find me a job!

a guide to the job search and interview

process for recent college grads

a book sprint com-­posed by the PWTC class of 2013

The content of this booklet was written by Diego Alves, Julia Basal, Jennifer Bergus, Jake Bis-­saro, Selic Borden, Isabella Broderick-­Forster, Emily Falconer, Sarah Gagne, Caity Gebhard, Cassie Jeon, Amanda Lavelle, Storie Libby, Melissa Mahoney, Stephanie Mann, Emily Mias, Joey O’Connell, Monika Schrauder, Mike Sullivan, Marina Vlasevich, and Krista Wiberg.

Editorial imput for this booklet was provided by Janine Solberg, Ismail Eddafali, and Gar-­rett Russell.

The design, introduction, and acknowledgments for this booklet were created by Julia Basal.

authors

acknowledgmentsI would first and foremost like to thank my professor, Janine Solberg, for her guidance and wisdom, for her InDesign demonstrations, and for her editorial imput and advice regarding the content and design of this booklet.

I would like to thank my classmates in the PWTC class of 2013 for helping to write the con-­tent for this booklet, as well as for editing the layout and design of my booklet. I want to give a special thanks to Sarah Gagne for helping me finalize my page designs.

I would also like to thank the TAs for my PWTC class, Ismail Eddafali and Garrett Russell, for their editorial imput along the way, their helpful demonstrations, and for their time spent creating the shared document and formatting the endnotes.

Finally I would like to thank the free stock photo website, morgueFile, which can be found at http://www.morguefile.com/. All images in this booklet were retrieved from morgueFile.

introductionSo you just graduated college...

and you’ve realized that now is probably a good time to begin the job search. But you’re feeling overwhelmed, unprepared, and scared out of your mind. You may be thinking to yourself: College didn’t prepare me for this, or, Where do I begin? But don’t panic—that’s where this book comes in. This booklet starts from the beginning of the process, describ-­ing things like cleaning up your online image, and walks you all the way through the inter-­view process and beyond. Additional topics covered include:

job search strategiespreparing your elevator pitchtypes of questions asked in the interview...and more

So sit down, relax, and take a little bit of time to read through this booklet. You’ll be landing a successful job in no time.

table of contents

chapter 1: getting the interview.....................................11.1 your online imagecleaning up the bad stuff..........................................................................................................2showing the good stuff.............................................................................................................3

1.2 beginning the job search search strategies......................................................................................................................4decoding the job description...................................................................................................5using your network...................................................................................................................6references................................................................................................................................7

1.3 the screening processtypes of screening....................................................................................................................8

chapter 2: interviews.....................................................92.1 preparing for the interviewpreliminary research..............................................................................................................10preparing your elevator pitch................................................................................................11preparing “show, don’t tell” examples....................................................................................12mock interviews.....................................................................................................................13what (not) to wear..................................................................................................................14what to bring..........................................................................................................................16

2.2 in the interviewtypes of questions..................................................................................................................17interview formats...................................................................................................................19what to ask the interviewer about the job..............................................................................20

chapter 3: after the interview.......................................213.1 following up the interviewthank you notes......................................................................................................................22follow up emails.....................................................................................................................22

3.2 salaryresearch salaries in your field................................................................................................23know how to negotiate............................................................................................................23

endnotes................................................................................................................................24

getting the interviewYOUR ONLINE IMAGE

cleaning up the bad stuff

showing the good stuff: your professional on-­ line portfolio

BEGINNING THE JOB SEARCH

search strategiesdecoding the job

descriptionusing your net-­

workreferences

THE SCREEN-­ING PROCESS

types of screen-­ ing 1

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 posi-­tion:

If any content from your old web pages is un-­professional or inappropriate, contact the site webmaster and submit a removal requestSpruce up existing social media sites by delet-­ing unflattering content

Make a pact with your friends to check in with each other before posting pic-­ tures online

Delete any unprofessional email addresses (i.e., buttface69@hostname)Avoid broadcasting your entire life onlineSearch yourself on Google, using a variety of logical keyword combinationsFind any potentially embarrassing content that reflects poorly on you

Delete Your Old Web Pages from Google SearchesEven if you are successful in having an embar-­rassing web page about you removed, that page may still be cached (saved) into Google’s search history. This means that a link to the deleted page(s) will still appear in the search results for your name. Luckily, there is a way to permanently delete the link from the cached search results:

1. Follow this link to “Remove content from someone else’s site”: http://support.google.com/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1663688.

