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The Basics:
Internship/Job Search A general guideline for developing career success
Four-year career development timeline • 12 steps to career success
The basics of an internship/job search • Subscription sites and resources
Internship/job search checklist • References
Suggestions for creating a tracking system • Business etiquette
53 Campus Avenue | Lewiston, Maine | 04240
207-786-6232 | bcdc@bates.edu | www.bates.edu/career
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Four-year Career Development Timeline
Regardless of where you are in your college career, we hope that you will find this timeline helpful. It aims to help
students get a sense of how they can pace themselves to develop life-long career development skills during their
four years at Bates. The Bates Career Development Center (BCDC) works closely with students to develop
individualized career development plans, and this timeline is meant to serve as a loose framework for getting
started in the process.
YEAR ONE: Set the foundation through exploring, experimenting, creating connections, getting to know yourself and the available resources at the BCDC
Develop relationships with Bates faculty, staff, older students, members of local community groups and
organizations
Participate in activities, apply for a campus job, and/or do volunteer work to further develop skills that
employers value: communication, leadership, teamwork, service to others
Meet regularly with your academic advisor to check in and begin the process of choosing an academic major
Get acquainted with the BCDC staff during walk-in hours or by appointment, attend relevant workshops, and
familiarize yourself with the plethora of career development resources at the BCDC such as LACN, Spotlight on
Careers, career assessments, just to name a few
Learn about JobCat and the Bates Online Community, and create profiles on each network
Polish up academic, public-speaking, and time management skills; do your best work and be sure to seek help
when necessary
Identify interests, values and abilities through conversations with BCDC staff, peers, and faculty
Brush up on workplace etiquette and basic professional conduct with the help of the BCDC
Create/revise a resume; attend workshops, check out resources such as bates.optimalresume.com, and meet
with a BCDC counselor for feedback
Develop a search strategy for a summer engagement that involves experiential learning in the form of a job,
internship, or volunteer opportunity; remember to request a reference from a supervisor at the end of the
summer
Be mindful of your web presence or “online footprint”; be sure to keep your image clean and professional
Enjoy the process of learning in all forms, and have fun along the way!
YEAR TWO: Build on your skills and experience
Seek leadership roles in both familiar and new activities to build job-related skills
Research study abroad programs and how they might fit into your academic and career development plan
Explore opportunities for hands-on learning for both the academic year and the upcoming summer, including
CDIP (Career Discovery In Practice) job shadows and Ladd internships among others; be sure to request a
reference from a supervisor at the end of the summer
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Update your resume on JobCat and consult with a BCDC counselor
Create an “elevator speech” (the “who I am and what I want to do” in 30 seconds or less, or the amount of
time that it takes to ride an elevator) to use in networking situations, and polish your delivery
Hone networking skills by attending BCDC-sponsored employer information sessions, alumni networking
events, and graduate & professional school fairs as they relate to your interests
Expand network of contacts with faculty, staff, alumni, friends, connections through parents, family friends,
etc. and organize your contacts with a tracking log
Meet with a BCDC counselor to evaluate “where you are”
Identify and evaluate emerging career interests through internships, jobs, and volunteer work
Invest in appropriate attire and accessories for information sessions and interviewing
Conduct informational interviews with alumni and others in person or on the phone
Finalize your academic major; confirm course and general education requirements
YEAR THREE: Broaden and deepen your experiences, sharpen your focus on emerging interests, and
really dig into experiential learning opportunities
Investigate and identify specific post-graduate options for employment, graduate or professional school, and
fellowships by attending fairs and information sessions
Keep track of deadlines for internship and job applications, graduate and professional school exam
registrations and test dates, etc. as relevant to your interests
Take stock of academic requirements and internship deadlines, especially if you have plans to go abroad
Continue to revise your resume and JobCat profile
Meet regularly with a BCDC counselor to discuss plans
Enrich your academic experience through study at another institution whether it is domestic or international
Contact former employers, faculty members and others as applicable to serve as references and/or write
letters of recommendation; create a list of 3-5 references
Research and visit potential graduate programs and/or fellowships, and request applications
Invest in appropriate attire and accessories for information sessions and interviewing
Continue to polish your leadership and communication skills through various experiences such as the CDIP and
Ladd internships
Initiate solid contact with employers through calls, letters, and informational interviewing; organize your
contacts with a tracking log
Position yourself strategically with summer plans that enable you to gain substantial and hands-on experience
through internships, work and volunteer opportunities
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YEAR FOUR: Take action!
