a: STEP 1: Assess Your Interests
From your internship experiences, part-time jobs, previous jobs, and conversations with peers, you know that there are a plethora of career options from which you may choose. While it may seem daunting to narrow your focus, this is the first step in your job search.
You will need to spend some time reflecting on your experiences, interests, and priorities. It may be helpful to take some time to reflect on the following questions:
1. What are your likes/dislikes?
2. What are your strengths/weaknesses?
3. What would be your ideal work environment?
4. Geographically, where would you like to be located?
5. How important are “quality of life” issues? (e.g. work/life balance)
You may find it helpful to begin to draft (or to revise) your resume at this time; documenting your experiences on paper can also help you to articulate your skills and abilities.
STEP 2: Explore Your Options
Your next step is exploration. You will find that you have many options. Self-assessment will help you to identify the industry and/or functional area(s) that interest you. Several resources are available to help you learn about industries and companies, which in turn can help you solidify your preferences.
1. Company Web sites
2. Newspapers (e.g. The Boston Globe, New York Times)
3. And Most Importantly, jobbi.com!
As you conduct your research, it may be helpful to develop a target list of companies. A target list will allow you to be intentional in your search, creating a plan, and focusing your attention. You may already be familiar with companies for whom you would like to work. You can include these in your target list.
To create a target list, begin by listing companies that you are familiar with and have an interest in working for. Then, use a variety of Internet resources (refer to resources above) to research industry trends and company profiles and based on this information create a list of companies that are doing well financially and/or resonate with your preferences and priorities.
STEP 3: Strategize
After you have determined your preferences and explored what’s out there, you are ready for the next step. Your strategy should include the following tasks:
1. Creating your marketing tools. If you have not already done so, you will need to create and polish your resume and cover letters.
2. Networking. Think of personal contacts (e.g. family, friends, former professors, former employers and former supervisors) that are employed in fields that interest you or can provide you with the names of individuals who work in industries that appeal to you. Compile this list of names, including business and personal (if available) contact information.
3. Contact these individuals to schedule informational interviews. Informational interviews can provide you with insights about trends in particular fields, expand your professional network, and lead to internship/job opportunities.
Apply to postings at companies on your target list.
a: When reviewing your resume, an employer will be looking for the following:
1. Things that differentiate your from other candidates,
2. Highlights of your accomplishments,
3. Demonstrated interest in the type of work you are applying for, and
4. A clear message.
Listed below are general guidelines for writing your resume:
1. Use a font that is easy to read, e.g. Times New Roman and Arial are good choices.
2. Font should not be smaller than 10 pt.
3. Proofread for spelling and grammar errors.
4. Use standard 8.5 x 11 resume paper -white or off-white are the best color choices.
5. Keep appropriate margins (1/2 - 1 inch margins are standard).
6. Consistent format is important, e.g. dates, fonts, and spacing should follow a specific pattern.
Check out our 3 samples that you are more than welcome to use as a template. Just copy and paste one into your “resume” box on your “my info” page and edit it to your liking!
a: Employers will evaluate you on four key areas. It is important to keep these in mind as you move through the interview process.
1. Are you capable? Do you possess the skills to successfully perform the job?
2. Do you present a professional demeanor and would they want you representing their organization?
3. Are you a team player and do you relate well to the staff?
4. Do you wholeheartedly want the job?
a: BEFORE THE INTERVIEW:
Research is critical in preparing for an interview.
Some areas to consider about the company:
1. Organizational structure of the company –key business lines,
2. Major products or services,
3. Key people in the organization,
4. Size in terms of sales and employees,
5. View of the company by clients, suppliers, and competition,
6. Major competitors,
7. Locations other than your community, and
8. Latest news reports on the company or on local or national news that affects the company.
Some things to consider about you:
1. What are the top five things I want this employer to know about me?
2. What have I done that directly correlates to the position and job description?
3. Why am I attracted to this company? Why would I fit?
DURING THE INTERVIEW:
Beginning of the Interview
First impressions can make or break you! Before you even enter the interview room, remember the following tips:
1. Be Punctual. Allow plenty of time to get to the interview. You should plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to give yourself time to "catch your breath" and collect your thoughts.
2. Dress appropriately. Attire should be professional, neat, and appropriate to the industry you are looking to join. As a general rule, it is always better to be conservative. Avoid heavy perfumes, colognes, and excessive jewelry.
