Career Resources

We can assist you in creating a brand new resume or editing/updating your current resume. If you need to start a new resume, download the formatted resume Word document. Since the document is already formatted, all you need to do is type in your information over what is already formatted and then e-mail it to us at careercenter@sy61258.com. If you are creating a resume for a specific job, be sure to include a link to the job you are applying for.

If you need assistance updating or editing your current resume, e-mail it to us at careercenter@sy61258.com, and we can provide you with feedback on your resume. Be sure to let us know if you are applying for a specific job so we can assist you in tailoring your resume to that specific position.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, check out our Resume Writing Resource. 

If you need to create a cover letter, download our cover letter Word document to get started. Also, check out our Cover Letter Basics to learn more about what you should include in your cover letter and the basic format of a cover letter. Remember, it is important to tailor your cover letter to the specific position you are applying for. We do not suggest sending out the same cover letter for every position you apply for. 

We are happy to review your cover letter once you have a rough draft done, e-mail your cover letter to us at careercenter@sy61258.com. If you can, include a link to the position that you are applying for.

Online job applications can be confusing and frustrating to complete. When completing job applications online, we recommend following these tips:

• Stay Organized. Create a folder, notebook, or Word document with your login information for each application that you complete. Also, make a note of when you submitted the application so you can follow up in a timely manner.
• Allow Yourself Time. Give yourself at least an hour to complete the application.
• Read the Instructions Carefully. Do not rush through the application. Try and complete all fields on the application. 
• Add in Relevant Work Experience and Skills. Even if this information is on your resume, you still need to add this to an application. Why? Because there are other questions asked on a job application that you do not include on your resume, including why you left a position, your supervisor's contact information, and salary information.
• Attach Documents as PDFs. Unless otherwise stated, upload your resume and other application documents as a PDF to ensure that the formatting will not change and that your documents will be able to be opened.
• Complete the Entire Process. Do not skip sections of the application, and be sure you fully submit your application.
• Be Prepared for Tests. Some applications require behavioral or technical testing as part of the application process.
• Proofread What You Type. Reread what you have typed on your application and make sure there are no spelling or grammar errors.
• Follow Up. Once you have submitted your application, either log back into the employment site to check the status or contact the hiring manager or company within a week of submission.

You can schedule an appointment with us if you need assistance completing a job application. Call us at 505-566-3423 or e-mail us at careercenter@sy61258.com. 

We highly recommend completing a mock interview to practice before your scheduled job interview. Mock interviews are also a great way to practice your interview skills and get feedback on how to be successful. Remember, practice is the only way to improve your interview skills.

• First, we recommend completing a SJC Get Hired mock interview. This is a great first step for our staff to assess your interview skills. Please contact our office at 505-566-3423 or e-mail us at careercenter@sy61258.com, and we will provide you directions on how to record your interview and share it with us for feedback.
• Once you have completed your video mock interview in SJC Get Hired, our staff will provide you with feedback to improve your interview skills. You can continue to practice your interview skills in SJC Get Hired with as many practice interviews as you like.
• If you have an interview with an employer, we can schedule a face-to-face mock interview in our office. Please call or e-mail us to schedule an appointment and let us know what position you are applying for so we can prepare relevant questions to ask you during your mock interview.

The STAR Interview Technique is a great way to answer behavioral questions successfully. Your Guide to Interview Success to learn more about the STAR Technique and to see an example of how to use this when answering behavioral-based interview questions.

Career Fairs are a great way to network with employers face-to-face. The Center for Student Careers & Employment hosts a large Career & Internship Fair with over 80 employers each Spring. Be sure to check out our Calendar of Events for the next upcoming Career & Internship Fair.

To be successful at a Career Fair:

• Have Your Resume Prepared. Make sure your resume is updated, and you have printed out several copies to hand out to employers. In this instance, it would be okay to have a general base resume that includes your relevant skills and experience related to whatever industry you are interested in. Print your resumes on business paper or linen paper for a nice presentation.
• Dress for Success. Plan out what you will wear to the Career Fair. Business casual is the best option. You will be meeting employers face to face and want to make a positive first impression.
• Make a Plan. We provide a map and list of the employers that will be attending our Career & Internship Fair a week in advance. We post this map and list it on our Facebook page as well as on SJC Get Hired.
• Practice Your Elevator Pitch. How will you introduce yourself to an employer? You want to be sure and shake their hand, state your name and your status or situation (are you a current student? or recent grad?), what your goals and why you are interested in applying with that employer. It is called an elevator pitch because it should take no longer than 30 seconds to state this information.
• Arrive Early. Do not wait to show up to the Career Fair in the last hour. Plan on coming when the Career Fair starts.
• Be Enthusiastic. Attitude is everything. Employers take notice of candidates who are excited about their job opportunities and company.
• Collect Business Cards. Be sure to grab the business cards of employers you are interested in applying with. 
• Connect with Employers. Once the Career Fair is over, be sure you connect with employers on LinkedIn.

What is the best way to introduce yourself to an employer? You want to approach the employer, shake their hand, and introduce yourself. An elevator pitch is a great way to introduce yourself to an employer. 

Think of an elevator pitch as your 30-60 second personal commercial. You want to include:

• Name
• Current situation or status. Are you a current student? Recent graduate or a career change?
• State your goals and experiences or skills that are related to the company or position
• State why you are interested in applying with the company

Delivering a successful elevator pitch takes practice. Feel free to contact us if you need help creating or practicing your elevator pitch.

If you are looking for a full-time or part-time job or internship, SJC Get Hired is your source for targeted job postings for San Juan College students and alumni.

Our staff handpicks job opportunities that are relevant to San Juan College degree programs and certificates. We include job postings in our local four corners area, the state of New Mexico, and nationwide.

