Career Planning Guide
With Tips on Networking, Interviewing, Job Shadowing, and Negotiating
Career Services
Shelton State
Community College
Career Guide Contents
Shelton State Career Services Center…………….…......................................
3-4
Writing a Résumé……………………………………...................................…..........
5-6
Sample Résumé………………………………….................................…..........….….
7
Sample References Page…………………..…...................................…….....……
8
Sample Cover Letter…………………..……………...................................….........
9
Sample Thank-You Note………………….………..................................……........
10
Interview Tips and Sample Interview Questions…….........……………..........
11-13
Social Media and Careers…………………………..................................…….......
14
Get Ready for the Career Fair…………………....................................………....
15
2
Shelton State Career Services Center
Career Services Mission Statement
The primary mission of the Career Services Center of Shelton State Community College is to give all students and alumni
the opportunity and guidance to explore and choose career paths and to prepare them for the workforce through
training and well-developed job search skills.
The Career Services Center at Shelton State Community College helps students reach career goals through a three-step
process. The Career Center can help with any of the following.
Explore
Assessments
Self-assessment is important in the process of finding a career. Understanding self is critical in being matched
with careers. The Career Services Center offers the Focus 2 Assessment. Focus 2 helps students explore career
options, take responsibility for their education and career planning, and engage in activities that support
career development. All Shelton State students will take this assessment during Orientation to College class.
Exploring Careers
Students should investigate career options. Information should be gathered about industry and individual
employers. In this process, students will discover networking opportunities, learn industry jargon, learn about
industry history, and explore future opportunities for growth.
Career Action Plan
Career planning begins as soon as a student arrives at Shelton State. Our Career Action Plan provides some of
the steps students should implement by year. This plan can help you meet career goals.
Prepare
Career Advising
Meet with someone in the Career Services Center to gain knowledge and confidence in preparing for a career.
Résumé / Cover Letter Critiques
Often résumés and cover letters are a first impression. Their purpose is to help the candidate land an interview
and introduce the candidate to the company. These items must spark interest to differentiate one résumé and
cover letter from the competition.
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Mock Interviews / Interview Stream
These tools help students practice interview skills and enhance their responses and anticipation of interview
questions. Personal, telephone, and online interviews are covered. These skills will also help students convey
or sell to the employer why the student should be hired.
Etiquette
Etiquette is an essential part of professional success. Dining and professional communication etiquette are
skills taught by the Career Services Center.
Networking
The Career Services Center gives students the opportunity to network at several events including the Student
Success Seminars, Career Fairs, information sessions, campus visits from companies, and various field trips.
Career Fairs
Held on the Shelton State Campus, the annual career fair features numerous area businesses. Career Fairs
introduce job seekers to employers.
Succeed
Success after College
The Career Services Center staff would like to help you in making a smooth transition from Shelton State to the
workplace. Success factors include managing expectations and finances as well as enhancing soft skills.
Workplace Etiquette
One of the most underestimated skills is workplace etiquette. These skills include dressing for success,
appropriate use of social media, communication skills and dining etiquette. Have a conversation with a career
services staff member about these important skills before you begin your career.
Martin Campus
9500 Old Greensboro Road
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405
205.391.2204
ahenderson@sheltonstate.edu
Fredd Campus
3401 Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
205.391.2682
4
Writing a Résumé
part-time job, activity directly relating to the target
job), list that above experience that is not directly
relevant. Experiences listed in each section should be
presented in reverse chronological order. Learn the
key words associated with your target industry, and
incorporate them appropriately into your résumé. Be
sure to project an accurate reflection of your skill level
and knowledge.
A résumé summarizes your work and/or activity
experiences, educational background, and skills
relating to the job you are seeking.
RÉSUMÉ BASICS
•
•
•
•
•
•
Be accurate and honest.
Avoid mistakes.
Be consistent in format and style in overall page design.
Omit high school information unless relating
to objective.
Use matching style for résumé, letter and reference page.
Print on quality paper, if applicable.
