Getting Ready for a Job Search

When searching for a new job or seeking a promotion with your current company, it’s important to make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile reflect your critical skill set and who you are, not just the tasks you have done. Additionally, landing that new job or next promotion entails more than just what’s on your resume. That is why we’ve developed this guide full of tips and resources for you to implement into your personal development plan.

Within this guide, you will find information and resources on:

Conducting Career Research

Assessments and Exploration Activities
Conducting Online Research
Finding Local Companies
Overview of Informational interviewing

The Basics: Resume, LinkedIn Profile, Cover Letters:

How to be efficient in your job search
Resume
Building your LinkedIn Profile
Cover letters
Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Developing Skills and Building Confidence

Networking

Elevator Pitch
Tips for Networking events

Places to Network

Interviewing

Tips for Phone interviews

Tips for Video Interviews

After the Interview

Receiving a job offer

Salary Negotiating

Accepting a job offer and what’s next

Finding a Mentor

Using Your Strengths

The Job Search begins months before you submit your first application. Check out the timeline below for guidance on when and what activities you should be completing. Also please feel free to make an appointment with me to discuss your career goals and how to best achieve them.

*Additionally portions of the guidance provided in this career guide may not be suitable for all industries, companies, and/or hiring managers. I encourage you to conduct your own research on what works best for your situations and seek guidance from top-performers within your field.

Research

Career planning begins with self-assessment and research. Before diving into this Career guide, take a moment to ask yourself: If I had all the money and resources in the world, what would I do? Next, analyze how your answer connects to your skillset and industry needs. The goal is to align your passion, your skills, and market needs. Now, with that in mind, let’s begin.

Assessments and Exploration Activities

While no test or activity is likely to tell you exactly what the perfect job for you might be, these exercises can certainly help point you in the right direction. Especially if you are not sure what type of job you want. These exercises can help you narrow down your job choices and choose a career path that is compatible with your interests, skills, values, and personality. As an added bonus, I think they prove to be useful when answering interview questions like “tell me about yourself,” or “what do you consider your greatest strength to be?”

You’ve already completed the StrengthFinders assessment. Here are a few more assessments and activities to consider:

The VIA Institute on Character Strengths Survey
13 Ways You Can Craft A Strong Personal Mission Statement
The Career Center offers several offer career assessments. Contact me at lisay@usf.edu if you are interested.

Conducting Online Research

Investing time in research will pay off. Conducting research will shed light on which industries are growing, which are declining, which have the largest employment, which industries and companies pay the most, etc. Sharpening your research skills allows you to create a more informed career plan focusing your job search in a certain location or industry, target specific companies, or strengthen your knowledge of a growing industry. Keep in mind that some occupations appear in many different industries. For instance, careers in many IT roles, human resources, sales, business analysis, etc. are available across industries. Job seekers in these fields should not limit their search to a specific industry but rather focus on the industries that provide the most opportunity.

In addition to an informed and focused career plan, the more information you have the better prepared you will be to answer interview questions intelligently and ask relevant questions. Conducting a thorough search will greatly increase your preparedness and improve your feeling of confidence. You’ll be able to give a stronger, more positive, and lasting impression at interviews and networking events.

Tips for Researching Individual Companies

Your research should ultimately lead you to a target list of 15-20 companies. Consider searching these company’s web sites for mission statements, product and service information, company history, financial Statements, leadership team, and contact information.

I’ve listed a few resources below to get you started with your research.

Occupational Outlook Handbook
ONet
Vault.com
LinkedIn
Glassdoor
Try media like:

Barron’s Magazine
Bloomberg BusinessWeek
Financial Times
Forbes
Fortune
MSN Money
USA Today
Wall Street Journal
Also, consider your local newspapers

The company’s social media
Forbes' list of the World’s Largest Public Companies
2019 Inc. 5000: The Most Successful Companies in America
Check public companies’ financials through the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Finding Local Companies

Informational interviewing

Often the most functional information about a career field can not be found online or in textbooks, but rather from people that actually work in the field. This is where you can make use of the effective research tool of informational interviewing. Informational interviewing is an informal conversation with someone working in the field you are interested in. It is best to perform this research after preliminary online research. Keep in mind, that the objective of this type of research is not to find an opening. The goal of the interview should be to gain firsthand information, discover career paths, expand your network of contacts in a specific field, and get tips and advice on how to prepare for and land your first career position.

Identifying people to interview

Pursue your own contacts, including family, friends, teaching assistants, professors, and former employers. Remember, even if these people aren't in fields of interest to you, they can lead you to people who are.
Identify alumni to contact. Alumni often take a special interest in "giving back" to USF students. Utilize LinkedIn to find them.
Consider professional associations. These are listed below.

