Career Development & Placement Center Newsletter
Spring 2007… Volume VII

The new CDPC webpage now offers students interested in short term goals and/or CCSF certificates, a chance to view occupational information in either English or Spanish. Éxito = Success is a short questionnaire that assists students in finding occupations in their interest areas.

Welcome to the Career Information Fair

Local employers will be attending and reaching out to CCSF students with both career and job information and referrals. CDPC will also sponsor special seminars for student in preparation for this annual event. To find out more about the career fair please contact the Center at 239-3117 or drop by the Science building, room 127.

Getting the Most Out of the Career Information Fair: Tips and Hints

Dress Professionally and Speak Clearly
First impressions can be lasting impressions, so remember to dress appropriately and communicate clearly.

Bring copies of your Resume
Be prepared; bring copies of your resume. If you have not updated your resume or feel that you need assistance, make an appointment to see a career counselor ASAP. Call 239-3117 to make an appointment with a career counselor located at the Ocean or John Adams Campus.

Ask Questions
Most employer recruiters will ask you “if you have any questions?” It’s important to have a few ready to show that you are truly interested and serious about your career plans. Here are a few to think about:

Market yourself
Introduce yourself demonstrating confidence, good communication skills, organized and focused questions and a short description of your skills and talents.

Follow-up
If you are interested, ask for a business card so that you can send a thank you note within 24 hours of the Career Information Fair. Again, career counselors can assist you in writing this and other job search correspondence.

Relax!
Explore, look, listen and learn. You never know what career opportunities and ideas can come from a Career Fair.

Online Job Placement Referrals
If you are looking for work, volunteering or interning but haven’t had time to stop by the Career Center located in S127 on the Ocean Campus then check out the following websites:

Career Connection: This website offers a variety of local employers advertising for both part-time, full-time jobs and/or internships – career.ccsf.edu
MonsterTrak: This is a MONSTER, password protected website that works specifically with colleges. To receive the password for MonsterTrak please email careerchat@ccsf.edu.
CCSF Work-Study/Lab Aid Jobs: To see what is available for CCSF student on any of the CCSF campuses please go to www.jobs@ccsf.edu.

All of these websites links can also be found on the student and alumni page of the CDPC webpage: www.ccsf.edu/Services/CDPC.

What Are “Soft Skills”?
In today’s competitive labor market, employers are seeking qualified applicants that possess more than the technical skills students learn in their courses, certificates and degree programs. In fact employers report that they are looking for applicants with the following employability skills (i.e. “soft skills”):