Career Blog
Career Blog
Career development is on everyone’s minds. After all, that’s why most, if not all, of our students come to us. This blog is all about giving you the latest and greatest in what’s going on in the job market. Chock-full of tips and guidance, the Career Blog is a must-read for all students and job seekers.
5 Things Not to Do When You’re Looking for a Job
Published: October 1, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
Looking for a job takes a lot of time and energy. In fact, you may have heard that job searching is a full-time job in itself. That is at least when you do your job search the right way. A half-fast job search is a waste of your precious time and energy. Your confidence and self-esteem may also take a beating due to the constant feelings of rejection when you don’t hear anything back from employers.
Networking and Your Personal Style
Published: September 29, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
We know that networking is the best job search strategy for tapping into the hidden job market but in reality, few people enjoy it or feel comfortable doing it. The thought of networking often conjures up the stereotype of being a schmoozer and feeling pressured to “work the room.” While attending a networking event and talking to as many people in the room as possible certainly works for some, here’s an alternate approach that could appeal to apprehensive networkers.
Networking — Asking the Right Questions
Published: September 27, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
Have you attended a conference and found that you were not as prepared as you’d like to have been with knowing what questions to ask employers or other professionals? We can help with that.
It can be difficult and uncomfortable when you can’t easily think of questions. Here are recommendations for subjects you may want to explore. Choose questions that feel right for you so you sound natural and conversational versus rehearsed.
Asking Your iSchool Instructors for References
Published: September 25, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
3 Steps to Starting a Job Search
Published: September 23, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
Conducting a job search can be a daunting task. Here are 3 steps to get you started.
Why You Should Join Professional Associations Now
Published: September 21, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
You know networking is good for future job prospects. It’s also good for future projects and opportunities (for example, maybe you’ll meet the perfect person to write a paper with or discover a panel or round table you want to participate in). Those projects and participatory experiences in turn grow your network, teach you new skills, and may help you land your dream job. Maybe you will meet someone with a job title you’ve never heard of and fall in love with it.
Take Your Resume to the Next Level
Published: September 19, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
When you are applying for jobs (internships, part-time, or full-time) and not getting interviews, chances are strong that your resume is NOT doing its job. This is the time to stop what you are doing, back-up, take a look at your resume and reevaluate your marketing tool. It might be time for a resume overhaul.
How to Nail the Interview Question “Tell Me About Yourself”
Published: September 17, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
Master the Informational Interview to Explore and Connect
Published: September 13, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
Conducting informational interviews is a great way to learn about careers of interest, expand your knowledge of an industry, and increase your networking connections.
Interview with Confidence: Body Language and First Impressions
Published: September 11, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
Your body language can communicate more about you than your actual spoken words in making a first and lasting impression during an interview. A commonly held belief is that 55% of communication is body language, 38% is the tone of your voice, and only 7% is the actual words spoken.
Use the Job Description as Your Guide
Published: September 11, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
Answering the Question “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
Published: September 9, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
“Why do you want to work here?” or “Why did you apply for this position?” These are common interview questions that you’ll want to put thought into before heading into your interview. Think about what prompted you to apply for this particular position and what is appealing to you about this job? Your goal is to show that you are a perfect fit for the position.
Join Student Chapters of Professional Organizations to Expand Your Network
Published: September 7, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
Happy back to school! Take advantage of student chapters of professional organizations to learn a lot and expand your network!
Answering the Question “Why Should We Hire You?”
Published: September 7, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
“Why should we hire YOU?” Before walking into any interview, be sure that you have the answer to this question ready to roll right off your tongue. Why? Because you are going to be asked this question or one like it, and you want to knock the interviewer’s socks off with a strong, well-thought-out response.
You may also be asked:
Frequently Asked Questions about References
Published: September 5, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
I have received several questions about the use of references in the job search and interview process. Here are just a few of the questions and answers.
Q: How important are the people I choose to be my references? Does it really make a difference and do employers really call them?
Start Building Your Career Now
Published: September 1, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
Why is it important for students to worry about career development? Well, if you haven’t started preparing for your career before you graduate, you won’t have the scaffolding in place to build your post-school life.
Learn to Market Your Skills
Published: August 30, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor
As a student at the iSchool, you are honing a lot of marketable skills. Think about what you’ve been doing in your classes, then think about what skills those activities involve.
Wondering How to Market your iSchool Skills in the Unpredictable Future?
Published: April 12, 2020 by Greta Snyder
Hoping everyone is continuing to stay safe and healthy during this challenging and unpredictable time. The Covid-19 health crisis is impacting so many of us that right now that supporting each other as LIS professionals is more crucial than ever. Take pride in your skills, especially as an SJSU iSchool student, as you’ve mastered the world of virtual learning, connecting and working remotely so your infinitely equipped with the tools to succeed in the unpredictable future and changing job landscape. One thing you can count on is that organizations are going to be scrambling to adapt to an online format and you can help. In fact, you’re a pro! So know you can ride every crashing wave and survive with your hard-earned skills and enduring resiliency.
Career Questions Amidst the Health Crisis: You’re Not Alone
Published: April 12, 2020 by Greta Snyder
Career questions? Then, you’ve come to the right place: this blog is dedicated to providing resources for current students, recent graduates and practicing professionals. I hope you and your loved ones and community are staying as healthy and safe as possible during this scary, challenging and unpredictable time. If you feel like you’re on your own that’s totally natural anytime and especially right now amidst the Covid-19 crisis. Keep assured that you’re not alone and you’ve got a strong system of virtual support through SJSU iSchool. Reach out to the faculty and staff if you are impacted and have questions about best practices for your organization or how to keep up balancing work, life and coursework during this time. And keep up to date with career advice, job hunting and virtual work strategies and online career development opportunities through the Career Blog. I’m here for you!