5) PROOFREAD YOUR RÉSUMÉ AND HAVE IT
CRITIQUED.
Proofread every single word and contact the Shelton
State Career Center for a résumé critique. Career
consultants can help you achieve the goal of promoting
your qualifications within the preferred résumé length
(typically one page).The résumé checklist on the next
page includes items to check when proofreading.
BUILDING YOUR RÉSUMÉ
Résumé Format
1) MAKE A LIST.
Generate a list of everything you have done or earned
in college relating to jobs, campus activities, class
projects, travel abroad, sports, volunteer activities,
awards, honors, foreign languages, and computer
skills. List as many details as you can recall, including
dates.
FORMATTING GUIDELINES
Formatting a résumé is very important because a
résumé is typically scanned for 20-30 seconds. Readers
prefer the following to guide their eyes quickly to main
points.
•
Bold and enlarge (14 or 16 point font) your 2) DETERMINE HEADINGS.
name at the top.
The content of your résumé will help you determine •
Keep sections evenly lined up and be consistent appropriate categories. The following headings
with spacing.
may help you brainstorm ways to organize your
•
Use an Arial or Times New Roman font (or one experiences and qualifications: Education, Honors,
similar).
Internship(s), Awards, Certifications, Licensures,
•
Apply 11 or 12 point font size except for your Campus Involvement, Relevant Experience,
name and possibly the section headings. These Leadership Experience, Volunteer Experience,
items are often a point or two larger.
Community Involvement, Computer Skills, Technical
•
Omit pronouns, such as “I,” and do not write in Skills, and Relevant Skills.
complete sentences.
•
Avoid use of graphics unless you are in a
3) DESCRIBE ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
creative field and have researched the
Use action words such as: completed, processed,
appropriate use.
oversaw, demonstrated, earned, and recorded to
•
Leave out personal data, photos, and unrelated describe duties.
hobbies unless experts in your field say this is standard in the application process.
4) TAILOR INFORMATION.
•
Be consistent with abbreviations of states and Employers scan résumés quickly, and the sooner they other repeated words (e.g., AL or Alabama).
see how you might fit their needs, the better your
•
Choose 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper. Do not choose chances are of avoiding elimination. Organize your
colored paper. See the Career Services Center sections according to relevance to the target job. If
for résumé paper.
you have relevant experience (co-op, internship,
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With less than ten years of experience, limit to REFERENCES
one page unless a second page is essential for details or to prevent crowding.
Simply list “Available upon request” on your résumé.
List references on a separate page, always obtain
NOTE: Using a résumé template can often present problems
permission, and keep referents informed of the
in editing and uploading. Rather than forcing your résumé
positions you are pursuing.
•
information into a template, create your own document that
fits your content. Templates may be fine for organizing content
initially, as long as you can continue editing to suit your needs.
COVER LETTERS
Cover letters introduce your résumé. They include
three main topics:
Résumé Checklist
Research your target employers and industries to
know what they look for in résumés. This research
allows you to address the unique needs of the
employer so you can tailor your résumé accordingly.
Basic points to check before sharing your résumé
include the following:
•
•
•

Contact information is current and email
address is professional.
 Objective (if used) is brief and specific
(identifies organization and position).
 Degree is written as it will appear on your diploma.
 Summary section (if used) includes skills
relevant to the target job and/or organization.
 Descriptions of experiences begin with
action verbs or adverbs (e.g., successfully, independently) and include accomplishments where appropriate (e.g., Implemented new filing system that reduced time spent retrieving data).
 The appropriate verb tense is used through
out. Use either present tense or past tense, depending on the time of the experience.
 Avoid personal pronouns such as I, me, and our.
 The method of presenting dates and addresses is consistent throughout (e.g., AL or Alabama).
 There are NO errors, and the résumé is clear
ly written. Using a tool to check grammar and spelling is a good step, but be sure to proof
read carefully as well.
 Be honest yet know your résumé inside and out. If asked be able to talk about everything on your résumé in detail.
