Rohan's Career Counseling Corner

4 Common Job Interview Mishaps and How To Recover From Them

2010-04-02T02:29:00.000-07:00

People get so nervous during job interviews because the belief is that one false move will ruin a job prospect. Here’s a reality check: people don’t lose out on jobs over one job interview mishap. Instead, they lose out because they allow their mistake to shatter their confidence, thus doing poorly throughout the entire rest of the interview. But any time you put yourself out there you are vulnerable to making mistakes; why not accept that you might make a mistake on your interview and learn how to handle it instead? Here are four common job interview mishaps, complete with ideas on how to recover from them:

Tardiness

Should have: Arrived 10 minutes early.

Mishap: Missed your train or got stuck in traffic – arrived 10 minutes late.

Recovery: A simple apology – “Sorry to keep you waiting.” No need to explain why you’re late as it’s probably due to your own poor planning in some way. I did this myself on an interview, and while the recruiter was irritated, I still had a great interview with the people hiring.

Dress Code

Should have: Worn a suit. Even if your prospective employer’s website says the dress code is casual. Even if you’re a woman. Other tips: Schedule a haircut a week or two before job interviews (so it has time to grow out a little). Wear great shoes. For women, add some makeup and subtle jewelry.

Mishap: Wore something other than described above.

Recovery: Don’t make a joke about your attire or draw attention to it in any way, and don’t lose confidence because of it. No (good) employer is going to overlook you for a job because of your wardrobe choices as long as you are impressive otherwise – so make it up to them with your talent and experience. (And buy yourself a suit afterwards.)

Mistakes on Your Resume

Should have: Proofread your resume before sending it out, or asked others to proofread for you.

Mishap: You put something incorrect on your resume. When I was searching for my last job, I updated my college resume to reflect my professional experience. Big mistake – I left some undergraduate language classes on there, which included intermediate Japanese and Spanish, neither of which I can speak at an intermediate level. Imagine my surprise when one of my interviewers asked me his last question… in Japanese.

Recovery: Complete transparency. Explain you made a mistake on the resume and how/why you made it without sounding like an excuse-maker. Own up and apologize for the confusion. Don’t write off the interview at that point - I still received a job offer because I showed high integrity.

Confessing Too Much

Should have: Learned to edit yourself in professional situations.

Mishap: Gave too much information, answered a question too honestly (ie: “My biggest weakness is that I’m lazy”), or shared an inappropriate personal story.

Recovery: Do not say, “I probably shouldn’t be telling you this.” That sets off warning bells in the interviewer’s mind. Instead, keep your confidence high. If you realize you’re giving away to much, try to spin the tables by explaining how the experience changed you or made you a stronger person. When you’ve said too much to spin it, stop talking – mid-sentence even - and switch gears. Try “That example isn’t the best; here’s another one.”

One of the most important skills to have for any job is adaptability, so knowing how to handle mistakes in an interview is essential to landing a job.

Questions to Ask at the Job Interview

2010-01-30T12:57:00.001-08:00

One of the last questions the interviewer will ask you is "Do you have any questions?" If you reply with a simple "No" you are telling the interviewer that you aren't really interested in the job or the company. You should always prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer before going to the interview.

Below are some possible questions you might want to ask during a job interview. Avoid asking about salary, vacation time, employee benefits, etc. until you have asked a number of other questions that demonstrate your interest in working for the company. You will impress the interviewer if you ask questions that indicate you've done some research beforehand, such as "I read in the Wall Street Journal last week that your company is planning to expand its retail operations in the region. Could you give me more details about the company's plans for expansion?"

Good questions to ask the interviewer:

Why is this position available?

Is this a new position? How long has this position existed?

How many people have held this position in the last two years?

Who would be my supervisor? To whom would I report?

Whom will I supervise?

With whom will I be working most closely?

What do you like about working for this company?

What are the current plans for expansion or cutbacks?

What kind of turnover rate does the company have?

How financially sound is this company?

What projects and assignments will I be working on?

