Hey CSPD readers,

It’s been a while since I’ve written and I apologize for that, but I’m back with a new article. I was fortunate enough to have a great job with an online social network startup by the name of Anthillz. Though I no longer work with Anthillz as heavily, due to the fall semester, I think working with a startup was a great experience and I want to try and convey why I think other students might get alot out of the experience like I did.

1. In a startup, no one specializes. Sometimes you have to do gruntwork, sometimes you can sit in on strategy and staff meetings. A startup is a great opportunity to try many facets of a business and figure out what you do and don’t like doing.

2. You can get given a load of responsibility. Think of it like sports: it’s like being 3rd in line on the depth charts for a position. Say… Wide Reciever. Suddenly, we have an injury and a trade and now there is no one left but you. Perhaps the team can work to get a new guy, but you are right there to take advntage if you are up to it.

3. Everyone wants to have a young Protege. Maybe I was always around nice entrepreneurs and kind investors (oxymoron? joking!), but I felt like everyone wants a mentor. It’s amazing how positive and helpful everyone in the new venture community is that I’ve met thus far in Philadelphia. I say take advantage of their eagerness to educate by learning everything you possibly can from them.

4. You’ll be surrounded by others who want to change the world. I can’t really attest to the corporate culture of a financial institution but I sure do know the culture of startups is full of optimists with grand ideas and aspirations and it’s really great to be able to share ideas and collaborate on projects together.I love the people I met while working with the startup.

5. Work with a startup while you can! I admit it. I at times had a hard time with the pay I was getting. Thing is, I’m glad I was able to do this now while I have so little bills. If I thought it was a financial stress to work with a  startup as a junior in college then I can’t imagine how much more difficult it is to do with a family and a home.

Startups are hard work, but the knowledge and connections you can make can be priceless. On the upside you could be in on a fun ride of quickly growing company (maybe even with stock options!). However, most businesses fail, but even so I doubt you would regret the time you spend with a startup. I know I won’t regret my time with a startup.

How To Give A Great Handshake

This video points out some really great tips on how to execute a great handshake. It is important to realize that handshakes are a sign of trust and help build strong relationships. They are very important in the management of the first impression you give to a prospective employer. Read through the different types of handshakes below and make sure you are mastering the three-second ritual of shaking hands. A good handshake will express a feeling of relaxed self-confidence.

The RIGHT handshake – 7 Basic Steps
Step 1: Extend your right hand to meet the other person’s right hand.
Step 2: Point your thumb upward toward the other person’s arm and extend your arm at a slight downward angle.
Step 3: Wrap your hand around the other person’s hand when your thumb joints come together.
Step 4: Grasp the hand firmly and squeeze gently once. Remember to maintain eye contact and smile!
Step 5: Hold the handshake for 2 to 3 seconds.
Step 6: Pump your hand up and down a few times to convey sincerity. (This gesture is optional.)
Step 7: Observe your handshake and the one you are receiving. Use the examples below to see which message your handshake is sending.

The WRONG handshake

• The Lobster
  Like the claw of a lobster, the other person’s thumb and fingers touch the palm of your hand. The person doing this fears connecting at a deep level and may have challenges building relationships. This is an especially poor first impression while on an interview. Make sure to fully engage in a handshake when meeting your interviewer for the first time.
• The Controller
  You feel your hand being pulled toward the person or strongly guided in a different direction, perhaps towards a chair. People who do this are controllers. This means they want to dominate any inanimate or animate object in the room (and that would include you). Do more listening than talking and see if you can find common ground so these individuals can control the situation toward your desired objective.
• The Dead Fish
  Indifferent handshakes that feel like the person has no bones in their hand often indicate a passive or reserved personality. This handshake ranks as the number two least favored by hiring managers. Individuals with this type of clasp are generally not people-focused. Exceptions to this rule might be musicians and surgeons whose livelihood depends on sensitive hands and who are therefore reluctant to open up to a bone crusher.
• The Politician
  Your hand is firmly grasped as in a normal handshake. However, their other hand may cover yours or be placed on your forearm or shoulder. The person is attempting to communicate that the two of you have a deeper relationship than you actually have. Similarly, be cautious about relying on this person’s word for anything and be attentive in your dealings with them.
• The Bone Crusher
  The message of squeezing your hand until you cringe is clearly designed to intimidate you. Even when the person may not know how strong they are, there is still a message of intimidation and power behind the grip. Don’t get into a hand-squeezing contest when you shake because then it becomes a competition and even if you win, you’ll lose.

Handshakes, like eye contact, say many things about who we are without ever saying a word.

For a convenient handout with all of this important information included stop by the CSPD office!

