Student Branding Blog - Dan Schawbel » Interviews

Conquering the Phone Interview

Ronisha Goodwin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:26:43 +0000

Not everyone is a fan of the phone interview. I’ve been on both sides, as a recruiter and a candidate, and even for me, they’re my least favorite type of interview. I believe I connect better and present myself more effectively in person than on the phone. Recognizing that the phone interview will most likely never be obsolete and others may share my indifference for them, here’s my advice for getting through one successfully.

Consider Your Setting

Start by carefully selecting the setting where you’ll conduct your interview. You want to eliminate any distractions and ensure you’re able to focus solely on your conversation with the recruiter. Although a recruiter can’t see you, they can definitely tell if you’re distracted. Therefore you want to select an area that is both roommate and pet free. I recommend that you are sitting up, not lounging across the couch or bed; you also want to have ensured that you have privacy and are able speak freely without being overheard by others.

Also consider conducting the interview on a land line instead of a cellular phone. There is nothing quite as nerve wracking as a dropped call during a phone interview. I’m feeling a bit anxious just thinking about the mad scramble to reconnect once the call is lost.

Dress the Part

You may find this bit of advice a little silly, but I encourage you to dress for the interview. Do you have to go for full business attire including shoes and a tie? Ummm, maybe not, but you definitely don’t want to interview in your pajamas. Professional conversations call for professional attire and although it may be mental, I promise you’ll interview better if you take the time to shower and change into clothing that makes you feel confident.

Smile

When you’re on the phone with the recruiter, remember to smile. If you’re smiling while speaking with the recruiter it is more likely that the tone and inflection of your voice will be much more positive. Yes, again, I know they can’t see you, but I can assure you that a smile translates right through the phone.

There are so many factors out of your control during the selection process. The elements that are within your control…..your confidence, level of preparation, and environment are the keys to successfully conquering the phone interview.

Author

Ronisha is one of Hyatt’s College Recruiting Managers. Hyatt’s College Recruiters visit more than 30 college campuses each year recruiting top talent at hospitality programs across the country. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Ronisha begin her Hyatt career as a Human Resources Corporate Management Trainee. During her ten years with Hyatt, she has worked at Hyatt Hotels in Orlando, Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey. To learn more about opportunities with Hyatt please visit hyatt.jobs, follow Hyatt on twitter @hyattcareers, become a Hyatt Facebook fan at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Careers and follow the Campus Recruiter blog at blog.hyatt.jobs.

The Essential Interview Check List: 9 Steps To Ensure You’re Prepared

Lesley Mitler — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:16:27 +0000

You have an interview tomorrow–what should you do to ensure you’re prepared? Other than the obvious interview preparation (researching the company etc.), here are some organizational tips that will make “interview day” go smoothly:

Select your attire.
Decide what you are going to wear at least one day before the interview. If you have not worn something in a while, it may not look, or fit the way you remember. Maybe you bought the clothes while you were sporting the Freshman 15? You should actually try everything on, confirm that your clothes are cleaned and pressed, and make sure you feel confident about your appearance. Guys–make sure you have the right color socks (no lime green, please). And don’t forget to have the shoes shined! Remember, the first impression you make is your appearance. Even if everyone who works there is in casual attire, you are still in the interview process and you should look like a candidate, not an employee.
Organize your resume and other materials you’ll take to the interview.
Even though you’ve submitted your resume to the company before, it is always good to have hard copies when you go to an interview.
Have a plan for getting there.
Make sure you have directions, phone numbers, and email information. If you are driving, you should find out where to park and if you will need a permit for your car. If you are taking public transportation, determine your route in advance. No matter how you are getting to your meeting, make sure you know how long it will take to get there. And don’t forget to bring a photo ID if required by the Security Desk.
Arrive EARLY at your meeting.
One thing is almost certain in this whole process: If you are late for an interview, you are probably not going to get the job. Get there early. Find a place to have a coffee or beverage. Be relaxed and calm before you arrive.
Show manners and respect to the person who greets you when you arrive.
I have seen or heard this often. Someone arrives at a company and they ASSUME that the person at the front desk is unimportant. BIG MISTAKE! Often, the people you meet will ask the person at the front desk how you treated them and what you did while you were waiting for the interview to start. If the feedback is negative, it’s over.
Read while you’re waiting to be interviewed. I know the natural instinct is to pull out your phone and get busy reading your mail or sending messages. But you should resist the urge to do that. Turn off your phone when you arrive so that it won’t interrupt you during the interview. Most companies will have some materials displayed about the organization or other reading materials–reach for that.
Focus on answering questions during the interview–NEVER take notes.
I know I am repeating myself because I sneak this into any relevant blog post, but an interview is not the time to take notes. Listen, make eye contact, and respond.
Ask each person you meet for their business card.
You will need this for your “thank you” notes. You can also use this information to Google the people you have met and to see if you are connected to any of them through LinkedIn.
Send a “Thank You” note within 24 hours. Make sure to personalize each note and reiterate your interest in the job, the organization and your relevant skills that qualify you for the position.

