Career Services hosted a job search workshop the last week of April to offer students the help they need. Not many students showed up.
“Students are not aware of all the services career services provides to students,” said biology senior Alyssa Barrera. “They have helped me so much on my job search especially on creating and reviewing my resume.”
Career Services offers students and alumni preparation to enter the workforce by offering career and job searching services.
The program offers a wide range of programs such as Jaguar Jobs, Interview Stream and Career Closet, while attending school.
“Career Advising will meet on-on-one with students to address career concerns and can also assist with job and internship applications,” said career advisor Heather Schuster.
Finding a good job takes work. Career Services suggests diversifying. Don’t just apply to one or two companies and hope for the best. Apply for as many companies as you can. Let your talents shine. Here are some steps to remember when setting up a job interview.
Step 1: Make a list of all the people you know who work in your occupation or industry, reach out to them ask if they would give your resume or job application to their hiring manager. Networking is key. Visit the career center and speak with a career counselor. The campus offers an online tool, “Jaguar Jobs”, where students can search for various full-time, part-time, internship, volunteer and on-campus jobs updated daily.
Step 2: Make a list of your top employers visit their website and apply for jobs through their employment pages. This is the fastest way to apply for an open position with their company. Talk to your friends and relatives. Find a friend of a friend who works at each company. Ask if you can list them as a reference on your job application. Be sure to do a good job filling out the application.
Step 3: Call an employer and ask for a job interview. Make sure when calling, you are interested in to talk to the hiring manager. Introduce yourself and thank the manager for taking your call. Mention your top three skills, job, accomplishments. Finally ask the manager if they would schedule a job interview with you.
Career Services has your back with “Interview Stream” online resource where you can practice interviewing anywhere at any time using a webcam. Receive feedback and tips from experts on your interview. A mobile app is also available if you want to practice on the go.
Step 4: Dress to impress. Unless you’re told otherwise, men should always wear a suit, for women a pantsuit, to a first interview. A suit signifies a sign of respect for the company as well as the person interviewing you. It’s always better to be overdressed than under.
If you are a student on a budget, A&M-San Antonio Career Services offers the Career Closet, an on-campus program dedicated to providing professional attire to students who are preparing for an interview. Current students are eligible to pick two items per fall and spring semester at no cost.
Chosen items are yours to keep as of spring semester. During fall semester, clothes will be on a check-in and check-out to students. Interested students are asked to schedule an appointment to visit the “Career Closet” anytime during office hours, located in the Central Academic Building, Suite 211.
Step 5: Make sure you bring an extra copy of your resume when you first meet. Offer a handshake and introduce yourself. Be calm on the interview speak clearly and confident . Once the interview is over, thank them for their time and offer a handshake. When you get home, send a thank you note.
Step 6: Call or email the employer to follow up on the interview it will also show them you are responsible and interested in the job.
It is a tough job market for all ages and professions. It is critical to create an amazing resume that stands out from the rest, apply to as many as you can and follow-up on them with a phone call or email. The more persistent you are, the more likely you are to get a job.
Use the connections you have, as many companies like to hire people who they know and are highly recommended. Finding a job is a full-time job in and of itself.
