5 Steps To Interviewing From a Students Point of View

As students doing everything we can at the chance of landing our first job or internship, an interview can be terrifying. You can read all of the etiquette sites you want about what to wear and how to act. But, here are a few steps from a real student who has really been through it. 

1. Act confident (even when you may not be)

With the way things in the economy are today, us students cant take any chances. We have to apply for everything and anything that comes are way. So, it is not uncommon that we may feel under-qualified for the position we are asking for. Don’t let that stop you. Take a deep breath and truly believe that you deserve and will excel at the position. It will show through during the interview. 

2. Don’t practice too much

One of the worst things a student can do before an interview is have a script of everything that they are about to say. Having such rehearsed responses makes it sound like you are some job hunting robot. Now, this is not to say that you should not think about potential questions and responses. It is important to be prepared, but it is equally important to make a connection with the interviewer and this can only be done when there is a conversational tone and friendly environment. 

3. Don't take yourself too seriously (aka SMILE!)

The fact is that people want to hire people that they like and get along with. So, be likable! Smile a lot, make comments about your surroundings like “your office is really great,” ect. In short, humanize yourself,  and make the interviewer want to be your friend.

4. Know what you are good at, and make it apply to everything they need you to do.

It is important to know that any skill that you have is transferrable to something else. So, instead of saying that you are good at analyzing spreadsheets, say that you have the unique ability to compile information and solve problems. Spreadsheets are an industry skill, where analysis and problem solving are life skills. 

5. Say thank you!

I am not saying that you have to write a two page thank you note on your mothers nice stationary, but you should take the time to send the employer a message through email, linkedin or a quick note that says that you appreciate their time. It will let them know that you value their time and are serious about the position.

So, there you have it. Real advice from a real student. Now go out and get that job!

Interviews: Practice (AND RESEARCH) Makes Perfect

 

‘Tis the season of interviewing!  This fall the Career Services Center has been hustling and bustling with employers seeking to hire Marquette students for internships and full-time positions. Are you ready?

The key to a successful interview is both practice and research.  Last week, Joel O'Brien discussed how to practice for interviews using behavioral based questions in his blog post How to Become a Star Interviewer.  Check it out for some excellent tips!  Today's post focuses on the other element of interview preparation – research.

The bottom line is that employers expect that you will arrive to the interview with knowledge about their company.  Learning about the organization demonstrates your interest, showcases your ability to research and also shows initiative.  In addition, investigating the company helps to prepare you for interview questions such as: What do you know about our company?   Why do you want to work at our company?  Tell me what you know about our organization. Why would you be a good fit for our company? 

There are many rich sources of information about organizations.  Here are a few ways you can investigate a potential employer prior to your interview.

• Review the organization's website and news releases.
• Use your network on LinkedIn (or otherwise) to identify contacts who work for the organization.Then reach out to these individuals to get an inside scoop on the company.
• Look the company up in Reference USA a database of over 12 million organizations.
• Create a Google News Alert so that each time an employer appears in the news you receive an email with links to these news stories.
• Join industry groups on LinkedIn to stay abreast of current trends.
• Follow the company on Twitter.

Suggested areas of research include:

• Recent news surrounding the organization
• Corporate culture
• History of the organization
• Types of products/services offered
• Reputation
• Locations
• Size and organizational structure
• Philosophy
• Prospects for growth or change
• Major competitors
• Promotional activities
• Current industry trends/issues
• Mission and vision of the organization

With ample research, in addition to practice, you will be ready to impress as you interview this fall and beyond.


For one-on-one coaching on how to prepare for an interview, consider scheduling an appointment in our office:  (414) 288-7423.

Need a plan for after graduation? Not sure where to start?

Many students are so busy with school, work, campus activities, or life in general that all of a sudden they realize that have no clue about what they are going to do after graduation. That, of course, can be an overwhelming experience. If this sounds like you, Career Services is here to help.

Helping students determine their path after graduation is one of the most common situations that we address. Of course we tailor our assistance to each individual’s needs, but here are just a few ways we tend to help students

• Assist you in choosing a  career path that fits you (assess interests, skills, and values).
• Help you learn how to communicate with professionals in fields that interest you.
• Work with you to develop a job search plan (establish the what, when, where, and how).
• Provide individual assistance along the way.

If you are not sure of what you need or where to start just call 414-288-7423 or stop by to make an appointment.  We would be delighted to hear from you.

-Jeremy

Everything You Need to Know About References

Your applying for a job, the application asks you to provide a list of references in addition to your resume and cover letter. References…

Deciding who put on a reference list can be difficult. When thinking about your future references consider these points:

When should I gather references: Throughout your academic, job, or career experiences you should be collecting contact information for people who could serve as references in your future job search.

