Help May Be Closer Than You Think

Advancing toward  career goals while trying to stay current or even awake while completing college courses is a challenge most students face daily.  In this busy often frenzied milieu any kind of help is always welcomed.  Sometimes with a bit of diligence a student can assist themselves handily and make a worthwhile gain.  All it takes is asking for some help and often all that takes is finding the right person to ask.

Amy learned this through a tip from a friend, another student, followed through, and got some real help for her work search. Amy had been working on campus in the bookstore but was nearing the end of her third year and felt it was time to move on to a job in 'the real world' whatever that might be. Amy was explaining to another student, her friend Becky, that she had gone to the career center on campus to get some interviewing tips and a resume critique. These are part of the services that are available, along with job leads, at the center located in the student activities building near the center of campus. Amy complained that the center is staffed mostly by students like herself who don't really know much more about resumes or interview techniques than she does.  Becky listened and then told Amy about another resource on campus she knew of that might be helpful.

Becky's mom worked on campus as a secretary in the Geography Department.  She had been interviewed and subsequently hired several years before through the university's human resources department located in the school's administration building.  Becky suggested that Amy go to that office and make an appointment with one of the staff members who works there.  Becky thought that a worker, one who regularly reviews applications and interviews candidates for school positions, might have some practical knowledge and useful tips which could aid Amy's job search.

Amy thought it was worth a try.  She went to the human resources office in the administration building and requested to see an interviewer.  When Amy explained she was not really applying for a job she was just looking for some practical advice, the receptionist said she would see what she could do.  While Amy waited,  the receptionist used the phone and in a few minutes told Amy she would have a regular appointment and an interview with one of the professionals who staffed the office.

A few days later Amy returned for the appointment. The staff worker greeted her, showed her to an office and began a brief interviewing session as though she were there for a real job.  After  completing the interview and reviewing Amy's resume the worker spent a few minutes explaining some of the basics of job seeking and interviewing. She told Amy always know what exact job you are applying for and always know something about the company, at least what they do. She also told Amy to arrive a few minutes early, dress like you are ready to go to work that day and smile when speaking with the interviewer.  Amy also got some useful tips about her resume. The main thing the interviewer emphasized is the company wants to know what you can do for them. Most interviewers understand that college students and recent graduates often do not have a great deal of business or work experience.  What students lack in experience they usually make up for in enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

This was a valuable experience for Amy. She put the advice to good use and followed through. A few months later she was hired as a part-time  assistant in the events planning office of a municipal center near where she lives. This is a big step for Amy and she has been learning a lot and enjoying the experience while she finishes the requirements for her graduation.

If you are a little overwhelmed with the whole job-seeking, career planning, what-am-I-going-to-do- after-graduation dilemma maybe a visit to the hiring office, the real hiring office, on your campus could help clarify your next move. Worth a try, yes?