Career Services Blog

Bonnie Jerke, Director Career Services

 I try to remember when I first learned etiquette and 4-H comes to mind immediately.  I remember learning how to greet people,  how to introduce myself and basically conduct myself in an appropriate manner.  Who knows, I might have learned some of this in church and school also and I suspect many of you learned some basics at the dinner table in your youth.  I guess learning to be proper and respectful was part of our upbringing. 

Why would my 4-H leaders and other adults in my life  think it was valuable to learn these things? I think they knew-and I didn’t-that learning etiquette would teach us how to relate and interact appropriately in the world around us.  It would win us high marks as we ventured out toward success.  Were they right?  It seems so, as etiquette has once again resurfaced as  a popular topic in our professional culture.  There appears to be a growing industry built around it today with trainers being certified across the nation to help us ”get manners” once again.  Along with this, the business world is expressing the need for professional behaviors in the workplace. 

Eliza Browning in her article says, The 5 Etiquette Rules That Matter Today, “Boil it down and etiquette is really all about making people feel good. It’s not about rules or telling people what to do, or not to do, it’s about ensuring some basic social comforts.”  http://www.inc.com/eliza-browning/business-etiquette-rules-that-matter-now.html

Small things are important especially in making first impressions with employers.  Our office brings the etiquette dinner to you each year in the spring, hoping to engage you in a process of learning that which is expected, but many times unlearned.  How is your handshake, how do you make conversation, how do you follow up an interview, how do you show deference to someone in a superior position to you, how do you use your knife and fork at a business meal…?  The questions are many and we encourage you to be involved with this, gaining confidence in your manners and initial presentation.  Does this just happen naturally?  I wouldn’t bank my future on it , so get yourself tuned up in the world of etiquette.  We have resources in our office to help with this such as Power Etiquette and The Guide to Business Etiquette.  Come by the first floor of Stevens and we’ll check your handshake.

With Love, Mom and Dad

 Dear Future Graduates,

Since we are your parents, you probably are expecting us to ask whether you will have your ring by spring. However, that is not what’s on our minds.  We’re wondering whether you will have a JOB BY JUNE?!?!  Here are our TOP 10 REASONS YOU SHOULD HAVE A JOB BY JUNE:

1.      The locks to the house have been changed, and only Dad and I have the new keys.

2.      A U-haul truck has been reserved in your name to move you to your new address.

3.      Your loan payments begin in June.

4.      As parents, we support the old world concept that children will provide for their parents in their retirement.

5.      Without an income, you will be exposed to new terms: ATM card access denied, NSF late fees, delinquent notices, past due accounts…

6.      Terms we want you to learn: Income, 60-hour work week, IRS, property taxes, income taxes, IRA, 401-K, investments, future children’s education fund.

7.      We are selling our home and buying a motor home.

8.      May 1^st reveals the true meaning of being independent.

9.      June will bring new meaning to meals on wheels, since your meal card is no longer valid.

10.  Because we love you and care about your future.

This is our loving advice. Visit your on-campus resource staff at Career Services to help you in the process of reaching your highest potential.

Love,

Mom and Dad

(Posted by Bonnie Jerke, director of Career Services and sponsored by the Parent Council at George Fox University. This is meant to create awareness and to encourage you to seek the advice of the experts at your university.)

Rethinking resumes:

• Resumes are no longer only historical in content but are documents demonstrating potential.
• Resume writing requires a new mindset of selling the facts vs. telling the facts.
• Resumes no longer dwell only on the job candidate, but incorporate the employer’s perspective.
• Resumes must convince the employer you are the one for the job in order to get an interview.
• Resumes are targeted now and tailored to each employer’s position and organization.

In the highly competitive job search created by a difficult economy, the resume has over-time become a marketing tool that includes brand statements, accomplishments and results, targeted headings, and well-selected information.  It not only has to meet basic standards for resume writing, but must be artfully constructed to persuade. (Ready or Not; The  Art and Science of the Job Search)

Resume writing remains the hallmark of the job search although it is only one part of a strategic plan to find employment-but one worthy of masterful attention and due diligence.   It can be a source of great pride to view one’s  accomplishments in education and past experiences in a completed, professional document ready for the rigors of employment seeking.

Resume writing has changed and one must wrap their mind around the new paradigm before even beginning.  With the standards in place, accommodating changes made necessary by the marketing side can be accomplished bringing the important outcome of being invited to an interview.

