Career Notes A publication to help Bulldogs elevate their career preparedness Spring 2014 Opportunity is on'The Hill' Career Development Services (CDS) will host the Spring Career Fair on Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 9a-2p in the Student Health & Wellness Center Gym. Interview Day will take place on Friday, February 28, 2014 by employer invitation only. Recruiters from across the country will be investing time to speak with students like you! Are YOU ready for them? Here are four things you must do, have or practice before the Career Fair in order to make a strong Bulldog Impression. 1.Bulldog Introduction – See the box below. 2.Dress for Success (see page 2) 3.Action-oriented, Error-free Resume BULLDOG INTRODUCTION With a warm smile, good eye contact and a firm handshake, say... “Hello! My name is (...). I am a (year in school/May 2014 graduate) majoring in (...) at AAMU. I am interested in learning more about (an internship, a co-op, a career opportunity). Based on my research, I believe that I would be a strong candidate.” Be sure to thank the recruiter for supporting our career fair. Your resume can highlight: • Class projects tied to your area of study • Relevant coursework in your major • Employment, including work-study, full/part- time jobs, internships and co-ops • Honors, community service, activities and accomplishments, including leadership roles Use strong present-tense verbs to describe current jobs and activities; everything else should be described with past-tense verbs. 4.Conduct Research – Use search engines to learn about Career Fair participants. Good questions show that you are prepared! Note: Take giveaways after you have introduced yourself to the recruiter(s) and been given permission to do so. To ensure that AAMU and its students are best represented at the Career Fair, students are able to participate in on-campus interviews only after: 1) registering with CDS, 2) submitting a resume for review and approval and 3) participating in the Interviewing Skills workshop, which is held on the first and third Thursday of each month from Noon–12:50p in Patton Hall, Room 101. Managing Editor The Bulldog way... Yvette S. Clayton Editors Leslie C. Burks, Tangela Rutledge-Gale Photographer Jerome Saintjones Dress for Success You only get One Chance to make a First Impression. Most people will form an impression of you within the first 30 seconds. The professional standard for formal business attire is a twopiece, matched suit. A well-fitted or tailored suit will help you present yourself professionally and confidently. FORMAL BUSINESS ATTIRE Jewelry, Makeup, Perfume, Cologne, Bags, Body Piercing and Tattoos: • Jewelry should be simple and understated • Makeup should be conservative and natural looking; less is more • Strong fragrances can be offensive; avoid wearing them in interviews and the workplace • Only one bag should be visible. It should be conservative in style and color • Visible body piercings and visible tattoos are not considered appropriate in many work place settings Observe people in your industry. It’s always safe to err on the conservative side. All: • Conservative colors are best for suits – navy, grey, black. Suit jackets and blazers should have three buttons or less • All-leather belts and shoes are the typical standard • Avoid clothing that is too tight or too loose • Polish and shine shoes; press all clothing Women: • • • • • Skirt suits in cotton, synthetic, wool or silk, no more than two inches above the knee Suits should be paired with tailored blouses Shoes should be closed-toe and conservative in style and color; heels should not exceed 3 inches Flesh-toned stockings Nail length and polish color should be conservative Men: • • • • • • • • Students must wear business attire to enter the Career Fair. Long-sleeved shirts are standard. Choose white, light blue, or conservative stripes Belts should have a simple buckle and match shoes Ties with understated striped or dotted patterns are best in shades of maroon, blue, navy, gray and black Lace-ups and loafers are standard Socks should match shoes; mid-calf length will keep skin covered when sitting Facial hair, if worn, should be well-groomed Removing earrings is safest Nails should be clean and well-groomed Career Development Services | Patton Hall, Room 101 | 256.372.5692 | www.aamu.edu