Every college student should be clear about the challenges they will face once they select a major. Since there are some college majors where the odds for graduating with a good job and great career potential can be tough, wise students get prepared to face those challenges and fight for a job in the field that they love.

When students major in an area such as: Philosophy, Psychology, Music, Art History, Communications, Humanities, Sociology, Theater, Dance, Latin, Literature and Language Arts, etc., good paying jobs can be hard to find. Therefore, these graduates may end up in a job such as a Bank Teller, Car Rental Clerk, Book Store Clerk, Waiter/Waitress, Retail Sales Trainee, Fast Food Management Trainee, Peace Corps Volunteer, Telephone Solicitor, Hotel Desk Clerk, Insurance Claims Processor, Camp Counselor, Home Care Case Worker or something similar. If these are not the jobs that you were hoping to land after graduation, you should try the following exercise.

I've used the "music" major for the exercise below. However, students in every major should gather similar information for their own field of interest.

1. Identify A Wide Variety Of Job Titles Closely Associated With The Music Business

To identify job titles, talk with Career Services, Professors, Other Students, Alumni, Interns, Musicians, Entertainers, Music Business Executives, Promoters, Agents, use the Library or do some Research On-line. Once you have a long list of typical jobs in the music business, you can narrow or select a direction that makes the most sense for you.

2. Identify and Evaluate Employers Within All Areas Of The Music Business

3. Use Your Network To Identify Information And Contacts / People In The Music Business

4. List Your Personal or Professional Experience In The Music Business

5. With Regard To Music , What Do You Do Best? / Like The Most?

6. List Any Music Industry Skills, Abilities and Accomplishments

7. Can You Start Your Own Business In An Area Related To Music?

If you truly love the field that you have chosen and can't picture yourself doing anything else, you will have to face those odds head-on and get prepared for the struggle ahead.
Since it is unlikely that employers will be falling all over themselves to hire music majors, there are actions to be taken and decisions to be made. This may mean that you become a business major in order to work in the music business as a promoter, an accountant, in sales, advertising, marketing or public relations. It may mean that you pursue an internship at a Radio Station, TV Station or Recording Studio. Or, it may mean that you finally start that jazz band that you've been dreaming about. Whatever you decide, the earlier you get started the better.

Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success" Coach

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To: Elida

If you are determined to find a summer job, you will find one. Try the following:

Chamber of Commerce -

Visit (don’t call) the office of the local Chamber of Commerce. 1) Ask if any of their members need help for the summer. Post your availability on their bulletin board or put an ad in their newsletter. 2) Obtain a list of their members. Call each and everyone of them. 3) Ask for the names of other Business and Community organizations in your area. Visit them. Call their members.

Go to Your Religious Institution -

Ask the office personnel if they know of any parishioner who may need help. Put an ad in their bulletin. Post your availability on their bulletin board.

The Newspaper -

Check the employment ads in your local newspaper on a daily basis. Immediately call any possibilities.

Community College -

Visit the Career Center at the local Community College. Ask about jobs that have been posted. Check with the Guidance Office at local High Schools. Contact all possibilities

Network -

Make a list of everyone you know. Contact them and ask each person if they know any business owners or business professionals. If yes, get their contact information and call them.

Take a Long Walk -

If you have had no success with the above strategies, start walking. Start at one end of the street and stop at every shop, store, gas station, restaurant and business along the way. Ask each one if they need help. Keep going until you have a job.

What's the best way to get a job for the summer? I've been looking and can't find anything. I need to work and make some money for my books which are not covered by my scholarships. I hope you can make some recommendations. THanks.

To: James

No! If you know the field you want and the kind of job you want, that job, that field and those employers have requirements that you must meet or exceed. You can’t become an accountant, engineer, chemist, lab technician, psychologist, etc., etc. without the proper education and experience. However, when you don’t know where you want to go, don’t care if you work in your field of study and will accept any job, then any path will do. That’s why I said, “These graduates may end up in a job such as a Bank Teller, Car Rental Clerk, Book Store Clerk, Waiter/Waitress, Retail Sales Trainee, Fast Food Management Trainee, Peace Corps Volunteer, Telephone Solicitor, Hotel Desk Clerk, Insurance Claims Processor, Youth Counselor, Home Care Case Worker or something similar.”

Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success" Coach

To: Osvaldo

As you know, most actors are starving actors because there are more good actors than good acting jobs. In many cases, new actors find jobs because of their contacts and their reputation. That means that you must do two things regularly. One is act; the other is build relationships with actors, teachers, directors, musicians, writers, agents, reviewers, stage hands and others in that world. You’ll need experience, contacts, a great reputation, optimism and a lot of luck. Even then, there is no guarantee of success.

Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success" Coach

To: Willermina

Here are a few ideas for you and other job hunters.

1. If you have specific job interests, you should go after those jobs by selling your strengths. Use them all to strengthen your resumé.

- GPA/CUM
- Work experience
- Accomplishments and successes
- References
- Quotes about you from respected sources
- Problems you solved
- Examples of creativity
- How you helped your employer
- Money-making skills
- People skills
- Communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Whatever makes you different and better

2. Use your network, the internet and the newspaper to identify every employer within a 10-20 mile radius with 50 or more employees. They will all have accounting departments. Get your resumé to each one and follow up with a call.

3. Go to the Career Services Office and obtain a list of every employer that recruits at your college. Get your resumé to each one and follow up with a call.

4. Check the newspaper employment ads every morning and get your resumé to any employer with 50 or more employees. Follow up with a call.

5. Talk with your Professors in the Business Dept. at your college. They will have contacts in the business community.

6. Use your network. Talk with every employed adult in your network. See if they can introduce you to their employers.

7. Visit the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary and any other Business Organizations in your area. Try to speak with every member and ask them to help you make other contacts in the business community.

8. Attend meetings of the (Westchester) Business Association and The Society of Human Resources Management. Bring copies of your resumé.

9. Use the yellow pages and internet to identify the employment agencies and temp agencies in your area. Get your resumé to each one and follow up with a call.

10. Network - Contact every Business Professor and Alumni who majored in business.

11. Make a list of every Business Executive, Community Leader and Public Figure who you know or are known to the people in your network. Talk to each one of them and conduct an informational interview to identify contacts and opportunities

Your resume will stand out if: 1) It is accompanied by an interesting and powerful “sales letter,” 2) You have attached a strong recommendation from a respected and influential reference, 3) You have already held a part-time or summer job in your field, 4) Your past accomplishments make it clear that you are an outstanding candidate, or 5) There is something special about you that makes you stand out from similar candidates.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

Hi Mr. Roth,
I'm graduating thismonth from Iona College in New York. I have a major in business and a minor in accounting. I've been looking for a job for a few months but so far, I haven't gotten an offer. Do you have any ideas that may work for me?

I heard it said that your major really doesn't matter that much 'cause most poeple end up working on something different. Is that true?

what if you want to be an actor? (i'm still in high school) Should you try to get a job as a waiter and audition like most actors do, for as many things as you can? I really want to be an actor and I'm not clear about the path to fulfill that dream.

Unfortunately, too many students don�t believe that they must compete for the good jobs. They don�t understand that early, continuous and thorough preparation is the best way to ensure success. To remind them, I tell students that, �The senior year job search actually starts in the freshman year.� However, most students hate to hear that true statement and don�t start to prepare early enough. That�s why they need a coach.



An employment coach can help students in the following areas:



1. Identify and Select Employment Goals - Everyone Needs A Target



When students are not clear about their career objectives, a coach can help them zero in on the areas that will compliment their strengths.



2. Determine What Needs To Be Done



Many students don�t know what it will take for them to land a good job. They focus on grades alone. A coach can help them find ways to differentiate themselves.



3. Develop A Plan



Students need both a broad understanding of the employment process and a step-by-step plan that will take them to their goal.