So this is your interview checklist. Use this before each interview to organize yourself so that nothing distracts you from making your strongest presentation.

Author

Lesley is president and founder of Priority Candidates, which prepares college students and recent graduates nationwide to get hired for their first jobs. Previously, Lesley spent more than 25 years in executive search, working with candidates from entry level to C-Suite executives in organizations ranging in size from small, family owned businesses to large international organizations. Her fundamental knowledge of what hiring manager’s look for is the core of what Priority Candidates does to prepare college students/recent grads to get hired now. An alumnus of Duke University who is based in New York City, Lesley has been featured in USA Today, ABC’s New York Viewpoint with Ken Rosato, ABC News with Art McFarland, The New York Times, NY Nightly News with NBC4’s Chuck Scarborough, eCampus News and John Tucker’s Small Business Report on Bloomberg Radio. Lesley always welcomes connections via LinkedIn, on Twitter or by email or phone, available on her website.

Building Career Confidence

Harrison Kratz — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:52:22 +0000

I realize that some of my previous posts for this blog have been saturated with a “go get ‘em” message where I express my ideals that the world is your oyster and you can do whatever you want. That being said, I realize this is not always the case, especially for students. Although rare, I still get a slight case of the jitters in some situations

Nervousness is almost always due to over analyzing the situation and pressuring yourself into a perfectionist mentality or the worry about conforming to going by the book. Nerves are natural, but can be overcome.

Here are some tips on how to build your confidence as you begin your career:

Dress in what makes you comfortable

I put this first because I think it’s the easiest to achieve but the most overlooked. While you should always be presentable in the workplace, make sure you are comfortable in your clothing and in your environment. If you’re not comfortable wearing a shirt and tie every day, don’t join a company that has that culture. Its not to say that they’re a bad company, its just not a fit for you.

Being comfortable is essential to being confident. If you’re confident and comfortable with the way you look everyday, then that will spill over into your performance.

Make mistakes

You are a student and guess what… you are expected to make mistakes! That is the only way to learn. Keep that in mind because maintaining a “Nothing to Lose” attitude can be a game-changer for any intern or junior level employee. Anyone can be cautious, but understanding that mistakes are a part of growth allows you to move forward and leave an impression.

Mistakes do not come in waves for those who are confident in their abilities–they serve as infrequent stepping-stones in a much bigger picture.

You are the commodity

In the internship process, there are two stages in your association with companies that you are interested in. You are either a prospect for a position they NEED filled or you have already gotten the job. (I don’t count anything else, because if you are rejected, your association in that capacity is no longer present.)

In the first case, you are a candidate for the position that they currently have open. This means that you are someone they need. Never think that you need them because – 1. Your confidence is probably shot 2. You’ve already dug yourself into a big hole. They need to fill the position and I can tell you right now, they want to end their interview process as soon as possible. They want you to be the one. This puts you in a great position–you can be an asset to their needs and goals. Present yourself like it.

In the second case, you have already gotten the job. This means they believe in your abilities to help them as a company. From your first day, there is no reason you should not see yourself as an asset to them. Remember, you have been selected for that position to benefit them as much as they will benefit you.

Author

Harrison is the Community Manager at MBA@UNC, the new Online MBA program at the University of North Carolina and sticks to his entrepreneurial roots as the founder of the global social good campaign, Tweet Drive. As evidenced through his previous projects, Harrison has a passion for all things social media, philanthropy, and finding new ways for students to understand the power of a brand. Before moving to New York and while still a student at Temple University, Harrison founded the PR/Social Media consulting firm, Kratz PR as well as Engage TV and the #PRStudCast podcast. Feel free to connect with him to discuss community, social good, branding, or the Philadelphia Phillies on Twitter, @KratzPR or Linkedin

Four Essential Job and Internship Resolutions for 2012

Lesley Mitler — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:00:51 +0000

2012 is here. New year. New goals. New resolutions. Finding that killer internship or landing an excellent first job was probably on the list for many of you. But how do you actually get there? Here are four suggestions you can implement today to help you stand out as a candidate for that first job or coveted internship.

