Interviewing: What NOT to do!

I read this article recently, "Blowing the Job Interview: A How-To Guide" and thought it may be helpful for those of you who have interviews lined up, or already had an interview but it didn't go so well. I will summarize everything the article says not to do.

1. Arriving Late: Pretty self explanatory. You need to give yourself enough cushion time for any possible mishap along the way and be sure to arrive EARLY.
2. Being rude to the receptionist or assistant: Don't do it. 6 out of 10 executives seriously consider the opinion of their assistants in the hiring process and if you have been rude or condescending to them, they will tell on you.
3. Acting like you're the only person there: You very well may be the only person in the room at the moment, but you never know who is listening or how thick the walls actually are. If you get an incoming call, I would suggest to ignore it or answer and let them know you are busy and will call back later. 
4. (Which brings up another point not mentioned in the article but which I think is important to mention... make sure your phone is on SILENT! Last thing you want is your phone to go off with your Lil Wayne ringtone in a quiet waiting room or worse yet...the actual interview!)
5. Going into the interview unprepared: Do your research on the organization you are interviewing for beforehand.
6. Appearing arrogant: There is a distinct difference between confidence and arrogance. Stay humble.
7. Not asking questions: You want to ask at least 2 or 3 questions. The questions should go beyond basic information you can find on their website during your research.  A good question may be "What does a typical day in this position look like?"
8. Not following up: Send your thank you letter right after the interview. Send your thank you letter right after the interview. Send your thank you letter right after the interview. I cannot stress how important this step is! More than half of the employers consider this in the hiring process as well.
   
   

Interviewing can be scary, I understand, but practicing will also help. The Career Services Center offers great Mock Interview options just for this exact purpose. Give it a try!

Rosie

Don't Forget Your Manners...

A common theme has been arising in drop ins lately: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS.

It is great to see that many students are actively searching and applying for summer internships that will add to their resume experience! Many students are coming in for a resume review for that ideal summer internship, some are coming in for a cover letter review, a few for interviewing tips, and one student came in for a review on his THANK YOU LETTER!

Thank you letters are a small detail but a very important part of your job search process, nonetheless. Unfortunately, following up with a thank you letter does not get done as often as it should. It is imperative that you send a thank you letter soon after every interview, especially if you want to be remembered in a more positive way. In fact, many employers have stated that they will hire the person who sent the thank you letter over the person who did not.

The preferred method to send a thank you letter is as a greeting-card style in your own hand writing sent via snail mail. A thank you e-mail may be acceptable in certain situations though, when your handwriting is not legible or it simply slipped your mind to send the card and more than a week has passed.

Here is a sample on what to include in a thank you letter.

And as always, you are more than welcome to come in to a drop in for us to help you review your thank you letter.

Good Luck!
 ~ Rosie ~