4. Coach Students Through the Steps



Having a coach available to provide guidance, as students work on the steps, is a way to improve student job search performance and increase employer interest.



5. Address Problems and Obstacles



Since every student will encounter a few problems and obstacles as they prepare for and conduct their job search, a personal coach will be there to help them make better choices and find better solutions.



6. Offer Encouragement



Every student will appreciate the coach who recognizes their progress and hard work.



7. Answer Your Questions



Active and involved students will have a million questions as they prepare for their senior year job search. Having a coach to answer those questions will make any job search easier and more effective.



Of course, most colleges have a Career Services Office. However, many of those offices are understaffed and underfunded. That means that most students will be unable to obtain the kind of personal assistance that they will need to prepare for and conduct an effective job search.



If you would like your dream to come true, why not work with an employment coach?



Bob Roth
The �College & Career Success� Coach

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To: Sebastian

Many accounting majors start their careers as Accounting Clerks. Be prepared to start at the bottom.

1. First, strengthen your resumé, if you can. Emphasize your strengths, the results you have achieved, your accomplishments and any work experience related to accounting.

2. Use the yellow pages and internet to identify the employment agencies and temp agencies in your area. Get your resumé to each one and follow up with a call.

3. Use your network, the internet and the newspaper to identify every employer within a 10-20 mile radius with 50 or more employees. They will all have accounting departments. Get your resumé to each one and follow up with a call.

4. Go back to the Career Services Office at your college and obtain a list of every employer that recruits at your college. They will have accounting departments. Get your resumé to each one and follow up with a call.

5. Check the newspaper employment ads every morning and get your resumé to any employer that is likely to have an accounting department. Follow up with a call.

6. Talk with your Professors in the Business Dept. at your college. They will have contacts in the business community.

7. Use your network. Talk with every employed adult in your network. See if they can introduce you to their employers.

8. Visit the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary and any other Business Organizations in your area. Try to speak with every member and ask them to help you make other contacts in the business community.

9. If there is an Accounting Association in your area, go to their meetings. Bring your copies of your resumé.

Since you are now working for yourself, your job search should be a seven day a week effort.

By the way, the CUM is your cumulative average for all four years of college. Many employers seek students with a 3.0 CUM or higher. When your CUM is far below 3.0, you will have a more difficult time finding a job, unless you stand out in some other way.

Hi Mr. Bob,
Major in accounting minor in Spanish. What's CUM?

To: Sebastian

Tell me your college major, minor and CUM. What kind of jobs are of interest to you?

Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success" Coach

I have someone who's been helping me since I graduated last May and I still have not found a full time job! I work part time and volunteer at my church but it's very hard to get a job when there are so many unemployed people with more experience. It's frustrated when you went to college and you can't find a job. What's your suggestion?

To: Eleonora

Not all employment coaches are paid. The coach can be the person who serves as your mentor, an advisor, a sibling, parent or friend who already works in the business world, someone in the career services office, someone who works for a Temp Agency, a recent graduate, alumni, a former teacher or professor, someone in the chamber of commerce or other business organization, etc.

You find an employment coach by using your network. Talk to everyone you know and ask them if they know someone who can give you some employment advice and guidance. Ask each person to suggest other people you should speak with or contact.

Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success" Coach

Where do you even find a coach and how do you pay them if you don't have a job?

College students know that they can make themselves more appealing to employers at graduation by obtaining some experience in their field of interest. Job-related work experience can be acquired through internships, summer and part-time jobs, while attending college. Therefore, here are a few things that students can do to help them find those great jobs:

Search Engines - Google Search and Yahoo Search are two of the best known search engines. However, there are also many others. Students simply type their request in the search box. Examples: Engineering Internships, College Internships, Internships in Ohio or Paid Student Internships. That will lead them to a long list of web sites that may be helpful, as they search for an internship, summer or part-time job. (Students can look at SimplyHired.com, CareerRookie.com, InternJobs.com, College.Monster.com, FindInternships.net, ThinkIntern.com, InternZoo.com, InternshipFinder.com, JobMonkey.com and many more.) Many search engines allow students to search by state and city - Example: OhioIntern.com. Students can substitute the name of their state.

Meta Search Engines and Meta Crawlers - These tools search multiple search engines and web sites at the same time and make it easier and faster for people to find what they want. Several also include the Google and Yahoo databases when they conduct a search. Some of the best known Meta tools include: Dogpile.com, Mamma.com, MonsterCrawler.com, MetaCrawler.com and SurfWax.com. Students can find others by doing a Google search for Meta Search Engines or Meta Search Crawlers.

Other Approaches Include:

Direct Contact - Why not go after the specific employers that interest you?

Networking - College Professors, Alumni, Current Interns, Business Professionals, Community Contacts, Politicians and others may very well have the information that students seek

Career Services - Students should be sure to contact the Career Services Office first to see what they can do to help.

Local Business Associations - Nearly every county has a Chamber of Commerce and a local Business Association.

National Business Associations - Most National Business Associations have local chapters throughout the country.

Get Ready to Compete - Since landing an internship or part-time job is a competition, students should strengthen their resumes, improve their interviewing skills, make a list of their accomplishments, think about what they will wear to the interviews and obtain strong recommendations from Professors and past Employers.

Students Must Be Careful! - As always, students must be cautious as they search the web. The world isn’t always user friendly. Students should keep their personal information private and shouldn’t believe the claims for $50 - $100/hr. internships and part-time jobs. Searching the web can be very costly, when students are scammed by unscrupulous people who make unrealistic job promises or guarantees and ask for money or credit card information. Wise students look for the red flags and use their best judgment at all times.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

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To: Laura

Most PR Firms and Corporations with PR Depts. rarely hire more than one student because they will usually have only one job opening. Therefore, your “network” can be a good way to find out which PR Firms and other employers have a need.

1. Write down the names of Professors and current and former students in your field of interest. Talk to each one and exchange information about potential employers. Include alumni who now work in your field of interest. Professors, Career Services, The Alumni Association, The Parent Association and Advisors can help with this.

2. Make a list of every Business Executive, Community Leader and Public Figure who you know or are known to the people in your network. Talk to each one of them and conduct an informational interview to identify contacts and opportunities.

3. Make a list of every Business Association (Professional, Local and in Your Field - i.e. Chamber of Commerce, Rotary). Attend their meetings. Talk to the Officers. Ask to speak to members who may be able to help with your search. Ask “Who do you know who works in the PR field?” “How can I meet with people in the PR field?”

4. Additionally, make a list of PR Firms and employers with PR Depts. (Internet & Yellow Pages), within a 20 - 25 mile radius of where you live. Ask your network if anyone knows someone who works in one of those companies. If they do, ask them to try to arrange for an informational interview. If not, contact each and every one of those PR Firms and employers directly. (Be prepared to contact 100 - 300+ employers and spend 8 - 10 hours on your job search every day.) Sell your experience, accomplishments and strengths. If you can be flexible, tell them that you are willing to start at minimum wage, until you prove your capabilities.

5. Consider contacting a variety of Temp Agencies that may be able to place you in a temporary assignment in your field. Many employers like to “try people out” before they hire them.

If you land a job, do more and better than required. Become a valued member of the team. If you work with a PR Firm, look for ways to bring in more business.

The keys to obtaining an interview usually include several of the following things: a) You know someone who has influence, 2) You have something that the employer needs and wants, 3) You are fully qualified, 4) You stand out in a positive way, 5) The employer is profitable, and 6) The employer has a budgeted and approved job opening.

Your resume will stand out if: 1) It is accompanied by an interesting and powerful “sales letter,” 2) You have attached a strong recommendation from a respected and influential reference, 3) You have already held a part-time or summer job in your field, 4) Your past accomplishments make it clear that you are an outstanding candidate, or 5) There is something special about you that makes you stand out from similar candidates.

