Tag Archives: interviewing

Career Week 2015

Today marks the beginning of Career Week 2015! Frank Lanko, Senior Business Career Advisor, writes, “The program will feature a keynote speaker each night covering many topics including Personal Branding/Networking, Interviewing, and Preparing for the Career Fair (and how to impress employers!). There will also be events on Tuesday and Wednesday evening hosted by CoBE student organizations featuring a panel of industry speakers who will help students explore various career options within their programs of study. These are great opportunities for students to explore majors, career options, and network with industry professionals and student organization leaders alike. All of the events are free, hosted in Hyland Hall – and the keynote speaker events will feature free pizza (while supplies last!).”

Information on the keynote talks is available from the following links:

Career Week 2015 Flyer

Advice on Interviewing

(This article by Sharon Roy originally appeared in The Royal Purple.)

Now that we are on the home stretch to graduation, and you are overwhelmed with group projects, here is some good news… Interviewing should be EASY!

Interviewing is a predictable and repeatable process that you can control to highlight your core competencies. It can be FUN too!

OK, first you have to find out if this is a company you want to work for. Do your research online. Ask questions that you have previously written down about corporate culture—what employees at this company like most and least about their jobs. Ask these questions early in the interview process.

Then, make yourself memorable:

  1. Be courteous – make eye contact, thank the interviewer for their time during the interview and after via a hand written thank you note.
  2. Illustrate a strong work ethic – whatever the position, if you have had passion and retention in your jobs prior to graduation, talk about that.  Also, talk about how much of your education you have paid for.
  3. Be aware of current global events and highlight any travel abroad experience that you have. Global awareness will put you in the minority in terms of understanding the world outside our university walls.
  4. Talk about your internship – although internships are not required in many majors, they are one of the first things you will be asked about.

If you do an internship with your uncle or friend, they are often looked upon as “pseudo internships.”

Do an internship through the university with a faculty advisor that will assess your work with intern-specific assignments.

One of the biggest benefits is the formal evaluation your supervisor will provide you that you will always have as a testament to the problem solving and value you provided to them.

Remember, you are interviewing to provide benefits to your employer, so have two additional examples of coursework that illustrate your problem solving ability.

So, make some notes, bring them to your interview, listen, be engaged and passionate and ask about next steps.

Etiquette Dinner for Students (Spring 2014)

Career & Leadership Development is sponsoring an Etiquette Dinner for students this semester. The event is being offered to students who would like to polish their etiquette and dining skills in preparation for interviews that include a meal.  A professional from Catering Services will be presenting etiquette information and guidelines, walking attendees through each course of the meal. Various employers, faculty and Career & Leadership staff members will serve as table hosts. Time will be allowed between each course to converse with these individuals and practice your professional communication skills.

When: Monday, February 24, 2014, 5:30-6:30pm
Where: University Center – Room 275 (Old Main Ballroom)
Attire: Business Professional
Cost: $8.00 (cash or check only, please)

Students who wish to attend should stop by the Career & Leadership Development Office (University Center – Room 146) between February 3rd and 17th to sign up. Please stop by between 8am and 4:30pm.

Questions? Contact Career & Leadership Development at (262) 472-1471.