What happened to the person that held this position before? Was he promoted or fired?

What is this company's culture? (Ex: Is it rigid and formal or relaxed and flexible?)

What are the current problems facing the company (or my department)?

What do you like the most about working for this company? The least?

What is the philosophy of the company?

What do you consider to be the company's strengths and weaknesses?

What are the company's long and short term goals?

Describe the work environment.

What attracted you (the interviewer) to this organization?

Why do you enjoy working for this company?

Describe the typical responsibilities of the position.

What are the most challenging aspects of the position?

Describe the opportunities for training and professional development.

Will I receive any formal training?

What is the company's promotional policy?

Are there opportunities for advancement within the organization?

When can I expect to hear from you?

Ending the Job Interview: If you're interested in the position, let the interviewer know this by stating at the end of the interview: "I am very interested in this position. Is there anything that prevents you from offering me this position right now?" Don't forget to send a follow up letter immediately afterward the job interview.

DOs and DON'Ts of Resumes

2010-01-21T12:49:00.000-08:00

A good resume cannot get you a job; but a bad resume can prevent you from getting the interview - and without the interview there's no chance of getting the job.

The new rules for better resumes start with the fact that there are fewer rules. There's an opportunity for some creativity, but not for gimmicks. What works today is conservative style and a focus on a key achievements - especially those that are of particular interest to the reader.

Remember what interests an employer, for let's say an executive assistant position , may not interest the employer hiring a desktop publishing specialist. That's why it is essential that people who qualify for several different jobs (and most do) have several different resumes. All resumes should be accurate and truthful, but each should highlight different strengths as they relate to the job opening.

Better jobs have become more competitive than they were in the 70s and 80s. And they will continue to get more competitive in the 90s, as these better jobs require increased specialized skills.

Since the resume is a primary tool in finding a better job, extra time spent on its preparation is a good investment. In fact, some astute people constantly update their resumes, even though they may never use them to get another job. A reminder of your talents and accomplishments, a current resumes can provide you with clues to getting a better job in your present company or the ammunition to prove you deserve a salary increase.

I believe the best way to explain the new "rules" of resume writing is to explain what you should always do and also what you should never do.

ALWAYS

• Always print your resume on standard letter size, white or ivory rag paper.

• Always have the resume professionally typed, but not typeset, with plenty of space between lines, and allow for adequate margins.

• Always use conventional English. Stay away from multi-syllable words when a one or two syllable word is clearer.

• Always use short and crisp live - preferably no longer than a few words.

• Always make sure the resume and the cover letter are error-free. Proofread, and have others proofread to.

• Always rewrite a resume for a specific company. It's extra work, but may well pay off.

• Always include your significant contributions at each one of your jobs.

• Always allow the most space to the jobs that are most relevant to the job you're applying for.

• Always list your activity with professional, trade and civic associations - but only if they're appropriate.

• Always keep a permanent file of your achievements, no matter how inconsequential they may appear to be. This is the basis for a good resume, and it is also essential information to get a raise or promotion.

• Always give each of your references a copy of your resume.

• Always send a brief, customized letter with each resume.

• Always send your resume by messenger overnight mail if you're applying for a high salary level job and you're reasonably convinced you fit the job specifications.

• Always re-read your resume before interview - chances are the interviewer did just that too.

NEVER

• Never call it a CV or Curriculum Vitae or make it as a heading. Its obvious what you are doing/

• Never give reasons for termination or leaving a job on the resume. In almost all cases, the reader can find negative connotations to even the best reason. You're far better off explaining it in person.

• Never take more than two lines to list hobbies, sports and social activities. When in doubt, "leave them out".

• Never state "References Available On Request". It's assumed, and clutters up the resume. Other things to leave out include your social security number, your spouse's name or occupation and your personal philosophies.

• Never list references on the resume.

• Never use exact dates. Months and years are sufficient..

• Never include your company phone number unless your immediate boss is aware of your departure.

• Never include your height, weight or remarks about your physical appearance or health.

• Never list your high school or grammar school if you're a college graduate.

