Preparing a C.V.

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A domestic curriculum vita (also called curriculum vitae, CV, or vita) is a comprehensive biographical statement emphasizing professional qualifications and activities; it is generally 3-10 pages in length. It usually details personal, educational, and work background. It is particularly important for you to develop if you are a student in the Pharm.D. program or you are seeking employment in higher education, publishing, research and development, government service and/or professional associations here in the United States. Additionally, it is often important to anyone seeking promotion or professional advancement. Following is a brief outline of information often found in a CV (including information for Pharm.D. candidates). As in resume writing, the information should be prioritized in accordance to the expected requirements of your profession.
PERSONAL DATA1. Home, business (include your job title) /school address and phone, email address2. Optional but expected if preparing for international opportunities (see International Careers) · Age, birth date · Social security number or citizenship status · Professional licensure(s) including number(s) and the issuing state · Marital status including wedding date or number of years · Children, number and ages or birth dates · Health, including height, weight and handicaps · Church affiliation · Spouse's occupation · Hobbies and recreational activities
EDUCATION - include degree work as well as significant educational activities (i.e. CEU's)1. Degree, date2. Institution, location3. Field of study, major, minor, option, concentration4. Honors - assistantships, scholarships, high GPA.5. Include additional certifications/training (e.g., OSHA 40-hr. Hazardous Materials Certification, Red Cross CPR certification, EMT-B certification6. Clinical and Experimental Rotations - can be listed here if you wish; wherever you choose to list your rotations, the following information should include: a. Name of the site, location (city and state), site preceptor's name (but not contact information) b. Information can be listed in two different ways: 1.) Separate rotations into "rotations completed" and "rotations to be completed" listing them in reverse chronological order 2.) List all rotations from most to least current and allow the reader to determine that the most recent ones may not be completed, depending on the date c. Include a brief description of each rotation. A source of information for the description is the syllabus provided by the preceptor to the college. For rotations not yet completed, descriptions are unnecessary and inappropriate.
RELATED/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE - significance is the key1. Pharmacy - include summer/academic internships, using the same format as for clinical rotations2. Start with most current position3. Entries should be uniform in style and length4. List: dates, job title, employer's name, location5. Optional - include major duties, areas of achievement, research interest, committee assignments
CONSULTATIONS1. List area(s) of specialty2. List in same manner as other professional experience
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND/OR HONORS1. Current memberships, national, state, regional, local2. Meetings attended including dates and locations3. Significant appointment/election to positions/committees (you may also want to describe your duties)4. Pharmacy - include health care related activities and organizations
HONORARIES AND/OR AWARDSHonors from professional affiliates - business, education or related professional organizations; a description of those which are not well known is also in order
PUBLICATIONS - including co-authors, title, publication title, date, volume, pages in standard citation format1. Books or chapters2. Periodicals3. Book reviews4. Technical papers, research reports, unpublished documents, curriculum materials (charts, graphs)
PRESENTATIONS1. Speeches2. Lectures3. Panel appearances4. Workshop leadership5. Pharmacy - presentations given during rotations; include presentation title, site, location, audience and a short description
MEDIA PRESENTATIONS1. Radio2. TV.3. Videos4. Teleconferences5. Films or filmstrips
INVENTIONS1. Discoveries2. Development of procedures/techniques3. Patents/copyrights
RESEARCH
GRANTS - including grant title, sponsoring organization, other grantees, date, amount of money
SOCIAL AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS/ACTIVITIESInclude Greek membership
OTHER - as determined necessary by the writer; may include:1. Special competencies a. Foreign languages b. Teaching competencies c. Organizational/managerial skills d. Communications skills (oral and written)2. Non-related or "other" work experience3. Military experience4. Religious affiliation & activities5. Political activities6. Hobbies
REFERENCES (3-5) - including supervisors, colleagues, faculty1. Prepare as if it's the last page of your vita2. List: Name, job title, work address/phone3. Include 1-2 sentences about how the recommender knows you
UPDATE - the month and year you last updated your C.V.1. Placed on last line, flush right2. Update annually at minimum
FORMAT· Keep the C.V. looking fresh and timely. Drop old/less important information with appropriate annotations, i.e. Publication Highlights (heading) - A complete list is available upon request.· Keep the style open and readable. This will keep the reading the most interesting or, at least, less tedious. · Be consistent, consult the American Psychological Association (APA) Style Book.· No double entries. List information only once.· Don't mix chronological order. The current trend is to list information in reverse chronological order, most current information first.· Headings provide opportunity to organize information in the most beneficial order; use them to your advantage. Additionally, you may choose to use subheadings to highlight particular activity or to simplify the "scanability" of your C.V.· Critiques. You are likely to be too ego-involved to review and critique your own C.V. Ask someone else to critique. Those suggested include: professional friends, professionals who do not know you well, staff at the Career Services Center, a hiring personnel officer, college dean, or department head.

What to expect

Though the interview has this aura of seeming like a contest, it is really an opportunity for you to communicate your abilities and to evaluate the job that you are seeking. Likewise, the interview is an opportunity for the employer to communicate a description of the position and to evaluate your abilities in light of it.
Usually a series of interviews occur before a job offer is made. The first, called a screening interview, lasts about 30 minutes to an hour. For larger organizations (businesses, schools, etc.), this interview is conducted by a personnel or college relations officer who spends time before the interview reviewing the job description and evaluating the skills necessary for the job. Once the job description is reviewed, a list of skills would be outlined.
Sample Job Description
Once the list of skills is determined, a recruiter will develop open-ended questions that should shed light on your potential for performing the job. Often the questions are designed to query about your past performances and skills. The rationale is that your successes in a past situation, whether directly related to the job or not, will probably be a good indicator of how you will respond to a situation in the future. A few examples of common questions include:
Personal Development: Describe something from your academic experience that you are proud of, how did you get involved with this and what was the outcome?
Analytical Abilities: Can you relay a time when you had difficulty getting any part of a project accomplished? How did you approach this difficulty?
Classroom Management: Describe one difficult incident with a student, and how you handled it.
The employer will also want assurance that you understand the position for which you are applying, and that you have a genuine interest in it. Expect possible questions like these:
Where do you think your interest in (e.g. teaching) comes from?
What interests or concerns you about this position or our company?
Lastly, a recruiter may want to determine your potential two and three years from now. Entry-level positions are short term, and many recruiters want to hire someone who can grow with the company. Often they will look for experiences where you showed leadership or management skills.
Leadership: Describe a project, from start to finish, where you demonstrated leadership skills.
Not everyone interviewing you will be a professional recruiter. Smaller organizations may leave the hiring of new employees to each department manager. Larger companies, if you make it through the screening interview, will invite you back to meet with several people for a second interview. Both instances could result in meeting with an interviewer who is uncomfortable with the process. Your preparation will become very important -- you may have to take the lead and show how your abilities would help meet their needs. Focus on the principles listed in "Getting Ready" for an interview; they are key to a successful interview whether you are being interviewed by a professional recruiter or not.

What Do Interviewers Seek?

Upon graduation from college, you will interview several employers in search of the "right" job. Employers are seeking a certain set of pre-identified characteristics in each candidate for a given job. The characteristics go far beyond things like degree, GPA, and major. Those are just the basic cut-offs.
In today's market, many firms are trying to minimize the number of people they interview because of the massive time commitment required to interview all qualified "accounting" majors. If you assume that all job candidates have the proper major and minimum GPA, what else are they looking for?
Some large companies have developed a simple "test" to pre-identify qualified candidates. They usually call this initial screen the "Personal Data Form" or PDF. This supplements the resume. Sometimes you will not even be able to get an interview with the firm without completing this PDF.
You need to understand what the many variables are that employers seek. Employers do screen, either with a resume, psychological test or interviews.
If you "pass" a PDF screen, you will probably then earn a 30-minute interview with a professional interviewer. Your interview will then focus upon past decisions, situational descriptions of past events in your life, and behavioral approaches to the line of questions. Your BPO workshops and classes will teach you how to best respond in these professional interview situations.
It is not a secret as to what employers seek. Your major, GPA, and other academic skills are only a small part of the employment decision. A good interviewee anticipates what employers are seeking.

Targeted interview

To prepare for a "targeted" interview, you must do two things. First: determine the criteria upon which the interviewers will be basing their selection by analyzing the job under consideration, by researching the organization, or by speaking to representatives of the organization at informal sessions. Examples of criteria would be strong communication skills, ability to work as part of a team, and leadership skills. Second: think of specific examples in your life when you have exhibited behavioral traits that match this criterion.
Remember that the interviewer is interested in a real situation and will probe for details. They may begin with questions such as "Tell me about a time when ..." or, "Can you give me an example when you ...".
Finding out in an interview how an applicant has performed in the past is the heart of the targeted selection. Once interviewers know what an applicant has done previously they can accurately predict the behaviors, skills and decisions the applicant is likely to repeat in the future. Behavioral traits are sought, not opinions.

Questions Job Hunters Ask

As you prepare for interviews, formulate some questions that you can ask the recruiter.
Asking intelligent questions demonstrates assertiveness, interest, and knowledge about the position. Job/career specialist Shirley Sloan Fader suggests the following questions, which are most frequently asked in the interview:
What is the principle job of thisdepartment?
Describe the duties of the personin the job.
What is the most importantresponsibility? The least?
What is your biggest problem?What role would you like me to havein solving it?
To whom would I report?
Who are the other people I wouldwork with?
What are the job holder's most important relationships — clients, customers, other employees?

