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JANUARY 24 - 30, 2006 THE CAMPUS PRESS

THE CAMPUS PRESS JANUARY 24 - 30, 2006

I N F OCUS »

Design and story by Debra Thiegs

At the interview: For goodness sake, do NOT... Refuse to leave until you’re hired. Local police are just a phone call away. ...After observing a picture of the

Word to the wise: Profanity is better left outside a job interview. Sure, it sounds like common sense. But what if it is ingrained in your social habits, much like those “um”s and “ah”s we canʼt seem to drop? This week is Career Servicesʼ annual Spring Career Fair, sure to leave some wishing they had practiced the ABCs of professional preparedness. Whether youʼre in the job market or not, there is plenty to do to get ready for the day youʼll need to watch that potty mouth. Career Services Spring Career Fair When: 9 a.m. — 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 and Thursday, Jan. 26 Where: UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom Prepare: Bring your BuffOne card, copies of your resume, and dress in professional business attire

That’s some nerve you’ve got! Itʼs normal to be nervous. While some want nothing less than perfect, many employers expect some jitters. But thatʼs no excuse to shake and tremble your way through the interview process. “Practice, practice, practice,” said Jane Rogers, student coordinator of CUʼs Career Services. Mock interviews with friends, family or an appointment with an organization like Career Services are all ways to be one step ahead. In addition to practicing the

Q and A, brushing up on self-confidence is essential, Rogers said. “Give yourself a pep talk. You know — ʻI can do thisʼ.” Rogers said positive self-talk before and even on the way to an interview will help set the tone for a better interaction and greater confidence. According to a 2002 study at the Georgia Institute of Technology, job-seeking candidates with an optimistic outlook and a higher selfesteem find more success in

the job hunt. Ann Herrmann, a career counselor who works with interested employers through Career Services, also said practicing is key, but finding a focus is as important as having confidence. If a student looking for a job or internship can demonstrate their goals through showing knowledge and motivation, an employer will take him or her seriously. But there is such a thing as too much confidence. “Employers in general are looking for people who

Jessi Gomez, a senior psychology major, searches for a chair at the Job Search Planning Day on Thursday, Jan. 19, in the UMC. This event was arranged by CU’s Career Services Center to help students get ready for the Spring Career and Internship Fair on Jan. 25 and 26.

CP Photo/Xiaomei Chen

CP Photo/Xiaomei Chen Elizabeth Reynolds, a senior communication and elementary education major, introduces herself to Wynne Dillings (left) and Breanne Massingill (middle) from APEX right after they gave a lecture on Career Fair skills on Job Search Planning Day on Thursday, Jan. 19.

Search early, search often

are a little bit less nervous,” said James Herlyck of JR Engineering. “But arrogance is a big turn-off, too.” Herlyck said that sometimes students have unrealistic expectations of what responsibilities they will be given upon entry in the field. The best way to counter nerves (or a hefty ego) is to know your stuff. Employers and job hunt agents said itʼs important for the applicant to study up on the company, the job and especially on his or her own focus and goals.

CP Photo/Xiaomei Chen Chris Ratay listens to audience members describe their role-playing during his lecture on how to network in job searching on Thursday, Jan. 19 at the UMC.

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According to Herrmann, about 150 employers represent themselves at the annual fall career fair looking to hire for spring and summer internships and post-graduate employment. Some of the employers donʼt return for the spring fair, which this year has about 120 signed up to recruit. “Iʼve found students often donʼt start their job search until late January,” she said. The fall 2006 career fair takes place Oct. 3. Before then, attendees should revamp their résumés, leaf through employers to find jobs of interest to them, research companies and job descriptions, practice interview skills and expand their personal network of connections. Regarding making connections, it is never too early to start. According to http:// www.AcetheInterview.com, up to 70 percent of jobs are not filled through out-ofcompany advertising. That means getting word out that you are qualified and on the job market can play a huge role in expanding your

options. “Networking is the best way to get a job,” Rogers said. But Herlyck emphasized that a connection alone wonʼt earn the job. “No matter what, the candidate must be qualified,” he said. “Every qualified candidate will have an equal chance.”