1. Update your resume at the end of each semester.

Even if you’re a freshman, prepare a resume the minute you get to school. But this is not just about having a resume–it is about building your resume. You should have new work experience, internships, research projects, community service or activities to add to your resume EACH semester. Think about this: You want to be concerned about how you are going to fit everything on one page, not how big the font has to be so you fill the page. If you are simply going to class and getting good grades, you are not doing enough. Potential employers want to hire people who have demonstrated energy, passion and commitment. It is not enough to say you are hard working and ambitious–you have to show it!

2. Look for appealing job descriptions.

Do this regardless of whether you’re actually going to be looking for a job soon. Reading about these job openings will help you understand what employers are looking for in terms of academic coursework and skills. If you don’t have the relevant qualifications, you can be sure to get them before you graduate. The same is true for internships – see what relevant background you need to be a competitive candidate and make sure you meet their requirements.

3. Become a social media expert.

Probably all of you are comfortable with Facebook. But from working with a lot of Millennials, I’ve noticed that many just use Facebook for social reasons and their understanding of social medial seems to end there. The reality is that almost every business is utilizing social media to a greater degree each year and anyone who is knowledgeable in this area will definitely attract more attention as a potential hire. And in terms of the application for your current and future job searches, social media is a key component for anyone who is looking for a job or a job change. If you ignore this as a resource, you are missing out on a tremendous amount of valuable information and opportunities to network.

4. READ.

If you really want to show your passion, learn as much as you can by reading. You can even use LinkedIn to browse various news sources and sign up to receive a digest of articles in your area of interest. Know about breakthroughs and innovations. Learn which companies are growing and relocating–all valuable information to fuel your search and to show your desire and commitment.

So get started now and good luck! That job or internship is certainly within reach.

Author

Guest Post on LinkedIn and Student Branding from RHL.org

Chelsea Rice — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:00:44 +0000

Personal promotion in college is extremely important. Anyone visiting this website is aware that going to college is about finding a career just as much as it is about acquiring an education. It’s a competitive world out there and to be successful it is essential to do more than just go to class and get good grades.

Online branding starts now

Personal promotion starts now with everything from your personal hygiene to the way you decorate your living space. Things like posters on your wall, tidiness, and even selecting the right dorm room bedding can be essential for reinforcing your personal image and branding yourself correctly for life after college. The good news is that this entire process can be fun and starting in college will give you a huge advantage over students who wait until after college to consider personal branding and a career.

Most college students are familiar with Facebook and are great at navigating this social media network. Unfortunately, Facebook isn’t the social media network of choice for many business professionals and potential employers. Facebook is time consuming and the truly ‘social’ nature of the service has caused many businesses and professionals to shy away in favor of Twitter and LinkedIn. If you haven’t joined either Twitter or LinkedIn yet, now is the time. Get a head start on this social mountain now while you are in college, so you will be ready to tackle the next batch of employment oriented social networks that have yet to be invented.

LinkedIn is for Research and Personal Branding

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Applied to student branding this may seem like a senseless question, but is it? Do you really know exactly who you are and what you want to do? If your answer is not exactly, take some time to explore companies via LinkedIn.

This section is accessed through “companies” on any LinkedIn page. It is possible to search using either keywords or the company’s name. This will take you to the company profile section. Here you will find tons of useful information, including specializations, company statistics and company employee statistics.

You will be able to see things like the total number of new hires, current job postings, new titles for company employees and the names of people who have recently joined and left the company and their geographical distribution. You will also be able to see the most commonly attended universities, the highest degrees attained, and the years of work experience by employees in the company.

How do you use the research you’ve just gathered about companies on LinkedIn? Read Part II next week.

Author

Jen Thames is the Brand Manager for RHL.org, leading online supplier of dorm room bedding and residence hall linens. To learn more about her business, click here.

Live Your Passion: Anna Maltby, Associate Editor at SELF Magazine

Melissa Kong — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:30:22 +0000

I met Anna Maltby in 2007 when we were both interns at Time for Kids Magazine. After spending several months checking facts, laughing over lunches, and running around the city to collect stories with her, I just knew Anna was destined for journalism greatness. Anna is currently the Associate Health Editor at SELF Magazine. She has also worked at Marie Claire and Men’s Health. You can feel Anna’s passion for writing and media the moment she starts talking about what she does for a living. That’s how I know she will continue to be a big success throughout her career–because she’s living her passion every single day. Below, Anna answers my questions about journalism, creating authentic connections, and never settling for less than what you really love.

MK: How did you get to this point in your career?

