GETTING THE JOB - WordPress.com · likely candidate when it comes to getting the job. However, you...

GETTING THE JOBTips and Tricks for Landing the Job Straight Out of College

a collaborative manual written by umass pwtc ‘13designed by emily mias

2013Design and Introduction

Emily Mias

Contributors

Diego AlvesJulia BasalJennifer BergusJake BissaroSelic BordenIsabella Broderick-ForsterEmily FalconerSarah GagneCaity GebhardCassie JeonAmanda LavelleStorie LibbyMelissa MahoneyStephanie MannEmily MiasJoey O’ConnellMike SullivanMarina VlasevichKrista Wiberg

Editorial Input

Janine SolbergIsmail EddafaliGarrett Russell

CONTENTSINTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

REFERENCES

5

7

15

23

29

32

getting the interview

before the interview

nailing the interview

after the interview

5

INTRODUCTIONSo you’ve just graduated.

Being fresh out of college might make you feel like a less likely candidate when it comes to getting the job. However, you and I both know you’re brimming with ideas, potential, and experience in your own way. This guide isn’t designed to get you the job- it’s here to help you help yourself. You’re the one with the college degree that you worked so hard to get. This guide is just here to give you some tips and tricks when it comes to some of the preparation and etiquette you might not have been taught in any of your classes. The big interview isn’t as scary as you might think. So don’t fret- you’re going to nail it.

7

CHAPTER 1:GETTING THE INTERVIEW

8 CHAPTER 1: Getting the Interview

FIXING UP YOURONLINE IMAGE

Cleaning Up the Bad Stuff

Today, nearly one in three employers screen potential job candidates online, which means that your online image may say a lot about you to a potential employer before you even walk into an interview. If you must rid yourself of any online “skeletons,” you might consider enlisting some of the following tips to clean up your online identity and to maximize your chances of landing the position:

Search yourself on Google,using a variety of logical keyword combinations

Find any potentially embarrassing contentthat reflects poorly on you

Remove unprofessional or inappropriate contentby submitting a removal request

Spruce up existing social media sitesby deleting unflattering content

Make a pact with your friendsto check in with each other before posting pictures online

Delete any unprofessional email addresses(i.e., buttface69@hostname)

Avoid broadcastingyour entire life online!

Showing the Good Stuff:Your Professional Online Portfolio

You’ve worked hard to prepare yourself for your future career. Now, it’s time to show prospective employers you’re the right person for the job. Creating an online portfolio may be one of the best ways to market your expertise, qualifications, and personality. Imagine having an unlimited and interactive space to showcase your best work to any prospective employer—anytime, anywhere. A solid portfolio can also act as a substitute for lack of experience and help you land the job. It’s also a good idea to bring a standard binder portfolio to the interview to give you good talking points.1

Keep the following in mindwhen creating your online portfolio:

Keep visual elements on your site simple and intuitive (use enough white space)

Make sure the content is easy to access and browse

Show only your best, proofread work

Be unique without being flashy

Promote your portfolio by using Facebook and LinkedIn

Update your site constantly; avoid dead links or “under construction” messages, which look unprofessional2 TIP

Visit weebly.com or wix.com for free domain and website hosting (no web design experience required).

9CHAPTER 1: Getting the Interview

BEGINNING THEJOB SEARCH

Search Strategies

With the increasingly competitive job market, searching for a job has become a job in itself. Finding a job today means much more than simply looking for openings and sending out your résumé en masse. The list below provides some innovative job search strategies that you can use to expand your network and find job openings.

Try online search engines.Thousands of companies post their openings on them, and it’s easy to search by the job and skill you want.

Create accounts with search engine websites.By creating accounts with sites like Monster.com, you can post your résumé on them and receive emails when a new job opening in your field becomes available.

Use social networking.Upload your résumé to your profile on sites like LinkedIn. Make sure your social networking profiles reflect how much you want a job in a specific industry or company: the compa-ny just may contact you!

Include your name in the URL of social networking accounts.This makes sure that your professional sites will come up first in a Google search of your name.

