Now that the inauguration week is over and it's down to business in Washington, DC the focus for many individuals is back on the economy, and the continued downturn that the country is facing. There's no denying that these are tough economic times - but even in the midst of so much dismal news, there is some good stuff out there. Case in point, Fortune Magazine recently released its list of the 100 top companies to work for. These are 100 companies that are weathering the economic storm, offering great benefits to their employees and growing (or at least holding steady) during these difficult times.
For students, especially those thinking about upcoming graduation and a full-time job search, the list is a great jumping off point when considering which organizations you might be interested in working at. BCG, Goldman Sachs and Google - all companies that come to campus to find interns and full-time staff - are in the top ten. But there are may also be companies on this list that you haven't considered before, and learning more about what got them into the top 100 could influence some of your plans for job applications down the road.
As CAPS staff member Michael Paone advised students this past fall, the key to a successful job search during this time is to think outside the box. And as Michael said, "Thinking outside the box this fall means working with CAPS to see which firms may be a good fit for you and identifying new companies for you to go after - even companies that were not previously on your radar screen."
Use this list of 100 companies to start identifying companies that weren't on your radar screen before. If you're not sure how to contact these companies, or you're not sure where to begin, call CAPS (773 - 702 - 7040) and schedule and appointment to talk about which organizations interest you and how you can reach them.
Questions or comments? Post them here. And if there are companies that aren't on this list - but that you'd really like to see recruiting on campus - post those suggestions here as well.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Questions to Never Ask in an Interview
2009 is underway, and along with the start of winter quarter, the inauguration of a new president and MORE snow, this time of year is also the time when many students are applying for summer internships - and applying for internships means preparing for interviews.
For students who have never interviewed for a position before (and for those who have) internship interviews can be stressful and at times overwhelming. However, CAPS has a wide range of resources to assist students as they prepare for their upcoming interviews, including our interview skills handout, our interview skills webcast and our practice interviewer staff members, who will take you through an interview and then give you feedback on your answers.
In addition to these resources (which are available throughout the year, for both internship AND full-time interviews), this week the CAPS blog takes a look at some of the questions you should never ask when once you make it into the interview room, courtesy of an article from Yahoo's Hot Jobs.
First off, you might be wondering why you would be asking questions in an interview to begin with. After all, isn't an interview a chance for your potential employer to ask you questions? While it's true that in most interviews the employer is doing most of the asking, it's also true that there will almost always be a moment during your interview when you will be asked "So, do you have any questions for me?". When this happens, it's important to have at least two or three questions prepared - these are questions that should demonstrate your knowledge of the organization your interviewing with and your interest in the position. Which is why you shouldn't ask questions like:
"What does your company do?" As Hot Jobs points out, "This was a reasonable interview question in 1950 or in 1980, before the Internet existed. Today, it's your job to research any company you're interviewing with before setting foot in the door. We need to show up for a job interview knowing what the employer does, who its competitors are, and which of its accomplishments (or challenges) have made the news lately."
Also on the list of inquiries to avoid: "When will I be eligible for a raise?" Negotiating a job offer is part of the job search process - but asking about salary during your first interview is generally not the best approach. Instead, as Hot Jobs points out, wait until your second interview, and then "you can ask (at a second interview) 'Does your organization do a conventional one-year performance and salary review?' "
Another tricky area to navigate in the job search process is the idea of upward mobility. Very few people want to take a job that provides zero room for growth or promotion - however, when and how you ask about this can make a big difference in your interview. For example, don't ask "How soon can I transfer to a new position" - as Hot Jobs says, "You're broadcasting 'I'm outta here at the first chance' when you ask this question. If you like the job, take the job. If it's not for you, wait for the right opportunity. Almost every employer will keep you in your seat for at least one year before approving an internal transfer, so a job-search bait-and-switch probably won't work out the way you'd hoped."
For more questions you don't want to ask in a first-round interview, visit this Hot Jobs article.
For more interviewing help from CAPS, call (773) 702 - 7040 to schedule an appointment with one of our practice interviewers or a CAPS staff member.
Questions, feedback or ideas regarding interviewing? Post them here.
For students who have never interviewed for a position before (and for those who have) internship interviews can be stressful and at times overwhelming. However, CAPS has a wide range of resources to assist students as they prepare for their upcoming interviews, including our interview skills handout, our interview skills webcast and our practice interviewer staff members, who will take you through an interview and then give you feedback on your answers.
