SU Athletics Career Guide

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1 Seattle University Career Development Guide for Student-Athletes

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SU Athletics Career Guide

Transcript of SU Athletics Career Guide

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    Seattle University Career Development Guide

    for Student-Athletes

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    This guide was created, in collaboration, with support from Athletics and Career Services at Seattle University.

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    Table of Contents

    Introduction 4

    Building a Resume 5 Resume Content Conveying a Message Resume Appearance Checking Your Work

    Writing a Cover Letter 10 Purpose of Cover Letters Structure Checking Your Work

    Informational Interviewing 12 Identifying People to Interview Initiating Contact Preparing for an Informational Interview Conducting the Interview Following Up

    Networking 14 Activating and Expanding Your Network Preparing an Introduction Maintaining Connections

    Job Interviews 19 Research Reflection Communicate Follow-Up

    Resources 24 Seattle University Resources Additional Resource

    Appendices 26 Sample Resume Sample Cover Letter

    Communication examples for Informational Interviews

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    Introduction You have spent a vast majority of your time at Seattle University immersed and engaged in athletics. You have worked countless hours to hone your skillset as a student-athlete at this institution. While dedicating time and energy to your sport is important, it is crucial to begin thinking about what you will do after your collegiate experience concludes. It is never too early to begin planning for your future after sports. As a student-athlete, you have many valuable skills to offer employers and this guide aims to aid in your career development to better prepare you for your future after college. Use this guide to get started and made an appointment with a Career Advisor at Career Services to take the next steps on choosing your path and learning how to talk about your athletic experiences to potential employers. Contact Information: Career Services Albers Placement Center* PAVL 110 PIGOTT 331 [email protected] [email protected] 206.296.6080 206.296.5687 *for business students only

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    Building a Resume Four Tips for Creating an Effective Resume

    1. Content Choose material that relates to the position you are applying for. 2. Message Tailor your resume to highlight your fit for the position. 3. Appearance Showcase your experiences using a clear, readable format. 4. Check your work Confirm that your resume is ready to go!

    Part 1: Content Use the sections below to brainstorm the experiences you want included in your resume.

    Tip: Consider what skills you build/use in each experience!

    Academic Experiences & Special Projects Your major, service learning projects, etc.

    Work Experiences Jobs, internship experiences, etc.

    Athletics & Involvement Experiences Athletics involvement, clubs, etc.

    Other Ideas Relevant skills, community service, etc.

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    Developing Section Headings Now that you have considered the kind of content you plan to include in your resume you can think about how to best organize your content into sections. Below are common section headings you may include. Some of these may even spark new ideas for content you could include in your resume. Typical section headings: o Objective o Summary of Qualifications o Education (may include scholarships, research, significant academic projects) o Work experience o Relevant experience o Leadership experience o Volunteer experience o Community involvement o Research experience o Skills o Computer/technical skills o Trainings/presentations o Involvement (athletics, professional associations, student club involvements, leadership

    experiences) o Awards/honors o A customized heading (ex: Division I Athletics Experience)

    Part 2: Message Tailor your resume to highlight your fit for a particular position. Tip: This is easier when you have a job description to reference. This may mean that you have multiple iterations of your resume that you can use for different job applications.

    Organize bullets with the most important or relevant information first. Use keywords from the job description to describe your experiences. Start each accomplishment statement or bullet point with an active verb.

    o See Action Verb List on Page 8. Emphasize results, skills, and accomplishments rather than tasks performed.

    o See examples of how to translate tasks to skills on Page 7. Include numbers, percentages, and awards if possible. Tailor your section headings so they are relevant to the position to which you are

    applying.

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    Follow the model below to generate accomplishment statements. These will serve as bullet points in your resume:

    Experience

    What did I do? How did I do this? What skills did I use?

