Readers:
Dr. Randall Hansen, a nationally recognized career expert, is the Career Doctor.
Discover more about Dr. Hansen, read about the purpose of this column,
and find previous issues of this column at the home of The Career Doctor.
If you have any college, career, or job-related questions or comments that Dr. Hansen could
provide valuable assistance with, please
feel free to email him at: careerdr@quintcareers.com.
Dr. Hansen writes this column on a biweekly basis.
Kelly writes:
I am a college-bound teen -- I hope -- and am interested in your opinion about the
value of me attending a summer camp to help me with the whole college choice,
college application process. What are your thoughts?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
I remember when summer camps used to places for hiking, swimming, sitting
around the campfire, and other fun activities -- and while there are still camps
like this -- there are also a growing number of college and career prep camps
offered to high school students from around the country.
In the increasingly competitive college admissions process, some high school
students, such as yourself -- or your parents -- are turning to college-bound programs
offered by a variety of traditional and academic camps. And according to the
American Camping Association, the number of member camps offering academics
has grown about 15 percent over the last few years.
Students and parents are looking for that extra edge, whether in finding the perfect
college, writing the admissions application and essay, or mastering one of the
standardized admissions tests, are turning to both traditional camps that are
adding academic enrichment programs and college-prep camps located on
college campuses around the country.
These college-prep camps are expensive, but they are sold as a small investment
into a very important decision… most of these camps costs several thousands of
dollars for two- to four-week sessions.
Should you consider one of these camps? If you are considering some of the
most prestigious colleges in the country, then these camps could help you in
better understanding and better preparing for the admissions process, but if
you are planning to attend one of the vast majority of colleges that fall in the
middle (or lower) of the rankings, then it might make more sense to use the
resources already available to you at school, in books, and online.
I have a job interview in a few days with UPS and I'm applying for a
position which is of manual labor. How should I dress for the interview?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
You always want to dress to the position. So, I would advise being sharply
dressed in what I call business casual... dress shirt, slacks, nice shoes.
You do not need a suit, but you do need to look clean, responsible. All
workers of a company reflect the image of the company, so the interviewer --
even for the position you are seeking -- wants to see someone who fits the
UPS mold.
If you had the time, of course, I would also suggest checking either the
UPS career site and/or contacting the human resources department and
asking about appropriate interview attire. I am amazed at some of the great
advice and suggestions companies are placing on their career sites, but I
wonder how many job-seekers actually take advantage of this resource.
For example, UPS has a great career site, including a detailed FAQ (frequently
asked questions) section, which includes this paragraph: “If you have been
advised that you will be touring the UPS facility remember to wear casual
slacks or jeans and a sturdy closed-toe shoe (no-sandals or open toed
shoes) in order to tour our facility. Please do not bring any personal items
such as cell phones or pagers. Also do not wear any jewelry articles such
as rings, watches, necklaces or earrings.”
Information is the job-seeker’s currency… and the more you know, the better
prepared you will be, so take advantage of all the resources available to you.
Certainly, not all corporate career Websites will have as much great information
as the one at UPS, but part of your role as a job-seeker is to take the time to
find multiple sources of information.
I still get amazed at hearing employers tell me how poorly many job-seekers
answer the question, “tell me what you know about our company.”
Find lots and lots more job interview related tools, articles, and more, in this
section of Quintessential Careers: Guide
to Job Interviewing Resources.
Susan writes:
I looked in a variety of areas, but cannot find any advice on how to
appropriately thank the people who provided references for me
during my job search.
What would you suggest?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
I think it’s not so important how you do it, but that you do it. Showing how
much you appreciate the person for serving as a reference, potentially
sealing your job-offer with a positive review of your skills and abilities, is
your primary concern.
And I think a thank-you note or letter is fine. In the letter, thank the person
for his or her time, provide basic information about your new job, and close
with a promise to stay in touch.
Now, have I heard of job-seekers who went above and beyond a simple note?
Yes, of course. Some people also send gifts, flowers, candy. But I want to
again stress that the most important thing to do is simply acknowledge their
help in achieving your career/job-search goal.
For other job-seekers, can we talk just a bit about the importance of references?
The importance of references has grown in the past few years as more
organizations complete more detailed background checks of applicants.
Here are a few key tips to remember about references.
Think strategically about reference choices. You want people who will make
the strongest case for you.
Get permission to use someone as a reference. Never assume it’s okay to
use someone as a reference; always seek them out.
Collect all the details for each reference. You’ll need full name, title, and as
much contact information as possible.
Keep your references informed (and perhaps coached). Send your resume and
other job-search materials to your references and keep them informed of all serious
employment opportunities.
Be sure to thank your references for their help. As per this letter, it would be a
grave error not to thank these folks for their help in the securing of your next job.
Melissa writes:
I am 27 years old and looking to go back to school full time. I went to college
briefly after high school as a business major but didn't stay and am now
regretting it...BIG TIME. I want to further myself and my career but sometimes
feel i am too old competing against all these younger people that just graduated
college. How can i over come the feeling of inadequacy and what are some
suggestions for a college major that is goal oriented but will help me out in
the real world?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
I think you know what I am going to say… just do it! Heck, one of my favorite
students is a 50-something woman, so being 27 is nothing. If you can find a
way to do it financially, I really encourage you to go back to college full-time.
So what if you’re 30 by the time you finish? Going back to college will be an
investment of your time and money, but it’s an investment that will continue
to pay you back for a lifetime.
Study after study shows that college graduates make more money and live
a more comfortable lifestyle. The lifetime income of families headed by individuals
with a bachelor’s degree will be about $1.6 million more than the incomes of
families headed by those with a high-school diploma.
And it’s not just all about money. Folks with a college degree also have
better job opportunities, and develop skills and knowledge that will serve
many purposes, and live healthier and happier lives.
But as you are contemplating this leap back to college, you also need to take
time for some self-assessment and career exploration. You need to discover
your passions in life – and how you can apply those to one or more careers.
And if I may make one plug for a business education, let me reiterate my view
that I think every college student should at least minor in business (if not major in it).
How many college grads are not going to work for a business in their lives?
Having at least a minor gives you important insights and skills needed in the
business environment.
And remember – no regrets. Some folks are just not ready to tackle college
at 18… needing time to gain the maturity and appreciation necessary to succeed.