 Résumé has been critiqued by someone in the Career Services Center.
Why you are interested in the company
Why the employer should be interested in you
The possibility of meeting to discuss
DO NOT be timid about sharing your
accomplishments. You will need different résumés,
each focused on a specific job or field.
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SHELTON STATE CAREER CLOSET
Jan Zawadzki
9500 Old Greensboro Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 205.391.2204 jan.zawadzki@gmail.com
Educational Background:
Associate Degree in Nursing, May 2014
Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa, AL
GPA: 3.5/4.0
Practical Nursing Certificate, August 2012
Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa, AL
License # 2-064532
Experience:
Licensed Practical Nurse, August 2011- Present
Tuscaloosa Ear, Nose, and Throat, Tuscaloosa, AL
•
Performed patient work-ups, including vital signs and documentation
•
Administered injections
•
Processed surgical orders
•
Provided customer service while completing medical messages
•
Worked with pharmacies to communicate prescription requests or orders
Preceptorship, February 2014
Northport DCH, Tuscaloosa AL
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Completed 90 hour clinical rotation caring for labor and delivery, postpartum, and well-baby patients
Licensed Practical Nurse, October- December 2012
Tuscaloosa Pediatrics, Tuscaloosa, AL
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Secured a temporary position with a pediatric practice while completing nursing school
•
Assessed, monitored, and documented patient progress, symptoms, and vital signs on each visit
•
Educated clients and their families on the safe treatment of injuries, illnesses, and conditions
Organizations:
Shelton State Association of Practical Nursing Students, 2011-2012
Tuscaloosa, AL
CPR Certified, 2008 to Present
Tuscaloosa, AL
Phi Theta Kappa, 2011 to Present
Shelton State Community College
References available upon request
7
Thiago Lopes Amaral
9500 Old Greensboro Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 205.391.2204 thiago.amaral@gmail.com
REFERENCES
Mr. Fintress Dreher
Instructor
Department of Nursing
205.391.7777
fintress.dreher@sheltonstatecommunitycollege.net
Shelton State Community College
9500 Old Greensboro Road
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
Dr. Carlos Lazo
Physician
Tuscaloosa Ear Nose and Throat
205.333.3333
carlos.lazo@tnet.net
4231 ENT Way
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
Ms. Cleopatra Abdou
Northport DCH
205.756.2222
cleopatra.abdou@ndch.net
752 Hospital Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
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Jun Wu
9500 Old Greensboro Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 205.391.2204 jun.wu@gmail.com
Date
Mr. Xaviel Carter
Human Resource Manager
Children’s Hospital
4321 Hospital Way
Birmingham, AL 54321
Dear Mr. Carter,
I am writing to express my interest in the position of registered nurse at Children’s Hospital. I believe my
education and work experience will make me a strong candidate for the position.
I have been employed in the nursing field while in school. Handling these responsibilities successfully while
being a full-time college student requires the ability to manage time and priorities while also being flexible.
Working with people from diverse backgrounds and communities comes naturally to me as well as establishing
relationships with patients. In all responsibilities, I hold myself accountable, knowing that my role as an
individual affects services provided to patients.
I am excited about this opportunity, and I look forward to speaking with you. I will contact you next week to
discuss the possibility of meeting. In the meantime, you may reach me at 205.391.2204 or by email at
jun.wu@gmail.com. Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
Jun Wu
9
9500 Old Greensboro Road
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
205-391-2204
Date
Mr. Deon Sagan
Human Resources Manager
Children’s Hospital
4321 Hospital Way
Birmingham, AL 54321
Dear Mr. Sagan,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview yesterday for the nursing position in the Oncology Department at
Children’s Hospital. I enjoyed touring and learning more about the hospital.
The interview with you and the other staff members confirmed my desire to work for Children’s Hospital. My
prior experience in evaluating and processing patients will enable me to progress steadily through your training
program and become a productive member of your team.
