White Gloves, Party Manners, and Job Interview Tips
Jan. 29 2011
By: Kerry Hannon
Say it’s so. Forty-two percent of companies expect to increase hiring in the next six months, according to a quarterly survey conducted by the National Association for Business Economics released this week.
ABC News reported that of the 35 leading economic experts their reporters interviewed, most said they expected hiring to improve over the next six months. One firm they contacted, financial consulting giant, Deloitte, said it is ready to increase its payroll by 10,000. “Holy Mackerel!,” as my late father would have said.
On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release January employment figures, so we may have a better sense of whether hiring is gaining traction. Last month, the news was encouraging, so I’m hopeful.
If job openings are lighting up, then for boomers transitioning into a new job–whether it’s full-time or a part-time position to bolster retirement income– it’s your time.
I figure smart companies will be looking to hire talent, experience, and someone who can hit the ground running. There are plenty of you out there to cull from. They’ve cut to the bone, and they need an infusion of ready-to-roll workers.
Here’s a list of 10 interviewing tips that can help you get one of those jobs.
1. Your interview starts before you shake hands. Be early. Ten or fifteen minutes is about right. You’re on stage from the instant you state your name at the receptionist desk. Most interviews last between 25 and 30 minutes, so your performance time is short and sweet, use every minute of it.
Don’t sit in the waiting area gabbing on your cell, for example, or tweeting. Focus on why you are there. It’s Ok to review a list of questions you want to ask.
2. Bantering sets the tone. Kick-off the first few minutes of your interview as you would a conversation with someone you have just met at a business reception. Keep it relaxed, conversational, yet professional, and not too personal. Commenting on wall décor or a desk accessory is acceptable, but saying you like someone’s shoes may be stepping over the line, is my standard advice.
I personally like to scan someone’s photographs, say, and see if I can find a common bond. A framed image of a Labrador Retriever, or a horse, always sets an instant connection for me. These initial moments are where the chemistry between the interviewer and you can spark. Think speed dating.
3. Offer your resumé before you sit down. Presenting a resumé to an interviewer is akin to bringing a gift to a host or hostess. You’re passing along something of value in exchange for their invitation to meet and their time. By taking it out in the opening moments of the interview, it becomes an interactive asset. If there are areas or responsibilities that you want to emphasize or explain, the interview is your chance to draw attention to them.
People think if something is on their resumé, that it’s clear to the interviewer what the significance of it is, but those bullet points don’t always speak for themselves.
4. Synch up with the interviewer’s rhythm. It’s important to go at their tempo. Don’t try too hard and talk too fast. Answer concisely and with a confident, relaxed manner. Pause before you respond–even repeat the question if need be–to buy yourself some moments to gather a measured answer.
•No rapid off the top of your head answers. This isn’t Jeopardy. There’s no race to push the buzzer. You might come off as flip without meaning to do so.
•Don’t talk so much that you go on for ten minutes answering one question. Crisp and to the point answers allow the interviewer to get to all their questions and gather as much knowledge about you as they can.
•Be enthused, but not fawning. You’re a pro, remember. Act interested and dignified. Interviewers really want to know what appeals and intrigues you about their company, too. It’s a two-way street. Yes, you are there to sell yourself, but they are selling the job too. It also makes them feel good about their own good fortune to work there. Even the most jaded hiring manager has a glimmer of insecurity.
5. Subtly slip into the conversation that you’ve done your background check. Set up a Google news alert for the company and the specific industry to make sure you’re au courant ahead of time. This insider knowhow will show that you’re aware of the state of their business right now. It will make it easier to respond to questions about why the job is something that’s a good match for both of you–that you have the key skills to solve their challenges today and moving forward.
6. Stick to your main selling points. It’s easy to veer off topic in an interview. Write down and practice at home three main selling points about yourself to help you stay focused. I recommend that towards the end of the interview, you click through your mental checklist to make sure you’ve covered each of your topic points during your discussion. If not, don’t leave until you have. If the interviewer is wrapping things up, and you can sense this, politely interject that you want to make sure you mention X, Y, or Z, and why.
7. Don’t be thrown-off if asked if you think you’re overqualified for a position. You might be. Here’s your canned answer: What matters to you at this stage is having the opportunity to work with outstanding people in a company whose values and products you believe in and where your skills and experience can be used in a meaningful way. Bottom line: They could only be so lucky to get someone who can bring even more oomph than they need.
8. Use your mentoring skills as a selling point. Explain how mentoring has always been a part of your work style. It’s a process that you have benefited from over the years as a mentee and a mentor and hope you can continue to give back by guiding less-experienced co-workers. And you’re open to learning from them too. Again mentoring helps both people.
9. Ask for a business card. In this age of e-mail, a business card seems a little quaint, but it’s a tangible gift exchange. You can leave them with yours, while accepting a card in return with appreciation. It intrinsically shows you’re interested in them, as well as the job. Ask if they prefer to be contacted via phone or email.
10. Good manners count. No hugs here. Go for a firm handshake, look them straight in their eyes with a warm smile, and offer genuine thanks for their time.
And call me old-fashioned, but never forget to write a thank-you note to everyone you interviewed with, often you will meet with more than one person on a company visit.
I’m a stickler for this in all aspects of my life. I learned the power of a proper note from the yellow-covered White Gloves and Party Manners that my mother gave me when I was a child. It’s an etiquette guide for young people, first published in 1965, that was written by Marjabelle Young Stewart and Ann Buchwald (wife of Art Buchwald).
A thank-you note is simple, classy, and just might make you stand apart among a roster of applicants. I personally like a handwritten one, but an e-mail works today, if you shoot it off within 24-hours. In many cases, the immediacy is welcomed and effective.
It’s not wrong to do both, particularly if there’s additional material you’d like to share with the interviewer, or if there were any questions you stumbled on, or didn’t answer well before you left. Use your correspondence to wrap up and leave a positive impression.
Something New Called Focus 2!
Focus 2 is a new program here with Career Services! We are very excited about it.
It helps you decide what your major should be!
OR if you have a job you want it tells you what major would be best!
FOCUS-2 is a self-guided, online career and education planning tool for use by college students. It will enable you to assess your interests, values, skills, personality, and aspirations as they relate to careers and college majors. FOCUS-2 is designed to help you choose the best major for you and explore occupations that match your profile. Students who use FOCUS-2 make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to manage their careers.
Be sure to check it out today!
Etiquette Tip of the Week:
You have been shown to your table in the restaurant. Instead of being laid out, your eating utensils (flatware) are snugly tucked into a single napkin bundle, like they are going off to summer camp. What's a diner to do?
