Notes from B4 Coates

Career Expo...not just for upperclassmen!

2012-02-03T13:37:00.000-06:00

As an underclassman it is easy to forget how close you are to entering the real world and finding a career path, but the truth is 4 years is not as long as we like to think. The LSU Career Expo is a great chance to get ahead of the crowd and begin the process of choosing and embarking on your career path. So before you decide to skip this event and put off something as important as choosing your field of occupation, please consider the following reasons that the Career Expo is important for your future career success:

1. The awesome power of networking

Throughout the next four years of your life there are many things to consider. How to apply your major in the real world? What internship options are available to you? How to prepare for an internship? What’s it like to work in your chosen field of study? The Career Expo is literally a room full of people with answers to questions like these. Furthermore, the Career Expo is a great place to make contacts that can help you in the future. The more people you know the more opportunities you have. So, even as a freshman, plan to meet recruiters, ask for business cards, and follow up to show interest in the organization, and you never know what can happen.

2. It is an investment in your future

While it is uncommon for underclassmen to get a job offer, it is important to start your search for employment as early as possible. The Career Expo offers a unique opportunity to browse for internships you will want in the future while learning how to prepare for them from actual company representatives. Not only can you look into opportunities in you planned field, but you can check out options that you may not have considered and get a better idea of what you want to do with your life.

3. It introduces you to the realities of the job search

As unfortunate as it may be, a college degree does not guarantee a job in your chosen field. By jumping into the sea of candidates early you become aware of the competition and get a better idea of what it takes to get a job. Furthermore it is never a bad idea to practice your networking skills and it is definitely better to get used to talking to employers now before your first impression can mean the difference in finding employment. The Career Expo gives underclassmen a chance to test the waters rather than apply the sink or swim method without any preparation for employer interaction.

4. It forces you to start preparing

Despite how far away from the real world you may feel, it is never too early to prepare for something as important as finding a career. Take this opportunity to write up a resume and get used to working with career services. From choosing a major to building a resume, career services offers plenty of support for students that are most useful when started at the very beginning of the college experience.

In other words, the Career Expo is not just for upperclassman and can serve as a valuable experience for students of any level. In fact it is that much more impressive to employers that a student be proactive in gaining work experience and searching for a job as early as their freshman year. Don’t let this fantastic opportunity pass you by just because you think you have plenty of time to get started later.

Katie Perry
Mass Communication, Junior

Career Expo - Stand Out in a Sea of Candidates

2012-01-31T08:40:00.006-06:00

The Career Expo is a 2-day event held every fall and spring semester and it is the kickoff to the recruiting season at LSU. There are opportunities for students in all fields and at all levels to learn about career options as well as graduate programs and internships while networking with professionals from hundreds of organizations. With a crowd of approximately 2,000 opportunity-seeking students and alumni the thought of making an impression on recruiters can be intimidating, but by taking a few simple steps to prepare and maintain a professional presence you can be sure to stay afloat in the sea of candidates.

Step 1 Know the companies attending and the opportunities available to you

Step 2 Dress appropriately and maintain a professional presence

Business professional attire is strongly recommended for students who are in the job search. Business casual attire is acceptable for students attending the Expo just to network/explore. A more detailed explanation of the various types of dress attire can be found at http://careercenter.lsu.edu/dress-for-success. Above all be confident, friendly and enthusiastic when dealing with recruiters. Also be sure to thank the recruiters you meet.

Step 3 Know what you have to offer and be able to present it

Before you face recruiters it is important that you know what you are going to say and have copies of your resume and references prepared. You can have your resume critiqued at career services during walk-in hours and can even sign up for a mock interview constructed with questions created by employers on Careers2Geaux. You can further prepare by completing the job search tutorials on the Career Services website and be sure to review the Job Search Handbook. Prepare an ending statement that expresses your interest and highlights anything you didn’t mention earlier so you can emphasize the points that you want to stick out in the recruiters mind.