Again, thank you for your consideration. If you need additional information, please feel free to contact me at
205.391.2204 or by email at pasha.nix@gmail.com.
Regards,
Pasha Nix
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Interview Tips
For most career fields, you will not be hired without
interviewing. Therefore, effective interviewing skills
are a must. Others will be competing with you to
obtain the same position. It is critical to convince a
potential employer that you can do the job better
than the other candidates. The interviewing process
does not begin the moment you walk into an
employer’s office and end the moment you leave.
Successful interviewing requires that you prepare
prior to the interview and that you follow up after the
interview. Below are steps you can take to catapult
you ahead of the competition.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
RESEARCH THE EMPLOYER
strengths to the position. Consider the following: What
does the description entail? What are the essential
functions of the office, company, or organization? To
whom will you report? Does the position meet your
expectations? Is the position compatible with your
professional and personal ethics?
BE PROFESSIONAL
Being professional encompasses everything: punctuality,
dress, hygiene, verbal and nonverbal behavior, and
dining etiquette. Arrive at least 10–15 minutes early;
remember, you have only one opportunity to make a
good first impression, and being late or not showing
at all will not be viewed favorably. Do not arrive at the
interview empty-handed. Consider bringing a
portfolio including the following: résumé, letters of
recommendation, writing samples, projects and, if
possible, performance evaluations. This gives the
potential employer additional information to consider
during the selection process.
One of the first and most important aspects of job
hunting is to research potential employers. The more
time and thoughtful consideration you devote to
researching a prospective employer, the better your
DRESS PROFESSIONALLY
chances are of finding the best possible position with The way you dress has an effect on the interviewer’s
a good company.
initial impression of you. We recommend you take the
conservative approach when dressing for an interview.
Researching a company gives you valuable
information before you interview and before you send
BODY LANGUAGE AND
out your résumé. Once you know about the company,
NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
you can shape your résumé and cover letter to reflect
abilities and knowledge benefitting the company.
Research shows that body language accounts for 38%
During the interview, the knowledge gained from
of the overall first impression. Prior to the interview,
your research will enable you to carry on a productive practice in front of a mirror to observe your body
conversation.
movements and gestures. Be aware of how you look
and act so that your non-verbal cues coincide with what
It is critical to thoroughly research the organization
you say. During the interview, keep the following things
prior to your interview. Interviewers may ask you
in mind:
what you know about their organization as a way of
evaluating how interested you are in the position.
Posture
Walk confidently into the room, hold your head up,
It is best to use a variety of resources to obtain a
and offer a handshake. You should appear confident,
broader range of information. Most organizations
yet approachable. During the interview, sit up straight
have websites with their mission, history, and
in your chair and lean forward to indicate interest and
services.
attention.
Using search engines and social media sites will give
you current information.
Greeting
Express your gratitude when meeting someone for
KNOW THE POSITION
the first time. Step forward, maintain eye contact, smile,
and extend your hand. Be sure your handshake
Knowing the position is a top priority to match your
11
is firm and positive. Once you’ve given your name,
repeat the interviewer’s name.
Initiate Conversation
Find an interesting approach to begin conversation.
You can always comment on the weather. Be aware
of the world around you, so you can join in on talk of
current events. Also, be interested and an active
listener.
Eye Contact
Make eye contact, but be careful not to stare.
Gestures
Try to control nervous gestures, such as hair-twisting,
nail biting, and/or pen clicking.
Voice
The sound of your voice should be warm and friendly.
Project, speak slowly, and enunciate. Use your
grammar skills to avoid misuse of verb tenses,
pronouns, and other grammatical errors.
Be Yourself
Try to appear comfortable during the interview and
show that you are at ease in your surroundings. Don’t
be afraid to relax and show your natural character.
You want to give the impression that you are
someone they want to have on their team.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
During the interview, it is your responsibility to
convince the interviewer that you are the most
qualified applicant for the position. Remember, you
only have one chance to make a good first impression,
and first impressions are lasting impressions. Listed
below are some tips to follow at the beginning of and
during the interview.