• Never state your objectives on your resume unless the resume is targeted to that job or occupation.

• Never use professional jargon unless you're sure the resume will be read by someone who understands the buzz-words,

• Never provide salary information on the resume. Save it for the interview. If you are required to give that information, reveal it in the cover letter.

• Do manipulate but, Never lie.

BUSY??? Still You Can Find Time for a Job Search

2010-01-16T23:29:00.000-08:00

No Matter How Busy You Are You Can Always Find Time for a Job Search. It's a given in today's hectic world that no one has enough time. The 45- 50 hour work-week usually ends up devouring at least 60 hours and for many people that's punctuated by an hour or more of commuting every day. But with careful planning, regular discipline, and a few shortcuts, any one can free up the time they need for their job search.

Techniques for Getting More Time for Your Job Search

Hire a Pro to Do Your Resume
The process of getting your resume finished can be enormously time consuming for most people. Any such time delay is bad enough, but the resume writing part of your job search is at the beginning, meaning it kills your momentum and sandbags the whole effort. So be smart and farm the job out to a professional. Quickly you'll not only be done with this all-important job search tool, but you'll almost certainly get a far more powerful resume than you'd be able to write on your own.

Look For Shortcuts
Seek out any possible ways you can free up time. Buy prepackaged dinners for a while. Pay your daycare provider to stay with the kids a little longer. Simplify your wardrobe and grooming so you can run out the door faster. Get a laptop so you can do work in your spare moments. If you really brainstorm, you can come up with dozens of ways of freeing time. The extra minutes can really add up to a great job search.

Choose Job Search Techniques Based on Your Available Time
There are myriad ways to find a new job, but some take more ongoing time than others. For instance, although networking is highly touted as the most effective job search method, it also tends to be one of the most time consuming. That can make it difficult if you have to stay at work late into the evening. In comparison, online job boards aren't as effective as networking, but they take less time and allow more flexibility in terms of when you use them and how long you commit to them at a time. Take a good, honest look at what you can really devote to your job search and focus on methods that fit your schedule best.

Overcoming The Fear of A Job Interview

2010-01-14T05:14:00.000-08:00

So it’s the big day. You have been selected and it’s your interview call, surely a big day. But, preparing for a job interview can be very stressful. With the proper research, and practicing ahead of time, you can be ready for any pending interview that you go into. Searching for jobs and entering into any interview can sometimes be scary. You must remember to relax and to just be yourself. Remember your positive attributes and why you would be a great addition to the company that you are interviewing for. By following a few practice steps, and doing a few relaxing techniques, you can be well on your way for your pending interview. Read on to learn how to overcome fear during a job interview.

1. Step1
Research the job that you are interviewing for. Even if you are familiar with the position in which you have applied, research some extra information, so that you can decide what kinds of questions you should ask at your interview.

2. Step2
Write down the questions that you would like to ask on a piece of paper before your interview. Knowing what you want to ask will make you feel more at ease and also will prepare you for the pending interview.

3. Step3
Write down the reasons why you would be a good employee to work for the company in which you are applying for. Then list some of the traits that you feel make you a good person and employee.

4. Step4
Choose the outfit that you would like to conduct your interview at least a couple days before the interview takes place. Find something which makes you feel comfortable while still appearing confident and professional.

5. Step5
Rehearse some of the answers that you would like to say either in front of a mirror or with another person. Having an idea of what you want to say will prepare you for your upcoming interview.

6. Step6
Take a few deep breaths before your interview on the day that it takes place. Do a few relaxation techniques to release any tensions that you might have. Glance at your notes before the interview one last time, and remember to relax.

7. Step7
Appear confident and remember to smile during your interview. Relax and just be yourself. Remember to ask the questions that you have prepared and also keep in mind that those who are interviewing you are humans too. Perhaps they are just as nervous as you are!