Prepare for the informational interview

Develop an introduction for yourself. See Elevator Pitch below.
Prepare open-end questions. Here are a few to get you started:

What is a typical day (or week) like for you?
What do you like most about your work and what do you like least about your work?
How does your job affect your general lifestyle?
What current issues and trends in the field should I know about or be aware of?
How do most people get into this field and what steps would you recommend I take to prepare myself to enter the field?
What are the most effective strategies for seeking a position in this field?
What kind of skills, education, training, or background does your job require?
Can you suggest anyone else I could contact for additional information?

Bring your resume to get input, but be careful not to present it right away. It’s best to build rapport first. Remember, the objective of this interview isn’t to get a job, but rather to gain information to prepare you for your job search.

Follow-up

Send a thank-you note no later than 48 hours after your meeting to express your appreciation for their time and valuable firsthand information. It’s a good idea to keep in touch with the person so they can become an important part of your network. An easy way to stay connected is to let them know that you followed up on their advice and what outcome you experienced.

The Basics: Resume, LinkedIn Profile, Cover Letters

Ever felt like looking for a job is a full-time job? When you’re ready to start applying for jobs consider the following information:

Applying to postings on job boards (Indeed, Monster, etc) is only about 15% effective.
Using Handshake, the college’s job board, is 25% effective.
Using a personal referral or connection through your network is 65-80% effective.
On-campus recruitment is 50% effective.
*Stats obtained from USF Career Services

Also, consider using the tips outlined in this article:4 Reasons Your Job Search Is Dragging On and On.

Resume

When searching for a new job or seeking a promotion with your current company, it’s important to make sure your resume reflects who you are, not just the tasks you have done. If you feel you would like inspiration to help you answer this question, I encourage you to talk to people who know you well. Your family, friends, and co-workers can give great insight into your work personality and skills.

Another great resource is personality assessments. Remember, the Strengthsfinder assessment you completed prior to orientation? Finding a way to incorporate your top five strengths into your resume by relating to the organization’s or industry’s needs may be an easy starting point.

Resume tips

Look at these resume templates. We recommend that you create a similar-looking file in Word instead of using the templates themselves. Sometimes there is coding in templates that creates a barrier to the ATS readers, preventing your email from coming through.
Use keywords pulled from the job description for which you are applying.
Avoid personal pronouns (I, me, my).
Use phrases instead of complete sentences or paragraphs.
When possible, use bullet points. Each job should have 3-5 (no more than 7) bullet points.
Note - you do not have to list all jobs you’ve ever had!
Proofread your resume multiple times and ask someone else to proof it as well.
Highlight your past accomplishments and add quantifiable results whenever possible.
Avoid empty words such as “responsibilities included” and “duties consisted of.”
Begin phrases with an action verb. See the list below! For a more detailed listed with phrases, see this online document: https://www.ius.edu/career/files/power-phrases.pdf

Remember your resume tells the story of your professional and academic accomplishments and should not be a boring list of work responsibilities and duties. Think about how your past experience will connect to your future role. Start by looking at the job ad for the position you are applying for and ask yourself: “What problem is the employer attempting to solve with this hire, what skills are required, and what stories from your past experience connect to the job?”

Articles on writing a resume

The article How to Write a Job-winning Resume for 2019 highlights the importance of quantitative results, a simple design, and a quirky interests section.
Confessions Of Headhunter: 4 Things Your Entry-Level Resume Is Probably Missing
How to Include Volunteer Work on Your Resume

Interested in Federal Work? Check out Tips for Writing a Federal Resume and Decoding Federal employment qualification requirements, policies and explanation of terms.

Build Your LinkedIn Profile and Network

LinkedIn can help you land a job. From seeking a new job to maintaining your personal brand, LinkedIn is part of being a ripe professional. LinkedIn supplies a large network of potential connections and job opportunities. Leveraging LinkedIn provides access to its robust job board, ability to tap into industry news, and helps your name rank on Google. If you apply to a job, it’s likely that one of the first things an employer will do is Google your name. This is an additional way to showcase yourself, your interest in the company, and interest in the industry. Recruiters will look to see if you are following their company and examine what are you posting.

Check out: Optimize your LinkedIn profile for recruiters

And this one: LinkedIn 101: How To Craft A Stellar Profile.

If your LinkedIn headline needs updating, check out this article Does Your LinkedIn Headline Suck?

If you have technical skills you would like to highlight on your LinkedIn profile, check out the newest LinkedIn’s feature discussed in the Forbes article: LinkedIn Just Added A New Way To Showcase Your Skills

Another way to build your LinkedIn profile is with recommendations. Read this article: How to Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation That Works for You and consider that a good way to get recommendations is by writing them for others. Here are some resource(s):

Your 5-Minute Guide to Writing an Amazing LinkedIn Recommendation

Cover letter

Do not submit your resume without a cover letter.

Your cover letter is a chance to highlight your skills and accomplishments while convincing the hiring manager that you are worthy of an interview. It should complement your resume, not simply restate it. If you are applying for another position with your current employer, a cover letter allows you to remind the employer of your excellent performance and achievements while working for the company.