Let me know how you make out.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

To: Karina

Job Boards and Internship Boards do work. They are passive search techniques. Yes, you can post your resume on boards that are most appropriate and let them percolate. However, by using this method, you will be potentially competing against thousands of other candidates from around the country.

You should spend most of your time on information gathering, responding to specific job openings, networking and direct contact techniques. Don’t sit around waiting for someone to contact you, spend your time contacting employers that are of interest to you, even if you don’t know if they have an opening right now. One may open in a month or so. Try to send out 10 - 20 resumes every day. Follow up with them by phone or e-mail in a week or so. Be prepared to sell your capabilities.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

I'd like to hear more about landing your first job after college. Like: how do you find out who's hiring, how do you get an interview, how do you make sure they pick your resume... it's tough out there and I graduated last fall with a major in public relations and I'm still looking. Thanks!

I posted my resume on many job boards and internship boards and don't get any hits. Do these things work at all???????????

To Ruben:

To answer your question, probably not! Employers offer non-paying internships for a variety of reasons: 1) As a screening device to evaluate which students are truly interested and dedicated, 2) Because they have little money and, 3) To take advantage of a free resource, while they evaluate an intern’s capabilities.

Try this: If you are offered an internship that doesn’t pay, ask if they would be willing to evaluate your performance during your first month on the job. Then, if your performance meets or exceeds their requirements, would they be willing to begin paying you for your work? Many employers view this as a reasonable compromise. Good luck!

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

To Laura:

Thank you! Feel free to suggest topics that are of interest to you.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

To Pamela I.:

To obtain an internship at a museum, four things come to mind.

1. Call the museums that are of interest. Find out if they offer internships and ask about their requirements.

2. Work diligently on those requirements. Prove that you are an exceptional candidate.

3. Regularly spend time at the museum, so you become someone they know.

4. Tap your network to see if someone can help you with introductions to people at the museum or within your specific area of interest.

Let me know how things work out.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

I noticed that most companies are now offering free internships. Yes there's a lot of value for students to work and get their foot in the door but how do these companies think students are going to pay for their student loans and survive if they are working for free? Is there any way to make employers realize that they need to pay something?

I follow your blog and you always have some good information to share with us. Thank you!!!

Heard Mariela on CNN yesterday and she mentioned this website. It's FABULOUS, thank you for all your hard work. Can you tell me the best way to get an internship in a museum? I'd like to be a curator. Thank you!

College students who want to land a good job with a respected employer will need to find one or more ways to make employers want them. Since most employers hire only a few new employees each year, the competition for those good jobs is stiff. Here are a few tips that may help you.

Excel in Something

Since the best employers hire people who are good at something, wise students make a special effort to excel in at least one area that ties in with their capabilities, interests and career goals.

Move Forward Every Week

For most students, the secret to success is steady but continuous effort. Small, continuous but determined steps, over a long period of time, are needed to achieve most worthwhile goals. As you might expect, not every student has the stamina and determination to do that. They will fall by the wayside. It is the students who are focused, determined and consistently moving forward who will achieve their goals.

Build A List of Accomplishments

Employers will judge student performance and capabilities by the results they achieve while in college. Like it or not, to others, we are our results. That’s why students who pursue a degree should never leave themselves in the position of having no significant or memorable accomplishments when they graduate.

Cultivate Relationships

Many students ignore something important that should be obvious to them. They will need other people to trumpet their praises to others, as they look for a job. When students can include several respected and influential references and networking contacts among their friends and acquaintances, they dramatically improve their chances for job hunting success. That’s why students who want employers to want them cultivate close relationships with key Professors, Administrators, Employers and Community Leaders.

Attract The Attention Of Others

Active students can get employers to want them by being publicly recognized for the things that they do well. Awards Ceremonies, Newspaper Articles, Radio & TV Interviews, Papers Presented, Articles Written, Research Projects, Grants, Community Service Projects, Entertainment Events, Speeches and Political Events can all give students the publicity and attention they will need.

If you are a student who wants employers to want you, you must pay close attention to the five elements that will increase employer interest.

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To Alejandro Videla:

Yes, you can start your own business. However, here are a few questions you should answer before you get started:
1) How much money must you earn each year to pay for your
a) Personal & Living Expenses
b) Business Operating Expenses
c) Accounting, Tax & Payroll Expenses?
2) Do you have enough money for your startup costs?
3) How long can you survive if business is slow to build up?
4) How many clients will you need to create a viable business (break even point)?
5) Do you have a detailed marketing plan?
6) Do you have Sales Materials, Impressive Samples of Your Work, A Polished Sales Pitch, A Web Site, A List of Current Clients, A List of Reasons why People Should Do Business With You?
7) Why should people do business with you? How are you different, better or less expensive than other web site developers?

Success in business is much more than just getting the word out. During the first year, it is likely that you will spend 90% of your time looking for and selling to clients, not designing web sites. Then, once you have some clients, you must keep them happy while you look for additional clients. Repeat business and ongoing business is necessary for success.

You might start your business by contacting every person you know, including places where you do business: Retail Shops, Gas Stations, Florists etc. You should also contact the local Chamber of Commerce and Business Association.

Check with the County Clerks office to learn about local business registration requirements. If you decide to incorporate, you will be given an employer identification number. If you don’t incorporate, your social security number will be your business identification, for tax purposes.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

To Beatriz:

Feel free to ask me a narrow and specific question and I’ll try to explain how to do whatever it is. Start with: How do I . . . (Example: How do I identify and research 25+ employers in my own field of interest?)

Pursuing “how to” information on your own is a skill that all students will need to develop. At work, you will be asked to do things that you don’t know how to do. However, many times, your supervisor will expect you to figure it out on your own.

For college students, you should all ask yourselves, “What are the five or six information sources on my campus that can help me with my job search questions.” Then, use those sources as often as necessary.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

This blog seems to always have a list of things to do and not much in terms of how to do them. We are new at all of this and need more guidance.

Wonderful suggestions Bob! I would also encourage A.L and others to get actively involved in one of the student or profession organizations in campus. The professional organizations are a great venue to meet people who work in the industry in which you are interested and establish strong relationships with them that may open doors.

Julia, I'm in your same situation as are many students. The unemployemnt rate for teenagers and young college grads is huge right now. I'm thinking of opening my own company. I'm pretty good at designing webpages and maybe I could make money doing it as I've done it for years for friends. What are some of the best ways to get the word out? And do I need to register my company?

To A.L.:

Few students are hired as the result of a job fair. In fact, less than two percent of all students find a job because of a campus interview. Therefore, you may want to try this:

1. Identify 25 - 50 target employers in your field. Research them thoroughly.

2. The most successful students use their networks effectively. Talk with Professors, Alumni, Interns, Career Services, Interviewers and Employers to determine exactly what kind of grades, work experience and accomplishments your target employers will expect.

3. Determine how you stack up against the requirements.

4. Based on what you’ve learned, decide on one or two things that you can do now and during the next year to make yourself more impressive and competitive. Carry out this assignment to the best of your ability.

5. Don’t forget to cultivate one or more impressive references.

6. Update and strengthen your resume with these new experiences and accomplishments.

7. Use every kind of job search technique to pursue employers in your field. Campus interviews represent only one possibility.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

To Julia:

Since you didn’t give me anything specific to go on, I will give you a few general suggestions:

1. Try this exercise: Make a list of the reasons an employer should hire you. Use the strongest arguments in your sales letter. Back up each statement with a fact or example.

2. Strengthen your resumé and sales letter:

a. Do some research on each target employer and use that information in your sales letter. Tailor each letter and resumé individually.

b. Look for something you’ve done that is exceptional or unique. Use it to differentiate yourself from other candidates.

c. Make certain that you describe your most significant accomplishments, successes and positive results from the past few years. Think about classroom, campus, work, community and leisure-time activities.

d. Mention something positive that a Professor, Employer or Community Leader has said about you and your capabilities.

e Mention that you are looking for an opportunity to prove yourself and are willing to start wherever they might need a good employee.