What Not to Wear, starring CU “A lot of employers tell us that CU students are a lot more casual than other schools,” Herrmann said. “I think itʼs just part of the whole Boulder scene, but students need to realize they give off the perception that theyʼre not taking the job seriously.” Some employers say dress and looking kempt rank No. 1 on the hire-me checklist because it is the very first thing a job applicant will be judged on at an interview or meeting. Others, like Herlyck, said that when looking to hire, appearance finishes off as less important than having an ability to do the work required for the job. Ultimately, it is impor-

tant to look decent no matter what. Herrmann advised wearing only 2 to 3 pieces of jewelry to an interview. A pair of earrings counts as one. Other accessories should not be gaudy or too noticeable. Facial piercings and tattoos are questionable, so when in doubt, take them off and cover them up, respectively. Hair on men is better kept short or nicely trimmed. Herrmann said some employers still do not allow facial hair, so it is important to know what the hiring companyʼs policies are. As for apparel, Herrmann said it is not necessary for women to wear skirts or dresses, but wearing a suit or coordinated pants and jacket are, well, suitable. Career Services holds a clothing drive every fall where gently used professional attire is available at a low cost to students. While itʼs nice to think fancy clothes and looking perfect arenʼt significant factors of whether or not youʼll be hired, itʼs simply not true. Does one have to look absolutely perfect? No, but trying wonʼt hurt.

Effects of a post-bad-press CU degree Letʼs face it. CU has been less than idolized in the papers the past few years. Despite continuous positive student and faculty

achievement, a few standout scandals have crossed this way. Has the value of a CU degree decreased for it? Or are CU loyalties standing firm? “Weʼve had some negative feedback from some employers. Weʼve had a couple who have said ʻWeʼre going to hold out for nowʼ,” Rogers said. She said most employers take a sympathetic stance and realize that CU, on the whole, is a great university. “(Bad press) overshadows the awards that are won, the everyday student,” she said. “These are the voices that donʼt get heard when there are headlines dealing with other problems.” Herlyck and many others said they do not think the reports have had any effect on their companyʼs hiring process. If the schoolʼs rep seems to have been compromised, use it as a discussion piece. The more you can demonstrate your knowledge and critical thought on the issues around you, the better.

Job Hunt Toughies -Your GPA is lower than Mike Tyson’s fighting tactic. Some employers want to see a GPA, some don’t. But it is important to address it if a GPA could potentially keep a company from hiring you. “You can always be upfront with a recruiter,” Rogers said. She added that being honest about a rough semester or two (and including why it was so) can be followed up with reasons why it will not affect employment with them, or by giving evidence of progress made since then. “If a student doesn’t have a great GPA and no internship, it’s harder to catch our eye,” Herlyck said. “But if they have project experience related to class, then that’s something.” -You can’t think of an answer to one of those tricky “Why are manholes round?” questions. A pause before responding is not a bad thing, said both Herrmann and Rogers. It is best to take a moment to think, and if nothing comes to mind, ask to come back to the question after you’ve had a chance to consider it more. -You took the wrong exit off I-25 at rush hour, rendering you upwards of 3 hours late... Okay, 2 hours. Plain and simple: avoid it. “Things like that happen,” said Herlyck, then adding that if you are over 5 minutes late, a call is in order. Think of it this way: If early -- bonus points. If on time -- no qualms. If late -- no interview. Visit the location beforehand to make sure the directions aren’t off and leave extra early in case of traffic hold-ups.

interviewer’s family, say, “That’s one good looking daughter/son you’ve got there. I’m currently single, by the way.” ...Give evidence to your motivation by saying, “Trust me, I’m driven. Give me one year and I’ll have your job.” ... Say, “So, is my drug dependency going to be a problem?” ...Introduce

yourself with, “Hey, I’m ready to shoot the s*%$ whenever you are. I want this m%&*#! f@$#&% job!” ... High-five the boss when you get the job.

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