What to include in the cover letter, including:

Why you are interested in the company and the open position. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the employer and its needs in a cover letter indicates you are an enthusiastic, motivated, and serious candidate for the position.
How you can help the company achieve its goals. Jobseekers who can compellingly communicate an ability to increase the hiring company’s revenue, efficiency, operational flow, and/or product quality greatly strengthen their applications and increase their likelihood of receiving an invitation to interview.
Directly reference the requirements for the job opening you are pursuing while explaining how your professional experiences, strengths, and expertise will allow you to successfully fulfill these requirements

Tips

Research the company and include something specific about the firm in your cover letter. Preferably towards the beginning of the cover letter.
If a current employee of the company has provided a reference for you, the inclusion of that person’s name and title in the opening paragraph can attract a reader’s attention.
Limit the number of times you use the words “I” and “me.”
Avoid including too many details about your work history. Instead, highlight a few of your best accomplishments. You’ll be able to incorporate these accomplishments into your interview responses too.
Specific examples are more persuasive than unsubstantiated claims. Demonstrate your value as an employee by describing accomplishments for previous employers. Achievements with quantifiable results are especially impressive.
Proofread your cover letter and have someone else proof it as well.

The more you can customize a cover letter for a specific job opportunity, the more effective it is likely to be. If you have a large number of jobs under consideration, the amount of work involved in customizing letters for multiple job opportunities can be intimidating. If time is an issue, prioritize job openings according to your level of interest, and tailor a custom cover letter for each of the top five or ten positions. For the other jobs, write a more general cover letter.

Read The 9 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right. This article highlights the importance of research in the development of these 9 cover letters that broke tradition to stand out in their own unique way.

Applicant Tracking System (ATS)- read before you hit submit on your application!!

If you think the first obstacle to landing a job interview is a recruiter’s judgment, you’re not seeing the whole picture. According to Jobscan, 98% of Fortune 500 companies and a growing number of small and mid-sized businesses filter resumes through an applicant tracking system (ATS).

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) can automatically parse your uploaded resume into a digital candidate profile that can be searched or filtered by recruiters. Sometimes this results in qualified candidates slipping through the cracks.

For example, if your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, critical information might not be parsed correctly. This could cause you to be overlooked when a recruiter runs a keyword search for a skill that is on your resume. Here’s an article on 8 Things You Need To Know About Applicant Tracking Systems

Ever wondered why companies make you re-enter resume information? That’s ATS again. Check out this article: Sick of Re-Entering Your Info After Uploading a Resume? Here’s Why Companies Do It.

Last but certainly not least, check out Jobscan’s free resume optimization tool that compares your resume to the job description to show which skills and keywords you’re missing. *There is a limited number of attempts before the website requests you make an account.

Develop Skills and Strengthen Your Motivation

Not getting the job search results you hoped for? Consider developing new skills, brushing up on your current skills, and/or strengthening your motivation by seeking out ways to learn and develop resume-worthy skills and/or soft skills that will help you move ahead in any position.

One resource is to Check out LinkedIn Learning. There are video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. You can access LinkedIn Learning for free under your MyUSF account.

Login to MyUSF -> hover over the “Learning & Teaching Tools” tab -> select “Online Learning (LinkedIn Learning)” in the dropdown.
One video I enjoyed was Proven Success Strategies for Women at Work.

Other certifications to consider are

Toastmaster if you are looking to build confidence in public speaking.
CompTia offers four IT certification series that test different knowledge standards – from entry-level to expert.
Six Sigma is a method that provides tools to improve the capability of business processes. The focus is to increase performance and decrease process variation to help lead to defect reduction and improvement in profits, employee morale, and quality of products or services. Six Sigma has three certification options known as belts. Options include a yellow, green, or black belt.
Check out Google’s Skillshop for information on certifications and courses offered.
Having a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification can provide a significant benefit to your resume. Please note, this certificate requires work experience leading projects to qualify.
Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam is the First Step to a Career in the Securities Industry. This introductory-level exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge of basic securities industry information including concepts fundamental to working in the industry, such as types of products and their risks; the structure of the securities industry markets, regulatory agencies and their functions; and prohibited practices.
Hubspot certifications
Consider volunteering to build skills: The Secret Weapon Most Job Hunters Don't Know About and 5 Career-Boosting Reasons You Should Volunteer
What Certifications Impress Recruiters

Staying Motivated

It’s easy to get into an inertia pattern during a job search. TryTed talks to get inspired. Here are a few:

Networking (Tips, Elevator Pitch, and Associations):

Networking is one of the most important parts of the job search and career development. Check out these 10 Reasons Why Networking Is Essential For Your Career.

According to a LinkedIn report, 70 percent of people in 2016 were hired at a company where they had a connection.