Hello Fellow Students,

I am proud to introduce myself as the latest blogger to the CSPD site. I am currently a Business Law Major, and this is my third year attending Temple. I have prior work experience as a Manager for a local pharmacy, and also as an Aide in a Nursing Home. I decided that I wanted to get into Business because I wanted to help people, but through the business aspect of things. Furthermore, Law will strengthen my ability to help people.

I am just starting off in an internship search, and at first, found it overwhelming. However, now I feel more relaxed having been to some of the CSPD events, and some other workshops offered in the center. I was hired as an intern last summer, but sadly things fell through because my supervisor’s husband passed away shortly after my start date. I guess I would say that I may not have had the best of luck in internships thus far. However, I recently attended the Part-Time Job and Internship Fair today, at the Liacouras Center. There was a diverse mix of companies looking for anything from babysitters, to police officers, and Finance Interns. There was something for everyone. I am definitely interested in applying for internships I came across. I would definitely recommend that everyone check out the Fox School CSPD, to check for upcoming job opportunities, or events. And remember to its never too early to get CSPD’d. I would recommend to freshman and sophomores to attend the workshops now, this way you will be able to attend the Spring Reception. And make sure you look-out for my future posts. -Mike

PodCast Episode 5 – Email Etiquette for the Job Search and Beyond

Click above to listen!

Much of what we do in life involves first impressions.  For many of you during your internship and full time job search, your first correspondence with employers will be through email.  For many, you may continue this correspondence for some time before you actually meet your perspective employer face to face.  Once you do land an internship or position in your field of interest, proper use and formatting of your emails will be essential to keeping up your professional image.  We have compiled a great list of ways to make sure that your emails are warmly and properly received and not deleted.  Remember, the #1 skill that employers look for in new hires is excellent communication skills, written and verbal.  Email is a part of that writing skill category!

While everyone has their own unique writing style, there are some simple rules that will promise to keep your emails proper and professional.  First of all, remember that email is like any other business communication so you should absolutely watch your spelling and grammar.  Do not use the instant messaging or text messaging abbreviations.  Improper grammar, punctuation and spelling give a bad impression but they can also change the tone of your email and convey the wrong message.  Also, most know that an email is all CAPS is the equivalent of screaming but it can’t hurt to reiterate that again.  Recently, we had an employer forward us an email that a student had sent requesting an interview.  There were so many spelling and capitalization errors that the employer was forced to pull them from candidacy for the position.  Proofreading and spell check are definitely your friends!!

  Take notice of the employers name in an email.  Thomas should not become Tom and Patricia should not become Pat.  Make sure to see how they signed their name in previous emails and if you have any questions err on the side of caution.

  Make sure you read an email from the receiver’s perspective as well.  Communication between people is about 55% body language, 37% tone of your voice, and only 8% of what you are actually saying.  With email, you remove the first 92% of your communication.  Because of this you must be obvious with your meanings; subtleties will be lost or completely misunderstood.  Along the same lines, if you feel compelled to clarify your message with emoticons, those smiley or frowning faces or LOL, or HAHA than rewrite the sentence or message.  There is no place for these types of words or symbols in professional email and business correspondence.

When writing your message, keep your subject line clear and short at all times.  Many will automatically delete those emails with the forward or reply subject lines.  Make the subject clearly explain with that purpose of the email is.  Keep the email short enough to answer any questions or clearly convey a message.  Long emails are much harder to read than longer documents in paper form so keep that in mind.  If it would be better to hand deliver, fax, or mail a business document, do so.  Also, use proper structure and layout in an email.  Sloppily written emails will be looked at as informal and impersonal and if you are trying to get an urgent reply, this is not the best way to do so.

Email is a quick correspondence.  It is general business practice to reply to emails within 24 hours of receipt and even better to do so within the same business day.  Even if it is a matter you can not respond to yet, just email the sender to let them know that you have received their email and will be emailing them tomorrow, in a week, etc.  Once you send an email, do not request a delivery and read receipt.  This becomes burdensome to the receiver of your email.  It is best to follow-up with a phone call or wait for a response.  

An important point to consider, there are over 8 billion emails sent every single day in the United States.  Make sure your email does not get lost in the bunch by choosing the most appropriate communication method for your message.  Many times emails delay solutions to issues or questions because of the wait time involved.   Sometimes a good old face to face conversation, letter, or phone call would be more appropriate.

If you have any questions about the professionalism of an email you need to send to an employer, don’t forget that you can easily check with someone in the CSPD office before you send it! 

Careertv.net has a lot of wonderful interviews with corporate recruiters on what they look for in potential candidates. Since E&Y will be on campus this week I thought this video was especially pertinent! I will be posting other interviews with employers here when I know they will be on campus, so keep an eye out.

