Resources for Diverse Populations | St. Cloud State University (2024)

These resources are good for anyone faced with the "overqualified" label or who has decided they need a change.

• Encore Careers
  • Free information and social tools to help individuals looking to transition to jobs in the nonprofit and private sector.
  • Job database is powered by Prime Careerbuilder, which focuses on baby boomers and can be accessed by the top tab "Find Your Encore Career" and selecting "Encore Career Finder".

• RetiredBrains
  Extensive database of jobs requiring senior level experience. Also offers resources on financial planning, health care and senior living.

• RetirementJobs
  Advice and a résumé database, free job search and a premium job search database. The job database does have some entry level jobs mixed in.

• What's Next
  Focus on those in mid-career or approaching retirement who want to make a career change. "Tools" section connects to job listings with executive jobs in the private and nonprofit sectors. Requires registration.

• Work from AARP
  Job database system listed with American Association of Retired Persons powered by retirementjobs.com, a website that helps job seekers connect with pre-screened age-friendly employers.
• Workingafter Retirement
  Dedicated to provide useful information to help older adults fulfill their retirement goals.

• GOLDSEA
  Organization is dedicated to the advancement of Asian American professionals. Web site has excellent articles on professional development, Asian American news, Asian American culture and media, and a career area. To get to the job database, click on "career" link in the top navigation.
• National Association of Asian American Professionals
  A professional development group aimed at advancing careers for Asian Americans through networking tools and resources. Organization offers scholarships, career fairs, networking conventions, webinars, and a job database.

• National Association of Black Accountants
• National Black M.B.A. Association
  Registration required for free job and résumé service.
• National Society of Black Engineers
• The Black E.O.E. Journal
  Organization dedicated to helping African-Americans within corporate America. Website offers leading African-American Business and Career magazine, conferences, career fairs and a job database to students.

• DiversityEmployers
  Career and self-development website targeted to recent college graduates as well as more experienced job seekers and professionals who seek information on careers, job opportunities, graduate or professional school, internships or co-ops, study abroad programs, and other employment and career advancement opportunities. Free, practical feature content, expert advice, employer information resources and tools for identifying and applying for jobs with employers who are interested in recruiting a diverse workforce.
• DiversityInc.com Career Center
  Find jobs in Minnesota through one of the leading diversity career centers. Post your job or résumé. Must be registered first.
• Equal Opportunity Publications Inc.
• Equality Magazine Publishing
  This organization publishes four magazines free to the public: The Black Perspective, Women in Business, Hispanic Today and Veterans Enterprise. Web site and magazine article links to employers' job announcement page.
• IMDiversity
  Useful resources organized in "villages" where each village focuses on a minority group that provides extensive resources.
• INSIGHT Into Diversity
  Magazine and articles.
• Internships, INROADS
  Organization helps ethnically diverse candidates gain entry into the corporate business world. Internship opportunities with its established corporate clients.
• MinorityJob
  Combines job listing and career information with news and information on civil rights, immigration, education, government and historical information. Job listing review allowed, but registration required for free job application account, which includes adding your résumé to their database.
• PharmaDiversity Job board
  Web site has an extensive job database for diverse students going into the pharmaceutical industry. Job search is free without registration but résumé posting requires users to be registered.
• Workplace Diversity

• HACE: The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement
  Allows job seekers to sign up for a free profile, upload résumé, e-newsletters, and attend regional career conferences and Latino Recruitment Series. Offers mentoring programs, leadership development, career guidance, professional development workshops, and scholarships.
• iHispano
  Organization is dedicated to helping Latino job seekers with their interviews, résumé and networking skills by offering a free Latino professional network and career toolkits. Users can view an extensive job and résumé database free of charge.
• LatPro
  Jobs for people who speak Spanish or are bilingual.
• Society for Advancement of Chicanos & Native Americans in Science
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
  The "leading social-technical organization whose primary function is to enhance and achieve the potential of Hispanics in engineering, math and science. SHPE promotes the development of Hispanics in engineering, science and other technical professions to achieve educational excellence, economic opportunity and social equity."
• Society of Latino Engineers & Scientists

Information on Optional Practical Training, Curricular Practical Training and the STEM Optional Practical Training Extension, is available through the Center for International Studies.