3.Body Language. Make sure you greet your interviewer enthusiastically. Give a firm handshake. Maintain good eye contact. Avoid distracting mannerisms or nervous behavior (e.g. fidgeting, crossing your arms, twirling your hair, and playing with jewelry).
4. Greetings. Many companies will bring a greeter to on-campus interviews or have a junior member of the team meet you first. Greeters should be considered interviewers and treated as such. Be warm and friendly, and understand that what you say will be logged to your interviewer and included in your evaluation. The greeter is often the person who will attempt to answer the question –“Will this person fit in with our team?”
5. Small Talk. Many interviews begin casually. You may have to walk through several areas of the company before arriving at the office where your interview will be conducted. Be prepared to make small talk. Chat about the weather, the impressiveness of the firm’s location, or a recent sporting event. Just keep it simple -you will want to switch gears quickly once you enter the office.
6. Activities. Many interviewers will begin their interview questions with light material. Maybe they too played soccer in college, or were involved in theatre, or traveled the world. It’s a great way to break the ice, just be aware that these can often be missed opportunities to sell yourself. Just because the talk is light does not mean you are not being evaluated.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW:
Immediately after leaving your interview you need to take care of a few pieces of business.
1. Take notes on your interview and interviewers.
You will be amazed how quickly you can forget even the most memorable of interviews and interviewers. As soon as you leave an interview take a few minutes to review what happened. Be sure to note specific conversations so you can refer to them in your thank you letter. Also, be sure to record the next step in the process, which you should have obtained before leaving the interview.
2. Write down tough questions.
Couldn't answer something? Write down the question and develop a solid answer so when it is asked in another interview you will be better prepared.
3. Send thank you letters.
Send thank you letters to each interviewer and to the person who facilitated scheduling your interview. Thank them for their time, make mention of a portion of the interview you particularly enjoyed, and reiterate your interest in the job. Letters should be professional in content as well as format.
a: An interview can be quite stressful at the best of times, but sitting through one unprepared for even typical interview questions can be disastrous. Below is a list of common interview questions. Take some time to think about how you would respond. It helps to prepare by writing down short answers to the questions and reviewing them prior to the interview. Practicing will help you be more confident during the interview.
The interviewer may ask you questions that are not included in this list. Try to stay calm and take a moment to think about your response before beginning to speak.
As you practice interview questions, think about the things that you would like to ask the interviewer. For example: What are the job responsibilities? How many working hours per week? Be prepared with your own questions.
General Questions:
1. Tell me a little about yourself.
2. Why should I hire you?
3. How do you define success?
4. What are your strengths/weaknesses?
5. Where would you like to be in five years? Ten?
6. Describe your personality.
7. What past accomplishments have given you satisfaction? Why?
Job Specific Questions:
1. What do you know about this position?
2. What do you know about this company?
3. Explain why you are qualified for this job.
4. Are you looking for a permanent or temporary job? Why?
5. Why did you leave your last job/position?
6. What are you looking for in a job?
7. What kind of people do you like to work with?
8. What type of work environment do you prefer?
9. Describe the best boss you have ever had.
Experience Questions:
1. How would you define a great work environment?
2. Have you ever worked for a difficult person?
3. Have you mostly worked alone or in groups?
4. How many projects can you handle at one time?
5. What was your workload in your current/last position?
6. What are some things you find difficult to do on the job? Why?
Education Questions:
1. What is the most recent skill you have learned?
2. What have you learned from your past jobs?
3. What made you choose to apply to this position?
4. Why do you want to leave your current position?
Behavioral Questions:
1. Are you a persistent person? Give me an example of this, if so.
2. Where do you stand with your former employer?
3. Explain a difficult situation in which you were involved and how you handled it.
4. How do you work with new people?
5. We have a problem with ______. How would you handle this problem?
Stressful Questions:
1. How do you handle stressful situations?
2. Describe a stressful situation and explain how you handled it.
3. Can you work overtime? Weekends? Travel?
4. Do you have any questions?
5. How do you think this interview is going?
6. How long have you been looking for a new job? Why?
7. How long would you stay with us?
8. Have you ever had problems getting along with others?
9. What can I tell you about my organization?
10. What can you bring to the table that someone else could not?
11. What are your outside interests that occupy your time?
12. What are your reservations with working here?
a: Introductions/Greetings
Throughout your career, you will find yourself in numerous social situations in which you are expected to interact with a wide variety of professionals. Below are helpful tips for making introductions.