    Results & Accomplishments

    Accomplishment Statement

    Example: Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

    Attended meetings, put on events for student-athletes

    Attended bi-weekly meetings, planned and implemented student-athlete events

    Became more involved in Athletics department outside of playing sport, developed leadership skills

    Participated as member of Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) to serve as liaison between team and athletics administration and to plan events for student-athletes.

    Drafting Accomplishment Statements:

    Formula: Accomplishment Method (quantify, qualify, specify)

    Examples: Instead of went to practice Arrived promptly to all required meetings and practices. Instead of team captain Exemplified leadership skills as team captain for team of twelve.

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    Action Verb List

    Management Skills Teaching Skills Developed Administered Delegated Communicated Tutored Wrote Organized Produced Fired Briefed Established Developed Supervised Reviewed Evaluated Encouraged Monitored Lectured Assigned Planned Contracted Coached Managed Supervised Coordinated Executed Controlled Clarified Influenced Improved Prioritized Scheduled Determined Evaluated Informed Interacted Hired Directed Recommended Adapted Taught Trained Analyzed Prepared Instructed Conducted Authored Initiated Researched Coordinated

    Financial Skills Research Skills Calculated Appraised Maintained books Clarified Interpreted Examined Computed Allocated Documented Interviewed Isolated Reviewed Planned Administered Analyzed Inspected Decided Evaluated Managed Developed Initiated Synthesized Recognized Perceived Budgeted Solved Prepared Diagnosed Surveyed Wrote Audited Organized Investigated Extrapolated Critiqued Gathered Extracted Collected Detailed Skills Creative Skills Approved Implemented Operated Innovated Directed Integrated Validated Arranged Recorded Created Acted Fashioned Retained Collected Processed Planned Published Wrote Executed Systemized Compiled Conceptualized Developed Performed Dispatched Inspected Researched Abstracted Designed Produced Responded Classified Reviewed Shaped Synthesized Illustrated

    Communication Skills Helping Skills Influenced Obtained Arbitrated Listened Interviewed Evaluated Helped Interpreted Mediated Intervened Demonstrated Performed Led Motivated Merged Monitored Collaborated Implemented Sold Persuaded Wrote Advised Administered Directed Recruited Directed Enlisted Facilitated Provided Mediated Negotiated Reasoned Spoke Analyzed Counseled Developed Arranged Developed Reconciled Coordinated Referred Assessed Created Led Spoke Negotiated

    **Terms in BOLD are great verbs to use in Athletics Experience section of your resume.

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    Part 3: Appearance and Format Most employers will spend approximately 15 seconds reading your resume. Remember to:

    Put the most important information in the top 2/3 of the page Be kind to the reader - make your resume easy to skim with tailored section headings Balance out text and white space Choose a legible font size (10-12 point) and style

    Reference Resume Samples in Appendix A on Page 26 for additional guidance. Part 4: Check Your Work Use the checklist below to make sure your resume meets all of the tips covered in this section. It is also beneficial to have someone look at your resume and review it, such as an advisor at Career Services. Content: o Your name and contact information is easy to find on your resume. o All relevant/important information is placed near the top of your resume. o Resume accurately reflects the experiences you can bring to the position. o The section headings you used highlight your experiences well. o Selected content highlights relevant skill sets and your ability to perform the job.

    Message: o The document is free from spelling or grammatical errors. o All descriptions use action verbs to convey your experiences. o Unless you currently hold the position, resume is written using the past tense. o Descriptions are brief and clear. o The information presented is customized to the field and/or position that you are applying

    for. Appearance/Format: o Resume is one or two complete pages. o Resume is easy for a reader to scan quickly. o Resume has a good balance of white space and text. o Dates, titles, and locations are listed for every item in a consistent, readable manner. o Bullets are used effectively, but are not excessive. o Font, size, and text formatting increase visual appeal. o If submitting your resume via email, the document is converted to a PDF before sending.

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    Writing a Cover Letter Three Tips for Creating an Effective Cover Letter

    1. Purpose Understand that a cover letter is a powerful marketing tool. 2. Structure Organize your cover letter in a logical and effective way. 3. Check your work Confirm that your cover letter is ready to go.