• Council on International Education Exchange
• Cultural Vistas
  Offers a variety of training, internship, employment and cultural exchange programs for international students seeking opportunities in the U.S
• Career Planning Resources for International Students
  Provided by Minnesota State
• Embassy
  A resource of and for the Washington, D.C., foreign embassy community.
• International Student Job Search
• LatPro
  Jobs for people who speak Spanish or are bilingual.
• My VISA Jobs
• TOP Bilingual Japanese Job Site
  A bilingual job site for students looking for Japanese related careers in the United States.
• United OPT
  Blog highlighting Fortune 500 companies actively seeking international students.

More detailed job searching information can be found on our Jobs page under International Students.

Tips for Interviewing with American Employers

Before the Interview:

First Impressions are extremely important. Aspects like your consideration of time, personal appearance, and quality of conversation are things that are culturally significant in an interviewer/interviewee relationship.

• Respect of Time (promptness and punctuality) is very important in American culture. Arrive for your interview 10-15 minutes early, however be prepared to wait! Arriving early means you can start exactly on time, this shows consideration and respect for the interviewer’s schedule.
• Eliminate distractions: Keeping cell phones away and silenced is a small gesture of respect to your interviewer. This is a nonverbal way of showing that you are respecting their time and are focused on them and this interview.
• Personal Appearance: Shake hands firmly, greet with a friendly smile, and dress professionally with combed hair, brushed teeth, and free of any body odor. These are things that U.S. employers typically relate to confidence and competence, which are important values in American culture.
• Quality of Conversation: Small talk is another great way to have a successful first impression! Allow an adequate window for small talk while you get settled into the interview space, then proceed with the interview
  • Listen first to the interviewer, they may start the small talk for you!
  • Show that you are listening through eye contact, nonverbal cues, and your responses.
  • Be respectful of boundaries and choose pleasant, general topics. Avoid personal matters, politics, religion, age, or nationality.
  • Small talk is a great opportunity to build, but be mindful of the interviewer’s time

While small talk is a great way to start the interview process, remember that keeping to the schedule and being mindful of the interviewer’s time is another cultural value here in the U.S.

Here are a few good examples of small talk:

• “How has your day been?” or “How are you?”
• Utilizing information gathered from around their office: Do they have a nice piece of art on the wall? Do you see a pet photo? It is appropriate to make a comment, “Oh your dog is so cute! I have one too! What is their name?”
• Location or layout of the office- “Wow! I love the view from your office!” or “I love the location here! After this I might have to ask you for restaurant recommendations”

During the Interview:

It is important to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities through examples while showing that you are relaxed and confident. The goal of this would be to emphasize the value you would bring to the team as well as how you would contribute to the organization as a whole.

• Draw on past experiences. When responding to questions in the interview, utilize your past experiences to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities. Utilize the job description to know what skills or experiences they are looking for in a candidate so you can prepare accordingly.
• Time: Be sure that you respond to the questions in a short but thorough manner. Some responses may need to be longer than others, but just be sure you are giving relevant information.
• Attitude: Confidence, competence, assertiveness, being at ease, and pleasant are all attitudes that are seen as important for interviewing.
• Ask Questions! Once the interview begins to wrap up, the interviewer typically asks if you have any questions. This is a great opportunity to showcase your listening skills as well as asking any questions that the interviewer didn't answer during the interview.
  • Do’s: Ask specific questions about the potential role, ask about the interviewer’s experience with the company, ask one or two thoughtful questions that show you are trying to learn more about the company and how you would fit in best.
  • Don'ts: Ask questions that you could learn with a bit of research, ask questions for clearly self-serving reasons, ask too many questions (be mindful of their time).

After the Interview:

• Send a prompt thank you card. This shows that you were appreciative of their time and look forward to being invited back for a second interview or to hearing from them about the next steps in the hiring process. These should be done quickly after an interview (within a few days) and should be polite and gracious.

Additionally: Know your rights as an international student!