Use your personal network.Your best friend’s company may have a job opening. Ask people you know about their jobs and see if they can help you get a foot in the door.

Use your school.Most campuses have good job-hunting resources and coun-selors who can help you use those resources to your best advantage.

Contact employers you would love to work for.Even if there are no job openings available, if you get your name on file the company may look to you first when a posi-tion becomes available.

Create a job search spreadsheet.3

This spreadsheet should keep track of every company you research, as well as all the contact information of companies, connections, and potential employers, so that all the informa-tion you need is in one place.

Target your cover letter and résumé.When you make your application materials specific to the job you’re applying for, it shows that you are interested in the company, not just any job opportunity that comes along.

Consider temp jobs and internships.These can be valuable sources of experience that often lead to a better permanent job down the line.

10 CHAPTER 1: Getting the Interview

DECODING THEJOB DESCRIPTION

Experience preferred/required:You preferably/definitely have experience in a similar posi-tion.

Will train:No direct experience required.

Working knowledge of:You are familiar with the task, skill, or software.

Proficient in:You have generally had at least a year’s worth of experience working with the task, skill, or software.

Command of:You are very experienced with or have mastery of the task, skill, or software.

Proven track record:They want evidence of your successful accomplishments.

Transferable Skills:You have skills that will be useful in a number of roles.

Highly motivated/Results focused:You are motivated to work hard and do what needs to be done to get the job done right.

Self-starter/ Proactive:You take action and do what needs to be done without being told or with little instruction.

Works well under pressure:You work well under deadlines and can excel in a stressful environment.

Thinks outside of the box:You come up with original and innovative ideas.

Fast learner:You can master new tasks quickly and with minimal train-ing.

Flexible:You can adapt to a shifting environment, be it physically moving locations or picking up extra hours.

Team player/Good interpersonal skills:You are able to help your coworkers if they need it and you can work well in a team environment.

Ability to communicate at all levels:You can communicate with everyone in the company, re-gardless of position.

The job description can be a tricky beast to understand. Listed below are some key phrases used in job descriptions and what they should mean to you.4

11

MAKING USE OFYOUR NETWORK

Networking is not about asking for a job; it’s about build-ing your professional social circle and understanding the demands of the job market of your particular field. Taking someone out for coffee and picking their brain is one tech-nique for building and expanding your network.5 Another is to use social networking sites like LinkedIn, which have become essential to business networking; keep your pro-file up-to-date with your professional information and job experience.

Another resource during the job search is your network. Most people think they don’t know the “right” people, or they find the idea of networking intimidating and uncom-fortable. It doesn’t have to be! Here is a list of people who are -- or could be -- part of your network:

Classmates:Every student has access to classmates who may have similar job interests or even connections to relevant people in their desired industry.

Professors:Undergraduates also have their professors who are experts in their fields and are very enthusiastic about helping students.

Campus connections:Take advantage of your campus career center and university- sponsored events such as job fairs and networking receptions. Alumni are a great resource for students who are looking to connect with more experienced professionals.

Informational Interview Contacts:Using informational interviews can be a huge benefit because you can actually speak to someone about their jobs directly.

TIPWhen networking, two of the most important things to remember is to smile and to be yourself!

CHAPTER 1: Getting the Interview

12

CHOOSING YOURREFERENCES

When providing references, one of the most important things is making sure your references know they’re refer-ences. It looks bad when a potential employer calls some-one on your list and they sound completely surprised during the phone call. And remember: employers aren’t required to stick to your three references. They may call your previous employers, as well.

Who to AskIn order to ensure the recruiter gets the best possible idea of who you are as a student and employee it is good to pick people with whom you have a close connection. Coming straight out of college into the work world might mean you don’t have three former employers who you consider to be solid references. Instead of using your old boss from the Dunkin’ Donuts job you had in high school, consider asking professors with whom you have a solid relationship. Even an academic advisor or club president might serve as a refer-ence, as long as you know they can provide insight into your work ethic and general attitude.