AM: I realized very early on what I wanted to do with my life, when I was sixteen. I joined the staff of my newspaper and went to “Editor-in-Chief” camp the summer before my senior year. I redesigned my newspaper into a magazine, basically, because I loved magazines so much. I was able, from the moment I entered college, to work my butt off, which translated into me getting one of the more competitive internships through my school, at Men’s Health magazine. It ended up being an incredible experience and I got to know really passionate, smart editors who valued solid research and great resources. It was a great training ground for writing and editing, and through the connections I made during my internship I was able to get a job after graduation as the assistant to the Editor in Chief there, and wound up having a ton of opportunities to work on brand extensions.

I was eventually promoted to focus on writing with the popular brand extension, “Eat This, Not That.” I helped write blogs and ran the Facebook and Twitter pages. It was definitely a crash course on how to create and manage a very successful, powerhouse brand. But I realized that I really wanted to work on an actual magazine, and I had stopped doing that day to day. I wanted to learn in a magazine environment again. Then, an editorial position came open at Marie Claire. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go back to being an EA again, but I thought, “I need to just take a chance.” I went with my gut, which was to work at a magazine that I really, truly loved. It was hard, but a great decision. Sometimes you have to put your pride aside, along with the need to feel really successful and ahead. Because ultimately, what really matters is that you are doing something you are passionate about. And if you aren’t, it’s not worth it.

After about a year at Marie Claire, an amazing position came open at SELF, which was a magazine I really respected but honestly wasn’t a regular reader of. But I was so impressed by everyone I met here, and as dorky as it sounds, so excited by the work I got to do in my edit test, that I had to make the move. SELF has turned out to be totally incredible. I’m learning so much every day not only about being the best editor I can be, but also about science and health and all kinds of fascinating stuff. I can pick up the phone and talk to the top cancer researchers in the world, any old time. It’s a great place to be, and you can pretty well bet that I’ll be sticking around here for quite a while.

MK: How do you define success?

AM: Success is figuring out what your gifts are and what makes you happy, and going about your life in a way that cultivates those things. It’s less about striving to be at the top of everything. What’s really important is what you spend those eight hours a day doing and feeling, not what someone else might think about it.

MK: What is your take on the importance of internships and how to go about finding one in college?

AM: I think they are crucial. I did five internships as an undergrad, and I don’t think there is a better way to learn. In the journalism industry, you can learn a lot in the classroom, but you don’t get the most crucial skills until you are actually in the field working. I started off at a small local newspaper in my hometown, which was absolutely invaluable. I was writing stories about farmer’s markets and county fairs—and being forced to write six stories a week and meeting deadlines was an intense but incredible experience. I did want to stay in Chicago the next summer, so I took an internship at a small local women’s magazine two days a week that was unpaid. At the same time, I worked at a boutique PR firm the other three days a week. Interestingly, I gravitated to the PR firm internship more, which really surprised me. So I realized that I just needed to stay open minded, which really led me to a great experience at Men’s Health—not a magazine I necessarily would have gone for otherwise, since I obviously wasn’t a MH reader—and then as an intern at Time for Kids. At both places, I worked with great people who really cared about the work they did and about me as an intern. Even if you don’t think the internship you’ve scored lines up perfectly with what you want to do eventually, extra real world experience in whatever industry you are interested in never hurts. It can only inform your thinking about what you want to do.

As for actually finding an internship, while it’s great to go through people you know if possible, remember that internship opportunities don’t necessarily just present themselves to you. You have to be proactive and look for them. I think a lot of students would be surprised how easy that can actually be—for my PR internship, I literally just googled as many PR firms in Chicago as I could find and reached out to them using information I found on their websites. Easy! But even if there’s a company, publication, or person you want to work for and there’s no obvious way to apply online, find a contact somehow and just send them an email, connect with them however you can. You’d be surprised at how few requests those people actually get. Don’t be afraid to reach out. People generally love helping other people and giving advice. It’s a great way to begin networking. Don’t shy away from putting yourself out there a little bit.

MK: Thinking back on your jobs and internships, what has been one of the most profound lessons you’ve learned thus far? If you could go back to your 18-year-old self and give that young woman advice about the next 5 years of your life, what would you have told her?

AM: At times in college, I was so career-driven and focused on journalism. So I had a tendency to discount some of the more offbeat opportunities that were offered to me in college. I wish I focused a little bit more on some of the classes and events that didn’t necessarily relate to journalism. Even if something isn’t directly related to what you think you want to do, you never know what you might be able to learn from it. Don’t lose sight of the fact that you are surrounded by great opportunities in college—and take advantage of them as much as possible. Go see the great speakers student organizations are able to bring in, study abroad if you can (I didn’t, and I wish I had!), join a club just for fun, not because you think it’ll look good on your resume. I hate to say it, but some of these things are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

MK: What advice would you give to students about to graduate from college who are starting their careers?