    Part 1: Purpose Understand that a cover letter is a powerful marketing tool that will:

    Highlight and connect your skills and experiences to a particular position. Communicate your motivation and future goals as they relate to the company and

    position. Serve as an example of your written communication ability. Provide an opportunity to address potential barriers to being considered (i.e. relocation

    to another state or no job experience). Help you prepare for an interview.

    Part 2: Structure

    Organize your cover letter in a logical and effective way. Introductory Paragraph:

    Identify the position being sought and where you learned of the position (mention a personal referral if appropriate).

    Provide an authentic, enthusiastic statement of why you are excited about the position or organization and/or how it aligns with your future goals.

    Body Paragraph:

    State what the employer needs, based on the job description (present). Describe what you have done (past) that demonstrates your strengths and skills. Connect the need with what you can do and explain how you would contribute in this role

    (future). Concluding Paragraph:

    Summarize why and how you are a good fit for the role. When appropriate, offer remediation for any barriers (ex. Although I am currently in the

    middle of my athletics season and traveling for my sport, I am readily available to interview via phone or Skype).

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    Part 3: Check Your Work

    Use this checklist to make sure your cover letter meets all of the tips covered in this section. o The document is free from spelling or grammatical errors. o If submitting your cover letter via email, the document is converted to a PDF before

    sending. o Signature should be digitally scanned if transmitted electronically. o If sending via email, write a brief introduction of your resume and cover letter and attach

    both as PDF documents. To view a Sample Cover Letter, view Appendix B on Page 28.

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    Conducting Informational Interviews Informational interviewing involves speaking with people who are currently working in your field of interest to gain a better understanding of an occupation, industry or organization as well as to build a network of contacts in the field. This can be a great way to gather insider information to make more informed decisions about your career goals.

    Five Tips for Conducting Informational Interviews

    1. Identifying People to Interview Utilizing network to identify potential interviewees. 2. Initiating Contact Reaching out to potential interviewees. 3. Preparing for the Informational Interview prepare questions that are relevant. 4. Conducting the Informational Interview show preparedness and general interest. 5. Following Up be prepared for what happens after informational interviews.

    Part 1: Identifying People to Interview Review and use your networking contacts from the exercise on page 2 of the networking handout. You can also identify a staff member at an employer of interest or speak with Career Services and faculty about contacts to which they may be able to connect you.

    Part 2: Initiating Contact Using the above people, make contact via phone, or email. Before you contact them, be prepared to share the following information:

    Tell them about yourself and why you are contacting them. Explain that you want to learn more about their position and would appreciate the chance

    to meet with them or interview them over the phone for approximately 20-30 minutes. Clarify that you are just seeking information not a job. *Remember that people love to

    tell others about who they are and what they do. Most individuals will be flattered to speak with you about your career interests.

    When initiating contact for an informational interview, introduce yourself, let the person know how you got his/her name, and explain why you are contacting them. Clarify that you are just seeking information to aid you in your job search or career discernment (not seeking a job from them). For examples of communication that can be used in informational interviews, see Appendix C on Page 29.

    Part 4: Preparing for the Informational Interview Do some preliminary research. Read about the occupation of the individual you are interviewing and their organization. Dress: depends on the occupation, but normally you will not dress as professionally as you would for a formal interview. (Business casual is usually appropriate.)

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    Prepare Questions to Ask

    It is important to prepare a list of questions prior to your informational interviews so that you are not scrambling last minute to think of pertinent questions. Prepare questions to ask such as:

    How did you get into the field? Please describe your career path. What do you like most/least about the work? What does a typical day look like in the job? How does one tend to get promoted in this

    type of work? What is the typical starting salary range? What education/training/experience would you recommend to get into this position or

    field? What advice do you have about searching for a job/internship in this field? Could you provide feedback on my resume? (You wouldnt be applying for a position,

    but rather getting insight from someone in the industry) Are there any additional contacts you know who might be helpful to me in exploring this

    career path?