In the U.S., it is illegal for interviewers to ask questions on immigration status, age, nationality, or marital status. It is ok for them to ask if you are authorized to work in the U.S. and if you will need visa sponsorship now or in the future. Be sure to be knowledgeable about your work authorization and be prepared to explain the process of authorizing work and to be clear about the employer’s responsibilities in the process. If employers ask illegal interview questions, stay pleasant and keep your answers general!

Here are a few samples of illegal interview questions:

• https://www.preemploymentassessments.com/illegal-interview-questions/
• https://zety.com/blog/illegal-interview-questions

Illegal Questions:

• Are you a U.S. citizen?
• Where were you born?
• What’s your ethnic background?
• Can you send your birth certificate?
• How did you learn Spanish?
• Are your parents from the US?

Legal Questions:

• Are you legally allowed to work in the US?
• Can you read, write, and speak in English?
• Do you have any other names?
• If we hire you, can you show proof of citizenship?
• What education do you have?
• What experience qualifies you for this job?
• Do you have licenses and certifications for this job?

St. Cloud State University's LGBT Resource Center also provides information and resources.

Job posting websites and resources

• Human Rights Campaign
  Corporate Equality Index rates companies on how equitably they treat LGBT employees. Website also offers an employer database for nondiscrimination policies and benefits.
• LGBTQ Career Planning Resources provided by Minnesota State
• Pride at Work
  An organization that seeks full equality for LGBTQ workers in our workplaces and unions. We work towards creating a labor movement that cherishes diversity, encourages openness, and ensures safety & dignity. We aim to educate the LGBTQ community about the benefits of a union contract for LGBTQ working people, and to build support and solidarity for the union movement in the LGBTQ community.
• Top Tech LGBTQ Innovators and Companies
  Some of the most inspiring, innovative individuals and organizations making a difference for the LGBTQ+ tech community.

Professional Development LGBTQIA+ Job Seekers

• Dress for Success: Gender Inclusive
• FAQ PDF

Employer search

• Lists of queer-supportive employers from the Advocate and Human Rights Campaign.

LGBTQIA+ Job search resources

• Forbes’ Career Tips for LGBTQ Employees
  An article about tips to consider as an LGBTQIA+ employee and job seeker when working as well as job searching.
• Inside Higher Education: Navigating Gender Identity and Expression During a Job Search
  An op-ed about how to traverse the job search process, especially as a trans, gender non-conforming, and/or gender queer person.
• Mossier
  Minnesota based organization focused on employment equity and career readiness for LGBTQIA+ people. The organization also hosts conference and job fairs for LGBTQIA+ job seekers.
• Out N' About: Career Resources for LGBT Students
  An article by Southern Association of Colleges and Employers with many diverse and unique resources.

LGBTQIA+ Profession-specific resources

• Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC)
  Promoting greater awareness and understanding of LGBT issues among members of the counseling profession and related helping occupations.
• Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
  Providing support to colleagues serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities in higher education.
• Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
  Ensuring equality in healthcare for LGBT individuals and healthcare providers.
• GAYLESTA
  The Psychotherapist Association for Gender & Sexual Diversity.
• National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
  • NGLCC supports and advocates for diversity and inclusion for LGBT owned businesses.
  • Quorum - The Twin Cities LGBT Chamber of Commerce
• National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association
  Organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students working from within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues.
• National LGBT Bar Association (The LGBT Bar)
  National association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists, and affiliated lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender legal organizations.
• National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professions Inc.
  National organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people (and their advocates) employed or interested in scientific or high technology fields. NOGLSTP’s goals include educating the scientific and general communities about LGBT issues in science and the technical workplace; educating the queer community about relevant topics in science; dialogue with professional societies and associations; improving our members employment and professional environment; opposing queer phobia and stereotypes by providing role models of successful LGBT scientific and technical professionals; and fostering networking and mentoring among our members.
• Out N' About: Career Resources for LGBT Students
  An article by Southern Association of Colleges and Employers with many diverse and unique resources.
• Reaching Out MBA
  Organization connecting, education, and increasing LGBTQIA+ MBA students and alumni.
• The Publishing Triangle
  Organization furthers the publication of books and other materials written by LGBT authors or with LGBT themes.