How to AskWhen asking your references, it can be helpful to include a brief description of the position for which you are applying and to refresh the recommender’s memory of projects or ex-periences you have had with them so they can give a detailed and convincing recommendation.6


13

CONQUERING THESCREENING PROCESS

Before you are invited to an in-person interview, your potential employer will likely put you through a screening process. The job interview is a multistage process, and potential employers can receive interest from hundreds of résumés, many of them from unqualified applicants. The screening process determines whether an applicant has the raw skills and experience appropriate for the job and thus helps employers avoid spending time interviewing the wrong candidates. By contrast, the final in-person inter-view is geared towards assessing how well an applicant can translate their proven skills and experience to the job posi-tion in question.7

A Common TrickScreeners can and will call at any moment. Don’t freeze! If you are not prepared, be ready to say something like “I am about to head out the door, can I call you back?” or “Right now is not the best time, can you call back in the evening?” You don’t need to explain why you are unable to talk, just make sure you have the correct information in order to return the call.

There are at least five different styles for the screening process:

Human Screening:These interviews are typically conducted over the phone by someone reading a script that has been prepared by the hiring manager. This person typically does not know the specifics of the job. If you are successful in answering the scripted questions you will most likely be directed to the hiring man-ager.

Automated Phone Screening:An automated voice reads a set of questions and records your answers, which are then shared with the business’s hiring manager(s).

Online Screening Questionnaire:You fill out an electronic form attached to the job descrip-tion.

Webcam Screening:There are two different types of webcam interviews: a two-way interview in which you are talking to your interviewer, and a one-way interview in which you are video-recorded answering questions that are prompted on the screen. In either case, it is important to dress as you would if you were present at an in-person interview.

In-person Screening:Whether it’s at a job fair or chance encounter in a shopping mall, be ready to market yourself anytime, anywhere.


15

CHAPTER 2:BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

16

DOING THECOMPANY RESEARCH

During an interview, you want to be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the company for which you’re interviewing. The company’s website is a good place to start your research. Research these elements of the company:

History:When and how did the company get its start? Where is it now? Research trends within the company over the past few years and determine the direction the company might take in the near future.

Mission Statement:How do its values and objectives intersect with your own?

Products and Services:To what industry does the company belong? who are its competitors? what are the significant trends within the indus-try? Look beyond the company website to trade journals and other websites for current news and information about the industry.

Press:Read press releases and news coverage of the company.

Location:Plan your travel route to the interview and maybe even make a practice drive. This may seem nit-picky, but being lost or late could doom the interview to failure before it even starts.

Showing that you’ve done your homework will always impress the interviewer. Find subtle ways to reveal your knowledge of the company. Use your research to demon-strate your enthusiasm for the job position and company, to expand on statements during the interview and to ask in-formed questions after the interview.

CHAPTER 2: Before the Interview

17

PREPARING YOURELEVATOR PITCH

An elevator pitch (also called an elevator speech or chat) is a brief set of talking points that concisely convey your strengths as a job candidate. The phrase “elevator pitch” comes from the idea that you should be able to “sell” your-self to someone in the short space of an elevator ride. You should always have one or two versions of your elevator pitch ready for use in job interviews, networking situations, or chance encounters: for example, when you find yourself standing in the long line at Starbucks next to an employee (or the owner!) of a company you’d like to work for. Being able to exploit a small moment like this could be the differ-ence between getting your foot in the door and mulling over a missed opportunity.

Job interviewers will expect you to have an elevator pitch. “Tell me about yourself” is a common first interview ques-tion that’s usually meant to set you at ease; it also presents the perfect opening for your elevator pitch. (Candidates who haven’t prepared for such a question are often tripped up by the openness of this question and may respond with a rambling answer full of personal or irrelevant detail: “I have four brothers, a dog named Willie, and my favorite color is green ….”) You should be able, in three or four bullet points, to briefly describe why you’re interested in the company and what you would bring to the job: your best job-relevant qualities and accomplishments.8 Show how you’re different from your competitors and the best candidate.