In addition to these resources (which are available throughout the year, for both internship AND full-time interviews), this week the CAPS blog takes a look at some of the questions you should never ask when once you make it into the interview room, courtesy of an article from Yahoo's Hot Jobs.
First off, you might be wondering why you would be asking questions in an interview to begin with. After all, isn't an interview a chance for your potential employer to ask you questions? While it's true that in most interviews the employer is doing most of the asking, it's also true that there will almost always be a moment during your interview when you will be asked "So, do you have any questions for me?". When this happens, it's important to have at least two or three questions prepared - these are questions that should demonstrate your knowledge of the organization your interviewing with and your interest in the position. Which is why you shouldn't ask questions like:
"What does your company do?" As Hot Jobs points out, "This was a reasonable interview question in 1950 or in 1980, before the Internet existed. Today, it's your job to research any company you're interviewing with before setting foot in the door. We need to show up for a job interview knowing what the employer does, who its competitors are, and which of its accomplishments (or challenges) have made the news lately."
Also on the list of inquiries to avoid: "When will I be eligible for a raise?" Negotiating a job offer is part of the job search process - but asking about salary during your first interview is generally not the best approach. Instead, as Hot Jobs points out, wait until your second interview, and then "you can ask (at a second interview) 'Does your organization do a conventional one-year performance and salary review?' "
Another tricky area to navigate in the job search process is the idea of upward mobility. Very few people want to take a job that provides zero room for growth or promotion - however, when and how you ask about this can make a big difference in your interview. For example, don't ask "How soon can I transfer to a new position" - as Hot Jobs says, "You're broadcasting 'I'm outta here at the first chance' when you ask this question. If you like the job, take the job. If it's not for you, wait for the right opportunity. Almost every employer will keep you in your seat for at least one year before approving an internal transfer, so a job-search bait-and-switch probably won't work out the way you'd hoped."
For more questions you don't want to ask in a first-round interview, visit this Hot Jobs article.
For more interviewing help from CAPS, call (773) 702 - 7040 to schedule an appointment with one of our practice interviewers or a CAPS staff member.
Questions, feedback or ideas regarding interviewing? Post them here.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Save the Date for 2009: Upcoming Programs, Plus Stuff to Apply To Over Winter Break
It's finals week, which means most students are thinking less about job and internship searches and more about finishing the quarter. At CAPS, we take this time of year to review our fall programs and to plan for the start of winter quarter, which is a busy time of year for everyone.
As students are wrapping up coursework and getting ready for the winter break, here are few updates and "save the dates" to keep in mind over the break and at the beginning of next quarter:
First and Second Years in the College, remember to apply for the Alumni Board of Governors Externship Program. The deadline to apply is January 20, 2009, so you can work on your resume and cover letter over the winter break. For more information about what an externship is, and where you can get one, visit https://caps.uchicago.edu/undergrads/abg/list.html.
First, Second and Third Years, Metcalf Season is here. The list of internship opportunities for summer 2009 will be posted to the CAPS website beginning on December 15, and we'll continue to add to this list as more opportunities come in. For more information about Metcalf, the list of opportunities and how to apply, visit https://caps.uchicago.edu/undergrads/internships/metcalf/.
Don't forget, to apply for ABG Externships, Metcalf Internships or other on-campus recruiting positions, you must be activated in Chicago Career Connection. To get activated, come into CAPS and have your resume reviewed by a CAPS staff member.
If you need to get your resume reviewed after the holidays, but in time to beat some of these January deadlines, come to CAPS Super Walk-Ins Day: Wednesday, January 14, 9am - 4pm, Ida Noyes Hall third floor. Walk-ins are first-come, first-served and are a great opportunity to receive feedback on your resume and ask questions about your job and internship search.
Save the Date: More CAPS' events are coming up in early 2009, including
-The CAPS' Winter Career Fair: Jan. 9, 12 - 4pm, Ida Noyes Hall. Attend the career fair to meet organizations hiring interns and full-time employers. Log into your Chicago Career Connection account to view the list of organizations that have already registered to attend.
- Diversity in Communications: Feb. 13, 8am - 5pm, downtown. Visit advertising, marketing and public relations firms to learn more about career paths in these fields.
- Diversity in the Law: Feb. 13, 8am - 5pm. Visit law firms and non-profit organizations in the legal field to explore career options and discuss law school.
Want more? Visit the CAPS calendar to view upcoming programs in 2009.
