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Many of these benefits are free things!  Companies know that they can develop brand loyalty better when the consumers are younger and what better time than when they’re in college.  So let’s look at all the things you can get to make your college experience a little better.

Food

Many restaurants will offer student discounts and it can be as simple as showing your college I.D card at the register.  Also, restaurants will sometimes have free food events catered to the public as a way of bringing in new business in the future.  Restaurants like Flame Broiler and Jersey Mike’s even give out free drinks with your meal.  Like their pages on Facebook to keep up to date with any events that they might be having.  New students might want to take note that the first couple of weeks, clubs and organizations on campus are going to be trying to recruit and there’s usually food.  That’s a great way to see what your school has to offer and avoid the dining commons food for a day.

Museums

When you need some time away from the classrooms but still want to do something more intellectually than watching T.V, museums are a great choice.  Even better is that museums offer discounted and sometimes free tickets to students.  This can come in especially handy next time you have to do an art project for one of your classes.  If you’re in the L.A area here’s a link at when museums in your area are free.  

Free Software

For students there are many discounts on software which can save you hundreds.  The Microsoft programs like Office 360 are free for anyone with an .edu address.  Some schools even provide free registration for the entire Microsoft Suite.  Additionally programs like Adobe also have steep discounts for students on their Adobe Creative Suite.  

Websites

Websites are another place where there are free things waiting to get picked up.  Lynda.com for example provides free subscriptions for students.  Amazon, will also give you a lot of great stuff as a student like Prime and free gift cards.

Checking Accounts

This might not be the most fun thing you can get as a student but is important none the less.  Banks like Chase and Bank of America offer checking accounts that don’t charge a monthly fee for students.  This can save you around fifteen dollars a month, enough for a couple dinners.  

References are an integral part of the hiring process and are absolutely crucial to making the most out of your interview process.  When thinking about job applications and interviews it can be easy to overlook references and focus only on things like your resume.  While a common mistake, that’s one that you’re going to be savvy enough not to make.

So what is a reference?

A reference can range from a letter, an email or even a call from someone that has a past experience with you that can offer insight on what kind of employee you will be.  

Who should I ask for a reference?

References are great coming from people like past employers or professors.  This article by the New York Times sheds some more light on how a good reference can get you hired.  However stay away from asking friends and family for references as they are not going to be seen in the same professional light.  It’s important to note, when asking for a reference to make sure that person has a good reputation in their field.  Also, make sure you have a good relationship with the person you are asking a reference from.  In the world of business, a neutral reference can be just as bad as a terrible one.  A good reference from a trust source however can really go far in making you stand out during an application process.

How should I ask for a reference?

Asking for a reference can seem like an awkward thing but it’s just a natural part of the job search process.  When asking for a reference, make sure the person you’re asking has a good connection with you and is someone you feel comfortable asking one from.  In Your Courses, Your Future we talked about keeping good relationships with important people, like your most influential professors.  

It might be helpful to make a list of people you can ask for references from and decide from there. Let whoever you decide to ask know ahead of time that you need a reference, and don’t ask last minute. We recommend giving a reference AT LEAST a two week notice. Also, take a look at how the Huffington Post says how not to ask for a reference! Cause it can be a tricky thing; professors or past employers can be busy or not feel comfortable writing you a reference. Framing your request for one so that it allows them to politely decline, is key.

So, what’s next?

Once someone writes you a reference, be sure to say thank you and keep them updated on your process (at least monthly).  Staying connected is important for making gains in your career and who knows, maybe in the future you’ll need a reference from them again!

Thanks for reading MySlate community and keep your profile updated with any progress! Please let us know how your reference requests went and if you have any additional tips for people just starting this process.

Written By: Salvatore Marashi

So let’s take a look at what you can do to make the most out of it.

1. Why are you there?  

Have some clear goals in mind before you get to the event about how you’re going to spend your time.  These goals can range from making a great impression at a specific company’s booth to getting a feel for the job market or industry in general.

2. Research the Companies

Know who you are talking to and what kind of things that company values. Being knowledgeable about a company can give you a step up on the competition and help you figure out which companies you want to focus your attention on at the event.  

3. Stay on Topic

Most conversations are only going to be for a few minutes so stay focus on what you want to say and what the company is asking.  Don’t forget to be yourself and make a good impression.  There can sometimes be thousands of people at these events, so how are you going to standout?

4. Why do they need you?  

Make sure you make it clear why a company would be making the smart decision by hiring you.  What are the things that you can bring to the table that no one else can?  This is a great time to give an elevator pitch, just make sure it comes across as natural and not rehearsed.  

5. Stay calm, have fun and follow up

Job fairs are a fun and lively way to meet companies and network outside of the rigid formality on an interview setting.  So make sure you stay loose and show them why you stand out.  Lastly, don’t let all of those connections go to waste.  Make sure to keep in touch with recruiters, this can be done through email and even your MySlate profile.  

These are just a few tips to keep in mind next time you’re at a job fair.  If you haven’t been before, check one out and as always make sure to keep your MySlate Career Profile up to date. 

Written By: Salvatore Marashi

So let’s start with internships as they’re an easy way for most people to gain experience and are often the starting place for many of us.  