In informal settings, you might begin with a casual com-ment or question about the company, such as, “I’ve heard J&M is a great company to work for. How do you like it there?”9 before giving your elevator pitch. By remaining concise and focused, you won’t come off as overwhelming, and you improve the likelihood that whoever you are chat-ting with will remember you -- and just maybe recommend you for a position!10


18

MAKING SURE YOUSHOW, DON’T TELL

In an interview, simply saying that you are a self-starter or a quick learner isn’t going to grab the attention of the hiring manager. You’ve got to prove these things to the interview-er and make yourself a credible source. How? With real examples from your work history that are geared towards the boxes your interviewer is looking to check off. Let’s look at a common interview question and a the answers that can either put you in the alternate pool or land you the job.

Question:“Tell me about yourself.”

Common answer:“Well, I’m a self starter. Once I have the gist of a task I like to get started on it right away because I enjoy being busy. I’m a quick learner: if you give me a task, I can usually pick it up without too much difficulty.”

Better answer:“Well, I’m a self starter. For example, on the second day at my internship at the University Press, I found myself alone in the office because most of the staff was in a meeting. The only thing I knew how to do from my first day was how to file press releases and reviews, so rather than sit and wait for my supervisor, I filed as much as possible until the meeting was over. As you can probably tell, I’m also a quick learner. I’m diligent about taking notes when learning new tasks, so I was able to correctly file the documents in the Press’ complicated filing system without supervision or needing a refresher.”

By making a statement and backing it up with an example, your answer will stick more firmly in the interviewer’s mind and also give you some credibility in the workplace.

So, before you head into the interview, try to stockpile a list of examples that showcase your strengths, abilities, and interpersonal skills. These examples are often what willcatch the ear of the interviewer and even land you the job!1112


19

GETTING READY WITHA MOCK INTERVIEW

Mock (practice) interviews are a great way shake the ner-vousness of an actual interview and also correct your mis-takes ahead of time. So what exactly is a mock interview? Typically, they are 30 minute sessions with another person during which you answer common interview questions. A professional such as a professor or supervisor can make a great mock interviewer, but you can also practice with a friend or a family member who can be honest with you and remain serious for the exercise. Many college career offices also offer to do mock interviews with students.

Before the practice session, give your mock interviewer a copy of your resumé, cover letter, and job description to read over. While this isn’t a real interview, it’s important to treat it like one. Dress professionally and also greet your “interviewer” with a smile and a handshake. Keep your answers concise – if you talk longer than two or three min-utes, you are probably rambling. After the practice inter-view is over, take some time with your mock interviewer to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your performance. When it comes to exploring your feedback, don’t be defen-sive! Take notes that you can review later and thank your mock interviewer for helping you out. When it comes to an actual interview, you’ll be prepared and confident!13


20

IMRESSING BYDRESSING LIKE A PRO

First impressions are crucial when it comes to getting a job. So, yes, what you wear to an interview could be a deciding factor in whether or not you get the job. It is really import-ant to look the part of someone who could work at that company: you have to look professional. This doesn’t mean you have to go and buy a whole new wardrobe; check the closet for what you already own, then go shopping if what you own is inadequate. Professional clothing looks clean, modest, formal, and intact.

Tips for men:Dressing for an interview as a man is easy; the name of the game is conservative. Oxford cotton button downs or cotton dress shirt in pale blue or white. Wear a suit in gray or navy or a navy blazer; avoid black suits or coats (funeral attire!) and no sport coats as they are more casual than blazers. Wear ties in either solid colors or a repeating stripe pattern; it’s not a requirement, but they should generally be light blue or yellow or a combination of the two. Don’t wear any red ties as they are associated with power. Don’t wear a shirt and tie alone; it makes you look like a high schooler at a school dance. Your shoes and belts should always match in this setting; get navy socks with navy suits, black socks for grey suits. Don’t wear anything too formal: avoid French cuffs and the like. Avoid excessive patterning in shirts and ties; only one pattern per outfit is a good rule.