2. Select the appropriate removal request for your situation.

3. On the final page, type in the URL you wish to erase.

1.1 your online image

2

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 mind when 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 workBe unique without being flashyPromote your portfolio by using Facebook and LinkedInAlways update your site and avoid dead links or “under construction” messages, which look unprofessional2

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

3

“Creating an online portfolio may be one of the best ways to market your expertise, qualifications, and personality.”

1.2 beginning the job 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’re looking for.

Create accounts with search engine websites. By creating accounts with sites like Mon-­ster.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 company 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 counselors 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 avail-­able, if you get your name on file the company may look to you first when a position be-­comes 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 poten-­tial employers you’ve spoken with, so that all the information you need is in one place.

Target your cover letter and résumé to the specific job you are applying for. This 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.

4

DECODING THE JOB DESCRIPTION

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

Experience preferred/required: You prefer-­ably/definitely have experience in a similar position.

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 accomplishmentsTransferable 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 training.Flexible: You can adapt to a shifting environ-­ment, 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 com-­pany, regardless of position.

5

6

USING YOUR NETWORK

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 uncomfortable. 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 con-­nections 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.

Networking is not about asking for a job; it’s about building your professional social circle and un-­derstanding the demands of the job market of your particular field. Taking someone out for coffee and picking their brain is one technique 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 profile up-­to-­date with your professional information and job experience.

REFERENCES

When providing references, one of the most important things is making sure your references know they’re references. It looks bad when a potential employer calls someone 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 Ask

In 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 reference, as long as you know they can provide insight into your work ethic and general attitude.

How to Ask

When asking your references, it can be help-­ful to include a brief description of the posi-­tion for which you are applying and to refresh the recommender’s memory of projects or experiences you have had with them so they can give a detailed and convincing recom-­mendation.6

7

1.3 the screening process7

JOB SCREENING

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 mul-­tistage process, and potential employers can receive interest from hundreds of résumés, many of them from unqualified applicants. The screen-­ing 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 interview is geared towards assessing how well an applicant can translate their proven skills and experience to the job position in question.

Remember: Job screeners are not the hiring man-­ager, and they cannot hire you. However, failing the screening process guarantees that you will not land the job.

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

Human Screening: These interviews are typi-­cally 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 suc-­cessful in answering the scripted questions

you will most likely be directed to the hiring manager.

Automated Phone Screening: An automated voice reads a set of questions and records your answers, which are then shared with the busi-­ness’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 inter-­view in which you are talking to your inter-­viewer, 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.

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.

8

interviewsPREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

preliminary researchpreparing your elevator

pitchpreparing “show, don’t

tell” examplesmock interviewswhat (not) to wearwhat to bring

IN THE INTERVIEWtypes of questionsinterview formatswhat to ask the interviewer

about the job 2

2.1 preparing for the interview

PRELIMINARY 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 the company’s:

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 industry? Look beyond the company website to trade journals and other websites for current news and information about the industry.

Press: Read press releases and other 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 demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job position and company, to expand on statements during the interview and to ask informed questions after the inter-­view.

“Showing that you’ve done your homework will always impress the interviewer.”

10

PREPARING YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH

An elevator pitch (also called an elevator speech or chat) is a brief set of talking points that con-­cisely convey your strengths as a job candidate. The phrase “elevator pitch” comes from the idea that you should be able to “sell” yourself 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 difference between getting your foot in the door and mulling over a missed opportunity.

