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MOCK INTERVIEWS
The last day for mock interviews is Friday, April 24. If you have not taken advantage of this service, we have appointments available, but they are filling up quickly. Please call 529-3831 to make an appointment.
SUMMER HOURS
Career Services is open during the summer, Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. We do not have walk-in hours during the summer, but individual advising appointments are available by calling 529-3831. Our Career Resource Center is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Survival Tips for Your First Job After College
The reality of the world of work sometimes comes as a big surprise! Your performance on the job isn’t just about you; your performance may directly affect co-workers, your boss, and other people in the organization. Here are some tips to help you get ahead in that first year:
- Be punctual! It can be to your advantage to arrive a few minutes early, keep within the time limits of your lunch hour, and recognize that quitting time can vary from day to day.
- Dress accordingly. If your company policy suggests “business casual,” find out just exactly what that is.
- Avoid office gossip at all costs.
- Ask questions and don’t assume that you already know the answer. Listen!
- If you don’t have a mentor, try to absorb as much information as you can about policies and procedures from a “more seasoned” employee.
- Always be the consummate polite professional, avoiding offensive language and habitual whining.
- Deadlines are sacred, and seldom, if ever, are extensions granted.
- Volunteer for projects, especially those which help you develop new skills.
Salary Discussions
Does the following scenario make you nervous: You just received an e-mail from a company offering you a job, and they ask you to call them so you can discuss the details, including salary and benefits. You have no idea what the salary range is for this type of job or what benefits to expect. Should you negotiate or take their first offer? Whatever you decide to do, it is important to understand the salary range and benefit package for this industry, job, and geographic region. The resources discussed in Career Services Salary Negotiations brief are useful when researching salary and benefits.
During a weak economy, when there are more job seekers than jobs, it is more difficult to negotiate salary and benefits with an employer. Be aware of job market conditions as you contemplate your negotiation strategy. Think about the following before discussing salary:
- It is best not to talk about salary prior to an actual offer of employment.
- Let the employer be the first one to raise the issue of salary and benefits.
- Know how much you need to make in order to pay your bills (e.g., rent, mortgage, car payment, insurance, student loans, etc.).
- Be positive and flexible during salary discussions. Negotiate realistically, respectfully, and openly.
- Make sure you understand the overall benefit package (e.g., health insurance, vacation, 401(K)/403(B), pension plan, tuition reimbursement, domestic partner benefits, etc.) and factor this into the total compensation package.
You are encouraged to conduct additional research for a more in-depth understanding of the nuances of salary negotiations. If you have any questions or need help, please make an appointment with one of the Career Advisors.
Researching Employers
Researching employers prior to applying for a job is an important step in the job-search process. Research may help you find out if an employer is hiring, if their company philosophy is compatible with yours, who are their competitors, and what issues they face in these tough economic times. The following are only a few examples of the “Best Places to Work…” articles found on various Web sites and in magazines:
We also encourage you to check out Career Services’ Web site for online resources to help you with your company research. WetFeet and Vault are included in these resources and are online career libraries useful in researching employers, industries, and career topics.
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Vol. 7, No. 6
HOT TOPICS
If You Don’t Have a Job at Graduation
If you have not found a job by graduation, do not panic. But do begin to contact your network and consider temporary options, while you look for a more permanent position. Don’t give up. For additional information, listen to the CareerChat Podcast episode Haven’t Found a Job Yet? on Career Services Web site.
The Critical First Year on the Job
Read this article and find out what managers and executives suggest you think about to successfully enter a new organization.
Grads Need to Know Workplace e-Etiquette
If you are accustomed to texting and checking Facebook during class and you are about to enter the world of work, you should be aware of workplace policies regarding personal use of the Internet and electronic devices.
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Address:
241 Hoyt Hall
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056
Phone:
(513) 529-3831
Fax:
(513) 529-3822
Web:
www.muohio.edu/careers/
E-mail:
careerservices@muohio.edu |
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