First, free the flatware and place the napkin in your lap. Then, lay out the flatware in your place setting. What goes where? Here is an easy way to remember: the words "fork" and "left" have four letters, so the forks go on the left side of your place setting. The words "spoon," "knife" and "right" have five letters, so spoons and knives go on the right. The knives are closest to the plate, blade in, and the spoons are on the outside.
Enjoy your meal and remember to eat neat!
As you know, it’s polite to give credit where credit is due. Thus these tips are from www.cultureandmanners.com
Events for the Week:
2/9 US Navy
Union
10-2
2/14 Federal Reserve Open Info Session
Yates Dining Room
10-11
2/15 Public Service and Non-Profit Career Fair
221 YGCU
2:30-4:45
Friday, February 4, 2011
Enjoying This Weather?
White Gloves, Party Manners, and Job Interview Tips
Jan. 29 2011
By: Kerry Hannon
Say it’s so. Forty-two percent of companies expect to increase hiring in the next six months, according to a quarterly survey conducted by the National Association for Business Economics released this week.
ABC News reported that of the 35 leading economic experts their reporters interviewed, most said they expected hiring to improve over the next six months. One firm they contacted, financial consulting giant, Deloitte, said it is ready to increase its payroll by 10,000. “Holy Mackerel!,” as my late father would have said.
On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release January employment figures, so we may have a better sense of whether hiring is gaining traction. Last month, the news was encouraging, so I’m hopeful.
If job openings are lighting up, then for boomers transitioning into a new job–whether it’s full-time or a part-time position to bolster retirement income– it’s your time.
I figure smart companies will be looking to hire talent, experience, and someone who can hit the ground running. There are plenty of you out there to cull from. They’ve cut to the bone, and they need an infusion of ready-to-roll workers.
Here’s a list of 10 interviewing tips that can help you get one of those jobs.
1. Your interview starts before you shake hands. Be early. Ten or fifteen minutes is about right. You’re on stage from the instant you state your name at the receptionist desk. Most interviews last between 25 and 30 minutes, so your performance time is short and sweet, use every minute of it.
Don’t sit in the waiting area gabbing on your cell, for example, or tweeting. Focus on why you are there. It’s Ok to review a list of questions you want to ask.
2. Bantering sets the tone. Kick-off the first few minutes of your interview as you would a conversation with someone you have just met at a business reception. Keep it relaxed, conversational, yet professional, and not too personal. Commenting on wall décor or a desk accessory is acceptable, but saying you like someone’s shoes may be stepping over the line, is my standard advice.
I personally like to scan someone’s photographs, say, and see if I can find a common bond. A framed image of a Labrador Retriever, or a horse, always sets an instant connection for me. These initial moments are where the chemistry between the interviewer and you can spark. Think speed dating.
3. Offer your resumé before you sit down. Presenting a resumé to an interviewer is akin to bringing a gift to a host or hostess. You’re passing along something of value in exchange for their invitation to meet and their time. By taking it out in the opening moments of the interview, it becomes an interactive asset. If there are areas or responsibilities that you want to emphasize or explain, the interview is your chance to draw attention to them.
People think if something is on their resumé, that it’s clear to the interviewer what the significance of it is, but those bullet points don’t always speak for themselves.
4. Synch up with the interviewer’s rhythm. It’s important to go at their tempo. Don’t try too hard and talk too fast. Answer concisely and with a confident, relaxed manner. Pause before you respond–even repeat the question if need be–to buy yourself some moments to gather a measured answer.
•No rapid off the top of your head answers. This isn’t Jeopardy. There’s no race to push the buzzer. You might come off as flip without meaning to do so.
•Don’t talk so much that you go on for ten minutes answering one question. Crisp and to the point answers allow the interviewer to get to all their questions and gather as much knowledge about you as they can.
•Be enthused, but not fawning. You’re a pro, remember. Act interested and dignified. Interviewers really want to know what appeals and intrigues you about their company, too. It’s a two-way street. Yes, you are there to sell yourself, but they are selling the job too. It also makes them feel good about their own good fortune to work there. Even the most jaded hiring manager has a glimmer of insecurity.
5. Subtly slip into the conversation that you’ve done your background check. Set up a Google news alert for the company and the specific industry to make sure you’re au courant ahead of time. This insider knowhow will show that you’re aware of the state of their business right now. It will make it easier to respond to questions about why the job is something that’s a good match for both of you–that you have the key skills to solve their challenges today and moving forward.
6. Stick to your main selling points. It’s easy to veer off topic in an interview. Write down and practice at home three main selling points about yourself to help you stay focused. I recommend that towards the end of the interview, you click through your mental checklist to make sure you’ve covered each of your topic points during your discussion. If not, don’t leave until you have. If the interviewer is wrapping things up, and you can sense this, politely interject that you want to make sure you mention X, Y, or Z, and why.
7. Don’t be thrown-off if asked if you think you’re overqualified for a position. You might be. Here’s your canned answer: What matters to you at this stage is having the opportunity to work with outstanding people in a company whose values and products you believe in and where your skills and experience can be used in a meaningful way. Bottom line: They could only be so lucky to get someone who can bring even more oomph than they need.
8. Use your mentoring skills as a selling point. Explain how mentoring has always been a part of your work style. It’s a process that you have benefited from over the years as a mentee and a mentor and hope you can continue to give back by guiding less-experienced co-workers. And you’re open to learning from them too. Again mentoring helps both people.
9. Ask for a business card. In this age of e-mail, a business card seems a little quaint, but it’s a tangible gift exchange. You can leave them with yours, while accepting a card in return with appreciation. It intrinsically shows you’re interested in them, as well as the job. Ask if they prefer to be contacted via phone or email.
10. Good manners count. No hugs here. Go for a firm handshake, look them straight in their eyes with a warm smile, and offer genuine thanks for their time.
And call me old-fashioned, but never forget to write a thank-you note to everyone you interviewed with, often you will meet with more than one person on a company visit.
I’m a stickler for this in all aspects of my life. I learned the power of a proper note from the yellow-covered White Gloves and Party Manners that my mother gave me when I was a child. It’s an etiquette guide for young people, first published in 1965, that was written by Marjabelle Young Stewart and Ann Buchwald (wife of Art Buchwald).
A thank-you note is simple, classy, and just might make you stand apart among a roster of applicants. I personally like a handwritten one, but an e-mail works today, if you shoot it off within 24-hours. In many cases, the immediacy is welcomed and effective.
It’s not wrong to do both, particularly if there’s additional material you’d like to share with the interviewer, or if there were any questions you stumbled on, or didn’t answer well before you left. Use your correspondence to wrap up and leave a positive impression.
Something New Called Focus 2!
Focus 2 is a new program here with Career Services! We are very excited about it.
It helps you decide what your major should be!
OR if you have a job you want it tells you what major would be best!
