This time of year, many students
seek part-time summer work or full-time
employment. Now is the time to prepare.
Field training experiences (internships)
can make the transition from student to
employee an easier endeavor.
For many students, going on a job
interview can be a difficult and somewhat
daunting experience. It is easier if you know
what is expected. A personal job interview
is really a learning experience for both the
employer and job applicant. A company
looks for the best person to fill the position
by conducting job interviews with many
candidates. Today, many employers use
online as a front-line screening process.
Be very careful to answer exactly what is
being asked of you.
Placement counselors agree that an
applicant’s dress and overall appearance
directly affect the ultimate outcome of
the interview. It is never wise to dress in
“ultrahigh style.” Women: A business suit
or conservative dress and minimal jewelry
and make-up always work. Men: A blue
or gray suit are good colors and should
be worn with a coordinating shirt and tie.
A man’s hair should be neatly trimmed
Successful
techniques in job
interviewing 101
BY PROFESSOR JACK K. MANDEL
Nassau Community College
and his face clean. Most interviewers
(especially in business) frown upon
beards, long hair and, to a lesser degree,
mustaches. And of course body (including
ear) piercings and/or visible tattoos
are still considered a “NO NO” by many
interviewers for both sexes.
During a job interview, the applicant
should let the interviewer set the pace
for the meeting and follow his or her cues
about where to sit and whether or not to
shake hands. Arrive a few minutes before
the arranged time. It is also very important
to maintain eye contact.
I advise students who are new at the
interview game to be careful of “trick”
questions. For example, if the interviewer
mentions that he looks forward to his
weekend so he can sleep late, should the
applicant agree and give the impression
that he or she does the same? Certainly
not! The fact is that the interviewer may
not sleep late, but may be trying to see
how the applicant spends his or her free
time. Employers prefer self-motivated
individuals who enjoy constructive leisure
time pursuits such as jogging, swimming,
working out or other productive activities.
They are not impressed by anything that
hints at a lack of ambition, even if it is on
your own time.
Another favorite is the “cigarette test.”
Here, the interviewer invites you to join
him outside for a smoke while you chat.
Should you accept the offer? No! The way
you hold the cigarette or smoke may be
used against you. Your chance of getting
the job may just “go up in smoke.” Never
accept an offer to eat, drink, or chew gum
during an interview either.
Remember to back up what you put
on your resume and job application. For
example, if you only worked a few weeks
during the summer, what did you do the
remainder of the time? Avoid showing long
gaps of time between work and school
schedules.
It is a good idea to know enough about
a company to discuss it intelligently with
the interviewer. You may be asked why you
want to work for the particular company.
Show interest, ask questions and be
enthusiastic about the prospect of working
for the company in question. It’s so easy
to have knowledge about the company
by using Google. The more you know, the
better prepared you will be to speak with
authority.
Do not make excuses for what you lack.
Concentrate on your positive assets and
your ability to do the job (or to learn fast).
Don’t be afraid to ask when a decision will
be made. It indicates to an interviewer that
you value your time and wish to join the
organization as soon as possible.
Follow up the interview with a
handwritten “thank you” note or telephone
call. Use the opportunity to express your
interest in the firm again. Texting is not
an appropriate method to express your
appreciation.
In conclusion, consider the interview
process a game. You must prove yourself
“both on the field” and “off the field” by
your record of accomplishments. You can’t
always succeed at every tryout, but you
can always give it your best effort. Good
luck.
Editor’s Note: For almost 40 years,
Professor Jack Mandel has strived to
produce a “Winner” work ethic in his
students. Be it academics or a career, only
you can make it happen!
QNS.COM
14 SUMMER 2017