By Anita DeCianni-Brown, ’12 & ‘15, Collegewide Career Development Coordinator

 

The new year tends to bring about discussion and goal setting. There’s so much excitement, expectation, and hope as the calendar page turns to a new year! If a job search or career advancement falls in your plans for the upcoming year, make sure to dedicate time and effort. While there is ease in being able to find information and apply for jobs, be strategic in your job search approach. If you are applying to 50 jobs a day, you are not doing it right. Here are some tips on how to approach your career advancement in the new year. 

Create your Career Plan 
For those who are uncertain of what career path or jobs you’re interested in pursuing, consider these options: 

• Attend one of the Careers In employer panels. Find out what employers are looking for, how you can best prepare while pursuing your degree, and general career advice for job seekers. For a list of upcoming programs or to view previous recordings, visit the Careers In page 
• Set up an Informational Interview. These 15 to 30-minute conversations with someone working in the field can provide valuable advice on a career or information on an employer. 
• Explore career information on O*Net, a valuable resource from the US Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration  
   

Resume and Cover Letter  

Long gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all resume. Depending on the position you are applying to, you may highlight different accomplishments in your summary section or reflect different skills throughout the resume, based on what the employer is looking for. I always tell people, your resume and cover letter need to answer the question, “Why should we interview you? What do you bring to our table?” You need to get that foot in the interview door so you can then tell them why they should hire you.  

• Have someone review your resume, not just for typos and grammar, but to make sure that you are putting your best self forward for the job application.  
• When possible, use metrics! A hiring committee can have a much better picture of what you bring to their table when you do. For example, instead of saying “Supervise employees,” you could say, “Supervise a staff of 10 employees.”  
• Write a solid cover letter continuing to answer the question, “Why should we interview you?” Don’t reference, “As you can see from my enclosed resume.” Rather elaborate on your skill sets and experiences. Select two or three responsibilities for the job that you align with and speak about that.  
   

Job Search Resources 

There are so many job boards available, which are the best to use?  

• Handshake: SUNY Empire uses Handshake as our job posting system for students and alumni. For those who have not activated their account yet, be on the lookout for the email being sent the week of January 23. 
• Online Career and Job Resources: Check out the various resources on our Career Services page, broken down into different categories.  

• Local, State, and Federal Employment: In New York State, the vast majority of job opportunities at the local and state level require you to take a civil service exam. Federal jobs do not require the civil service test but look for very specific and detailed information.  
  • NYS Department of Civil Service: job opportunities available within NYS government state-wide 
  • NYS Department of Civil Service, Local Governments: job opportunities and examination announcements for local government and municipalities  
  • USA Jobs: job opportunities available with federal agencies and organizations 
     

If you are interested in a career counseling appointment, please feel free to reach me at Anita.Brown@esc.edu so we can set up an appointment.  

  

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!