FOCUS-2 is a self-guided, online career and education planning tool for use by college students. It will enable you to assess your interests, values, skills, personality, and aspirations as they relate to careers and college majors. FOCUS-2 is designed to help you choose the best major for you and explore occupations that match your profile. Students who use FOCUS-2 make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to manage their careers.
Be sure to check it out today!
Etiquette Tip of the Week:
You have been shown to your table in the restaurant. Instead of being laid out, your eating utensils (flatware) are snugly tucked into a single napkin bundle, like they are going off to summer camp. What's a diner to do?
First, free the flatware and place the napkin in your lap. Then, lay out the flatware in your place setting. What goes where? Here is an easy way to remember: the words "fork" and "left" have four letters, so the forks go on the left side of your place setting. The words "spoon," "knife" and "right" have five letters, so spoons and knives go on the right. The knives are closest to the plate, blade in, and the spoons are on the outside.
Enjoy your meal and remember to eat neat!
As you know, it’s polite to give credit where credit is due. Thus these tips are from www.cultureandmanners.com
Events for the Week:
Feb 9
US Navy
Union
10 am-2 pm
Feb 14 Federal Reserve Open Info Session
Yates Dining Room
10am-11am
Feb 15 Public Service and Non-Profit Career Fair
221 YGCU
2:30pm-4:45pm
Jan. 29 2011
By: Kerry Hannon
Say it’s so. Forty-two percent of companies expect to increase hiring in the next six months, according to a quarterly survey conducted by the National Association for Business Economics released this week.
ABC News reported that of the 35 leading economic experts their reporters interviewed, most said they expected hiring to improve over the next six months. One firm they contacted, financial consulting giant, Deloitte, said it is ready to increase its payroll by 10,000. “Holy Mackerel!,” as my late father would have said.
On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release January employment figures, so we may have a better sense of whether hiring is gaining traction. Last month, the news was encouraging, so I’m hopeful.
If job openings are lighting up, then for boomers transitioning into a new job–whether it’s full-time or a part-time position to bolster retirement income– it’s your time.
I figure smart companies will be looking to hire talent, experience, and someone who can hit the ground running. There are plenty of you out there to cull from. They’ve cut to the bone, and they need an infusion of ready-to-roll workers.
Here’s a list of 10 interviewing tips that can help you get one of those jobs.
1. Your interview starts before you shake hands. Be early. Ten or fifteen minutes is about right. You’re on stage from the instant you state your name at the receptionist desk. Most interviews last between 25 and 30 minutes, so your performance time is short and sweet, use every minute of it.
Don’t sit in the waiting area gabbing on your cell, for example, or tweeting. Focus on why you are there. It’s Ok to review a list of questions you want to ask.
2. Bantering sets the tone. Kick-off the first few minutes of your interview as you would a conversation with someone you have just met at a business reception. Keep it relaxed, conversational, yet professional, and not too personal. Commenting on wall décor or a desk accessory is acceptable, but saying you like someone’s shoes may be stepping over the line, is my standard advice.
I personally like to scan someone’s photographs, say, and see if I can find a common bond. A framed image of a Labrador Retriever, or a horse, always sets an instant connection for me. These initial moments are where the chemistry between the interviewer and you can spark. Think speed dating.
3. Offer your resumé before you sit down. Presenting a resumé to an interviewer is akin to bringing a gift to a host or hostess. You’re passing along something of value in exchange for their invitation to meet and their time. By taking it out in the opening moments of the interview, it becomes an interactive asset. If there are areas or responsibilities that you want to emphasize or explain, the interview is your chance to draw attention to them.
People think if something is on their resumé, that it’s clear to the interviewer what the significance of it is, but those bullet points don’t always speak for themselves.
4. Synch up with the interviewer’s rhythm. It’s important to go at their tempo. Don’t try too hard and talk too fast. Answer concisely and with a confident, relaxed manner. Pause before you respond–even repeat the question if need be–to buy yourself some moments to gather a measured answer.
•No rapid off the top of your head answers. This isn’t Jeopardy. There’s no race to push the buzzer. You might come off as flip without meaning to do so.
•Don’t talk so much that you go on for ten minutes answering one question. Crisp and to the point answers allow the interviewer to get to all their questions and gather as much knowledge about you as they can.
•Be enthused, but not fawning. You’re a pro, remember. Act interested and dignified. Interviewers really want to know what appeals and intrigues you about their company, too. It’s a two-way street. Yes, you are there to sell yourself, but they are selling the job too. It also makes them feel good about their own good fortune to work there. Even the most jaded hiring manager has a glimmer of insecurity.
5. Subtly slip into the conversation that you’ve done your background check. Set up a Google news alert for the company and the specific industry to make sure you’re au courant ahead of time. This insider knowhow will show that you’re aware of the state of their business right now. It will make it easier to respond to questions about why the job is something that’s a good match for both of you–that you have the key skills to solve their challenges today and moving forward.
6. Stick to your main selling points. It’s easy to veer off topic in an interview. Write down and practice at home three main selling points about yourself to help you stay focused. I recommend that towards the end of the interview, you click through your mental checklist to make sure you’ve covered each of your topic points during your discussion. If not, don’t leave until you have. If the interviewer is wrapping things up, and you can sense this, politely interject that you want to make sure you mention X, Y, or Z, and why.
7. Don’t be thrown-off if asked if you think you’re overqualified for a position. You might be. Here’s your canned answer: What matters to you at this stage is having the opportunity to work with outstanding people in a company whose values and products you believe in and where your skills and experience can be used in a meaningful way. Bottom line: They could only be so lucky to get someone who can bring even more oomph than they need.
8. Use your mentoring skills as a selling point. Explain how mentoring has always been a part of your work style. It’s a process that you have benefited from over the years as a mentee and a mentor and hope you can continue to give back by guiding less-experienced co-workers. And you’re open to learning from them too. Again mentoring helps both people.
9. Ask for a business card. In this age of e-mail, a business card seems a little quaint, but it’s a tangible gift exchange. You can leave them with yours, while accepting a card in return with appreciation. It intrinsically shows you’re interested in them, as well as the job. Ask if they prefer to be contacted via phone or email.
10. Good manners count. No hugs here. Go for a firm handshake, look them straight in their eyes with a warm smile, and offer genuine thanks for their time.
And call me old-fashioned, but never forget to write a thank-you note to everyone you interviewed with, often you will meet with more than one person on a company visit.
I’m a stickler for this in all aspects of my life. I learned the power of a proper note from the yellow-covered White Gloves and Party Manners that my mother gave me when I was a child. It’s an etiquette guide for young people, first published in 1965, that was written by Marjabelle Young Stewart and Ann Buchwald (wife of Art Buchwald).
