Making Connections

This past week I really focused on talking with people I know in the working world, in particular alumni that I know. Everyone always says to keep good relations with people because you never know what will come in the future. I always took that as keep in contact with alumni in your field, which I found out is good, but not the only thing you need. I personally have a lot more contacts outside of the field of management information systems and never really thought they would come in handy until now.

A couple of alumni in particular have been really helpful in just talking about job opportunities that are out there. It has really given me the opportunity to look into fields that I wouldn't necessarily consider and give me an outlook on career paths out there.

Besides that, I applied to a few more positions this week and I will see what will come! Hope the job search is going well for you!

High Hopes!

So I got myself back out there and started applying to jobs and opening up to different areas that I didn't expect I would be looking. I had a couple of conversations with employers in the past week and will pursue those more in the upcoming week. Many of the companies I have started to look at know are medical companies (mostly hospitals for their information systems) and also education institutes (school districts and so on).

After talking to more place and people in different industries I am feeling more confident that I am going to find something that I like and get an offer by the spring (hopefully!). Phone interviews and conversations were really big for me this past week. Here are a couple of things I try to do beforehand and then during the conversation:

Beforehand:

• Research the company just like you would for a face to face interview. Jot down notes but remember to keep them organized.
• Have a copy of your resume with you. By now I have looked at mine so many time that I think I could recite it top to bottom by memory but it is good to have one in front of you in case the employer references it.
• Find an area that is quiet and that you will not be disturbed in/distracted.
• If you are using a cell phone make sure it is charged/you have service. This seems obvious but you really don't want to lose the call with a potential employer right?
• Confirm the phone number that they will be calling you at. Many times people will have a home phone number and a campus/cell phone number. Confirm beforehand so there is no confusion.

During:

• Turn off anything around you that may be distracting to you...a computer, a TV, the radio. You want to focus on the person who is calling you.
• Speak clearly on the phone and try not to interrupt the person on the other side. Sometimes that can be difficult via phone but if you are having a good conversation it will start to come easy.
• Have a blank piece of paper and a pen with you. Since they won't be handing you any information in person or giving you a business card it is essential that you write down important information (especially future contact information!).
• Relax...talking on the phone isn't really for everyone. Many times the phone conversation that you have is your first impression so make it a good one!

Talking on the phone wasn't really my thing either but I have been getting better at it over time. Be confident on the phone because that comes across to the employer through your voice and also be respectful like you would in person!

Hope the job searches continue to go well for you all!