    Part 5: Conducting the Informational Interview Be prepared and genuinely interested. Arrive 10 minutes early and bring a pen, portfolio, or notepad to take notes. Be mindful of the interviewees schedule and plan to stay only 20-30 minutes unless the interviewee suggest otherwise. Listen well and dont be strict about making sure that each of your questions is asked. Go with the flow of the conversation. At the end of the interview, ask if you can follow-up with them in the future if you have any questions.

    Part 6: Following Up After the interview, send a thank you note to the interviewee and the individual who connected you. If you have time to send a hand written thank you note, that is great, but if the follow up is time sensitive, an email thank you works just fine. Respect the contacts you make through this process because they are helping you build your professional network. If you get a job, internship, or volunteer experience in the area, follow up with your contacts and thank them for their advice. As your network expands, it is recommended that you keep it organized through a spreadsheet or email filing system.

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    Networking

    Three Tips for Expanding your Professional Network

    1. Activate and expand your network Create a list of existing contacts in your social circles and start reaching out in person and online.

    2. Prepare your introduction Practice talking about your skills, interests, and career goals.

    3. Maintain connections Keep building strong connections throughout your search and your career.

    Networking is essentially utilizing and building relationships to collect information and expand upon career and social opportunities. It can help you gather helpful career information, uncover job opportunities, and provide a support network throughout your career. Networking can seem intimidating, but you dont have to be a schmoozer to gain results. You can start by talking with people about your skills, interests, and career goals. Part 1: Activate and expand your network So, how do you network? You may think your network is limited right now, but you probably have more contacts than you realize. The first step is to identify what contacts you already have in existing social circles, such as teammates, coaches, co-workers, community members, neighbors, friends and family, and even SU alumni who you havent met yet! (See the next page for a helpful exercise). There are a variety of ways to build and enhance your professional network. Identify who is already in your network. How might they help you gather information, suggest additional resources, and speak to your strengths? These contacts may eventually serve as a professional reference and can also provide additional referrals to professionals in your field of interest. Get connected to professionals in your desired field. This can be done online or in person, although making a personal connection, if possible, is usually best. Consider exploring the following options to grow your list of contacts: In person:

    Get involved in professional associations. Simply search online Professional Association for ______ and input your industry. These groups usually have networking events or conferences where you can meet other professionals. Such events can be helpful opportunities to meet a variety of people, collect business cards, and gather current information to better navigate the job market.

    After creating your list of contacts, set up lunch and coffee appointments or a phone conversation to ask questions and make a stronger professional connection to your contacts. See informational interviewing section of this guide for more information.

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    Online: LinkedIn LinkedIn is like Facebook for professionals. You can connect with

    colleagues, join the SU alumni group, and be part of interest and professional groups. Find online communities relevant to your field, like professional association websites or

    discussion boards. Also, utilize the Career Services Weblink Library, found on our homepage under Online Career Resources.

    Blogs Search for blogs that are industry specific and discuss current trends, industry information, or even blogs specific to employers of interest. If you are a blogger yourself, you already have connections to other bloggers who you follow or who follow you.

    Connect with other professionals in social media forums like Facebook, Meetup, and Twitter.

    Who is in your circle? Consider your network to be a series of circles, starting with the people closest to you in the center and expanding out. Fill in each layer with ideas of who might be helpful to you during your search providing information, advice, connections to your desired field, or even a support system.

    You

    Family, friends, teammates

    Neighbors, Classmates, Professors, Co-workers

    Community Groups, SU Alumni, previous co-workers/supervisors,

    student clubs

    Employers of interest, professional associations, volunteer organizations

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    Part 2: Prepare Your Introduction Develop a concise 10-15 second introduction that conveys your enthusiasm and relevant skills.