Networking may be the key to landing your dream job as many jobs are never advertised and the right employee referral can drastically increase your chances of getting the job. For these reasons, it’s imperative that you tell everyone about your job search (family, friends, professors, fellow students, current and former coworkers). If you know someone in your field of interest, reach out and ask them to join you for a cup of coffee and read 5 Steps For Turning “Let’s Get A Coffee” Into A Productive Career Move.

However, networking isn’t all about what you can gain. It’s important to give, to get. Ask yourself “What can I do for my network?” If you come across an interesting article, hear about a relevant job listing, or meet a new connection that should collaborate with someone in your network, it’s a good idea to share it with your network.

Below are some resources to help you succeed at networking.

Elevator Pitch

First things first- develop a quality elevator pitch to use when introducing yourself. Your elevator pitch should provide the recipient with answers to “Who are you, why do I care?” This article Perfect Pitch: How to Nail Your Elevator Speech provides a step-by-step guide to help you craft your pitch, and this article 2 Ways to Create a 1-Line Elevator Pitch (That'll Make People Want to Keep Talking to You) digs into finding your “why” and your impact.

Tips for Networking events

Remember the golden rule: When meeting someone, ask yourself “what can I do for that person?”
Avoid talking only to the people you already know.
Bring your business cards and leverages other methods of connecting. Check out this article: Is The Business Card Dead? 16 Experts Share Their Thoughts
Research guest lists prior to attending. Know the 3-5 people you want to meet before you want in the door.
Stay up to date on current events to use as icebreakers.
Be a good listener! Don’t dominate the conversation and ask open-ended questions and then listen to the response.
Maintain appropriate eye contact and pay attention to non-verbal cues (yours and theirs).
Have a goal for the event (e.g. make three quality connections, etc.)
Keep one hand free so you can greet new connections with a proper handshake.
Take notes at the event of who you talked to and what you talked about.
reach out to your new connections within a few days.
Consider adopting the “be bright, be brief, be gone” motto when speaking with higher-ups, keynote speakers, or individuals that have limited time to talk to a single person. You want to make a good impression, but not take up too much of their time.
Check out these articles: 8 Networking Tips For Introverts From A Superconnector and An Introvert's Guide to Networking (6 tips).

Places to Network:

Networking within your Organization

Start where you are! Networking discussions often focus on networking outside your organization, but networking inside your organization can provide tremendous benefits too. Watch the short clip Internal networking in business for tips on networking within your organization and how to develop a network map (@2:30). In addition to the tips contained in the short clip, consider these 4 tips on stepping up your networking game inside your company:

Volunteer for service committees.
Find new lunch partners.
Create a “brown bag” lunch group where a collection of professionals voluntarily meet over lunch once a week or month to discuss an agreed-upon topic. See this article for a few topic ideas.
Start a book club that meets once a month, or every other month to discuss a business-related book. Consider involving managers and discuss how the material applies to your organization or industry. For more book ideas, check out this Forbes article on the Best Business Books For Summer 2019 or Business Insider’s list of 14 business books everyone will be reading in 2019.

Attend career fairs

Prior to attending a career fair, obtain a list of companies that will be present so you can research what the company does, its culture, current events affecting the firm, and their job offerings. Remember, recruiters might be recruiting for jobs that are not posted on the company website.

First impressions are important, so you must be prepared. Have your elevator pitch ready! In addition to your elevator pitch, try:

Expressing your interest in the company and why you are interested in the company.
Bring up something you discovered during your research. “I noticed (insert company name) is opening a new division. Could you tell me a little more about the expansion?” etc.
Ask Questions. Here are a few to get you started:
- This question is better for a smaller organization where the recruiter probably works in the same building and knows the people you may be working with.
- This is my favorite question to ask because it gives you an idea of the company culture.

What is the training process like?
Does your firm have a formal mentoring program?
What is your hiring process like?
What can I do to improve my chances of receiving a job offer?
Is there anything about my background or resume that makes you question whether I am a good fit for this role?
Who will I report to or will I be working most closely with?
What’s your favorite part about working at the company?
What does success look like in this position, and how do you measure it?
Are there opportunities for professional development? If so, what do those look like?
What do you see as the most challenging aspect of this job?

Consider the following closers: “Do you mind if I follow up with you regarding the positions we spoke about?”

Use social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)

You’ve already created a rock star LinkedIn profile, now it’s time to show it off. Check out: LinkedIn 201: How To Cultivate A Powerful Network. As discussed in the article, I would like to highlight the importance of sending a customized connection request. This is an easy win to stand out from the crowd and begin cultivating a relationship. Social Media Success: A Guide for Job Seekers also touches on ways to use Twitter and Facebook in your job search.

Join a Professional Association

Joining a professional association is a great way to expand your network, stay up to date on industry trends, and develop skills. See the Top 10 Reasons to Join a Professional Organization. Please note, joining a professional association is not only an opportunity to meet someone new but also an opportunity to develop a strong connection with someone you already know. Consider inviting a colleague or friend to join or attend an event with you.