Maintain regular contact with the BCDC
Update your list of references
Take graduate examinations, prepare essays, and request transcripts early if applicable
Refine and polish your resume and cover letters
Continue to research occupations, career fields, organizations of interest, and/or graduate study options as
they relate to your interests
Attend BCDC workshops, employer information sessions, and job fairs
Sign up for a mock interview at the BCDC
Invest in appropriate attire and accessories for information sessions and interviewing
Take a close look at your budget to prepare for expenses associated with travel, transcript fees, exam fees,
etc.; ask about fee waivers if available
Tap deeply into networks and organize your contacts with a tracking log
Complete the BCDC’s Cap and Gown survey before graduation
Consider your options carefully, and keep the BCDC posted on your news and plans
Congratulations! We hope to hear from you as you pursue your post-Bates goals…
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12 Steps to Career Success
1. Review and assess your career goals and interest Schedule an appointment with a Bates Career Development Center counselor to develop a personalized career
plan
2. Research and develop a target list of companies and industries Utilize web resources both internally at Bates and externally Use JobCat (the BCDC recruiting portal) as a launch site – check out the myriad subscription and research
databases available through the site
3. Develop a strong resume and tailored cover letter Come to walk-in hours to be reviewed by a counselor
4. Apply to positions on JobCat (bates-csm.symplicity.com) Check out the link to consortium events (information sessions, interview days, etc.) and apply for jobs of
interest
5. Continue to NETWORK: “Make friends” LinkedIn, Career Advisory Network (through the Bates Online Community – http://community.bates.edu),
Faculty, Informational Interviews
6. Focus your search Avoid both the restrictively narrow and the unreasonably broad search. Employers can immediately identify a
resume and cover letter that is generic and unfocused
7. Visit the BCDC during walk-in hours Stop by with quick questions for our career counselors
8. Understand the recruiting timeline Research and know the timeline for recruiting/interviewing for your specific industry/field of interest Develop a strategic and manageable strategy that allows time to research, make connections, apply to
positions and prepare for interviews
9. Participate in company information sessions and workshops Explore companies that may not initially be of interest to you as you may be surprised at what they offer and
how specific functions/opportunities are in alignment with your interests
10. Utilize resources outside of Bates College Attend career fairs, associations and career events open to students Search company websites and other career search engines
11. Read emails from the BCDC The BCDC makes every effort to promote workshops, information sessions, deadlines (especially those with a
quick turnaround time); be sure to read these emails to avoid missing ideal opportunities for you to make connections and apply for jobs or internships
The BCDC Bulletin provides a weekly snapshot of upcoming events and activities and new postings provided by the BCDC
12. Stay motivated and continue to be proactive in your career search
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Interested in getting an internship or job? The Basics Regardless of your field or industry of interest, your career planning needs to include a few key elements to ensure success: Self Assessment: Who are you? What are your preferences in terms of working with ideas or things, people
or alone, structured or unstructured days? What are your values, interests, skills and personality? Exploration: What options are out there? How well do you ‘fit’ with the options? What additional skills might
you need to gain? Brainstorm, gain new ideas, and focus your job search through research, informational interviewing, and carefully thinking through how options ‘fit’ with the results of your self assessment and future goals.
Internship/Job Search: Create an action plan and track your progress.
Network: Make connections with people in the field you wish to enter. Join professional associations and/or clubs, conduct informational interviews, attend BCDC events and workshops.