AM: You are probably going to embark on that scary journey of doing everything you can to network your way into a job that you really want. It’s a tricky game to play, and you need to figure out how to play it in a way that is genuine, honest and open. It’s really important to keep close relationships to people. They can tell if you sent an email to them that you also sent to 100 other people. Yes, contact every single person that could be helpful to you—but do so in a really meaningful way.

MK: What would you suggest doing to create those authentic connections?

AM: Take the extra time to contact people individually. Don’t just email someone; tell them you are graduating and ask what opportunities are available. That’s the easiest choice, but it makes your contacts feel like you are using them a little bit, and it makes it much easier for them to just delete your email. A “do” would be to get in touch with people in your network and ask them to meet with you and share any advice for you as you embark on starting a career after college. Don’t just think about “What’s in it for me?” Ask people for their advice, and how they got to where they are today. Show that you admire them. Ask good questions. When you really approach people genuinely that way, they will be flattered and impressed, and when a job opportunity comes up, they will think of you for it.

MK: What are a few traits that you think distinguish people who are exceptional versus good at their jobs?

AM: Be detail-oriented. It sounds obvious, but especially when you’re an intern or in entry-level positions, it’s what will set you apart from the pack. The best interns and assistants are the ones who truly pay attention and remember all the small details—they do a stellar job and don’t cut corners. You’d be shocked how many people overlook that, and you’d also be shocked at how much extra work and headaches that causes the folks in charge. You also need to read the office dynamics. Observe how people dress and interact, and learn about what they do and how they work. Then, figure out how you can do whatever you can to help other people do their jobs better. Really step back and figure out what your role is in the office, and then do your job accordingly. This doesn’t mean checking in 20 times a day to see if you can help—that gets annoying—it just means trying to anticipate needs and noticing when people need help, and when it’s better to back off.

MK: What’s the biggest mistake you think college students make in preparation for life after graduation?

AM: There are always things that you think you “should” do. But honestly, don’t really worry about that. Tune the annoying voice out of your mind, and just focus on what you really want to be doing. Be open to crazier possibilities, even if they seem less prestigious.

MK: What do you think has allowed you to be successful in your career so early on?

AM: In a lot of ways, I think it was that I knew so early on what I wanted. I didn’t want to settle for anything else—at least not until after I really tried for it. It’s hard to be picky, especially if you want to be part of a small, competitive industry, but I really think it’s key to not just go for any job. Even if you’re in a position you can’t stand, always be running toward something great, not away from something bad.

MK: Do you believe that people should be picky, even in a bad economy or a competitive job environment?

AM: If you are unemployed and looking for a new job, of course it’s really hard to stick to your guns. If you’ve gotta get something so you’re not resorting to food stamps and the free clinic, then just find something. But if you have any leeway at all to stick it out and hold out for what you want, please wait. If you aren’t doing something you love, you aren’t going to be happy, and you certainly aren’t going to be doing as amazing a job as you would be if you were doing something you love. Wait for your moment. Hold out for the right opportunity. Never settle.

MK: For people who have not found what it is they love, how do they get there?

AM: Try as many things as possible. If you don’t try new things, you are never really going to figure out what you love, and you also won’t meet all the people who will be so crucial to helping you get to the next point. Explore as much as possible. If you aren’t quite sure what you want to do, realize that it’s going to take a little extra effort from you to figure that out. Be willing to work from the bottom up. Figure out what you are passionate about—the earlier the better. And be willing to work really hard to do that very thing.

MK: What are the three things all college students should do before they graduate?

AM: It’s important in college to figure out what kind of friend you want to be, and what kind of friends you want to have. It sounds cheesy, but the friends you make in college will be some of the closest friendships you ever make. Also, take the chance to get yourself into healthy patterns. The way you are living now is the way you are probably going to live when you graduate. If you want to read the paper every day, start doing it now. If you want to exercise consistently and eat well, start that now. Figure out who you want to be, and don’t wait to become that person. And lastly, find mentors. Find people you respect and whose opinions you value and who know you well enough to know that you are a valuable person to help: professors, friends, former managers—connect with people who know about your field and can help you get to where you want to be. Have people that you trust to consult when you make all those big decisions you are bound to make in the future.

Author

Melissa is the Marketing Director at Baking for Good, an online bakery that donates 15% of the proceeds from every sale to a charity of the customer’s choice. Previously, she was an Associate Brand Manager at Time, Inc. working on brand extension projects for numerous publications including: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, People, MLB, NFL and National Geographic. Melissa has a passion for magazines, writing, traveling and of course, the NY Jets. To find out more, read her blog, follow her on Twitter and connect on LinkedIn.