Below is a list of professional associations you should potentially consider joining. If they are in your industry or related to you, you should follow them on social media, especially LinkedIn.

USF St. Pete Affiliated Associations

Graduate Business Association (GBA) represents all USFSP College of Business graduate students by focusing on discovering and developing ways students can achieve excellence inside and outside the classroom. The GBA fulfills this mission by organizing numerous professional development and networking events throughout the academic year. GBA programming is adaptable to the needs of its members and we highly encourage member input. Check out the GBA’s Canvas page to learn how to become a member and connect with the executive board. Typically programming includes networking events, volunteer opportunities, speaker events, and workshops	Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) is an honor society for accounting and finance majors. Requirements are that a student must have a 3.0 GPA in both the student's major and overall coursework. Meetings are weekly and consist of professional organizations such as the "Big 4" and banks coming to campus to speak with students about various business and career-related topics. Other activities include both social and service events.	Beta Gamma Sigma is an International Business Honors Society. Membership is by invitation only based on achieving the status of top 20% of your class after completing half of your program. Dr. Harris is the advisor for this organization.

Other Local and National Associations

St Pete Young Professionals (SPYP) connects young professionals with the surrounding community through unique opportunities in the areas of service, leadership, and advocacy. The organization’s vision is to be recognized as Florida’s leading young professional organization offering exceptional networking, professional development, and community involvement services to our members. SPYP also strives to become a driving force for economic development in St. Pete. Check out their facebook page.

American Marketing Association (AMA)Tampa Bay is Tampa Bay’s Essential Community for Marketers. The association’s mission is to create a place where marketing professionals in the Tampa Bay area can join a strong community dedicated to the advancement of marketing, grow in their careers and lead the future generation. AMA provides innovative resources and tools, opportunities to attend conferences and training, host monthly keynote luncheons and workshops, organizing social networking events and providing career resources, certification and job search assistance to members.

CFA Society Tampa Bay is a regional affiliate of the CFA Institute, a global, not-for-profit organization for CFA Charterholders, investment professionals, educators, financial services providers, and students. The organization offers a range of educational and career resources, including the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and the Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) designations.

Financial Executives International (FEI)

https://www.financialexecutives.org/Network/Chapters/Tampa-Bay/Home.aspx

Financial Executives International (FEI) is the leading advocate for the views of corporate financial management. Its more than 10,000 members hold policy-making positions as chief financial officers, chief accounting officers, controllers and treasurers at companies from every major industry. FEI enhances member professional development through peer networking, career management services, conferences, research and publications.

http://planningtampabay.org/home

Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Tampa Bay

The Financial Planning Association (FPA), with approximately 24,000 members, is open to all the disciplines of financial planning. Among other perks, members receive The Journal of Financial Planning, attend the annual national conference and participate in trade-related workshops. The group also provides educational opportunities, online discussions and career enhancement tools.

Tel: 813-814-1630

FPA@PlanningTampaBay.org

Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA)

https://www.ficpa.org/content/home.aspx

The Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) consists of 18,500 members statewide. It promotes professional standards, hosts networking events, awards scholarships to local high school students, and organizes numerous workshops and conferences. Tampa and St. Petersburg are part of the Suncoast chapter.

Tel: 850-224-2727

membership@ficpa.org

Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) – Florida West Coast Chapter

http://www.tampabayiia.org

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an association of auditing professionals from around the globe. Members gather for monthly meetings, networking events, seminars and professional development programs. The Tampa-based Florida West Coast chapter commonly goes by the name Tampa Bay IIA. Its website features a listing of upcoming seminars

National Association of Black Accountants– Tampa Bay Professional Chapter

https://community.nabainc.org/tampabay/home

This is a national organization of accounting and financial professionals concerned with improving the professional development of its members. The Tampa Bay chapter awards local scholarships and organizes community programs, including free tax preparation sessions.

https://www.facebook.com/NABA-Professional-Chapter-Tampa-Bay-1466410113606452/

Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Tampa Bay

https://www.acg.org/tampabay

This worldwide networking and educational organization consists of decision-making professionals with an interest in corporate growth, corporate development, and mergers and acquisitions at mid-sized and large companies. Members include private equity professionals, investment bankers, attorneys, auditors and accountants, lenders and corporate development officers. The Tampa Bay chapter, with more than 240 members, holds regular networking and social events, along with regular meetings with industry experts for updates on corporate growth best practices and operational excellence.

Tel: 813-205-077

acgtampabay.admin@acg.org

Association for Talent Development (ATD) – Florida Suncoast Chapter

http://atdsuncoast.org/

The Florida Suncoast chapter of ATD is an association of workplace learning and performance professionals from all types of organizations. The group promotes career advancement through monthly programs, special interest groups, and community volunteer opportunities. Members have access to a newsletter, a directory, and job postings.