A thank-you note is simple, classy, and just might make you stand apart among a roster of applicants. I personally like a handwritten one, but an e-mail works today, if you shoot it off within 24-hours. In many cases, the immediacy is welcomed and effective.
It’s not wrong to do both, particularly if there’s additional material you’d like to share with the interviewer, or if there were any questions you stumbled on, or didn’t answer well before you left. Use your correspondence to wrap up and leave a positive impression.
Something New Called Focus 2!
Focus 2 is a new program here with Career Services! We are very excited about it.
It helps you decide what your major should be!
OR if you have a job you want it tells you what major would be best!
FOCUS-2 is a self-guided, online career and education planning tool for use by college students. It will enable you to assess your interests, values, skills, personality, and aspirations as they relate to careers and college majors. FOCUS-2 is designed to help you choose the best major for you and explore occupations that match your profile. Students who use FOCUS-2 make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to manage their careers.
Be sure to check it out today!
Etiquette Tip of the Week:
You have been shown to your table in the restaurant. Instead of being laid out, your eating utensils (flatware) are snugly tucked into a single napkin bundle, like they are going off to summer camp. What's a diner to do?
First, free the flatware and place the napkin in your lap. Then, lay out the flatware in your place setting. What goes where? Here is an easy way to remember: the words "fork" and "left" have four letters, so the forks go on the left side of your place setting. The words "spoon," "knife" and "right" have five letters, so spoons and knives go on the right. The knives are closest to the plate, blade in, and the spoons are on the outside.
Enjoy your meal and remember to eat neat!
As you know, it’s polite to give credit where credit is due. Thus these tips are from www.cultureandmanners.com
Events for the Week:
Feb 9
US Navy
Union
10 am-2 pm
Feb 14 Federal Reserve Open Info Session
Yates Dining Room
10am-11am
Feb 15 Public Service and Non-Profit Career Fair
221 YGCU
2:30pm-4:45pm
Friday, January 28, 2011
More News from Career Services
Internships are Important, But How Do you Land One?
By Emily Driscoll
Published January 25, 2011
College students take note: Internships are now considered essential for demonstrating work experience to potential employees and can significantly increase your chances of getting hired for a full-time job after graduation.
According to a study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, (NACE), 42.3% of college seniors with internship experience who applied for a job received at least one job offer, while only 30.7% of seniors sans internship experience received an offer.
Internships provide students a taste of the working world, and let them become familiar with a potential job sector. As more universities stress the importance of internships the market is becoming more competitive. Here are four tips career experts shared on what students need to know and be prepared for to land their dream summer internship.
How/Where to Find Internships
While it might sound basic, career experts say that students often over look the best resource for finding an internship: their career center on campus. Not only can students practice mock interviews with career counselors, but recruiters often alert career centers about openings for interns within their companies says Kaplan Mobray, career expert and author of The 10Ks of Personal Branding.
“Employers build relationships with those career service directors—they actively engage those offices and set schedules to come to campus to find great students,” he says.
Once you establish what contacts your career center has, Web sites such as Internships.com or SimplyHired.com can also be sources for finding positions.
If you are interested in interning at a particular company don’t be put off by not finding an explicit internship program.
“It's important to really target employers who individualize themselves for interning and working in the future and go after those employers,” says Lauren Berger, CEO of Intern Queen Inc, a Web site that connects college students with internships. “Just because you can't find a job listing or an internship listing at one of your dream companies doesn't mean they're not available.”
Ask your family, friends and teachers about possible internship openings, you never know who knows who.
“Students should speak with teachers, family, former employers, clergy members, coaches, friends, parents of friends—anyone and everyone you can think of—and ask for contacts in their geographic and/or career fields of interest,” says J.P. Hansen, author of The Bliss List: The Ultimate Guide To Living The Dream At Work And Beyond.
Time is of the Essence
However you choose to find internship opportunities, Jenny Floren, founder and CEO of Experience.com, advises that students begin the search well ahead of time.
“It’s crucial that students not wait until the spring to start researching summer internships because often times there are strict application deadlines and stiff competition to consider,” she says.
Sell Yourself at the Interview
Berger, 26, stresses the importance of a strong cover letter that details your specifics (name, address, school, major, etc.) as well as your commitment to the internship if it’s out of state.
“That way the employer takes your application seriously,” Berger says. “The employers don't want to waste their time--their time is very precious.”
If you get called in for an interview, do your homework: know the company’s history, employees and outlook.
Run through practice interview questions and formulate solid, thoughtful answers.
“Practice the three P’s: prepare, practice and persuade,” suggests Hansen. “Research your target companies, practice interview questions and answers, and persuade with confidence.”
At the end of the interview, potential employers may give you a chance to ask some questions in return. Ask them.
Berger says to take advantage of this time to ask for a description of a typical day as an intern at the company, which can help the student get a feel of their duties.
“It's also going to tell me how much attention the company is putting into their internship program,” she says. “If the employer has nothing to say and can't tell you what an intern does it their company, that's kind of a red flag.”
You Got it! Now What?
Once you land an internship, you need to treat it with the same respect as a full-time job. Mobray explains that all too often, college students get stuck in the mentality that they are “just an intern,” which can be unappealing to a prospective employer.
“The reality is, whether you are an intern or a full-time employee, you are an employee of that particular company or organization,” he says. “The quicker you can acclimate yourself from being a student who’s got an internship to, I’m working at a company and I just have an internship title, the more you stand out as someone who could be easily employable in a full-time [job].”
No matter where you work, there is bound to be some down time, don’t get discouraged. When things slow down, use the time to learn about different areas and employees of the company.
"The best thing that an intern can do is to build beneficial relationships so that when they need a job, they can reach out to their personal and professional networks and try to connect with someone who is hiring,” says Intern Queen’s Berger.
Something New Called Focus 2!
Focus 2 is a new program here with Career Services! We are very excited about it.
It helps you decide what your major should be!
OR if you have a job you want it tells you what major would be best!
FOCUS-2 is a self-guided, online career and education planning tool for use by college students. It will enable you to assess your interests, values, skills, personality, and aspirations as they relate to careers and college majors. FOCUS-2 is designed to help you choose the best major for you and explore occupations that match your profile. Students who use FOCUS-2 make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to manage their careers.
Be sure to check it out today!
Etiquette Tip of the Week:
Be loyal to your boss. Speak well of your superior to others and support his or her initiatives. Your job is not only to advance your own career, but also to make your superior look good.
Seek out supervisors and mentors who are ethical, that you will be proud to support. Never do anything illegal or unethical for your superior, because you will be held accountable.
