Success at a Job

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Success at a Job Internship FairTop 10 List
Concordia Career Center
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1. Know About the Employer

• Demonstrate interest by researching the company.
• Preview the list of recruiters and visit
  websites.
• Mission Statement/Core Values
• Goals or Strategic Plan
• Identify qualities they are seeking and
  articulate your ability.

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2. Create an Outstanding Resume

• Contact Career Center for a resume review.
• Proof your own work thoroughly avoid spelling
  and grammatical errors.
• Highlight various skills employers are seeking.
• Print your resumes on professional paper
• Bring about 2 copies for each employer you plan
  to visit.

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3. Develop a Dynamic Elevator Speech

• Generate interest in 15-20 seconds
• Include
• Name
• Academic Standing (year in college)
• Major
• Relevant experience (coursework, etc.)
• Special skills you possess
• Opportunities you are seeking
• Knowledge of the company or institution

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Dynamic Elevator Speech
Your Turn!
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Example Part Time Job or General Employer
Inquiry

• I am currently a junior at Concordia, majoring
  in marketing. I enjoy the opportunity to be
  creative and impact the products people use.
• For the past year, I have worked in Sales at
  Wells Fargo Financial. Twice in the last two
  months my department has recognized me for
  opening the most new accounts. After graduating
  from the Concordia School of Business in two
  years, I plan to obtain a Marketing position at a
  Twin Cities area company. Your company interests
  me because . . . I would like to know the
  qualifications you look for in candidates. What
  would you suggest I do now to prepare myself for
  this field?

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4. Dress Professionally

• Suits are suggested, slacks or skirts are ok.
• Clothing that fits, neatly pressed and clean as
  well as polished dress shoes.
• Conservative jewelry, cologne, make-up.
• Style hair and clean fingernails.
• Empty pockets.
• Bring a portfolio avoid large purse or
  backpack.

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Professional Dress Continued

• Women, avoid frilly styles, low cut
  necklines, or short skirts. Wear closed toe
  shoes.
• Men, tip of tie should end near the
  center of belt buckle. Wear a
  
  dress shirt that fits and pants that
  are not too long.

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5. Visit Booths Independently

• Walk around independently.
• Turn off cell phone - avoid gum or cigarettes.
• Practice elevator speech on an employer that may
  not be first choice. Visit top employers at the
  end.
• Be careful not to over-extend your welcome.

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6. Obtain contact information

• Offer a firm handshake.
• Maintain eye contact. Be enthusiastic. Smile.
• Provide your elevator speech.
• Share company research youve done.
• Ask engaging questions answer theirs - Listen
  carefully.
• Obtain contact information and identifying
  follow-up procedures.
• Thank recruiters for their time.

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7. Prepare for an on the spot interview

• Questions Employers May Ask You
• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why are you interested in our organization and
  this position?
• Describe your previous accomplishments.
• Where do you hope to be in five years?

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Interview Questions, cont.

• Describe a time you had a conflict with someone
  and how you resolved it.
• How would a previous supervisor describe you?
• Are you willing to relocate?
• Describe a time you worked under pressure.
• Describe a time you were a leader.

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Responding to Questions

• Identify the top qualifications recruiter is
  seeking.
• Use Skills Language when giving examples.
• Be positive, concise, and sincere.
• Use STAR Technique
• Situation or Task
• Action
• Results

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8. Learn How to Ask Questions

• Ask genuine questions and avoid asking basic
  questions showing you didnt research the
  company.
• Examples
• Describe a typical day for this position.
• Do you hire interns? What entry level positions
  exist?
• What made you choose this company and why do you
  stay?

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9. Gather Information

• Gather information to
• Demonstrate your interest
• Learn more about employer
• Avoid asking
• What does your company do?
• Do you have any jobs available?
• What is the starting pay?
• Avoid loading up on freebies.

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10. Remember to follow-up

• Identify the contact person that you should
  communicate with in the future.
• What impression did the recruiter make on you?
• Assess your performance. What could you improve
  on during future interviews?
• Organize the information.
• Send thank you notes within 24 hours.

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Six Steps to Being
Prepared for the Fair

• 1. Research employers
• 2. Prepare review resume/cover letter.
• 3. Send letter and resume to participating
  employers of interest to you.
• 4. Notify your professors that you are
  attending the fair and missing class.
• 5. Be prepared to interview.
• 6. Pre-register through Career Center.

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Details About the Tri-College Career and
Internship Fair

• Date Wednesday, November 4, 2009
• Time Booths 100-500 Location Ramada Plaza
  Suites in Fargo
• Pre-Register ON-LINE and more information at
• www.ConcordiaCareerCenter.com
• Check in at Concordias table when you arrive.
• Shuttle leaves the Olson Forum at 1230, 100,
  130, 230, 330pm and leaves the Ramada for the
  Olson Forum at 215, 315, 415, and 500pm.

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Need Assistance??

• Contact the Career Center for
• Resume Reviews Interview Tips
• Academy 101 110
• Phone [phone]
• Email career_at_cord.edu
• Please make an appointment