Advance Preparation

With on-campus interviewing upon us, are you ready?
The key to the successful interviewing is no deep, dark secret: thorough advance preparation will help you to appear knowledgeable and self-confident in the interview. As you know, the recruiter will take an interest in many aspects of your interview performance. Most important will be your ability to remain collected and self-confident under pressure.
What follows are some tips for interview preparation. Read them carefully; every little bit of information will prove helpful.
Research, Research, Research There's no excuse for failure to research the company prior to the interview. Thorough advance research on the company will enable you to anticipate and answer many of the questions the recruiter will ask. In addition to researching the organization, you should conduct research on the specific position and/or department involved. Is it fast-track? What are the normal career progressions? To whom would you report? What kind of training program is available? You will discover the answers to all of these questions by reading the annual reports and/or the binders. Be sure to use every possible source to locate the information you need.
Be Comfortable In Your Interview Attire After years of your usual campus attire, you may not be used to the feel of the clothes you'll be wearing for the interview. If suits make you feel uncomfortable, practice wearing your “interview” clothes to class before the interview date itself arrives.
No matter how silly this sounds, practice introducing yourself. The recruiter will be paying close attention to the way you greet him/her, as well as to the way you shake hands. After all, these opening gestures, when delivered with ease and confidence, will say a lot about your ability to handle initial contacts with key clients of the company. Practice introducing yourself in front of the mirror, with your friends, or with your family. The more times you do it, the more natural and confident you will sound.
Remember, the recruiter will come into the BPO waiting room and call your name: you're the one who has to rise and walk toward the recruiter. Extend your hand and give the recruiter a brief, firm handshake. People in business shake hands like people in Hollywood hug and kiss. It's accepted and expected.
Know Yourself When in the interview situation, you need to strike that perfect balance between being self-assured and confident, but not cocky and overconfident. You will be at an advantage if you are aware of some of the questions most frequently asked by recruiters. The list below will help you get started in your preparation:
In what kinds of activities have you participated?
How do you spend your spare time?
What did you like best/least about your previous positions?
What are your major strengths? Your major weaknesses?
What courses did you like best? Why?
Why did you choose your major?
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
How have your goals changed over the years?
Why do you want to work for our company?
Would relocating bother you?
How do you handle stress and pressure? Can you give me some examples?
What can you tell me about yourself that is not on the resume?
What have been your most satisfying and most disappointing experiences?
What did you learn or gain from your part-time and summer job experiences?
Why did you quit your various jobs?
Again, this list is by no means complete. Every recruiter will display a different style and will have his/her own questions to ask. Being prepared means not only anticipating certain questions, but knowing how to maintain good physical presence during the interview. Therefore, please keep the following points in mind:
Listen To The Recruiter. This is an art that will take time to develop. You need to listen to what the recruiter is saying and anticipate the response required from you. It doesn't hurt to pause in order to formulate your answer. It's better to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts than to answer immediately and risk blurting out some embarrassing or unintelligent response.
Appear At Ease. No one wants to talk to someone who appears to be on the verge of bolting. Relax, and try to ignore the adrenalin that's pumping through your body, making your heart race faster and your hands and face perspire profusely. Through practice, you can control these unwelcome actions and appear to be perfectly calm and in control.
Maintain Good Eye Contact. You'll be surprised how the most apparently trivial detail, such as eye contact — can make a great difference in interview success. Don't try to stare the recruiter down, but be sure to frequently look directly into his/her eyes. The recruiter should be treated as a participant in a conversation, rather than as a passive observer of your performance. Eye contact will play a crucial role in giving the interview the feel of a dialogue exchange.
Don't Be Afraid To Ask Questions. Asking relevant questions about the job and the company will be interpreted as signs of ambition and assertiveness. However, you MUST avoid asking questions that can be answered by the company research you should have done for the interview. Appropriate questions include: How much travel is normally expected? Is it possible to transfer from one division to another? Can I progress at my own pace or is the work more structured?
Remember Your Manners. When you leave the interview, don't forget the basic courtesies, such as thanking the recruiter for her/his time. During the interview, it should go without saying that you will phrase your questions in a polite manner and will remain courteous and friendly.
If you prepare carefully for the interview, you will find the interview itself will not be as stressful and your chances of leaving the recruiter with a favorable impression will increase. With practice, your interviewing style will improve. Your goal should be to be able to walk into the interview with confidence and remain relaxed and assured throughout the entire process.

Long before interview

LONG BEFORE YOU EVER INTERVIEW
You will want to practice how you communicate with others. This is the time in your career when you have to concentrate on polishing your language skills. Get rid of slang terms and learn how to ... become a power talker.
Power talkers speak the language of success. They transmit positive expectations both to themselves and to others. Used mostly in business, power talking helps people communicate better.
Anyone who wants to, can become a power talker by following a few simple rules.
Just think how you would feel when you tell a potential employer, I won't be able to get those references to you until next Monday rather than I'll get those references to you by next Monday. Both messages convey the same information... but they give the listener totally different impressions of your attitude and your ability to deliver what is promised.
Power talking isn't a destination, it's a journey. You become a power talker when you consciously decide the effect that you want your speech to have on others and you elevate your consciousness so that you always seek the more powerful phrasing.
Nobody can totally avoid slips (you can catch yourself every day). However, everyone can work at it... phrase by phrase... day by day... to increase awareness of those phrases that should be replaced by more positive expressions.
Start with simple phrases. Instead of saying, I'll try to do it. Say, I will do it. The reason, I'll try means I'm not sure I'll succeed... but when you say, I will, both you and the person you're talking to can be more confident the job will get done.
POWER TRAITS
Each night, list the expressions that you came up with during the day that can help you project the positive thinking that's the key to power talking. You'll find these basic traits as you work on your skills.
Project positive expectations:
· Don't say, I have to... say, I'll be glad to.
· There are no problems in life... only opportunities.
· Don't say you're no good at anything... say you're getting better.
Give credit wherever it's due:
· When someone gives you a compliment, don't excuse yourself... simply accept it graciously.
· When other people succeed, don't tell them how lucky they are... compliment them on their skill and effort.
Rebound resiliently. Lots of "bad" things happen to successful people because they're always trying something new (achieving several deficiencies before succeeding!). But they bounce back to greater success. When faced with a setback:
· Don't say, I failed... say, Here's what I learned.
· Don't say, This is terrible, and it could get worse... say, it's over. Now I'm going to work on making things better.
Accept responsibility. Don't blame others for what happens to you, but see yourself as in control of your fate.
· Don't say, This career search stuff drives me crazy... say, I can find a way to deal with this career search.
· Don't say, I can't do anything about it... say, It's my responsibility to do something about it.
Encourage cooperation and reduce conflict. Eliminate conflict-producing words like but and disagree from your vocabulary.
· Don't say, It's a good job, but it's farther away... say It's a good job, and it's farther away.
· When someone makes a suggestion that doesn't impress you too much, don't say, I disagree... say, That's an interesting idea, and I'd like to suggest a few more.
Speak decisively:
· Don't say, I should have my senior paper done by the end of the week... say, I will have it ready by Friday.
· Don't say, Generally speaking, I tend to think such-and-such... say, I believe such-and-such.
· Don't say, Do you have any questions?... say, What questions do you have?
Always tell the truth. Power talking is not a way to fool people with language. It's a way to communicate effectively. And effective communication must be consistently credible.
· Don't use phrases like Well, to be honest... the listener will get the idea that sometimes you're not perfectly honest.
· When you're asked to do something you really think you cannot, or should not, do... politely say No.
Get back to basics:
· Don't forget to say the words please and thank you.
· When you make a mistake, don't say It's not my fault. I couldn't help it... say, I'm sorry. It was my responsibility.
Share your pride when others do their job well:
· If your professor (or a potential employer) takes time to explain a complicated concept, say, Thank you for explaining that so clearly.
· If your friend displays some skill or ability say, You're really good at , I'm impressed!
BOTTOM LINE
If you want to become a power talker, get started right away. Enlist friends to support you and cue you when you slip. Become aware of the powerless phrases that you've been using and replace them with more positive expressions.