Tips for women:For women, looking professional for an interview generally means dressing with modesty and class. The first step is to buy the best suit that you can afford. A nice suit is an essen-tial component of an interview outfit. It doesn’t matter if it’s a skirt or a pantsuit; pick whatever you are most comfortable in and what matches you best. Just remember that the skirt must not be any shorter than knee-length, and you should wear a pair of tights or pantyhose underneath, even in the summer. Anything dressy works for tops as long as it isn’t too revealing or tight; avoid anything with plunging neck-lines, even if you are wearing a blazer or jacket over it. Color is great, but nothing too flashy or bright: you want to stand out from the crowd, but not because you wore a red suit to an interview. Dark and muted colors work best, so choose navy, charcoal, or black, and leave the leopard print behind.

Think comfort when picking out shoes to wear: don’t wear high heels if you can’t walk in them properly and for a long time (imagine a walking tour of the company campus). It’s best to choose heels of moderate height or flats. When it comes to grooming, your natural look is your best; choose earthy makeup colors and don’t wear too much. Your nails must be clipped and your nail polish understated. As for ac-cessories, limit yourself to one or two items, nothing chunky or showy. Remember: modesty and class.14


21

Basic Tips For All:• Dress one step better than you would on the job. You

need to look like a picture of a professional ready to work at the company.

• Don’t have any slogans on your clothing. The interviewer may not agree with the slogans or the companies they represent.

• Don’t wear anything too revealing or sloppy. Dress in modest and clean clothing.

• Match your attitude to your clothes. Don’t slouch or indulge in any bad habits.

• Cover tattoos and remove piercings. 1-2 ear piercings are acceptable.

• Wear something comfortable and fits well. If you’re uncomfortable with your dress, the interviewer may think you’re uncomfortable with the company.

• Do not wear strong scents. The interviewer may have allergies.

• Wear little or no jewelry. Too much jewelry draws attention away from what’s important: you.

What to Bring: You want to come into the interview with everything that the interviewer will need to see from you. It must be well organized and ready to be handed over at a moment’s no-tice. You may want to purchase, if you don’t already own it, a small briefcase or a portfolio to put your things into. You don’t want to be holding anything that you can’t put down; remember you will probably have to shake the inter-viewer’s hand and you don’t want to be juggling ten items trying to do it. One of your hands must be open.

Essential items: • Directions to the interview location• Identification, as building security may ask for it• Three copies (one to give, the others extra copies) of:

resume, cover letter, and a printed list of references with their contact information

• Any samples of your work that you might want to show• A list of at least three or four questions that you want to

ask the interviewer• A small notepad and pen to take notes• Phone for emergencies, but it must be turned off during

the interview• An umbrella if rain is a risk.


TIPDon’t bring: friends and family, drinks, or food (a small energy bar tucked in your bag is fine).15

IMRESSING BYDRESSING LIKE A PRO

continued

23

CHAPTER 3:NAILING THE INTERVIEW

24

PREPARING FOR THEINTERVIEW QUESTIONS

At some point in your interview, you are likely to encounter a question or two that you are not sure how to handle. By thinking about some common types of interview questions, you’ll be better prepared to think on your feet, spin nega-tives into positives, and politely deflect awkward or inap-propriate questions.

“Behavioral” Interview Questions

When potential employers ask behavioral interview ques-tions, they are less interested in “correct” answers than they are in getting a sense of who you are. Behavioral interview-ing is based on the idea that your past actions can predict your future performance. Each job is a bit different, of course, but employers often look for these qualities:

Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

Project management or decision-making skills. Describe projects you’ve worked on that demonstrate your analytical, fact-finding talent and time-management skills.

Effectively strategizing for handling conflict or disagreement.

Ability to learn from past mistakes. Describe a mistake or ffailure that you’ve learned from, such as missing a deadline or completing a task or doing poorly on a paper for school. How you handle failure can reveal a great deal about your at-titude (do you accept some responsibility, or blame others?) and potential for growth.