    Think about who your audience is What do they value? What characteristics might they expect in a colleague at their workplace?

    Share what you offer Consider what sets you apart from other candidates. What are a few unique skills or strengths worth mentioning that they would find valuable?

    Know what you are looking for Be comfortable sharing an ambition or potential career direction/path, such as a skill you hope to develop or the type of career you are seeking. Why is this important or exciting to you?

    Be willing to talk about how you would be an asset For example, how you would be a team player, quick learner, or bring a helpful knowledge base to the workplace?

    Sample Pitch Hi, my name is Rudy Redhawk and I am currently a junior attending Seattle University. I am pursuing a major in Strategic Communications and a minor in Studio Art. I also play Division 1 womens soccer at SU. Last summer, I volunteered at the Seattle Aquarium and became really interested in marketing and public relations work. Now I am seeking an internship to learn more about public relations in the art world. I have always had an interest in the art world. I have always had an interest in art and would really like the opportunity to apply the skills I am learning from my major. Creating a Pitch My Audience: My unique skills &

    strengths: My goals & ambitions:

    How I might help this employer:

    My Pitch:

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    Part 3: Maintaining Connections Keep your contacts organized and continue building strong connections throughout your internship/job search and your career. Now that youve made a list of contacts, prepared your introduction, and reached out to connect (see Informational Interviewing Section), you want to ensure that your efforts are not lost.

    Organize your contacts. Create a spreadsheet that details who you spoke with, when, key information they provided, and how you followed up.

    Maintain contact every 2-3 months. Keep the connection fresh by sending them an update on your search relevant articles or links they may find useful, or connect with them at career events if possible. Follow contacts on twitter or LinkedIn to stay up to date.

    At events, collect business cards and jot down notes on the back of each card to remind yourself of the conversation and how you would follow up.

    Let each contact know how they were helpful. Did they connect you to another professional or give you a job lead? Thank them and keep them in the loop.

    Consider being a mentor yourself. Remember that you can be a helpful resource to others. Nurture your network by giving back to others who could benefit from your expertise or connections.

    Tips for Successful Networking: *Dont assume you are being a pest. Keep in mind that at the beginning, you already know most of your network contacts and if you have a good relationship with them, they should be willing to help you in your career development process. Also remember that your network contacts probably had to network at one point in their lives to get where they are today so they understand the process that you are experiencing. *Assume that everyone is good at something. Practice active listening in your networking and be flexible and aware with how someone might be able to assist you that you may not have expected at the beginning. Someone might spark your interest in something new that you had not thought of before. *Follow up. Show your appreciation to your network contact by sending them a personal thank you note after your conversation. Follow up with your contact and let them know how your job or internship is going. Consider sending an invitation to connect on LinkedIn. Do what you say you are going to do. *Establish new contacts. To build your network, ask your contact if they know of anyone else you should speak to in relation to what you are trying to accomplish.. Make sure it is okay to use their name when contacting people they recommend to you. *Stay motivated, positive, and persistent. Networking can be challenging and you may not get the results you want right away. Assume that people are busy and it is not that they dont want to

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    talk to you. Try to remain confident and with enough hard work and determination, something will eventually come along. *Remember that networking is about building relationships. Be honest and genuine in networking with people. Seeking out ways to help and support others is a great way to strengthen and develop your relationships and to build a positive reputation. Networking should not stop after you secure a job. It should become a part of your daily routine.

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    Job Interviews

    Four Tips for an Effective Interview

    1. Research Know as much as you can before the interview. 2. Reflect Think about your strengths relevant to this position. 3. Communicate Articulate your message effectively during the interview. 4. Follow-up Be prepared for what happens after the interview.

    Part 1: Activate and expand your network What you do before the interview is critical for success. The more you know before going into an interview, the better you can prepare for the interview. Here are some things you should now before the interview:

    What is the type or format of the interview and who will interview you? When and where is your interview? How long will it last? What is the mission and vision of the organization>? How does this position contribute to

    that mission? What current events and trends affect the organization? Who are the organizations key

    stakeholders or competitors? Types of Interviews You may encounter different types of interviews at different stages of the interview process and here are the most common types:

    Phone Interviews typically shorter, 30 minutes or less, often used for screening purposes.