HR Tampa

https://www.hrtampa.org/

This group is the Tampa Bay affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), a global association of human resources professionals. HR Tampa has more than 600 local-area members. Its monthly meetings feature presentations on various topics related to the field, and members also have access to networking happy hours, educational expos, and other professional and career resources. Local jobs are listed on the website’s ‘Career Center’ tab.

admin@hrtampa.org

National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) – Tampa Bay Chapter

http://tampabmbaa.org/about-tampa-bmbaa/

The National Black MBA Association has more than 40 chapters throughout the United States. It serves as a support network for black MBA graduates and students via professional development programs, monthly meetings and networking events, as well as scholarship awards. Although an MBA is not required to join the organization, 65% of members hold MBA degrees. A job board lists local openings.

http://tampabmbaa.org/contact-us/

Project Management Institute– Tampa Bay Chapter

https://pmitb.org/

The Project Management Institute was founded to provide a network of project management expertise for its members. The Tampa Bay chapter holds monthly meetings, sponsors volunteer programs and maintains a jobs database for members. Contact information is available on the website.

Prospanica – Tampa Bay Chapter

https://members.prospanica.org/group/TampaBayy

Prospanica, formerly the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, provides career-networking opportunities for Hispanic business professionals. It provides a current listing of job openings, a career resource center, scholarships, meetings, events, and news.

alltampabay@prospanica.org

https://www.facebook.com/ProspanicaTampaBay

https://www.linkedin.com/company/prospanicatampabay

https://twitter.com/Prospanica

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – Tampa Bay Chapter

https://prsatampabay.org/

The society has professional and student members organized into more than 100 chapters nationwide, as well as 14 professional interest sections. Members have access to a wealth of professional development, career and networking opportunities. Contact information for current chapter leaders can be found on the website. The Tampa Bay chapter is one of Florida’s largest professional organizations for public relations practitioners, serving nearly 200 members across west-central Florida. Members represent business and industry, counseling firms, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and non-profit organizations.

Small Business Administration – Pinellas County

https://sbdctampabay.com/pinellas

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED), assists existing and emerging businesses in Pinellas county, through no-cost confidential business consulting, information, and low-cost training. The Florida SBDC at PCED Center is part of the Florida SBDC at University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business region. Whether starting, buying, growing or selling a business, the Florida SBDC at USF has what entrepreneurs need to grow and succeed. Consultants can assist entrepreneurs in a variety of business areas, including: marketing, business certification, capital access, market diversification, developing strategic business plans, export services, and web optimization.

Society for Marketing Professional Services – Tampa Bay Chapter

https://smpstampabay.com/

The local chapter of this national organization provides many resources for marketing professionals, including educational programs, networking opportunities, leadership opportunities, volunteer opportunities, mentoring, original industry research and the monthly journal Marketer. The organization celebrates exceptional members with annual awards and provides a members-only list of job postings.

Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) – Tampa Bay Chapter

http://tampabay.issa.org/

The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) is an international organization of information security professionals and practitioners. It provides educational forums, publications and networking opportunities for its members, who include practitioners at all levels of the security field in a broad range of industries, including communications, education, health care, manufacturing, financial and government.

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2773931

ISACA – West Florida Chapter

https://www.westfloridaisaca.org/

ISACA is a professional association serving a broad range of IT governance professionals around the world. Positions include IS auditor, consultant, educator, IS security professional, regulator, chief information officer and internal auditor. Members range from those new to the field to the most senior ranks. They work in nearly all industry categories, including financial and banking, public accounting, government and the public sector, utilities and manufacturing. Member benefits include access to research in the field, professional certification and development opportunities, and networking events.

Society for Information Management (SIM) – Tampa Bay

https://chapter.simnet.org/tampabay/home

The Society for Information Management (SIM) offers face-to-face meetings and networking programs, such as the SIMposium and CIO roundtables. It maintains online tools, including on-demand webinars and a virtual library of industry whitepapers, and publishes SIM News and MIS Quarterly Executive, filled with up-to-date IT news

Women in Technology International (WITI) Tampa Bay

https://www.witi.com/networks/tampa

WITI is the world’s leading trade association for tech-savvy women, working to empower and support women in business and technology through professional development and networking opportunities. The group offers online and in-person events, listed on the website.

Serve Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. https://nlctb.org/ As a nonprofit organization that exists to support the nonprofit sector, we offer programs that develop and connect nonprofit leaders to strengthen organizations and our community.

Tampa Bay Tech

Established in 2000, Tampa Bay Tech (formerly known as the Tampa Bay Technology Forum) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest technology councils, and the engine uniting our members in growing our community’s engagement, pride, talent & opportunity pipeline.

Interviewing

Interviewing can be stressful. Preparation and practice are key to good performance and reduced stress. Tip number one is to not let your first interview be your first time actually answering interview questions!

