Skills Employers Want and New Graduates Lack: Bridging the Gap

I read an article recently about a 2009 survey conducted by the National Association of College and Employers. In it, employers rank ordered the following as the skills they most want in their new hires:

• Communication skills
• Strong work ethic
• Teamwork skill
• Initiative
• Analytical skills
• Computer skills
• Flexibility/adaptability
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Technical skills

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Polish Your Résumé

A week or two ago, the following cover letter was emailed to me:

Hi Michael,

My name is Sarah Parrish I am a current CLU graduate student, I talked to you over the pnone in regards to the Student Peer Advisor position, but as I am no longer a UCSB student I do not qualify.  Attached you will find my resume as you have reuested.  I hope we can work something out.  I would like to volunteer or intern if at all possible.

Hours of Availability: 8:00AM to 11:30AM  Mon.-Fri.

Thank you,

Sarah Parrish

CLU graduate student

Oh my gosh!
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E-mailing Your Cover Letter and Résumé

E-mail communication has become increasingly popular in the job application process. Professional e-mail is very different from casual email or instant messaging. First, here are some general tips:

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Do I Have to Write a Cover Letter?

Students often ask me this question.

It is the wrong question.

You should be asking “Can I write a cover letter?” (more…)

Applying for Jobs

The next few weeks will be devoted to helping you put together a dynamite application/cover letter/résumé package. Typically this is your first introduction to an employer, so you want the package to be pitch perfect and to stand out from the crowd. When employers are receiving 70 to 100 applications for a single job, making yours stand out is critical.

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