Gain experience: Based on your research, what clubs, volunteer experiences, internships or jobs will help you gain the basic skills you need?
Search: Prepare your personal marketing materials (resume, cover letters, portfolio) and apply to positions of interest to you through your network, JobCat, company or industry websites, newspapers, etc.
Follow up: Send thank you notes. Keep in touch with networking contacts; keep a list of positions applied to and follow up when appropriate.
Career planning does not end when you start applying for positions. Continue to assess your ‘fit’ with positions throughout the application and interview process and beyond. Career planning is a life-long process. Help is only a mouse-click away. Try these sites for useful information:
Self Assessment and Job Search Advice www.quintcareers.com www.jobhuntersbible.com www.rileyguide.com www.jobstar.org www.careervoyages.gov www.collegegrad.com www.jobweb.com www.collegejournal.com www.doleta.gov/jobseekers www.asktheheadhunter.com www.nolljobs.com (under Interview Information) Internship and Job Search
JobCat: bates-csm.symplicity.com
www.internships.com www.InternJobs.com www.simplyhired.com www.job-hunt.org www.indeed.com www.monster.com www.careerbuilder.com www.hotjobs.com www.craigslist.org
www.jobcentral.com www.truecareers.com www.idealist.org Research/Networking Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/oco www.vault.com (access through JobCat) www.wetfeet.com www.linkedin.com Bates OnLine Community (http://community.bates.edu) www.ryze.com www.ziggs.com www.hoovers.com www.corporateinformation.com www.superpages.com www.guidestar.org Database of professional associations: www.asaecenter.org/Directories/AssociationSearch.cfm Salary info www.salary.com www.acinet.org www.salaryexpert.com www.payscale.com www.jobstar.org www.glassdoor.com
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On Line Subscription Sites and Resources The Bates Career Development Center subscribes to a number of online resources to assist you in your career development and internship/job search. Please note that a few of these resources require a Bates-specific user name and password. These sites can be accessed via Jobcat (bates-csm.symplicity.com):
Site name Description and username/password information CAREER RESEARCH Spotlight on Careers Overview on many different careers plus job listings
Username: lacn Password: liberalarts2011 CareerSearch Resource for searching specific industries and employers
Client Referral: batestrain Create own password
Vault's Career Insider A comprehensive career resource that includes employer profiles, industry overviews and downloadable career guides on many topics
Create your own account and password
JOB & INTERNSHIP SEARCH Internships.com 20K+ opportunities as well as helpful advice about securing internships
Spotlight on Careers Overview on many different careers plus job listings Username: lacn Password: liberalarts2011
Current Jobs for Graduates Job listings and bulletin for entry-level and early-career jobs
User name: bates Password: cdc04240
Liberal Arts Career Network Job database shared by 30 small liberal arts colleges
User name: Bates e-mail address Password: bates
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Site name Description and username/password information JOB & INTERNSHIP SEARCH
NewEnglandJobs.org Resource for non-profit opportunities in New England
Maine College Grads Resource for opportunities in Maine
Maine Arts Commission Internships in the Maine arts community
Environmental Career Opportunities Environmentally focused employment opportunities
EnvironmentalCareer.com Resources for opportunities in environmental careers
Student Conservation Association Internships in conservation and community leadership
Opportunities in Public Affairs Resource for opportunities in public affairs in the Washington, DC area Username: bates Password: 89ax
Team Work Online Job opportunities in sports organizations
INTERNATIONAL JOB SEARCH
Going Global Resource for finding international and national employment
Cross Cultural Solutions Resource for cross-cultural internships
English International Guide to TEFL/TESL programs for teaching English to non-English
speakers
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Site name Description and username/password information
SELF-ASSESSMENT
Myers Briggs Type Indicator Personality assessment tool (often referred to as MBTI®); learn how to best use your personality in school and at work; identify possible careers best suited for your type
Note: by career counselor referral only
Strong Interest Inventory Interest assessment tool (also known as SII) that assesses your level of
interest in occupations, leisure activities, and academic subjects; identify, understand, and expand your list of career options by comparing your interests with other people in specific occupations
Note: by career counselor referral only
SkillScan Card Sort Sort cards into categories to identify your strongest skills and motivators; shows a clear picture of your best skills and those you prefer to use; gain clarity about careers that involve your favorite work tasks
Note: by career counselor referral only
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Internship and Job Search Checklist
