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.
Dr. Hansen writes this column on a biweekly basis. 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.
Alex writes:
I am a student in college. I recently have been getting pressure from my family to
pick a major and a career, but I’m still taking classes and learning about new
subjects, and while I realize the importance of choosing these things, I really
have no clue what I want to do. I mean, isn’t this what college is supposed to
be about? Why can’t I just enjoy the learning and not worry so much about the
major and the career?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
One of the raging debates in academic circles is how early students should be
locking into career choices and whether college (and even some high schools
these days) should be so vocational or focused more on the appreciation of
learning and acquisition of knowledge.
That said, you also do not want to be like that thirty-something college student --
I believe in Minnesota -- that still has not graduated and now plans a study-abroad
term to extend his graduation even further.
I think college is the perfect time in life to begin the first phase of focusing on self-assessment.
I say the first phase, because you will most likely change careers several times over
the course of your adult life.
The most important thing you can do for yourself (and perhaps for your family too) is to
find time over the summer to do some self-assessment and career exploration. There
are all sorts of ways to do the assessment, but I suggest a combination of tests and
self-reflection. You can find online assessment tests (both no-cost and fee-based) as
well as at your college’s career office; that’s the easy part. The harder part is the
self-reflection, where you should examine your likes and dislikes, your strengths and
weaknesses, and the activities and classes you enjoy the most.
The goal from all these exercises is to learn more about yourself and your interests.
Once you have discovered these things about yourself, the next step is exploring careers
that fit you. There are lots of books and Websites that give information about careers,
though one of the best sources is the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational
Outlook Handbook. I would suggest also talking with people in your network
(including your professors) about careers -- and perhaps even conducting some
informational interviews once you have narrowed your prospective career paths.
David writes:
I’m trying to get a job for the summer but I don’t know where to look at how to
fill out an application for a job. I’m not dumb or anything like that but its my first
summer looking for a job. Could you please help me out without giving me a full
essay on how to get a job.
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
I am a big believer in teens getting summer jobs, so I am more than happy to give
you some short, but practical advice on summer job-hunting and job applications.
Summer jobs are a great way for teens to get a taste of the work world, gain some
valuable experience, and earn a decent amount of money.
The keys to obtaining a summer job are these: preparing a resume (and learning
how to complete a job application), developing an action plan on where you plan
to apply for jobs, learning how to dress properly for interviews, and practicing for
typical job interview questions.
Teens do not really need a resume to apply for a summer job, but by creating one, you
will stand out from other teens without resumes. The key to job applications is having
all the information you need to complete them, and I would recommend getting a
sample of one
before you actually complete one for real. Remember to read and follow the instructions
carefully, and if you are completing it by hand, do it as neatly as possible. Answer
everything as honestly as possible, but never provide negative information.
There are LOTS of places to look for summer jobs, including local retailers (downtown
and at the mall), seasonal employers (like camps, tourist attractions), local government,
and even local businesses. You’ll need to pound the pavement, applying at as many
places as possible while also using your family and family friends to keep an eye
out for job openings for you.
What do employers want from teens? Employers want motivated teens who are going to
arrive to work on time, have a positive attitude, work hard, work well with others,
show leadership qualities, work their full shift, and do the best job they can.
Sabrina writes:
Recently I have reviewed one of your articles online and would like to request,
time permitting of course, that you may send me a sample letter of how to
request/obtain a reference from a past and current supervisor.
Thank you kindly for your time and consideration in this matter.
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
Thanks for being a reader! My goal with all my work is to empower
folks like yourself to succeed in your job-search.
Let’s first talk about reference strategies, and then get to your question.
As more and more employers conduct background checks, references
have increased in their importance in helping you obtain that job offer.
Given their importance, job-seekers should invest a little time in selecting
the best references. And remember that you should always ask someone
if s/he is willing to be reference for you.
A reference can be anyone who has knowledge of your work, skills, abilities,
and accomplishments. Typically, at least one of your references is a former
direct supervisor, but you can also use co-workers, associates, and supervisors
in other departments who know your work. You may also choose to list an
educational (mentor) or personal (character) reference.
College students and recent grads have a little more flexibility, but ideally
you should have several references from internships or volunteer work in addition
to professors and personal references. Avoid listing family members; clergy
or friends are okay for personal references. Former coaches, vendors, customers,
and business acquaintances are also acceptable. Again, the key is choosing
people who know your strengths and abilities -- and who will say positive things
about you.
The key to securing a reference is having a good relationship with the person,
yet another reason why it is important to stay in touch with folks in your network.
With your former supervisor, simply write a short email updating them on your
career path and new job-search and ask if s/he would be willing to be a reference
for you. Include a current resume and highlight some recent accomplishments.
For the current supervisor, I would ask only if I had a great rapport with him or
her -- and s/he knew I was leaving the company.
Angela writes:
I recently went on a job interview where the person conducting the interview
asked me how much I made in both my current and previous job. I told them
and then they called my past employer and asked him how much I made
as well. I was appalled that they did this and don't really even think it's legal.
Is it okay for a company I am applying with to contact my past employer
and ask him or her how much I was making while employed there? This past
employer was not a reference of mine and in my opinion should not have
been contacted and asked how much did so and so make when they
worked for you.
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
You have to remember that in job-hunting, knowledge is power. That’s why early
in the process, it is critical for job-seekers to research prospective employers.
But employers always want the upper hand, and in salary negotiation, having
your previous salary information means the employer can possibly offer you a
lower salary.
I have had job-seekers tell me that some prospective employers demand to see
paystubs as proof of compensation. Never offer salary information until requested to do so.
I understand the value of information, but I detest the idea that a job-seeker’s
worth is dependent on the amount of money s/he is currently earning. I believe
employers should pay not only what the job is worth, but what the job-seeker’s
potential is worth.
So, the lesson here is not to lie or inflate your former compensation just to try and
obtain a higher salary. Instead, be aware of your strengths and achievements --
and demonstrate the value you’ll bring to the employer.
Employers typically do not divulge much information for fear of lawsuits, but they
do provide starting and ending dates, and some will verify salary information, as
well as the circumstances under which you left.