Step 4 Ask for business cards and follow up

When looking for employment, many people get tunnel vision and focus only on the interview and resume. Few are aware that a very important aspect of the job search is not the interview or the resume, but the follow-up to an interview or resume submission. Following up after meeting with an employer not only shows them that you are motivated enough to follow through, it sets you apart from other candidates (especially in a job fair setting where some sources report that follow up is done by less than 10% of job seekers). During the expo be sure to collect information at the tables you visit. There are many ways to follow up, but some tried and true methods include thank you notes, further inquiry about the job, cover letters, even completing a full application or attempting to set up an interview. The truth is you’re far less likely to get passed up for a job by appearing too eager than by not following up.

To view a sample thank you note, visit http://careercenter.lsu.edu/thank-you-notes.

Bottom line… The career expo can be an intimidating experience, but following these simple steps before, during and after the expo can mean the difference between being one of 2,000 faces and landing the job.

Katie Perry
Mass Communication, Junior

Ways to keep your holiday break productive

2011-11-29T13:44:00.004-06:00

Sure enjoying sugar cookies and thoughts of snowflakes can keep you occupied for those few weeks between Fall and Spring semester, but why not find ways to be productive as you enjoy your break from classes as well.

Seasonal Jobs: Holding a seasonal job is a great way to gain some employment experience. While it may seem unrelated working the busy retail industry, but a fast-paced job during the holiday shopping months is a great way to gain customer service experience. Consider picking up a seasonal job for some extra cash and also score big bucks in the experience market.

Job Shadowing: The holiday break may be an excellent time to look for professionals in your hometown (or wherever you are spending the holidays) to witness first-hand what a day in their industry is really like.

Volunteer Opportunities: With all of the seasonal charitable opportunities there are ample ways to volunteer your time during the holiday break. Volunteer experience is highly valued by employers and can even be highlighted on your resume.

Informational Interviews: Informational interviews provide you a chance to turn the tables on an employer and ask them the questions. Look for professionals in your industry of interest and ask to set up a lunch date or afternoon coffee to pick their brains about their likes and dislikes in their field. Gaining this firsthand knowledge is an excellent way to solidify your career interest and start building your professional network.

Jessica Sanders
Graduate Assistant, Job Search

Teacher Interviewing Day

2011-10-17T09:15:00.005-05:00

Career Services is holding a Teacher Interviewing Day Wednesday, November 2, in the Maddox Field House.

On Teacher Interviewing Day, employers visit campus to conduct interviews for full-time positions in the teaching, counseling, librarian and social work fields. All levels of study are encouraged to take advantage of the browsing period, 10:00-10:30am. Additionally, some participating schools have opted for "Browsing Only" schedules; the words “Browsing Only” will precede these organizations’ job titles in Careers2Geaux.

To be eligible for an interview you must have an ACTIVE and APPROVED resume in careers2geaux before October 14, the sign up period is October 17-21. Day-of interviews can be scheduled by visiting the registration table when you enter the event. The organizations' schedules will be available there, and you can sign up for open slots (including openings due to late cancellations) at that time. If you are not able to interview with an organization that interests you, use the browsing period to introduce yourself and share your résumé. Students must wear business professional attire

For more information on Teacher Interviewing Day visit http://careercenter.lsu.edu/TID.

The following organizations have registered to attend as of 10/12/11:

Acadia Parish School Board

Archdoicese of New Orleans

Avoyelles Parish School Board

El Dorado Public Schools

Jefferson Davis Parish School Board

Mesquite ISD

Richardson Independent School District

St. Martin Parish School Board

St. Mary Parish School Board

St. Stanislaus

Terrebonne Parish School Board

Vermilion Parish School Board

Wake County Public School System

West Baton Rouge Parish School System

Ascension Parish School System

Calcasieu Parish School Board

Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools

East Baton Rouge Parish School System

Lafayette Parish School System

Livingston Parish Public Schools

Katie Perry
Mass Communication, Junior

The Benefit of Informational Interviews and Your Career

2011-10-12T10:19:00.003-05:00

Want more information on a certain profession? Want to know what it is actually like working at your dream company? Want advice on how to get connected in your field?