As you know, it’s polite to give credit where credit is due. Thus these tips are from www.cultureandmanners.com
Events for the Week:
2/1 Career Mentor Program Orientation
WSC 304
5:45-7 pm
2/1 Vector Marketing
Union
10-1
2/9 US Navy
Union
10-2
2/14 Federal Reserve Open Info Session
Yates Dining Room
10-11
2/15 Public Service and Non-Profit Career Fair
By Emily Driscoll
Published January 25, 2011
College students take note: Internships are now considered essential for demonstrating work experience to potential employees and can significantly increase your chances of getting hired for a full-time job after graduation.
According to a study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, (NACE), 42.3% of college seniors with internship experience who applied for a job received at least one job offer, while only 30.7% of seniors sans internship experience received an offer.
Internships provide students a taste of the working world, and let them become familiar with a potential job sector. As more universities stress the importance of internships the market is becoming more competitive. Here are four tips career experts shared on what students need to know and be prepared for to land their dream summer internship.
How/Where to Find Internships
While it might sound basic, career experts say that students often over look the best resource for finding an internship: their career center on campus. Not only can students practice mock interviews with career counselors, but recruiters often alert career centers about openings for interns within their companies says Kaplan Mobray, career expert and author of The 10Ks of Personal Branding.
“Employers build relationships with those career service directors—they actively engage those offices and set schedules to come to campus to find great students,” he says.
Once you establish what contacts your career center has, Web sites such as Internships.com or SimplyHired.com can also be sources for finding positions.
If you are interested in interning at a particular company don’t be put off by not finding an explicit internship program.
“It's important to really target employers who individualize themselves for interning and working in the future and go after those employers,” says Lauren Berger, CEO of Intern Queen Inc, a Web site that connects college students with internships. “Just because you can't find a job listing or an internship listing at one of your dream companies doesn't mean they're not available.”
Ask your family, friends and teachers about possible internship openings, you never know who knows who.
“Students should speak with teachers, family, former employers, clergy members, coaches, friends, parents of friends—anyone and everyone you can think of—and ask for contacts in their geographic and/or career fields of interest,” says J.P. Hansen, author of The Bliss List: The Ultimate Guide To Living The Dream At Work And Beyond.
Time is of the Essence
However you choose to find internship opportunities, Jenny Floren, founder and CEO of Experience.com, advises that students begin the search well ahead of time.
“It’s crucial that students not wait until the spring to start researching summer internships because often times there are strict application deadlines and stiff competition to consider,” she says.
Sell Yourself at the Interview
Berger, 26, stresses the importance of a strong cover letter that details your specifics (name, address, school, major, etc.) as well as your commitment to the internship if it’s out of state.
“That way the employer takes your application seriously,” Berger says. “The employers don't want to waste their time--their time is very precious.”
If you get called in for an interview, do your homework: know the company’s history, employees and outlook.
Run through practice interview questions and formulate solid, thoughtful answers.
“Practice the three P’s: prepare, practice and persuade,” suggests Hansen. “Research your target companies, practice interview questions and answers, and persuade with confidence.”
At the end of the interview, potential employers may give you a chance to ask some questions in return. Ask them.
Berger says to take advantage of this time to ask for a description of a typical day as an intern at the company, which can help the student get a feel of their duties.
“It's also going to tell me how much attention the company is putting into their internship program,” she says. “If the employer has nothing to say and can't tell you what an intern does it their company, that's kind of a red flag.”
You Got it! Now What?
Once you land an internship, you need to treat it with the same respect as a full-time job. Mobray explains that all too often, college students get stuck in the mentality that they are “just an intern,” which can be unappealing to a prospective employer.
“The reality is, whether you are an intern or a full-time employee, you are an employee of that particular company or organization,” he says. “The quicker you can acclimate yourself from being a student who’s got an internship to, I’m working at a company and I just have an internship title, the more you stand out as someone who could be easily employable in a full-time [job].”
No matter where you work, there is bound to be some down time, don’t get discouraged. When things slow down, use the time to learn about different areas and employees of the company.
"The best thing that an intern can do is to build beneficial relationships so that when they need a job, they can reach out to their personal and professional networks and try to connect with someone who is hiring,” says Intern Queen’s Berger.
Something New Called Focus 2!
Focus 2 is a new program here with Career Services! We are very excited about it.
It helps you decide what your major should be!
OR if you have a job you want it tells you what major would be best!
FOCUS-2 is a self-guided, online career and education planning tool for use by college students. It will enable you to assess your interests, values, skills, personality, and aspirations as they relate to careers and college majors. FOCUS-2 is designed to help you choose the best major for you and explore occupations that match your profile. Students who use FOCUS-2 make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to manage their careers.
Be sure to check it out today!
Etiquette Tip of the Week:
Be loyal to your boss. Speak well of your superior to others and support his or her initiatives. Your job is not only to advance your own career, but also to make your superior look good.
Seek out supervisors and mentors who are ethical, that you will be proud to support. Never do anything illegal or unethical for your superior, because you will be held accountable.
As you know, it’s polite to give credit where credit is due. Thus these tips are from www.cultureandmanners.com
Events for the Week:
2/1 Career Mentor Program Orientation
WSC 304
5:45-7 pm
2/1 Vector Marketing
Union
10-1
2/9 US Navy
Union
10-2
2/14 Federal Reserve Open Info Session
Yates Dining Room
10-11
2/15 Public Service and Non-Profit Career Fair
221 YGCU
2:30-4:45
Friday, December 3, 2010
In the Home Stretch!
7 Job-Hunting Tips For 2011
For recent graduates as well as victims of downsizing, layoffs and other economic backlashes, the job market can be an intimidating place. But the 2011 job hunt could be just the chance you need; let go of some of those old job-hunting habits and tackle the 2011 market with these updated tips.- Keep your social networking alive, well and professional.
If you've been neglecting your Linkedin account and playing Farmville instead, it's time to switch gears and look at social networking as one more step in the successful job hunt. It's fine to have accounts for personal social networking, but spend less time on those and lot more time on the profiles you have that relate to your past, current and future career. Get involved in local groups on Linkedin, update your professional blog daily and follow professionals in your field on your Twitter account. A neglected or unprofessional social profile can hurt your job hunt, but a regularly updated and professionally focused social presence can open many doors. - Find a job with Twitter.
Twitter is useful for far more than to-the-minute updates on the personal lives of your favorite friends and/or celebrities. Twitter can help land you a new job. First, follow influential folks in your field. Keep up with what's going on. Participate. Be part of the profession even if you're still looking for a job. Second, use a Twitter search tool to look for jobs, conferences and networking opportunities with people in your field. Twitter can be just a time-waster, sure; but it can also be a way to connect with people in your profession, build relationships - and maybe even end up with the job you want. - Polish up your resume.
Social networking is a powerful way to get the contacts you need, but most often you'll still have to send in a resume for those job applications. Don't send an outdated resume in after you've updated your online presence. Make sure that both your resume and your online profiles are current and the best representation of your work experience and education. - Get active even (especially) if you're unemployed.