For more vidoes and additional advice from the Ernst & Young recruiters…Click here!!

Check out the FoxNet profile and information on Ernst & Young below…

Company Profile

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. We aim to have a positive impact on businesses and markets, as well as on society as a whole.

Working with our clients
Our 130,000 people are the foundation of our success. We assemble the right multi-disciplinary team for your business, drawing on our global network of professionals. Working with you in a collaborative style, we gain a clear understanding of your organization and strive to identify issues before they become problems. You get the people you need, wherever in the world you need them, backed up by leading practices, methodologies and tools.
Developing people
We attract talented people from diverse backgrounds. Our emphasis on inclusiveness matters more than ever today. As business challenges become more complex, we need to call upon the widest spectrum of views and opinions to address them. Our open culture offers continuous personal and professional development. Because when our people grow and succeed, your company benefits.

Strengthening communities
We help to improve regulatory standards and company reporting models. We promote transparency in financial reporting and use our influence to strengthen global corporate governance. We encourage entrepreneurship, which leads to growth, jobs and prosperous communities. And our people share their business skills and knowledge with others in their communities.

Great place to work
We can’t be a great organization without great people. We work in a culture that puts our people first. We strive to help everyone achieve both their professional and personal goals in an environment that fosters growth and provides continuous opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge. And our efforts have been recognized through a number of prestigious awards.

Corporate responsibility
Consistent with our values, we strive to embed socially responsible thinking and action into all our firm activities. Our people share a sense of purpose that starts with the work we do for clients and extends to the communities where we live and our impact on the environment. Our firm also has a long-standing tradition of philanthropy through our support of higher education institutions, civic and cultural agencies, and non-profit community organizations.

Click on the image above to read an article from “One Day One Job” about how 5 job seeking students utilized Facebook advertisements to get thousands of employees from their Target company to contact them.  This is a really interesting approach to turning the tables on employers and instead of companies posting ads and students click on them, students post the ads and hopefully the employers click on them.  Interesting concept! Check it out!

How To Negotiate Your Salary

Salary is one of the key elements to factor into a job offer. Remember, it is not the only thing to consider and should be taken into consideration with the whole offer, including benefits, responsibilities, etc. Please watch the movie above which offers some great, simple tips on how to negotiate that starting salary with a prospective employer.

STEP 1= DO YOUR HOMEWORK
This basically means to research what the average starting salary is for the position you are interviewing for in the location that you are interviewing. There are a lot of great sites that assist you with this and many of them are listed here!When an employer gives you a salary range for which the position falls you want to know whether this is acceptable or not. If you dont do your research before hand you wont have any point of reference.

STEP 2= STALL TACTICS
You dont want to have to start talking salary until well into the interview process. If you havent had the chance to prove your worth to an employer, they are most definitely going to start out at the low end of their salary range. If and when you prove that you would be a wonderful asset to the organization they will more likely to work with you and your salary goals. Stall them…dont put salary in your cover letters, never ask in a first interview, and if they bring it up put the ball in their court.

STEP 3=SHIFT THE BURDEN
When an employer asks you what your salary range is, put it back in their court. Let them know that the experience that this positon will offer is much more important than the salary, what range did you have in mind? This will hopefully allow you to have a better understanding of what the low and high ends of their range look like.

STEP 4=CUT TO THE CHASE
If they are persistent and have asked you multiple times what your salary range is, than give it to them. Quote the salary averages that you have researched and let them know that you would expect to be compensated comparable to others in your field, with your experience. This is where the prior research will come into play, and this is extremely important.

STEP 5=JUST SAY NO
Dont feel compelled to accept the first offer they give you. Employers will ALWAYS quote you in the low end of their range because they expect some negotiation. It cant hurt to ask! If you feel that you are being offered a low salary, you do have the option to say no.

STEP 6=MULL IT OVER
Even if they offer you more than you were expecting, dont throw your hands up in triumph. Keep a professional demeanor and let them know that you want to review the offer and you will let them know in 24 hours.

Salary negotiations can be daunting, especially for entry level candidates, but remember, most employers expect it. They are waiting for a counter offer and expect that you will take some time to review the package they have offered you. Take the time to make sure that it is definitely the position you want, at the salary you want, but be realistic!!!

The cab was floating at around 80mph at the ripe hour of 3:30am, as any good Philly cabbie would be on I-95 towards the airport. It was time. The real world was beginning after 3 months and 17 days of unpaid, unadulterated summer. I was en-route to Orlando for 2 weeks of training, before I’d spent anytime in my base Philadelphia office. Admittedly I was feeling a bit nauseous; perhaps it was the nerves finally striking as I metaphorically drove into my future; more likely though is that it was those hot dogs I’d been grilling up until about 12:30am the night before, struggling to live out the last crucial hours of freedom before I suited up.