Consider having an informational interview!

What is an informational interview?

An informational interview is an interview conducted to gain more information about a certain career, company, or industry. An informational interview is not an opportunity to ask for a job, but yet an opportunity to learn as much as you can in order to help you better prepare for your own job search.

How does it work?

To set up an informational interview you would schedule a time to meet with an individual in a field, industry, or at a company of interest to you to ask them a few questions.

You would have several questions prepared in advance and have them written down. Show up on time and dressed professionally. Follow up with a thank you note-just as you would with any other interview.

What are the advantages of asking an employer for an informational interview?

There are many advantages to having an informational interview! Besides gaining knowledge about that career and company, it provides you with an opportunity to build up your professional network. You never know when you may really impress an employer who may be able to have an opportunity for you or connect you with opportunities. Additionally if a strong connection is made, you may end up with a new mentor!

It is never too early to start exploring career paths and making a great first impression. Consider scheduling an informational interview with someone in your field. Try to utilize individuals within your own personal network, as well as individuals Career Services can connect you with.

Check out our Career Spots video for more information on Informational Interviews:

Informational Interviews
CareerSpots.com ©
Download Quick Tips (PDF)

Jessica Sanders, Graduate Assistant
LSU Career Services—Job Search

I Attended the Career Expo/Had an Interview, Now What?

2011-09-22T13:13:00.004-05:00

So you’ve been to the Career Expo or interview and you’ve found the perfect opportunity you’ve been waiting for, now what?

What can you do to keep your name on the tip of a prospective employer’s tongue? More importantly, how can you stick out from the other applicants? When looking for employment, many people get tunnel vision and focus only on the interview and resume. Few are aware that a very important aspect of the job search is not the interview or the resume, but the follow-up to an interview or resume submission. Following up after meeting with an employer not only shows them that you are motivated enough to follow through, it sets you apart from other candidates (especially in a job fair setting where some sources report that follow up is done by less than 10% of job seekers).

There are many ways to follow up, but some tried and true methods include thank you notes/emails, further inquiry about the job, cover letters, or even completing a full application or attempting to set up an interview. The truth is you’re far less likely to get passed up for a job by appearing too eager than by not following up.

Things to consider when writing a thank you letter

Thank you letters should be clear and concise. It is an opportunity to thank the recruiter for their time, restate your interests and qualifications, reaffirm your desire for the position, and maybe even mention additional ways that you will be following up. Find a way to personalize your thank you letter. If you had a conversation with the recruiter, refer to that conversation so they remember you. If there was something that stood out for you about the company or the opportunities offered, this is the place to mention it and demonstrate that you were paying attention during your brief time with the recruiter. Consider sending a handwritten thank you note, as well but try to send your note within 24 hours of making the contact.

To view a sample thank you note, visit careercenter.lsu.edu/thank-you-notes.

Follow up questions to ask:

· What are the next steps in the recruiting process? Will all candidates be contacted?

· Do you need any additional information about my candidacy?

· If you plan to visit the company, mention the time-frame and your eagerness to meet – perhaps even ask if it is possible to set up an interview during your visit.

Bottom line…your follow-up may be the difference maker in whether or not you land the interview or even the job!

Katie Perry
Mass Communication, Junior

Why an Underclassman Should Attend the Career Expo?

2011-09-13T13:30:00.003-05:00

Myth: I’m just an underclassman; I don’t need to attend the Career Expo yet, I have plenty of time before I graduate and look for a job.

Fact: The Career Expo is for everyone, and could prove very beneficial to underclassman.

Each fall and spring semester, Career Services brings hundreds of companies to campus for the Career Expo, a two-day event that signifies the kickoff of recruiting season at LSU. Additionally, several graduate and professional schools will be participating in the event.

Day 1, September 14, 2011 will feature companies interested in Business and Liberal Arts students, as well as the Graduate School Expo.

Day 2, September 15, 2011 will feature companies interested Engineering, Science and Technology students.