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Give the interviewer a good, firm handshake, accompanied with eye contact.
•
Be enthusiastic, confident, and courteous.
•
Be aware of your nonverbal behavior.
•
Ask relevant questions.
•
Convey interest and knowledge about the
position and company.
•
Stress willingness, ability, and compatibility.
•
Avoid using fillers: umm, you know, well, yeah, whatever, you know what I mean, or like.
•
Listen to the questions carefully and articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely.
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Always thank the interviewer for his or her time.
•
Don’t address the interviewer by his or her first name unless invited to do so.
•
Don’t let the employer’s casual
approach fool you; maintain your professionalism.
•
Don’t dominate the interview.
•
Don’t discuss your personal
problems.
•
Don’t speak or act in a nervous
manner.
•
Don’t criticize yourself but don’t be arrogant.
•
Don’t interrupt when the
interviewer is talking.
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Don’t bring up negative information about past jobs, co-workers, or former supervisors.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
During interviews, employers are seeking to
answer these questions:
• Can you do the job? (skills, knowledge, training)
• Will you do the job? (work ethic, initiative, commitment, adaptability, teamwork)
• Are you a fit for the organization? (professionalism, type of personality)
Go into each interview prepared to provide
answers illustrating your ability and
willingness to do the job. “Fit” is something
you will be assessing as well as determining
if this is the work environment for you.
In all cases, you want to demonstrate
professionalism. An interview is a situation
where you must sell your experiences, skills,
talents, and abilities to a potential employer.
•
•
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.
Write a thank-you note to reiterate your
interest in the job.
Sample Interview Questions
Personal Attributes
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Do you like to work with groups or by your
self? Why?
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Tell about a major problem you have
encounered and how you dealt with it.
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How would a friend/family member/
supervisor/professor describe you?
•
What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
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In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable? Uncomfortable?
•
Why should I hire you? What makes you a good employee?
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Give me an example of a time when you have been under pressure.
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Why do you want to join our organization?
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What qualities do you admire most in others?
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How do you feel about relocating/traveling/
working overtime/working weekends?
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Tell what you know about our organization.
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What have you learned from your mistakes?
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What are your salary expectations? What do you expect to make in five years?
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Of which three accomplishments are you most proud?
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What kind of reference do you think your last employer will give you?
•
In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
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How do you react to criticism?
•
What frustrates you?
Education
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What classes have you enjoyed the most and why? The least?
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Tell about your most rewarding educational experience.
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How has your education prepared you for the work world? This specific job?
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Tell about the extracurricular activities you have pursued. What have you gained through your involvement?
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Experience
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Tell about your work experience.
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Have you ever spoken before a group of
people? How large?
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What job-related skills have you developed?
•
Have you ever quit a job? Why?
•
Have you ever done any volunteer work?
•
Give an example of a situation in which you provided a solution to an employer.
Regarding the Job or Organization
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Why do you want to work for us?
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What position in our company interests you the most?
•
What do you know about our company?
•
In addition to the literature we sent you, what other source(s) did you use to find out about us?
•
Why are you interested in this field?
•
What career-related skills do you possess as a result of your academic preparation?
•
What have you read recently in your field?
Previous Experience Questions
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What have you learned from your past jobs?
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What were the biggest pressures in your last job?
•
What specific skills acquired or used in
previous jobs relate to this position?
•
How does your previous experience relate to this position?
•
What did you like most/least about your last job?
Questions to Ask the Employer
•
Please describe the duties of the job for me.
•
Is this a newly created job or is someone being replaced?
•
What is a typical day on the job?
•
What personal qualities or characteristics are most important for success in this job?
•
How often will my performance be evaluated? What criteria will be used to measure my performance?
Questions regarding the job content
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Is there a probationary period involved?
•
What happens during the training program?
•
What kinds of assignments might I expect the first six months on the job?
•
What are examples of typical first year
assignments?
•
What kind of supervision will I receive?
•
What are the primary results you would like to see me produce if employed?