At this point, you should have already researched the company and studied the job description. If you have not already done so, compile the following information prior to your interview:

What products and/or services are sold or produced by the firm?
What is the firm’s ownership (publicly or privately owned), whether the company is part of a larger firm, and the location of the firm’s headquarters?
Know the latest and most impactful industry and company trends.
Know the firm’s market position and who the major customers and competitors are.

Prepping for your interview

Prepare a list of questions you are likely to be asked and a list of skills and accomplishments you would like to highlight. Incorporate specific examples of your highlight-worthy skills and accomplishments into the answers to these potential questions. Write out your responses to these questions and confirm your answers are structured in the STAR method. See these links for a list of possible questions:
13 Common Interview Questions & Their Impressive Answers
This is the best answer I ever received to ‘Tell me about yourself’—after 20 years of interviewing
How to Answer the 31 Most Common Interview Questions
Wild Card Interview Questions
What Questions Should You Ask Them? Here’s what Forbes suggests.

Tips

Practice saying your responses out loud to hear how they sound and make the answer less scripted and more how you naturally speak.
Practice in front of a mirror. Or, better yet, videotape yourself so you can properly analyze your verbal and physical responses. If you, like most people, get nervous during interviews check out these videos. In-person interviews: Tips from outer appearance to inner confidence and Your body language may shape who you are.
Given today’s world, you need to rock video interviews.
Practice with friends or family, or schedule an appointment with me!

Tips for all Interviews

Nearby, have a copy of your resume, the job description, and a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Here are 51 Great Questions to Ask in an Interview.

Pro-tip: download the job description BEFORE you apply to it. Some sites will not let you download it after the posting has ended.

Be prepared with your calendar in the event you are invited to set up another interview.
Remember that you are always being evaluated. This includes group activities, meals, when checking in for the interview, etc. Be respectful to everyone.
Set the tone for a successful interview. Build rapport in the first 5 seconds by introducing yourself confidently. Make eye contact, extend your hand for a handshake, and say, “Hello, I’m (insert your name here).”
Do not put your belongings on the interview desk.
Listen actively and avoid interrupting the interviewer. Think out your responses before answering and ask for clarification if needed.
Be prepared to answer the same question several times as you may meet with several people over the course of the day. Maintain enthusiasm in your voice and consistency in your responses.
Keep in mind that the interview is a two-way street. Be observant. What is the atmosphere like? Are employees friendly?
If you receive a verbal offer on the spot, it’s usually better to think about the offer before accepting or declining. Ask for written confirmation and communicate when you expect to make a decision.

There are many types of interviews including phone or video, one-on-one, panel, group, over a meal, on-site or second round, and working interviews where you are put to work and observed. Knowing what type of interview you are invited to will help you prepare. See below for tips for different interview types.

Phone Interviews

Schedule the interview for a time where you can take the call in a quiet place and be 100% focused.
Check your connection prior to the interview.
Stand up during your phone interview as this allows you to take deeper breaths and convey more confidence in your voice.
Smile—it will come through in your voice.
Have the company website open on your computer to reference.

Video Interviews

In addition to the above, read this, and especially the following:
To maintain eye contact, look at your camera, not the screen
Dress from head to toe as though you were having an in-person interview.
Be aware of your background. It should be neutral and uncluttered.
Pay attention to your body language, and smile!

After the Interview

Within two days of the interview (24 hours if possible), send a thank-you note/email to the person in charge of the interview process with copies to the others involved. Mention what you appreciated from the day’s activities and reiterate your interest in the position and the organization. Check out Forbes article on Mastering The Art Of The Follow-Up Email In The Job Interview Process
A week after sending the thank-you, you may contact the employer to show your continued interest and ask if there is any additional information you can provide.
If the employer does not respond within the expected time frame, you may phone or email the person who interviewed you to ask about your status.

*Remember, don’t stop applying for jobs while you wait to hear back from your interview. Most job seekers experience rejection before landing a job. If this job didn’t work out for you, no worries, learn from your mistakes and keep applying until you get the right offer. Worst case scenario, you’ll be juggling multiple job offers.

You received a job offer. Now what?

Emphasize your gratitude and ask for time to review the details of the offer. If you received a verbal job offer, request to have it in writing. Once you receive a written offer, ask how do you have to give your final answer. The typical time allotment for review is one to two days. Be cautious of any company that provides less or tries to rush you into making a decision. Here are some more tips for receiving a job offer via voicemail, live phone call, and mail.

During your review, take a moment to evaluate whether this position is the right fit for you. If you’re on the fence, consider these 10 Reasons to Turn Down a Job Offer. When making your decision, evaluate these aspects of the offer:

Compensation. Pay isn’t the only factor to consider, but it is important.
Benefits and Perks. If you are unsure of the offered benefits, ask for clarification and inquire about the details of each benefit. How much of the benefit costs are provided by the company, and how much you are expected to contribute?

Work schedule and Travel. Make sure you can commit to the work hours, any travel required for the position, and the commute to and from work.