Prepare a Portfolio

A professional employment portfolio could be just the thing that sets you apart from other job or graduate/professional school candidates. The material will show what makes you different from the other applicants for a particular position. A well-prepared portfolio provides "evidence" to the reviewer of your accomplishments, skills, and abilities; it documents the scope and quality of your experience and training. It is an organized collection of documentation that presents both your personal and professional achievements in a concrete way. Portfolios can range in scope from being something as simple as a companion page to your resume, to a notebook or folder full of original materials. It can include a videotape or audiotape of your work or of you at work. A portfolio is designed to do one thing - to support you as you market yourself! It is limited only by your imagination. It is possible for someone in any major to successfully develop and utilize this tool!
WHERE TO START
Begin developing a portfolio by starting with self-assessment. Evaluate what you have to offer and what is the best way to market your assets. If you have trouble getting started, talk with a faculty member or the Career Services Center for ideas.
Decide what skills and experiences you have that relate to the needs of your reviewer or that you would most like for the reviewer to see. Then, take time to think about what you have done that will exhibit those skills in the best possible light.
Keep in mind that your portfolio displays you to a reviewer; therefore it must present you in a professional manner. Don't skimp on your portfolio display system as "the book will be judged by its cover!" Buy the best quality cover that you can afford; you will use this tool for a very long time, not just for entry into graduate/professional school and/or your first professional employment. Acetate or plastic sleeves are a good way to display and protect materials. You want to make the best presentation possible. Use a portfolio large enough to handle most of your work but not so large that it is awkward to carry or display.
Arrange your portfolio in much the same way you would organize your resume, to show in priority order, your information that relates to the needs of your reviewer. A well-organized portfolio indicates that you are a serious candidate. Plan to label and index materials, placing like materials together under a labeled tab, so that you can turn to each section easily in the course of conversation with your interviewer.
Remember, your portfolio will not speak for itself; you must explain it. Explain the purpose of each section as you refer to it. If a section does not elicit a good response during the interview, you can easily skip over other material in that section. Be honest about the role you played in each piece you include; indicating that you were part of a team that completed some activity or piece shows your ability to work with others.
INFORMATION TO INCLUDE
· Table of Contents, tabbed for easy reference. · Your resume - Even though you may have sent one to the reviewer, you may want to have copies with you in case you need them for others who may join in the review process. · An official transcript if not included in your credential file. · A fact sheet - This can also be referred to as a "companion page." It is an expansion of your skills/ experiences from your resume that relate specifically to the reviewer's expectations of skills, experience or qualifications. · State certification or licensure documents. · A list of conferences and workshops attended - Be sure to include a short description of each. · Professional testing results, such as NTE, PPST, FE, GRE subject test results. · Certificates of awards and honors or special training. · Letters of nomination - Include letters nominating you for honors and/or academic organizations or awards. · Professional experience evaluation, such as student teaching, co-op or intern evaluations. · Intern or co-op summary report or student teaching evaluation. · Letters of commendation or thank you's - Include those from previous employers, campus organizations' advisors, or leaders of volunteer projects in which you have been involved that are not included in your credential file. · Newspaper clippings - Include articles and/or photos that address your achievements. · Evidence of senior design or capstone projects. · Documentation of technical and/or computer skills - Include samples created from various software. · Evidence of related or creative experience, such as marketing brochures or presentations, technical drawings, or artistic pieces or photos of artistic pieces. · Writing samples - Include anything and everything of which you are proud; reviewers often are interested in the scope of your capability to communicate in writing. Include brochures, newsletters, newspaper articles, news releases, or magazines in which you are published, poems, short stories, plays or other creative writings. If you are in a technical field, include samples of your technical writing. · Evidence of research - Include technical papers, presentations or research results. If any of the samples are unpublished, remove any remarks from professors. · Evidence of involvement in professional or pre-professional organizations. · Evidence of involvement in campus activities - This might include a program from an event you planned or in which you participated; or it might be a performance or a special activity. Be sure to take only partial credit for group efforts. · Photos with brief captions. · A list of references and complete information about how your credential file may be obtained. If you are seeking a teaching position, you will want to add:
· Sample lesson plans. · A videotape of you teaching your best lesson. · Special projects - i.e. a learning activity packet, learning center or teaching tools you created. · Lesson plans, teaching units or tests you have prepared. · Statement of teaching philosophy. · Pictures of bulletin boards you designed. · Extra-curricular activities - i.e. information/photos of a field trip you arranged or of you advising a student group. · Notes from students, co-operating teachers and/or administrators that comment positively about your work. · Photos of yourself working with students.
PRESENTING YOUR PORTFOLIO TO A REVIEWER
You should mention your portfolio in the reference section of your resume or on your graduate/professional school application as well as in your cover letter. Always bring your portfolio to interviews. When the interviewer begins to ask questions about your resume, you can use your portfolio to support your responses. For example, the interviewer might say, "I see that you have worked at your school newspaper. What were your favorite writing assignments?" You might reply, "My favorite assignments include this article (turn portfolio towards the interviewer and show them the article in the portfolio) that required a lot of research and this creative writing piece (show article) that I wrote for a special edition."
Remember, your portfolio is a means, not an end! Don't make the mistake of relying on the portfolio to sell your skills to an interviewer. A good portfolio can be a big help, but in the end it's you, not the portfolio that will need to prove your ability. Showcase examples as you flip through sections of your portfolio that demonstrate the scope of your ability. Always be willing to remove pieces of particular interest to your reviewer for their closer examination.
During some interviews, you may not have the time to show your portfolio to the reviewer in detail. If possible, carry extra copies of pieces of which you are most proud so that you can offer them to the reviewer or offer to send copies of the materials to the reviewer as a follow-up to the interview. It may be in your best interest to provide a scaled-down version of your portfolio in an inexpensive report cover that you can leave behind. In addition to providing something physical to remind the reviewer that you were there, the portfolio also provides you an occasion for an additional contact in a week or so to arrange for its pickup. A word of caution: never include original materials of which you only have one copy. If you have a series of on-site interviews scheduled throughout the day with several representatives of the same employer, offer to leave your portfolio with the key person while, for instance, you go to lunch with several others who might become your peers.
KEEP YOUR PORTFOLIO CURRENT
You need to continue to update and add information to your portfolio. To help you remember to put things in your portfolio, you should review and evaluate your activities each quarter. Choose the best and most appropriate that speak to your highest level of skill and achievement. Include anything that you think might help you in your job/graduate school search.
HAVE YOUR PORTFOLIO CRITIQUED
Have a faculty member and a staff member at the Career Services Center review and critique your portfolio for presentation and content. Then have it reviewed by a professional working in your career area. This is very important; these professionals know from first-hand and current experience, the expectations of professionals in your career field! Possibly, an alumni might be willing to assist or you may wish to contact an employer with whom you would like to develop and foster a relationship for future reference. The key is to ensure that your information and evidence is on-target and that the presentation is impressive.
AS AN EXAMPLE
On pages 149-150, you will find one alum's resume and companion page. His first priority was to seek employment as a health and physical education teacher but he also wanted to coach soccer. He knew that getting hired as "just a coach" was not likely so he focused on his overall teaching ability within his resume knowing that not all teaching opportunities might even provide any opportunity to coach. He then created a companion page to detail his soccer experience to use with those employers where coaching soccer might also be a viable option.

Preparing for the interview

With on-campus interviewing upon us, are you ready?
The key to the successful interviewing is no deep, dark secret: thorough advance preparation will help you to appear knowledgeable and self-confident in the interview. As you know, the recruiter will take an interest in many aspects of your interview performance. Most important will be your ability to remain collected and self-confident under pressure.
What follows are some tips for interview preparation. Read them carefully; every little bit of information will prove helpful.
Research, Research, Research There's no excuse for failure to research the company prior to the interview. Thorough advance research on the company will enable you to anticipate and answer many of the questions the recruiter will ask. In addition to researching the organization, you should conduct research on the specific position and/or department involved. Is it fast-track? What are the normal career progressions? To whom would you report? What kind of training program is available? You will discover the answers to all of these questions by reading the annual reports and/or the binders. Be sure to use every possible source to locate the information you need.
Be Comfortable In Your Interview Attire After years of your usual campus attire, you may not be used to the feel of the clothes you'll be wearing for the interview. If suits make you feel uncomfortable, practice wearing your “interview” clothes to class before the interview date itself arrives.
No matter how silly this sounds, practice introducing yourself. The recruiter will be paying close attention to the way you greet him/her, as well as to the way you shake hands. After all, these opening gestures, when delivered with ease and confidence, will say a lot about your ability to handle initial contacts with key clients of the company. Practice introducing yourself in front of the mirror, with your friends, or with your family. The more times you do it, the more natural and confident you will sound.
Remember, the recruiter will come into the BPO waiting room and call your name: you're the one who has to rise and walk toward the recruiter. Extend your hand and give the recruiter a brief, firm handshake. People in business shake hands like people in Hollywood hug and kiss. It's accepted and expected.
Know Yourself When in the interview situation, you need to strike that perfect balance between being self-assured and confident, but not cocky and overconfident. You will be at an advantage if you are aware of some of the questions most frequently asked by recruiters. The list below will help you get started in your preparation:
In what kinds of activities have you participated?
How do you spend your spare time?
What did you like best/least about your previous positions?
What are your major strengths? Your major weaknesses?
What courses did you like best? Why?
Why did you choose your major?
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
How have your goals changed over the years?
Why do you want to work for our company?
Would relocating bother you?
How do you handle stress and pressure? Can you give me some examples?
What can you tell me about yourself that is not on the resume?
What have been your most satisfying and most disappointing experiences?
What did you learn or gain from your part-time and summer job experiences?
Why did you quit your various jobs?
Again, this list is by no means complete. Every recruiter will display a different style and will have his/her own questions to ask. Being prepared means not only anticipating certain questions, but knowing how to maintain good physical presence during the interview. Therefore, please keep the following points in mind:
Listen To The Recruiter. This is an art that will take time to develop. You need to listen to what the recruiter is saying and anticipate the response required from you. It doesn't hurt to pause in order to formulate your answer. It's better to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts than to answer immediately and risk blurting out some embarrassing or unintelligent response.
Appear At Ease. No one wants to talk to someone who appears to be on the verge of bolting. Relax, and try to ignore the adrenalin that's pumping through your body, making your heart race faster and your hands and face perspire profusely. Through practice, you can control these unwelcome actions and appear to be perfectly calm and in control.
Maintain Good Eye Contact. You'll be surprised how the most apparently trivial detail, such as eye contact — can make a great difference in interview success. Don't try to stare the recruiter down, but be sure to frequently look directly into his/her eyes. The recruiter should be treated as a participant in a conversation, rather than as a passive observer of your performance. Eye contact will play a crucial role in giving the interview the feel of a dialogue exchange.
Don't Be Afraid To Ask Questions. Asking relevant questions about the job and the company will be interpreted as signs of ambition and assertiveness. However, you MUST avoid asking questions that can be answered by the company research you should have done for the interview. Appropriate questions include: How much travel is normally expected? Is it possible to transfer from one division to another? Can I progress at my own pace or is the work more structured?
Remember Your Manners. When you leave the interview, don't forget the basic courtesies, such as thanking the recruiter for her/his time. During the interview, it should go without saying that you will phrase your questions in a polite manner and will remain courteous and friendly.
If you prepare carefully for the interview, you will find the interview itself will not be as stressful and your chances of leaving the recruiter with a favorable impression will increase. With practice, your interviewing style will improve. Your goal should be to be able to walk into the interview with confidence and remain relaxed and assured throughout the entire process.

Parts of the interview

1. Introduction
Offer firm handshake, make small talk

2. Body
Ask questions and give answers - listen as well as talk; be specific about career goals; ask good questions; be interested and enthusiastic (A interview is no time to be "laid-back.")

