Career Services Update - week of December 1, 2003!

* We understand! – We know that this is a busy time of year with the holidays and finals.  However, if you are a December grad, it is essential that you stop into the Career Services office to register if you have not done so already.  Already have a job lined up?  That’s great!  Come in and let us know or fill out an online congratulations form.  And please don’t forget, Career Services is a LIFETIME benefit for Thomas alumni.  If you ever need to have a resume reviewed or if you decide to change your career path years from now, we’ll be here for you.

* Contest News – We’ve extended our holiday contest into December as the theme fits the holiday spirit and December is too short for another contest!  What is it that YOU are thankful for this holiday season?  We’ve had some wonderful entries so if you need a little holiday cheer, stop in and read what others in the TC community have entered then share your own entry.

* Job Hunting tips -  Don’t Leave Your References to Chance (included here w/ permission)

by: Tracey Turner, executive director
source: The Creative Group
published : October 13, 2003

The results of a reference check often determine who among top contenders will be offered the job. Yet many candidates take a reactive approach to this process, doing little legwork to ensure their recommendations are as strong as the rest of their application materials. 

A little planning and strategy, however, can go a long way toward building a rock-solid reference list.  Here are some tips:

• Tailor your recommendations
  When selecting your references, consider who would be most appropriate for the job for which you’re applying. People who can speak about the traits and qualities you possess that directly relate to the position are your best bet. While you almost always want to use your former supervisors as references — as long as you’re on good terms — the additional names you provide may vary. For example, if you’re transitioning from a job as a public relations specialist to a marketing communications manager rather than listing only former PR professionals as references, you also may list a former marketing manager who’s familiar with your work.
   
• Start at the top
  Hiring managers prefer to speak with those who have supervised you, so try to provide at least one or two references who can verify your job history and describe working with you from a manager’s perspective. Check to make sure these people will be able to talk specifically about your skills and talent, and are not limited by a “name, rank and serial number” policy. 
   
• Refrain from listing those who have big titles but who don’t know you very well
  You may think it looks impressive to have a political official or a CEO recommend you, but this strategy can backfire if a reference is unable to offer detailed information.
   
• Pave the way
  Always ask permission before listing individuals as references. Hiring managers can usually sense when a reference is caught off guard, and it may cause them to question your planning or communication ability. You also want to ensure that the person you’re using as a reference feels comfortable recommending you and will speak highly of you. If you receive a tepid response, or your contact seems especially busy, you may want to use someone else. Individuals who quickly return phone calls and are enthusiastic about your talent make the most positive impressions.
   
• Give references a “heads up”  
  Each time you submit a reference list to a prospective employer, let your contacts know they may receive a call. Briefly describe the job you’re applying for so they are prepared to answer questions.
  Make the hiring manager’s job easy. Provide clear contact information for your references and a brief explanation of the nature of your relationship with each person. For best results, give your references’ names, titles, daytime telephone numbers, addresses and the time when they are most accessible.  Then describe how you know each of them (e.g., “served as my supervisor for two years at the ABC Corporation”). One caveat — do not provide a reference’s personal contact information, such as a home telephone number or cell phone number, unless you are given permission to do so.
   
• Express appreciation
  Always thank those who offer to speak on your behalf, and keep them updated on the status of your job search. Once you are hired, thank your references again for their assistance via a hand-written note.

Along with strengthening your chances of landing a position, devoting time to the reference process enables you to expand your network. By keeping in close touch with those who recommended you — even after you’ve settled in to a new job — you create a solid contact base that can help you throughout your career.

* Weekly humor – Santa Stats
There are currently 78 people named S. Claus
living in the U.S. -- and one Kriss Kringle.
(You gotta wonder about that one kid's parents)

December is the most popular month for nose jobs.

Weight of Santa's sleigh loaded with one Beanie Baby
for every kid on earth: 333,333 tons.

Number of reindeer required to pull a 333,333-ton
sleigh: 214,206 -- plus Rudolph.

Average wage of a mall Santa: $11 an hour.
With real beard: $20.

To deliver his gifts in one night, Santa would have to
make 822.6 visits per second, sleighing at 3,000 times
the speed of sound.

At that speed, Santa and his reindeer would burst into flame
instantaneously.

Have a great week and remember…

When you stop believing in Santa Claus

you start getting clothes for Christmas!

Career Services

Thomas College

Waterville, ME

(207) 859-1106 - phone

(207) 859-1114 - fax