Job interviewers will expect you to have an eleva-­tor pitch. “Tell me about yourself” is a common first interview question 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 broth-­ers, 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 inter-­ested 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 comment 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 im-­prove the likelihood that whoever you are chatting with will remember you -­-­ and just maybe recom-­mend you for a position!10

11

PREPARING “SHOW, DON’T TELL”

EXAMPLES

In an interview, simply saying that you are a self-­starter or a quick learner isn’t going tograb the attention of the hiring manager. You’ve got to prove these things to theinterviewer and make yourself a credible source.

How? With real examples from your work his-­tory that are geared towards the boxesyour interviewer is looking to check off (see the section on behavioral interview ques-­tions). Let’s look at some common interview questions and a few possible 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 getstarted on it right away because I enjoy be-­ing 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 ex-­ample, 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 pos-­sible until the meeting was over. As you can prob-­ably 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’ compli-­cated filing system without supervision or needing a refresher.”

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

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

12

MOCK INTERVIEWS

Mock (practice) interviews are a great way shake the nervousness of an actual interview and also correct your mistakes 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 profes-­sional 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 hon-­est 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 inter-­viewer a copy of your resumé, cover letter, and job description to read over. While this isn’t a real in-­terview, it’s important to treat it like one. Dress pro-­fessionally and also greet your “interviewer” with a smile and a handshake. Keep your answers concise – if you talk longer than two or three minutes, you are probably rambling. After the practice interview 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 defensive! 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

Quick Tips

So you researched the job, did a mock inter-­view, and finally got the real interview. You might think you’re ready, but are there little things you haven’t considered? Here are a few more tips to make yourself look like an interview pro.

Arrive about 5 minutes early. This will make you look timely, but won’t pressure an interviewer to stop what they’re doing to ac-­commodate you.

Read the paper. Familiarize yourself with national and international events on the day before and the day of the interview. You don’t want to be caught in the dark if some large national event happened yesterday.

13

WHAT (NOT) TO WEAR TO THE INTERVIEW

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 important 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.

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 that’s comfortable and fits well. If you’re uncomfortable with your dress, the inter-­viewer 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.

14

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 any-­thing 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 essential 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. Any-­thing dressy works for tops as long as it isn’t too revealing or tight; avoid anything with plunging

necklines, 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 make-­up col-­ors and don’t wear too much. Your nails must be clipped and your nail polish understated. As for accessories, limit yourself to one or two items, nothing chunky or showy. Remember: modesty and class.14

“Look-­ing pro-­

fessional for an interview gener-­

ally means dressing with modesty and

class.”

15

WHAT TO BRING15

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 notice. 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 interviewer’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 locationIdentification, as building security may ask for itThree copies (one to give, the others extra copies) of: résumé, cover letter, and a printed list of references with their contact informationAny samples of your work that you might want to showA list of at least three or four questions that you want to ask the interviewerA small notepad and pen to take notesPhone for emergencies, but it must be turned off during the interviewAn umbrella if rain is a risk

16

2.2 in the interview

TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

At some point in your interview, you are likely to encounter a question or two that you’re 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 negatives into positives, and politely deflect awkward or inap-­propriate questions.

“Behavioral” Interview Questions16

When potential employers ask behavioral inter-­view questions, they are less interested in “cor-­rect” answers than they are in getting a sense of who you are. Behavioral interviewing is based on the idea that your past actions can predict your future performance (e.g., if you have shown good time management skills in the past, you will do so in the future).

Your personality and work habits can be just as important as your GPA or what software you know. A rigid perfectionist who can’t meet dead-­lines may have trouble in a job where deadlines are firm and delays cost money. 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. Possesses effective strategies for handling conflict or disagreement.Ability to learn from past mistakes. Describe a mistake or failure 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 attitude (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.

Behavioral questions will show up in just about ev-­ery interview, so you should prepare specific exam-­ples and be ready to discuss your strengths in areas like those listed above. Here are a few examples of behavioral questions:

Describe a time when you used your communi-­cation skills to get an 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 organization 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 expe-­rience. If your résumé isn’t exactly brimming with extracurriculars, don’t panic! You can turn what you appear to be lacking into an experience you learned from.