It is truly a surreal experience, so far, as I attempt to take in all that is going on in this stage of my life. Blogging on my experiences as a new-hire will most likely ponder around the emotions and thought processes that surround this position in life, so lets get into it. I think there are two possible thought processes that occur as someone graduates into a career potential job. Type-A is the person that is excited to have worked hard and acquired a job immediately. They are anxious to enter the work force, not as concerned with what job they had landed, but generally just happy they’d landed one period.

Type B, on the other hand, is a little worried as they enter into what they imagine might be comforting numbness of a decent job and an adult life - settling down as they like to call it. They’d worked hard and gotten a job they wanted, but are now having trouble coping with the fact they’d arrived to what they’d been striving towards for a few years now. Or maybe that’s just me? As crazy as it sounds, I somehow was picturing myself turning to some type of robot. The friendly teasing from friends and family about getting old were starting to hit home.

Well upon arrival to training, all worries of becoming thoughtless were quickly put at bay. I suddenly found myself surrounded by 300 recent grads from across the country. They too had worked hard, gone through intensive interview processes, and eventually arrived at the exact same hotel I was at, eager to take on the world. You could tell all the little things that every single one of these kids did subconsciously that had gotten them there. Shoes shined, clothes proper, eating mannerisms proper, eye contact and social skills of second-nature - they were the little things that the normal eye wouldn’t necessarily pick up on, but I know for a fact it was no coincidence that all the new hires possessed these qualities. I was getting into something intense, and whatever it was, I don’t think transforming into any type of mindless robot was happening anytime soon.

Interview Dining Etiquette <—click to listen!
4:14 minutes / 3.9 MB / MP3
Are you absolutely sure which fork to use and where to put your napkin when you get up from the table? Listen as we go over some of the tips and tricks to surviving and impressing on that all too important lunch or dinner interview.

Show Notes: 

There may be a time during your job search where you will be invited to attend an interview lunch or dinner.  These types of interviews can be especially daunting because now you not only have to worry about impressing the employers with your witty personality and sell your skills and experience, but you also have to make sure you follow proper interview dining etiquette.

Everyone here in the CSPD wanted to make the last part as easy as possible for you.  This podcast will gie you all the little tips and tricks to make sure you can focus on the main reason you are there…to get the job!!!  This is also the most important lesson of this podcast, remember the main reason you are dining out during the interview is to engage in conversation with the employer and interviewers, not to eat.  You may not have a lot of time to actually eat, so it is a good idea to grab a small bite to eat beforehand so you are not in a rush to scarf down your food.

So you are asked to lunch by your #1 employer!  You are really excited to know this job would be perfect for you.  Arive 10 minutes or so early to the restaurant.  Make sure you have accurate information on where you will be meeting.  Wiat for the host, the employer, to sit down before you take your seat.  Wiat for everyone to be seated and immediately put your napkin in your lap.  Do not make a scene of this.  Your napkin should remain in your lap for the extent of the lunch, if you must leave the table or be excused, say “Please excuse me,” and place your napkin carefully on your seat.

Okay so you get the menu…WHAT TO ORDER!!!  Find something that is easy to eat…a chicken dish, fish, etc.  Stay away from finger foods, spaghetti, peas, or anything that you will have to chase around your plate.  When ordering please be courteous to the wait staff and always use your please and thankyous.  Do not order the most expensive or most cheap thing on the menu and never drink any alcohol even if the host has ordered it.

During your meal remember to focus on conversation and the real reason you are there.  NO matter where your interview takes place, it is still an interview.  Many employers want to see you in a more social setting to see how you conduct yourself, especially if you are interviewing for a job that requires a certain standard of conduct with clients and superiors.

Understand the basics of the setup of the table.  You will sit down at a place setting wtih drinks and plates all over.  It is important to remember that food is on your left and drinks on your right.  Start on the outside with your silverware and work your way in.  If you pick up the bread basket, offer to the person on your left, serve yourself, and pass to the person on the right.  When eating bread, break off a small bite sized piece and butter each.  Once everyone’s meal is served, wait for the host to begin eating or to let you know to begin and begin eating slowly and with care.  Hold your silverware with consideration.  Placing a used utensil on a table is considered rude so make sure to place them on your plate.  If a utensil drops, do not pick it up and put it on the table.  Leave it there.  If you drop your napkin, pick it up if it is within an arms reach, if not, leave it.