Internships

Internships are a fantastic way to get real world experience.  There are many great things internships offer, from networking opportunities to experience in the work force.  While interning there are a couple of things that MySlate recommends you do. 

- Get to know your coworkers and other interns, they may work with you in the future or even be able to help you land a job sometime down the road. Introduce yourself to visitors of the office, getting coffee with these people may open your eyes to a whole new part of your industry 

- Take your networking up the chain and get to know your boss, maybe take them out to lunch.  This not only gives you valuable time with one of the company’s higher ups but also a chance to ask questions and learn as much as you can about the company and field you’re interning in. Becoming well known in the company can be an easy way for you to turn that internship into a full time position.  

- Be sure to take pictures of your experiences, for example, awards you receive, or projects you worked on.

- Keep a journal about your experiences as an intern, what projects did you work on,what were your day to day tasks. Doing this can help you process everything you’re learning and work out any problems you might have during the internship.  Additionally, journaling is a way to remember all the experiences you’ll have during your internship and the projects you worked on, which can be useful to review when filling out your MySlate Career Profile or preparing for interviews.  

Having some trouble landing your first internship? Check this out!

Let’s say you’ve completed your internship and now you’re hired, let’s take a look at how you can keep racking up that experience.

Work Experience

It can be easy to think that once you’re working full time or in a paid position that you’ve learned everything you can and that you’ve made it to your career path.  However there are always things you can learn and take with you. 

Getting more experience while working can be as simple as taking a look at what you’re already doing and assessing.  How do you contribute to the company?  Have you grown in the position? And is there any room for improvement?  These are important things to ask yourself and are a good way of seeing if it’s time for the next step in your career or if there are still things that you need to learn.  Take note of the goals you’ve been hitting at work from meeting and excelling beyond sales quotas to any promotions or raises you may have received.  

Also take some time to get a feel for the company culture.  A company’s culture can make your job seem less like work and more like the collaborative space that is going to turn your job into something you love.  When looking at the company culture make sure to ask yourself  if it’s something that you thrive in or do you need to be looking for somewhere with a culture that fits your personality better.

While working it can be easy to be intimidated by your boss but getting to know your boss on a personal level can be one of the most important things for your career.  Here is one of our favorite articles from Forbes n why and how to build on your personal relationship with your boss.  Building a relationship with your boss is another significant way for you to take experience away from a position.  A good connection with a boss can turn into a mentorship and provide you with the needed lessons to advance in your field.  Making the most out of a mentor is crucial for making the most out of your experience at a company, here’s how.

Lastly, while you gain experience working, whether that is at a full time position or at an internship, make sure to keep your MySlate Career Profile up to date with all of the photos of your experiences and don’t forget to keep your Resume current too. As always let us know how things are going for you in the comment section!

In the next post we will talk about References and how they impact your job search. 

Written By: Salvatore Marashi

One of the hardest parts of the journey towards your career can be as simple as knowing what you want that career to be.  

According to a study done by the Department of Labor, around 80% of jobs posted are filled without the company's’ advertising them.  So what does that mean exactly?  It means that it falls on you to do the research and find the type of jobs that you’re interested in.  It may seem daunting then, with so much pressure for you to find the right job, to find the one that speaks to you. But with some focus it’ll be as easy as signing up for MySlate. So, we want to give you a bit of guidance narrowing your search down and some tips on how to go about it.

Narrow It Down

So first thing is to start to develop a sense of where you want to go in regards to your career.  Are you interested in Fashion? Or maybe Finance? Perhaps programming?  It’s absolutely crucial that you decide what kind of work you want to do so that you can get started finding the companies in that field.  According to Michigan State University, the average college educated American will have about ten different jobs between the ages of 18 to 34.

While you want to focus your career path early on, don’t worry, many people change their career path throughout their college career. Taking a quiz like this one from The Princeton Review takes your interests and personalities into consideration and gives you suggested careers and job interests. We recommend writing down five fields of interest you have. This way you get to see exactly what kind of work appeals to you. Take note, are there any similarities in your five interests, maybe that’s a sign that a certain field is right for you. MySlate will automatically start matching you with companies as soon as the job interest portion of your profile is completed. Take a look at those matches and see if those are the type of companies you can see yourself fitting in at. 

Define What You’re Looking For

As obvious as this may sound, it can be an enlightening experience to actually sit down and figure out what you want.  It’s important to keep in mind the many aspects of what a job entails.  For instance look beyond the obvious factors of money and location, instead focus on the company culture and the opportunities for growth with that organization.  Don’t be shy to really break down what you’re capable of as well.  Is the job you’re applying to far away?  Does it require a large amount of work hours? Focus on what you’re willing to put into the job and if it’ll be the right one for you.

Define What They’re Looking For

When searching for a job it’s important to understand the expectations and requirements that the company has.  Often the job postings will shed light on these requirements or sometimes preferences.  They can range from certain degrees in education to work experience.  An added benefit to knowing these things is that it can give you an edge in the interview process by giving you time to prepare and showing them that you understand the company for which you are applying to work.

Getting Started

You’ve done your research, defined what you want and what potential companies might want. Now it’s time to get you hired! With your MySlate Career Profile filled out you can get to work matching with employers and creating connections that can get you hired.  Maybe you’re not looking for a full time job or unsure about the career you’re getting into or the culture of a company, a great way figure out the answers for yourself is to intern.  Interning is an easy way to acclimate yourself with a company or field of work and give you a defined period of time to discover those answers for yourself.  