Let’s say you didn’t have time for extracurricular activities because all your free time was spent at your part-­time job. When an employer asks, you can explain what you would have participated in had you had the time, while acknowledging what you did gain from your part-­time job folding t-­shirts or slic-­ing deli meat.

17

You might respond to this type of question with something like: “I always wished I’d had more time to write for the school newspaper. Whenever I wasn’t in class or studying for exams, I had to work to pay for school and my living expenses. Juggling my time between work and school did prepare me for the pro-­fessional workplace though, as I am used to working under the pressure of time constraints and manage my time wisely.”17

Common behavioral questions asked of col-­lege grads:

Describe your most rewarding college experience.What was your biggest challenge as a stu-­dent, and how did you handle it?Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?

Expect questions that are meant to highlight what seems like something you are missing that other candidates might have. An employer might also ask about a class in which you re-­ceived a less-­than-­stellar grade; be prepared to explain what that experience taught you and how you learned from it!

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, disabili-­ties, 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 inter-­viewer, or a malicious one intent on putting you in the hotseat. There are several ways to get around these questions while remaining tactful and respect-­ful.

1. Answer it. If you think the interviewer was sim-­ply 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 un-­comfortable. 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.

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

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

18

INTERVIEW FORMATS

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 information about the company and may be asked questions or to par-­ticipate 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 interviewed by a group or com-­mittee 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 information to incorporate into your answers. Second/On-­Site Interview: Second interviews are when you’re asked back again. Though you passed through the first round, 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 ten-­sion to see how you will respond to stress; however, these are very rare.18

19

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 opportunity. This is not only a chance to learn more about your job position, but also a continuation of your assessment. Interviewers will pay attention to how intelligent and well-­informed 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 an-­swered 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?

20

after the interviewFOLLOWING UP THE INTERVIEW

thank you notesfollow up emails

SALARYresearch salaries in your

fieldknow how to negotiate 3

3.1 following up the interview

Whether you nailed the interview (great!) or bare-­ly 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 follow up emails. Try to make these courtesies a habit, as they com-­municate not only your gratitude and recognition of others’ time but also your capacity to follow through effectively as a professional.

THANK YOU NOTES

You should send your interviewer a thank you note one to three days after yourinterview. 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 yourinterviewer know that you appreciate their time, give you a chance to smooth over any awkward responses you gave during the interview, and fur-­ther 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 saluta-­tion (e.g. “Dear Ms./Mr./Dr.”)

Begin by thanking the interviewer(s) for their timeMention part of the interview conversation that you particularly enjoyedGive specific examples to express your interest, but remain conciseTry not to exceed five sentences in the bodyEnd 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”)

FOLLOW UP EMAILS

After sending your thank you note, you should fol-­low up on the position to stay fresh in the hiring manager’s mind. Follow up emails should be friend-­ly yet concise—remember that you are establishing yourself as a professional connection, not as a chatty wannabe employee.

If you’ve been interviewed from a large list of po-­tential candidates with a long hiring period, check in with the hiring 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.

22

3.2 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 look-­ing at salary surveys for that field. Salary calcula-­tors are available online for virtually every field, and you can double-­check those figures with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (United States Depart-­ment 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 comfortably, some places (like major cities) have high rent and fuel costs, which could leave you at a disadvantage.

KNOW HOW TO NEGOTIATE20

Prepare for the interview or meeting where you’ll be discussing salary. Increase your salary

expectations slightly in order to leave room for negotiation.

DoWait for the employer to make an offerFactor in the benefits package (e.g. health care or 401K)Negotiate! Present hard evidence for supportBe flexibleEnd the salary conversation on friendly termsRespond to an offer in a timely manner

Don’tCompletely rely on online salary sites for salary rangesInterrupt your employer during the discussionMention personal reasons for why you need a pay increaseShow disappointment if your desired salary is denied or renegotiatedRush your employer to give you a definite an-­swerConfuse a high salary with higher happiness

23

24

endnotes

1. Huhman, Heather. “3 Elements Of An Online Portfolio !at 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 !ings 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 Cra" 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:. !e 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 Out#ts 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 Out#ts 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: !e 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. 15. 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. “!e 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.