The CAPS Blog will be taking a break until after the New Year - Happy Holidays from everyone at CAPS, and to all a good night.
Questions, ideas, suggestions for programs? Post them here throughout the holiday season. We'll see you in 2009!
As students are wrapping up coursework and getting ready for the winter break, here are few updates and "save the dates" to keep in mind over the break and at the beginning of next quarter:
First and Second Years in the College, remember to apply for the Alumni Board of Governors Externship Program. The deadline to apply is January 20, 2009, so you can work on your resume and cover letter over the winter break. For more information about what an externship is, and where you can get one, visit https://caps.uchicago.edu/undergrads/abg/list.html.
First, Second and Third Years, Metcalf Season is here. The list of internship opportunities for summer 2009 will be posted to the CAPS website beginning on December 15, and we'll continue to add to this list as more opportunities come in. For more information about Metcalf, the list of opportunities and how to apply, visit https://caps.uchicago.edu/undergrads/internships/metcalf/.
Don't forget, to apply for ABG Externships, Metcalf Internships or other on-campus recruiting positions, you must be activated in Chicago Career Connection. To get activated, come into CAPS and have your resume reviewed by a CAPS staff member.
If you need to get your resume reviewed after the holidays, but in time to beat some of these January deadlines, come to CAPS Super Walk-Ins Day: Wednesday, January 14, 9am - 4pm, Ida Noyes Hall third floor. Walk-ins are first-come, first-served and are a great opportunity to receive feedback on your resume and ask questions about your job and internship search.
Save the Date: More CAPS' events are coming up in early 2009, including
-The CAPS' Winter Career Fair: Jan. 9, 12 - 4pm, Ida Noyes Hall. Attend the career fair to meet organizations hiring interns and full-time employers. Log into your Chicago Career Connection account to view the list of organizations that have already registered to attend.
- Diversity in Communications: Feb. 13, 8am - 5pm, downtown. Visit advertising, marketing and public relations firms to learn more about career paths in these fields.
- Diversity in the Law: Feb. 13, 8am - 5pm. Visit law firms and non-profit organizations in the legal field to explore career options and discuss law school.
Want more? Visit the CAPS calendar to view upcoming programs in 2009.
The CAPS Blog will be taking a break until after the New Year - Happy Holidays from everyone at CAPS, and to all a good night.
Questions, ideas, suggestions for programs? Post them here throughout the holiday season. We'll see you in 2009!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Health Professions Careers That Don't Require a M.D.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Who hasn't fielded that question as a child - and depending on the types of careers you were exposed to at a young age, odds were fairly limited - doctor, teacher, lawyer, etc. It's not until later in life that we realize that there are much wider career options beyond these traditional "big three", and that within these categories, there are even more choices to be made - what kind of teacher would like to become? What sort of law do you want to practice? Should I become a M.D. or a nurse practicioner?
I know, you're thinking that you haven't actually asked yourself this question before - but according to a recent article in the New York Times, nurse practioners and physician assistant positions are growing in popularity. Why? Because, as the article points out, "In an aging population, a shortage of doctors has created new demand for care providers like physician assistants and nurse practitioners..." And for students who would like to pursue a career in health or medicine, but aren't sure about the time and money that are required to pursue a M.D., these positions offer similar benefits, with fewer drawbacks. One of the physician assistants interviewed for the article addressed this dilemma, saying, “I wanted to treat patients, but I wanted free time for myself, too...I didn’t want to be 30 or 35 before I got on my feet — and then still have a lot of loans to pay back.”
Of course, there are siginificant differences between the role of licensed doctor and that of a nurse practioner or physician assistant, which the article is quick to point out: "Physician assistants must practice under a physician’s supervision. Nurse practitioners are licensed as independent health care providers, without mandated physician supervision, although some states require them to have a supervising or collaborating physician to whom they can turn for advice. Some nurse practitioners have private practices." In addition, there are differences in licensing which are detailed in the article as well.
Besides nurse practioners and physician assistants, the career paths for students interested in health professions are expansive - public health, allopathic and osteopathic medicine, dentistry, health policy, veterinary medicine, and health services research, among others, are all career paths that are available - and that is where Chicago Careers in Health Professions (CCIHP) comes into play.