3. Use your network (Professors, Alumni, Association Members and Community Leaders etc., to identify people who may already work at a target employer. They may be able to help you meet with with a hiring manager or influential executive.

4. Gain some work experience in your field by contacting temp agencies about short-term and part-time, job-related, employment opportunities.

I hope this helps.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

Right now no employers want to even give me an interview. There are so many candidates with more experience who they can pay the same they'd pay me, I don't stand a chance. What's your suggestion?

I've seen the career fairs become smaller and smaller in my school. I thnk some peopel are not even sending reps to schools any longer. The economy is hard and I'm afraid next year (I'm a junior) I won't find a job.

There is an important aspect of the senior year job search that most college students fail to appreciate, undervalue and sometimes ignore. Many students don’t seem to understand that the best employers place a great deal of weight on good references. These employers won’t hire someone who can’t provide them with a list of people who are willing to serve as positive and enthusiastic references.

The best references are respected and influential people who know the student well. That means that the student has taken the time to cultivate a strong relationship with them over a period of time. You do it by:

- Spending time with potential references
- Talking with them
- Working with those references
- Showing interest in their work
- Asking them questions
- Helping them, when you can
- Looking out for their best interests
- Warning them of problems
- Showing them what you can do
- Making them look good to others
- Speaking highly of them

Only when your references trust you and believe in you will they put their reputations on the line for you. That’s why great references must be cultivated slowly, over time.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

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Bob, you make it sound like it's easy, 1, 2, 3 but it's not that easy to develop references. It implies a lot of time investment that sometimes it's hard to find because many of us have responsibilities at home and don't have time to hang out with teachers.

Great suggestions Bob!
I would also add that when you connect with a speaker or a highly successful professional, you stay on top of the relationship. You respond to his/her emails in a timely manner, you are punctual to scheduled meetings and are generally respectful of the time this person is investing in you. If you keep your attention on the details you will make things much better for yourself.

To: Edelmira

Building a relationship with the presenter will take longer than you want. Try this: 1) Send a follow-up e-mail message saying how much you enjoyed the conference and especially his presentation. Paraphrase something he said. 2) In another week or two, research and send him a related article that you read. Include your personal comments and observations. 3) Wait a week or so. Send another e-mail telling him about your education, any work experience in your field and state your career goals. Ask for advice. 4) Follow up with a thank you for any advice he may have offered. 5) Ask to meet for a cup of coffee to go into more depth. Be sure to polish up your resume and include your most significant accomplishments. 6) If you meet, ask for other contacts and suggestions.

That will all take a month or six weeks. That’s pretty fast, even though you would like it to be faster. You must be patient. Otherwise you may turn him off completely. Of course, this approach may not work at all.

Keep these things in mind: 1) Your communication must be memorable, professional, interesting and sincere. 2) If you can, mention someone he knows and respects. 3) Be prepared to volunteer to help him with something, if you can. 4) Be sure to meet in a safe public place. 5) Take a look at your network. Do you know anyone who knows him? If yes, ask for an introduction. 6) Carefully craft, proof and revise each communication before you hit send. 7) The key is to find a way to have him “want” to help you. 8) Use your creativity and knowledge of him to make things work in you favor.

Let me know how you make out.

Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success" Coach

To: Julian B.

Look at yourself first. Are you an exceptional student? Does the Professor know you really well and think highly of you? How strong is your relationship with him/her? How well does he/she like you? Do you have an outstanding reputation in your field of study? Are you in his/her inner circle? Have you done something that would impress his/her colleagues? Have you, your performance and your reputation given the Professor a good reason to “want” to recommend you to a respected employer? When the answer to most of these questions is yes, approaching the Professor for a reference or recommendation will not be a problem.

All of those things take place slowly, over time. That’s why the first three and a half years of college are so important. Nobody can do them all in the senior year. Therefore, if you are not yet a senior, get started now on strengthening your relationship with future references. If you are a senior, don’t let this lesson go to waste. To others, your past performance and your reputation are you.

Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success" Coach

In the past I've asked some professors to be my reference and they seemed aprehensive about it. I don't know if it had to do with me or that they just didn't want to get involved with recommending anyone. Is there a best way to approach professors who know you and ask for help in this area?

I just met a very important, busy person that I know can be great for my career. We met at a conference where he presented. I introduced myself but I don't know if he'll remember me. I would like to email him and try to meet for coffee or lunch but wouldn't that be an impossition giving that he probably doesn't remember me and he is such a busy person?

Most college students receive their diplomas at the end of the senior year and, there aren’t many shortcuts to get there. Students understand that they must proceed through college one semester at a time, take the required courses and successfully complete each course with a passing grade. Otherwise, they will not have enough credits to graduate.

At most colleges, a well established sequence of courses exists for each field of study. Students can’t just take the higher level, senior year, courses and ignore the lower level courses which serve as the foundation on which to build the knowledge and skills required by their major. It wouldn’t make much sense to take a difficult calculus class before obtaining a good foundation in math. Few students would succeed under those harsh circumstances. Unfortunately, not every student understands that a similar process is needed for a successful senior year job search.

Obtaining a good job requires a process that lasts from the day a student enters college until the day they leave college. Therefore, the question becomes, what can the student do with that time in order to give themselves the best possible chance to land a good job with a respected employer? Let me assure you that it’s not just good grades. There is plenty to be done, long before you get to the senior year. Just like earning a degree, landing a good job requires a step-by-step, semester-by-semester process.

Students who allow the semesters of college to pass by without doing anything to prepare for the senior year job search are greatly diminishing their chances for job hunting success.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

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To: Kevin Hicks-Pena

For phone interviews, a couple of things come to mind.

1. Many phone interviews are really screenings to see if they want to bring you in for an interview. They ask what they call "knock out" questions to see if you fit their requirements, questions such as: Are you willing to work nights? Will you work on a straight commission basis? Are you willing to travel 80%? Will you relocate to North Dakota? Are you willing to work 60+ hours a week?

2. If they ask more typical interview questions, they will want to learn about any job-related work experience, your accomplishments and successes, your enthusiasm for the job, your attitude and personality. Therefore, it would be wise to develop a list of things you want to say and keep it with you.

3. They will want to see what kind of questions you ask. Therefore, you should develop a few questions that show them that you want to make a contribution. What performance factors will determine if I am successful in this organization? What do you want me to accomplish in the first three months on the job?

In this market, you must "sell them" on you. Remember, you will be competing against many other candidates with similar educations and experiences.

Let me know how you make out.

Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success" Coach

To: Elena Suarez

As you know, in recent years, newspapers have come on hard times. They are drastically cutting staff and turning to the internet, in order to save money and avoid bankruptcy. Therefore, unless you can prove that you are a spectacular journalist and have plenty of contacts in that industry, you will be in for a long, hard fight.

If you can be a bit flexible, you may want to expand your search to other areas that can use your writing skills. All businesses need people who can write well. Why not do some research and try to identify other industries and employers that may need your skills? (Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Sales, etc.)

Also, every industry has associations that meet regularly. Use your network of Journalism Professors, Alumni working in that field and those Association members as a source of information to assess the climate for journalists and to help you come up with other employment opportunities.

If you land a job unrelated to journalism, you can still submit articles to local daily and weekly newspapers to build your resume. Since employers will judge you on your past successes and accomplishments, you must look for opportunities to add to your list.

Good luck!

Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success" Coach

I know what you're saying but landing a job in this economy is not that easy and I'm not sure that even with all that preparation we'll get anything. I've been looking for months and cna't find anything in my field which is journalism. If you have any ideas, I'll appreciate you sharing them with me. Thanks!
Elena

Bob, could you say something about preparing yourself as a recent grad to conduct a job interview on the phone? I have one coming up and I guess there are somehtings you do differently on the phone than in person?