Make 2012 the Year of Career Preparation

Michele Posehn — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:59:25 +0000

I’ve stood among the hundreds of thousands of people in Times Square, hollering in excitement as that famous ball made its descent into the New Year. And as soon as the ball disappears into the days gone bye, those throngs of people join one another in a chorus of Auld Lang Syne as confetti rains down from above.

It may seem crazy to stand in the same spot for hours, in the December cold, for really only about two minutes of thrilling delight–the last of the old and the first of the new. But those two minutes bring a combination of conflicting emotions–a tinge of sadness that time has gone by, an eager anticipation for what is yet to come, and an uneasiness of the unknown.

For those of you preparing for graduation in the next few months, you may be starting to feel some of those same emotions. These last few years have led you to a thrilling achievement. And, for some of you, you may be the first in your family to graduate from college. No matter who you are, turning the corner from student to graduate will be a major transition.

Moving into 2012, you have a valuable gift–the gift of time. So take the opportunity to reflect over what you have learned, both in and out of the classroom, and start preparing yourself for your next role.

As you consider your list of New Years’ resolutions, make sure to save room for those related to helping you land a job. Ideas include:

Get involved in a professional organization, club, sport, or community group.
If you do more than one, try to diversify yourself to showcase different skills and interests. See if your chosen major or industry of study has a related organization you can join. And, don’t just be a member. Try to take on a leadership role to build your skills and experience.

Network.
It’s never too early to get the word out that you will be looking. Not only do you want to talk with people you know, but you want to reach out to professional association members, your professors’ contacts in the community, friends of family members and more. Building your network can lead to internships and jobs through the relationships you develop.

Review your online profiles.
If you have a presence online, make sure you update it regularly. If you don’t have one, it’s a great time to create one! As you start applying for jobs and prepare to leave college behind you, ensure that the material seen on your social profiles is professional. Update your profile photos to a professional-looking photo and make sure that any content on your site that contain comments you may not want a potential employer to see are removed.

Volunteer or get an internship.
Volunteering your time or taking on an internship is a great way to add experience to your resume and expand your network. And, you may even be able to get college credit for your time!

Visit your campus career center.
Almost every school has the resource and it’s free to you. They can be a valuable resource for assistance with resume writing and interview advice. Plus this is the time of year employers start on-campus interviewing; check for a schedule of events.

Do you need a makeover?
Take a look in your closet. Are you ready to dress the part of a professional candidate?

I’m not going to bore you with the old clichés like “The early bird gets the worm.” But it is true that preparation will help you reach your ultimate goal. Take this chance to position yourself ahead of the rest of the field of 2012 graduates. Not once has anyone ever uttered the words, “Had I only NOT prepared…”

Author

Michele is a Senior Recruiter for Sodexo, a world leader in quality of daily life solutions that contribute to the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. As a former assistant director at the University of Maryland University College’s Career and Cooperative Education Center, she’s no stranger to students trying to plan their careers. During that time, she worked with non-traditional college students to gain school credit for on the job work experience. Michele also taught seminars on job searching, resume writing and interview techniques, and partnered with local employers to help students gain employment. At Sodexo, she has continued her interest in shaping student careers by serving as a mentor to an intern in the company’s Future Leaders Program. Michele began her recruitment career in 1999, joining Sodexo in 2008 where she recruits for a range of food, facilities and environmental services positions. Michele holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland College Park (go Terps), is a charter member of a Baltimore area Toastmasters chapter, and a Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) and Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR). When not giggling with her two girls, Michele enjoys writing … and watching the Yankees win, much to the dismay of her husband. Join her on LinkedIn or just Network with Us at Sodexo.

Networking the Old Fashioned Way

Michele Posehn — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:59:09 +0000

I am a product of Atari and Cabbage Patch Kids. There was a time when a gallon of gas cost me less than a dollar and, during my freshman year of college, I discovered this new thing called email. My first email was from my dad which read, “Hi Michele. This is neat. We can talk to each other over the computer for free!” I think it took about eight minutes to download.

Flash forward 18 years into the world of Facebook, Twitter, and a day at work that is never email free. And while it’s important to use technology to find a job, build a professional network, and interact with others in your profession on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook … let me remind you of one of the old fashioned ways people used to find work: personal networking.

Personal contact shouldn’t be underestimated

You have access to a great social network, even when your computer is turned off. Every day, you have an army of personal megaphones at your disposal–friends, family, family of friends, professors, past managers, people at the gym, or people you know through campus clubs. Telling one of them about your job search can ignite a chain reaction because, although they may not have a job to give you, they may know someone who does. I read a great article about how to start this process:

Make a list of those people you are going to tell. They should all be in an area of the country where you want to work (or be someone well connected to others around the country). Send your contacts an email. Tell them you’re looking for a job and that you are looking for a team of people to help make introductions for you to others or keep their ears open. Ask them if they are willing to help.