3. Closing
Summarize; restate your interest if true; clarify follow-up procedure; shake hands; thank interviewer

Network

THE TRADITIONAL JOB SEARCH
For years job seekers have used certain tactics which can be classified as the traditional job search approach: identifying job openings and possible employers for the purpose of direct application or inquiry, participating in on-campus interviews, and using private or government employment agencies. A number of employment experts have documented drawbacks to this approach such as:
1. Positions that are advertised and immediately available account for only 20-25% of all available positions.
2. Employers receive unsolicited resumes from many interested and qualified job seekers. On the average, one job offer is made for every 1470 resumes received.
3. Most employers do not use on-campus recruiting to fill their employment needs.
4. Most employment agencies are profit-making organizations and may be trying to place job seekers in positions as quickly as possible to earn a commission. Thus the job seeker's objective may not be at their upper-most interest.
THE NON-TRADITIONAL JOB SEARCH: WHAT IS IT?
Many employment experts advocate a more active and assertive approach to finding a job known as the non-traditional job search. The non-traditional job search is a strategy of interviewing for information. It is not, however, a job interview. Therefore, it is not a method of asking or applying for a job. It is an investment of time and energy in the network-building and information- gathering phase of a complete and thorough search for the job you deserve!
TRADITIONAL vs. NON-TRADITIONAL
Information interviewing differs from job interviewing in these ways:
Employment interviews:
employer seeks you out employer sets up the appointment employer finds out what they need to know
Information interviews:
YOU initiate the contacts YOU seek out the employer YOU ask the questions YOU draw conclusions YOU set up the appointment YOU decide what you need to know YOU conduct the interview
Therefore:
· You gain exposure to the work setting, get a detailed description of a job's responsibilities, learn the vocabulary that pertains to a particular organization or career field, develop interpersonal rapport with someone who might possibly hire you or make a referral and demonstrate your motivation skills and your proactive position.
· If conducting a traditional job search simultaneously, information interviews can be helpful in providing the background needed to prepare for formal employment interviews.
· The information interview provides an opportunity to "tap into the hidden market" ahead of other traditional job seekers. Statistically, the vast majority of job openings (75-80%) are only advertised by word of mouth.
I'M TOO SHY
Before anyone rejects information interviewing by saying, "I'm too shy," realize that most people in the types of jobs you are exploring have personalities similar to yours and would be glad to share what they know. You don't have to be brave or outgoing, just enthusiastic and willing to work. You may find, as many have, that informational interviewing is enjoyable as well as worthwhile!
KNOW THYSELF
Where you should begin in the non-traditional job search depends in part on where you are in the process of life. Socrates said it best, "Know Thyself". This is vitally important if you are to gain satisfying employment. Consideration of these questions will help you to clarify your interests thus, your employment goals.
· What do I like to do? (This may or may not relate to your college major). · Where do I want to live? · What am I doing when I lose track of time? · How much money do I need? (Don't confuse this with how much money you want.) · What do people compliment me on? · What do I want to do and accomplish before I die? · Should I take skill, ability and interest tests? · What are my goals for 1,3,5 and 10 years from now?
RESEARCH
Search for interesting occupations and job titles. Find the employers with more than a surface appeal for you. Identify specific persons with whom you need to talk. The personnel office of an organization may be one place to start. But the director of sales, for example, can tell you more about sales if that is your interest. You can ask everyone if they know of anyone in a job close to your interests, or you may want to explore companies or organizations directly. You will make valuable contacts through: family, friends, co-workers, your boss, fellow students, alumni, professional or service organization members, college department chairs, professors, the Career Services Center staff, or in magazine or newspaper articles about people who are doing the kind of work you want to do.
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT:
1. A notebook small enough to be carried with you at all times.
2. Personal calling cards with just your name, address and phone number on them. When you hand one to a person, they will likely hand you a card in return thus providing both parties a correctly spelled name and address for future correspondence.
3. A record-keeping system to record all the people you talk to, when you talked to them and notes to jog your memory about your conversation.
4. Quality linen paper on which to send "thank you" notes. Send a typed thank you letter to every person with whom you talk.
ARRANGING INTERVIEWS
Use a businesslike approach when calling to set up your interviews. If asked who you are representing, reply that you are representing yourself. You may begin a phone conversation with a possible interviewer,
"Hello, my name is ________. I am considering entering your field of work (or considering looking for a job like yours), but I just do not know enough about it to know for sure. I was wondering if I could make an appointment to talk with you about what you do in your job."
You may wish to walk into the organization and approach a secretary. Explain clearly that you are seeking information about a certain career and ask who would be the best source. Sometimes you will run into a protective secretary who will refuse to let you see the person you want. Always be polite. Proceed to ask the secretary the questions you need answered. Chances are if s/he does not have the answers, you may be referred to the person to whom you wanted to speak in the first place.
CONDUCTING INTERVIEWS
It's necessary to be clear to yourself and others that you are not (at this) point asking for a job. You are looking for information to aid you in decision-making about careers or possible places to look later. Have some questions ready however, and be aware, too, that other questions may arise during the course of the interview. Questions to consider may include:
· How did you get into this field? · What do you like most about it? · What do you like least about it? · What is your typical day like? · What are the responsibilities of your job? · Are these duties the same for everyone with this job title? · What kind of individual (in terms of talent and personality) would be best suited for this kind of job? · What are the prospects for someone entering your field today? · What advice would you give me about applying for and finding a job in this field? · Is there any travel required? · Are there any other sources of information you might suggest? · Whom do you know that I can benefit from talking with? · Where else might I go to find someone doing something similar to what you do? · What kinds of programs/activities does your department engage in? · What kinds of people do you usually deal with? · What seem to be recurring problems for people in the field or your office? · What kind of salary could I expect to make working in the field?
CLOSING THE INTERVIEW
If, in the course of your interview for information, it becomes very evident that you have found the company, department, or even the person for whom you want to work, ask if you can leave your resume in case anything develops (unless, of course, because of what you've learned, you need to first revise your resume). At the same time, ask if it would be all right for you to call back from time to time.
THANK YOU
After you have interviewed someone, send a short letter to thank them for helping you develop a more clear picture of the work you want to do. Such a letter will serve to remind the person of you. This is an appropriate time to provide the potential employer your revised resume, if you are interested in working for their firm. See pages 102-113 for help with writing thank you letters.
THE KEY
The key to this whole process is your enthusiasm. If you are truly interested in learning about a career field, it will show, and the person you are talking with will most often respond positively.

Controlling the interview

Even under the best circumstances, the interview situation can be unnerving, since you have to "sell" yourself. Some people never learn the art of interviewing; hopefully, most of you should be able to learn how to control the situation.
After your initial interviews, you should be able to communicate clearly and convey positive impressions to each recruiter. You will not only be answering their questions, but you will actually feel comfortable talking with them. (It may seem highly unlikely now, but yes, you can learn to maintain composure during the interview.) Interview styles will vary from person to person, but professional recruiters usually know how to conduct an interview. Given the limited time frame, they ask the right questions and attempt to put you at ease in order to learn as much as possible about you.
But what happens if the recruiter appears inexperienced in conducting an interview? You must then take control of the interview so that you can communicate your most important points. A less than ideal interviewer is one who:
Asks only yes/no type questions.
Discusses his/her career rather than yours.
Seems only interested in facts found on your resume. If the interviewer seems to be asking closed, yes/no type questions, it will be your responsibility to find ways to elaborate on your answer. For example, if the recruiter asks whether you work well under pressure, don't just answer, "yes;" provide examples of ways you have responded to extremely stressful situations. Remember, you are a marketable commodity; the more a recruiter can learn about you, the better your chances of making a favorable impression.
Hopefully, most recruiters, whether skillful or not, will finish the interview by asking you if you have further questions or comments to make. If you've been generally dissatisfied with the questions throughout the interview, take this opportunity to point out specific qualifications and strengths you didn't get a chance to discuss earlier. Some of the recruiters you will meet will be new to their jobs. Take this into consideration and learn ways to turn a potentially bad interview into a highly successful one.
Remember that one of your main objectives in interviewing is to present yourself in such a way that the recruiter wants to invite you back for a second interview for a more in-depth discussion. If the interview isn't progressing in a manner beneficial to you, take charge and change the style of the interview; stress your strengths in order to maximize your chances of being a winning candidate. You have only yourself to blame for an inadequate interview. By developing certain interviewing strategies, all your interviews should be winners.

Before the interview

Research as much basic information as you can about the organization before the interview. Find out its products and services, its profit margin, its management, its culture, its dress code, and anything else you can get. Ask for information from your career services center, college or public library. The Internet also provides good sources.
---Analyze the information and think about how it matches your experience in classes and work, your skills, your interests, etc. You may find jobs related to what you are seeking.
---Interview someone who is working at a job you are interested in. One of the best ways to obtain knowlege about an area of work is to talk to people doing that work.
---Prepare and practice interviews. Anticipate typical questions that may be asked of you in an interview. Prepare the answers to especially difficult or sensitive questions for you. UWSP career services center will help you in preparing for interviews personally. Role playing sessions are available upon request. (UWSP career services center also provides on-campus interviews. See Calender of on-campus interviews.) You can also utilize visual interviews on the Internet.
---Make sure you dress appropriately. Your clothing should be neat, clean and pressed. Your shoes should be shined, and your hair and nails should be groomed.
---Be on time for the interview. Try to arrive at least ten minutes early. Visit the site in advance and time how long it takes to get there, if possible.

Know what companies are looking for

It may help you to understand what employers are looking for in their new hires, so you can plan how to be more effective when interviewing. Interviewers want to learn answers to the following questions:
· Does this applicant know anything about the organization/company? · Will this applicant be an asset to the division and company? · Will this applicant get along well with others in the department and plant? · Does the applicant have the background/experience required for the job? · Does the applicant know how much they don't know about the job? · Is the applicant really interested in learning more to make them better qualified for the specific job or a better job? · Does the applicant expect to progress to the highest job in the company in a short period of time? · Would the applicant be willing to spend their own time learning more about the work, such as taking courses outside the workplace? · Is the applicant sharp enough to learn complex details on a job, if that would be required? · Should I hire this applicant over others being considered?
Employers have indicated they use the following six criteria for evaluating a student's job candidacy:
1. Personal qualifications such as maturity, initiative, enthusiasm, poise, appearance, and the ability to work with people. 2. Grades. 3. Specialized courses relating to the particular field of work. 4. The kind and amount of part-time or summer employment gained during college years. 5. Experience in campus activities, especially leadership and participation in extra-curricular life. 6. A general background in liberal arts courses which provides a broad and cultural background.
Additional criteria used by interviewers for evaluation may include:
·Statements of interest in the job. ·Frequency and quality of questions asked by the candidate. ·Nonverbal behavior such as: body language, eye contact, appropriate smiling or laughter, handshake, appropriate reserve, and absence of nervous mannerisms. ·Statements of likes and dislikes. ·Vocal inflections and volume. ·Self-evaluative statements of strengths and weaknesses. ·Statements of positive attitudes about what it takes -- to be a good employee, to be a good supervisor, etc. ·Statements of philosophy that are congruent with the interviewer's desires. ·Correct answers to questions posed about hypothetical situations.

