So You Think You Can Interview?

Take this quiz to see how you SCORE in the reality competition of interview preparedness:

1. When preparing for an interview, which of the following should you AVOID?
A. Prepare extra copies of your resume
B. Dress in a coordinated business suit
C. Research the company
D. Contact the employer to inquire about salary, benefits, and whether you will have an office with a window

2. All of the following are true about your resume EXCEPT:
A. In general, a resume should be 1 page only for an entry-level position
B. A resume should include your Facebook relationship status, interests, astrological sign, and all the pages you like
C. A resume is your opportunity to sell yourself
D. Formatting should be consistent throughout your resume

3. Which of the following is the MOST important thing you should ensure is accomplished in your cover letter:
A. Introduce yourself and your skills
B. Provide a proper greeting and salutation
C. Review the job description and outline the skills requested that you possess
D. Format appropriately
E. Explain what days you are not available to work due to animal care needs
F. A – D
G. All of the above

4. Which of the following is NOT true of a good interview:
A. Interview candidate had a firm handshake and good eye contact
B. Interview candidate answered questions directly and concisely
C. Interview candidate walked into the CEO’s office and said “I’m just checking out my future digs”
D. Interview candidate was able to provide examples of their experience

5. Which of the following tools IS NOT a good tool for researching the company?
A. LinkedIn/Facebook/Other Social Networking tools
B. Internet/Company’s Website
C. Informational Interview
D. Word of Mouth
E. USF Career Center Resource Room & Internet Resources
F. Posing as a UPS professional in order to meet with the hiring manager

Answers:
1. D
2. B
3. F
4. C
5. F

Was your SCORE not what you expected? Consider making an appointment with a Career Counselor to go over your interviewing skills or discuss your overall job search strategy. Call 813-974-2171 to make an appointment today.

Happy Job Searching!

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Shannon Love Talks Business Cards

Greetings Blog Readers! 

In the Spring, we held a competition for a Guest Blogger spot on our blog.  The quality of the entries we received was excellent!  Below is one of the many excellent entries we received:

Have you ever been out, had a person flirt with you, and then discover that you don’t have a pen or paper to write down your name and number? How about a potential employer? Writing your number on a napkin with the waitress’s pen is one thing for a date, but humiliating when looking for a job.

One of the most important lessons I got drilled into me my first year in college was to always have business cards with me. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just by someone telling me the importance of business cards- it was by missed opportunities.

           I was in a service group, related to Kiwanis International, and met a very well known attorney (who happened to be a Kiwanis member!). He mentioned he was looking for a new legal assistant and asked if I would be interested. Of course, I said yes. However, I was also excited when he asked for my name and e-mail- until I realized I was completely unprepared. Not only did I not have paper, but I also didn’t have a pen! Asking for a pen, and writing my contact information down on a napkin was an embarrassing situation. I never got a call or e-mail from him, and looking back, I completely understand why.

           Too often, college students approach college as a chance to simply have fun. And sometimes, we also add the chance to get an education. One of the biggest things that college students miss, however: the opportunity to network with individuals! After this, I immediately printed up business cards. The cards themselves aren’t expensive- you can purchase a kit from Wal-mart for less than ten dollars or go to a site such as Vistaprint.com and get them made very cheaply. Not only are the cards the perfect professional touch, but it also provides an easy way for me to assure I have everything a potential employer needs to contact me should they ever wish to do so. Then, should I ever meet someone- at school, a job fair, a student conference- my contact information is always ready.

Here are a few tips to consider when creating a business card for the first time:

• Keep it professional. When you were 13, the e-mail Kitten497@aol.com was cute. Now, however, something along those lines is not recommended for your job hunt. Consider going to Gmail and getting a simple e-mail, or using your school e-mail address.
• Emphasize your knowledge of technology. Let it be a well-known rule- NEVER put your Facebook on your business cards. Facebook is for your friends and select business contacts to catch up, not for the potential business employed. Instead, consider creating a basic Linked In account (www.linkedin.com). It’s free; more professional based, and can include things such as groups (I highly recommend the USF Alumni group), past employer positions, skills, and contact information.
• Make it interesting. Too many college students assume that anything business related has to be dull, but you can find ways to incorporate fun. Add a witty quote that’s related to your style. For example, I love a quote from Aristotle- “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” Add your own- and look at it whenever you feel the need for a motivation!