    Group Interviews multiple applicants with one or more interviewers, often used to observe group behavior, when teams are being hired and/or when making large hires.

    Panel interviews one applicant with multiple interviewers, fairly common, used to engage a variety of perspectives of people impacted by the hiring decision.

    Types of Interview Questions Be prepared for several different types of interview questions. Traditional or General Straight forward questions about you, your experience, skills, abilities, interests in the position and organization, and future goals. Examples may include:

    Tell me about yourself. Why are you interested in this position/our company? How are you qualified for this role? Why did you leave your last job?

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    What would be your biggest challenge in this position? How would you describe your work style?

    Behavioral Asks for a specific example of an experience or event that demonstrates a skill or quality you possess directly related to the position. Examples may include:

    Tell me about a specific time you demonstrated leadership. Describe the most recent time that you encountered a conflict and how you handled it. When was the last time you demonstrated initiative? How did you accomplish your

    goals? Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation with a co-worker.

    Scenario, case study, role play or sample problem you may be asked to participate in a real-

    time activity to provide evidence and observation of your thinking and problem solving ability or technical expertise. Prepare by thinking about the tasks involved in the position you are applying and how you would approach them.

    Unexpected/Challenging Sometimes a question does not have a right answer but is designed

    to show how you react, think, or reason. Your answer might be challenged by the interviewer to see how you react or defend your response.

    Illegal/Inappropriate questions Although unfortunate, these sometimes come up. Consider

    your options:

    1. Clarify the question to make sure you understand it correctly and ask how it relates to the position.

    2. Politely decline to answer the question and move on. 3. If you feel threatened or unsafe, end the interview and leave. Consider reporting the

    incident to the DOL. For examples of illegal/inappropriate questions, see our list of sample questions or visit the Career Services website at www.seattleu.edu/careerservices. Part 2: Reflect While you cannot always anticipate exactly what questions will be asked, you can be prepared with what you want to share during the interview, no matter what. Here are some things to think about before the interview.

    If you were hiring for this position, what key skills and experience(s) would you look for?

    What specific examples can you share to demonstrate your skills and abilities relevant to tis position?

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    What would success look like if you were in this position in 3 months, 6 months, 9 months from now?

    What aspects of this position really motivate you? What aspects would really challenge you?

    After you select the specific examples you want to share during your interview, you should practice sharing them in a direct, concise way. The STAR method can help you frame your examples effectively. Situation Task Action Results Describe the situation; set the stage for the story.

    Describe the task at hand or what you were trying to accomplish.

    Describe the action you took in the situation.

    Describe the outcome or result of your action; how does that relate to the position you are interviewing for?

    Example: If you need to demonstrate team work and your ability to coordinate, you decide to share an example from a group project in one of your classes.

    I was part of a four member team that was tasked with collecting and testing water samples for several locations around Seattle.

    I agreed to coordinate where the samples should be collected.

    I checked in with my team members to assess their access to transportation and how much time that had in their schedules, and planned out how we could get the widest range of samples.

    Based on my efforts, we received a high mark and our instructor specifically praised our team for our wide ranging samples.

    You try:

    Some additional ways to prepare for an interview:

    Schedule a mock interview with Career Services. Pick out what you plan to wear and make sure it is clean and pressed. Prepare the things you want to bring to the interview, for example a pad-folio, pen, copies

    of your resume, and a portfolio.

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    Most likely you will be invited to ask questions at the end of your interview. Think about what you really want/need to know and how your questions will be interpreted by the interviewer.

    Examples include:

    How do you promote professional development for the person in this position? How would you describe the work culture here? If I work hard and prove my value to the organization, where might I be in five years? How does this position and the department contribute to the overall company mission and

    philosophy?