Local connections are one of the most powerful ways to find a job; plus you'll only get depressed if you sit at home in your sweats all day. Join local organizations, volunteer and get involved in your community. Use your expertise to help other people out. Offer free seminars in your church or community organization, write articles for the paper or mentor someone who's new to the field. Staying up to date in your field and active in your community gives you something to say when those potential employers ask, "So what have you been doing in the last six months?" (Don't let a period of unemployment keep you from landing a new job. Check out Bridging The Gaps On Your Resume.) - Look for ways to be an expert.
If you're a recent graduate looking for your first job, then that whole "work experience" section of the resume is often a painful subject. You may not be able to fill it up with years on the job, but do what you can to establish some expertise in your area. Attend conferences and seminars, take classes and get certifications. Write articles or author a blog. Interview professionals in your field; visit places that are relevant to your field; contribute to journals, blogs, papers, online groups and professional organizations. - Check out your freelancing options.
Downsizing isn't a word most of us like, but it does have one potential benefit. More downsizing means more outsourcing, which means that many companies are looking to hire freelancers on a contractual basis to do all those jobs that still have to be done. Search local classifieds and job boards for listing for freelance, temporary or contract jobs, which are predicted to keep growing in number in 2011 (5).
Sure, it may not be how you want to work long-term, but it can help you stay afloat financially, keep getting that work experience and establish more connections in your network. When those companies do start hiring, you'll already be a name they know. (Freelance work is a way to escape the daily grind - but don't ignore the added responsibility that comes with freedom)
7. Tap into your social network.
Don't be reticent when it comes to letting people know that you're looking for work. No, you don't want to attack your friends and family members with a day-to-day account of your job hunting exploits, but simply mentioning that you're looking for work in XYZ field can be helpful. Chat up strangers and you never know what kind of connections you'll make. There's a reason it's called social networking. (The CFA Institute provides members with a variety of ongoing career and networking benefits. To learn more, read Ongoing Career Benefits For CFAs.)
The Bottom LineDon't be reticent when it comes to letting people know that you're looking for work. No, you don't want to attack your friends and family members with a day-to-day account of your job hunting exploits, but simply mentioning that you're looking for work in XYZ field can be helpful. Chat up strangers and you never know what kind of connections you'll make. There's a reason it's called social networking. (The CFA Institute provides members with a variety of ongoing career and networking benefits. To learn more, read Ongoing Career Benefits For CFAs.)
Finding a great job is about more than practicing interview techniques, crossing your fingers, and hoping that your persistence really will pay off. It's about using the resources at your fingertips, in your community, and in your network. Get smart with your job hunt in 2011, and you could be the one handing out tips for 2012.
Something New Called Focus 2!
Focus 2 is a new program here with Career Services! We are very excited about it.
It helps you decide what your major should be!
OR if you have a job you want it tells you what major would be best!
FOCUS-2 is a self-guided, online career and education planning tool for use by college students. It will enable you to assess your interests, values, skills, personality, and aspirations as they relate to careers and college majors. FOCUS-2 is designed to help you choose the best major for you and explore occupations that match your profile. Students who use FOCUS-2 make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to manage their careers.
Be sure to check it out today!
Etiquette Tip of the Week:
This week's Tip is simple yet essential to maintaining a good image in business and society. If you are at a holiday party or any party and someone is about to take your picture, set down your beverage so you are not photographed with beverage in hand.
As you know, it’s polite to give credit where credit is due. Thus these tips are from www.cultureandmanners.com
Events for the Week:
| 1/18 | COSMC-HOA Interview Day Signups |
| | 218 YGCU 8 am |
| 2/1 | Career Mentor Program Orientation |
| | WSC 304 5:45-7 pm |
Friday, November 19, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
The Top 5 Interview Tips No One Mentions
Tips From Recruiters, Hiring Managers and Coaches
By MICHELLE GOODMAN
November 3, 2010
By now, we've all heard the same oft-repeated recommendations for acing a job
Study your resume so no one can stump you on its claims. Practice your answers ahead of time. Break the ice by mentioning a hobby, alma mater or former city of residence that you and your interviewer share. Ask plenty of questions. Take notes if you have to. Look sharp. Don't fidget. Ooze enthusiasm. Be polite to receptionists and assistants. Turn off your cell phone. Don't show up drunk, gassy, sweaty or accompanied by your mom. Send a thank-you note after the fact. But what about the lesser-known interviewing code of conduct? If you're new to job hunting or you've been out of the interviewing loop for a decade or two, you'll likely have countless questions -- for example: How long should my answers be? What should I do with my hands when I'm talking? What emergency provisions should I bring? How can I let them know I'm ready to start on Monday without sounding like a total suck-up?
For insider suggestions, I polled dozens of recruiters, hiring managers and interview coaches. Their top tips follow.
Talk in Bullet Points
"Sometimes the most tricky interview question is 'Tell me a little bit about yourself,'" said Rahul Yohd, an executive recruiter with the firm Link Legal Search Group in Dallas."This is one of the most critical questions in any interview, not only because it is usually one of the first questions asked, but because it is one of the few times in the interview where you can take control," he said. Unfortunately, he added, "It's almost impossible to effectively condense your entire life into a 60- to 90-second response."
To avoid crossing the line between informative answer and off-the-rails ramble, Yohd recommends "scripting out" your response and rehearsing it aloud until perfect.
"Bullet-point out the four to six areas of your life, mostly professional, that you feel will be important for the interviewer to know about," he explained. "Then refine it to where the answer takes no longer than 60 to 90 seconds to deliver."
Pay Attention to Body Language
There's being animated in the interview, and then there's punctuating every sentence you utter with jazz hands. To strike the right balance, Lisa McDonald of Career Polish, Inc., a job search consulting firm based in Fishers, Ind., recommends mimicking your interviewer "to make sure your body language does not overpower theirs."For all the big "hand talkers" out there, McDonald offers this advice: "Put the tip of your middle finger to the tip of your thumb and press your fingernail into the pad of your thumb. This helps you be aware of your hands without being noticeable."
On the flip side, introverts should pay attention to whether they're actually making eye contact with their interviewer -- a must if you want to come across as reliable and confident.
"It sounds so basic, but try video-taping a mock interview and see whether or not you are actually comfortable with this," said Corinne Gregory, president of SocialSmarts, a consultancy based in Bellevue, Wash. that helps people hone their social skills. "You'll probably find you are looking around, looking away much more than you think you are."
Fortunately, Gregory has an easy remedy: "Look [your interviewer] in the eyes when you begin a point, then look just below the eyes or to one side of the nose. Finish by looking the person in the eyes again at the end of your statement."