As people agree to help, start your mailing list. Send an updated version of your resume to them, making sure they know what kind of job you are looking for.

Provide updates to your team. Let them know of any successes or disappointments you have experienced. Ask for help in areas you may be struggling with, such as creating a standout resume or interviewing technique.

Also, you should research professional organizations near the towns/cities where you want to work. Seek out contacts within these organizations in the areas where you want to work. You may even have some inside contacts through campus organizations like the National Society for Minorities in Hospitality, the American Dietetic Association, fraternities or sororities. Contacting local chapter presidents can help you because they are well-connected professionals who are often the first to know about job openings in their city.

Contact company representatives directly. Yes, you can do this. Visit the web site for a company where you would like to work and do some research. Look for opportunities to network with recruiters and/or other hiring managers. Send an inquiry by email to learn more about opportunities that might be available. If there aren’t any openings for which you qualify, ask about scheduling an informational interview so that you can introduce yourself, make the company aware of your skills and learn more about positions offered at the company.

Make sure that you pay it forward to other job seekers if ever asked to help.

I don’t know about you but when I buy a product that works wonders or dine in a restaurant with great customer service, I tell others about my experience. My company does the same thing with its StarFinder program–encouraging employees to refer their friends to work for Sodexo. When you stop to think about who you know–and who they know–you’ll be amazed at the size of your network. .

Don’t rely solely on technology because even with the popularity of social media sites, there are still some very influential people in your life who may not use these sites. Just because they don’t Tweet or “like” things you post on Facebook doesn’t mean they aren’t socially connected. Sometimes, their connections are even stronger, and more personal. Shouldn’t your job search be personal?

Author

Michele is a Senior Recruiter for Sodexo, a world leader in quality of daily life solutions that contribute to the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. As a former assistant director at the University of Maryland University College’s Career and Cooperative Education Center, she’s no stranger to students trying to plan their careers. During that time, she worked with non-traditional college students to gain school credit for on the job work experience. Michele also taught seminars on job searching, resume writing and interview techniques, and partnered with local employers to help students gain employment. At Sodexo, she has continued her interest in shaping student careers by serving as a mentor to an intern in the company’s Future Leaders Program. Michele began her recruitment career in 1999, joining Sodexo in 2008 where she recruits for a range of food, facilities, and environmental services positions. Michele holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland College Park (go Terps), is a charter member of a Baltimore area Toastmasters chapter, and a Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) and Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR). When not giggling with her two girls, Michele enjoys writing … and watching the Yankees win, much to the dismay of her husband. Join her on LinkedIn or just Network with Us at Sodexo.

Live Your Passion: Mike Radparvar, Co-Founder of Holstee

Melissa Kong — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:00:37 +0000

Mike Radparvar is the co-founder of Holstee, a lifestyle design company that offers a place for mindful shoppers to find meaningful products. Mike, along with his brother Dave and their partner Fabian, started Holstee in May 2009. That summer, they wrote the Holstee Manifesto as a side project – it has now been viewed over 50 million times online. Mike answers my questions about college, the start-up life, and becoming indispensable.

MK: How did Holstee get started?

MR: My brother, our partner Fabian, and I started doing it part-time as a side project at first, with the simple idea that it would be cool to have a pocket on the side of a t-shirt. We thought, “If we are going to make shirts, we want to do it using a way that is environmentally responsible.” So, we researched how to use recyclable materials, and without promoting it, the t-shirts sold out pretty quickly. Eventually, people outside our friends and family started buying them. Our intention was never really to start a full-time business. But, a few months later, Dave and I were talking about “What If” scenarios. We had jobs that were great in many respects, but felt that it was important for us to do something that really matched our values, something we were passionate about. So we thought, “Well, we don’t really have much to lose.” I think anyone can be an entrepreneur at any age.

MK: What are the challenges of working on a new venture?

MR: The lines are very blurry. My work and personal emails all go to the same account. The professional becomes personal. But when you decide to become part of a new venture, you have to want that. I joke around that “work comes to life and life comes to work.” I think it’s great because if you love what you are doing, it doesn’t feel like work. I wake up every day excited.

MK: Tell me a bit about your college experience.

MR: When I was in school, I tended to be quite active in student government and other campus organizations. I always felt like my time was so limited and I never wanted to miss out on anything. My college (Quinnipiac) was one of those schools where you could start anything you wanted to if you just asked and made the effort. I met a lot of people there who I still keep in touch with from a business perspective. One of my first entrepreneurial ventures was called QU Books, which started while I was still in college. We realized that the college bookstore was ripping students off, so we basically created a social network for people to exchange books online. This was before the huge wave of ecommerce, and even before Facebook was around, so it was a very new and unique idea.