The Chicago Careers in Health Professions (CCIHP) Program is a joint collaboration between CAPS and the College, that offers resources to students interested in the wide range of health professions careers and health professions graduate programs (including medical school) that are out there. The program provides students with the resources and support to develop a customized portfolio of knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to pursue a variety of careers in health and medicine. From career exploration to application development, CCIHP seeks to build upon students’ strengths, recommending course work, facilitating internships, and collaborating with other resources on campus.
For more information about CCIHP, contact J. Violet Gannon, CCIHP Program Director at jvgannon@uchicago.edu.
Comments, suggestions or questions about careers in the health professions? Post them here.
I know, you're thinking that you haven't actually asked yourself this question before - but according to a recent article in the New York Times, nurse practioners and physician assistant positions are growing in popularity. Why? Because, as the article points out, "In an aging population, a shortage of doctors has created new demand for care providers like physician assistants and nurse practitioners..." And for students who would like to pursue a career in health or medicine, but aren't sure about the time and money that are required to pursue a M.D., these positions offer similar benefits, with fewer drawbacks. One of the physician assistants interviewed for the article addressed this dilemma, saying, “I wanted to treat patients, but I wanted free time for myself, too...I didn’t want to be 30 or 35 before I got on my feet — and then still have a lot of loans to pay back.”
Of course, there are siginificant differences between the role of licensed doctor and that of a nurse practioner or physician assistant, which the article is quick to point out: "Physician assistants must practice under a physician’s supervision. Nurse practitioners are licensed as independent health care providers, without mandated physician supervision, although some states require them to have a supervising or collaborating physician to whom they can turn for advice. Some nurse practitioners have private practices." In addition, there are differences in licensing which are detailed in the article as well.
Besides nurse practioners and physician assistants, the career paths for students interested in health professions are expansive - public health, allopathic and osteopathic medicine, dentistry, health policy, veterinary medicine, and health services research, among others, are all career paths that are available - and that is where Chicago Careers in Health Professions (CCIHP) comes into play.
The Chicago Careers in Health Professions (CCIHP) Program is a joint collaboration between CAPS and the College, that offers resources to students interested in the wide range of health professions careers and health professions graduate programs (including medical school) that are out there. The program provides students with the resources and support to develop a customized portfolio of knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to pursue a variety of careers in health and medicine. From career exploration to application development, CCIHP seeks to build upon students’ strengths, recommending course work, facilitating internships, and collaborating with other resources on campus.
For more information about CCIHP, contact J. Violet Gannon, CCIHP Program Director at jvgannon@uchicago.edu.
Comments, suggestions or questions about careers in the health professions? Post them here.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Tales from the Front: True Stories of Interviews Past
Interviews at Ida Noyes continue this week, and will be picking up again in early winter for internship interviews, so there's lots of students looking very sharp (and a little bit nervous) as they get ready to meet with potential employers. To help you prepare for your interviews, don't forget that CAPS has practice interviewers on staff who will conduct an interview with you and then provide feedback. In addition, CAPS staff members can go over possible interview questions with you, and the CAPS interviewing handout and interviewing webcast offer tips on how to prepare and what to expect. To schedule an appointment with a practice interviewer or a CAPS staff member, call (773) 702 - 7040.
Taking care of pre-interview jitters can be a little trickier, but in an attempt to add some levity to the situation, read on for true interview stories from the past. No matter what happens, your interview will surely go better than this:
"I was interviewing for a position with a really unique organization that was just getting off the ground. They were very grassroots and had a small staff, but they were growing quickly and had the potential to make a large impact on some current events and in the media. I had already gotten through a first round interview, and was all set to meet with the manager of the team I was hoping to join. First of all, even though I got to the interview 15 minutes early, I gave the receptionist at the office the wrong name for the person I was meeting, so I ended up waiting for nearly 30 minutes, before the person who was expecting me came out looking for his 3pm appointment. I don't know why, but by the time I got into the interview, I was so stressed and flustered, I could tell that it wasn't going well. I was rushing through my answers, and kept getting stuck on questions that I should have been able to answer (example: who do you want to work for this organization?). To make it worse, my interviewer was interrupted half way through our conversation to take an important call from the media. By the time we were finished, I was exhausted and unsure of how well I had done. As my interviewer said, 'It was very nice to meet you,' and extended his hand, I stood up too - and immediately toppled over to the side, grabbing the edge of his desk to keep myself from hitting the floor. I had been sitting with my legs crossed during the interview, and when I stood up, my right foot had fallen asleep and was completely numb. I had no choice but to stand up, shake the interviewers hand and walk to the door - limping, because I had no feeling in my foot. The interviewer didn't say anything, but I could swear he was looking at me strangely and didn't know what to think of me. I'm pretty sure my poor performance during the interview was what did me in, but after almost falling down too, I definitely didn't receive a final round interview."