Company Culture. Do the values, beliefs, and behaviors of leaders and employees complement your personal style and future goals.

Career Path. Examine what this position means for your overall career plan. Is there an opportunity to grow within the company or will taking this position likely lead to later advancement opportunities outside of the company? Is there the threat of being pigeonholed?

Personal circumstances. Consider any applicable personal circumstances that may prevent you from being successful in this role.

Salary Negotiation

You’ve decided the job and the company is a good fit for you. Now it’s time to enter the salary negotiation process. A great way to begin the conversation with your future employers is to say “I’ve considered the offer and it’s a great opportunity. I wish to discuss the details more carefully. When can we set up a time to speak?”

For information on what your next steps should be. Here is a full LinkedIn learning course on Negotiating Your Salary (access it free through your MyUSF account). Also, check out these short clips from other LinkedIn Learning courses.

And this Glassdoor articles on How to Negotiate Your Salary

Resources to help you determine an appropriate salary

Bureau of Labor Statistics is one of the most reliable sources for wage data. To find wage data hover over the “Subjects” tab, then under the “Pay & Benefits” subsection select “Wage by Area & Occupation.” You will then have a variety of ways to search for the wage range.
Job Search Intelligence(JSI) database.
Use Salary.com to get salary estimates by providing your job title and location.
Glassdoor is another resource to find salary data (grain of salt).

If you are relocating for your new position, Homefair.com allows you to research your new location.

If you are already in your position, read How To Negotiate More Money After Accepting A Low Salary—And Other Common Career Negotiation Questions Answered. If you are not getting the raise or promotion you would like, consider moving on. For more details, I’ll refer you to the article This Is One Decision That Can Absolutely Ruin Your Career Success.

Accepting a job offer and what’s next

Write an acceptance letter

Sure you’ve verbally accepted the offer, but it’s best to put it in writing. Whether via email or mailing a letter, it’s important that you restate the terms of the offer and express your enthusiasm to join the company. In your acceptance letter, it’s also a good idea to state your appreciation for the time and effort your new employer has dedicated to the process of hiring you.

Notify your manager and submit your formal resignation letter

Before you tell the coworkers you are best buds with, you should give your boss the professional courtesy of notifying him or her first and asking how they would like to handle your resignation. During this encounter, it is best to provide your boss with a copy of your resignation letter and provide an additional copy to the appropriate person in human resources.

See this link for a resignation letter sample: https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/salaries-and-skills/how-to-write-a-resignation-letter.

Don’t ghost other employers

If you’ve been interviewing for positions with other employers, notify them that you’ve accepted a job offer elsewhere. As you withdraw your applications express appreciation for their consideration.

Maintain your network

You’ve put a lot of work into developing and nurturing your relationships with your soon-to-be former coworkers and bosses. Don’t forget them as you move along to your next professional endeavor. Keep these professionals in your network by providing them with your contact information and connecting with them on LinkedIn.

Train your replacement and leave on a high note

Before you leave your position, its common professional courtesy to facilitate the transition. Don’t coast during your last two weeks. Finish strong by getting involved with training your replacement, and leave detailed notes and instructions. Make an effort to thank your colleges for the experience and ensure you properly clean your workstation and organize all your paper and electronic files.

Reach out to your new manager

If there’s silence during the few weeks after you accept your offer and before you start your first day, reach out to your new boss. Ask if there’s any paperwork you need to complete, confirm when and where you would report, and ask how you can prepare.

Find a Mentor

Having a positive role model and mentor can help take you and your career from good to GREAT! However, finding the right mentor can be tough, and developing a cherished relationship is time-consuming.

Developing a sound mentor/mentee relationship is all about giving back to each other. This is not a one-way street. You get what you give. If you are looking to develop a mentor/mentee relationship I recommend you read 99U’s article This Is Why You Don’t Have a Mentor.

More tips on mentorship

Consider joining the KTCOB WALI Mentorship Program. Contact me for information about our next cohort! *Both men and women are encouraged to apply!

Maximize Your Strengths

At the beginning of your graduate journey, you completed the Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessment. How have you been refining and maximizing your talent into strengths? Gallup defines strengths as those activities for which one can provide consistent, near-perfect performance. Strengths are composed of skills, knowledge, and talent. According to Gallup, people who use their strengths at work are six times more likely to be engaged employees and three times as likely to report having a better quality of life.

To build a talent into a strength it takes investment, in the form of time, reflection, and development. If you look at your strengths and then put them away, you are not able to actively engage them in your daily life. Put your Top 5 Talent list somewhere you will see them each day! Include them in your email signature, LinkedIn profile, or on your resume.

Spend time reflecting on your talent and how to apply it. Here are some resources to help you continue to grow your talents:

Gallup Strengths Portal: usfsp.gallup.com

Read the ebook from Gallup
Review short vignettes on your top talents
Create an action plan using your talents