Call Waiting

Toilet Flushing? For Real?

Check out this CNN article about reasons not to hire someone.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/05/12/cb.interview.misakes/index.html

New Job Sites

I have just stumbled across a list of job-sites compiled by the AYA career network.  Until IT has the time to add these to our official site, you can check them out here.  There are some sites included that we haven't run across previously, including overseas jobs, government jobs and consulting jobs.  Haven't found the existing list of job sites? Check that out here.

Phone Interviews

Many employers use phone interviews as a first step in their application process. Some organizations will interview 10-12 individuals by phone and then invite a handful of those for in person interviews.  Others interview only a few people by phone, intending to bring all or most out for an in-person interview.  Regardless of how competitive the situation is (or feels) phone interviewing need not be a daunting practice!  A few tips to consider:

• Make sure that all the members of your household (family, roommates) understand the timing of the interview.  You don’t need a vacuum cleaner or loud music as the background music to your interview! 
• If it's possible to use a land-line phone for the interview, do so.  If planned in advance, you are welcome to use my office land-line as a place to do a pre-planned interview. 
• If you're using your cell-phone, plan the interview as if it were on a land-line.  Go into a single room and stay put.  Warn your interviewers that you are using a cell phone. If it cuts out, then, they will not be surprised.  If it will be necessary for you to take the cell phone interview while on campus (because there isn't time to make it home) see me to arrange for some quiet space to do this. In many cases, I can hand over my office, or find you some other space on campus.
• Cell phones and cordless land-lines should be well charged!
• Sit at a desk or table for the interview.  You will sound more professional if you feel more professional. Lounging on the sofa tends to detract from feeling professional!
• In the same vein, some people have found that dressing up a little makes them feel more professional which translates into more confidence.
• If it's a committee interview, you will likely begin the interview by being introduced to members of the committee. Some organizations actually send you this information ahead of time (we love them!) but others give it to you for the first time at the interview itself.  Many veteran interviewees have found it helpful to write down the names as you hear them, and even to place them as seats around the imaginary table.
• Because they can't see you, you can go into this interview prepared with notes.  If you can predict a few questions, you may want to write out a few talking points (about your educational philosophy, for example, or your vision for youth ministry.) You can also have a copy of the resume and cover letter that you sent them in front of you so that you can refer to it where appropriate.
• Don't eat, drink or smoke during the interview. Try to limit coughing and throat clearing.
• There will be dead time in a phone interview.  It's okay. They are probably just taking notes on what you said--no need to panic. If it gets awkward, ask them a question.
• Be prepared with a few questions for them. Most phone interviews end with time for these. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the church or organization, and also to demonstrate your insight into their current situation. If you have done your research, you'll have some great questions--remember, you can write them down ahead of time!
• A phone interview is an interview.  Send a thank you note afterward.
• Want practice? We have several lovely alums in a variety of denominations and fields who would be happy to interview you by phone and give you feedback. Just say the word!

Negotiating

Negotiating an offer in ministry, non-profit work or college/high school work is a different ball game from doing so in the world of business.  This article give some good suggestions to new professors about doing so. The bottom line is this: churches and non-profits and small schools have little to negotiate in terms of salary.  You may, however, be able to negotiate other things up-front that will make that salary stretch farther, or make your life more pleasant or productive. A small sampling of things recent grads have negotiated

• clergy making a large chunk of income as housing allowance---significantly reducing tax liability. Spouse or partner covers most living expenses (doesn't work so well for the single folks).
• Permission to bring infants/toddlers to  work with mom/dad part time.
• Free enrollment in church-owned day care for child.
• Work day that begins at noon and goes to eight
• more study leave.
• four ten-hour days instead of 5-8 hour days.
• remodeled office
• new computer
• A quarterly "retreat day" that doesn't count against study leave or vacation.
• Church accountant to prepare clergy taxes.
• metro-pass
• church-paid spiritual direction.
• Flex schedule to allow participation in a degree program.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

The office of Career Services, with substantial financial help from the Silliman Fund and the Office of the University Chaplain along with great cooperation from Berkeley Divinity School and the Student Book Supply  has invited writer

Nora Gallagher
to YDS to speak about writing and vocation.  Those of you who find your vocation calling in writing and those of you that have found writing as part of your path to another vocation will not want to miss this!

February 28 (Wednesday) at 7:30 p.m. in Marquand Chapel.

This has been scheduled to dovetail with Berkeley Eucharist (there will be food in between the two events!).   

Nora's books Things Seen and Unseen and Practicing Resurrection have been helpful to many as they consider their vocational calls. For more information about Nora, check out her web page.  Nora will be addressing undergraduate students earlier that day, and is on the East Coast as part of a tour of many seminaries and churches.  Her new book Changing Light, a work of fiction, will be published in early February.   

Networking

Every  year, as part of the graduation placement survey, I ask students how they found their new job.  While a few students indicate other methods, ninety percent of students list one of the following:

• denominational lists
• YDS job lists
• acquaintances, friends and family

Most of us know what denominational lists are, and how to be added to YDS' job lists, but who are these fabulous friends and acquaintances helping lucky grads land fabulous work? Are some grads just lucky to have well-connected friends?   

Some are. But most of the folks who found work through their friends and acquaintances used a variety of networking skills to cultivate these relationships.  For advice on how to do that, keep reading!

Jobs In K-12 Education

Jobs in the K-12 sector include private and parochial teaching jobs, private and parochial chaplaincies, and private and parochial administrative jobs (such as development, guidance counseling, publications). 

Episcopal Elegance in Interviewing Attire (okay, I'm really running out of titles)

New! Another addition to the Episcopal question. This rector from the northeast writes:

n my area appropriate attire for interviewing for a clergy position in a larger and more formal parish would be a suit and clergy shirt - usually a black suit. For women, most appropriate would be a black suit with a skirt, stockings, and pumps. For a smaller and much less formal parish or a college chaplaincy a woman could wear an outfit that is well matched with for example, a jacket and either a skirt or pants and clergy shirt but if dressing in this manner, it should look neat. Men might wear a clergy shirt and sports jacket for an interview at such a place.

Baptists Break it Down

A New England Baptist Pastor offers this:

"Personally, and as a Baptist, I don't care what people wear to an interview as long as they are clean and not dressed in ragged, baggy clothes. However, don't tell them that!! For men, a suit or sport coat and tie (no jeans)is appropriate and for women, a pants suit or a business suit. Don't wear sneakers or jeans to an interview.

UCCs Chat On Clothing

This UCC church made it into a staff discussion. They cover the full realm--from what one should wear to work on a day to day basis to what one wears to an interview. Enjoy! (This advice is from a multi-staff church)

"Well, we had some fun discussing this at staff meeting and this is the word
from the UCC in the suburbs of Chicago. We pretend to be more casual and
laid back than we really are.