Self-learning. Show that you are motivated to seek out answers and teach yourself skills on the fly with minimal guidance.

Here are a few examples of behavioral questions:

Describe a time when you used your communication skills to getan important point across.

Describe a job or school experience when you had to serve as a leader (or work as part of a team) in order to accomplish a goal.

What did you do in your last job that illustrates your organiza-tion and planning abilities? Be specific.

Questions Aimed at Recent College Grads

If you’re a recent college grad, your employer is bound to have questions about your college experience. If your resume isn’t exactly brimming with extracurriculars, don’t panic! You can turn what you appear to be lacking into an experience you learned from.17 Expect questions that are meant to highlight what seems like something you are miss-ing that other candidates might have. An employer might also ask about a class in which you received a less-than-stellar grade; be prepared to explain what that experience taught you and how you learned from it! Common behav-ioral questions asked of college grads:

Describe your most rewarding college experience.

What was your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you handle it?

Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?

CHAPTER 3: Nailing the Interview

25

PREPARING FOR THEINTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Illegal or Inappropriate Interview Questions

Some questions simply should not be asked during an interview. Inappropriate or illegal questions may involve the candidate’s race, gender, religion, marital status, age, disabilities, ethnic background, country of origin, sexual preferences or age. The top ten illegal interview questions are as follows:

• Where were you born?• What is your native language?• Are you married?• Do you have children?• Do you plan to get pregnant?• How old are you?• Do you observe any religious holidays?• Do you have a disability or chronic illness?• Are you in the National Guard?• Do you smoke or use alcohol?

These questions might be asked by a naive interviewer, or a malicious one intent on putting you in the hotseat. There are several ways to get around these questions while remaining tactful and respectful.

Answer it.If you think the interviewer was simply trying to get to know you and naively asked an illegal question, you may want to answer the question if it does not make you too uncomfort-able. While the question may be poorly phrased, your answer to it can highlight relevant strengths, such as being able to speak another language, and engaging in small talk can help to strengthen your connection with the interviewer.

Side-step it. Without being confrontational, question the interview-er’s interest in that information. Ask “Why?” The interviewer is then made to explain the question and its intent.

Turn the tables.Rather than pause awkwardly, avoid the question altogether by steering the conversation towards the skills and experi-ences you feel are more relevant to the job. Respond, “Well, that’s an interesting question, but I would rather discuss...”


continued

TIPThe STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Re-sult) is one well-known strategy for structuring your responses to behavioral questions.16

26

RECOGNIZING THETYPE OF INTERVIEW

There are several different types of interviews you may find yourself facing once an employer sees you as a potential candidate. It’s important to understand what each of these interview formats entail so that you can be prepared.

Phone Interviews:Since your interviewer cannot see you, make sure you have your résumé, cover letter, notes regarding the company you are applying for, and other notes surrounding you so that you have quick reference to all the information you need. Because an interviewer cannot see your body language, it is necessary that you sound energetic—standing up during the interview may help with this. Make sure you have a quiet place to talk and a fully charged phone, with a charger on-hand.

Group Interview:The first type of group interview is the candidate group interview. In this type of interview you will listen to infor-mation about the company and may be asked questions or to participate in a group exercise alongside other applicants. The second, more common type of group interview is the panel group interview, in which you individually are inter-viewed by a group or committee of employers. Be prepared to answer questions just like you would in a one-on-one interview.

Individual Interview:This one-on-one, in-person interview is the most common type and probably the one you’re most familiar with. Make sure you know ahead of time how long the interview will be so that you know how much to prepare and how much infor-mation to incorporate into your answers.

Second/On-Site Interview:Second interviews are when you’re asked back again. You may have passed through the first round but the company may want to know more about you before making a final decision. You may meet with three to five individuals. These could include a representative from Human Resources, the department head, the office staff, and the department head’s supervisor. After this, if all goes well, an offer is usually made.