So, why should an underclassman attend now? I’m glad you asked.

· Get the scoop! You can begin NOW obtaining information on companies and graduate schools that seek your major and related majors. The recruiters are not only here to provide information on the immediate hiring needs of their company, but they are also here to provide general information – what they do, how they operate, where their located, etc. The time will pass sooner than you think, and before long, you will be planning for graduate school or full-time employment. Why not get a head start?!

· Networking! Networking! Networking! Professional networking is an integral part of the job search process. The earlier in your college career that you develop networking skills, the longer you will have to practice and utilize them. Networking is a valuable tool.

· Find out how you can gain experience while you’re in school! Many of the companies represented at the Career Expo are not only seeking graduating students and alumni, but they also have internship programs that would enable you to gain hands-on experience in your career path while you are in school. Some internships begin as early as the second half of your freshman or during your transition from freshman to sophomore year.

· CONVENIENCE! Hundreds of resources, right here on campus, JUST FOR YOU! You don’t have to lift a finger to gather any research. We have brought them here for you. Take advantage of this event that is designed with your needs in mind.

Remember, Wednesday September 14^th from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Business, Liberal Arts and Graduate School Expo; Thursday, September 15^th from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Engineering, Science and Technology Expo. Location: Student Union

What are you waiting for?? We hope to see you at the Career Expo! Visit http://careercenter.lsu.edu/career-expo for more information.

LaShawn Burns
Communication Studies, Intern

Make the Most of Your Career Expo Experience

2011-09-08T12:36:00.007-05:00

Step 1 Know the companies attending and the opportunities available to you

You can research the companies attending on their websites (linked from http://careercenter.lsu.edu/career-expo) as well as through standard search engines and news sources. Prepare some questions you can ask about the company and positions you are interested in. As a senior this is helpful as you try to find a job, but knowing about the companies involved can also be helpful to sophomores and juniors looking for internship opportunities; even as a freshman it is important to keep an eye out and learn how to prepare for the internships you will want in a year or two.

Step 2 Dress appropriately

Step 3 Know what you have to offer and be able to present it

Before you face recruiters it is important that you know what you are going to say and have copies of your resume and references prepared. You can have your resume critiqued at career services during walk-in hours and can even sign up for a mock interview constructed with questions created by employers on Careers2Geaux. You can further prepare by completing the job search tutorials on the Career Services website and be sure to review the Job Search Handbook. Above all be confident, friendly and enthusiastic when dealing with recruiters. Prepare an ending statement that expresses your interest and highlights anything you didn’t mention earlier and thank the recruiters you meet.

Step 4 Never underestimate the power of networking and follow-up

During the expo be sure to ask for business cards and collect information at the table you visit. Keep track of the recruiters you met, and send email or handwritten thank you notes to employers in which you are interested.

Katie Perry, Junior
Mass Communication

LSU Textiles, Apparel and Merchandising Student Interns in the Big Apple

2011-09-02T10:55:00.005-05:00

NY Metro Internship Scholar, Margaret Michiels, in Times Square

One University student received a jumpstart to her career this summer while experiencing New York City through a scholarship offered by LSU Career Services and the New York Metro Area LSU Alumni Association.

Margaret Michiels, a Textiles, Fashion and Merchandising Junior, designed a website, assisted a photo shoot and worked with a marketing team while interning at clothing company Alice+Olivia through the New York Metro Internship Scholarship this summer. Michiels worked in the e-commerce department of Alice+Olivia in New York City, which is responsible for selling and marketing their products on the Internet.

“Before this internship I knew very little about e-commerce; however, it is becoming a major part of the fashion industry,” Michiels said. “Companies such as Alice+Olivia that only have stores in select major cities are able to sell their clothes to customers all over the United States with online retailing.”

Alice+Olivia’s website underwent renovations during Michiels’ internship, giving her a unique glance into the workings of an e-commerce site.

“This allowed me to learn how to manually do things on the site, such as take items down, put items on sale and check inventory. Helping with the change to a new site allowed me to learn what goes into make an e-commerce site.”