Starting with the standards:

1. Formatting must be consistent throughout with a reasonable amount of white space =easier to read.
2. Awareness of industry standards for resumes will help define the content and structure.
3. Generally one page is standard unless there is pertinent information for 2 pages.
4. Education and employment experiences need basic information: degree, school, city, state, date of graduation; employer, job title, city, state, date of employment.
5. Within each category, experiences must be listed most recent first.
6. Use concise and meaningful word choices, grammar and spelling must be scrutinized.
7. Having an objective at the top is optional, but can be the focus of the resume if specific and done well.
8. High school and personal information is generally not needed, contact detail is critical.
9. Pay attention to the requirements of technology that surround resume use.
10. Information must meet the highest standards of integrity.

Progressing to the persuasion:

1.  Emphasize the most important aspects of your experience. (Ready or Not; The  Art and Science of the Job Search) Perhaps reorder to reveal the most important on the resume first.
2. Connect the reader through use of skill language from what you did in the past to what you can do in the future. (Ready or Not; The  Art and Science of the Job Search)
3. Link the requirements of the job description to what you have to offer.
4. Carefully develop statements that capture the challenge you faced, the action you took and the results.  Make accomplishments noticeable.
5. Use traditional headings, but also use targeted headings that capture your experiences and what the employer is looking for.
6. Brand statements are now used to help set one apart from the competition and to engage the employer quickly.
7. Summary profiles are also typical now, but again must be focused on employer needs and worded purposefully and succinctly-not merely a list.
8. Be able to provide a rationale for how the resume is constructed. This shows the deliberate nature of this persuasion.
9. Create a compelling cover letter to go with the resume.  This letter has become a valued part of introducing oneself to the employer.

In Career Services, we are engaged in the dynamic process of teaching students how to market themselves well through the tool of resume writing.  Using the above standards and persuasive techniques, students will do well in this resume construction part
of the job search.  They will do even better if they check with us.  We are well-equipped to help students through our Optimal Resume system, class presentations and personal conversations; preparing them to have the competitive edge.

Bonnie J. Jerke, Director Career Services

Engage in Career Services, Envision Your Best Future

Stevens First Floor, x. 2330

Email:  careers@georgefox.edu

Website:  http://www.careers.georgefox.edu

Bonnie Jerke, Director CS

Where are you in terms of deciding on Graduate School?  Hopefully you have assessed the pros and cons of going to graduate school for yourself personally.  It is, once again, a very important decision not to be taken lightly or entered into carelessly. Be sure the declining job market is not the only reason you are looking at graduate school.   Take a close look at the possible outcomes and whether or not they meet with your own expectations.  It’s a tough day to realize part way through graduate school that this is not the best route for you to meet your future.  Professors who believe in you can be a great support in this decision process.

Where are you in terms of selecting schools and programs?  Don Asher (author and speaker) presents a formula for seeking grad schools; look for 2 easy schools, 2  medium schools and 2 difficult schools in which to gain admission.   Also, be sure to investigate the programs at length to assure a match between the school and what you need and have to offer.  Have a list of questions prepared to help you get useful information. Check in with faculty, current students or alumni  at these prospective graduate schools/programs.

Where are you in terms of preparing for Graduate School Admissions? Timelines vary for different schools/programs, but there are standard timelines published.  This will help you get started, stay on track and complete all aspects of the process.  Career Services can assist with the various components of the process: applications, curriculum vitae, essays, recommendations, interviewing, and preparing for exams.  You must present yourself as a strong pre-professional, ready to be a graduate student.

Where are you in terms of taking the required graduate exams?  The Graduate Record Exam has changed so be sure you have an idea of what those changes mean to you the test taker.   Go to www.gre.com to find out the details.  If you are in the test-taking zone, it is likely you will do fairly well with some brushing up on content areas and the writing expectations.  Another valuable plan of action is to become familiar with the logistics of the exam; how is it set up, how much time do you have, how can you progress successfully through the sections?

Where are you in terms of being financially prepared?  Oh yes, this is a costly venture and you want to be sure about the return on your investment along with  its likely impact on your current financial standing and responsibilities.  There are ways to finance your education, so do your research into grants, fellowships, loans and scholarships.  Learn about ways to work your way through your graduate education…and check with your rich uncle!!  Maybe you can spread your schooling out instead of completing it all at once.

Where are you in terms of understanding the demands and rigor of graduate school work? This change in lifestyle could take one off guard unless you have really paid attention to the realities of a graduate school education.  Other grad students in similar programs can tell you what it is like and how it has impacted them.  Although you can’t predict exactly how you will respond, you can visualize that average day/week as a student.  What adjectives do they use to describe their experience?  What solid management skills do you bring to the table to keep you functioning?  I recall taking fewer credits so I could balance school and work.  It seemed that a social/family life was diminished and that may need some negotiation with others in your life.  Select an advisor that can be a personal mentor and strong supporter.