    Part 3: Communicate What you do on the day of the interview will make a big impact on how well you deliver and articulate your message effectively. Your first impression can be a lasting one, so present your best self. Here are a few tips to manage the first impression you make. Manage your time. Arrive at least 10 minutes early. Find out how many questions you will be asked and how much time you have, and make sure you do not have to be somewhere directly following your interview (in case your interview goes long). Dress professionally. As a general rule, it is better to be over dressed than under dressed and in most cases more conservative than not; but be comfortable and confident. Make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and fit well. Use positive body language. Offer a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and smile to everyone you meet. Maintain good and open posture, avoid slouching and crossed arms. Listen carefully. Ask for clarification or feedback when necessary. Note social cues from your interviewer(s) and respond accordingly.

    Here are a few tips in dealing with nervousness during the interview:

    A few deep, slow breaths usually help calm you down. If you tend to fidget with your hands do not hold pens or papers and fold your hands. Avoid repetitively saying umm like and you know. Choose your words with

    intention; you may need to slow down. Smile. It will help you relax and relax those around you. Learn what works best for you to release your nervous energy. Practice presence of mind. Notice anxious thoughts and come back to the present

    moment.

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    Part 4: Follow-Up Follow up after the interview. Write a thank you note to each interviewer. Handwritten is preferable, and try to include a specific detail from your interaction to make it more memorable and meaningful. During the interview, find out how long they expect it will be before they get back to you. If more time passes, a polite call or email is appropriate. If you take another position, let them know.

    If they call to offer you the position: Congratulations!

    1. It is best to respond with excitement and enthusiasm. 2. Ask for the details around salary and benefits. 3. After you get the offer and before you accept the position is the best time to negotiate. 4. It is a good idea to ask for a few days to consider before deciding. 5. Consider the following when calculating your counter offer:

    Will the pay meet your costs and standard of living? Is the offer comparable to similar positions at similar organizations? (You can

    find salary data online at the Occupational Outlook Handbook or indeed.com) What is the added value of additional benefits such as subsidized transportation or

    parking, retirement and healthcare benefits, wellness programs and flexible schedules?

    Making a counter offer demonstrates confidence in your worth to the organization and intentional decision making.

    If they call you to let you know that you were not selected:

    Ask if they are able to offer you feedback on what would have made you a stronger candidate.

    If you are interested in other future opportunities with the organization, let them know and ask about possibilities.

    Stay positive! As Beth Kreitl says rejection is protection, and a better opportunity is sure to come if you stay active and motivated in your job search.

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    Career Resources Seattle University Resources Redhawk Network Seattle Universitys Job Search Tool https://seattleu-csm.symplicity.com/students/index.php Career Services https://www.seattleu.edu/careerservices/ Albers Business School Placement Center http://www.seattleu.edu/albers/programs/placement-center/ Additional Resources Job Central www.jobcentral.com Simply Hired www.simplyhired.com Indeed www.indeed.com Athletic Training Jobs http://athletic.trainer.jobs.topusajobs.com/ Athletic Trainer http://www.athletictrainer.com/ Blue Fish jobs http://www.bluefishjobs.com/ Team Work Sports Jobs http://www.teamworkonline.com Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society: jobs, internships http://www.pbats.com/ National Athletic Trainers Association- Job opportunities http://www.nata.org/careercenter/welcome.html NCAA Employment http://www2.ncaa.org/portal/employment/

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    American Coaching Academy http://www.americancoachingacademy.com/careers.html LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/

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    Appendix A: Sample Resume Rudy Redhawk 901 12th Ave. Seattle, WA 98112 Phone: 206.555.1234 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rudyredhawk Objective To gain working experience in the education field to improve my teaching skills and my ability to work with different student populations. Looking to expand experience by working with students in primary school environment.

