Why Should I Use My School's Career Services Department?

**Note: the following advice and suggestions come from the writer's personal experience as a senior Broadcast Journalism major at the University of South Alabama. The following article is in no way reflective of said university.

With the spring 2010 semester fast approaching, countless students nationwide are gearing up for another long haul of classes, studying and note taking before they reach their anticipated summer vacation. For college students, particularly seniors, this is a time when graduation is on the horizon and future employment opportunities must be considered. If you have been in an internship, you may find part or full time employment available at your current location. However, taking your resume to several places will further your chances of landing the career and position you desire.

But wait! Have I properly formatted my resume? Do I know how to behave in a professional interview setting? Do I know how to market myself online? These and dozens of other questions can all be answered by your friendly neighborhood Career Services Department, typically located on campus for your convenience. Here are several reasons you should schedule an appointment:

1. Most College Students do not know how to Properly Format their Resume

As surprising as it may sound, the vast majority of college students have given little consideration to the proper formatting of their resume. While some may take advantage of online resume help sites such as www.monster.com and www.resume-resource.com, there is still much to be said for seeking the aid and counsel of a professional career advisor. After all, this is their specialty. You simply can't go wrong here.

A few resume tips: It is generally not necessary to include and/or list your high school(s) in your educational history section, a common mistake made by many college students. By this point, if you are a college student, it is automatically assumed by an employer that you completed high school. A list of professional contacts is generally considered a good idea and will allow your potential employer to assess your work ethic and professionalism by talking to your previous employers, etc.

2. Learn How to Behave Professionally by Scheduling a Mock Interview Appointment

Several campus career services offer professional mock interview services. These advisors will typically schedule a day on which you will enter an office setting, dressed professionally, and be interviewed for a job position as if it were the real deal. By this point you will hopefully have learned how to professionally respond to questions, how to behave when a question catches you off guard and how to verbally market yourself to the potential employer.

The benefits of this service are unparalleled when compared to any resume tips and interview pointers you may find online. By engaging in this service, you are placing yourself in the midst of a hypothetical, real world, job interview scenario, while learning how to properly act within that scenario.

A few interviewing tips:

1. Do your Homework: A week or two before your interview, research the company you will be seeking employment with. Learn their corporate history, check the Internet to see if they have a web site, be aware of other locations and services the company may have, etc. This will additionally aid in your ability to market your abilities to the needs of the company.

2. Dress Professionally: Although this may seem like a no brainer, countless students enter their career services mock interview in t-shirts, jeans and tennis shoes. Dress professionally. Your career services advisor will be able to give you some tips and pointers on this crucially important element.

3. Maintain Excellent Posture: If you will be seated for the duration of your interview, be certain you avoid slouching or slumping in your chair. Poor posture will tell your employer that you are not taking the interview seriously and that you could care less about employment. Sit up straight, be alert, attentive and responsive, but not stiff. Maintain calmness. There is no need to be nervous. Just professional.

4. Maintain Punctuality: Show up for your interview on time. Lateness or tardiness will make a negative impression upon your potential employer and may even wind up costing you the entire interview.

3. Take Advantage of Career Service Job Expos on your Campus

During your appointment with Career Services, inquire about the dates of any upcoming job expos that may be held on your campus or locally in your town or city. Countless universities and colleges typically sponsor such events. These job expos are a great way to meet potential employers, particularly those that cater to your interests, your degree and field of study.

As a student seeking employment after college, you simply cannot go wrong by seeking the aid and counsel of your campus Career Services department. Don't let graduation sneak up on you!