Connecting The Dots In Professional Life- Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech 2005

2010-01-13T21:06:00.001-08:00

Cover Letters- Opportunity To Grab Employer's Attention

2010-01-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

You could write the best resume in the world and be highly qualified for a job, but if your cover letter is poorly written, generic, or misguided, you can pretty much throw your chances out the window. The cover letter is your first, and sometimes your only opportunity to grab an employer's attention and let them know why your resume is worth reading.

Writing a cover letter often seems like a particularly daunting task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing letters to send with your resume.

A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored, so, it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters.

A cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.

Since there are many different ways to write a cover letter, depending on the employer and the method of transmission, for example, here are some ways to make yours stand out along with some examples you can tweak to your liking.

Steps

Before Writing A Cover Letter

○ Update your resume. If you don't already have a resume, then write one -- the experiences and skills you list on your resume should be tailored to the particular position you're applying for, reflecting strengths that will be desirable to your potential employer.

○ Research the target organization or business so you can include information or facts relating to your desired job or industry. This will not only help you in writing a relevant cover letter but it will also be useful if you get an interview. Some key items you should become familiar with:
What is the employer's mission? What do they promote as setting themselves apart from competitors? What kind of customer base does the employer cater to? What kinds of people are in their target market? What are the company or organization's values? Innovation? Service? Diversity? Sustainability? What is the history of the employer? Who was the founder? How has the business or organization evolved?

○ Analyze the job. Read the job description carefully. Check for the noted and assumed needs and determine the most important skills, qualifications and experience the employer is looking for. Write them down, and put a check mark next to the ones you have.

○ Find the name of the manager in charge of the department you want to work in. Use your network. Do you know someone who is in the company or industry? Can they help you? If not, call the HR department.

While Writing the Letter

○ Format the heading elements correctly. Line spacing and address conventions mainly apply for a paper cover letter. For an online version that is not likely to be printed out, the date alone may be sufficient, or not even required.

○ Include your address at the top (in the right hand corner - approximately 1 inch down from the top of the page).

○ Skip down 4 lines and enter the date.

○ Skip down 4 more lines and enter the Contact Person, then the name and address of the company. Write to a specific person, not "To whom it may concern", or "Dear Sir/Madam", whenever possible.

○ Write the body of your letter with three or four paragraphs.

○ In the first paragraph, tell the employer why you're writing to them in two or three sentences. State the position you are applying for. Avoid the standard openings like "I wish to apply for the position of ___ advertised in ___". Design your opening to get the reader to sit up and pay attention to what you can do. It's unnecessary to specify how you became aware of the position unless it's through a mutual contact or recruiting program. If you're writing a letter of interest (also known as a prospecting or inquiry letter), in which you're asking about positions that might be available, specify why you are interested in working for the employer.

○ In the next one or two paragraphs, outline your qualifications and match them to the requirements of the position. Show enthusiasm and a desire to help the company reach its goals. Show the employer what you can contribute to their bottom line, not what you want to get out of the deal. Use what you've researched about the employer's background and history. Try to make two or three solid points, backed up by specific examples. Relate some relevant details about the company so the employer knows you did some research ahead of time.

○ In the final paragraph, include a positive statement or question that will cause the employer to want to take action. Make this closing paragraph between 2-4 sentences. Direct the employer to the enclosed resume, make your availability known for an interview, and if you want to be assertive, state when you will contact them to set up a meeting time to discuss the opportunity in further detail. Provide your own contact information (phone number, e-mail address) and welcome them to get in touch. It's very important to finish off by thanking the employer for their time and consideration.

○ Conclude with "Yours sincerely," (if you have addressed the letter to a named person), "Yours faithfully," (if you have used a "Dear Sir" approach) or "Regards," and leave four blank lines to sign your name in blue ink. If you use black ink, they may think it is a copy. If this is online, leave only one or two blank lines.

○ Proofread. This is essential/

○ Be sure you have spelled everything correctly.

○ Own what you've accomplished, grammatically speaking (e.g. avoid "this experience gave me the opportunity to..." or worse, "these goals were met by me."). You don't want to sound like everything happened to you or was done by some other entity. Make yourself the active subject of every sentence (e.g. In this experience, I developed/reinforced/learned/etc."). But that doesn't mean every single sentence should start with "I..." so vary your syntax accordingly.