Answers that get you hired

Stock answers don't get it anymore. You must show that you'll make a difference to the "bottom line." There was a time when you could volley stock questions with pre-packaged answers. Today, job interviewers have wised up. Now they are more apt to press a point -- to take a line from your resume and ask you in depth about it. Why did you choose this college? What projects did you complete that would make you a better candidate for the job we have?
"Looking good" in your interview today means preparing for the unexpected. "I want to know what makes a person tick," says Philip Sanborn, a management consultant in Reading, Mass. "If they have been successful at something, I want to know why and how." He refuses to ask such typical interview questions as, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" He avoids the obvious for a simple reason. Such canned questions as, Have you done the best work you are capable of doing? ("My best work is yet to come."), don't get much beyond the surface. Too many campus recruiting offices and how-to-guidebooks have coached too many job applicants on the "proper" answers. So what will you hear in some interviews?
"Bottom-line questions," says Nancy Gaffner, senior vice-president of Swain & Swain in New York City. Because companies are trying to become leaner and more competitive, they are looking for people who can make a difference on the balance sheet. Expect to be asked, "How did you do it, and who did it benefit?" Get specific.
The questions you're likely to hear today are aimed at eliciting answers to three concerns all employers have before an offer is made. Use these three concerns to organize your thinking.
Can you do the job? To find out, an interviewer might use a reference to a previous job in your resume and ask how you accomplished that. Or how you made a difference. A follow-up question might be to ask you how long it would take you to make a contribution at the new company if you were hired. A good answer has to be realistic, based on what you know about the company and any clues provided by the interviewer.
You might be asked, as a student, how you solved your problems when you had an overload of assignments. Your answer will indicate how you would handle a crisis and whether you could do the job under pressure. A suitable answer would describe how you ranked work according to importance, parceled your time to each project and, if that failed, negotiated with your professors to either reduce the workload or change the deadline.
Will you fit in? This is a perfect time to show your knowledge of the company. "Half the game is preparation," says Dan Nagy, executive director of placement services at the University of Pittsburgh's graduate school of business.
Students could be asked what they contributed to campus life as another way of asking whether they'll fit in.
What do you want to be paid? In this chess game, you want them to name a figure first because you don't want to come in with a salary that's less than they'd be willing to offer. Ask how much they pay for similar jobs. If they don't answer but press you, say you'd like as much as your background and experience permit and that you know they will be fair with you. Once your prospective company suggests a rate of pay, you can then respond frankly.
Avoiding TrapsTell us about your professional experience. You don't want to narrowly define yourself. You want to have a broad enough appeal to stay on the candidate list. Keep replies general and brief.
What are you looking for? "You just talk yourself out of a job by offering the company a product it doesn't want to buy," says James Challenger, president of the Chicago outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. His advice: stick to general skills so you're selling benefits a company may want.
What are your faults? People get too honest and offer a litany of reasons why they shouldn't be hired. Challenger says even a canned answer, "I work too hard," can be effective if you personalize it and make it specific.
Out-of-Bounds Most interviewers know enough not to ask illegal questions. Areas off limits include discussions (if unrelated to job requirements) of religion, political affiliation, ancestry, national origin, even your birthplace and the naturalization status of your parents, spouse or children. You don't have to answer questions about your native language, your age, date of birth, or the ages of your children. Your marital status, maiden name, number of dependents or your spouse's occupation are taboo, also.
However, you can volunteer information if you think they are appropriate to the conversation.
If the interviewer treads on forbidden ground, you have three choices:
Answer the questions and mull the situation over later.
Deal with these questions by saying you don't believe they are relevant to your ability to do a job or ask the interviewer to explain their relevance, giving him or her a chance to back off.
You could ask for the interviewer's business card and indicate you are filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Screening Process The routine questions may be gone, but the process of screening can still include standard tactics. The scariest is the stress interview. In this type of interview, things go from some degree of cordiality to a purposeful toughness. You get asked questions designed to make you nervous, throw you off balance and measure your response.
If you're headed for a career in which stress is a key to the work environment, you can expect your interviewer to ask you tough questions. The tone will be antagonistic. The goal is to keep your cool and not become angry.
The silent treatment is another tactic. Its purpose is to draw you out. You have given them the answer you rehearsed. Now they just sit there silently, betting you'll jump in to fill the dead air and finally give an honest, unrehearsed answer. What do you do? Wait them out. Dead air cuts both ways and you won't have put your foot in your mouth. Use the follow-up letter to flesh out any incomplete answer. But if it's too tough to remain silent, you might ask whether there's more information the interviewer wants on a particular issue.
One interviewer says he is satisfied when he leaves an interview with a feeling that he has come to know the person. You can measure the success of an interview in the same way. If you can say that you understand them and they understand you, you have had a successful interview.

Behavioral interviewing

The following are typical questions that may be asked by an interviewer:
1. Tell me about yourself. 2. What accomplishment has given you the most satisfaction? 3. What do you think is your greatest weakness? 4. Why did you choose Ohio Northern? 5. What has been your most rewarding college experience? 6. What led you to major in ________________? 7. Do you think your grades adequately represent your abilities? 8. What course have you liked the least? The most? 9. How has your education prepared you for working with us? 10. What are your long-range goals? 11. What major problem have you encountered and how have you dealt with it? 12. How do you work under pressure? 13. Are you willing to relocate? 14. What do you know about my organization? 15. Why do you want to work for us? 16. Why should I hire you? What makes you a better candidate than the others I am interviewing? 17. Do you have plans for continued study? 18. What questions do you have about my organization? *19. How do you go about deciding what to do first when given a project? *20. When you have some free time, what do you enjoy doing the most? *21. Tell me about a time when you experienced a failure and how you reacted to it. *22. Tell me about a time when you were under considerable pressure to meet one or more goals. *23. Describe a situation where you had to resolve a problem at work and explain how you resolved it. *24. Tell me about an experience you have had in a working environment (school, work, or community). What role did you play in the group? What problems did the group have to resolve or projects did they complete? How could the group improve their performance? *25. Describe a situation where you did not agree with something your boss asked you to do and how you resolved the problem. *26. Describe for me a project you completed that required you to use a computer.
If you are interviewing for teaching positions, you should also be prepared to answer these questions: 1. How has your education prepared you for a teaching career? 2. What is your philosophy of education? 3. Why do you want to teach? 4. Who was your favorite teacher? What made you admire him/her? 5. How will you handle discipline problems? (You will probably be given a situation and asked how you would react.) 6. Have you had experience with students from varied social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds? 7. Why do you want to teach in my school system? * 8. Would you rather try a lot of way-out teaching strategies or would you rather try to perfect the approaches which work best for you? Explain your position. * 9. Do you like to teach with an overall plan in mind for the year, or would you rather just teach some interesting things and let the process determine the results? Explain your position. *10. A student is doing poorly in your class. You talk to her, and she tells you that she considers you to be the poorest teacher she has ever met. What would you do? *11. What do you want to accomplish as a teacher?
BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWING
Previous questions listed with an asterisk (*) are considered behavioral in nature. Studies completed from 1984-88 by various research groups showed that the current methods used by interviewers did not predict the success of the applicant. It is so expensive to recruit and train new employees, they had to find a better method of selection. Some companies have reported a 70% success rate with this method vs. 20% with normal interviewing methods. Behavioral interviewing is a method of asking questions which requires the interviewee to relate past experiences or behaviors in certain circumstances. It is also referred to as "situational" interviewing. Employers are seeking certain competencies which can often be determined with this line of questioning; the competencies are:
1. Communication skills - The ability to think on your feet, formulate ideas and relate them in a succinct manner. 2. Leadership skills. 3. Management of resources - Time and money. 4. Direction setting - Goals. 5. Computer savvy. 6. Knowledge of business and organizational management. 7. Teamwork experience. 8. Leading, directing, developing people. 9. Knowledge of how to select people for certain jobs. 10. Adaptability.
It is equally important for you to have an idea of the types of questions employers expect candidates to ask during employment interviews. Obviously, there will not be enough time to ask all -- or even most -- of the following questions, so choose them wisely. Most importantly, ask the questions which are important and relevant to you as you consider a particular employment opportunity. In any case, avoid asking questions which are adequately covered in the recruiting literature most companies provide. It is perfectly permissible to ask for clarification of information provided in recruiting literature, annual reports and the like, but do not give the interviewer the impression you have not "done your homework" prior to the interview.
1. What qualities are you looking for in your new hires? 2. Could you describe a typical first assignment? 3. Could you tell me about your training program? 4. What are some of the typical career paths followed by others who have been in this position? What would be a realistic time frame for advancement? 5. How is an employee evaluated and promoted? 6. What are the opportunities for personal growth? 7. What is the retention rate of people in the position for which I am interviewing? 8. What are the most challenging facets of the position? 9. What are your expectations for new hires? 10. What is the overall structure of the department where the position is located? 11. What is the work environment like? 12. How often can I expect to relocate during the initial years of employment with your company? 13. What are the company's plans for future growth? 14. Is the company stable and financially sound? 15. What is the company's record of employment stability? 16. How has your company fared during recent recessions? 17. What assurance about employment stability can I expect? 18. Is it company policy to promote from within? What is the work history of your top management? 19. What makes your firm different from its competitors? 20. What industry-wide trends are likely to affect your company? 21. What are your company's strengths and weaknesses? 22. How would you describe your corporation's personality and management style? 23. Why did you join and stay with the firm? 24. What do/don't you like about working for your company?
If the interviewer appears pressed for time, do not prolong the interview by trying to fit in all of your questions. There will probably be time to ask further questions during subsequent interviews and before you will need to respond to an offer of employment.