As your interest and experience in the workforce change, it's important to keep your MySlate Career Profile and resume updated. Focus on that path that’s right for you and make the most of your MySlate experience!

Feel free to let us know what works for you and any tips you have on finding the right career path.

In the next post we talk about your Internships and Job Experiences. 

Written By: Salvatore Marashi

Travel Abroad

How much did you move around in the first 18 years of your life? Did you change schools, or move neighborhoods? How far away did you move when you chose the college or university that you now attend?

My name is Emma, and if you’re anything like me you did not have to get out of that comfort zone very often. I wanted the study abroad experience to really learn to deal with things on my own. Every single other exchange student I met was in the exact same boat as I was. And don’t worry about making friends, you all chose the same program so you already have one thing in common!

Studying abroad while attending college or university is the most fun, most challenging, most experiential learning I ever did, and it helped immensely as I searched for and chose a career.

I studied in Bangkok, Thailand--a country I knew close to nothing about initially, and was half a world away from everyone I loved. While the first few weeks of the trip were exciting, the newness quickly faded and I began to intensely miss home. Instead of focusing on the negatives, I searched for ways to keep my mind focused on the present by teaching English at a local primary school and camping in Thailand’s enchantingly beautiful national parks. Being able to look at the picture as a whole and figure out solutions for problems you face is as valuable a skill as any technical ability. Challenge yourself to create solutions and enjoy your time instead of obsessing over the weight of life’s problems.

You will quickly realize that most of your learning will happen outside of the classroom. Being in another country helps you to practice learning new skills like never before. I needed to learn how to use the public transportation, how to greet people, order food, haggle for prices, cross the street and so much more. Subject matter is all about practice and exposure. By studying abroad, you will kickstart your brain into making new connections between things you may never have known are related. On your road to discovering how things work and go together you gain a multifaceted skill, which will help make you an indispensable employee.

Best of all, you’ll make friends from all over the world. Your friendships will snowball as long as you keep doing the things that you love. Are you a foodie? Invite some of your new friends to go try local food. You’ll have so much fun just trying to read the menu that you’ll forget that you’ve only known these people for a week. Creating genuine relationships and working well with others is an essential skill in the job market, and nothing prepares you better than meeting, befriending and working with locals and other exchange students.

By challenging yourself to live in the moment while you’re studying abroad, you will learn just how capable you are at tackling obstacles. You may not speak the language, you may not be familiar with the country, but you are smart in other ways!

Expand your worldview and your resume by studying abroad! Make sure to add your study abroad experience to your MySlate Career Profile with a detailed description of activities you did and things you learned. Having the experience is great, but build upon that when you get home by creating a blog, video or other way to tell your story of your experience and how it has influenced you.

Languages

Knowing a different language can help improve your chances of getting a job. In today's global world many companies have employees and contractors from multiple countries around the world. The Next Web talks about the extensive benefits of learning a second language, even beyond your career.

Being bilingual makes you a very lucrative candidate to recruiters. Whether you have spoken a second language in your home your whole life or taken multiple courses in high school and college. Having a second language under your belt will benefit you tremendously in the job market.

Don’t have a second language skill? Dedicate some time to Rosetta Stone or Duolingo, they can get you to full professional STAT.

Here is how MySlate breaks down your proficiency levels:

Native - This is the language that you grew up learning and speaking in your home and at school. A great way to know if you can classify yourself as a native speaker is if you can understand the jokes in the language.

Full Professional - You know the language enough where you would not need to use a translator and would be able to read, write, and speak to other employees in this language. Duolingo has got nothing on you at this level.

Professional - You could use your language skills in an office setting and communicate some with colleagues You know the vocabulary for your field in this language.

Limited - You would be able to carry a simple conversation, ask for directions, read and write basic sentences but your knowledge is not extensive.

Elementary - You’ve taken a few classes in the language, but don’t know too much of the language.

Next week in our post, Your Interests, we talk about how to figure out your job interests. 

Written By: Emma Brent

One of our users, Paige Murray, described how her experience as a volunteer for The Scholastic Publishers Book Warehouse has helped her develop skills she can use in the workplace;

I have not only been able to have a sense of fulfillment in my own life, but in those who I help find products, lend advice, and ultimately find just the right book for a child in a classroom. Through my volunteering position, I have not only interacted with customers and had time to cultivate my customer service capabilities, but also strive towards becoming a better leader. After four years of volunteering, I have quickly risen in the ranks and now train other, newer, volunteers, while also problem solving issues with customers and corporate management alike.

So let's take a look at some of the ways you can benefit from volunteer work just like Paige.

Creating New Skills

Volunteer work can be a great way to learn something outside of your regular routine.  As nonprofits are often understaffed, volunteers can be put in charge of a variety of activities such as event planning, organizing, managing a team of volunteers, etc. These are all skills which you could use in the business world as well. For instance, managing a team of volunteers at an event gives you a leadership experience to talk about with a prospective employer. Keep in mind: All of these skills should be added to your MySlate Career Profile and resume.

