Career Resources
Making your Work Meaningful
What do you want to be when you grow up? Over your lifetime, you may have dreamed of being an astronaut, doctor, teacher, or nurse. Regardless of your aspirations, "I Have a Dream" Foundation, Boulder is prepared to help you prepare for that goal. Below are some resources to help you give a strong footing as you apply for your dream jobs.
Career Exploration
Career aspirations change throughout adolescence and adulthood. Many enter a field and discover that it isn't as satisfying as they once believed. No matter the stage in your career, there are plenty of ways to explore different careers. Don't be afraid to try new things and search for what makes you happy.
16 Personalities and Holland Career Code Quiz
Don't know where to start your search? The 16 Personalities and Holland Career Code Test can give you greater insight into potential fields based on your. These quizzes will help you understand some of your job-related strengths and weaknesses. Although the quiz isn't 100% accurate, it can help you start to think about how your personality plays a strong role in your job success and satisfaction.
Career Fair
Representatives from dozens of companies gather to give information about their work and even recruit individuals. This is a great place to leave a first-impression, ask questions, and potentially secure an interview.
Online Searching
Nearly everything can be found online. If you're curious about the jobs within a specific field or wondering what you can do with your degree, consider doing some online searching!
Temporary Employment
Not only a great way to make money, working in the real world can help you explore different fields and gain valuable work experience. Temporary employment can take the form of a part-time job, internship, fellowship, job-shadowing, or even a summer gig.
Service-Based Work
Community service is a great way to explore specific fields while giving back to specific communities in need. These opportunities do not pay, but large-scale organizations may cover expenses such as housing and food.
To scratch the surface, reach out to your program director about community service events sponsored by IHDF. For an extended service opportunity, consider organizations such as:
Searching for a Job
Finding a dream job is one challenge. Securing the position is another. Job-Openings can be overwhelming, but don't worry! Here are some tips for finding the right fit for you.
Finding Opportunities:
1. Glassdoor/Indeed - Dominant search engines that have built a reputation for helping people learn about jobs from the employee perspective. You can easily find reviews from employees, information about the work environment and the company values here.
2. Idealist - The hub for opportunities in the non-profit and service based world.
3. LinkedIn - An innovative form of networking that allows you to connect with your friend's networks. Perfect for maintaining professional relationships that you may wish to explore in the future.
4. Career Fairs - Not only a great way to explore different fields, but a great time to pass out your resume to recruiters for companies. You may even have an on-site interview!
5. Networking - Reaching out to friends, family and mentors can help you find jobs in your area quickly. Make relationships with IHDF community to expand your access to the job-market.
Employer Values
The culture of a company plays a large role in determining one's experience at a worksite. If your values come into conflict with the company's it can cause confusion and discomfort. When looking for a job, do some research on your employer and ask yourself the following questions:
- What are the values of the company? Do they align with my own values?
- How do I feel about the executives of the company? Do they represent the values that I hold?
- Is the work in the job-description meaningful and exciting to me?
- Can this company provide the work-culture I need to provide?
- Will this company provide the benefits and schedule that I need to be mentally and physically at my best?
Resume
Resumes help you explain why you would make a great employee within a single page. It includes your credentials, work experience, skills and interests. They help to make a lasting first-impression and with employers only having minutes to consider candidates, the first impression matters. Here are some resources to help you start building your resume.
Some general tips for your resume are:
- Keep the design simple (unless you're applying for an artistic position)
- Put the most important information at the top
- Keep it updated
- Be specific when describing your responsibilities.
Interviews
One of the most crucial points for securing a job is the interview. They are frightening to many. You never really know what they will ask. However, practice can help you put your first step forward.
Practice
We have compiled some practice questions and tips/tricks to help you get ready for your interviews. Although you may not know the exact questions an interviewer may ask, you can be prepared to talk about different aspects of your potential as an employee by working through these questions. Remember to focus on specific stories and situations to show how you would make a good fit.
Dress for the Job
In an interview, you want to wear something appropriate yet presentable. Wearing a full suit for a crew member position at Chipotle may be overkill and wearing sweatpants to an interview at JP Morgan will not create a positive first impression.
If you need professional clothing, Dress for Success and Career Gear can have great outfits that are affordable.
Research the Company
Show that you are interested in the company by taking the initiative to learn about it prior to the interview. Learn about their mission statement and leadership. Write down key points that catch your eye and formulate some questions you have about the position or company based on your discoveries.