○ Break down any contractions (e.g. "I've" to "I have").

○ Avoid colloquial (informal) writing. You want to sound professional, objective, and educated.

○ Check the punctuation use carefully.

○ Keep the letter to one page -- the purpose of the cover letter is to get the hiring manager to read your resume! If the letter is spilling onto a second page, it's time to tighten your points and edit the fluff.

○ Your tone should be upbeat, professional and informative. The employer wants to know what you can do for them, so sell yourself and your skills in a positive way. Keep that in mind as you write and proofread each paragraph.

Cover Letter Exercise

Answer the following questions, then use each answer in the corresponding spot of the sample cover letter:

○ Name of person you are addressing the contact letter to.

○ Your role or current job.
   "graduate student in environmental science"
   "customer service professional"

○ A general description of your accomplishments/experiences in the field to which you are applying.
   "fifteen years of customer service"
   "an outstanding background in scientific research and discovery"
   "a solid history of dependability in the automotive industry"

○ A positive description of the employer.
   "what many consider to be the most progressive medical institution in the state of Rhode Island"
   "a well-established company with a long history of gourmet creativity"

○ Assets you can offer to the company. List one to three.
   "extensive experience with start-ups"
   "demonstrated ability to solve problems"
   "refined ability to manage teams"

○ Key skill/experience/accomplishment, and how it can help the company achieve its mission. List two to three of these. Be specific.

Ten Myths About Choosing a Career: Forget What You've Heard About Choosing a Career

2010-01-11T09:01:00.000-08:00

Do you think you know everything about choosing a career? Many people think they know the right way to go about picking an occupation, but they often wind up choosing a career that is unsatisfying. Here are ten myths of choosing a career along with resources that can help you make an informed decision.

#1 Choosing a career is simple

Actually, choosing a career is an involved process and you should give it the time it deserves. Career planning is a multi-step process that involves learning enough about yourself and the occupations which you are considering in order to make an informed decision.

#2 A career counselor
can tell me what occupation to pick

A career counselor, or any other career development professional, can't tell you what career is best for you. He or she can provide you with guidance in choosing a career and can help facilitate your decision.

#3 I can't make a living from my hobby

Says who? When choosing a career, it makes perfect sense to choose one that is related to what you enjoy doing in your spare time, if you so desire. In addition people tend to become very skilled in their hobbies, even though most of the skill is gained informally.

#4 I should choose a career from a "Best Careers" list

Every year, especially during milestone years, i.e. the beginning of a new decade, there are numerous articles and books that list what "the experts" predict will be "hot jobs." It can't hurt to look at those lists to see if any of the careers on it appeal to you, but you shouldn't use the list to dictate your choice. While the predictions are often based on valid data, sometimes things change. Way too often what is hot this year won't be hot a few years from now. In addition, you need to take into account your interests, values, and skills when choosing a career. Just because the outlook for an occupation is good, it doesn't mean that occupation is right for you.

#5 Making a lot of money will make me happy

While salary is important, it isn't the only factor you should look at when choosing a career. Countless surveys have shown that money doesn't necessarily lead to job satisfaction. For many people enjoying what they do at work is much more important. However, you should consider earnings, among other things, when evaluating an occupation.

#6 Once I choose a career I'll be stuck in it forever

Not true. If you are unsatisfied in your career for any reason, you can always change it. You'll be in good company. Many people change careers several times over the course of their lifetimes.

#7 If I change careers my skills will go to waste

Your skills are yours to keep. You can take them from one job to another. You may not use them in the exact same way, but they won't go to waste.

#8 If my best friend (or sister, uncle, or neighbor) is happy in a particular field, I will be too

Everyone is different and what works for one person won't necessarily work for another, even if that other person is someone with whom you have a lot in common. If someone you know has a career that interests you, look into it, but be aware of the fact that it may not necessarily be a good fit for you.

