Prep Up!

This is the second blog post in a series of three titled “Nailing the Interview.” Check out the first one here. 

Today I had an interview, and it went really well. I received the job offer, and I KNOW it was because of what I did to prepare. I realized it is not the ideal field I would like to work in, but as Hunter Hayes knows, it’s nice to feel wanted.

In an ideal world, we show up to an interview and after 30 minutes of talking about our skills and talents, stating our strengths and weaknesses, and maybe even comparing ourselves to an animal, we receive the job offer. Not the case. Without prepping for an interview, good luck trying to stand out (in a GOOD way) to your potential employer.

What does ‘prepping’ really consist of? It goes beyond practicing interview questions and having your suit pressed before as I pointed out in a previous blog. Next time you’re getting ready for an interview, think back to grade school and remember what your teacher would tell you over again and over again:

Do your homework:

Research on the company is a MUST. Focus on their mission statement, the advantage they have over their competitors, how they intend on growing in the future, and relevant information regarding the particular job or field you are applying to. If the opportunity arises during the interview, slip in some key facts or figures in an answer to show your genuine interest in the company. See where your skill set can fit in and express what you can bring to the company.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions:

As you’re doing your homework, jot down any questions you may have about the company. Try and learn as much as possible about your field by asking questions relevant to your potential job description. It shows that you took the time to do the research and have taken it one step further in an effort to obtain a better understanding of the company and position. Write these questions down and have them ready in a nice portfolio that you’ll bring into the interview.

Practice makes perfect:

Swing by the Office of Career Services in Riverside 116 and have your resume critiqued, your cover letter improved, and practice a mock interview.  Walk-in hours are Monday- Thursday 2-4pm.

Robert Fulhum made a good point in his poem All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten, but there is just as much to be learned from grade school.

Reminder: Experiential Awards

Graduate School Resources at Your Fingertips

Are you considering applying to Graduate School?   Did you know that HIRE-UT can help you with more than just jobs and internships?   HIRE-UT can assist you with both your search for the right graduate school and preparation to get in.   Among the great resources available to you include:  Attending Full-Time vs. Part-Time programs, 7 Graduate School Search Tips, Your Guide to Getting Into Grad School and Should I go to Graduate School Now?

Get started with these 7 Great Steps compliments of HIRE-UT/Experience:

1. Know your objectives
2. Consult an online graduate school search guide
3. Narrow your options
4. Contact existing students
5. Visit the campus
6. Re-evaluate your choices
7. Selecting your program

Reminder: MBA/MS Career Fair

Majors and Careers

If you are undecided about your major, or thinking of changing your major, we have an excellent opportunity this week for you to speak to the academic departments.  The Annual Majors Fair will be held on Wednesday, February 20, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm on the 9^th floor of the Vaughn Center.  In addition to faculty and staff from the various academic departments, several employers and alumni will be available to discuss their career paths.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, you are encouraged to attend our Next Steps Workshop, Wednesday, February 27, at 5:00 pm in Riverside 102.  Sponsored by Career Services and Academic Advising, we will discuss what your next steps are to declaring or exploring your major.

I hope you will join us this month for one or both of these events!  

Are You Loyal to Career Services...

Shantora is!  She won a brand new Kindle by simply attending Career Services events, and getting her Career Services Card stamped.

The Career Services Card program continues this semester with another opportunity to win.

Stop by Career Services today to pick up your card and get started!

Elevator Speech Competition

I hear this old circus come-on in my ears, “Come one, come all to the Greatest Show on Earth!”  I don’t think it will be the greatest show on earth, but it’s a great chance for you to show off your networking skills and maybe even win a prize!  

On March 1^st we will have the first round of our third annual Elevator Speech Competition, co-sponsored by the UT Entrepreneurs.  Enterprise Holdings will provide judges for both rounds and the prize for the winner.  It’s a perfect way to practice your introduction to employers for career fairs, job interviews, or just a casual meeting on an airplane or at a networking event. 

Called an elevator speech because it should be given in the time it takes for an elevator to go from the top floor to the bottom—by the time you reach the bottom, the person to whom you were speaking should want to know a little more about you. Generally speaking, your pitch should last between 30 and 60 seconds and highlight the skills, experience and education you bring to the job at hand. 

Short, simple, to the point:  who you are, what you’re majoring in, what you've accomplished in terms of education and experience, and what sort of position you are now looking for.  

Join us for a workshop on Wednesday, February 20^th from 5-5:45 p.m. in Riverside 102 and for the first round of the competition on March 1^st. If you survive that round, it’s on to the finals – and a prize!  Sign up on HIRE UT to reserve your spot!

Internship Fair Reminder

The Importance of Internships

On a recent visit to California, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from several companies including Google, Quiksilver, The Broad Residency, and DreamWorks Animation. While these companies represent a wide-array of fields, their message was consistent.

When asked, “What advice would you give college/graduate students?” two common themes emerged from each company - complete an internship and build a professional network. Both of these are components that can be accomplished at the Internship Fair scheduled for this Thursday from 1:00pm to 3:30pm in Fletcher Lounge. The Internship Fair has over 50 organizations registered! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network and learn about internship opportunities.

Did you know?

Internship Facts:

• 88% of employers use experiential education programs to recruit for their own work forces;
• 50% of interns accept full-time positions with internship employer;
• Over 80% of college students complete one internship;
• 69% of college students complete two internships;
• Starting salaries are $1,000 – $2,000 more than students without internship experience;
• 16% more job offers to student who had completed internships.

Before you go:

• Check HIRE-UT to review the list of companies who are registered for the Internship Fair. Research the companies you are most interested in.
• Bring copies of your resume! Resume critiques are available in the Office of Career Services during walk-in hours (Monday through Thursday from 2:00pm to 4:00pm).
• Prepare to network with employers and your peers.
• Dress for success! Review our blogs posts on professional dress.

Best of luck!

Data retrieved from: National Association of Colleges and Employers, Job Outlook 2010 Internship Bible, and VaultReports.com