Improving interview style

After an interview, you can almost always tell whether or not the interview was successful. If you believe that an interview was unsuccessful, the information in this article may assist you in improving your style.
It helps to be aware of certain interviewing mistakes so they won't be repeated in subsequent interviews. In this way, you can lessen the odds of having an unsuccessful interview. Hopefully, you will be able to learn from your mistakes as well as from other peoples mistakes.
Common interviewing no-nos (although not all) include:
Poor or inappropriate appearance
Passive or indifferent attitude
Lack of tact or maturity --- ill-mannered
No knowledge of organization
Lack of career planning --- indecisive
Lack of eye contact
Evasive answers
Late for interview
Limp/clammy handshake
Poor grammar
Condemnation of past employers
Strong prejudices or intolerances
Inability to accept criticism
Unwillingness to relocate From this list you can see that there are many things you can do prior to the interview that will help you prepare and thus improve your chances for a better interview.
Common Courtesy CountsJust paying attention to some of the common courtesies your mother tried to teach you should help you in the interview situation: being on time, shaking hands, maintaining eye contact, and remembering to say thank you. Recruiters are people too, and you should extend them the same courtesy you would to any other person.
There is no excuse for tardiness. You should make every attempt to arrive at the interview at least 10 minutes early. It will give you time to relax, catch your breath, and compose yourself. You know how much you hate to be kept waiting for an appointment and what an impact it has upon your impression of the other person; imagine the recruiter's impression of you if you do arrive late. It's safe to say that the impression will not be a particularly favorable one, and it would be so easy to avoid having that happen. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive for the interview: punctuality pays!
The handshake is very crucial. Some people analyze your handshake the same way they would analyze your interviewing style. A handshake can convey sincerity, aggressiveness, timidity, and ambition. No one wants to shake hands with a cold fish; if your hands are constantly clammy or sweaty, carry around a handkerchief to absorb the unnecessary moisture. Practice shaking hands until you are comfortable with what your handshake is saying. You don't want to merely graze the palm of the recruiter, but then again, you don't want to turn an innocent handshake into a bone-crushing episode.You need to practice shaking hands until you have perfected a firm, quick handshake that says, "I'm excited to meet you and I can't wait to talk to you about the position and my qualifications and background." You don't want a handshake that says you're scared to death and wish the interview were over, but rather one that implies excitement and enthusiasm.
Maintaining eye contact is another very crucial element of a successful interview. When you're talking with someone, you like for them to look at you and the same holds true during the interview situation. This doesn't mean that you must always keep your eyes glued on the recruiter. However, you should always maintain eye contact when trying to emphasize or explain a certain point, or when the recruiter is explaining some crucial aspect of the position. Failure to look at someone when talking or answering a question may imply dishonesty or disinterest. That is exactly what you want to avoid. If you're uncomfortable looking a recruiter directly in the eyes, at least focus your attention near the eyes instead of staring at the floor. Experiment with your friends and you'll be amazed how many of them will react positively to what you are saying when you are looking directly at them, instead of avoiding them.
It never hurts to be polite. Remember to say "thank you" when exiting the interview. The recruiter is giving you some of his or her time and you should communicate that realization and that you appreciate having the time and consideration. One of the main gripes recruiters have is that people forget to say "please" and "thank you", so you are forewarned. Remember all those things your parents taught you --- it could help you in the interview situation.
While in the InterviewWhile in the interview, communicate your thoughts clearly. How you express your past experience, qualifications, and education will definitely create an impression. Do not condemn any past employers; it's proven fact that this will have a detrimental effect on the interview. If asked, you can mention aspects of a previous position you found undesirable without sounding too negative. You should be able to accept criticism during the interview: goodness knows you haven't done everything perfectly and you certainly will not lie to cover up that fact. You can admit that you've made mistakes in the past, but that they were learning experiences.
It is important that you come across as a very positive individual during the interview. The best way to accomplish this is through physical appearance, conduct, and expressiveness. You must be willing (and perhaps need) to encourage change and embrace challenges. There are ways this can be done and by being aware of the common interviewing mistakes and avoiding them, you can increase your chances of having a very positive interview. Learn from your mistakes, and as the interviewing season goes on, your interviewing style will improve and you will eventually have only positive interviews.

Dressings

Dressing to impress interviewers is a crucial part of your job search strategy. Statistics indicate that the interviewer will decide within the first six seconds if you are worthy of being considered further as a candidate. This decision will be made strictly on your appearance!
Although you may believe that no one should be judged by what they wear, the reality is that interviewers are looking for reasons to remove you from their selection process. They are looking to see if you respect them enough to conform to their perceived expectations. Whether you like it or not, how you dress is taken into consideration in hiring decisions. You want to have a competitive edge, especially when it comes to making initial impressions, so how you dress for an interview is critical!
Research the interviewer before the interview. Explore the dress requirements typical of your career field. For example, a job in Silicon Valley will call for a different image than on Wall Street. One way to gauge this is to dress in the manner of the organization's representatives. You may find this out by visiting the office and picking up an annual report, brochure, or application.
The clothing you wear should make you look like you fit in with the prospective organization and should really communicate the message, "I am already one of you." If you overdress or underdress, the potential employer may feel that your research has been limited and you really do not understand the organizational culture. Some may see you as a non-conformist, others may appreciate your independent thinking, but all will make a judgement on you, based on attire.
If in doubt, it is always better to be more formally dressed. You will feel more comfortable and prepared for an important interview. Rumpled and wrinkled clothing is out. Shoes should be polished, not scuffed, and coordinated with your outfit. Fly-away hair or bizarre haircuts are out; make sure it is neat and well groomed. Avoid wearing cologne or perfume. Your hands and nails should be clean and trimmed. If you have doubts about what to wear, err on the side of conservatism.
Dress not for where you are but for where you want to be. An interview is not a beauty contest, the interviewer always notices appearance. Do not give the interviewer a chance to rule you out. Dress in a business-like professional manner, and you will be sure to fit in wherever you interview.
WOMEN
Suits A traditional skirted suit is considered appropriate business attire. Conservative colors such as dark navy or gray are recommended. The skirt length should be between mid-calf and the bottom of the knee. Remember, a power suit is a skirted suit, not a pant suit. Colors like brown, camel or beige are also feasible.
Blouses A white, solid color, or striped blouse (not a brilliant shade) with a modest neckline and long sleeves is suggested. A neck scarf or lapel pin may be worn. Avoid sweaters, vests, lace, and excess ruffles.
Shoes Shoes should not be flat nor should the heels exceed 2-1/2 inches in height; they should be closed-toe and in a color that complements rather than contrasts with your outfit. Keep shoes clean and polished.
Accessories Avoid wearing any clothing, accessories or jewelry which might distract or draw attention to yourself rather than reinforcing your look as a professional. No large or dangling earrings. One ring per hand. Bracelets are OK so long as they don't dangle or detract. Conservative necklaces are OK.
Grooming Make-up should enhance your appearance. If you wear nail polish, make sure it is a subtle color and neatly done. Hair should be clean and neatly styled. Women who have long hair should wear it fastened back from their face; this sends the message of having positive self-esteem.
MEN
Suits A conservatively cut suit in dark navy or gray is essential. If you do not own a suit, invest in one. A tailored suit will last many years into your professional career. If you are unable to buy a suit at this time, borrow one from a friend. If you are unable to obtain a suit, a conservative sports jacket and dress trousers are second best.
Shirts A cotton-blend white or a white-on-white pattern long-sleeved shirt is essential. Solid light blue is an acceptable alternative. If you do not own either, buy some. There is no short cut here, and if you get the job you will probably need more than one shirt anyway.
Ties A silk tie with stripes, or a small print in a color that "goes" with the suit is required. Silk ties knot best so are worth the extra cost. Avoid bright red or yellow ties; you should not be remembered or described by the color of tie you were wearing.
Shoes Shoes should be brown or black polished leather and in good repair. Stay away from styles which include buckles or chains. Never wear white, tan or suede shoes.
Socks Wear comfortable dark socks. Depending on the outfit use black, dark gray or dark blue. Never wear white socks.
Jewelery No earrings for men. One ring per hand. Bracelets and neck chains are not recommended.
Grooming Men should wear their hair neatly trimmed. Facial hair is not recommended.
BUSINESS CASUAL - Once You Have Started Your Job
At last count, over 70% of American firms allowed some form of casual attire at least once a week. Many of you will have a chance to work in situations where the dress code is more relaxed. The words "business casual" is subject to multiple interpretations depending on the environment. "Business or workplace casual" means charcoal pants and a white oxford button down shirt and a quality pair of casual shoes for men. A banded-collar shirt is another good staple that goes well with blazers and vests. Another option is a denim shirt with a sporty tie. Choose your casual attire carefully, and use your common sense when dressing for work; looking neat should be a priority. Avoid t-shirts, baseball caps and sunglasses. Tennis shoes, no matter how clean and new, are considered inappropriate for most employers. Do not take "casual dress" too literally. You are better off dressing a bit on the conservative side than on taking a gamble only to find out that your idea of casual does not match that of your employer.

Don't limit yourself

We're now ready to begin the third week of recruiting, and by now you should have established some type of interview pattern. You know what kind of position to interview for, what companies interest you, what type of industry will mesh with your background, and the companies for which you would sell your soul to get a second interview.
You may be discovering that things are not going exactly according to plan. You may have counted on interviewing with one special company and were unable to access that schedule; worse yet, you may have had one of your worst interviews with them. It's time to re-evaluate your situation, regroup, and implement your next strategic plan.
First, be aware that you should not limit yourself to a certain select number of interviews. We do not limit the number of your interviews and neither should you. A large variety of types of companies recruit here on campus, many of which might have remained unknown to you. You will never again have access to such a convenient and economical means of interviewing with a wide range of potential employers. This doesn't mean that you should sign up for so many interviews that you suffer what is termed "interview burn-out"; however, do not expect that a handful of interviews is going to result in your ultimate objective: a job offer.
Undecided About a Career Field?If you know you want a career in a certain specific field, such as industrial sales or accounting, by all means interview only in that area. However, if you are interested in sales but are uncertain as to whether you wish to specialize in consumer, technical, industrial, or retail, be sure to access as many schedules as you possibly can. In the interview you will learn more detailed information about specific positions within these fields, and this could eventually influence your final decision to enter a given field.
If you are unable to determine which career field to enter, consider a variety of fields. Remember that once you begin in a certain career area, that does not mean you must remain locked into that area forever. You can often use one position as a stepping stone to enter another career area, so it is advisable never to rule out a career field simply because you're not interested in a single position. Rarely do people stay in the same entry-level position during their entire career; as you are promoted, your entire career direction may change.
How to Avoid Interview Burn-outIf you are interviewing for a variety of positions, it is extremely important that you are able to FOCUS during the interview. It is impossible to do this if you are interviewing for a position in one area at 9:30 in the morning and for a completely different area at 10:30 that same morning. When planning your interviewing strategy, try to space your interviews adequately so that you allow yourself ample time to recover from one interview before proceeding with another.
You will be talking to a great many different recruiters who represent diverse organizations. You need to give yourself enough time to prepare for the interview in order to present yourself in the most favorable way. There is plenty of time to interview with a number of different companies during your college career and proper planning is crucial. Do not attempt to see too many companies in too limited a time frame. You will go into the interview sounding tired, looking exhausted, and the overall impression you leave with the recruiter will not be a good one. Proper planning is the key element here.
Remember to diversify your interests. Interview with different kinds of companies until you feel absolutely certain a career field is right for you. Don't limit yourself to interviewing only with huge megaglomerates: you could get lost in the shuffle. Interview with large companies, small companies, and those in between. This is the best way for you to determine what size company will work out best for you. A certain position in one company may mean totally different responsibilities in another company, and it is wise to be aware of all possibilities. You should sit down and logically plan your interview strategy in order to make the situation work for you, rather than against you.