#9 All I have to do is pick an occupation... Things will fall into place after that

Choosing an career is a great start, but there's a lot more to do after that. A Career Action Plan is a road map that takes you from choosing a career to becoming employed in that occupation to reaching your long-term career goals.

#10 There's very little I can do to learn about an occupation without actually working in it

While first hand experience is great, there are other ways to explore an occupation. You can read about it either in print resources or online. You can also interview those working in that field.

How to Ace Your Job Interview: 88 Surefire Tips and Tricks

2010-01-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

So, you're a recent graduate? Looking for work? You and thousands of others. What can you offer that they can't? Well, hopefully you know that or will learn as you search. Your job search is a project in itself, with various stages. Here are some tips to get you to your goal of a great first job.

Skill Building

Robert Fulghum might have learned everything he needed to know in kindergarten, but you probably didn't. In fact, even college probably didn't teach you everything. Keep building your skills.

Practice your writing skills. In today's Internet-oriented world, good communication skills are crucial. Technical writing and documentation seems to be a weak point for many new grads.
Stay updated. Read and subscribe to relevant weblogs, magazines, and newspapers. Use web feed subscription tools like Bloglines or Newsgator Online Edition.
Take refresher courses. You may not get a job in your first interview round. Consider some refresher courses before you rewrite your resume.
Start a blog. Demonstrate your knowledge of a topic related to a field you'd like to be employed in by writing a blog and mentioning it in your resume. Try Blogger.com or Wordpress.com for this. You can also give a shot to micro blogging at Twitter.com
Do some volunteer work. Find something you like doing and volunteer. It shows depth of character on your resume.
Learn networking skills. Finding the ideal job usually means knowing the right person at the right time.

Tools and Miscellaneous

There are some tools that you might need for your job search, and other expenditures.

Computer. Whether you buy or borrow, you'll need a computer for typing your resume, cover letter, and references page.
Internet access. Your job search will likely take you online. As an alumnus, you probably have access at your college (or local library).
Briefcase or portfolio. Perfect for protecting your materials against the elements when attending job fairs or going to interviews.
Cell phone. If you're pounding the pavement looking for work, you'll want to make it easy to be reached for additional interviews or changed schedules.

Resume

The average headhunter will tell you that their clients usually spend thirty seconds on most resumes, while culling the stack. Make yours stand out, and defensible.

Don't lie on your resume. It's not a novel. Mention skills you're capable of. Say "learning such and such" for everything else.
Be relevant. Don't list your parents' names and birthdays or your dog's breed.
Customize your resume. You may qualify to work in various industries. Tailor your resume accordingly for each.
Follow standard format. There are a variety of resume formats and you can probably follow any of them. New grads should emphasize education and gradesfirst.
Make it easy to read. Even while following standard format, there are a number of ways you can make your resume easy to read including using bullet points or tables.
Be brief. One page for a a recent college graduate is sufficient.
Use the right terminology. Do use industry terms but don't be too academic with lingo.
Promote yourself. Your resume has to sell you. Write it using action words but without bragging. Be factual, with concrete details.
Have references ready. Have two or three references printed on a separate sheet of paper and only provide them when asked for. Professors that know you well might be ideal candidates.
Indicate your interests. Depth of character is something interviewers look for.
Stick to the file format. If a company asks for your resume in a specific formatand/or provided by a particular method of delivery, then comply.
Use a cover letter. These are specific to the job and company that you are applying to, so use a different one for each application. They should summarize in a few paragraphs your objective, strengths, and relevant interests.
Proofread. Don't waste your entire effort by sending out resumes and cover letters only to find that it appears a monkey wrote them. Use a spell checker and grammar checker.
Print quality. Use quality white or light tan paper for printed resumes and cover letters. Don't use gimmicks like colored or scented paper. Stapling is not recommended, but at least keep your cover letter separate.

Finding a Job and Interview Preparation

Before you can get an interview, you obviously have to find a job to apply for.