Your legal rights

These resources may help you understand your rights if you encounter discrimination in a job interview or in the workplace.

• To learn what constitutes an illegal interview question and how to handle the situation, read Handling Improper Interview Questions.
• If you experience discrimination once you are in a job, check out tips and information about employment discrimination.
• Laws protecting you from discrimination:
  • Minnesota law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, public service, education, credit, and business based on sexual orientation, which is defined to include transgender individuals.
  • Under federal law, you are protected as an employee and job seeker from discrimination based on your sex, gender identity, gender presentation, and sexuality/orientation. To further learn about state and federal laws regarding protection of gender identity and sexuality/orientation, see Movement Advancement Project's equality maps.

St. Cloud State University's American Indian Center may be able to provide services and resources.

• American Indian Science & Engineering Society
  Dedicated to the "building of community by bridging science and technology with traditional Native values." It helps American Indian and Native Alaskan students prepare for careers in science, technology, engineering, and business. The web site includes a Career Center with a resume database for members and a job board that is open to the public.
• Native American SUNY: Western Consortium
  Organization was created to address higher education needs of Native American students and communities. Web site offers two useful features that link to internships and fellowships for students through other institutions and a financial aid directory for public and private education funding for members of the Six Nations: Seneca, Cayuga, Tuscarora, Onondaga, Oneida and Mohawk.
• Tribal Colleges
  American Indian Higher Education Consortium

• Career Planning Resources by Minnesota State
• Criminal Record Resources by CareerForce
• Meet with one of our staff for assistance in finding fair chance employers

St. Cloud State University's Student Accessibility Services may also provide information and resources.

Will you disclose your disability in the workplace? Review this Disability Disclosure Form to help you decide and what steps to take.

Minnesota State also provides Career Planning Resources for People with Disabilities.

Interviewing Tips

• Interview Tips & Decoding the Questions: A Guide to Job Interviews for Students with Asperger's and ASD
• Interviewing Tips for Applicants with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• The Job Interview Employment Tool Kit

These job search resources are useful for all types of differently abled individuals. Many are geared toward those with physical disabilities.

• Americans With Disabilities Act
  Comprehensive resource for information on the Americans With Disabilities Act.
• Career Guide for Students with Disabilities
  Maryville University offers an article to aide disabled and differently abled students to begin their post-graduate steps in finding employment.
• Disabled Business Persons Association
  Nonprofit with services that include: personal business advisor, business plan and financial assistance packaging, market and product research marketing, advertising and public relations, presentation and proposal documentation, and more.
• DisABLED Person
  Extensive job board and resources such as blogs, graduate section, news and links to other disability websites.
• EduBirdie
  A guide to support and offer guidance for students with disabilities or are differently abled.
• Entry Point
  American Association for the Advancement of Science program offering outstanding internship opportunities for students with disabilities in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and some fields of business.
• Equal Opportunity Publications
  Publisher of CAREERS & the disABLED magazine, EOP also offers a résumé bank and career fairs for the differently abled.
• GettingHired
  National employment and networking portal that connects job seekers with disabilities with employers committed to hiring them.
• Job Accommodation Network
  JAN is a free consulting service with information about job accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the employability of people with disabilities. Know your rights in the job market, the meaning of "reasonable accommodation" and what to do if you are a victim of job discrimination.
• Navigating Job Transitions
• National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange
  Helps people with disabilities interested in studying, teaching, conducting research, interning or volunteering abroad to find exchange programs, as well as any disability-related accommodation and accessibility information needed to make the international experience a success.
• Resources for Business Owners with Disabilities
  This article is a brief summary for business owners with disabilities including the PASS (Plan to Achieve Self Support) program, how to network, and finding funding for projects.
• Resources for Disabled Job Seekers
  List of resources that give those with disabilities a much better chance of success when it comes to finding suitable employment.
• Supporting Autistic Students Success Initiative (SASSI)
  Resources for faculty, staff, and students to learn more about supporting autistic college students.