There are a few lessons to be learned from this story:
1. Make sure you know who you are interviewing with and ask for the correct person when you arrive. If you are interviewing for an on-campus position, you check in on the second floor of Ida Noyes Hall, and from there your interviewer will come out and introduce him or herself.
2. Be sure you are prepared. As the individual in this story related, he or she couldn't answer questions that should have been fairly easy to respond to. Be sure you know enough about an organization to be able to articulate why you want to work there.
3. Stay calm. If you feel yourself getting flustered, or if you're speaking too quickly during an interview, take a deep breath and relax. It's better to wait for a few second in silence, while you collect your thoughts, than it is to blurt out the first answer that comes to mind.
As for falling or tripping during an interview - these things happen, and they are awkward. Our best advice if this happens to you - laugh it off and smile.
Do you have an interview horror story or interview victory story of your own? Post them here, along with tips you've used to prepare and do well in interviews in the past.
Taking care of pre-interview jitters can be a little trickier, but in an attempt to add some levity to the situation, read on for true interview stories from the past. No matter what happens, your interview will surely go better than this:
"I was interviewing for a position with a really unique organization that was just getting off the ground. They were very grassroots and had a small staff, but they were growing quickly and had the potential to make a large impact on some current events and in the media. I had already gotten through a first round interview, and was all set to meet with the manager of the team I was hoping to join. First of all, even though I got to the interview 15 minutes early, I gave the receptionist at the office the wrong name for the person I was meeting, so I ended up waiting for nearly 30 minutes, before the person who was expecting me came out looking for his 3pm appointment. I don't know why, but by the time I got into the interview, I was so stressed and flustered, I could tell that it wasn't going well. I was rushing through my answers, and kept getting stuck on questions that I should have been able to answer (example: who do you want to work for this organization?). To make it worse, my interviewer was interrupted half way through our conversation to take an important call from the media. By the time we were finished, I was exhausted and unsure of how well I had done. As my interviewer said, 'It was very nice to meet you,' and extended his hand, I stood up too - and immediately toppled over to the side, grabbing the edge of his desk to keep myself from hitting the floor. I had been sitting with my legs crossed during the interview, and when I stood up, my right foot had fallen asleep and was completely numb. I had no choice but to stand up, shake the interviewers hand and walk to the door - limping, because I had no feeling in my foot. The interviewer didn't say anything, but I could swear he was looking at me strangely and didn't know what to think of me. I'm pretty sure my poor performance during the interview was what did me in, but after almost falling down too, I definitely didn't receive a final round interview."
There are a few lessons to be learned from this story:
1. Make sure you know who you are interviewing with and ask for the correct person when you arrive. If you are interviewing for an on-campus position, you check in on the second floor of Ida Noyes Hall, and from there your interviewer will come out and introduce him or herself.
2. Be sure you are prepared. As the individual in this story related, he or she couldn't answer questions that should have been fairly easy to respond to. Be sure you know enough about an organization to be able to articulate why you want to work there.
3. Stay calm. If you feel yourself getting flustered, or if you're speaking too quickly during an interview, take a deep breath and relax. It's better to wait for a few second in silence, while you collect your thoughts, than it is to blurt out the first answer that comes to mind.
As for falling or tripping during an interview - these things happen, and they are awkward. Our best advice if this happens to you - laugh it off and smile.
Do you have an interview horror story or interview victory story of your own? Post them here, along with tips you've used to prepare and do well in interviews in the past.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Dress the Part: Fashion Tips for Your Interview
It's recruiting season, which means the second floor of Ida Noyes Hall has been filled with students interviewing for full-time positions with a variety of organizations. In just a few months, it will be internship recruiting season, and that includes interviews for the Jeff Metcalf Fellows Program. Whether you're interviewing for a full-time job with a consulting firm or an internship position with a non-profit organization, you still have to prepare for your interviews as best you can - and that includes planning what to wear for each interview.
A recent article in the New York Times suggested that the "interview suit" is experiencing a resurgence. I say, the interview suit has always been among us - now it's just receiving the attention it deserves. While the NYT interview is geared specifically towards women (pants suit vs. skirt suit), the challenge of what to wear to an interview is something that almost everyone faces at some point in their professional career. While the article is correct in saying, "'There is no one right way to dress..." we still want to offer some advice to help you prepare for your upcoming interview - regardless of who it's with. These tips also apply for career fairs, Career Networking Nights and other events where you will likely be speaking with a potential employer - and want to look your best.