Who should they be: You want references that are from diverse pools of experience, for example a chemistry professor, your supervisor at the Brew, or your faculty advisor for the Biomedical Sciences Student Association. Your references should be familiar with your skills, goals, career direction, and achievements. Identify a professor, supervisor, advisor, or coach that you have a relationship with and are in contact on a regular basis. It is never too early to start thinking about you could be a reference!

What makes for a good reference: References should be able to identify personal and professional characteristics that you have demonstrated. It is great if they can speak to how your actions, contributions, and efforts will benefit a future employer. You want the job, so don’t choose someone that only has mediocre things to say about you!

When selecting individuals as references, make sure you TALK with them IN PERSON! This will provide a good opportunity for you to communicate about the positions you are applying for and some of the skills you are planning to highlight. You could say: “I have a few job interviews coming up, could I use your name as a reference?”

It is also important to be respectful of their time, as they have busy lives too. If you need a letter of recommendation, talk with your reference at least a month in advance. Provide them with a resume, a description of the position you are applying for, and a stamped & addressed envelope; this will make the process even easier!

Keep your references in the know; fill them in on the status of your interview (they want to know when they could be contacted).

THANK YOUR REFERENCES! They put in time and effort on your behalf, their recommendation may have even landed you the job!

If you need additional assistance formatting your references for your application, check out the Career Services Center Online Resources (link below) or stop by Holthusen Hall for Walk-In Hours: Monday-Friday 12pm-2pm!

Career Services Online Resources

BECOME A STAR INTERVIEWER!

Effective Interviewing Techniques: Be a STAR!

Now that you have attended the Career Fair, followed up with employers, and been offered an interview, it is time to prepare yourself for the actual interview.  Interviews are one of the most nerve-racking experiences you will have to go through in your job search.  The secret to effective interviewing is similar to learning how to play a sport or musical instrument….PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!  The more you practice the easier and more natural interviewing will become.

While all jobs and all interviewers are not the same, there are certain questions that are usually asked of candidates during an interview.  These questions fall into two categories:  “the getting to know you” questions and “the why do you want this job” questions.  While companies are looking for different things, most employers look for candidates with the following characteristics:

1.            Communication skills (verbal/written)                                   

2.            Honesty/integrity                                                                        

3.            Teamwork skills (works well with others)                             

4.            Motivated/ willing to take initiative                                      

5.            Strong work ethic                                                                     

6.            Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)                          

7.            Analytical skills
8.            Flexibility/adaptability
9.            Computer skills
10.          Self-confidence
11.          Leadership skills
12.          Organization skills

                *Skills provided by 2007 NACE Job Choices Employer Survey

                                                                                                       

Behavioral-Based Interviewing

A common method for employers to check and see if you possess these skills is through behavioral interview questions.  Behavioral based interviewers believe that past behavior is an accurate predictor of future behavior.  They concentrate many of their questions on situations that candidates have encountered in the past.  What they want to hear is an illustration of your behavior.  To maximize the effectiveness of your answers, try using the STAR method.

S              = Describe a situation.   

T              = Talk about the task. 

A             = Explain the action you took.

R             = Talk about the positive results, quantifying if possible. 
                   (RESULTS are very important, but commonly forgotten)

COMMON BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED:

·         What is the most challenging situation that you have faced?

·         What accomplishment has been given you the greatest satisfaction?

·         What are three of your strengths?  (Provide an example for each using the STAR method)

·         What are three of your weaknesses? (Reflect how you already have or can improve)

·         Describe a time when you have disagreed with colleagues, how did you handle it?

Once you have practiced and feel confident in your ability to accurately and passionately share your experiences, be a STAR and rock the interview! 

CHECKOUT ADDITIONAL INTERVIEWING ADVICE BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW OR CALL (414) 288-7423 TO SCHEDULE A MOCK INTERVIEW WITH A CAREER COUNSELOR TODAY!

Marquette University CSC Interviewing Strategies

Would you flip a coin to determine your Career Future?

One of my favorite podcasts is called Radio Lab.  Radiolab is a show about curiosity. Where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and human experience.

Recently I heard a story about two brothers who read tea leaves, similar to flipping a coin,  to see which one would carry on the family business.  This game of chance changed their lives, their career paths, and their futures forever.

Would you leave your career path to chance? 

If you want a career path based on your interests, skills, and work values; one that fits who you are and what you are passionate about; one that gives you satisfaction... don't leave it to chance. 

Meet individually with a career counselor

Students meet with a career counselor to discuss the career issues of their choice. The counselor will likely ask about personal and career background, interests, coursework, and related aspects that effect career decision making to ensure a good understanding of the student’s unique situation.  Resources may be discussed along with next steps.

Schedule an appointment by calling 414-288-7423


The story actually turns out well.  Listen in... you won't be disappointed. 

fast forward to 13:30 in this podcast where Pat Walters shares the story of two brothers, Dennis and Kai Woo, who forged a deal with each other that wound up determining both of their futures.