Thanks for reading!

Shannon Love

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Professionalism in the workplace.

When visualizing what life will be like when working in your career, you often think of exciting and positive things – the great projects you’ll work on, the amazing people you’ll work with, and the endless opportunities that will come your way.  Never do you think of some of the difficulties that may arise while in the workplace.   No matter how good you are at your job, there will be things that present challenges to you.  I remember being super excited when I first began working in Residence Life supervising RAs, handling facility issues, and dealing with behavioral concerns.  After working several years, I grew tired of the long hours and was faced with a number of challenges.  You too may have things that present themselves as obstacles for you so consider the following: 

It’s important to keep in mind that challenges are your friend not your enemy.  Workplace challenges help you to develop as a professional.  You learn from every problem and mistake so try to take away something from it.  When you’re confronted with a challenge, take a step back and process what’s in front of you and develop an action plan to deal with it.  Be prepared for challenges to happen because they will.  They can come in the form of a challenging boss, a difficult co-worker, or even realizing that you’re job is not what you thought it would be.

Remember to remain positive.  Your current situation will not last forever so maintain a positive spirit.  Your attitude has a way of affecting everything that you do.  Have you ever noticed that when you wake up in a bad mood, everything seems to go wrong for the rest of the day?  Whether you know it or not, your attitude affects your tone of voice, the way you walk, and the way that you handle every situation that presents itself to you.  Everyone in your workplace will notice whatever attitude you put out there so let them associate you with a positive attitude.  Try starting your day on a positive note or handling each challenge with a positive attitude and see how it impacts the rest of your day!

Don’t allow challenges to impact your professionalism.  Facing challenges in the workplace doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t continue to perform at a high level.  The ability to balance your workload and professionally handle a situation is important.  For example, if you are a member on a committee that is particularly difficult to work with, it is very easy to disengage or become negative about the situation.  You may even find yourself complaining to co-workers about your circumstance.   Doing any of previously mentioned things not only affects the productivity of the group but also tarnishes your image as a professional.  It is important to put your issues aside and do what you can to achieve the goals of the group.  As a side not, if you find that you need to confide in someone, do so with someone outside of work.

Workplace challenges are inevitable.  If handled correctly, you can learn a lot about yourself. 

Good luck!

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Professional Student to Rookie Professional

The time has come: you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree and you’re moving on to the real world.  Except this ‘Real World’ is not ‘Reality TV’.  Navigating the world of work requires one to conduct them self in a mature, adult manner.  No verbal or physical assaults acceptable here.

Hopefully you did an internship, co-op or other experiential opportunity in the environment of your new career.  If so, you probably learned a little bit about the expectations of employers, bosses, and coworkers.  If not, here are some things to consider in the next ‘season’ of your life. 

Financial Basics:  Your financial situation is going to change dramatically.  Understanding your pay structure and benefits is important.  When will you get paid? What deductions will appear on my check? What’s the difference between HMO and PPO health insurance plans?  Other items and expenses that will impact your budget are transportation, parking, and wardrobe to name a few.

Communication:  Written, verbal and nonverbal communication is different at work.  Talking and writing as if we are texting is unprofessional.  Our demeanor at work is not the same as with family and friends.  Observe respected individuals in your office and in professional associations or clubs.  What do they do and how do they handle situations?  This is a good barometer of what is acceptable and unacceptable at work.     

Office politics: Understanding and working with your boss and coworkers will change dramatically.  You are no longer the intern or part-timer but a colleague.  Your new professional status changes how you deal with and handle various personalities like the ‘Brownnoser’, ‘Idea Thief’ or the ‘Workaholic Boss’.  Learning how to navigate the political arena of your work environment will minimize stress so you can focus on the task at hand: your job and career.      

Business etiquette:  There are expectations of appropriate behavior in the workplace and at business functions.  What and how you communicate, information you share about yourself and your appearance all play a role in what’s ok at work.  Meetings, business lunches and conferences are various situations in addition to your work environment that one needs to conduct themselves in a professional manner.   You don’t want to be the gossip around the office after having ‘too much fun’ at the annual company picnic.   