It Sets You Apart

Unfortunately the majority of people do not participate in volunteer work. World Volunteer Web notes that “73% of employers would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without.” Volunteering shows employers that you have a sense of drive and interest in your community which can translate to a similar passion for their company’s work culture. This can set you apart from candidates who do not have any volunteer work.  Instead of sitting on the couch, you’ve gone out, gotten involved and made a difference in the world, undoubtable learning real world skills in the process.  

Meet a Diverse Group of People

Networking is crucial for many in finding a job. According to a research report from ABC over 80% of people find their jobs through networking. Knowing diverse people will give you a tool belt when searching for jobs and volunteering gives you that initial connection.  Not only will you get to network within the organization but also with the companies they work with. Keep in mind: Nonprofits are also hiring. Stay connected with the people you meet the non-profit and it could lead to a paid internship or job! 

It Makes You Feel Good

Volunteering may not directly get you a job but it is a great way to bring fulfillment into your life by knowing that you are having a direct impact on others.  A study by Harvard University determined that spending time volunteering could lower blood pressure and was potentially a factor in people’s longevity. We all know that when you feel great, you perform better.

How to Get Started

It may seem intimidating to try and find somewhere to volunteer. Begin to think about what kind of work you would like to do or something you are particularly passionate about. Consider the hours per week you can dedicate to volunteering, since it is usually the first question the organization will ask you. Being clear about your level of commitment is helpful to them and shows your skill in clear communication.  

Dosomething.org, Idealist.org, and VolunteerMatch.org can locate all sorts of volunteer organizations that can use your help! Resources on your campus such as clubs and organizations, or volunteer fairs can also serve as a connection to nonprofits that need local volunteers.

These are just some of the many great reasons why you should incorporate volunteering into your life. Let MySlate know about your volunteering experiences in the comment section and we look forward to hearing about all of the great ways that you contribute to your community. Remember: volunteering is not necessarily about how many hours you put in but the impact you make on the lives of others.

Every position you apply to will require a different set of skills. Most positions though will ask your skill level of operating systems (Windows, Apple OS, etc), and Microsoft Office. Knowing how to at least use at least the basics of Word, Excel, and Powerpoint is very important for most jobs.

If you don’t own Microsoft Office, you can use them for free, on any computer, through OneDrive. All you have to have is a valid school address.

If you prefer not to use OneDrive, another free option to use is Google Docs, Sheets and Slides. While you can learn the basics of word processing, spreadsheets and presentations through these Google programs be aware there are differences between Microsoft Office and the Google Drive programs.

What Skills Will You Need?

If you are not sure what computer skills you need for a certain position, you can check out one of our favorite resources which lists the most common skills for almost any career out there.

Of course each individual position you apply for may have more of an emphasis on one skill set than another. For example, if you are a Graphic Designer applying for a motion graphics position and a web position. The Motion Graphics position will require you to know more about Adobe AfterEffects while the web position will require you to know more about Adobe Dreamweaver. What is great about MySlate’s Career Profile is you do not have to customize your profile to reflect skills for only one job, but instead you can list all of your skills and be matched to a variety of jobs.

Learning New Skills

If you have looked into a few jobs you think you may be interested in after graduation, and you do not have the computer skills necessary there are many resources available online for you to teach yourself.

- Lynda.com is an online service where you can learn a variety of subjects. From “Sharing Photos with Instagram” to “Up and Running with FL Studio 12”, they have almost everything you can think of. While Lynda does require a subscription to use, many universities allow their students to use the system for free, so be sure to check with your university.

- Khanacademy.org literally states “You Can Learn Anything” on their homepage. They have great courses for HTML, CSS, JavaScript and More!

- One of Udacity’s main goals is to provide “accessible, affordable, engaging, and highly effective higher education to the world.” They offer a variety of programs and ‘nano-degrees” where you can learn a variety of skills.

-General Assembly works to give full time programs, classes, and workshops, on a variety of skills, “from web development and user experience design, to business fundamentals, to data science, to product management and digital marketing.”

If you are someone who prefers to learn something in person with a teacher, tutor, or professor, look into trainings on your campus. Many campuses provide students with trainings to get you started with a new software.

Ranking Yourself

You should not simply list all of the computer skills you have, instead, you need to indicate the level you are at. On MySlate’s Career Profile we using the following ranking system, you can use this same system on your resume as well.

- Elementary: You have just been introduced to the program and don’t know very much about it.

- Sufficient: You feel comfortable using the program and if asked right now you could be able to use the program with some help.

- Proficient: You have used the program on a few projects, and know most of the ins and outs of the program but sometimes have to turn to Google to look something up.

- Professional: You have used the program extensively and know all of the ins and outs of the program, you no longer have to Google how to do things in the program.

On your MySlate Career Profile, you can add remarks. This section should be used to talk about your experience with the program. When did you learn the program? What are some projects you have done using the program? etc.

Be sure to always be updating this section with new skills you have learned, or if you have progressed in the ranking you are in a particular software. By keeping this up to date, you may get new matches.

“But why? Why do I need to show more than my education, experience and extracurriculars? Isn’t that all the recruiters need to know if I’m capable and qualified?”

Good question, person sitting on the other side of the screen! While we handle which companies you are connecting with based on your education and experience, it’s up to you express your interests, hobbies and things you like to do to blow off steam.