Cognitive disabilities

• Attention Deficit Disorder Association
  • Articles by licensed professional counselors about career and work issues for individuals with attention deficit disorder.
• LD Online
  Leading website on learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Deaf and hard of hearing

• American Sign Language Teachers Association
  Job listings and resources for American Sign Language teachers.
• Deaf Education Web
  Interested in working with others who are deaf or hard of hearing? Search their job listings for teaching opportunities.
• Jobs at Gallaudet University
  Search for jobs at the world's only university designed exclusively to educate and serve deaf and hard of hearing people and those who work with them.
• National Association of the Deaf
  Information and articles on job searching.

Visually impaired

• American Council of the Blind
• American Foundation for the Blind
• State Services for the Blind (Minnesota)

• Undocumented Professionals
  This website includes job/opportunity postings, a mentorship program, resources and workshops.
• Citizen Path, Employment Rights with DACA
  This resource includes information regarding employment rights for DACA recipients.
• Life After College: A Guide for Undocumented Students
  This guide is from immigrantsrising.org and includes information, tips and resources as well as student testimonials and advice from experts.

St. Cloud State University's Veteran's Resource Center may be able to provide services and resources.

Minnesota State also provides a Career Planning Resources for Military, Veterans, and Military Spouses.

• 19 Strengths Arising from Military Experience
• CAREERwise Education for Veterans
  Transition, training, career and employment resources for veterans. A good starting point as it contains a fairly comprehensive collection of helpful resources.
• Federal Employment
• Federal Qualifications Standards
• Military to Civilian Resume Sample & Guide
• MilitaryOneSource
  The "careers" section of the MilitaryOneSource website.
• MyMilitaryEducation
  Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs.
• O*NET Military Crosswalk Search
  Use your Military Occupation Classification (MOC) to identify similar jobs in the civilian workforce.
• Office of Diversity and Inclusion
  People with Disabilities Program (Schedule A information).
• U.S. Veterans Magazine Hot Job Board
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
• ZipRecruiter

Department of Labor sites

• CareerOneStop
  Veterans employment services at a one-stop center.
• VETS Resources
  Employment and training resources.
• O*NET Interest Profiler
  Self-assessment career exploration tool for veterans.
• State Job Banks (U.S. Department of Labor)
  Contact information for your state's Job Bank. Search jobs and locate information about local employers.

St. Cloud State University's Women's Center may be able to provide services and resources.

• AAUW Start Smart Wage Negotiation online training
• Advancing Women
  Skills-building organization, "supporting success in the workplace through strategy and mentoring which help route around traditional barrier." Jobs are provided by CareerBuilder.
• Association for Women in Science
  Site's Career Center includes database for science, technology, engineering and math jobs.
• Feminist Career Center
  Organization dedicated to advancing women through research, legal, social and political forces. Web site has excellent resources and social networking events along with a job board focused on non-profits.
• News on Women
  Jobs through CareerBuilder.com are listed on the left side and a search tool on the right links to Careerrookie.com. Site also offers career blogs and news articles about women in business, science, technology, philanthropy, education, the arts, and more.
• NOW's Internship Program
  Compilation and information about internship program offered by National Organization for Women.
• WITI: Women in Technology International
  Job database powered by jobtarget.com. Organization dedicated to advancing women's careers in all sectors of technology. Resources include networking opportunities, webinars, newsletters, magazine, career development advice and articles.
• Women For Hire
  Dual job database in conjunction with Career Site Network. Organization supports women through career expos, career coaching, networking, salary negotiation advice, mentoring program and career personality assessment.
• Women in the Gaming Industry - This article aims to address the longstanding gender imbalance in the gaming industry by collecting scholarships, funding opportunities, resources, and support groups in one place for easy access.
• WomensJobList
  Job database powered by indeed.com. Helpful short career advice on the interview process, résumé, job hunting, professional dress, etc.

Campus Resources:

• Lactation Spaces and Resource Links
• Student Parent Resources
• Student Parent Support Center

Other Resources

• Minnesota has the second highest rate of working mothers in the nation
• FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) entitles up to twelve weeks of unpaid maternity leave