Working for a Career
Search for dream job is grads' rite of passage
Job Finding Tips
Dress professionally! Sorry, no jeans, T-shirts or sneakers. Remove nose rings, tongue posts and any other forms of personal expression that don't fit within the work environment.
Do research about the company you're about to interview with.
Create a list of questions that you plan to ask the employer during the interview. Don't ask about the salary, benefits or vacations until late in the interview process. If possible, try waiting until the employer brings up these topics.
Practice doing mock interviews with a friend or parent. Try to determine the types of questions you're going to be asked, and think about how you plan to answer those questions. Visualize yourself during the interview process. If possible, try waiting until the employer brings up these topics.
Show up early for the interview. Whatever you do, don't be even one minute late!
From the moment you step through the door of the company you're interviewing with, act professionally.
Be polite to EVERYONE you meet at the company.
Never lie or stretch the truth about anything. Be open and honest about yourself, your skills and your experience.
Don't babble. Answer all questions in complete sentences, not just with a "yes" or "no" response. During the interview ask for the job you're applying for, and explain why you're qualified to fill the job opening.
When you get home after the interview, immediately write and send a personalized thank-you note to the person or people who interviewed you. Make reference to something specific that you discussed during the interview to refresh the interviewer's mind about who you are.
The Arizona Republic
Sunday February 6, 2000
Section EC