You and every other college student have the opportunity and obligation to make something better for those around you. All you have to do is think about your passions, your strengths and the needs of others. Those three areas will all offer a variety of opportunities for you to easily make some valuable contributions, things that will make something better.

Your contribution doesn’t have to be very big. In fact, you can purposely start small. However, what the contribution may be and how big it should be is entirely up to you. You don’t have to invent anything or build something. You simply have to try to make a positive difference in someone else's life.

For some students, making something better may mean volunteering to help other people, supporting an organization or campaigning for a cause. Your contribution can be as simple as shopping for supplies, making phone calls, running errands, offering encouragement, planting a tree, visiting someone in the hospital, working at a food pantry, giving blood, picking up trash, writing a letter to the editor or teaching a child how to play a game. The fact is, you can improve things wherever you are: at home, on campus, at work, in the local community and beyond.

Doing good and making something better is the silent calling of every contributing member of society. Knowing that not everyone will be successful, we are still obligated to try. For only those who have frequently come up short can truly appreciate the happiness of a small success.

While you are in college, look around. Think about the things that have been bothering you. Why not fix something or fill an unmet need? Look for opportunities where you can leave your mark.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

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Wow! I wanted to explore the Pharmaceutical field and now i feel like I have a lot more tools to go about it. Is this a growing field you think?

To: Mariela

Some Additional Comments . . .

6. Additional Education - If she doesn't already have some job related
courses, she can think about taking a couple of Sales & Marketing classes.

7. Pharmaceutical Sales Organizations & Societies - She should check out sites like the one for The National Association of Pharmaceutical Representatives www.napsronline.org It would probably be a good idea for her to find the local Chapters of appropriate Associations and attend several meetings. If she networks well, that will give her contacts in the industry.

8. Use the Internet for Research - If she goes to Google or Yahoo etc. and types in Pharmaceutical Sales Rep., all kinds of information will pop up.

9. Contract Sales - Some Pharmaceutical Cos. contract out their sales work to other companies that specialize in Pharmaceutical Sales for the Pharmaceutical Industry. She should look into that possibility, as well.

All of this requires time and a lot of hard work. However, that’s what it will take. Hope this helps.

Bob Roth,
The "College & Career Success" Coach

To: Betina

Thank you for doing what you do at the soup kitchen. That's wonderful.

Yes, the campus recycling program is a very good idea. Everyone can find something to do that has meaning for them. The key is to actually "do" something, no matter how small.

Sounds like you are off to a good start.

Bob Roth,
The "College & Career Success" Coach

To: Mariela

Here are a few suggestions that may be helpful.

1. Direct Contact - Before she does anything else, she should contact several Pharmaceutical Companies (Sales Managers, Sales Reps, Campus Interviewers and Human Resources Managers) to find out exactly what they want and require of candidates for their entry level Sales Rep. positions. She has to know what they want before she starts to get prepared. At that time, she can also ask how she can get some training or experience in that field.

2. Networking - She should contact Professors, Alumni who work for Pharmaceutical Cos., Career Services personnel, Parent Association Members and everyone else who she knows (her entire network) to see if they have any contacts or acquaintances (of any kind) in the Pharmaceutical industry. If they do, she should contact them by phone to ask for an informational interview. She must then be prepared to interview each new contact and gather the information that she needs and to also obtain other contacts within the Pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, the career services office and the alumni association may be able to give her help with an intern position.

3. Ask For A Tour - Work with a Professor to assemble a group of College Students who have an interest in the Pharmaceutical Industry and ask for a tour of a plant or any facility. This will give her/them a chance to ask questions and gather names and contact information. Let the Company know that they will be bringing along a reporter from the campus newspaper who will do a story about the tour.

4. Volunteer - She can volunteer to work for free in a clerical position or some other entry level position in the Sales Dept. or elsewhere in the (Pharmaceutical) company, just to get her foot in the door.

5. Apply for a Different Job - She can apply for any paid entry level position in the Sales Dept. or elsewhere in the (Pharmaceutical) company, as a way to get her foot in the door. If she gets one, she will have to do a bang up job, before she asks to be considered for a Sales Rep. position.

More to follow below . . .

Bob Roth

The recycling program sounds great! I'll try to bring something like that to the attention of my campus friends, maybe we can do something in NC.
My small contribution is to help through my church in a local soup kitchen.

Hi Bob,
I just met a wonderful young woman who graduated with a Biology degree two years ago. She's worked as a waitress since she was 15 and has gone back to waitressing after briefly trying to get a job in pharmaceutical sales. She'd like to go back to her field but finds it hard to find a job given her lack of experience. How do you suggest she goes about finding training, volunteering or internship opportunities in her situation? Thanks!

To: Richard

Students and all human beings have three choices. We can make something worse, do nothing at all or make something better. I believe that the only reasonable choice is for us to try to make something better. We have that obligation because it is part of our purpose for being and existing.

Although few individuals can truly do great things by themselves, nobody is powerless to make positive contributions. Everyone of us can take action and do the many small things that can have a positive impact on the people and world around us. Together, those small but positive actions, by millions of people, will combine to be something great.

By the way. As you interview for your first job, it would be a mistake to tell the interviewers that you don�t feel obligated to make things better. Employers expect employees to work hard to improve things, so the company can compete effectively.

Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success" Coach

To: Oscar Darien

That's a tough one. However, you can be proud of what you are doing.

Some students are not aware of the impact of their actions and would do things differently if they knew. Additional students would go along, if their friends were participating. However, others just don't care.

Next year, you may want to spearhead a massive education program during April and May. That will require support from the Student Newspaper and Radio Station, the dorm RA's, the Fraternities and Sororities and all of the Clubs and Organizations on campus.

If you do all of that and are successful, it will be a feather in your cap. You should be able to get a reporter from the local newspaper to take a picture of you and the other leaders and then write a story to be published along with the picture. You will then have a great story to tell interviewers and great examples of leadership for your resume.

Good Luck! Let me know how you make out.

Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success" Coach

Why do you think we have an obligation to do something better? There's no obligation. I think that's why it's so good when people actually do something that is great.They didn't have to do it but they did it anyway and that's what makes it even greater!

I work on the recycling program in my school where we take everything left by the students moving out and create a giant tag sale and then send to different recycling centers what's left. It helps everyone save money and the environment. But I see a lot of students who don't care and just throw things out because they have the money to buy new stuff when they want.

It’s during the first three years of college that students lay the groundwork for a successful senior year job search. However, since most students don’t know what it takes to get prepared for job hunting success, I’ve provided a list of things that students should be doing, as they go through college.

- Select a major that compliments their interests and strengths
- Perform in the classroom
- Research potential employers and determine their hiring requirements
- Get involved in campus, work and community activities
- Obtain work experience in their field of interest
- Demonstrate their capabilities
- Excel at something they love
- Develop a list of accomplishments in classroom, campus, work or community activities
- Develop outstanding communication skills
- Seek and accept leadership roles
- Improve their people skills
- Develop, expand and utilize their networks of highly respected contacts
- Prepare impressive and powerful job hunting tools (Resume & Sales Letter)
- Identify all viable job hunting techniques
- Practice and sharpen their interviewing skills
- Develop examples of successes and stories about experiences for use during interviews
- Find a way to differentiate themselves from other candidates
- Obtain impressive references
- Be prepared to give employers solid reasons why they should be hired

Students who intend to obtain a good paying job don’t sit back and let three and a half years of college go by before they start to prepare for their job search. They understand the “the senior year job search actually starts in the freshman year.” It takes that long to do all of the things that are needed to prepare for, launch and conduct a comprehensive job search.

