Author Archives: Timothy Mosehauer

Errors in applications for jobs and internships could cost you

Dear all students, especially job hunting seniors, but anyone looking for internships too:

At EIA we’ve noticed some common problems and recurring errors in applications in MOJO. We wanted to call your attention to these now, as early in the semester as possible, in order to prevent you from making these same mistakes in the future. You’re no doubt busy with your classes and extracurriculars, so it’s really important that the time that you invest in pursuing experiential opportunities is most effectively spent.

Please make an extra effort to pay special attention to the following:

1. Unofficial transcripts: They should really be one page only. We’ve seen several submitted that are well over 5 pages. That is not going to work for the employers. In MOJO, and also at the following link, are simple instructions for using your Degree Program Report to create an unofficial transcript. http://www.middlebury.edu/studentlife/eia/resources/transcript

2. Blank documents: Proof your materials before submitting on MOJO! Sadly we’ve seen a situation where a resume submitted was entirely blank and unreadable. To avoid this issue, after you upload any document, please preview it and ensure it is what you want.

3. Old documents: Similarly, we’ve seen another scenario where a student used the wrong, old resume to apply for a job. Suggestion here is to remove documents you’ve used in the past for applications, and only leave current resumes and cover letters saved in MOJO.

4. Withdrawing applications: Did you know if it’s before the deadline, and you want to change something in your application, you can do that? All instructions are here: http://www.middlebury.edu/studentlife/eia/resources/mojo

5. Thank you notes and business cards: To our surprise, employers have given us feedback that students are not sending thank you notes after interviews. Always ask for the business card of the person interviewing you so you have the name and contact information for the thank you note you will send. If you are interviewing by phone, ask for the person’s name and contact information and write it down. If you need assistance learning what to say in your thank you note, read http://www.middlebury.edu/studentlife/eia/resources/thankyounotes

6. Generic cover letters. Employers reading through stacks of applications can tell if you have just dropped their name into your standard cover letter template. Take the time to do the research necessary to tailor your cover for each employer. You can get started here and be sure to stop by Drop-Ins to assure your application materials are looking good!

Thank you for paying attention to these important issues. We’re here to help and happy to talk with you more about any job or internship application you’re writing. Please come see us any day during Drop in Hours from 2-5.

-Tim

Associate Director, Career Services
Center for Education in Action
Adirondack House

New Date for EIA Career Services Senior Meeting: Now Wed, Sept 19

We’ve changed the order of events for Senior Week next week, so please read carefully!

SENIOR MEETING WILL BE Wednesday September 19th at 1 pm, 4pm or 6 pm!

Location: Dana Auditorium

Choose just one of these session times. If you plan to attend the MiddACTION Fair in McCullough from 6-7:30, you can still attend the 6pm session and then head over to McCullough. If you can’t attend any of these sessions, you can meet with a career counselor to review the information covered in the meeting! To make an appointment, call x5100 or stop by Adirondack House.

RESUMANIA starts Monday, and continues Tuesday, Thursday and Friday next week. Come by Adirondack House between 2 and 5 pm to get your resume polished and updated! Start here by seeing all our resume templates and samples: http://www.middlebury.edu/studentlife/eia/resources/resumes

Reminder of what you’ll learn at the senior meeting:
• Important info about your job or graduate school search including details on upcoming application deadlines and events.
• Tips for getting organized for your busy senior year.
• Answers to your questions in the meeting, directly from our counseling staff. So think about your questions and bring them with you Monday.

Hope to see you next week! We’re committed here in EIA to help support and encourage you doing your senior year!

Attention Seniors: Spring Job Fling on April 4

Are you looking to reenergize—or begin—your job search? Meet with Midd-friendly employers at the Spring Job Fling. Come to Coltrane Lounge, Adirondack house between noon and 2 p.m., April 4.

Just when you need a boost Career Services presents our 8th Annual Spring Job Fling for seniors!

When: Wednesday, April 4th, 12 – 2 p.m.
Location: Coltrane Lounge, Adirondack House

What should you expect at the Spring Job Fling?
Bring your resume and prepare to network! Come ready to represent yourself: where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going.

Want to make a good impression with a particular employer? Consider dressing for success: swap the tee for a collared shirt/blouse and jeans for slacks. Some of these employers will be offering on-campus interviews before or after the event (check MOJO for details and to apply).

Participating employers will be added to MOJO as they register, so keep checking for the latest, up-to-date information. So far, these organizations will be represented:

Carney Sandoe & Associates
Epic
Tuck Business Bridge Program
Tetra Tech ARD
Insight Global
Readak
Her Look Enterprises
Monterey Institute of International Studies Yeti Solar Peace Corps
800 Response
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
FullBridge Program
World Camp
AGC Partners
Americorps/Middlebury Civic Engagement

Funding available for unpaid internships. Use your spring break to finalize your plans

As you finish up your last mid-terms and prepare for spring break (isn’t this gorgeous weather so wonderful and timely?), we just wanted to remind you about the funding available for your unpaid summer internships. The next deadline to apply is Wed. April 4. We intentionally set this date so you can use spring break as a time to confirm your plans if necessary. All details are at go/summerfunding.

Remember:
• Internships can be for career exploration, connecting to your coursework, or pursuing a deep personal interest. The definition of an internship is very flexible! Last summer they ranged from three weeks in Ghana working on bringing potable water to rural villages to seven weeks in Denver with the Colorado Democratic Party managing Latino outreach to twelve weeks in California interning with the San Francisco Mime Troupe.
• If you don’t want to create one on your own, we have so many great internships on our MOJO internship database (go/mojo) in every field, domestic and international, paid and unpaid (and if it’s unpaid, you can apply for funding at go/summerfunding).

Cheers,
Tim

Tim Mosehauer
Assistant Director, Career Services
Center for Education in Action: Careers, Fellowships and Civic Engagement
Middlebury College | Middlebury, VT 05753
802.443.5105 | go.middlebury.edu/eia