in the order they are received and as quickly as possible. Thanks for your patience!
Jeff Campbell: Who is next?
katie_chicago: Where do I look for open positions?
Jennifer Pickerell: Hi Katie.
First, I would really try and network with EVERYONE you know! Let them know you are in the job search. That is such an important part of the job search but is often overlooked. I would also try to target specific companies that you are interested; log-on to their websites to search for open positions. You can also look at various websites such as www.indeed.com, www.flipdog.com, and www.monster.com. We actually have a list of various websites on the Career Services site, which you can find by going to www.mckendree.edu/careerservices and clicking on the Career Planning Guides on the left side of the page. I would also check a major newspaper in your area for their online job postings; Sunday ads typically have the most job ads.
Jim_-_Salem: During some interviews I have received feedback that I am over qualified. Should I change my resume to make me more attractive for other positions?
Jennifer Pickerell: Jim, I would be interested to take a look at your resume if I have not seen it already. However, I don't think that I would change your resume because it sounds like you are getting interviews. They might be worried that they can't pay you enough or that you will quickly leave when a "better" job comes along. You need to make sure that they understand your situation and that you would be satisfied with this type of position.
Jeff Campbell: If you are not aware, www.mckendree.edu/alumni/alumni_services.aspx is a great source for information and events!
katie_chicago: I'm looking for a job and I don't want my current employer to find out. What should I do when they ask if they can contact my supervisor?
Jennifer Pickerell: Katie, I would indicate on your cover letter or application that they can contact your employer once a job offer is made to you. That is a common concern for job seekers if they are currently in a position but do not want their employer to know until they have secured another offer.
Jeff Campbell: There are 2 excellent questions that Jennifer is in the process of answering - stay tuned!
virtuenow: how do I get an interview. I've been sending out my resume and get no responses. Should I be more diligent; change my cover letter (make it more "braggy")? any help would be great!
Jennifer Pickerell: There could be many reasons why you are not getting any responses, and the cover letter could be one of them. Have you had anyone look at the letter? Make sure to brag on yourself! I always say if you don't then the next candidate will! There is a way to sell yourself without sounding like you are bragging. You also want to make sure you are carefully checking your cover letter for grammatical and spelling areas, since even one mistake could hurt you in the job search.
virtuenow: are there any good places to look for a job?
Jennifer Pickerell: There are many places to look for a job, but of course it depends on your major and area of interest. There are some companies that don't require a specific major, such as Allsup in Belleville, IL or Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The vast majority of the career fairs are over until the fall, but those are good places to look because the recruiters there are almost always actively seeking candidates. We have one each February and co-host two each year.
katie_chicago: Who should I list as references?
Jennifer Pickerell: Katie, I would ask people to be your references who can highly speak of your qualifications. These can include, but are not limited to, past and current supervisors, colleagues in the field, professors, community leaders you work with for volunteer service, and coaches.
Jeff Campbell: Just a reminder - post your questions in the box below and click "Ask" to submit.
Jeff Campbell: Be sure to look at the scrolling messages below. There are several activities coming up that you won't want to miss!
Jeff Campbell: Please take an opportunity to check out the services available to alumni through our Career Services Department at http://www.mckendree.edu/alumni/career_links.aspx
Jennifer Pickerell: I'm not sure if all of you are aware of our Career Planning Guide, so I wanted to give you some more information. We have created a 60 page guide that provides information on resumes (including how to create one and various samples), cover letters, reference pages, interviews, professional dress, job search websites, and graduate school. I encourage you to download a copy by going to www.mckendree.edu/careerservices and clicking on the Career Planning Guide on the left side.
trissa_ofallon: What is a good resource for St. Louis specific companies?
Jennifer Pickerell: I really like the Book of Lists through the St. Louis Business Journal. I have the resource on CD and in book form, but due to copyright laws you would need to view them in our office. It is a great resource!
Jeff Campbell: Jennifer just mentioned the Career Planning Guide - this is an excellent tool that I would suggest everyone looking at and getting a copy.
dave_st.charles: I was laid off because of downsizing. Should I mention that in interviews?
Jennifer Pickerell: The economy is very rough right now, so I would not be afraid to tell an employer that in an interview at all. You will find that many people have been laid off at some point in their career because of downsizing.
Jennifer Pickerell: Thanks so much for joining us tonight! Please feel free to contact me (618.537.6806 or jkpickerell@mckendree.edu) with any questions you may have, or for me to review your cover letter/resume. In regards to cover letters, I would like to say that you should always send one with your resume unless it's on a job board and specifically asks for just a resume. Some employers will not even review your resume if there is no cover letter. They feel that if you didn't take the time to write a cover letter you won't go "the extra mile" in your job. Make sure to always send a thank-you letter after the interview as well. Have a great evening!
Jeff Campbell: A BIG thank you to Jennifer Pickerell, Director of Career Services!! Don't forget that she and I will be happy to help. Contact her at the number above or call/email me at 618-537-6813 or alumni@mckendree.edu