Task Oriented/Testing Interview:This is an interview where you are given some task that puts your abilities to the test. For example, you might be asked to critique a website, solve a problem, take a writing test, or give a presentation to demonstrate your communication skills.

Stress Interview:You may encounter an interview where the interviewer deliberately creates tension to see how you will respond to stress; however, these are very rare.18


27

ASKING QUESTIONSABOUT THE JOB

What to Ask the Interviewer About the Job

At the end of the interview, the interviewer will give you a chance to ask questions. Always prepare for this opportu-nity. This is not only a chance to learn more about your job position, but also a continuation of your assessment. Inter-viewers will pay attention to how intelligent and well-in-formed your questions are, so plan ahead. Some questions you might want to ask include:

• How would you describe the work environment here?• What are common attributes of your top performers?• What excites you most about your job, and what do you

like most about this company?• Can you give me some examples of collaboration and

projects within the company?• What are the most important things you’d like to

see me accomplish in the first 60 and 90 days of my employment?

• What opportunities for professional development do you offer?

• How does this job position fit into your organization/company?

There are also many questions an applicant should not ask. Don’t ask questions that could be easily answered by checking out the company’s website. Steer clear of “Why?” questions, questions regarding salary, benefits, vacation days, sick days and flexibility of hours and others including:19

• Who is your competition?• How often do reviews occur?• Would you like to see my references?• Do I get my own office?• Will you monitor my social networking profiles?


29

CHAPTER 4:AFTER THE INTERVIEW

30

FOLLOWING UPAFTER THE INTERVIEW

Whether you nailed the interview (great!) or barely got by (not so great), there are two things you can do to solidify your position as a top candidate, smooth over any faux pas, and prove that you are up to par: thank you notes and fol-low up emails. Try to make these courtesies a habit, as they communicate not only your gratitude and recognition of others’ time but also your capacity to follow through effec-tively as a professional.

Thank You NotesYou should send your interviewer a thank you note one to three days after your interview. Opinions vary as to whether you should send an email, a handwritten note, or both, but the most important thing is that you send one. Thank you notes let your interviewer know that you appreciate their time, give you a chance to smooth over any awkward re-sponses you gave during the interview, and further express your enthusiasm about the position. When composing your note, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Always date the note and use a formal salutation (e.g. “Dear Ms./Mr./Dr.”)

• Begin by thanking the interviewer(s) for their time• Mention part of the interview conversation that you

particularly enjoyed

• Give specific examples to express your interest, but remain concise

• Try not to exceed five sentences in the body• End on a positive, forward-looking note (e.g. “I look forward

to hearing from you”)• Sign your full name at the bottom after a closing salutation

(e.g. “Respectfully” or “Regards”)

Following UpAfter sending your thank you note, you should follow up on the position to stay fresh in the hiring manager’s mind. Fol-low up emails should be friendly yet concise—remember that you are establishing yourself as a professional connec-tion, not as a chatty wannabe employee.

If you’ve been interviewed from a large list of potential candidates with a long hiring period, check in with the hir-ing manager via email once every two weeks. If the hiring window is shorter than a month, you may want to follow up weekly. If you haven’t received any replies after a month, it may be time to move on to the next hunt.

CHAPTER 4: After the Interview

31

NEGOTIATINGYOUR SALARY

Research salaries in your field Being prepared when a company makes you an offer will help you be compensated for what your skills are worth. There are various things you can do to figure out how much you’re worth, like looking at salary surveys for that field. Salary calculators are available online for virtually every field, and you can double-check those figures with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (United States Department of Labor). In addition to researching salary ranges in your field, look into the cost of living for where you’ll be hired. Although you may think your salary will let you live com-fortably, some places (like major cities) have high rent and fuel costs, which could leave you at a disadvantage.20

Know how to negotiatePrepared for the interview or meeting where you’ll be dis-cussing salary. Increase your salary expectations slightly in order to leave room for negotiation.