Commonly asked interview questions

hese questions are on topics an employer might ask you. Many were compiled from a survey of 242 well-known companies and published in The Northwestern Lindquist-Endicott Report by Victor R. Lindquist, formerly at the Northwestern University Placement Center; Evanston, IL. They're used here with permission.
The following questions will help you analyze your background and identify your qualifications. Relate your answers to the position you are seeking.
Tell me about yourself.
Why did you choose this college and how did you arrive at this decision?
What factors did you consider in choosing your major?
Of the courses you have had at college, which courses have you enjoyed the most?
Describe how your favorite course has contributed to your career interests?
What is your GPA? How do you feel about it? Does it reflect your abilities?
Since you have been at college, what is it that you are proudest of?
How have you changed personally since starting college?
What has been your greatest challenge?
If you could change a decision you made while at college what would you change and why?
Why did you choose the campus involvements you did? What did you gain? What did you contribute?
Describe a leadership role of yours and tell why you committed your time to it.
In a particular leadership role you had, what was your greatest challenge?
Give me an example of an idea that has come to you and what you did with it?
Give me an example of a problem you solved and the process you used?
Give me an example of the most creative project that you have worked on.
What work experiences have been most valuable to you and why?
Tell me about a project you initiated?
Describe the project or situation that best demonstrates your analytical abilities?
Since attending college, what is the toughest decision that you have had to make?
What have the experiences on your resume taught you about managing and working with people?
Tell me about your most difficult decision and how did you go about making it?
How have your educational and work experiences prepared you for this position?
What types of situations put you under pressure, and how do you deal with pressure?
Give me a situation in which you failed, and how you handled it?
Why are you interested in our organization?
What type of position are you seeking?
Where do you think your interest in this career comes from?
What industry besides this one are you looking into?
Why have you chosen this particular profession?
What interests you about this job?
What challenges are you looking for in a position?
What makes you think you can handle this position?
What can you contribute to this company?
Why should my company be interested in you?
What goals have you set for yourself? How are you planning to achieve them?
What is your most significant accomplishment to date?
To what do you owe your present success?
What motivates you?
What turns you off?
If I asked the people who know you well to describe you, what three words would they use?
If I asked the people who know you for one reason why I shouldn't hire you, what would they say?
Of the hobbies and interests listed on your resume what is your favorite and tell me why?
When you take on a project do you like to attack the project in a group of individually?
Describe the type of manager you prefer.
What are your team-player qualities? Give examples.
Tell me about a team project of which you are particularly proud and your contribution?
Describe a situation where you had to work with someone who was difficult, how did you handle it?
What type of work environment appeals to you most?
With which other companies are you interviewing?
What charactersitics do you think are important for this position?
Why do you feel that this company will be a career for you rather than a job?
Name two management skills that you think you have?
What characteristics are most important in a good manager? How have you displayed one of them?
We are looking at a lot of great candidates; why are you the best person for this position?

Campus Interview

On-campus interviews coordinated by the Career Services Center (CaSC), are limited to current students who are registered with the Center and who will graduate on or before August 2000.
All sign-ups for on-campus interviews usually begin one week before the recruiting date. Sign-up must be done in person in the Career Services Center. Typically, interview schedules are limited to 13 interview appointments per day; each lasts about 30 minutes. Most interviewers come to campus for only one day. Seniors sign up for appointments on a first-come, first served basis.
Pre-selecting may be indicated by employers several weeks in advance of the scheduled visit to campus. Resumes of interested, qualifying students will be forwarded to the employer for previewing. Employers will, in turn, notify the CaSC which students are invited to participate in the on-campus interviews just prior to the date of the on-campus interviews. Sign-ups for specific interviewing appointments will then occur. Students not invited will be notified by the CaSC staff.
Employers may hold "Informational Meetings" in advance of the actual interviews. These normally occur on the evening before the scheduled interviews and are generally scheduled in McIntosh Center. These meetings, while not mandatory, are strongly recommended. The purpose of these meetings is to provide more information about the company and/or the positions available. This keeps the interviewer from wasting valuable interview time giving students an overview of the company. This is usually your only opportunity to learn more about the company prior to the interviews. Interviewers want to spend interview time determining if your skills and interests are a good fit for their organization. It is suggested that students wear dressy school/nice casual clothes for such meetings - no jeans and tee shirts. Remember; this is an employer's first introduction to you, and experience counts.
Employers expect students to prepare for interviews by researching employers in advance of the on-campus interviews. Most employers provide literature to the CaSC for this expressed purpose.
To schedule an interview, you should follow the procedures outlined below.
· Locate in the CaSC the sign-up sheet of the organization in which you are interested. · Check the sheet to be sure you meet the qualifications indicated by the employer. · Select an open time slot that does not conflict with classes or labs. · PRINT your name, major, graduation date, and telephone number in the appropriate spaces on the sign-up sheet. · Fill out an Interview Reminder if you wish to keep track of your appointment. · Pick up a copy of the literature relating to the organization with which you have scheduled an appointment; the literature should be with the sign-up sheet. Additional information may be in the resource library. If organizational literature is not available yet, check with the Career Services Center later in the week. · Be sure that you have sufficient copies of your resume on file in the Career Services Center. Students must be registered and have hard copies of resumes on file in order to be permitted to interview. · Before leaving, check the master recruiting calendar for other recruiters in whom you may have an interest. The master recruiting calendar is located above the sign-up counter on the wall.
If the white Interview Sign-up sheet is full, sign your name on the blue Overflow Sign-up sheet. Names from the overflow sheet will be used to fill in for any cancellations that might occur on the interview schedule or to make a new schedule if the organization elects to bring another recruiter. Regardless of whether you get an interview or not, if your name is on the overflow sheet, your resume will be given to the recruiter.
Interviews are typically held in the Career Services Center in the interviewers' suite, third floor. Students should come in about 10-15 minutes before their interview and wait in the third floor student waiting room. Interviewers will come for you when they are ready. If available, appropriate literature will be available for your perusal in the waiting room as well as the Career Services Center resource library.
PLEASE NOTE: You are expected to be prompt for all recruiter appointments. A failure to notify the Career Services Center of cancellations (with less than twenty-four hours' notice) may result in the loss of your on-campus interviewing privileges.

Are you suited for success

You've probably been reading that the traditional concept of the "corporate uniform" has recently been the subject of reassessment and even some criticism. It is getting harder to know exactly how to "dress for success," since experts disagree on the most effective business wardrobe, and since appropriate business wear varies depending on the profession and the specific situation.
Still, when it comes to the interviewing situation, your best bet is to dress conservatively. It is crucial that you make a positive first impression on the recruiter. Inevitably, your personal appearance will figure into that initial image.
Some people regard conservative business suits as an annoying constraint on their individual sense of style. However, you might consider the positive side of conservative dressing. The styles of business dress are classic, made to endure through the years. The guidelines for dressing in the interviewing situation are so basic that you will never be plagued at the last minute by the question, "What should I wear?" Finally, the requirement of a business suit is fair to everyone --- both male and female. As long as you dress neatly and conservatively, the recruiter will pay minimal attention to your personal appearance and will concentrate on what's really important, your qualifications for the job.
Dressing For The InterviewAs you probably know, building your business wardrobe will require significant expenditure, but you should think of it as a lasting investment. If you choose quality fabrics and classic styles, your business suits should last for years. When shopping for business clothing, try to keep in mind the following points:
Always choose quality. Fine quality clothing will cost you more initially, but it will pay for itself in the long run. It will last longer, travel better, and look sharper on you than an inferior quality.
Simplicity spells success. Not only will simply styled clothing look more elegant and enhance your appearance, but it will stay in style for a longer period of time.
You can't dress too conservatively. Just remember that professional attire normally consists of a dark, solid-color suit.
Dress Tips for Men And WomenMany of the tips for business dressing apply to both men and women. Both sexes should wear suits, preferably gray, blue, or black. Both should opt for simple, classic styles and accessories. However, women have a few more details to worry about, primarily because they should consider hair styles and make-up, and because they may be more inclined to accessories.
Women should keep in mind the following:
Choose a simple dark, solid-color suit. Your blouse should be white or some other neutral color, and it should be simple in style. A great deal of ruffles and lace will distract from the classic emphasis of your suit. Critics of the traditional "uniform" for women often make fun of the floppy, silk bow ties that have been popular in recent years. Obviously, these are not necessary, but a simple tie or scarf may enhance the effect of your suit.
Make-up should be minimal. Remember that the recruiter will be viewing you up close, and excessive make-up will look gaudy and connote a lack of professionalism. A little make-up to enhance your appearance is appropriate; the "painted lady" look is out.
Plain pumps work best. Never wear sandals to an interview and avoid extremely high heels. Try to buy simple shoes with a medium to low heel. Colors vary, depending on your choice of suit, but again, neutral colors work best.
Choose simple accessories. These can add some variety to your wardrobe, but never choose anything large and gaudy that could detract from your overall appearance. The guidelines for men are more simple:
Choose a two or three piece suit. Recent fashion trends have been toward two piece suits. The color of the suit should be blue, gray, or black and you might choose a pinstripe pattern. Your tie should complement your suit; never choose a pattern that is too elaborate or "busy."
The rule about accessories is the same as for women: Keep it simple. If you choose to wear tie clips, collar pins, or cuff links, avoid large, "flashy" items.
Dressing for Company Presentations.Proper attire for company presentations is not as structured as for the formal interview. Various factors such as location of the presentation, company involved, and type of presentation will make a difference. A rule of thumb is that presentations held in the School of Business may require more informal dress, whereas presentations held off-campus require the same formal attire that is appropriate for the interview.