If not already done, begin immediately as applicable to your interests: Update your resume with internship, work experience and other relevant activities; load your updated
document into JobCat Ensure your profile is updated and accurate on JobCat (the BCDC sends out targeted announcements and
alerts about specific events; if your profile isn’t updated, you may miss out on great opportunities to make connections and apply for jobs)
Research target companies to focus your search and develop a list of target companies of interest Conduct informational interviews Identify 3 or more references and ask permission to give their names to prospective employers Make some personal decisions about geographic location desires Develop a cover letter template (with the understanding that each cover letter should be tailored to specific
companies and positions to which you are applying) Develop a network list; join the Bates LinkedIn community and other groups of interest Mock interview practice(s) with BCDC counselor Go on several interviews, both practice and real Attend upcoming company information sessions, other career-related events Check JobCat daily to see new postings, application deadlines, and upcoming events Peruse the weekly BCDC Bulletin for new postings Network, network, and network some more Develop a timely follow-up system for the connections you have made Make a priority list of companies you want to work for and research them Interview, interview, interview Write thank you letters to everyone with whom you speak and meet Develop a strategy to evaluate offers (including discussion with a BCDC counselor)
What still needs to be done:
This is your personal list to complete --
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References
Potential employers will want to talk to people with whom you have worked or who know you well to verify information on your resume, find out what it is like to work with you and ask questions about your skills and personality. Ask people in advance of your job search if they would be willing to be a reference for you and verify their
contact information; if a potential reference appears hesitant, thank them politely and consider leaving them off of your final list
Three to five references are recommended Former supervisors or co-workers are the best professional references, but professors, coaches, friends or customers
can also be valuable resources Family members should not be listed as references Ensure that you request references only from those people who know you well enough to answer employer
questions, and who are enthusiastic and encouraging of your career progress; references who work in the industry that you are trying to enter are ideal
Provide your references with a copy of your resume and let them know of the specific types of jobs you will be
applying for and the specific skills that should be emphasized Include each reference's full name, title, company, address, phone number and email address on the list of
references (unless specifically asked to leave something out by a reference); some employers request fax numbers as well
List your references on a separate sheet of paper from your resume (see next page); the heading and paper used
should be the same as that of your resume Bring your reference list with you to every interview but do not give it to the employer unless it is requested Thank your references for their help before and after an employer contacts them Keep in touch with your references even after you get a job; update them on your new position and
accomplishments and they will be better able to help you again in the future If your references are no longer at their old job, or their company doesn't appear on your resume, indicate your
relationship on the reference page (i.e., Former supervisor at XYZ Company)
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Sample Template for Reference Document
JOHN BATES 123 Main Street, Pleasantville, ME 12345
johnbates@bates.edu • 207-786-6232
REFERENCES
Mr. David Smith
Director
Pinnacle Solutions, Inc.
100 Washington Avenue
Portland, ME 04103
207-774-7744
dsmith@pinnacle.com
Ms. Katherine Davis
President
Cambridge Consulting
3000 Commercial Street
Boston, MA 02107
617-887-2324
kdavis@cambridge.com
(Former Customer Service Manager at Mainline Consulting from 2008 - 2010)*
Mr. Jamie Myers
Associate Professor of Psychology
Smithtown College
1800 College Street
Anytown, ME 12345
jmyers@smithtown.edu
*Consider using this format to indicate that this individual supervised you in the past at the place of employment
that is listed on your resume
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Suggestions for Creating a Tracking System
On your path to developing an internship/job search strategy, you will build an extensive network as you connect
with a growing number of people through informational interviews, networking and interviews. An ideal way to
manage these contacts is to create a customized tracking log that helps you to stay organized. Consider including
the following categories:
Name of contact
Job title
Name of organization
Address, phone and e-mail address for contact
Address, phone and e-mail address for organization
Class year if Bates alum
Dates of contact
Type of contact: e-mail, call, etc.