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To: Juan Carlos

In a bad economy, many employers hire fewer new employees. Furthermore, students who wait to be recruited by employers in campus visits and on-campus interviews are making a big mistake. Here's why:

- On-campus interviews are only one way, of many, to find a job. You must utilize every possible method. An effective job search will take a lot of hard work.
- Some campus recruiters visit six, eight or ten colleges, even though they only have one or a few job openings.
- Only one or two students out of every hundred will get a job, as the result of a campus interview. Technical majors have the most success. Typically those majors include Accounting, Computer Technology, Chemistry and Engineering, as well as other technical areas.
- Students who are being personally recommended by a Professor will get the most attention.
- If you are standing in line behind ten other students and will only get three minutes with the recruiter to make a good impression, you don't have much of a chance.
- Ask your Career Services Director: How many recruiters visited your campus last year to specifically recruit people with your major? How many students with your major received job offers last year, as the result of campus interviews? Those answers will tell you a lot.

If employers aren't chasing you, you will have to chase them. Read my comments to Luis on 9/22 below. Don't wait. Start the process now.

Bob Roth,
The "College & Career Success" Coach

Are companies still recruiting in campus as heavily as in years past? It seems to have dwindled a bit. It makes it harder to find an employer when you don't even see them in your school...

To: All College Students

Proper and effective communication skills will always work in your favor. Employers hate informal communication pieces that use slang, lack punctuation and use run-on words.

If you plan to land a good job with a respected employer, write in a business style, build your vocabulary and use proper punctuation. Otherwise, you will lose out to the students who do what employers want and expect.

It's your choice.

Bob Roth,
The "College & Career Success" Coach

Hello there Wasup.
I saw the thread
Very well constructed
In fact I have been Googling for this for months
www.latinosincollege.com is definitely on my bookmarksnow.
Great effort keep up the good work !
John

To: Juan Alberto

To learn more about leadership, read Lee Iacocca's new book, "Where Have All The Leaders Gone?"

To: Maritza Gomes Rivas

OK! Let's talk about performance in the classroom.

There is more to classroom performance than just getting good grades on tests and term papers. Getting a good education also involves active participation: Talking to, working with and laughing with the Professor and other respected students to build relationships, volunteering for assignments, asking and answering questions in class, building on the comments of other students, voicing your opinion, clarifying difficult concepts and contributing to the class in ways that will help to make it fun, interesting and understandable. Try to make every aspect of your classroom experience a learning opportunity.

All of that only works when you read and understand every assignment. It also means that you do an outstanding job with your research and preparation for papers, projects and presentations. An outstanding classroom presentation is a great way to build your reputation.

Professors love students who take a genuine interest in their classes and the subject matter being taught. When you begin to build a relationship with a Professor, there may be opportunities to volunteer to assist the Professor with research on a book, paper, project or consulting assignment. Remember, when you graduate, you will need good references from Professors in your field. Most Professors only provide enthusiastic references and recommendations for the students they know well and like.

Think about it. If you were teaching the class, what kind of classroom behavior would you hope for from your best students?

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask me another question.

Bob Roth,
The "College & Career Success" Coach

To: Juan Alberto

Let's talk leadership. Every employer wants and needs leaders.

If you naturally attract people who want to work with you, you have a gift that you should develop. To learn more about leadership, you can visit the library to read books that describe it and explain it. Additionally, you can pick a few people who you consider to be great leaders and study their lives and the way they operate.

What is leadership? "Leadership is causing people to passionately embrace a worthwhile goal and then kindling a positive energy in them, so as to ignite a synchronous effort that will continue to build until that goal, no matter how distant and difficult, is achieved."� -- Bob Roth

What is it that leaders do?

- Leaders have a dream, vision or goal
- Leaders are passionate about their goals
- Leaders are competent but continually learn and grow
- Leaders attract and motivate loyal followers
- Leaders care about and make sacrifices for their people
- Leaders communicate effectively
- Leaders are ethical, honest, fair, trustworthy and respectful
- Leaders solve problems
- Leaders achieve results that benefit other people
- Leaders encourage, mentor and develop their people

Great leaders transfer their goals and their passions to the people who will actually do the work that is needed to get the job done. As the work is being done, these leaders serve their workers by providing resources, support and training. They look out for the best interests of their workers, clear away obstacle and give their people opportunities to do what they do best, learn, grow and experience success. Then, they give all of the credit, the praise and the rewards to the people who did the work.

If you have a worthwhile goal, no matter how small, why not accept responsibility for getting it done? Take on the leadership role and work on your leadership skills. “You can’t become a great leader without leading.” -- Bob Roth

Everyone can become a better leader.

Bob Roth,
The "College & Career Success" Coach

What does it mean "perform in the classroom"? and also, a lot of this things sound interesting but they are like a shopping list of tasks that I don't really understand how to make them happen. Maybe you should take one at a time and develop them into a more explicit blog?

I kind of agree with Maritza and would also like some more specific resources for areas like where to develop my leadership skills more, or how to improve people skills or how to obtain impressive references...

Visit Your Career Services Office Today

It may be difficult for college freshmen to get very excited about their senior year job search, so early in their college experiences. However, the Career Services Office at your college can play a critical role in your employment success. That´s why every college student should make an appointment to visit the office in their freshman year. Although that may surprise some students and parents, it is important for students to learn about the services that are provided, keep their end target in sight and make certain that they perform all of the steps that will lead to employment success.

Generally, college freshman should visit the Career Services Office to:

- Receive an introduction to the services that are provided
- Learn about the Career Services Library
- Learn about the Career Services web site
- Receive career counseling and guidance
- Participate in career testing and assessment activities
- Learn about the steps that lead to employment success
- Draft a career development plan
- Ask questions

This is an important step for students to take. Hopefully, all students and parents will come to understand that the senior year job search actually begins in the freshman year. In reality, it is the active involvement and preparation that takes place during the first three years of college that will lead to successful interviews and great job offers.

College sophomores and juniors should continue to visit the Career Services Office, at least once a year.

- Refine their career direction
- Receive job search guidance and training
- Update their career development plan
- Learn about the importance of participation and leadership
- Receive guidance as they begin to develop their network
- Learn about Internships, Co-Op Assignments and Part-Time Jobs
- Research potential employers
- Identify useful job hunting web sites and other resources
- Prepare their list of accomplishments, successes and results
- Draft their resumes
- Draft their sales letters
- Learn about the importance of references
- Practice their interviewing skills
- Identify useful job hunting web sites and other resources

College seniors should regularly visit the Career Services Office to:

- Finalize their resumes
- Finalize their sales letters
- Finalize the questions they will ask during interviews
- Sign up for and take campus interviews
- Learn about the questions that are being asked by recruiters
- Network with other seniors in their field of interest
- Network with alumni in their field of interest
- Network with professors, employers and community leaders
- Begin to contact potential employers directly
- Post resumes on web sites
- Obtain references
- Obtain suggestions and guidance

College seniors know that this is a critical year. The first three years of college are used to prepare for the senior year job search. Now, students must conduct their job search and utilize every tool and technique that they have learned.

Bob Roth,
The College & Career Success Coach

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I like all those suggestions Bob. I will follow them myself and share with some friends who are looking for jobs.

To: Luis

Although the economy is bad, there are jobs out there. Here are a few suggestions for how you can find one.

1. Make sure your tools are superior. Your resume and sales letter must be interesting and powerful. Emphasize your past accomplishments, especially those related to your field of interest. Make a list of your most impressive classroom, campus, work and community successes and accomplishments. Then, rewrite your tools and incorporate those accomplishments.

2. Update and expand your network to include all of your professors, advisors, career services staff, past employers, community leaders, business professionals, respected classmates and alumni in your field of interest. Contact everyone of them and stay in touch on a regular basis.

3. Go after the employers that interest you. Make a list of 50 - 100 employers. Then, do some research on them: Visit their web sites, get their address, phone number, e-mail address. Identify the names of the managers in the departments that are of interest. Send your sales letter and resume to each one. Follow up by phone after a week or so. When you exhaust that list, make another list and start over.