The “Hobbies” and “Others” sections are two areas on your career profile where you talk about what keeps you going and entertained outside of your workplace. Not only does this give you a chance to be a memorable candidate, it also gives the recruiter more of an idea about what type of person you are and how you would fit with their company culture.

Hobbies translate into the type of person you are. For example, if you enjoy chess, puzzles and other mind-using games, it may indicate that you are a strategic thinker and like to view problems objectively. If you enjoy the arts, music and dance, then it will suggest that you’re a creative thinker and will be useful in producing solutions with a creative aspect to it. We found this cool post that suggests who you are based on what you do in your free time, check it out.

One of the great things about your MySlate Career Profile is that it is designed so you can tell your full story, this means you don’t have to exclude items from your profile or customize it for specific jobs. So, you can include all of your hobbies in your career profile to tell your story. Before you go to an interview think about specific experiences you can use as examples in your interviews.

Many times interviewers will ask questions such as “Tell me about a time where you had to solve a problem.” or “...that you experienced conflict and how you solved that conflict.” 

For example, if you are a Little League Baseball Coach, your experience will translate into leadership and organization skills, which will be useful at your potential workplace.

Adding your interests and hobbies may be the spark a conversation about mutual interests between you and your interviewer, which may lead a positive and lasting impression. Keep in mind, you don’t want to include something that will split you and your potential employer into two different sides. So, stay away from adding political and religious views etc. that might cause a divide apart rather than bond.

When it comes to the “Other” section on your MySlate profile or resume, this is where you want to express yourself in a way that adds to the awesome impression you just left on the recruiter. Adding values you believe in, and experiences that make you the person you are, gives your resume a voice that represents you and your character.

So remember to fully express yourself when it comes to “Hobbies” and “Others”. If you don’t have one, pick one up! Learn the guitar, play a sport or read some amazing books. 

There is so much to do with such little time in this world, why not make your hobbies count?. Think of it this way, if you and your recruiter were both skydivers, how cool of a employment story would that be?

An important part of the college experience is participating in extracurricular activities. From greek life to service organizations there is a wide range of how you can get involved in on your campus to enhance yourself, your education and your future.

Social Organizations

Most social organizations are made of students with similar interests. For example; anime clubs, video game clubs, or a greek organizations are all social organizations. Social organizations give you the opportunity to get to know your peers who have similar interests to you. These social organizations have an abundance of leadership positions that employers are looking for. 

Professional Organizations

A great way to jumpstart your career is by getting involved in professional organizations. Many professional organizations have chapters at most college campuses. (If your campus does not have a chapter, be sure to check and see if your city has a chapter.) Professional organizations are a great way to network with, and ask questions to professionals in the field you are interested in. Many professionals will be more than happy to give you a tour of where they work or become your mentor. The relationships built in these organizations can catapult you into the career you want after you graduate. Mashable created a list of “5 Reasons College Students Should Be in Professional Organizations”.

Volunteer Organizations

Participating in a volunteer organization is a great way to work with others to better the community around your campus. Circle K and Habitat for Humanity are just two organizations whose sole purpose is to give back by volunteering. Being dedicated to a volunteer organization shows something positive about you as a person, it demonstrates commitment and that you make a difference in the lives of others. The Idealist Careers, adds on another 5 Ways Volunteering Can Help You Find a Job and Advance your Career. Also, no excuses! Organizations such as, uVolunteer, International Volunteer HQ, and Love Volunteers are great ways to volunteer while traveling abroad.

Educational Organizations

Beyond the classroom many universities offer educational organizations, where students can learn new skills to enhance themselves and their resume. From public speaking to chess club to marketing organizations... you name it! Being apart of a group who can work together and teach each other new skills will allow you to make yourself unique. You will stand out among all of the other candidates who do not have those skill sets and stories.

Sports

Most colleges offer two levels of sports, intercollegiate and intramural. On MySlate you can be matched for playing a specific sport, or playing at a certain level. We suggest to students who have played a sport on the intercollegiate level to add it to the sports section of their Career Profile. Playing a sport at the intercollegiate level indicates to recruiters a great deal of dedication, teamwork and leadership. Be sure to include any awards or championships your team won, as well as if you held a leadership position on the team. Participating in intramural sports is a great way to meet people of all levels who enjoy playing the same sport, MySlate suggests adding this level of sports play to the hobbies section of your MySlate Career Profile.

All in all, be sure to constantly be updating your MySlate Career Profile with the details of the organization you are participating in, recruiters on MySlate can see all of your updates in real time. If you go above and beyond within your organization, show it off! Recruiters want to know who you are as a person and as a leader. Working with a budget within your organization shows a great deal of responsibility and trust to recruiters. Quantifying your experiences through leadership roles, awards, conferences attended and more is a great way to let recruiters know what you did throughout your time in an organization on campus.

Specific/Significant Classes

When applying to a job, the employer’s main focus is whether or not you are qualified for the specific position they have in mind. Stating which courses you have taken in relation to the job you’re applying for is key. But how do you know which courses are most relevant?

Let’s take a marketing position for example. You want to become the next Project Manager at a small-medium business, where you run the Online Marketing and Social Media. You would not include your first Intro to Marketing class, instead include more specific classes such as Internet Marketing. This shows you have learned something in the field and you aren’t starting with a blank slate.