Type of activity: networking, interview, etc.
Thank-you note: date sent
Recommendations
Referrals to other contacts
Next steps of action
Outcome of contact
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Business Etiquette Dress for Success Consider this: Every interaction you have with a recruiter or company representative should be considered as part of the interview. It is unlikely that you would walk into an interview wearing flip-flops, torn jeans and/or revealing clothes. Every interaction with a company representative is an OPPORTUNITY to sell yourself. Start by creating a good first impression – that’s reflected in what you wear. Follow these tips to ensure that you hit the mark in a formal interview and at “business casual” events or activities.
General Guidelines DO DON’T
Always look professional Dress for the audience Wear clothes that fit well
Wear wrinkled or stained clothing Wear scuffed, noticeably old shoes Wear clothes with a shine/sheen to them
Interview Attire There is an assumption that your interview attire represents you at your best. Recruiters cite a few areas where candidates fail to impress: out-of-date styles, slovenly appearance and a too-casual look. The following are examples of what is appropriate to wear and what is not appropriate to wear.
DO DON’T
Men and Women Wear a two-piece suit (black or other dark color) Have a well-groomed hairstyle Use a breath mint before greeting recruiter Carry a nice briefcase or portfolio
Wear a suit with sandals or sneakers Style your hair in an unusual style or color Use too much cologne or perfume Display visible body piercings (i.e., tongue ring,
multiple earrings in one ear) Wear more than one ring on each hand Display visible body art Carry a backpack
Women Wear a white, off-white, or neutral-colored blouse
with a conservative neckline Wear closed-toe leather pumps with low to
medium heels Wear black or skin colored hosiery Carry a briefcase or portfolio in place of handbag or
purse Wear understated makeup Wear small stud earrings Wear subtle nail polish, if at all
Wear ill-fitting (short, tight, clingy, or slit) skirts;
hem higher than one to two inches above the knee when standing
Wear open-toe strappy high heels, sandals, or shoes with decorations
Wear dangly or oversized earrings
Men Wear long-sleeved shirt in white or light blue Wear conservative necktie in color and pattern Wear high-fitting dark socks Wear business-style leather shoes Match shoe and belt color
Wear tie with cartoon characters, less-than-serious
graphics, or theme ties Wear light-colored socks with dark suit Mix black and brown
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Business Casual Attire There are many opportunities, outside of interviews, to interact with representatives or recruiters from companies to which you are interested in applying. Whether it is a career fair, a seminar, or an information session, deliver a strong impact. This is your opportunity to make a great first impression. While it may not be required to wear a suit, it is important to dress appropriately. The following are some examples of what to wear and what not to wear in these circumstances. These guidelines may also be used for a company with a business casual dress code.
DO DON’T
Men Wear khakis, chinos or gabardine trousers Wear a collared shirt, either polo-style or button
down Wear a belt
Wear T-shirts and jeans Wear sneakers, sandals Wear your shirttail out Wear T-shirt with a logo (except company’s logo) Wear caps Wear sports/active wear
Women Wear slack or skirt Wear sleeveless top with jacket or sweater Wear hosiery or socks
Wear poorly coordinated outfits Wear humorous attire or accessories Wear shirts that show midriff Wear shorts Wear ultra-short skirts (more than 2” above the
knee) Wear T-shirt with a logo (except company’s logo) Wear camisoles (as outer wear) Wear sports/active wear Wear flip-flops
The above are general guidelines for interviews and business functions. However, for a specific company event, function or interview, don’t hesitate to call the company recruiter or human resources representative to ask for a few tips on appropriate attire. If you hear the term “Business Casual” you may want to probe a little more; business casual may be interpreted differently from one organization to another.