4. Remember that job hunting is a competition. Know what makes you different, better and special. How can you differentiate yourself from all of the other qualified students who are looking for jobs in your field? Emphasize
the differences.

5. Visit the local chamber of commerce, other local business organizations and join the local chapter of an accounting and finance association. Read the help wanted pages every day. Visit employment agencies, as well as temp
agencies. Identify appropriate job search web sites. Recognize that you may have to accept a job as an accounting clerk, to get your foot in the door.

Success only comes to those who are willing to combine working smart with working hard. Since employers are not chasing you, you must chase them. Start working on your job search campaign ten hours a day, seven days a week. Keep it up until you find a job. If you really want a job, you must aggressively pursue one.

Bob Roth,
The "College & Career Success" Coach

It's very hard to find a job these days. Any ideas of what I can do to improve my chances? I graduated in May and haven't found anything yet. I'm a finance major. thanks!

To Juan:

You are right! Many Career Services Offices are severely understaffed. However, you cannot let that stop you. Try a few of these ideas.

1. Be at the CS Office before they open and wait for someone to arrive, everyday, if necessary. Bring them a cup of coffee and a newspaper. Make
friends with one of them (perhaps a student intern in their office), someone who will recognize you from that point forward. Be friendly and polite. Explain your need. Ask for their help. Keep showing up until you get the help you need.

2. Find an internship on your own. Talk with college seniors with internships, professors and alumni who may be able to help you find an internship. Ask if they can help you get an interview with an employer.

3. Additionally, you can do some research to find employers near the college campus, in your field of interest. Visit them or send your resume and
sales letter to those that are of interest to you. Explain that you are interested in an internship. However, most importantly, tell them how you can help them, how you will contribute to their success, why your contributions will more than offset the costs of hiring you.

Let me know how you make out.

Bob Roth,
The "College & Career Success" Coach

What if the career services people are too busy to help you with this? Who do you turn to? I'm a junior and can't get them to help me with an internship...

“The senior year job search actually starts in the freshman year.”

“You will need a plan of action for each semester of college.”

“Employers in every field have specific requirements and expectations.”

“Most college students will not receive a job offer, as the result of a campus interview.”

“College students may have to send out 300 - 500 resumes to land a good job.”

“The standard one page resume is not what employers want.”

“Accomplishments, successes and positive results are just as important as good grades.”

Every college student should have some questions about these statements.
Ask me a question and I´ll be happy to respond.

Bob Roth
The “College & Career Success” Coach

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To Susan:

Job hunting is a competition.

Employers want to see a resume that will clearly present examples of your capabilities and accomplishments. Because they want to know if you can get things done, they want to learn about your results and successes in the classroom, on campus, at work and in the community. They want to learn about your leadership, communication and people skills, as well as you technical and
job-related experience, knowledge and skills. That�s how you differentiate yourself from other students who are equally qualified.

Your resume should give employers a variety of reasons to interview you, rather than somebody else. When you actively participate in campus, work and community activities during the first three years of college, you should have plenty of experiences and examples for your resume.

For more information, see my blog about the first page of a resume, at the very bottom of this blog page.

Bob Roth,
The "College & Career Success"Coach

I'm not sure I know exactly what a "standard one-page resume" is, but what type of resume do employers want?

Thanks Mr.Roth, I appreciate you taking the time to give me such detail advice. I will look into those things you mentioned.
Sincerely,
Julian Paredes

To: Julian

Yes, writers work many places, as they develop their portfolio of stories, poems, articles, advertisements, jingles, songs, proposals, research papers and business reports. Why not try to find a job with an employer that can use your writing skills? Book publishers, newspapers and magazine publishers need people like that.

If you have a specific area of interest (fishing, automobiles, music, crime fighting, outdoor sports, etc.) for your type of writing, look for employers in that/those areas. Although nearly every employer needs people with good writing skills, being employed in/near your area of interest will keep you close to the action and give you a load of material to write about.

Pick ten employers that are of interest to you and identify their job requirements. When you finish that research, you should have a good idea of what they require. Think in terms of useful courses, grades, writing samples, campus activities, part-time work and accomplishments that will be of interest to employers.

Before you become a famous writer, you will need to have numerous stories and articles published in newspapers, magazines and other publications. Learn how to submit an outstanding query letter and start submitting your material today. Since many assignments pay little or nothing, another paying job will usually be required.

Remember, there are just as many starving writers out there as there are starving artists and musicians. So, build your network of contacts in your field of interest, work on your portfolio or book, find a job close to your field of interest, develop your writing skills and be prepared to stay in it for the long run.

Use librarians, professors, your network, the career services office, alumni and the web to do some research: Query Letters, Publishers of Materials Like Yours, Employers in Your Field of Interest, Other Writers In Your Field of Interest, etc.

Bob Roth,
The "College & Career Success" Coach

To: Zulma Irisarri

Yes, e-mail as many resumes as needed to land a good job, even if it takes 300 or more. However, it pays to do some research on each employer before you contact them. Try to research ten employers each day and send resumes to the five best matches. Use the internet and your network to learn more about the employers that are of interest to you.

- Do they hire new grads in your field of interest?
- Do you know their locations, products, services and financial condition?
- Do you know the name, title, phone # and e-mail address of the
manager of the department in which you seek employment?
- Do your grades, college major, accomplishments and experience meet
their requirements?
- Can you give them one or more specific reasons why they should hire
you? (Look at your past experience and accomplishments.)
- Is there something that you have that they want or need? If yes, make
certain that it stands out.

There is nothing wrong with job boards. Use them too. However, I believe that you should go after the employers and the jobs that you want. When you tailor your resume and sales letter to each employer, based on your research, you will have a higher rate of success.

The key to being successful in the senior year job search is to research the needs and wants of employers in your field of interest early in your college experience. Then you can spend the next three years of college obtaining the experiences and credentials that those employers seek.

Bob Roth,
The "College & Career Success" Coach

Do you mean e-mail 300 resumes? How do we find the addresses? Do you think it's a good idea to post them on job boards like Monster? I heard from a lot of my friends that nobody ever contacts them like that. Thanks for your help.

I want to be a writer. But writers don't have regular jobs. "How can I find out job requirements if I don't even know what kind of job I have to get. I am sure that if I become a best seller I can just write but don't writers do all kinds of things?

To: Enrique Susa

The best employers want to learn about your most impressive successes, accomplishments, experiences, responsibilities, contributions and capabilities. Your job is to give employers the information they seek. That means that you must provide them with specific examples of the results you have achieved in the classroom, at work and in campus and community activities. Those examples may include your leadership, people and communication skills, your creativity, your work ethic and any job-related experience.

The point is that you must differentiate yourself from other qualified candidates. You do that by explaining how your successes and contributions have helped to make something better for yourself, your college, your employer or your community. Any student who has been involved in a variety of campus, work and community activities will need more than a one page resume to present their capabilities and accomplishments.

If your college requires a one page resume, go ahead and prepare one. However, you should also prepare another page that describes your most significant accomplishments and results. Bring it with you to the interview and hand it to the interviewer. The best employers will be happy to receive it.

For more information, read my blog below titled "Page One Of Your Resume Must Sell Your Capabilities."

Hope this helps to clarify things.

Bob Roth
The �College & Career Success� Coach

I thought the resume needed to be one page long but you say it doesn't? Can you explain a little bit more?
thanks, Enrique

Why aren´t students pounding this web site with questions?

Can it be that students think that they have all of the answers? I doubt it! Or is it that students today can´t be bothered and aren´t interested in doing better in college or finding a great job? Can it be that students are too lazy to read a few paragraphs of useful information? Are they unwilling to work hard for their success? Maybe they´d rather complain when they fail. Has mediocre performance and disinterest become acceptable?

I don´t know! Why don´t you tell me?