MK: What do you think makes someone indispensible?

MR: A company is all about the leaders who lead it. If you walk into a company and you feel negative energy, nine of out ten times it comes from the top. Similarly, when you walk into a new company and everyone looks happy and relaxed, that’s likely also coming from the top. Leadership radiates, and people around those leaders will react to that. Leaders really make or break a company.

MK: What advice do you have for current students?

MR: Don’t study something just because you think you should study it. Study what you are genuinely interested in. With the exception of becoming a doctor or going into some fields of science, you can go into any job with any degree- it just really depends on the person. What you learn in school should be something that interests you and makes you a better person. Once you find your passion, you’ll learn everything you need to learn.

MK: Any advice for how to make internship and career decisions?

MR: Many times, the culture and the environment of a job matters more than the actual industry. When choosing a job for the first time, ask yourself, “Is this a company I would be proud to work for?” Walk around if you can. Talk to people who work at the company and see what the environment is like. You’ll get a sense of whether the environment is lively, or everyone is just glued to their computer screens. At the end of the day, you are spending a ton of time at work, so make sure it’s a place you are excited to be at.

MK: How should students market themselves?

MR: Having an active presence online is super important. You want to have some control over what comes up when people Google your name online. Write a blog, or have an active Twitter page. When people look to hire you, many will go online to find more information. People can tell a lot about the kind of person you are based on your blog. Make sure your social media pages are accurate documentations of your life and who you are. Be active in the social networking spaces. Having a big digital footprint also tells potential employers that you are technologically savvy, that you have your own ideas and are willing to express them in your own unique way and how engaging and informed you are. They are all indicators of who you are and how you work. It’s just going to get more and more important, so manage your online presence.

MK: If you could pinpoint three characteristics of successful people, what would they be?

MR: The first is perseverance, without question. You have to be willing to stick it out through the hard times. The second is optimism- especially if you are starting your own company. You need to be able to find the light in every situation. The third is also to balance the optimism with realism. Make sure you are working with people who keep you grounded. Make sure you keep yourself in check. Hope for the best and plan for the worst, whether you are working for yourself or at a company.

MK: What’s your advice for budding entrepreneurs?

MR: Just try it. Just do it. Even if it’s part time, do part of it, do some of it. Take whatever steps you can, because starting is the hardest part. Keep taking steps toward what you want, no matter how small they may be initially.

Author

Take a Ride in an Elevator for Interview Success

Michele Posehn — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:14:02 +0000

“Tell me about yourself.”

On the surface, that doesn’t seem like a difficult question to answer. In fact, you probably have lots to say about who you are, your interests and your dreams for the future. The challenge for an interview, however, is to tell the recruiter about yourself in one minute or less. We call this your “elevator speech”–a short, concise synopsis that could be delivered, say, in an elevator between floors.

Having an elevator speech prepared ahead of any interview can set a positive tone at the beginning of the interview and create a great first impression. You can provide a brief summary of your skills, experience and interests while leaving the door open for the recruiter to ask more detailed questions later on. And, your elevator speech should position you as the best candidate for the job.

Here are a few tips for developing your elevator speech:

• Introduce yourself. State your name (if not already established), current title or profession, and the industry/industries where you’ve gained your experience.

• Name something unique about yourself that will make you stand out from other candidates. Perhaps you have a unique skill, you held a coveted/prestigious internship position or you held an officer position in a campus organization.

• Make yourself memorable. Try to make your speech interesting, show your personality, or provide a quick story that will help the recruiter remember you.

• Practice, practice, practice. Practice your speech until you have it memorized. This quick synopsis about you should be something you can recall at a moment’s notice.

Once you’ve mastered your elevator speech, you’ll need to be ready to provide detailed examples about your work experience and skills. So, take some time to prepare for your interview–especially for questions that begin with “Tell me about a time” or “Describe a situation or challenge …” These questions are commonly known as behavioral questions.

Behavioral questions are designed to gain insight into how you apply yourself. It’s critical to give the recruiter detailed information about the scenario, what you did, and the results. In other words Situation, Behavior, Outcome. If you remember S-B-O, you will be able to navigate the road of behavioral interviewing.

Interview questions aren’t meant to be difficult. You just need to be prepared–for the interview and the entire hiring process. Make a list of the questions you anticipate and practice answering them. And, don’t forget to make a list of your own questions for the interviewer. All of this prep work will translate into a better interview and, hopefully for you, more of a chance of getting that job.