Assemble a Survival Kit
It may sound simple, but if you haven't interviewed in a couple of years, it's all too easy to leave the house without change for the parking meter or any other interviewing essentials. For this reason, experts suggest assembling a survival kit ahead of time and leaving it in your car or briefcase. Among the necessary items:- Map (or GPS), cash, change and a full tank of gas.
- Bottled water and non-perishable snack in case your interview runs longer than expected.
- Breath mints, toothpicks, deodorant, a spare shirt, stain removal stick, hair brush, lip balm, and any other grooming items you routinely use.
- Tissues and hand sanitizer if you're getting over a cold.
- Pen and notepad so you can take notes and bring along a cheat sheet of interviewer names and titles, questions to ask and those bullet points about your career I mentioned earlier.
- Extra business cards and copies of your resume, references, work samples and any presentations you plan to give.
Ooze Enthusiasm
"I regularly hear of hiring managers who select a less qualified candidate because they liked the person's energy," said Debra Yergen, author of "Creating Job Security Resource Guide". "They liked their ideas. And they liked their enthusiasm. It's one of the top influencers in an interview."
Of course, when you've been interviewing for 6, 12 or 18 months, putting on a happy face is sometimes easier said than done. If you fall into this camp, Yergen has a suggestion: "Listen to a song or look at a picture or provide yourself a prop that you know will make you smile, laugh and feel good. Use that prop right before the interview and you won't believe the difference it will make."
Those hard-pressed to find a happiness prop might try envisioning that stack of past-due bills on their kitchen table all paid off. That ought to tease out a genuine smile.
End with a Zinger
Closing the interview can be tough. You want to let the hiring manager know you're excited about the position and you want to ask -- without sounding desperate -- when you can expect to hear from them next. But you also need to punctuate the meeting with a lasting positive impression.
One way to do so is to close with a question that shows you're already thinking about how you'll succeed in this new position. Alison Green, a management consultant in Washington, D.C. who writes the blog Ask a Manager, recommends this one: "Thinking back to people who have been in this position previously, what differentiated the ones who were good from the ones who were really great?"
"This question excites managers because it signals that you care about being not just good, but truly great," Green explained. Even better, she said, "They've generally never heard anyone ask it before."
Something New Called Focus 2!
Focus 2 is a new program here with Career Services! We are very excited about it.
It helps you decide what your major should be!
OR if you have a job you want it tells you what major would be best!
FOCUS-2 is a self-guided, online career and education planning tool for use by college students. It will enable you to assess your interests, values, skills, personality, and aspirations as they relate to careers and college majors. FOCUS-2 is designed to help you choose the best major for you and explore occupations that match your profile. Students who use FOCUS-2 make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to manage their careers.
Be sure to check it out today!
Etiquette Tip of the Week:
In the crowded gate area in the airline terminal there are few empty seats. A tiny woman with dark hair places her laptop on one seat with her bag in front of it and leaves an empty seat next to it where she plans to sit. Then she moves to another set of seats and sits and chats with two co-workers. An older man comes along toting his luggage and makes for the empty seat. She stops him and says, "Oh no - that's mine." The man pauses and looks at her sitting in the other seat, then shuffles on.
No one should be able to hog three seats in a crowded gate.
In adult life, there is no such thing as "I called it!" There is no such thing as "this seat is saved" when the seating area is filled, when the train or bus is filled, when the theater is filled. If your friend or kin has not arrived, that is not the problem of the person who is there and looking for a place to sit down. Your bag, no matter what kind of day it's had in the underbelly of the airplane or going through security, does not warrant a seat of its own.
Make room for others. Place bags on the floor or on your lap. Give up your own seat for those who are elderly, frail, pregnant, juggling small children or anyone who looks like they could really use it. Rather than say, "Do you want this seat?" say, "Please take this seat."
As you know, it’s polite to give credit where credit is due. Thus these tips are from www.cultureandmanners.com
Events for the Week:
| 11/30 | Career Mentor Program Reception |
| | Yates Dining Hall 5:30-7 |
| 12/2 | Graduate School Seminar |
| | 212 YGCU 2:15-3:15 |
Friday, November 12, 2010
Busy Week!
Not-So-Common-Sense Interview Strategies
By Scott ShrumPerhaps the only thing that stokes anxiety in young job-seekers more than the fear of being jobless is the anticipation of walking into an interview for a coveted job. While applicants have been spoon-fed such mundane advice such as what responses to prepare (hint: skip the obvious questions) and how early to arrive at one’s appointment (another hint: very early is more annoying than impressive), there are some bigger-picture interview best practices that many young job-seekers seem to have overlooked.
While the following strategies may appear to fall into the bucket of “common-sense interview tips,” too many applicants fall short on these basic ideas, suggesting that they must not be all that common. Remembering these key points— and practicing them as much as possible—will go a long way toward making a strong impression with a hiring manager:
• Project confidence without arrogance. Generation Y notoriously confuses projecting confidence with projecting arrogance. How to strike a balance between the two? Practice, practice, practice—
ideally in a live setting, with someone you don’t know well (such as a friend of a friend). You will quickly gain a better sense of which jokes are a bit too much, when to push back vs. when to agree, and whether you’re sending the wrong signals to an interviewer. Practice speaking with your interviewer as a peer, rather than as a superior. If you can get comfortable with that, you will be in great shape.
• Keep your answers succinct. As a hiring manager, I find nothing worse than watching an interviewee ramble through his or her answers. If you find yourself doing this often, it probably means that you weren’t prepared for the question, or you have an answer but haven’t practiced how to present it in a brief, coherent way. Your answers should be conversational, but should always have a clear beginning, middle and end, and should take no more than a minute or two each. For answers to questions that you know will be longer (such as “Why do you want this job?”), give the interviewer a verbal indication of the length of your answer by saying something like “Well, the three main reasons are… ” and then count them off on your fingers: “One …”
• Go in with a short list of things you absolutely must cover. It’s your job to get these critical themes out on the table. For example, if you know an employer particularly values time-management skills, it is imperative that you emphasize that as a strength before the interview concludes. If your time is up and the interviewer never asked you about it, then it’s your fault, not theirs. Many job interviews start off with “Walk me through your resume,” or “Tell me about yourself.” This is your chance to address your key themes right away.
• Remember that a good interview is a two-way conversation. Interviewers will vary greatly in their style, but you ideally won’t do all of the talking during your interview. As objective as they mean to be, interviewers are more likely to remember the candidate who told interesting stories or pleasantly surprised them in some way. Comments such as “That’s interesting, tell me more,” and “That’s pretty impressive,” are good signs that you’re getting through to your interviewer. Blank stares and curt “wrap up”-type comments are signs that the two-way dialogue isn’t taking root.