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To: John Suarez

"Don´t wait for a light to appear at the end of the tunnel, stride down there and light the bloody thing yourself."� -- Sara Henderson

If you are determined to find a summer job, you will find one. Try the following:

A. Visit (don´t call) the office of the local Chamber of Commerce. 1) Ask if any of their members need help for the summer. Post your availability on their bulletin board. 2) Obtain a list of their members. Call each and everyone of them. 3) Ask for the names of other Business and Community organizations in your area. Visit them. Call their members.

B. Go to your Church. Ask the office personnel if they know of any parishioner who may need help. Put an ad in the Sunday bulletin. Post your availability on their bulletin board.

C. Check the employment ads in your local newspaper on a daily basis. Immediately call any possibilities.

D. Visit the Career Center at the local Community College. Ask about jobs that have been posted. Check with the Guidance Office at local High Schools. Contact all possibilities

E. Network - Make a list of everyone you know. Ask each person if they know any business owners or business professionals. Get their contact information and call them.

F. Walk - If you have had no success with the above strategies, start walking. Start at one end of the street and stop at every shop, store, gas station and business along the way. Ask each one if they need help. Keep going until you have a job.

"Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our potential."� -- Winston Churchill

"Today is your opportunity to change from what you were yesterday to what you will be tomorrow."� -- Bob Roth

If you are determined to find a summer job, you will find one.

Hope this helps. Let me know how you make out.

Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success"� Coach

I´m willing to work hard for my success but sometimes its difficult to find someone to help right when i need it. For example, right now I need a summer job and I don´t know how to find one because people are not hiring young students (I´m a senior in high school) because there are so many older people without jobs. Do you have any suggestions for me?

Most college students seek employment opportunities during the summer. They do this for two primary reasons:

- To earn money for college
- To gain experience in their field of study

Because college is extremely expensive, finding work during the summer is a priority for students today. Paying as much as possible “as you go” is always preferable to coming out of college with a larger debt than necessary.

Other students are more interested in gaining experience in their chosen field of work. They initially limit their summer job search to employers that meet their requirements. If they are successful, their summer job will give them some real world work experience that is directly related to the work they will seek after graduation. In that case, success on the job may lead to full time work in their field after graduation, often with the same employer.

Students should have four goals for their summer jobs:

Learn Something New - Students should view their summer job as an opportunity to learn something new. The job may provide the opportunity to operate computers and equipment, write, speak, negotiate, sell, purchase, supervise, work with job-related technology and meet the needs and expectations of a supervisor. They will begin learn about life skills such as: deadlines, quality, money, people, problem-solving and goals.

Accept Responsibility - If a student is willing to accept responsibility and show their supervisor that they are reliable, they become more valuable to that organization. When people know that they can count on an employee to get something done, meet the deadline or prevent a problem, that employee gains respect from others, builds trust and adds value.

Contribute - The best employees have a clear understanding of organizational goals and do their best to see that those goals are met or exceeded. They actively look for ways to make something better, are willing to help other employees, contribute ideas, exhibit creativity in problem-solving situations and work hard to improve productivity, quality and customer service.

Build Relationships - Building good relationships with the people who work within the company should be a goal of every employee. Summer employees who can be trusted, do a good job, help other employees, are good listeners and take the time to get to know needs and wants of other people are laying the groundwork for building solid relationships. People who like and trust one another are more likely to work well as a team and find enjoyment in their work. They may someday help the students who worked in summer positions to find a job after graduation or serve as an enthusiastic reference.

Summer employment should be viewed not only as a job where students can earn some money for college, those same summer jobs give students the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and gain the experiences that can impress future employers and graduate schools.

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When college students are instructed to create a cover letter, they are receiving bad advice. Letters that merely cover or accompany a resume are nearly worthless. The letter that all students should develop is a sales letter, a letter that will convince an employer that they are something special.

Sales letters present information that is not already covered in the resume. It clearly demonstrates the student´s vocabulary, grammar and writing skills. More importantly, the sales letter offers an insight into the student´s goals, personality and operating style.

The best employers want to know what makes you special. At the same time, you want to find a way to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Therefore, your sales letter must fulfill both of those important roles. Here are a few ways for you to accomplish both goals.

- Refer to Professors, Supervisors and Community Leaders who speak well of you.
- Mention several interesting facts that you have learned through research and networking.
- Talk about your most impressive campus, work or community contributions.
- Mention something specific that a respected and influential person has said about you.
- Refer to any problems you have solved or prevented.
- Provide examples of your creativity, work ethic or problem-solving skills.
- Indicate your eagerness to make a contribution with this employer.
- Mention a current employee who has said good things about this employer.
- Show that you are familiar with their products, services, goals, finances and challenges.
- Explain why you are qualified for the position that interests you.
- Talk about your job-related campus, work or community experiences.
- Demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the company and the job.

Your sales letter must be carefully crafted and revised several times over the course of time. It is always a work in progress. As things change or you receive useful feedback, your sales letter should be reworked, improved and polished.

As you craft your letter, make certain that it accomplishes several things.
Every sales letter must:

- Effectively sell your attributes.
- Be interesting and creative.
- Flow smoothly and have no errors.
- Contain important information that is not presented in your resume.
- Be written in a way that will motivate the reader to invite you for an interview.

Once you are satisfied with your letter, give it to a number of people with exceptional writing skills. Ask them to help you strengthen the message. Then, incorporate some of those words and phrases into your letter.

Now that you know that a sales letter is necessary to set you apart and give you an edge, never revert back to cover letters. Sales letters tell employers that they have discovered a special candidate, one they are likely to hire.

College students who grasp this letter writing concept and take advantage of it will always come out ahead of those who don´t. The most successful candidates understand that they are writing a sales letter, not a cover letter.

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Far too many highly qualified, college seniors have mediocre or poor resumes. That´s because they were never taught how to prepare for and construct an impressive first page of their resume, one that will attract interest from the most highly sought after employers. The key to a great resume is preparation. So, let´s do that here. Write out the following information:

A. Describe the job that you seek. Prepare a paragraph that includes the type of job that you seek, the expected job duties and possible job titles. If appropriate, specify a field or industry.

B. List the most significant accomplishments, successes and results that you achieved in the classroom and in campus, work and community activities. Which items are most impressive or related to your field of interest?

C. Furnish examples of your leadership skills. Have your ever led a group, team or project or served in a supervisory capacity? Describe the positive outcomes that you achieved.

D. Offer examples of your communication skills. Have you demonstrated exceptional writing, presentation, debating, persuasion, negotiation, questioning or vocabulary skills? What was accomplished because of your communication skills?

E. Provide examples of your people skills. What accomplishments resulted because of your ability to attract, interact with and inspire students, employees, supervisors, professors and campus, work and community leaders?

F. How will you differentiate yourself from other qualified candidates? What is it that you do better than others? Think in terms of job-related experience, level of responsibilities held, skills, knowledge, abilities, creativity, references & recommendations, past accomplishments and potential for future success.

G. Describe any job-related research projects. Did professors assign projects that gave you some practical experience? Did you assist a professor, supervisor or community leader on a research project?

Once you have assembled this summary of your college experiences, you are ready to write an outstanding, page one. Remember, employers want to know how you can contribute to their success. They believe that your past performance is the best indicator of your future performance. You do that on this page. The first page of your resume is the “sales” page. It is comprised of the information that you provided in (a) through (g) above. At the top of page one, provide your name and contact information. Next, state your objective. Then, on the remainder of page one, describe and explain your most impressive successes, accomplishments, experiences, responsibilities, contributions and capabilities.

The second page of your resume is the “information” page. It provides the facts, statistics and details of your entire college learning experience. Together, these two pages are a concise view of you and your capabilities. However, it is up to you to present this information in the most attractive and impressive way possible. When you are successful, the most desirable employers will want to learn more about you. That´s when you´ll be able to tell your Friends,
“My resume is better than your resume.”

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