SJC Get Hired features:

• Targeted job postings that are updated daily
• Job recommendations based on your job searches within the system
• Customizable profile
• Ability to upload your resumes and cover letters
• Access to an employer directory
• Ability to schedule appointments with the Center for Student Careers and Employment
• Latest news and events at the Center for Student Careers and Employment

Check out our SJC Get Hired Students on how to access SJC Get Hired.

If you are having any issues logging into your SJC Get Hired account, please contact our office at 505-566-3423 or e-mail us at careercenter@sy61258.com. 

LinkedIn is a social media network for professionals. Think of it like a Facebook for your career. By creating a LinkedIn account, you can connect with people you know as well as professionals within companies and industries that you are interested in.

Setting up a LinkedIn account is simple.

1. Go to LinkedIn.
2. Click on Join Now.
3. Enter your e-mail address and set up a password.
4. Enter your first and last name.
5. Enter your zip code.
6. Complete your profile by adding your most recent job title or college information.

For more information on setting up a successful LinkedIn profile, check out these tips. 

You can begin to build job experience and skills in several ways. It is a good idea to build work experiences throughout your time at San Juan College, so upon graduation, you will have a solid resume and a good amount of job skills.

A few ways to gain work experience are:

Student Employment

• Student Employment or work-study positions are part-time positions mostly on campus and at a few select off-campus partners. Most of these positions are flexible with a student's academic schedule.

Internships

• Internships are an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the workplace or in your field of study.
• Internships allow you to network and learn more about your career path to see if it matches you. 
• Internships can offer academic credit, pay, or a stipend.
• To find internships, log in to SJC Get Hired or check out the New Mexico Workforce Connection Internship Portal. You also might think about calling local businesses that match your field of study to see if they could offer you internship experience.

Volunteer

• Volunteering in the community is a great way to build work experience. Check out SJC Get Hired for volunteer opportunities.

Student Clubs

• Join a student club or organization or consider being part of the Associated Students of San Juan College or even a Student Event Coordinator or Event Intern. Check out Student Engagement and Campus Life for more information on how to become involved at San Juan College.

Are you interested in applying for a government job through usajobs.gov? The federal application process requires a bit more detail than most other job applications.

usajobs.gov is a great resource for information on the federal hiring process. Create a profile on usajobs.gov and begin searching for federal job opportunities.

If you need assistance creating a federal resume, download our formatted Federal Resume Word document. You will want to be sure and check out the information on What to Include in Your Federal Resume.

Employers utilize applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen large volumes of resumes and to conduct an initial screening of applicants. It is estimated that nearly 70% of resumes are rejected through applicant tracking systems. The key to getting your resume passed an automated system is to ensure that you have tailored your resume towards the specific job you are applying for. 

Tips on getting your resume passed an applicant screening system

• Ensure that keywords that appear in the job description are included on your resume. If the job description is seeking an individual who has customer service experience, be sure the words customer service appear on your resume. You can include critical keywords more than once but don't overdo it. 
• Include a skills section. Be sure you have a section dedicated to technical skills that you have that are mentioned in the job description. Make it clear that you have these skills, and don't bury them in paragraphs of text.
• Tailor your resume toward the specific job you are applying for. A generic resume won't do much for you if a company is using an applicant tracking system. You want to clearly show an employer that you have the skills and experience for the job you are applying for.
• Include accurate dates of employment. Be sure that you include accurate dates of employment, specifically month and year.
• Keep the format simple and easy to read. Avoid fancy graphics; instead, opt for a plain text format that will be easily digested by an applicant tracking system. The body text should be in at least 11-point font. Avoid text boxes and tables, as these can confuse an applicant tracking system.

Looking for ways to optimize your resume? Check out the Resume Optimizer, you can paste the text of your resume and the job title you are seeking to see how many keywords and skills are matched. You will also get suggestions on skills you might want to add to or emphasize in your resume. 

Remember, we can always review your resume and offer you feedback for improvements. E-mail your resume to us anytime at careercenter@sy61258.com. 

If you have a video or phone interview scheduled, you will want to prepare for your interview much like you would for a face-to-face interview. Remember, regardless of the type of interview, practicing is the only way to improve your interview skills.

Before the Interview

• Make sure you have the correct time zone
• Adjust the privacy setting so your username is available
• Make sure you have a reliable internet connection
• Test your webcam and microphone
• Ensure that you are in a location that is free from distractions. If you are doing a video interview, be sure the area around you is clean, and take down posters or materials that might be distracting or offensive

During the Interview

• Dress professionally as if you were going to be interviewing face-to-face
• Speak slowly and clearly
• Try to look at the camera and not your video image
• Position yourself in the center of the screen and avoid being too close to the webcam
• Have your resume, cover letter, job description, company research, and questions you have prepared to ask close by for reference

After the Interview

• Be sure you are disconnected from the call and your webcam is turned off
• Send a thank you e-mail to your interviewer

Helpful Tips

• Use a laptop or desktop computer instead of a phone or tablet
• Use a headset to minimize background noise
• Write down the STAR method on a sticky note and attach it to your screen so you can refer to it when answering questions
• If you are doing a phone interview, stand up and smile while talking. This will help your voice sound enthusiastic.

SJC Get Hired is a great way to practice interviewing for phone or video interviews. E-mail careercenter@sy61258.com, and our staff will provide you directions on how to access this practice interview platform.

You can schedule an appointment with the Center for Student Careers and Employment in several ways.

E-mail

• Send us an e-mail with your name, student ID, preferred appointment day and time, and what you need assistance with to careercenter@sy61258.com.

Call

• Contact our office at 505-566-3423

If you are unable to come in for an appointment due to a busy schedule or being a distance learning student, we can assist you via e-mail or video conferencing.