•
How would you describe your company’s
management style?
•
What are the company’s strengths and weak
nesses compared to its competition?
•
What are some of the problems facing the staff today?
•
What are your plans for expanding the XYZ department?
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What particular computer equipment and software do you use?
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Does your company encourage further
education?
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What type of career paths do employees
typically follow in this organization?
•
Do your employees participate in any
professional associations or conferences?
•
Do you fill positions from the outside or
promote from within first?
•
What is the retention rate of people in the position for which I am interviewing?
•
How much travel is involved in this position?
Closing questions
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Is there anything else I can tell you about my qualifications?
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From what I have told you, do you feel my skills will contribute to your organization?
gather information about you online before and after.
While social media is not the primary way employers
are finding their job applicants, it is a method that
is being more frequently utilized. Social media is
changing the way we communicate with each other,
and it is here to stay. To be relevant in a changing
workforce, knowing various uses and brands of
technology and social media is essential.
There is a wide array of social media sites that you can
utilize, and the popularity of each will ebb and flow as
technology and trends dictate. We recommend you
consider the following:
LinkedIn.com – This professional networking site
provides you the opportunity to establish a
professional online identity, participate in
conversations on relevant topics, and make
connections with professionals in your industry or
career path.
Key tip: To get the most out of LinkedIn, seek out and
participate in “LinkedIn groups” of interest.
Twitter.com – This microblogging site may be most
widely known for its use by media outlets and
celebrities, but it can also be a great way for you to
interact with people of similar professional interests
from across the globe. Additionally, companies
are increasingly using Twitter to promote jobs and
internships. Key tip: Use “hashtag” searches (e.g.
#jobs or #internships) and “follow” companies of
interest to find opportunities.
Facebook.com – This social networking site likely
needs no introduction or instruction on usage. Be sure
If the employer does not offer a position
your activities on Facebook won’t give prospective
•
Do you know of other departments within the employers “red flags” about you as a candidate.
organization that would be interested in my Check your photos, videos, and comments for
experience?
professionalism. Key tip: Utilize Facebook’s privacy
•
I like what you are doing here at XYZ
settings to disallow public viewing of tagged photos,
Company. Can you please keep my
wall posts, and other aspects of your profile (or make
qualifications on record in case there are
your profile entirely unsearchable).
future openings?
•
If the situation changes, please let me know.
•
Can you give me feedback on my interview?
Social Media and Careers
To a great extent, you are who the Internet says you
are. You can be certain employers and recruiters will
14
Get Ready for the Career Fair
•
•
•
BEFORE
Research companies that will be attending. (Check the SSCC web page)
Prepare a résumé or business cards and have them critiqued (multiple copies).
Check your dress.
DURING
•
Dress appropriately.
•
Smile and relax.
•
Use a firm handshake.
•
Maintain eye contact.
•
Be organized. Keep résumés in a folder. Keep a notebook for job information obtained.
•
Deliver your sound bite or commercial before asking questions of the company.
Example: Hi, my name is Sally Student. I have been nursing a student at Shelton for the past two years. I worked at Hillcrest Medical Center while in school. I am now skilled in
coordinated care, safety, and infection control as well as customer service. My supervisors and instructors have been very happy with my work. Now I am looking for a full-time nursing job.
•
Ask questions that have been thought out beforehand.
Example: Can you tell me about a typical day for someone working at Hillcrest Medical Center?
What kind of training do you offer for new employees?
Could you describe skills the ideal person would need to be successful in this position?
*Do not ask questions about salary.
•
Gather free information and business cards after speaking with the recruiter.
•
Ask the best way to follow up if you are interested in doing so.
•
Make notes about the company and the contact that you made with the recruiter.
•
•
•
AFTER
Send a thank-you note to recruiters who spent time with you.
Keep a log of recruiters you met along with a file of brochures received for later use.
Reflect on how things went and how you could improve.
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Career Services Office
Shelton State Community College
9500 Old Greensboro Road
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405