Welcome to Getting Started with the Mississippi State University Career Center Connections software.
This software is designed to assist you and the employer in completing a successful job search. As with
anything worthwhile, the job search process takes time and planning. Keep in mind; this is a process that w
ill continue for a lifetime.
| 2. Connections Homepage Overview |
The Connections homepage is the heart of the job search process. Taking time to view it now will
make your job search process more efficient. The tabs across the top will guide you to specific sections.
Under the announcements banner we have listed important documents and instructions. Please take the
time to review these.
Quick Links will take you to areas you will use most often.
Alerts will notify you of actions that need to be taken on your part.
You can also access your calendar and provide feedback to the Career Center from the homepage.
HELP buttons are located on each page with information specific to that page to further assist you.
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| 3. Completing Connections Registration |
- Go to www.career.msstate.edu
- Click on Login to Connections, The Career Center online
- Log in (Username = NetID; Password = your P.I.N.)
- You will be taken to the "Connections" homepage
- Click on My Profile
- Complete the fields under the Personal tab and click Save Changes
- Complete the fields under the Academic Information tab and click Save Changes
- Complete the fields under the Privacy tab and click Save Changes
All fields in red must be completed. On the right side of the screen is a completion box.
Completed items are indicated by a green check. Items not
yet completed are indicated by a red X.
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| 4. Writing and Uploading a resume for Connections |
The resume is arguably one of the most important documents you will ever design and complete.
In many cases, the presentation of your resume is the main source of information an employer
has in selecting an interviewee. Time and effort spent now will provide great dividends in the future.
If you have not developed a resume or wish to view some tips on resume design go to
The Connections Handbook.
Other links may be found at
Resume and Interview Online Resources .
Keep in mind, your resume in Connections is going to be converted into PDF format. To view tips on
formatting your resume for PDF format, go to Resume Tips.
To view your resume in PDF format you will need Adobe Acrobat. You can download this free of charge at
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html .
Once you have completed your resume, you may have it critiqued in the Career Center. Please allow the
staff two or three days to complete this process. Once you are ready to upload your resume go to the
Connections Homepage.
- Click on Documents Tab at top of page
- Click on Add New
- Complete Title field for resume
- Click on Browse to select your resume file to upload
- Click Submit
You are now registered with The Career Center!
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| 5. Navigating Connections |
The best way to become familiar with the software is to experience it. On each screen you will find a help button.
This button will take you to information related to that page and answer FAQ's. Additional questions and assistance is
provided under the Announcements section of your Connections homepage.
A direct link to the Career Center is also provided under the Feedback section of the homepage.
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| 6. Reviewing Jobs and Scheduling On-Campus Interviews |
Many companies visit our campus each semester to interview qualified candidates for positions within
their company. For most jobs this is a four week process that takes action on the student's part.
This process is explained at Scheduling On-Campus Interviews .
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| 7. Timeline and Schedule for On-Campus Interview Sign-ups |
The successful job search begins with understanding how and when employers select candidates to interview.
You can review the timelines for interview sign-ups at Employer Sign-up Dates .
Once the semester begins, it is a good idea to login to the system on a daily basis to keep you informed and up-to-date.
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| 8. How to review job postings for companies not coming on campus |
Many companies do not have the time or resources to travel to campus to interview. That does not mean they
are not in a hiring mode. Organizations can post positions on the Connections software for your review. You
can then submit your resume, cover letter, and other required information online to the company. This process
is explained at Job Postings .
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