1. When introducing yourself, state your first and last name.
2. When facilitating introductions, use that name that was given to you during the introduction, e.g. "Michael" is "Michael" not "Mike."
3. A firm handshake is crucial. It conveys a sense of confidence.
4. Nametags should be placed on the right side, so individuals can easily look at your name when shaking your hand. If you write your name on the nametag, make certain that your writing is legible.
5. Maintain eye contact as you speak.
6. If you forget someone's name, you may say something like, "I'm sorry I know that we have met before, you are . . . ?"
7. At the end of your conversation, be certain to make a closing statement such as "It was a pleasure to meet you."
Conversation
There are a variety of social conversations that can be awkward. The following are possible conversation topics:
1. The event at hand
2. Current events
3. Books and trade publications
4. Topics in your line of work
Topics to avoid:
1. Religion
2. Politics
3. Money
Also, be careful not to monopolize the conversation. You should listen attentively so that you can effectively respond to comments and questions posed by others and give other individuals an opportunity to speak as well.
a: Though not always required, a letter of acceptance can be sent as a follow-up to a verbal acceptance of an offer. Typically a formal offer is accompanied by a letter which requires the candidate’s (your) signature as an acceptance of the position. In the absence of a required signature, an acceptance letter will serve as an official acceptance of the position. A letter of acceptance can also serve as a thank you letter once the entire hiring process is complete, and is a detail that is sure to be appreciated by an employer.
When should I send an acceptance letter?
1. Though not always required, a letter of acceptance can be sent as a follow-up to a verbal acceptance of an offer.
2. Typically a formal offer is accompanied by a letter which requires the candidate’s signature as an acceptance of the position. In the absence of a required signature, an acceptance letter will serve as an official acceptance of the position.
3. This can also serve as a thank you letter once the entire hiring process is complete and is a detail that is sure to be appreciated by the employer.
What should be included in the acceptance letter?
1. The opening paragraph should state why you are writing (to accept a position) and refer to the specific title, department, and office location, if applicable, of the position you are accepting.
2. Your next paragraph should reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and confirm your start date.
3. Thank the employer for the opportunity.
4. Finally, provide your contact information for the period between now and when you will start to work so you can be contacted with any relevant information or paperwork.
a: Cover letters are an essential part of your marketing package. A good cover letter will get your resume read and generate interviews. It adds a personal touch to your application. When accompanied by your resume, cover letters demonstrate that you are a serious, professional candidate who is sincerely interested in the position available.
Employers use cover letters to evaluate and compare candidates. An effective cover letter will serve as an introduction, but a poorly written letter can eliminate you from consideration.
Take a look at our example cover letter.
(Mr. / Ms.) Employer Name
Employer Title
Company Name
Company Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Ms./Mr. (Employer’s Last Name),
Opening Paragraph:
• Purpose for writing the letter.
? “I am applying for...”
• Identify the position for which you are applying & disclose the source from where you found the position (ex. name of referral or contact, CCD, Web site, etc.).
? “My professor, Dr. Sophie Colin, informed me about the opening...”
• Emphasize what you have to offer to meet their needs by presenting your qualifications in a clear, concise manner.
? “My qualifications and experience include...”
Middle Paragraph(s):
• Demonstrate how your skills and experience match the needs of the employer and requirements of the position.
? “The experience I have gained working on...demonstrates my ability to...”
• Be specific, select examples from academic and work experience. Be direct when describing your skills.
• Don’t just repeat everything that is on your resume– use examples to describe why you are a good “fit” for the position and organization.
? “Recognizing the need for...”
? “(company name) interests me because...”
Final Paragraph:
• Thank the employer
• Reiterate your enthusiasm & interest in the position
• Reinforce your knowledge and interest in the company– why this company?
• Articulate next steps– Let them know you will follow up
? “I will be contacting you...”
? “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how...”
Sincerely,
Your name typed (sign above)
onto the letter to create the
look and feel of stationary.
a: Thank you letters are an essential part of the interview process. You should send a thank you letter whenever someone has:
1. Interviewed you,
2. Provided you with information,
3. Recommended you in any way,
4. Referred you to someone else, or
5. Rejected you (this is your opportunity to reaffirm your interest in their firm).
If you are sending letters to several people at the same company, try to personalize the letters –although you don’t have to create an entirely new letter for each. Thank you letters should be sent immediately -a good rule of thumb is to send a thank you letter within 24 hours.