The real-life work experience Michiels gained while interning was very different than what she learned in the classroom.

“I learned so much on the photo shoot because I did not realize all the little things that go into making the clothes and shoes look their best in a picture…(With the marketing team) I was able to see what goes into promoting the brand, such as getting celebrities to wear the clothes and social network posts.”

While Michiels worked hard, she was also able to explore and experience all that New York City has to offer. She toured the NBC studio, attended a Broadway performance and stood in Times Square.

“I rode the subway to work everyday, so by the end of the summer I understood the subway system and could occasionally help another person with directions. I loved that there was always something to do in New York- whether it was going to a museum or just walking around the city.”

The New York Metro Area LSU Alumni Association and LSU Career Services offer the New York Metro Internship Scholarship each year for full time students who meet certain application requirements. Applications are due in late April.

Julie Barrios, Sophomore
LSU Mass Communication

On-Campus Interviewing Program

2011-08-25T08:49:00.004-05:00

It is that time of year again! Here at Career Services we are gearing up to play host to over 80 companies this fall for the On-Campus Interviewing Program (OCI).

What is OCI you ask?
OCI is a nine week program managed through Careers2Geaux, which brings employers to campus to interview students for internships and full-time job opportunities. Interviews are held in our Patrick F. Taylor office.

You will need to login to your Careers2Geaux account for detailed instructions on how to search for jobs and apply to positions listed for OCI. You can find this information once you login to your account by selecting the "Documents" tab and accessing the "Document Library".

Here are some tips and information to assist you in managing the OCI process:

You can submit your resume as early as August 1 for fall interviews and January 1 for spring interviews. The resume submission deadline will vary depending on the actual interview date. Be sure to refer to the OCI cycle deadlines.
During a 4-week OCI cycle, employers preselect candidates during week two. Most employers email preselected candidates, but you should also check Careers2Geaux on a daily basis to see if you have been chosen.
Preselect signups typically take place Saturday of week two through Thursday of week three. Alternates may sign up beginning Wednesday of week three, should time slots still remain available.
Interviews are held during the fourth week of the 4-week cycle. Many employers choose to host information sessions the night before their interview date. Be sure to attend any evening presentations hosted by employers you are interviewing with. Presentations will be noted on Careers2Geaux, and are often considered the first part of your interview.

It is important to note that resume submissions end next week (8/31) for employers interviewing during cycle week 1 (9/19/-9/23). Keep in mind each Wednesday presents a new deadline. Don't forget additional employers are being added daily, so you should check Careers2Geaux often for new opportunities.

If you have additional questions regarding this program, please give us a call at 225-578-2162.

Fall 2011 Career Events

2011-08-22T09:20:00.004-05:00

It is never too early to begin thinking about your career. LSU Career Services hosts a wide variety of events each semester to assist students and alumni with career planning. These events can benefit students no matter what stage you are in your college career. This can be a great way to explore your career interests, network with professionals in various industries, as well as find volunteer, part-time, internships, and full-time job opportunities.

Mark you calendar for these Fall 2011 events. We hope to see you there!

Resume Walk-in Appointments
Tuesday, September 6 - Monday, September 12
8:30am-4:00pm
B-4 Coates Hall

Student Involvement Fair
Wednesday, September 7
10:00am-2:00pm
LSU Free Speech Alley, Tower Dr., and the Parade Grounds

E.J. Ourso College of Business Networking Reception
Tuesday, September 13
5:30pm-7:30pm
Lod Cook Alumni Center

Career Expo
Business, Liberal Arts, & Grad School
Wednesday, September 14
10:30am-3:30pm
LSU Union

College of Engineering Networking Reception
Wednesday, September 14
5:30pm-7:30pm
Lod Cook Alumni Center

Career Expo
Engineering, Science, & Technology
Thursday, September 15
10:30am-3:30pm
LSU Union

On-Campus Interviewing Program
begins Monday, September 19
register through Careers2Geaux
1502 Patrick F. Taylor Hall

Construction Interviewing Day
Friday, September 23
8:00am-4:30pm
LSU Maddox Field House

Teacher Interviewing Day
Wednesday, November 2
8:00am-3:30pm
LSU Maddox Field House

*For details about these events, please visit our website at www.lsu.edu/career

Seek Out A Mentor

2011-06-10T09:41:00.002-05:00

Having a mentor can be a great way to help you develop and succeed in your career. WetFeet has posted an informative article to help guide you through the process of finding a mentor. Check out the article here.