Ask friends and family. This is not nepotism. You are merely asking around about opportunities where they work.
Ask in social settings. Someone in your church or other social organization may have leads.
Ask on campus. Your professors or the university might have work available.
Check with former classmates. Some companies pay employees referral fees for finding new candidates, so a former classmate might have leads.
Try networking. Career networking websites such as LinkedIn or Facebook go a long way toward helping you find a job.
Use a job search engine. Job search engines like Rozee.pk can narrow down your search. Some let you post your profile and resume.
Attend career fairs. Career fairs are sometimes ideal for finding a job. Dress as you would for a one-on-one interview, and you might find yourself in one. Take a clipboard, copies of your resume, and a general cover letter.
Check newspapers. Some jobs just might not be advertised online.
Be selective. Don't apply to jobs that you know you won't like or are not qualified for.
Practice being interviewed. Have a friend help you out, setup a video camera, then review your answers and body language. If possible, have two friends interview you "firing-line" style.
Beef up your skills. Missing a skill? Can you learn it fast? Say on your resume that you are learning it, then do so before an interview.
Know your strengths. You'll likely be asked, in an interview, what you think your strengths are, and possibly your weaknesses and what you're doing about them. Make a list of both.
Research potential employers. Visit their Web sites and search for recent articles about them. Try Topix, which lets you search for news from a certain date backwards.
Prepare a list of questions. Not all job descriptions are clear. Be ready to ask for clarification in an interview.
Don't overreach. It's good to be positive, but as a new grad, you have to be realistic about what work you are qualified for.
Be patient. Work might be hard to come by in some industries. Keep trying. If you are willing to wait, then stay on top of industry news.
Look elsewhere. New grads can simultaneously combine their adventuresome spirit and the need for a job by working abroad.

Offbeat and Appearance

General tips about preparing when you've already secured an interview.

Practice. Practice in front of the mirror the night before. Check your facial expressions.
Have your clothes ready. (Reduce your stress.) This includes ironing clothes and buffing shoes.
Dress professionally. Part of being professional is dressing professionally. For men, a tie isn't always necessary later in life. But wear at least a suit jacket and slacks. Women should dress appropriately. Phone in and ask if necessary. Err on the side of conservative.
Makeover. Don't spend a fortune, but have clothes you can wear to an interview and the job afterwards. Maybe you need new shoes and a haircut or styling.
Use your judgement. Facial jewelry, colored/ spiky hair, and tattoos are relatively new fashion "accessories" and companies differ in their acceptance. Most look past it nowadays. Being yourself is best. Call reception and ask for suggestions, if you're concerned.
Groom yourself. Brush your teeth and shower. Men, eliminate stubble.
Get enough sleep. Don't go in with bloodshot eyes.

Pre-Interview

On the day of your interview, prep yourself.

Be prepared. Know where you're supposed to go. Check their Web site, and call in if you have to.
Know why. You'll likely be asked why you want to work there: it's small, it's big, cool research, cool job, highly recommended, whatever.
Arrive early. But not too early. Five to 10 minutes early is okay. If you're earlier, wait somewhere else first.
Be friendly. Greet the receptionist and anyone that talks to you before the interview. Thank them for any assistance.
Don't smoke. At least not on the premises. You don't want to smell of smoke.
Use the restroom beforehand. Better safe than having to go during the interview. Comb your hair, ditch your chewing gum, etc.
Learn your interviewer's name. If he/she has an unusual name, ask the receptionist for the proper pronunciation. Dale Carnegie, in his book How to Win Friends and Influence People, wrote of a new American who cried when someone asked him how to pronounce his name, instead of simply pronouncing it incorrectly.
Turn off your cell phone. And take out any Bluetooth earpiece you might be wearing.

The Interview

A lot of what gains you points in an interview is your behavior. They already have your resume. They want to know about you.

Interview Opener

Wait for the handshake. The rules of a handshake have changed as more women have entered the workforce. Normally, two men should shake firmly. Beyond that, you'll have to use your judgement. Don't crush a person's hand. Practice with male and female friends.
Keep standing. Don't sit until you are directed to. There may be other people participating in the interview and it's best to show that you are "open to direction."
Make a good first impression and maintain it. Mirroring is a powerful technique if used subtly, no matter the interviewer's mood.