Do:

• Wait for the employer to make an offer• Factor in the benefits package (e.g. health care or 401K)• Negotiate! Present hard evidence for support• Be flexible• End the salary conversation on friendly terms• Respond to an offer in a timely manner

Don’t:

• Completely rely on online salary sites for salary ranges• Interrupt your employer during the discussion• Mention personal reasons for why you need a pay increase• Show disappointment if your desired salary is denied or

renegotiated• Rush your employer to give you a definite answer• Confuse a high salary with higher happiness

CHAPTER 4: After the Interview

32

1. Huhman, Heather. “3 Elements Of An Online Portfolio That Sells Your Personal Brand.” Personal Branding Blog Dan Schawbel RSS. N.p., 10 Apr. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.2. Bone, Jelly. “Hongkiat.com.” Hongkiatcom RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.3. Peterson, Erin. “5 Innovative Job Search Strategies.” 5 Innovative Job Search Strategies. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.4. Buhl, Larry. “How to Decode Job Posting Lingo.” Career Rookie. N.p., 2011. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. Ruth, Nikki. “ A Guide To Understanding Job Descriptions.” My CV and Me. N.p., 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.5. Sethi, Ramit. “How to Use Natural Networking to Connect with Anyone -- including the Exact Email Scripts.” I Will Teach You To Be Rich RSS. N.p., 08 Jan. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.6. Green, Alison. “8 Things You Should Know About Job References.” US News RSS. N.p., 14 Feb. 2011. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.7. Kennedy, Joyce. Job Interviews for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2012. Web.8. Adams, Susan. “How To Craft A Job Search Elevator Pitch.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 29 Mar. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.9. “What To Say In An Elevator.” Essortment. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.10. Pagliarini, Robert. “How to Write an Elevator Speech.” How To Write an Elevator Speech. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.11. “Top Interview Questions.” - CareerBuilder.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.12. Mills, Corinne. “10 Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions.” Career Advice Article:. The Telegraph, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.13. Martin, Carole. “Email to a Friend.” Practice Your Interview Techniques in a Mock Interview. Monster, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.14. Doyle, Alison. “Interview Outfits for Women: What to Wear to An Interview.” About.com Job Searching. About, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. Doyle, Alison. “Dressing For Success.” About.com Job Searching. About, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. Doyle, Alison. “Interview Outfits for Men: What to Wear to An Interview.” About.com Job Searching. About, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. Doyle, Alison. “How to Dress for An Interview.” About.com Job Searching. About, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. Doyle, Alison. “What Not to Wear on An Interview.” About.com Job Searching. About, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. Kallor, Amber. “What to Wear to an Interview: The New Rules.” CNN. Cable News Network, 26 July 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. Angie. “What to Wear to a Job Interview.” YouLookFab. N.p., 29 Apr. 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. Martin, Carole. “Email to a Friend.” Interview Attire: 10 Interview Fashion Blunders. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. Carole, Martin. “Dress for Interview Success.” Interview Attire: 10 Interview Fashion Blunders. Monster, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.

REFERENCES

33

REFERENCES15. Doyle, Alison. “What to Bring to an Interview.” About.com Job Searching. About, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. Rose, Angela. “What to Bring to an Interview.” Hcareers. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.16. Denham, Tom. “50 Behavioral-based Interview Questions You Might Be Asked.” Careers and Worklife. N.p., 12 Apr. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.17. Fry, Ronald W. 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions. Franklin Lakes, NJ: Career, 2000. Print.18. Denham, Tom. “The 8 Major Types of Interviews.” Careers and Worklife. N.p., 18 Dec. 2009. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.19. LearnVest. “10 Job Interview Questions You Should Never Ask.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 03 Oct. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.20. Trikha, Ritika. “8 Etiquette Tips for Salary Negotiation.” US News RSS. N.p., 5 June 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. Green, Alison. “10 Salary Negotiating Mistakes to Avoid.” US News RSS. N.p., 30 May 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.

GETTING THE JOB - WordPress.com · likely candidate when it comes to getting the job. However, you...

Documents

Transcript of GETTING THE JOB - WordPress.com · likely candidate when it comes to getting the job. However, you...