Confessions of an Intern

2011-05-24T15:14:00.000-05:00

Now that it is summertime, many students will be heading off to various locations to begin their first internship. Internships can be a great way to gain real life work experience and build your resume. However, there are some things you should know before beginning your new position. Read Confessions of an Intern, a comical article, to learn about some hard lessons learned by student interns.

Top 25 Companies for Work-Life Balance

2011-05-19T10:30:00.005-05:00

This generation of students are realizing the importance of work-life balance. As a result, jobs/companies that kind provide this balance are most appealing to today's students. Glassdoor.com recently published a list of the top 25 companies to work for that provide work-life balance.

Check out who made the list here: http://www.glassdoor.com/Top-Companies-for-Work-Life-Balance-LST_KQ0,35.htm.

Have a Summer Internship?...Make the Most of It!

2011-05-12T13:44:00.000-05:00

Summer internships are a great way to test the waters and gain professional experience. Research shows that employers often look to their interns for their entry level hires. NACE’s 2011 Internship & Co-op Survey employers reported that an average 39.1 percent of their entry-level hires from the Class of 2010 came from their own internship programs—proving that making the most of your summer internship can pay off big!

1. Make a great first impression. The employer obviously liked you and had trust in you to hire you as a summer intern, be sure to not soil this impression. Always, always, always arrive on time—and early is even better! Practice the commute before you start so you know exactly when you will need to leave each day. In addition to promptness, dress the part! Know what the office culture is and make certain to dress appropriately. Even though you may only be an intern, you still are representing the company and others will notice.

2. Know what is expected. At the beginning of your internship, you should have the opportunity to sit down with your supervisor to go over your expectations for the summer. It this does not automatically happen, it is okay to ask for it! In order to meet (and exceed!) expectations you have to first know what they are!

3. Set goals. When you meet with your supervisor to go over your expectations, do not be afraid to set goals for yourself—some you are certain you can achieve and a few that are more of a stretch. This shows an employer that you are driven and may even give you the opportunity to get more experience related to your interests.

4. Be willing to do the small stuff. Helping out with smaller projects may seem less exciting or glamorous—but it is actually a great way to learn the inner workings of an organization or industry.

5. Network, network, network. Get to know the employees! Take the opportunity to eat lunch/take breaks with others—it is a great way to get to know other others, possibly build mentoring relationships, and could even turn into future potential job leads. Think very carefully before turning down an opportunity to get involved.

These tips can have you maximizing your potential at any summer internship!

Jessica Sanders, Graduate Assistant
Career Services, Job Search

Best Jobs for 2011

2011-05-06T15:09:00.000-05:00

The results are in! According to CareerCast.com the top 10 jobs of 2011 are all in the fields of math, science, or technology. Good news for college grads, the top 10 jobs all require higher education or some type of specialized training.

Here they are in David Letterman Top 10 style……..

10. Dental Hygienist

9. Audiologist

8. Historian

7. Biologist

6. Meteorologist

5. Computer Systems Analyst

4. Statistician

3. Actuary

2. Mathematician

1. Software Engineer

Check out the full article for more information on how these 10 were selected.

http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated/10-best-jobs-2011

Jessica Sanders, Graduate Assistant
LSU Career Services

7 Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

2011-04-12T11:06:00.004-05:00

Cover letters are a great opportunity to highlight your resume qualifications and demonstrate critical job skills. An excellent cover letter can set you apart from the competition.