Telephone Etiquette At all times during your job search, be prepared for unexpected calls from employers or networking contracts. Make sure your cell and home phone outgoing messages are professional and to the point Let roommates or other household members know that you are expecting employer calls and ensure that they
take detailed messages If you are not prepared to talk to an employer at the time (i.e., when you are in a noisy location or do not have
strong reception on your cell phone), do not answer the phone; you can always call back later Always answers with a simple “Hello” or “Hello, this is…”
Dining Etiquette Interview processes can sometimes include an invitation to lunch or dinner with a recruiter or hiring manager. Do not be fooled - even though the situation may seem more relaxed then a formal interview, it is still an evaluatory situation and it is best to be prepared. It is important to follow several rules of etiquette:
Do not drink alcohol at the meal unless the host presses (and you are over 21) in which case do not have more than one drink
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The utensils are used from the outside (for salad) in (for the entree)
Use your napkin sparingly, place it on your lap when you sit down, and lightly brush your lips when needed; do not use it to blow your nose!
Take undesirable foods out the same way they went in (i.e., with your fork or hand); this attracts less attention than trying to discreetly spit it into a napkin
Place all used utensils on a flat dish so that they do not touch the table
Cut one piece of food at a time
Break off one piece of bread at a time and butter it individually
Close your mouth when chewing, do not make noises, do not talk with your mouth full, no elbows on the table, sit up straight…everything your parents taught you!
Stick to simple, easy-to-eat foods such as chicken breast, vegetables or fish. Rice, spaghetti, and dishes that are loaded with sauces can be difficult to maneuver. Keep in mind that cherry tomatoes can cause quite a splash if you bite into them quickly!
Do not dip your food into sauces, olive oil, or other dips; place a little bit on your plate before using
Eat a normal amount of food - not very little, not a huge quantity; follow your host's lead in terms of pace
Interpersonal skills are vital in this setting as in all others; keep the conversation on business and other non-controversial topics - avoid bringing up religion, politics or parties
Do not make an issue out of your dietary restrictions; do not smoke, chew gum or answer your cell phone
Consider the cost; follow the host's lead or stick with a medium-cost dish
Do not fight over the check; the host will pay
Be polite to everyone in the restaurant; everything you do makes an impression
“Netiquette” Email is used so frequently in correspondence these days that it is easy to dash off a note without paying proper attention to the reception it will get when it is received. Whether to email or write a handwritten thank-you note will depend on the company and industry you are trying to enter, but there are some general rules that you can follow to ensure that you make the best possible impression with every mail that you send: Don't overdo it by flooding busy professionals with emails since they often have overflowing mailboxes
Pay attention to employer requests; for example, if they specifically state 'no emails', follow their guidelines
Make sure that the email address you are using for your job search is professional; your Bates address is the best - no witty email names
The subject line of an email should catch attention, be specific, and be professional - no vague 'hellos'
Spell check and proofread! Follow professional writing standards and be polite
Avoid emoticons or email jargon/abbreviations; do not write in all caps or all lower case
When forwarding messages, delete extraneous address information and leave only the important content
Let the recipient know what program attachments were created in
Send important emails to yourself first to check on formatting
Do not share recruiters' email information if they share it with you - respect their privacy
When replying to a question, copy only the question into the new message and provide your answer; do not send answers with no context
Address and sign all emails, for example: "Dear Mr. ...:" Include your full contact information including address, phone and email; you may wish to establish a professional automatic signature that will appear on all of your outgoing email messages
Do not label a message as “Important” if it is not Choose words carefully to convey the appropriate tone REMEMBER: You never know to whom an email will get forwarded! Do not write in an angry or frustrated
mood, you might regret hitting ‘Send’ Proofread again and again!
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