Apart from mentioning the essential classes, you may want to talk about the classes which shaped your uniqueness or that brought out your best qualities. Think about which course shaped you as an individual.

Continuing with the marketing position example, you should include a upper division Leadership or Communications class. This will show you are confident in your team skills and know how to manage a project team. Through your experiences or projects in that class, the recruiter will know more about who you are and what qualities you could bring to their team.

General Education Courses

While General Education (GE) courses are intended to make you a well rounded individual, some of these courses are not unique to you. For example, if you take classes such as English 101, or Biology 101 many other students have also taken these classes. If you simply took these classes to fill a requirement, it may be best to leave them off of your profile.

However, if you believe a certain GE course does relate to a position you are applying for or has shaped you as an individual, then add it to your profile. Make sure to be concise when talking about GE courses because they will not hold as much weight as your specific core courses.

Key Relationships

Keeping a relationship with your professors or high school teachers (during your early years in college) is extremely important. Employers are always looking to see what professors, think about you and what they see you becoming in the future.

A few ways to maintain a good relationship is:

- Talk with your Professor or Teacher after class or in their office hours

- Try to talk to your professors about not just class related items, but other items as well

- Be a Teacher Assistant or help in activities or research that they may be doing

- After your course, make sure to keep in contact with your professor

- Connect with them on LinkedIn and possibly write a recommendation for them

Projects

Talking to potential employers about projects which you have done or participated in is crucial. We spoke to a student from Chapman University, Emma Brent, whose project has reshaped her career going forward. 

Having my professor encourage me to present my research at SCCUR helped me realize how passionate I am and how much I enjoy political science research!

She was able put a unique spin on a class project and with the help of her professor was able to present it at The Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research (SCCUR).

Keeping your final projects and improving on them even after you finish the class is great way to show-off the feats you have accomplished. Be sure to ask your professor for any feedback they might have for you on these projects. Employers can look at these examples to see your level of work

Right after graduating from college, the course section will be one of the most important parts to talk about in interviews, especially if you do not have any other internship or work experience. If you have graduated and already have a fair amount of internship or work experience, stating your courses is a great way to show your specific knowledge you were not able to apply in other positions.

Importance of Education

On MySlate, education is one of the most important categories for employers to match on. For many current college students education has been a major contributor toward the development of who they are. So it’s a key factor for employers to match on. Some employers may simply want to recruit the top talent at your university because they’ve had a good experience in the past or are an alumnus from your school. Other employers may have a certain major categories they look for and target students who follow that particular area of study. Whatever the case may be, your college education is an important factor to many recruiters and other future employers. During interviews you can expect employers to be curious about the why you chose your major and what your key takeaways are from your education. Knowing the answers to these questions provides the opportunity to show off some of the knowledge you’ve gained and share your passion for your major.

First Year of College? No Problem.

Most employers tend to look at your university education and ignore the high school details. However, if you are just starting out your college career, it is acceptable to utilize your experiences from high school (AP Courses, Extracurriculars, Sports, Volunteering) to help you gain an edge. Another tip for standing out in your first year is look critically at your major/minor choice and how it relates to your potential career. Having a unique major and minor combination can help you to stand out amongst your peers. As you progress through your college career, be sure to start replacing your high school experiences with the experiences you have at university.

Education On Your Resume

Depending on your other experiences you can make education a more important or less important part of your resume. Some students may use education as the bulk of the resume, and others may only use it as a brief overview. We’ve added one of our favorite resources to help you gauge how much of your resume should consist of you education details. It gives a great overview for students that come from multiple different perspectives, and major/education choices.

Your Unique Education

When adding your university education details, keep in mind to include all Dean’s List and Academic Awards you receive. Every detail counts and many of your peers may not have these accolades. Also make sure to include your graduation date so recruiters know where you currently stand in your university process. Employers use this information to gauge if you will be best fit for an internship, part time job or full time job.

When To Include Your GPA

Lastly, whether it’s high school details or university, we advise that if you have a GPA lower than a 2.0 you DO NOT include it on your profile. Employers may ask about the state of your GPA in an interview, Lindsey Polluck gives some great advice for answering those questions here.

Thank you for following along with our second post of the series. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions, comments, or remarks. We always enjoy hearing from you! 

1. Be the owner of an all-star profile on MySlate.

2. Have reviewed tons of important resume sections.

3. Finally know what recruiters look for in an applicant.

4. Know who you can use as a reference.

5. Know more about your job interests and career path.

6. Have gained the confidence to start the job/internship hunt! 

To get started, create an account on MySlate. We highly recommend you have an account while following along with this series, but it isn’t required (you can also apply this to a resume). So, let’s get you hired!

First things first - Who are you?

No matter what job (or internship) you apply to, you will need to give the recruiter your personal details: name, email, phone number. One of the first things employers will do is  look up your name on Google and social media platforms to learn more about you. For this reason, we highly recommend you clean up your personal brand before applying to any position.