Social networks: Facebook has been a way to share your life with friends and keep up with what’s going on with family and friends.  Now you want to connect with coworkers and other colleagues.  Keep in mind there are professional boundaries and some personal items just should not be shared in the workplace.  The best way to connect with new coworkers and colleagues is with LinkedIn.  Your profile on LinkedIn should showcase your professional experiences and knowledge.  This is not where you share what you did over the weekend. 

There are so many things employers want you to know and expect from you, but most are just not taught in college.  Here are a few resources available online to help get you started immediately on navigating the ‘rookie season’ of your career.
– Conquering the Real World: A Guide for Achieving Success After College
– Monster College: Hired 101
– CareerRookie.com: The Real World

The Career Center has some books that discuss these topics more in depth and are available in the ‘Job Search Tips/Advice’ section in our Resource Library.
– Backpack to Briefcase: Steps to a Successful Career
– Dorm Rooms to Boardrooms
– When Reality Hits: What Employers Want Recent College Graduates to Know

Finally, one of my favorite points mentioned on Collegegrad.com’s  New Job Proverbs.  “Always remember that work should never be your sole purpose in life. No one ever said on their death bed, I wish I would have spent more time at the office.”

Best wishes and much success on being a professional in your profession!

Barbra Oliver, Alumni Career Coach

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Making the best of your first job!

Okay, so you’re finally out of school.  No more term papers, finals, and late night breakfast at Andros.  You met with your Career Counselor numerous times, used Career Center resources, and finally landed the job that you’ve been eyeing, now what?  A lot of recent graduates get stuck when they find their first professional job after graduation since it’s well… their first job.  This transition from college student to full time employee can be both exciting and challenging.  You dreamt of this day coming to fruition but sometimes reality does not always match up with the fantasy. 

In this economic time and with this generation entering the workforce, it is extremely rare that anyone starting their first job will end up retiring with that same employer.  People change jobs an average of seven times in their lifetime.  Each job gets you that much closer to discovering what you want and don’t want in a career.  Here are some things to consider so that you can make the best of your first job.

Be on time – This can actually be applied to showing up to work, taking the time allotted for lunch breaks, and meeting deadlines.  Did you know that not showing up to work in a timely fashion is the number one reason for termination.  Don’t be a statistic!  Your supervisor and team are depending on you to be to work on time every day.  Make the changes that you need to make in order to be successful. 

Don’t think that you know everything – School did not prepare you for everything that you’re about to experience in the workplace.  You are entering a new environment with unknown expectations.  Take time early on in your new position to observe the culture and learn the office politics.  Be sure to ask questions if you’re unsure about something.  Many employers prefer that you ask plenty questions versus making a mistake that could have been avoided.

It probably won’t be the perfect job – It’s very unlikely that your first job will be the job of your dreams.  If you end up in this situation, it’s good to know that it is not the end of the world.  Try to identify ways that this new job can stretch you professionally and allow growth in certain key areas.  Volunteer to be a part of company-wide or departmental committees.  If you notice a gap of service – offer to be the lead in initiating that service.  All of these experiences can assist you in your next position.  It shows leadership skills and initiative.

Stay out of office gossip – Participating in office gossip never leads to any good.  It is good to be aware of what’s going on in the office but don’t contribute to the gossip.

Be professional – Developing a positive professional identity is very important.  These are just a few things to think about when developing your professional identity:

• Dress appropriately.   Your attire and appearance says a lot about you.  Make sure that it’s putting forth the right message.
• Always challenge yourself to do a great job all of the time.  Perform at the highest level to prove your value to the organization.  This current economy has created an atmosphere where everyone can be easily replaced so it is very important to show your worth. 
• Treat everyone with respect.  From the janitor to the CEO, everyone has something to bring to the table and organization.

For those of you starting your first jobs, good luck and enjoy this exciting time in your life.  For those of you still in the midst of your job search, the Career Center has plenty of resources to help you with your search.  If you need any assistance, call us at 813-974-2171 to make an appointment with your Career Counselor.

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