Hey everyone. I received a very useful email from one of my friends who works in athletics. I figured everyone could benefit from this advice when it comes time to apply for jobs and internships: As I look through resumes for a position here at Stony Brook, I realize that many people fresh out of school do not necessarily know how to apply for a job. Throughout my young career I have had the opportunity to serve on various job search committees on campus as well as apply for several jobs myself. I wanted to take this time to share some tips I have learned along the way in the hopes you do not make the same mistakes as others. Resume: - This is your time to brag. Dont be humble! You need to truly separate yourself from the massive stack of applications your employer may have. Spelling and grammar counts! If I receive a resume with errors or inconsistent formatting, it tells me this person does not care about their work and it goes straight to the trash. Cover Letter: - Make this personal. First off, find out who is overseeing the search and address it to them. To Whom It May Concern says you are not interested enough to look into it. In your letter avoid saying generic things like I can benefit your company, instead saying I can be a valuable asset to Stony Brook University and the Seawolves staff. Reference the company itself in the letter. Again, show that you took the time to write the letter to that specific company, not a generic letter you send out to jobs. Applying: - If you are sending the application through email, always follow up with a phone call. Hello my name is _____ and I am very interested in the _______position. I sent me application via email, I just want to make sure you received it. Again you need to separate yourself from all of the other applicants, put a voice to your name. Ask what the timeline is for the hiring process, when do they expect to hold interviews. Show interest and enthusiasm. - Have someone call on your behalf. This is especially important for entry level positions. Ive received phone calls from other marketing directors at other schools in regards to a specific candidate. I can tell you right now, if I get a phone call from someone, that candidate gets a star on their resume it is put straight to the top. Interviewing: - Be the best dressed person in the room. I dont care what position you are interviewing for, wear your best suit. You only get one chance to make that first impression, blow them away. DO NOT BE LATE. If someone is late to an interview, they have no chance of getting hired. - Find out who you will be meeting with and DO YOUR HOMEWORK! You should know everything about those people, where they went to school, their previous jobs, etc. Find their LinkedIn profiles, check a staff directory, find them on Twitter, etc. Know specifics about the company. I had a candidate come to campus who was not aware that we were opening a new arena. Another candidate knew how long we had been Division I, our seating capacity for all facilities, who out coaches were, etc. That second candidate won the job. - Ask specific questions. When candidates ask me generic questions it says to me , I know Im suppose to ask questions so I am going to ask What is the best part about working here. Ask them questions regarding their personal history, for example when I applied to a position I did research and found out the person I was meeting with had previously worked for the Los Angeles Clippers. I asked him how he was able to advertise and recruit fans considering he was in the backyard of the Lakers. He was shocked that I knew where he had been and it certainly made an impression. I won that job. - Have a copy of cover letter and resume for each person you will be meeting with plus an extra copy, plus one for yourself. USE RESUME PAPER, NOT PRINTER PAPER! You are applying for a job, not a library card. Also, have a folio with you and a pen so you can take notes throughout the interview. - Do not speak badly about your current or former employer. This is a common mistake. People often ask Why are you looking to leave your current job? Speak highly of your current employer. If you speak badly about your current employer, how are you going to speak about us if you are hired? Have an answer ready such as My experience at ________ has been great and I have learned a great deal, however I am looking for an opportunity to grow professionally and I feel this position would be a great step for me. After the interview: Follow up phone call/email - Always send a follow up email or phone call thanking them for their time and say how after meeting with them you are even more excited about the opportunity.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 16:49:17 +0000
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