How to Create A Strong Personal Brand

Your personal brand is who you appear to be online. Everything a person can find out about you using your personal details is a part of your “personal brand.” There are many interesting articles that discuss how a personal brand can be leveraged to get your dream job. Here are some of our favorites:

- Forbes, How to Showcase Your Personal Brand in a Job Interview 

- Inc, 5 Steps to Building a Personal Brand and Why You Need One

- Fast Company, The New Rules of Personal Branding for Job Seekers

Showing Off Your Resume On Facebook

On Facebook, leverage that each post can be made “public” instead of only for “friends.” This allows you the opportunity to highlight your most impressive posts. If you are involved in organizations or volunteering programs, post pictures on your social media accounts and make them public. Publicly share posts that highlight who you are in a professional setting.

Look The Part To Get The Part

Unlike a traditional resume, MySlate empowers students to share their brand through photos and videos. But it must be done right, or it could hurt your application. The first step to looking the part is to have a professional headshot, for your professional profiles, websites, publications, presentations. etc. Don’t have a head shot yet? Here is how you do it:

1. Put on your professional dress or what you would wear to work

2. Brush your teeth, hair, and whatever else to look fresh

3. Find a white wall or plain background with good lighting

4. Grab a friend or tri-pod

5. Whip out your smartphone (or any device with HD camera)

6. Center. Pose. Snap a pic

7. Upload to MySlate and other profiles!

Pretty simple huh? Now go do it!

The profile photo will be the first thing employers see with your personal details and summary. So if you have a great idea to stand out, by all means go for it. Just remember to #KeepItClassy

The Importance of First Impressions

Once an employer clicks on your profile, they will see your cover photo. This one photo will define the first impression, so make it count. Use this to show off something that defines who you are. Here are some fun ideas we have seen from our users:

- You in action at work or pitching at an internship

- A place, person or product that helps define who you are

- Photo of your volunteer work or important events

- Glimpse of your projects - graphic designer, software engineer, marketeer!

MySlate Profile Overview

MySlate has specific criteria in our sections recruiters want to know, here’s why;

1. Address → Recruiters use your address to figure out your commute. (If you are uncomfortable sharing your address, simply include your University’s address. The address will only be shared with the employers if you accept them into your network.)

2. Driver’s License → Recruiters find this information useful to determine whether you are able to complete the job, if it includes driving. (The question is not asking whether you have a car, simply if you have a driver’s license.)

3. Citizenship → Some companies require their employees to be citizens of the U.S., because they cannot provide visa’s or the job description demands it. (Citizenship status does not exclude you from employer networks.)

Ok. Don’t start to panic. Open up your favorite browser and search for a position that is as elementary as a job can be: an internship. You find a few positions available and soon discover that even internships require some level of experience. On top of that, paid internships are practically non existent. And for the unpaid ones, well, we’ve all got bills to pay so it may not be a viable option. Now you may want to panic just a little.

It really does seem impossible to obtain experience when all of these entry level positions require some, doesn’t it? So how do we bridge this gap?

One way to gain experience is to work for free, but once again, you’ve got to pay that credit card bill. Here’s the next best option: certifications.

So what is a certification and how do you go about earning one?

Certifications are public acknowledgments of a certain quality of standard. As you keep getting certified, you’re getting a huge competitive advantage over other candidates.

The wonder of professional certificates is that they give you an edge in a trade of your choice, and they’re almost never as long as a regular internship period. Plus, you don’t always need to have a four year degree to earn them. The key benefit that a certification gives you is the fact that it focuses on a specific trade. Industry specific certifications give you the skills you need to set yourself apart.

Here are a few free certifications that will give you a give your resume that edge you’re lacking:

Google AdWords Certification

Facebook Ads Certification

IT Certifications

Adobe Certification

Although certifications may not exactly be years upon years of experience, you’re still opening yourself up to more career opportunities. You might notice that employers start seeing you more as a skilled worker and less as a rookie. 

Finally you’ve been afforded some downtime! To some of you this could mean marathoning new streams with an oversized tub of chocolate caramel ice cream you swear by. But I hope instead of spending all summer seeing time pass, you do your body/heart/mind/soul a favor this break. You may feel great when you couch potate, but wait a few days and the sloth will catch up to you.

“Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will.” - Yoda

Okay, that’s a little heavy-sabered. But Yoda’s on to something and you should not fall for the trap! There are several better ways to recharge over the break that don’t include the remote and the couch. Try not to settle for the instant gratification; shoot for a more seasoned, mindful way to get that pep back in your step. I bet you’ll feel more energized and ready-to-go come the start of the new semester, too. 

Not sure what to do? Here are 10 suggestions:

1. Take a road trip

With a group of friends or even alone, road trips have this funny way of rejuvenating the mind. Even if you find yourself in the next town over, just get out of the house and go explore! The unknown is what makes it so freeing, and if all goes well, memorable. 

2. Try a new exercise

I bet there are sports you’ve enjoyed at spectator, but never actually tried. So try them! The classics are of course Yoga or Hiking, but you could decide to join an MMA club or start practicing your golf swing. Anything to get those endorphins flowing. Ready? Go. 

3. Learn a language

Oh you’re still reading. So I’m guessing the couch is your bae? Well at least do something productive while you’re sitting there. Nowadays, it’s possible to learn a new language from the comfort of your home. Apps such as Duolingo or Babble are affordable and not too time-consuming. They make learning a language manageable and fun! 