    Education Seattle University Bachelor of Arts, Humanities for Teaching

    Expected June 2015

    Experience Teaching Assistant, HUMT 1620 Humanities: Intro to Tutoring

    Facilitate small and large group discussion in class Assist professor in grading assignments and exams Lead study sessions for class prior to exam periods Meet with students to discuss course content

    Division I Student-Athlete, Seattle University Track & Field

    Actively participate in all required meetings and practices Exemplify leadership skills as team captain Organize team development activities Serve as a mentor to first year student on team

    Academic Tutor

    Provided tutoring services to two high school students Tutored students in various subject matters including math,

    science, reading, and writing Provided assistance in reviewing college applications and

    application essays

    September 2014 - Present September 2013 - Present July 2012 June 2014

    Skills Experience working with students in high school and college

    environments Working with students in one-on-one capacity Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

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    Appendix B: Sample Cover Letter February 18, 2014 Martina Alvarez World Marketing 555 West 2nd Avenue Suite 220 Seattle, WA 98195 Dear Ms. Alvarez, I am excited about the opportunity to hone my marketing and event planning experience through the Marketing Internship (#1285) with World Marketing, which I learned about through the Redhawk Network at Seattle University. I am currently a junior at Seattle University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Communication Studies. My leadership and academic experiences align with both the skills of this position and the mission of World Marketing, serving client marketing needs through the use of innovative public engagement strategies. A Marketing Intern should be a strong writer, competent researcher, and an organized and self-sufficient event and logistics coordinator. In my role as Assistant Director of Forums for Seattle University, I was responsible for writing and designing flyers to promote a series of 12 forum events to students on campus. In addition, through my academic coursework as a Psychology major, I developed research skills that I can use to better understand the psychological rationale for how marketing impacts particular populations. Finally, I have experience promoting events from my role as lead organizer for Dance Marathon at Seattle University. At this event we had a record number of volunteer participants to help meet our fundraising goal of $10,000. Additionally, I supervised 150 volunteers and managed the event planning committee. As a Marketing Intern I would apply my writing and organizational skills to help World Marketing and their clients better understand their brand perception and identify smarter ways to engage and influence clients. I am capable of working independently to delve into deep research questions, but can also quickly shift gears to coordinate logistics for large-scale marketing events. I have the writing, research, and event-coordination experience to thrive in this internship, and I welcome the opportunity to interview for the position. I look forward to growing my skills and contributing to the mission of World Marketing. I can be reached at [email protected] or 206-555-4848, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, [Digital Signature Here] Shea Attle Enclosure (1)

    123 S. Broad Street Seattle, WA 98101 Until June 10, 2014 Shea Attle [email protected] 206.555.4848 471 Hastings Street Baldwin, NY 11510 (After June 10, 2014)

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    Appendix C: Informational Interview Communications Example of a Phone Introduction Hello Ms. Jackson, my name is Shea and I am currently a Senior at Seattle University. I was referred to you by your former colleague, Anna Collins. I recently had an internship at _______ and realized I am very interested in event planning and public relations. Right now Im trying to connect with professionals to learn more about entering this career field in the Seattle area after graduation. Would you be willing to set up a time to answer a few questions I have?

    Example of an Email Introduction Hello Mr./Ms. __________,

    My name is (first/last name) and I am a student at Seattle University. (Name of person who referred you if applicable) gave me your name and encouraged me to contact you. Im in the process of exploring career options for after graduation and would really appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about your career and organization. I realize you have a very busy schedule, but would there be an opportunity to speak with you either in person or over the phone for about twenty to thirty minutes in the next couple of weeks?

    I look forward to speaking with you soon. Sincerely, (name)

    Example of a Follow Up Thank You Note Dear Ms. Jackson,

    Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me about seeking event planning jobs in the Seattle area. I especially appreciated your advice about getting involved in the Seattle Young Professionals Group. I will keep you updated about my search and have attached my resume as we discussed. Thank you again, and I look forward to staying in touch!

    Sincerely, Shea