• But … it’s still an interview. Ideally, you will be able to strike a smart balance between having an enjoyable conversation and still maintaining the structure of the interview, making sure that your key themes are covered and that the interviewer has answered all of their questions. After all, when the interview is done, the interviewer needs to answer some questions about you, and they can’t do that if you’ve just spent 45 minutes talking about politics and football. Make it enjoyable, but remember that it’s still an interview!
Something New Called Focus 2!
Focus 2 is a new program here with Career Services! We are very excited about it.
It helps you decide what your major should be!
OR if you have a job you want it tells you what major would be best!
FOCUS-2 is a self-guided, online career and education planning tool for use by college students. It will enable you to assess your interests, values, skills, personality, and aspirations as they relate to careers and college majors. FOCUS-2 is designed to help you choose the best major for you and explore occupations that match your profile. Students who use FOCUS-2 make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to manage their careers.
Be sure to check it out today!
Etiquette Tip of the Week:
Some people can talk like it is an Olympic sport. When someone repeatedly drops by your office or cubicle and talks non-stop, it can feel like hostage situation, because it ties you up and prevents you from completing business. What can you do?
Smile and say, "I am sorry to interrupt, but I have to focus on this project" or "I need to get back to work." You may add, "Thank you for stopping by." Then continue with your work. If the person is sitting, stand up, look that person in the eye and play the broken record, "I need to get back to work now."
As you know, it’s polite to give credit where credit is due. Thus these tips are from www.cultureandmanners.com
Events for the Week:
| 11/15 | AAF-KC Career Day |
| | Uptown Theater 8-5 |
| 11/17 | Air Force Opportunities |
| | Union 10-2 |
| 11/30 | Career Mentor Program Reception |
| | Yates Dining Hall 5:30-7 |
Friday, November 5, 2010
Enjoy Your Week!
7 Sales Tips For Getting The Job
Friday, November 5, 2010
As a job-seeker, your role is to market your good or service - in this case, yourself - to the buyer who is extending the best offer in exchange. Sound like sales? Essentially, it is. Luckily, the sales profession is full of superstars willing to share their secrets. Below are seven practical sales tips to ensure that you close the job deal every time.
1. Pass the Gatekeeper Traditionally, gatekeepers have been admins, assistants and, in the case of job-seekers, human resources. With the influence of technology like caller ID, voicemail and email, it's harder, and more critical than ever, to get directly to the hiring manager. The key is to dangle a carrot before they can hit "delete". For job seekers, this means establishing credibility early on and how you'll deliver results. If you have worked for a competitor or have industry expertise, say so upfront. If you don't, reference something noteworthy that has happened in their company recently or research that has just been done in your industry. Doing so shows you are engaged in both the industry and that company in particular.
2. Know Your Audience
Sales people have different pitches for different buyers, and job-seekers should too. Technology today makes it simple to find out the back story on a prospective hiring manager. If their LinkedIn profile indicates a specific company or industry expertise, tailor your pitch to focus on points in your background that will be relevant and personal to them. If you can sense that your interviewer is stressed or time-crunched, don't sit in their office droning on about every point in your resume. State your core objective in the interview early on, and support it with three main points. If the conversation begins to flow and they probe further, elaborate. If not, they'll appreciate and remember your ability to be succinct when needed.
3. Offer Excellent Customer Service
Customer service makes or breaks your chance of getting and keeping customers in sales, and the same is true on the job. In this case, your customers are the person you work for, the teams you work with and external clients. Just as you are more excited about doing business with a company that passionately embodies your mission, so are people you encounter on the job. Radiate enthusiasm and tell prospective employers why you are so interested in the job and company, and how you plan to maintain that level of commitment years into your career. Then, make sure you do just that once you've landed the job.
4. Establish a Relationship With One Key Question
Simply ask your employer "What is it that you want to achieve?" Then use this knowledge to address a proposed solution that your skills and expertise will offer in the position.
5. Always Be Closing
It is not likely that you will be offered a job on the spot (and not a good idea to accept one on the spot, either!) But good sales people are always moving towards the next step needed to close the sale, and so should job-seekers. Towards the end of your conversation, the interviewer will generally ask whether there are any additional questions. Seize this opportunity to close the sale. Just as a salesperson's job is to ask for the order, yours is to ask for the opportunity.
6. Follow Up
Stay top of mind with your interviewee and use your one last chance to make a good impression. Write a simple email within a day of the interview, reiterating what you can do for the company and thanking them for the meeting. Keep it short and to the point. It will express to the employer that you are not only interested, but adept at follow-through.
7. Network in Person
While tools like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter have made it easier than ever to have plenty of social media and business connections, don't forget the power of a face to face conversation. Make a commitment to keep your "living and breathing" network as plentiful as your online ones. Join a club where you'll meet other like-minded professionals, strike up conversations, volunteer, or participate in local business events. While you should focus on just making connections, not specific leads, have a one minute "sound bite" down that will succinctly tell people about yourself. You'd be surprised how just a few minutes of face-to-face time can stick with people down the road.
The Bottom Line
Just as salespeople have formed a routine for effective sales calls, so should you as a job-seeker. Putting these tried and tested tips into practice can help you spend less time and energy looking for jobs, and more into developing the career you want.
Something New Called Focus 2!
Focus 2 is a new program here with Career Services! We are very excited about it.
It helps you decide what your major should be!
OR if you have a job you want it tells you what major would be best!
FOCUS-2 is a self-guided, online career and education planning tool for use by college students. It will enable you to assess your interests, values, skills, personality, and aspirations as they relate to careers and college majors. FOCUS-2 is designed to help you choose the best major for you and explore occupations that match your profile. Students who use FOCUS-2 make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to manage their careers.
Be sure to check it out today!
Etiquette Tip of the Week:
When the master of ceremonies introduces the after dinner speaker, all else ceases. There is no tittering, twittering, dithering or jittering. Finish eating and sipping coffee before the speaker begins, turn your chair toward the speaker and give the speaker your undivided attention. No, you may not text under the table.
If your ill-timed dessert arrives after the speaker begins, you may finish it as quietly and unobtrusively as possible. A speaker can be distracted by the clanking of dishes, silverware and glasses or the uttering of "yummy noises." You may not ask the banquet staff to box any part of the meal "to go," nor put food into a plastic baggie in your purse, man-bag or pockets.
As you know, it’s polite to give credit where credit is due. Thus these tips are from www.cultureandmanners.com
Events for the Week:
| 11/15 | AAF-KC Career Day |
| | Uptown Theater 8-5 |
| 11/17 | Air Force Opportunities |
| | Union 10-2 |
| 11/30 | Career Mentor Program Reception |
| | Yates Dining Hall 5:30-7 |
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