Here are some general tips for dressing the part and making a good first impression:
1. Yes, you really do need to wear a suit. Oftentimes, students will ask if they really need to wear a suit for an internship interview, since an internship isn't a "real" job. Trust us - an internship is a great resume builder, and can often lead to a full-time position in the future. You wouldn't be applying for the internship, if you didn't want to get it - so hedge your bets and wear that suit.
2. Ladies: pants vs. skirts. You're not going to get a definitive answer whether or not one is better than the other. Our advice - wear what you're most comfortable in - but if you favor skirts, be forewarned - no skirt that you wear into an interview should fall above your knee (no exceptions!), nor should it be too form fitting.
3. Gentleman: tie vs. no tie. If you're not sure if you should wear a tie into an interview, err on the side of caution and wear one. Unless you have definitive insider information (which you gained from using the Alumni Careers Network to learn more about the organization you're interviewing with - good thinking!) that a tie is not necessary, go with a more formal look. Please note: ties with cartoon characters are not considered formal, so please don't wear you're lucky Donald Duck neck tie into your first big interview.
4. Footwear: Ok, you've got your suit on and you look great. Now make sure your shoes finish the look. That means no gym shoes with your suit (yes, we've seen it), no flip flops, no strappy heels (the shoes you wore out dancing last weekend are not the same shoes that you should be wearing to an interview). Dark, polished, closed toe shoes are the way to go. Ladies, heels are great, but make sure you can walk in them first. And as one of the recruiters interviewed in the NYT article points out, "'There’s nothing wrong with wearing flat shoes and bringing heels...'"
5. Watch Your Scent: We know, you want to smell great when you go into your interview. But please do not over do it. Strong colonge or perfume, or hair gels or other products that have a strong scent, can irritate an interviewer's allergies or simply distract from your interview. Our advice - don't wear cologne or perfume into an interview at all.
6. Finishing touches: These may seem obvious, but are good tips to review - tuck in your shirt; comb your hair; and remember, no matter how nervous you are, SMILE.
For more information about preparing for an interview, including photos of what to wear and not wear, watch the CAPS "How to Interview Like a Pro" webcast.
Call CAPS at (773) 702 - 7040 to schedule an appointment with a CAPS Practice Interviewer and prepare for tough questions.
Comments, suggestions or questions about dressing for an interview? Post them here.
A recent article in the New York Times suggested that the "interview suit" is experiencing a resurgence. I say, the interview suit has always been among us - now it's just receiving the attention it deserves. While the NYT interview is geared specifically towards women (pants suit vs. skirt suit), the challenge of what to wear to an interview is something that almost everyone faces at some point in their professional career. While the article is correct in saying, "'There is no one right way to dress..." we still want to offer some advice to help you prepare for your upcoming interview - regardless of who it's with. These tips also apply for career fairs, Career Networking Nights and other events where you will likely be speaking with a potential employer - and want to look your best.
Here are some general tips for dressing the part and making a good first impression:
1. Yes, you really do need to wear a suit. Oftentimes, students will ask if they really need to wear a suit for an internship interview, since an internship isn't a "real" job. Trust us - an internship is a great resume builder, and can often lead to a full-time position in the future. You wouldn't be applying for the internship, if you didn't want to get it - so hedge your bets and wear that suit.
2. Ladies: pants vs. skirts. You're not going to get a definitive answer whether or not one is better than the other. Our advice - wear what you're most comfortable in - but if you favor skirts, be forewarned - no skirt that you wear into an interview should fall above your knee (no exceptions!), nor should it be too form fitting.
3. Gentleman: tie vs. no tie. If you're not sure if you should wear a tie into an interview, err on the side of caution and wear one. Unless you have definitive insider information (which you gained from using the Alumni Careers Network to learn more about the organization you're interviewing with - good thinking!) that a tie is not necessary, go with a more formal look. Please note: ties with cartoon characters are not considered formal, so please don't wear you're lucky Donald Duck neck tie into your first big interview.