Whether you know your location in your Grad School planning or need to recalculate, consider getting some input from the Career Services office professionals.  Also, check the valuable resources under Graduate School on the website; www.careers.georgefox.edu.

by Angela J. Doty, M.A., GCDF, Associate Director

Today, I met with a young woman who is responsible for putting herself through college.  On the verge of tears, she explained how she had applied to over 10 work-study jobs on campus without any success.  She was feeling overwhelmed and rejected – not how you want to start your freshman year of college.

In less than 15 minutes, we looked up openings in BruinCareers, the online job posting system at George Fox University, and we found 3 work-study jobs that she could apply for!  We also did a search for part-time positions in Newberg through BruinCareers and identified 2 or 3 jobs that would help her earn some extra money on the weekends.

As we reviewed the job descriptions and application instructions, she realized that she didn’t know how to write a cover letter!  So we went over the following basic outline:

• Apply the same header as your resume to your cover letter to create professional letterhead – and a positive impression!
• Address it to a specific person.
• Paragraph 1: Connect with the employer by grabbing their attention.  Mention what attracts you to the position and/or organization.
• Paragraph 2: Highlight one or two experiences as examples of your ability to perform the job description.
• Paragraph 3: Ask for the interview!  Thank the employer for their time and consideration.

Needless to say, this young woman walked away feeling so much better about her situation.  She was smiling and couldn’t wait to share what she learned with the other girls on her floor!

That is what Career Services is all about – empowering students with tools and exploring the options!  Engage in Career Services, Envision Your Best Future! 

Drop-in hours: Monday-Wednesday 2:00PM to 4:00PM and Thursdays 10:00AM to 12:00PM

Access BriunCareers in “mygfu” > Career Services > BruinCareers.

Brianne Emel, '11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

Starting my college career at George Fox University was really exciting.  God had called me to the University, opened doors for me to attend, and gave me a desire to pursue an Accounting degree from day one.  I had a plan, and was ready to pursue it!  Once I completed my general education requirements, it was time to channel my focus.  Beginning junior year was also my first introduction into the recruiting season for local accounting firms.  What an intense experience!  Less than two weeks into the school year, we start meeting with firms and trying to figure out how to market our own personal “brand.”  With so many new things coming all at once, I knew I needed some guidance.  I spoke with my advisor, with seniors that had already been through the process, researched firms, and utilized the amazing resources provided by Career Services.  With their help I was able to practice my interview skills and hone my resume.  However, my high hopes for a Big 4 internship did not turn out the way I had planned.  I felt like God had taken a part of my dream away, but I knew that I needed to refocus myself to God’s plan for me rather than my own.

By the next recruiting season, I felt much more prepared.  I was ready to give it to God and simply give Him my best.  Senior year had quite a bit more riding on it than a simple internship.  This time I was applying for my future career!  Even giving it to God couldn’t alleviate all of the stress and anxiety the “self-marketing” process created for a natural introvert.  But I was sure this year would be different.  I knew that this was my year to achieve what I had been working toward all four years.  Except that’s not what happened.  Rather than realizing my dream, I was turned down by firm after firm, just like the year before.  I didn’t understand it!  I thought God had given me a desire, which turned out to be just my own plan for my life.  I was angry and hurt that God wanted to put me through that whole process just so that I could be turned down.  I knew He had a plan, but I just wanted to know what it was!  But He was teaching me patience – a very heard lesson to learn.  It wasn’t until after graduation, until I was finally able to “let go, and let God,” when He showed me His plan.  I have now completed my first couple weeks at an accounting firm in Tigard called Pauly Rogers & Co, and it’s a great fit!  I still have a lot to learn, but God has placed me exactly where He wants me and I am sure of it.

Angela J. Doty, Associate Director

By Angela J. Doty, M.A., GCDF

As graduation looms in the immediate future (this Saturday), some graduates feel the mounting pressure to “get a job.”  Desperation is not a substitute for planning and preparation.  (I won’t even go into how they could have visited Career Services months ago to avoid this situation.)  But that’s the position they find themselves in – one of utter desperation.

In a competitive market like the one we are in, employers look for cost effective ways to advertise their openings.  Craigslist offers a free avenue to post openings.  I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is.”  Well, it applies to job search as well, especially when conducting searches via Craigslist.  But job seeker, BEWARE!  Not all listings are legitimate.

Yesterday, a graduating senior brought to my attention two Craigslist postings for similar positions in the Portland area.  (I’ve omitted names to protect the identities of the parties involved.)  The positions were vaguely worded and eerily similar.  Both listings included the company’s names and contact information, which is a good thing.  Upon further investigation, we discovered that both companies operated out of the same physical address!  A little sketchy if you ask me – certainly raises red flags and questions about their integrity and ethics.