Application Essay

The first draft of your essay should be totally and brutally honest. Do not try to second guess your reader at all. Every sentence should come straight from your heart. Write like you talk, using straightforward language. Tape-record your first draft or pretend you are writing a letter to a friend if it will help you keep your language simple. Keep the emphasis on content, not style. In this first draft, do not take the time to edit, just write...write...write.
An interesting first line or paragraph is a gift to your reader. If you are an unusual candidate or have had an unusual experience, launching your essay on that note can be a good idea. One of the best types of opening paragraphs relates an epiphany. This could be about the moment you decided to pursue your current goals, or the moment you discovered just what it meant to pursue those goals. Use vivid language, the kind that conveys a message through a series of vignettes. Avoid using words like: meaningful, challenging, beautiful, wonderful, invaluable, rewarding. Instead, say what you really mean; either describe the event in question, or report your emotions and thoughts in more basic detail. If you have difficulty with this approach, try starting sentences with: "I..." "I felt..." "I realized..." or "I saw that..."
"I made a "A" in my labor relations class, but I learned more about labor-management issues in one summer working on a union construction crew than I learned in the class."
"I realized that learning outside in a 9,000 -acre forest was more engaging and exciting than sitting in a lab waiting for some bacteria to grow."
As your essay progresses be sure to read again the essay question/s. Address the question/s as asked and in the order asked. Be specific and provide details, details, details. This approach to writing favors qualitative analysis over quantitative listings. In other words, it is much better to give a rich description of one incident than it is to cram your essay full of activities and accomplishments without any hint of what they meant to you, your motivations for doing them, what you learned from them, and what emotions they evoked from you during the process.
Do not be redundant with other parts of the application. For example, your complete work history may be listed somewhere else on the application, so mention a particular job or a particular accomplishment only to give a new perspective or to let the admissions committee know what one of these has meant to you personally. However, you should refer the reader to other parts of your application when they are important. Tie your essay to the rest of your application with notes like: "See letter of recommendation," "See resume," "See awards."
Be sure to demonstrate that you have read the catalog carefully, researched the program, and considered you reasons for applying to each particular school. Find a common thread, a point at which your philosophy and theirs meet as in the following example.
"I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the Biochemistry Department; I had not expected to learn that the university has successfully added four nationally known research faculty to the department. I am especially intrigued by and excited about the work being done by Dr. Wang."
Reductionism is an a good writing technique to utilize because: (1) it is efficient, (2) it shows clarity of thought, (3) it is accessible to the reader, and (4) it makes for an easy transition from notes to paragraphs as in the following example. Use it sparingly however, or your paragraphs will seem disjointed.
"I, of course, know the reputation of Tufts, which led me to investigate the school. The primary factor drawing me to apply are: (1) opportunity for clinical contact from the very first year, (2) opportunity for small group learning, (3) the pre-elective courses available to first- and second-year students and, (4) the opportunity for overseas assignments.
Substantiate your dedication to your career goal; it makes for a strong essay. It is easy to say, "I always wanted to be a __________." It is not particularly convincing unless you report specific actions that demonstrate the reality of that statement. It is a good idea to demonstrate that you understand the real challenges and drawbacks to both the course of study and the eventual career you have chosen. Admissions committees are reluctant to admit candidates to rigorous programs leading to demanding careers if the applicant does not demonstrate that they have a clear picture of what lies ahead of them in both their training and their career.
Define your career plans. A student who logically and clearly defines their career plans often comes across as mature and directed. Your career goals and anticipated contributions to your field and society will help the admissions committee to realize that you have "a mission." Think of this as the "purpose" part of a "statement of purpose." If, however, you are unclear about your career goals, do not fake it. Your uncertainty will surely show through in your language, or even worse, in your ignorance of realistic career options in your chosen field. If you have a well thought out mission in your career, state it; if you do not, you need not mention it at all.
If you have faced a particular challenge in the course of your life or your education, it may be to your benefit to let the admissions committee know about it such as did a student in the statement below.
"On a personal note, I have been supporting not only myself but also my disabled mother since the death of my father during my freshman year of college. This responsibility has given me a strong sense of purpose, especially for someone my age. My experience has given me the ability to empathize with those whom I expect to serve in the practice of orthopedics."
If you have grades or test scores that do not represent your potential, you can explain them in your essay. As a general rule, it is best to keep the content of your essay positive. Do not make long, involved excuses; keep it simple and devoid of drama, no whining and no feeling sorry for yourself. Also, sometimes it is helpful to compute your GPA according to your own formula.
"Finally, I would like to address the issue of my academic career. As you can see from my transcript, I was not especially mature when I began my undergraduate education. Accordingly, I did not take my studies particularly seriously. After this poor start, however, my GPA for the last two years is 3.25/4.0 and 3.68/4.0. I believer that my GRE scores and my GPA in the last two years are indicative of the performance you can expect from me."
OR
"I am requesting that you disregard the first GRE score on my record instead of averaging it in with my second GRE score. On my way to take the first GRE I was involved in a car accident (see attached police report). I was very emotionally upset during the test. I realize now that I should have skipped the test, but I was in a state of shock from the accident and I was not thinking clearly. As you can see, there is considerable improvement in the second set of GRE scores. Thank you for your consideration."
Successful graduate/professional school essays share some key ingredients. They have great opening lines or paragraphs. They convey at least a glimpse of the applicant's personality, substantiate specific academic preparation and knowledge of subject matter, and demonstrate an understanding of the challenges as well as the rewards of a chosen career field. They often give a sense of the candidates' maturity, compassion, stamina, teamwork skills, leadership potential, and general likeability, usually without addressing these issues directly. Then, they go on to show how the applicant plans to use the graduate education in his/her planned career and establish that the student has an understanding of his/her place in the "big picture."
The essay is a means of tying together all of the disparate pieces of your application into a comprehensive, coherent whole. The admissions essay can help "make sense" of the rest of your application materials. There is no one right way to craft an essay. Some of the most interesting essays will not follow any of the aforementioned guidelines. However, there is something that the best essays will have in common: All the best essays will be both honest and forthright.
You may loose more than you gain by bringing up negatives, especially if your rational is not compelling. Unless you have a really good reason for mentioning weak grades or irregularities in your background, do not mention them at all.
If your first draft was really written from you heart, the material will represent the real you. It is time, however, to make sure there is not too much of the real you in your essay! Write your second draft as though you were sitting in the mind of the reader. Really read each section of your essay and ask yourself, "How will the reader respond to this?" The problem with this editing approach is that you may tend to over analyze and over-anticipate your reader. For your first edit review, just look for the obvious. As you reconsider the gut honesty of your first draft, do not revert to entirely safe and boring responses.
Think twice about responses that criticize past professors, demean other programs, espouse intolerant religious beliefs, or feature trendy political concerns that have nothing to do with the rest of your application. It is usually not a good idea to reveal that you are singularly motivated by money. Writing about you triumph over past personal problems can result in a powerful essay, but do avoid writing about ongoing mental anguish.
It is acceptable to disagree with the profession you are about to join, but do not insult your reader with high-handed narrative like, "Buildings will never make sense until architects learn to..." Instead, turn this into a first-person personal statement, "As an architect, my passionate interest will be to improve the..." There are revolutions going on in many career fields and you can be a part of it, but not by alienating the admissions' reader. Give the reader a chance to be on your side.
Finally, it is very important that you edit your essay for any sexist language or points of view. Do not use male pronouns unless you are referring only to the male gender. Unfortunately, it is probably not a good idea to replace a sexist male pronoun (he, him) with the neuter plural (them, them). This is an awkward solution that some have proposed in response to our lack of neuter singular pronouns. Your readers may assume that you have made a grammatical error. Instead, be laborious with your "he or she," "his or her," and "him or her" constructions.
You are probably being too critical if, trying to look through your reader's eyes, causes you to throw out the majority of your first draft essay. You will lose the integrity and authenticity of your essay if you write only what you think the reader wants. This is specifically what admissions committees do not want.
Look for lines that you can "spice up." Try to infuse your essay with another dose of life. If a point is worth mentioning at all, it is worth illustrating for your reader. For example, "I worked as a teacher's aide at a daycare school" sounds rather mundane. Using detail and accomplishment, here is another way to represent the same fact:
"Last spring and summer I was a teacher's aide at a daycare school espousing the principles of Rheikofkian development theory, using only positive interaction. I was commended by the head teacher for devising new games that exemplified Rheikofkian theory in practice, and for reaching a particular student who had been diagnosed as borderline emotionally disturbed. After one semester under my tutelage, this student was able to be mainstreamed when she entered the public school system. (See letter of recommendation.)"
If your essay is too long, resist the temptation to keep all the points, saying less about each. It is better to throw out some points and topics, and perhaps even enrich your presentation of those remaining points, than turn your essay into a long list of activities. Trust your reader to look over your other supporting materials, especially if you refer to it with a citation like "see enclosed resume citing additional experience."
Your spelling and grammar should be perfect. Have the essay critiqued by your advisor, other departmental faculty, the staff at the Communications Skills Center, the Career Services Center staff, and/or other professional reviewers. The more people who review this essay, the better; you do not want to risk errors.
Two common errors often occur in essays. First, unless a noun is a proper noun, you do not need to capitalize it. Fields of study, such as chemistry, history, mathematics, are not proper nouns even though they are commonly capitalized in academic settings. Second, the quotation mark always goes on the outside of the comma or period, so this is "the right way," and this is always "the wrong way". Admissions readers cite basic errors in spelling and word usage more often than any other specific complaint about application essays. Your spelling and word usage must be perfect. However, a strict grammarian may recommend language changes that wring out the exact meaning of a sentence by removing improper parts of speech such as dangling prepositions. If you are applying to a graduate program in English, you may be wise to be hyper-conservative, otherwise, write like you talk.
Your essay should be typed or word processed, and absolutely free of typographical errors. If your essay will not fit on the application form, do not start it on the form and continue it on a separate sheet of paper. Rather put the whole essay on a separate sheet and type "see attached essay" on the form. It is wise to put your name, social security number and the essay question/s as part of your heading. On all subsequent pages you use for your essay, put your name, social security number, and page numbers. Never print on both sides of the paper. If you find an error after the application is mailed, it is probably better just to live with it than to send in a "corrected" version; doing so only adds insult to injury.