1. Define your skills, values, abilities and interests. Know what you
want in a job and why you want that.
2. Know your professional goals and target them. You've positioned
yourself by your major, outside activities, work and life experience to
succeed in your chosen field. Be prepared to share this information.
3. Have realistic expectations. You will almost certainly need to
work yourself up the ladder on your career path.
4. Have an error free resume and application materials. Use targeted
resumes if you are exploring different employment options.
5. Be prepared to discuss your abilities, skills and goals in an
interview. Go over your strengths beforehand and use examples to
illustrate your case.
6. Know the company or organization you are applying to beforehand
and the kind of positions they may have to offer. This will impress the
interviewer and enable you to ask relevant questions.
7. Talk to faculty and departmental staff as well as your campus
career center about opportunities. Networking is very important.
8. Get as much face to face time as possible.
9. Practice your telephone skills. Call your own voice mail and leave
a message. Then listen critically and edit yourself. Warm up your voice
before you make that call.
10. Don't assume that you are with an experienced interviewer. Be
prepared to take the lead if necessary.
11. Don't exaggerate, inflate or lie.
12. Do not give up too soon. Persistence is key.
13. Keep notes on every position you've applied or interviewed for.
Names, dates, brochures and position descriptions are useful for future
reference. Ask for supporting materials.
14. Be professional and courteous at all times. Many professions are
small. Bad mouthing colleagues or the profession may come back to harm
your chances.
15. Treat the "little people" with respect. There are no little
people. Every person you meet is important.
16. Relax. Present yourself as a person, not as an interviewing machine.17. Always send a thank you note after the interview no matter what your
interest in the position.
18. Be patient while remaining persistent. It sometimes takes time to get
interviews coordinated. Don't be afraid to write additional letters of
interest or to call while waiting.
19. When invited to on-site interviews politely inquire about travel
plans and procedures, who pays, how much and when.
20. Be prepared to have a hectic schedule and to meet many new people.
Remain calm and professional throughout the process.
21. Keep an optimistic demeanor, chin up and a ready smile.
22. Always have backup plans. Your skills are transferable and
marketable in a variety of places.
23. Don't stop pursuing new employment until you have accepted a
position.
Prepare for Success
Get Organized - an appointment calendar, business card holder and a
binder or notebook to record relevant names and information are key.
Write your resume - this is an advertisement for yourself designed to
get you an interview. Use multiple targeted resumes if you are applying
for differing positions.
Put together a portfolio - this collection of accomplishments and
skills presented in an orderly format highlights your strengths.
Take full advantage of your campuses career center - have them
critique your resume, arrange interview schedules and notify you of
upcoming events.
Research the companies and organizations you are applying to - find
out as much as possible how you might fit into their plans and then take
the time to identify ways you might sell yourself using that
information.
Practice answering interview questions and practice asking questions
in a polite, thoughtful manner.
Dress professionally - the image you present will significantly
effect the interviewer's impression of you. Plan to wear a two piece
business suit.
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