Interview Dos

Maintain eye contact. Look the interviewer in the eye without staring. Not doing so is often perceived as shiftiness not shyness.
Be succinct. Don't be a Chatty Cathy; don't tell your life story. Give a bit of detail instead of just "yes" and "no".
Nod your head. But don't over do it. It shows you are attentive and amenable to being managed. Women are more likely to nod than men, so men should practice more.
Ask for clarification. You may be attentive, but if you don't understand something, politely ask for clarification.
Ask questions. Ask about the culture at the company and any general questions that an interviewer has not mentioned yet.
Be flexible. Even dream jobs have uninteresting tasks that must get done. Don't wrinkle your nose at a list of tasks. And say you're willing to learn if you don't know how to do something.
Ask about your role. You could be interviewed for multiple positions, despite what the job description you applied to indicated. Ask what positions you're being considered for.
Ask about your team. Ask how many people you'd be working with and what they do. Ask if there's anyone internally that is applying for the job.
Ask about the last person. Ask why the last person left the position, or if it's a new one. If the interviewer hesitates, back off. If they answer anyway, they'll probably respect you for asking.
Ask about future opportunities. Is there room for growth? Asking shows that you're career-minded, and that you might stay long-term.

Interview Don'ts

Don't ask about salary benefits first. Let the interviewer bring it up. Typically, this is discussed towards the end, and usually if they're interested in you.
Don't fidget. It's often perceived as a sign of untrustworthiness.
Don't mumble. Speak clearly and enunciate your words. This should be part of your pre-interview practice with friends.
Don't be intimidated. Be confident without being arrogant.
Don't lie in the interview. A skilled interviewer can "read" an applicant.
Don't show off or overact. Just be yourself, but don't be overly effusive.
Don't hit on your interviewer. Seriously, you're in an interview, not a nightclub.
Don't complain about someone. Be positive.
Don't seem needy. Sure, you need a job, but if you act like it, you probably won't get it.

Interview Other

Remember what it's about. Think "what's in it for them", not just "what's in it for me". Both parties have to benefit.
Be prepared to be tested. You might be asked to prove, say, your computer programming skills with a small quiz on basic principles of coding. Interviews for other industries might include similar testing.

Closer and Post Interview

The end of the interview is just as crucial to getting a job, as is what you do afterwards.

Know your availability. An interviewer may ask when you can start. Don't be afraid to say that you have a vacation scheduled, etc., or that you can start immediately.
Be flexible on salary. When asked what you're expecting, a good answer for a new grad is that you're hoping for at least fair entry level wages, with performance bonuses. You might even say that you're willing to accept stock options, especially at a startup.
Ask for the job. If the interview goes well and you think you want to work there, ask for the job. Say something like, "Well this sounds like a very interesting job and I'd love to work here." Do this when they offer their handshake goodbye. If they like you, you'll be asked back for a second interview, or you might get offered the job right there.
Say thank you. Thank the interviewer and the receptionist, etc.
Be patient, part 2. As you're leaving, ask about the selection process and when you might hear back. If there's more than one position, you might hear back sooner. You might get more than one interview, but that may require sign-off from someone on vacation.
Follow up on each interview. Experts offer differing opinions on this. If in doubt, call reception and ask their suggestions, especially if you haven't heard back within two weeks.
Keep an interview log. It'll help you track the state of each application (sent application, pending interview, interview complete, followed up, rejected, etc.). Include dates.
Keep learning. An advanced degree may help your career, but you can also learn without returning to school. Many large universities are offering their courses free online. Also check the Open Courseware Consortium.

Official Launch

2010-01-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

Today is the mark of official launch of "Rohan's Career Counseling Corner". I hope this launch helps in creating a better tomorrow for the job hunters. And also provides an interface to serve both; job hunters and hiring organizations