Thursday, February 27, 2014

Insider Interview Tips



"Don't tell me what you would do; tell me what you DID!"

This was the response from a Target recruiter when a student asked about interview questions at a recent panel. Earlier this week, we invited several companies to speak about their internship opportunities at a panel during our yearly Internship Week at Career Services. After each company (Enterprise, Target, and Sherwin Williams) shared information about their awesome internships, students began to ask questions. One student in particular asked each recruiter to share interview questions and tips. They all agreed that they love to ask behavioral questions, those that start with, "tell me about a time when......." Here are some of their favorites:

 -Tell me about a time that you dealt with an angry customer.
 -Tell me about a time you made a mistake and what you learned.
-Tell me about a time that you worked on a team and what you contributed
 -Tell me about a time where you took initiative.
 -Tell me about a time where you exhibited leadership skills.

The key in answering these questions is to be very specific and to not generalize. Actually tell the recruiter a story. And remember to tell the recruiter what you did in each situation, not what you would do.

Recruiters all agreed that candidates need to do their homework and research the company and the position. Candidates need to be truly interested and enthusiastic for the position and to work at the company. Most importantly, students need to be able to answer these two questions:
 -Why do you want this internship?
 -How will you add value to our team and to our company?

Well, I hope these insider tips can help you prepare for your next interview. Swing by Career Services to pick up our Interview Guide and let us help you prepare for that interview!

Monday, February 3, 2014

Focus on Internships


In 2012, 69% of companies with 100 or more employees offered full-time jobs to their interns, according to Forbes. Not to mention, applicants with relevant internship experience have a much higher chance of landing full-time positions with other companies. Internships are critical in today's job market. Don't miss Career's Focus on Internships this February where you'll have the chance to attend our great line-up of industry specific employer panels and workshops that will expand your opportunities and widen your network!

Here's a guest blog from our very own Marketing Intern extraordinaire, Seamus Roddy. See how his successful internship experience helped him land an awesome full-time job:

"With graduation looming in the all-to-near future I brought my nearly incoherent résumé to Career Services during Fall of my junior year.   After meeting with career counselors, Brittany Manzer and Molly Steen, my résumé improved greatly and I had the confidence to put myself out in the job market. During Internship Week I heard Dave Palmer speak on the internships he offers every year at Career Services.  I applied and landed one of the positions. I immediately enjoyed working at Career and appreciated the responsibility and accountability the staff allotted to me. 

The following year, with a fresh notch of internship experience on my résumé, I applied for a full-time position with Oracle Corporation for after my June graduation.  From talking to Oracle at the Fall Career Fair, applying through GauchoLink, attending an on-campus interview, and ultimately receiving a job offer, I went through Career’s services the entire way.  Less than a year prior to the offer and my subsequent acceptance, I was another student replying “I don’t know” to the questions we all get about our future – but now equipped with the guidance and experience I got through Career I had landed a job for post-graduation before Fall quarter had even ended. Each employee at Career Services is totally dedicated to getting you employed –it really does amaze me how much they care and the effort they put in is remarkable.  The hard part of beginning your life after college is done −you attend one of the best universities in the country, now let Career help you hone your skills, refine your résumé, and get you the exposure and experience you need to be hired. Career Services will get you employed, you just need to take the initial step and walk through the door."


Thanks for sharing, Seamus!