Here are seven tips for writing a cover letter that will leave a positive first impression:

Address your cover letter to a specific person when at all possible. Try to avoid addressing your cover letter to a search committee or to human resources. Find the hiring manager or the person responsible for reviewing applications.
Avoid colored fonts and papers. It is okay to let your cover letter look a little more personalized; however, avoid using colored fonts or colored paper. Paper that is speckled or a color can make your cover letter distracting. Black font is industry standard and will allow for easy printing and reading. Black font on white or ivory paper is most professional and will let the content of your cover letter shine!
Avoid negatives in your cover letter. A cover letter is not the time to point out that negatives in your resume or work history. Instead it is a time to promote how you would be a best fit for the position.
Find the appropriate length. A cover letter is not an autobiography of your life and it should not feel like one! The most appropriate length for a cover letter is between three quarters of a page and one page. Be sure to provide enough detail on how your experiences can be utilized in the position, but do not restate your resume!
Look at your layout. An ideal cover letter will be easy for a hiring manager to scan through and pick out the important information. Some positions may have hundreds of applicants and hiring managers will first scan a cover letter and resume deciding if it will go into the keep or toss pile. Make sure your layout is neat and easy to read.
Proofread to perfection. A cover letter is not the time to forget your grammar rules or spelling! Make sure to proofread your cover letter for content and style. Do not rely on spell check alone!
Always, always, always make your cover letter specific to the job position. It is not a good idea to reuse cover letters! Most of the time employers will notice if the cover letter sounds generic or if you forget to take out the previous company’s name! You should always be writing a cover letter with that specific job and company in mind.

Check out the LSU Career Services Job Search Handbook for a more detailed how-to-guide and sample cover letters:

http://issuu.com/lsustudentlife/docs/lsu_job_search_handbook?viewMode=magazine&mode=embed

Jessica Sanders, Graduate Assistant
Career Services-Job Search

They Want to Interview Me...How???

2011-03-31T10:00:00.000-05:00

When we think of interviewing, we often think of a one on one situation where we are face to face with our potential employer. However this is not always the case, as there are many types of interview situations. It is important to be aware of the different ways an employer may choose to interview you, so you can feel comfortable and put your best foot forward in any interviewing situation!

The Meal Interview

Many interviews involve a meal—especially all day interviews. Remember to wait for your interviewer in the lobby if you arrive first. Check the daily news beforehand, meal interviews tend to have more idle chat than formal interview questions.

Check out this article for the rest of the meal interview need-to-knows! http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2010/04/21/25-tips-for-acing-the-lunch-interview

The Group Interview

Group interviewing is common for more competitive positions and may allow the employers to witness how you work with others. Remember to be polite to everyone—it will stand out to the employer and the people interviewing with you may end up as your co-workers!

Check out this article for more information on Group Interviewing:

http://www.wetfeet.com/Experienced-Hire/Finding-the-job/Articles/Survival-of-the-Fittest--Mastering-the-Group-Inter.aspx

The Skype Interview

Video conferencing technology may become the solution to the high cost of travel and accommodations from in-person on site interviewing. Treat a skype interview as you would an in person interview—since they will be able to see you. Dress the part, make eye contact, and remove distractions such as your cell phone or pets from the room.

Check out this link for more information on how employers are utilizing video interviewing:

http://www.naceweb.org/Publications/Spotlight_Online/2010/0414/Best_Practices__Career_Services_for_Nontraditional_Students_at_a_Nontraditional_School.aspx?referal=knowledgecenter&menuid=13

The Phone Interview

Not quite as exciting as the skype interview, but certainly one that is used more frequently is the phone interview. Often this will be an employer’s way of screening potential candidates for an in person interview. During a phone interview you will want to secure a landline to avoid cell phone interruption. Phone interviews are the one interview were you can have notes and your resume directly in front of you to reference—take advantage of this opportunity.

For more information about phone interviewing check out this article:

http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/phoneinterview.htm

Jessica Sanders, Graduate Assistant
Career Services-Job Search