Career Resources

The Career Planning and Advancement Center has compiled a list of useful resources to help you land your dream job. Below are some helpful links to assist you in starting your career!

 

 

 

Career Pathway Finder

Discover the career pathway that is best for you using O*Net! Take a career assessment and browse careers by industry or keywords to plan your future!
Visit www.mynextmove.org for more information.

For Veterans

Explore FourBlock’s Career Readiness program designed specifically for Veterans
fourblock.org/

Search for civilian careers related to your military experience

Resumes

How to Make an Easy Resume in Microsoft Word

How to get your resume noticed | Robert Half Recruitment

careerconnections.nj.gov is New Jersey’s premier job search tool. Using patented smart technology, OnRamp compares your resume to those of thousands of people – with skills like yours – who have succeeded in getting jobs.

Questions to Ask Interviewer

Safe Questions
  1. How will I be evaluated in this position?
  2. How will I be trained for this position?
  3. At what point in the future will you expect me to be fully acclimated to my position? (or) How long do you think it will take for me to complete my training?
  4. Will I work independently or with other employees? (Obviously, you need to use common sense here. If the job description indicates you will work in a team atmosphere, you’ll look silly asking such a question.)
  5. What is a typical day for this position? (unless you are given a detailed job description during the interview process).
  6. Why is this position open? (Again, don’t ask this question if it is clearly stated in the job description/posting).
Bolder Questions

(With all of these, be ready to counter the interviewer’s response and sell yourself as the candidate.)

  1. What challenges does an employee face in this position? (Be ready to show how you can counter those problems/challenges.)
  2. What would you like to be done differently by the person coming into this job?
  3. Who will be my supervisor and can I meet him or her?
  4. May I have a tour of the facility?
  5. (To the Interviewer) What do you enjoy about working here?
  6. What are your goals for the person hired into this position? (Be ready to tell them how you can achieve these goals.)
  7. What are your goals for the company? (Be ready to tell them how you can accomplish these goals.)
  8. Do you have reservations in hiring me? (Be ready to attack and “beat down” any reservations that are stated.)
  9. If you had to name three characteristics of the PERFECT candidate for this job, what would they be? (Be ready to show how you meet these characteristics!)
Questions You Should Avoid

Generally, these include all the things you want out of the job!

  1. How much will I make? What is the salary? (This might change if you currently have a job you like but are willing to change for better opportunities.)
  2. Will I receive vacation time? (Or sick time)

 

Emailing your Resume

Example of how to send a resume via email

  1. Copy and paste or type the recipients email address in the “to” box. For Craigslist ads, the “to” box will usually autofill.
  2. Never leave the subject line blank. The subject line is the title of the position you are applying for.
  3. Attach your Microsoft Word resume and/or cover letter. Never send your resume as a PDF or a googledoc unless the ad tells you to! You should only copy and paste if the ad instructs you to do so.
  4. Always include a short message in the body of an email. You should never send a blank email. Be very careful of spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Treat this email as professional correspondence!

 

Thank You Notes

Putting yourself one step ahead of the rest!

There is a simple device which will aid you in acquiring a job that is immeasurable,it is the Thank You Note. Sending a thank you note makes you stand out because so few applicants send them. A thank you note enables you to express appreciation to the interviewer for seeing you, and most importantly, it:

  • Gives you another chance to express your interest in the position.
  • Gives you a chance to include any important information that you might have forgotten to mention during your interview.
  • Demonstrates that you follow-up on your correspondence and work.

Sending a thank you note makes sense even if you think that you are not going to be offered the job, or if you have decided that the job is not right for you. The interviewer may have many connections in other businesses and employment organizations, and he/she, being impressed that you took the time and effort to write the note, may refer your name to one of them.

Be sure to spell the interviewer’s name and his/her company name correctly. Thank you notes may be hand-written (more personal) or emailed if most of the correspondence has been done over the internet.

Example

Be sure to cover these 4 basic concepts

Dear “Interviewer’s Name”

  1. Thank you for taking the time today to discuss with me the opportunities available with your company on “DAY, DATE.”
    (This reminding them of who is sending the note.)
  2. I am excited about my ability to handle this “JOB RESPONSIBILITY OR SKILL at COMPANY NAME”.
    (This makes a connection between your skills and abilities and the job responsibilities.)
  3. I am very interested in the position you have available and am confident that my skills meet your needs.
    (Reinforces your confidence and interest in the position.)
  4. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
    (You are anxious to be a part of their organization/team!)

Sincerely,
SIGN YOUR NAME LEGIBLY

Most importantly PROOF READ!