To avoid potential job scams, review the following tips:

1.     Obtain the company name and contact information, including their website so you can research them in depth.  But don’t be taken for a ride by a fancy or flashy website, which could serve as a smoke screen.

2.     Perform a drive-by visit to their location to make sure it is a valid address – and not some warehouse or run down building.

3.     Look them up with the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau and/or state license registries.

4.     Request a specific job description that outlines the essential functions and qualifications of the position.  (The job description is vital for developing a targeted resume anyway.)

5.     Run far, far away from companies that require you to pay a fee up front, exchange or transport money, and/or provide personal information (e.g., financial, driver’s license, or Social Security number) prior to being hired.

6.     Ask questions!  Do your homework, and if you have questions about what you find, ask them.  If the response is unsatisfactory, then say “thank you” and move along.

Protect yourself from being taken advantage of.  Savvy job seekers know their rights and responsibilities, as well as the rights and responsibilities of employers.  Don’t get taken for a ride.  Instead, take action to empower yourself with the information and tools to effectively navigate the job search and connect with legitimate opportunities.

Additional Resources

• Better Business Bureau – http://www.bbb.org/us/consumers/
• Federal Trade Commission – http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/moneymatters/jobs-hunting-scams.shtml
• The Riley Guide – http://www.rileyguide.com/scams.html
• Job-Hunt.org – http://www.job-hunt.org/onlinejobsearchguide/job-search-scams.shtml

   Bethany Wright, GFU Senior 2011

Why I went 

When I first heard about this career fair being held at the University of Portland, I thought this would be a wonderful way for me to get a job.  I am a Senior Political Science Major at George Fox University and I will be graduating in less than a month.  I have loans and I do not have a job lined up after graduation.  Understandably this is a source of stress in my life.  

 How I prepared  

I prepared by re-vamping my resume, digging my suit out of my closet, and practicing my interviewing skills.  I had not used my resume in a few months and had an internship and new  job to add to my work experience section.  I also had learned quite a few more resume tips while working in the Career Services office, and these were incredibly helpful in creating my own resume.  Lastly I had Angela (associate director, Career Services) check it over real quick since she is one of our resident experts on resumes.  I was also grateful I had attended the Get Smart event earlier this term, as that gave me an excellent opportunity to learn what employers are looking for in an interview.  Finally, I was ready to put forth my most professional appearance at First Avenue.  

What I learned  

The career fair gave me an excellent opportunity to interact with employers from many different fields.  This was especially helpful to me as I am not sure yet which career field I want to get into.  I also volunteered at the fair earlier in the morning which means I got to meet almost every employer as they were setting up.  To my surprise my preparation had helped me tremendously.  I was more comfortable than I thought possible talking with potential employers.  Several asked for my resume and one offered to get together with me after graduation.  Of course I was initially most interested in the biggest and flashiest employers, but the employers I ended up most connected to were the ones I had passed by on my first round.  One field I thought I was not interested at all ended up being correlated with a passion of mine which I never thought there would be a “career” for.  I never would have found half as many excellent opportunities if I had not gone in with an open mind.  The fair taught me to have more confidence in myself and to not close any doors.   

Bonnie Jerke, Career Services Director

Liberal Arts grads in general can benefit from defining professional skills to offer an employer. What skills are employers seeking? One of the more challenging questions asked by some interviewers is “Can you name your top 5 skills and how you have used them?”  Not only that, but could you describe how you could use those skills to directly benefit the employer?

Remember delivering those impromtu speeches in class?  Well, this is where that experience can pay off, but you will be somewhat more prepared by having studied your skill-set.  Resumes need to be skill-based and interviews will focus on how you have used those skills previously. 

Many of us could use a brush-up in skills identification to be able to articulate what we have to offer an employer, correct?  Heads up: Here’s a very excellent way for you to accomplish this.  Optimal Resume offered by Career Services and accessed through MyGFU/Career Services has a skills assessment module designed just for that. 

“Skills assessments can help you identify and present your transferable skills and abilities to prospective employers and are especially helpful for creating targeted resumes and cover letters, and preparing for job interviews.” -OptR

There are three types of skills assessments from which to choose.  Choose the ones best suited to your situation, complete them and submit to the review center if you want it to be reviewed by one of us in the Career Office.  Here are the options:

1.  Create a skills inventory if you want to brainstorm about your skills and abilities in general terms. Each skills inventory presents an easy-to-use grid format where you can identify your skills and elaborate on them in the context of your work experience, classwork or other activities. You can customize each grid to better fit your experience by adding and deleting categories.