Take a look at our Thank You Letter example.
(Mr. / Ms.) Employer Name
Employer Title
Company Name
Company Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Ms./Mr. (Employer’s Last Name):
Thank the interviewer or the person who has referred you for his/her time and
effort. Reiterate your interest in the position, the company, or the industry.
Re-emphasize a skill or strength.
Reflect on the conversation that you had and relate the information that you were
able to gather– show off your listening skills! Refer briefly to the conversation you
shared and perhaps how it has impacted you.
Again, thank the individual for his/her time (or referral). Tell him/her you look
forward to speaking again in the future.
Sincerely,
Your name typed (signed above)
Example:
Jacob Jobbi
11 Jobbi Lane, Las Vegas, Nevada. 89117
(702) 123-4567 • jacobjobbi@gmail.com
a: Once you accept a position (verbally or in writing), you should withdraw from all other job opportunities. This can be done with a simple letter written to the hiring manager. A letter of withdrawal is an opportunity to show an employer that you are sincerely interested and appreciate their time. It is also a good chance to show them that you’ve landed in a good position and might be a worthy candidate in the future.
When should I send a letter of withdrawal?
1. Once you accept a position (written or verbal), you should withdraw from all other job opportunities.
2. This can be done with a simple letter written to the hiring manager.
Why do I need to send a letter of withdrawal?
1. A letter of withdrawal is an opportunity to show an employer that you are sincere and appreciated their time.
2. It is a good chance to show them you’ve landed a good position and might be a worthy candidate in the future.
3. Please note that if you have established a rapport with the company and they have invested time and money in your candidacy, all correspondence should be initiated via telephone. The letter can then serve as official confirmation.
What should I include in a letter of withdrawal?
1. The opening paragraph should state why you are writing (to withdraw your application).
2. Your next paragraph should explain that you appreciate their consideration but have recently accepted another position. Be specific. Let them know exactly what you will be doing and why it is a good fit for you.
3. Thank the contact for their time.
a: Negotiating hourly wages can be quite stressful; however as with all areas of the job search process you can reduce your stress and improve your negotiating power by being prepared. Keep in mind that many hourly jobs offer a preset hourly rate. However, you should still be comfortable with the compensation offered, or be ready to negotiate, if necessary. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
Before the Interview:
1. Do your research on the specific industry. There are many online sources that can give you guidance on what you can expect to earn in a specific industry (i.e. retail or food services).
2. Ask family and friends who work in the industry in which you are interested.
3. Review the minimum wage laws for your state.
4. Consider your level of experience in the job that you are applying for. Do you have years of solid experience or is this your first job? If you are experienced, be prepared show examples or job history to demonstrate your expertise.
During the Interview:
1. Leave the wage negotiations until later in the interview process. Wait until you are offered the job, or the employer raises the wage issue, before discussing how much the job pays.
2. Remain calm; don’t appear too desperate to get the job. This will improve your bargaining power.
3. If asked what your previous pay was, remember to include bonuses, tips and other perks.
4. If asked what you expect to earn, provide a reasonable range. This gives you the opportunity to negotiate based on what is included in the overall compensation package.
The Offer:
1. Consider the total compensation package when deciding if the pay rate is reasonable to you. Does it include healthcare; or tips and bonuses? What about a flexible work schedule?
2. Does the job offer you a great opportunity to gain valuable experience or to get your foot in the door? Then you may be willing to take a lower pay rate because in the long run you could make more money.
3. Be willing to walk away. If you are not offered a rate that you can be comfortable with, you will be miserable working in the job. It may be better to continue your search or reassess your expectations.
a: Your messages are the way you communicate with your fellow users. Your messages vary between two things. They can either be private messages or HeadHunt messages.
Private Messages
It is usually the best way to communicate between people searching for jobs and companies searching for employees. You can even use it to communicate to other users to figure out what job they want to be recommended to. You can switch between the messages you have sent and the messages you have received.
HeadHunt Messages
HeadHunt Messages are used to show who has recommended you for possible jobs or vice versa. You can switch between the messages you have sent and the messages you have received.