4. Learn a computer language

This may seem repetitive, but basic knowledge in HTML design is immensely valued in the work force. And it’s not that hard to learn! With companies like CodeAcademy or Khan Academy, you will be a “coder” in no time. There are many different languages to choose from, so pick one that is interesting to you and code it. 

5. Make something awesome

Stimulate your creative side! Go on Pinterest or StumbleUpon and find a craft project. You can choose to make something useful or simply cool-looking. Whatever it is, I challenge you to make it so awesome you would put it on display.

6. Go to a local event

In my area there are always things going on. Whether it’s the local food market on Saturday or live music in a park. Grab a friend and excite your taste buds, rock-out to a band you have never heard before all while supporting your community.

7. Volunteer your time

Speaking of supporting your community... spend your summer days volunteering! There is something so fulfilling about helping others. Find out what is happening in your area and go help out! It will boost your resume, you may meet some interesting people and it could impact the rest of your life. 

8. Start a personal blog

Have you got any unique opinions or hobbies? Develop your personal brand by sharing your thoughts online. It’s entirely up to you how you do it! And who knows, it may generate a following and keep you busy all summer. 

9. Try out new food recipes

If you’re like me, your parents did not spend much time teaching you how to cook. As a result, you spend more time pinning delicious recipes than actually making them. It’s time to put that pinboard to use and start cooking the Chicken Scaloppine with Sugar Snap Pea, Asparagus, and Lemon Salad you’ve been dying to try. 

10. Begin networking and job searching

Don’t get confused, I am by no means saying “get a job.” I am telling you to do what leads up to a job. Attend networking events, update your resume, spruce up your social media accounts. And while you’re at it, go take some new professional headshots. 

So by now you must’ve gathered: your personal brand is key to landing your dream job. Without an honest, yet squeaky clean online presence, you are, even perhaps unknowingly, leaving room for false assumptions. Don’t let that happen! And on top of the typical upkeep, today you need to take it one step further. You must showcase the true you. Put your stamp on everything you do online. Not sure how? Try these tips:

Do some cleaning

Find all of the unwanted photos, posts, and comments that you either want to be kept private or removed entirely. If you’d like to know more about where to clean up online, check this out.

Why? Employers will look in every nook and cranny to find out more about you. Make sure they don’t spot any dust!

Pick your channels

If you find yourself more active on Instagram and Facebook, and with little engagement on Twitter, it may be wise to stick with your favorites and shut down the unused stuff.

Why? If you have inactive accounts, people will see posts that could be from years ago. Surely that doesn’t represent who you are today.

Make a share/don’t share list

Take some time to figure out what you like to talk about online, and what you like to stay away from. For example, you may like to share current events, but you don’t like to have any arguments online.

Why? If you have a thorough understanding of your posting habits, you’ll be less likely to initiate a conversation you won’t want to finish.

Stay consistent

Not only should you stay consistent between social media channels, make sure everything you do seems to come from one source. A major employer pet peeve is finding overly casual or crass language on social media.

Why? Recruiters will go from your resume and cover letter straight to your social media. If there’s a disconnect, chances are you will be misjudged.

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You’ve finally reached the point where hiring is no longer just a good idea. It’s not just a likely option--it’s a priority.

As the fast learners you are, scouring the web for resources is second nature to you, and you quickly realize hiring is a maze in and of itself. Nonetheless, job posts have hit the internet. The spaghetti is on the wall, and applications are starting to roll in. For the most part, things are incredibly exciting, but you’re a little worried that you won’t be able to surface the key characteristics of a potential employee during interview rounds. The last thing you want is to find you’ve hired a bad egg, and that you could’ve avoided it had you known how to interview well. The thought has got you uneasy. You resort to some inductive reasoning, thinking back to the times when you were sitting in the hot seat. You may be thinking, “How did they get me to divulge? What tricks were up their sleeves?”

There aren’t really tricks per se, but the hiring managers did plot the experience, which had you leaving them with decision-making knowledge. Here’s what they might have used:

Left-field, open-ended questions

Aside from the routine questions about strengths and weaknesses that often lead to long winded responses, employers may learn about skills and attributes by asking odd ball hypotheticals. At MySlate, a common question asked is, “What’s your favorite cupcake?” usually followed up with, “And how would you sell/market/design your favorite cupcake to get everyone to agree with you?” This lets the employer understand (a) how quickly the candidate can think on their feet and (b) whether or not they can apply their abilities when called upon.

Personality cues

A look into a robust career profile, a thorough social media investigation, and an assessment of e-mail etiquette will give the hiring manager a good idea of the interviewee that will soon walk through the door, but people tend to reveal their true colors in the flesh. If you want to find out where there are potential trouble areas, try asking how the candidate responds to criticism. But instead of asking the question dead on, have them explain two situations: one when they feel they responded to criticism favorably, and another when they didn’t.

In-person fact checking

Resumes are often riddled with exaggeration, and can even contain false information. To find out, ask the interviewee questions about their previous experience in a way that makes them obligated to explain their past positions in greater detail. For example, if a position they held was project based, have them discuss project parameters, whether or not they met their goals, and what challenges they faced. If the candidate is grasping at straws, you know you’re on to something. At the end, make sure to follow up by requesting a reference from the previous employer before you make any hard conclusions.

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