PUBLICATION: The La Roche Courier
DATE: January 25, 1995
SECTION: Career

NOW THAT YOU KNOW EVERYTHING
By Tom Interval
Staff Writer

GOOD PROSPECTS FOR NEW GRADUATES News brief from the Career Development Center A recent Business Week article on the industry outlook for 1995 indicated an improved job market for new graduates. The article was based on a study from Michigan State University, which polled 545 businesses, industries and government agencies. These organizations project a 5.9 percent increase in hiring compared to last year’s figure of 1.1 percent. (Source: Business Week, Jan. 9, 1995)

Once upon a time, there was a humorous drawing of a college graduate, complete with cap, gown and diploma. The caption underneath read, “Now that I know everything, what do I do?”

Ellen Zonn, director of La Roche’s Career Development Center, has the answers to that question. Zonn offers interviewing techniques for college graduates who soon will be grilled by potential employers.

Before the Interview

“There are a lot of pre-interview techniques that can be done that are not part of the actual interview but part of the whole [job searching] process,” says Zonn.

Sometimes these pre-interview methods are part of what is called Informational Interviewing, a process in which a job seeker gathers career-oriented information months, or even years, before an actual job interview. Zonn says Informational Interviewing includes getting advice from people who work in the field in which you are interested, talking to alumni and attending career workshops.

Here are other ways to collect information and prepare for an interview:

1. Read. The Career Development Center has many books about interviewing and job searching techniques (see accompanying list).
2. Attend interviewing workshops. At La Roche, at least six will be scheduled throughout March and April (dates to be announced).
3. Watch an instructional video. “Do You Know What to Say in an Interview?” is available in the Career Development Center.
4. Research. Zonn says there are two steps in the research process: Research the company (your potential employer) and the specific position you are after.
5. Practice Interviewing. Anticipate question an interviewer may ask (several books on interviewing list sample questions), and think of a good answer for each. Zonn says the more you review the answers, the more comfortable you will be when answering those questions at the actual interview. “You’re less likely to hunt for a word when they ask you a question,” she says. “It’s like anything you want to get good at. Practice makes perfect.” Zonn recommends the following methods for practicing interviewing: Have friends ask you questions, and record your answers on audio or video tape; go to the Career Development Center for a “mock interview”; and practice answering questions in front of a mirror (try to look poised and confident). Don’t forget to frequently review the more difficult questions.
6. Study your resume. “Make sure you’re familiar with what you’ve included on your resume. You don’t want to be caught off guard,” says Zonn. She says there may be certain facts on your resume that you may forget about during the interview. When your potential employer wants to know the significance of a certain detail, you should be prepared to answer, says Zonn.
7. Take a dry run. If you know where you are going and how long it takes to get there, you’ll feel less anxious the day of the interview.

The Day of the Interview

Zonn advises to dress appropriately and to be well groomed. In addition, allow enough time to get to your destination. Zonn says to be there 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time. She says this gives you a chance to mentally and physically prepare for the interview (on a cold day, for example, being early gives you time to warm up your hands). Being on time also gives you a chance to review the answers to more difficult questions. And, finally, “Take lots of deep breaths and cross your fingers,” says Zonn.

Zonn says the single most important thing to remember about interviewing is to be prepared. In terms of DOs and DON’Ts, Zonn says, “Being prepared is the biggest DO.” She says, “You should never go into an interview unprepared. The better prepared you are, the less nervous you’ll be.

“But it’s okay to be a little nervous,” she adds.

During the Interview

• DON’T chew gum.
• DON’T wear too much perfume or aftershave.
• DON’T call an interviewer by his or her first name.
• DON’T talk too much.
• DON’T answer questions the interviewer doesn’t ask.

Popular Questions an Interviewer Might Ask

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why are you interested in this position?
3. What do you have to offer us?
4. What sets you apart from other candidates?
5. Why did you choose to attend La Roche College?
6. Why did you choose to major in [your major]?
7. Tell me about a weakness you have. “It’s real important to have an answer to [this] kind of question,” says Zonn. Never say you don’t have a weakness, she says. She advises the graduate to tell the interviewer about an overcome weakness (i.e., a time-management problem you’ve overcome, etc.).

Write a thank-you note to the person(s) who conducted the interview. Zonn says to mention how impressed you were with the organization and to state how interested you are in working there. “That’s really part of the interview process,” says Zonn. “You never know when you’ll interview with the company again.”

RECOMMENDED BOOKS Sweaty Palms: The Neglected Art of Being Interviewed, by H. Anthony Medley Knock ‘Em Dead: With Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions, by Martin John Yate Successful Interviewing for College Seniors, by John D. Shingleton Winning the Job Interview Game: New Strategies for Getting Hired, by Bruce R. Hammond, Ph.D. Information Interviewing: What It Is and How to Use It in Your Career, by Martha Stoodley Guerrilla Tactics in the New Job Market, by Tom Jackson 300 New Ways to Get A Better Job, by Eleanor Baldwin Never Buy A Hat If Your Feet Are Cold: Taking Charge of Your Career and Your Life, by Ken Felderstein After College: The Business of Getting Jobs, by Jack Falvey Job Search Strategy for College Grads: The 10-step Plan for Career Success, by Susan Bernard and Gretchen Thompson