Starting your summer jobinternship search early and how to search for a position

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Starting your summer job/internship search early
and how to search for a position

• Presentation by Michelle Cirello
• Beekley Corporation
• November 6, 2003

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Why is it important to start early?

• Its a tough market out there and you want to
  start networking long before you plan to start
  working
  
• Many companies offer limited summer jobs/
  internships
  
• Most company plans months in advance for these
  opportunities even though you aren't available
  yet its a great idea to start making contacts
  early.

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How do I find a summer opportunity/ internship?

• Network! Ask friends, professors, relatives,
  acquaintances. Tell everyone you know that you
  are looking for a job.
  
• Research online www.career.uconn.edu,
  www.careerbuilder.com, www.ctnow.com
  
• Career Services, on-campus interviewing and
  career fairs (on and off campus) are great ways
  to learn of job possibilities.
  

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Continued

• Seek a position that relates to employment you
  are interested in upon graduation it will show
  your initiative and give you a exposure to that
  industry
• You need to separate yourself from others
• Devote time on a regular basis set goals and
  follow through on every lead
  
• Stay organized

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Job Search Letters

• Many companies prefer online responses. This
  doesnt mean to skip the cover letter. This will
  show off your writing skills and allow you to
  direct attention to something related on your
  resume.
• Do you homework on the company and learn
  something about it that sparks your interest
  mention this in the cover letter or email.
  
• Letter of inquiry- a type of cover letter that
  expresses interest even if no open position is
  posted.

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Resume

• Your resume is the key to opening doors be sure
  to check (2-3 times) for errors. Get input from
  others.
  
• Keep it brief no more than 1-2 pages. As you
  gain work experience, you will eliminate jobs
  from high school, etc.
  
• Update your resume and always have a copy with
  you you never know when you may want to give it
  to someone

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Preparing for the interview

• Prepare in advance - it takes no time at all to
  go online and do some research on the company
  
• Sign up for a mock interview session through
  Career Services
  
• Anticipate the types of questions you might
  encounter prepare a response to these in
  advance. Behavioral based interview questions are
  common (based on concept that best predictor of
  future performance is past performance)
• Download directions and make sure you know where
  you are going take a ride in advance if you are
  concerned about finding the company
  

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Continued

• Be on time. Show up 10 minutes early call if you
  are running late
  
• Make a positive first impression smile, relax.
• Be polite to everyone you meet no doubt they may
  have some input on their impressions of you.
  
• Send a thank you note or email as a follow up to
  the interview a great opportunity to restate
  your interest in the company.
  

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What to bring to the interview?

• Bring a portfolio notepad or at least a pad and a
  pen. An additional copy of your resume and a
  list of references will be helpful if needed.
  
• Ask what else the recruiter would like you to
  bring to the interview (any supporting
  documentation you may want to share)
  
• Write questions down in advance that you have
  about the company or the position.
  

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What to wear to the interview?

• A good rule of thumb is to dress professionally.
  You can do research on the companies dress code
  online or call ahead and inquire.
  
• Recommendations
• Women a conservative business suit, nylons and
  close toed shoes
  
• Men a conservative business suit, a pressed
  dress shirt and tie and polished dress shoes
  
• Overdone makeup, perfume, hair and piercings are
  not recommended. You want the interviewer to
  focus on you and your skills, not what you are
  wearing.
• You only get one chance to make a good first
  impression
  

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Questions and Answers

• Thank you for your participation today. I hope
  you found this presentation helpful.
  
• Good Luck in your job search!
• If you have an interest in a Sales career, please
  contact Michelle Cirello RM_at_beekley.com for
  additional information.

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Timeline for Summer Job/ Internship Search Step 1

• November
• Identify type of position you would like to
  pursue
  
• Summer job v. internship
• Paid v. unpaid
• Credit v. non-credit
• Determine the field in which you would like to
  work
  
• Do you want to work in Human Services, Marketing,
  Mechanical Engineering, or Math-related field?
  
• Identify the industry you would like to work in.
  
  
• I.e. if you want an accounting internship, would
  that be in a hospital setting, at a Public
  Accounting firm?
  
• Create your resume
• See a Career Consultant regarding the status of
  your search

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Timeline Step 2

• November/December
• Bring resume to Career Services for initial
  critique
  
• Bring resume to Career Services for subsequent
  critiques
  
• Complete resume
• Get reference page together ask supervisors and
  faculty/staff if they would feel comfortable
  serving as your reference
  
• See a Career Consultant regarding your search

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Timeline Step 3

• Winter Break
• Create a job search notebook and keep excellent
  notes
  
• Identify deadlines for applications and establish
  a timeline or mark a calendar for each
  organization
  
• not all organizations will have deadlines
• Research organizations in the industry that you
  have decided to pursue
  
• see page 7 of the Guidebook, Resources to use
  for your job search
  
• Call organizations to inquire about summer
  opportunities
  
• see page 11 of the guidebook, Sample Telephone
  Script

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Timeline Step 4

• February/March
• Attend the Internship/Co-op Expo and/or Exploring
  Human Services
  
• Continue contacting employers and organizations
  in your areas of interest
  
• Send out resumes and cover letters and follow-up
  with organizations approximately 2 weeks after
  sending the resume and cover letters.
  
• Participate in a mock interview and/or attend an
  interview workshop
  
• Periodically meet with a career consultant to
  evaluate your job search process

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Timeline Step 5

• March/April
• Continue to send out resumes and cover letters
• Follow-up with organizations approximately 2
  weeks after sending the resume and cover letter
  
• For organizations that do not have established
  deadlines, send your resumes out early as many
  positions will be filled come April and May