Also remember:

• Whoever invited you to the meal will pay.  You do not have to offer.  Just remember to thank them and obtain their business cards.  Also, followup with a thank you note like any other interview.
• Take very small bites of all of your food, so you can quickly finish and swallow and be able to speak.  Never speak with food in your mouth.
• If someone asks for the salt, pick up both the salt and pepper and place them on the table in front of the person who requested it, never hand it to them.  Also, wait until you taste your food to decide if you need extra seasoning.  Employers see someone who seasons immediately as presumptuous.

Dining etiquette can be critical to career and job search success, and on a side note will definitely help on the dating front as well! :)  Although you may be nervous, do your best to relax.  Maintain an assured posture through the meal, and yes, elbows off the table!

Evaluating a Job Offer <— Click this link to listen to the CSPD podcast!
5:44 minutes / 5.25 MB / MP3
Have your received one or multiple job offers? Do you need to evaluate each to decide if they are right for you? Learning how to evaluate a job offer and determining what is important to you personally will make the process easier.

Show Notes:

First please congratulate yourself.  After sending out endless resumes, applying to positions, interviewing, and following up you have landed a job offer.  This is wonderful news and should be celebrated; however your work is not over yet.  First make sure you contact the company and let them know that you have receieved the job offer.  Make sure there is an understood time frame in which you must accept or decline the position.  If you receive the initial offer over the telephone make sure to express your gratitude for their offer, whether you love or hate the position, and ask when you should expect to be receiving the offer letter.  After receiving the letter, your normally have two or three weeks to accept or decline their offer.

It is important that you evaluate your job offer to make sure it is a match for you.  During your job search you should already be beginning this process.  You need to understand which factors are important for you personally.  If you have this list already compiled, it will be much easier to evaluate a job offer, or offers, when you receive them.  We are going to discuss a few of the options to consider:

1- Salary
Please evalute the salary and factor in the cost of living of wherever your position will take you.  How often will pay be reviewed?  Are raises performance based?

2- Location
Make sure you realize what is important to you.  If a position will move you 200 miles from your family and family, make sure you are comfortable with this.  Is the position in a rural area?  This might be difficult for a city lover.

3- Company Culture
Think back to your interview, the people you met, and the tour of the company.  Did people seem happy?  Was there a lot of team interaction or was the office generally quiet with everyone working in their cubicles?  Everyone has a different comfort level in regards to how they best work.  Make sure you research the company, take notice of what is imporant to you, and make a decision that will make you happy.  Also think about dress code.  If dressing business professional in a suit everyday makes your cringe, you want to take this into consideration.

4- Signing Bonus & Relocation
These can both be big benefits.  Remember that you should not base your decision on which company gives you the biggest signing bonus, rather factor this into the overall picture.  If there is a relocation involved than please make sure to understnad what is covered in their relocation benefits.

5- Benefits
The benefits are an intangible compensation that goes beyond salary.  Are your health, dental, and eye insurances covered?  If you have a family, are they covered?  How soon does coverage begin?  How much time off do you have?  Benefits are generally not something in which you can negotiate, so make sure they will work for you.

6- Job Description
Beyond a job title, a job description will let you know exactly what is expected of you in your position.  Make sure you understand your responsibilities, daily tasks, and who you will be reporting to .  Compare the description to your strenghts and interests and evaluate your findings.  To some, doing what they love to do is far more important than a large salary.  You need to make this decision.

7- Retirement Package
What type of retirement programs does the organization offer?  It is never too early to start planning for retirement.

8- Professional Development
What type of on-the-job training will you receieve.  How much coaching and mentoring can you expect?  What career growth opportunities are available?  As an entry level employee, these are very important and will facilitate your growth in your career.

9- Organization Performance
The level of employment stability you can reasonably expect given the organizations strength and values of its management, are important to consider.  How does this organization compare to others in the industry?  What is the future outlook for the industry?

10- Hours and Travel
Make sure to understand what your hours will be.  Are overtime hours expected on a daily basis or only when needed?  Does your employee shun upon leaving at 5 when the work day is over?  Also, if you will be expected to travel often for your position, make sure this is something you will enjoy.

Evaluating a job offer is really an individual task but you should share with someone close to you the details of your position and see if they have any additional questions that you did not think of.  If you decide to decline the offer, do so politely, be honest, and positive.  If you decide to accept, congrats, this a really exciting time in your education and career and your first job will start you on your track to success!  Contact the company and verbally accept, expressing your enthusiasm, and follow up with a written acceptance, including your start date and your job title.  Ethically, at this time you must terminate all of your job search activity.  Acceptance of an offer is a commitment to your employer.