Don't Let Your Hard Work Go to Waste: Follow-Up!

So you made it through the career fair last night!  You should be proud of yourself for preparing well, dressing the part, and having the courage to walk up to employers and begin a professional relationship.

Now it is time to build on that relationship.

Follow-up after a career fair is surprisingly uncommon and if you make the effort to connect with employers who piqued your interest, it helps you stand out from the crowd. All you need to do is send an email or hand-written note thanking them for their time at the fair and include a copy of your resume.  Don't forget to follow the application instructions provided to you at the fair and be sure to tell them in your note that you have submitted your application.

This one little step can make all the difference!

(And if you are going to the Technical Career Fair this evening - good luck! ...and don't forget to follow-up!)

Professional Organizations: But I'm a Student!

For those of you out there that have even glanced toward some research on your chosen field, you've probably come across something very familiar, yet equally foreign; the dreaded alphabet soup of Professional Organizations.  How are you supposed to know what all these 3-5 random letter combinations mean, or which ones are legitimately good?  It's a challenge that almost everyone faces as they begin the depth of their job or internship search.  For the ones that truly take advantage of such entities though, the search can be vastly transformed.

Professional organizations (or societies as they are sometimes known) can come in many different shapes and sizes.  For every national organization, there are usually regional, state, and sometimes even local versions of it.  Marquette itself even has student chapters of many large professional organizations, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Professional Journalists, and Financial Management Association. With such a plethora of options out there, there really isn't much reason to at least check out a couple in your chosen field.

So once you determine which professional organizations to look at, or even join, then what?  What's the purpose?  Well, as students, I believe that these organizations are goldmines for pertinent information.  As I certainly hope you've heard (whether from us or anyone else), networking is the way of the world when it comes to job searching.  You know the line, "It's not what you know, it's who you know."  It's a maddening line for many students, because how are you supposed to know all these professionals who can help you get a job?  Let's think about this though step by step

1. You are in a professional organization
2. You have a member list
3. Other members are likely established professionals in your field
4. You can contact these professionals, and thus, NETWORK!

Sounds pretty good, huh?  Let's also not forget other added benefits of membership, such as professional development opportunities, interesting lectures, and, oh yes, a field specific job board!  I can assure you that any professional organization with a job board isn't going to get overrun with pyramid schemes!

So what are you waiting for?  Go out there and look for the best professional organization for you, and enrich your job search as a result!

Careers in Service

Career Services is aware that not every student plans on joining the work force immediately after graduation.  Some students may purse graduate school, others post-graduate internships, and yet another group, post-graduate service opportunities.  Offering a year or two of service looks different for every individual. There are hundreds of volunteer programs available offering a wide range of speciality areas, positions, living situations, and locations. 

Maybe you, in the past or presently, have considered a post-graduate service opportunity. If you  have, the Career Services Center will be hosting a Careers in Service panel:

Tuesday, September 18th
AMU, Room 163
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

The Careers in Service panel is an opportunity for students interested in a year or more of service after graduation to gain a direct perspective from current corps members and recent alumni on their experiences, the application and interviewing process, and much more.  Organizations in attendance include: Alliance for Catholic Education, City Year Milwaukee, Teach for America, Peace Corps Chicago, Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest.

Outside of attending the Post-Graduate Service Fair, we encourage anyone who's ever been interested in partaking in post-graduate service to attend this panel.  Come and get your questions answered by those who've been there!

My First Career Fair Experience

When I think back to my first career fair experience three things come to mind: sweaty palms, nerves and a lack of preparedness.  Although I was dressed to impress and had brought several copies of my resume with me, I went to the fair to talk to only ONE company.  I never even approached another business.  I went straight to the booth I wanted, dropped off my resume and quickly shook the representative’s hand before I scurried home.  Looking back on this experience I can’t help but wonder “WHAT WAS I THINKING??!” Yes I know I was feeling intimidated and overwhelmed, but I wish I had not been so closed minded and nervous. 

If I had the chance to do it all over again this is what I would do:

-       

I     -I would have my resume critiqued by MUCSC and printed on resume paper (also available for          free in MUCSC)

-      -I would create business cards ($3 for 30 in MUCSC) and hand those out along with my resume

-        -I would push myself to visit more companies and map out a plan-of-attack ahead of time

-         -I would remind myself that this is a great learning opportunity

-         -I would create a 60 second commercial telling each company representative more about “Sam” (more then what can be read on my resume)

-        -I would practice and then re-practice my handshake

-        -I would tell myself to take a deep breath and not be so nervous

I know my experience would have been a lot different (and more relaxed) had I prepared for the fair more in advance.

With that in mind, I give you my last piece of advice: Determine what you want to achieve at a career fair and decide the best approach for getting the job done. No one ever said finding a job or internship was easy, but by planning early and using resources like the MUCSC, the road can be a lot less stressful. 

Good luck my friends and remember to just be you J