4. Footwear: Ok, you've got your suit on and you look great. Now make sure your shoes finish the look. That means no gym shoes with your suit (yes, we've seen it), no flip flops, no strappy heels (the shoes you wore out dancing last weekend are not the same shoes that you should be wearing to an interview). Dark, polished, closed toe shoes are the way to go. Ladies, heels are great, but make sure you can walk in them first. And as one of the recruiters interviewed in the NYT article points out, "'There’s nothing wrong with wearing flat shoes and bringing heels...'"
5. Watch Your Scent: We know, you want to smell great when you go into your interview. But please do not over do it. Strong colonge or perfume, or hair gels or other products that have a strong scent, can irritate an interviewer's allergies or simply distract from your interview. Our advice - don't wear cologne or perfume into an interview at all.
6. Finishing touches: These may seem obvious, but are good tips to review - tuck in your shirt; comb your hair; and remember, no matter how nervous you are, SMILE.
For more information about preparing for an interview, including photos of what to wear and not wear, watch the CAPS "How to Interview Like a Pro" webcast.
Call CAPS at (773) 702 - 7040 to schedule an appointment with a CAPS Practice Interviewer and prepare for tough questions.
Comments, suggestions or questions about dressing for an interview? Post them here.
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Perks of an Administrative Position
One of the pieces of advice we've been giving students over the past several weeks has been to look "outside of the box" when it comes to the job search. This basically means considering jobs or organizations that you might not have previously thought were the right fit for you. This can be difficult to swallow for students who may have had their hearts set on working for one of the large, well-known organizations that used to come to campus year after year (or that small, but perfect company that you wanted to apply to - and which is now undergoing a hiring freeze). But as we all know, this year's job market is tougher than in years past, and hence, the "outside of the box" advice. One place that students may not have started to look is openings for administrative positions - but according to a recent article in The New York Times, administrative assistant positions are offering more professional growth than in years past.
Unlike the administrative assistants of days past (who were almost always women, were referred to as "secretaries" and received about as much respect as the fictional administrative assistants on Mad Men), today's administrative assistant positions cut across gender lines and often involve access to confidential information and plenty of responsibility to keep you busy. As the NYT article states:
"The core functions of administrative assistants are often secretarial, but the job can also involve client communications, negotiating with vendors, conducting research and preparing memos and reports...Fifty-seven percent of executives polled in an OfficeTeam survey last March said that administrative staff members have more of a career-growth track than they did five years ago."
Even if working as an administrative assistant isn't part of your long term plan, one important perk of starting out in the role: a foot in the door at an organization you'd like to move up in. The NYT says, "The most common opportunities for advancement are in marketing, human resources, operations and facilities management...But no area is off limits."
Of course, like in any job, you have to put in your time before you can move up - so don't start looking for advancement on day one. The article suggests that putting in six months of dedicated work in an administrative position is key, before you start asking for a promotion or new role.
One last piece of advice regarding administrative assistants - no matter what type of job you are applying to, always be polite and professional with everyone you meet - from the administrative assistant, to the recruiter, to the CEO. Being rude to someone who you may think is "just a secretary" is a sure fire way to guarantee you won't make it to the second round interview.
Comments, questions or suggestions for getting your foot in the door at an organization? Post them here.
Unlike the administrative assistants of days past (who were almost always women, were referred to as "secretaries" and received about as much respect as the fictional administrative assistants on Mad Men), today's administrative assistant positions cut across gender lines and often involve access to confidential information and plenty of responsibility to keep you busy. As the NYT article states:
"The core functions of administrative assistants are often secretarial, but the job can also involve client communications, negotiating with vendors, conducting research and preparing memos and reports...Fifty-seven percent of executives polled in an OfficeTeam survey last March said that administrative staff members have more of a career-growth track than they did five years ago."
Even if working as an administrative assistant isn't part of your long term plan, one important perk of starting out in the role: a foot in the door at an organization you'd like to move up in. The NYT says, "The most common opportunities for advancement are in marketing, human resources, operations and facilities management...But no area is off limits."
Of course, like in any job, you have to put in your time before you can move up - so don't start looking for advancement on day one. The article suggests that putting in six months of dedicated work in an administrative position is key, before you start asking for a promotion or new role.
One last piece of advice regarding administrative assistants - no matter what type of job you are applying to, always be polite and professional with everyone you meet - from the administrative assistant, to the recruiter, to the CEO. Being rude to someone who you may think is "just a secretary" is a sure fire way to guarantee you won't make it to the second round interview.
Comments, questions or suggestions for getting your foot in the door at an organization? Post them here.
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