Job Search Strategies
Derek L. Thatcher Director of Career Development Warner 226 740.366.9453 [email protected]
Special thanks to the Indiana State University Career Center for the use of portions of this document
Nursing Technologies
Resume Tips A resume is a promotional piece. It is a calling card to introduce you, with your unique combination of skills and experience, to a potential employer. Accompanied by a cover letter, its purpose is to get you an interview. Resume writing is not an exact science. There is no "right way" to create a resume. Suggestions that appear in our resume guides are general guidelines, not a blueprint. Since the resume is a marketing device, it should SELL YOU. Examples have been selected to emphasize basic resume structures.
On this page you will find information about:
• The Format: Distinguishing Yourself • Resume Content • Resume Writing Tips • Action Verbs • Examples
The Format: Distinguishing Yourself
Although there is no correct way to write a resume, there are strategies to promote your abilities and to grab the reader’s attention. Formatting your resume can be the most creative aspect of resume writing. Although there are popular standard formats, your format will depend upon your target audience and the manner in which you want to present yourself.
Effective resumes have these qualities:
• Typically one page • Easy to scan • Clear and forceful wording • Stress place on achievements • Laser quality printing
The most popular formats are Reverse Chronological and a combination of a Functional and Chronological.
Reverse Chronological-Most appropriate for Nursing Student
This format lists work experience in a reverse chronology (begin with most recent and significant). Experiences should be listed by importance rather than time sequence. Keep information clutter-free, allowing the reader to scan the resume easily.
Use bold or underline print judiciously. Using varied print too often defeats the purpose of highlighting items and becomes worthless.
Functional/Chronological
Functional formats concentrate on the functional or transferable skills you have acquired through academics, activities, and work experiences. These are often grouped under headings such as Communication Skills, Leadership Abilities, Research, and Writing Skills, etc.
Resume Content
Writing your resume involves thinking aloud. Start with the categories listed below, and write everything you think of that relates to the heading. Don't edit things out at this point. Whatever comes to mind, let it spill out on paper.
The Resume Heading
Every resume should highlight your name and address. Typically, a college student will include both home and college addresses and phone numbers. Be sure that the phone number you use will be answered. It doesn't help you to list your college resident phone that seldom gets answered or
where messages won't be taken. Listing one address and phone number can save resume space and is aesthetically more pleasing. Do what's right for you.
The Job Objective (optional)
The problem with most job objectives is that they are broad in nature and say very little; or, they are so specific that they narrow the effective range of the resume. For most students, the cover letter will serve as the vehicle to get across "why you are writing and what you want." Nevertheless, if you include an objective, describe what you want to do and what you are able to do which adds to your marketability.
Here are some examples of job objectives:
• To serve as assistant curator within an art museum. Prior internship experience in museum work has equipped me to assist in art exhibit installation, publicity, cataloging and research.
• An internship which allows for use of my strong research and problem-solving skills within a biochemical research lab. Familiar with various laboratory procedures and possess strong attention to detail.
• Past involvement in campus activities and new student advising leads me to seek a position as an admissions officer in a liberal arts college. Capable of promoting the college to prospective students and their parents, organizing orientation programs, and assessing prospective student applications.
Education
Since you have spent the last 12-16 years or more in formal education, this usually appears as the first section of an undergraduate resume. However, if you have had significant experience (work, volunteer, college activities, etc.) you may want to list EXPERIENCE as your first section.
Keep in mind the following points when formatting this section:
• Start with your most recent educational experience: Ohio State University. List your major and graduation date. Bold the Ohio State University name or the name of your major (whichever you want to emphasize).
• Whether to include your GPA or not depends on how you feel about it. If it is above a 3.0, include it. The GPA can be represented through your MAJOR GPA or your JR/SR GPA. The point is, if your cumulative GPA is on the low side, you don't want to give employers a reason to discount your job candidacy based on this one factor. Employers may never get beyond the GPA to see the rest of your story.
• Foreign Study and Exchange Programs: List these experiences and mention a fluency, proficiency, or familiarity with a foreign language.
• Coursework: Don't laundry-list every course you've had. Rather, be judicious and highlight those courses that will catch an employer's attention. You may want to highlight courses that complement your major or that add somehow to your "marketability." List course names, not numbers, as course numbers have no meaning to a recruiter.
• Honors and Awards: These can be either placed under the Education section or highlighted by themselves in a separate category. Remember a resume is not an autobiography. Select only those awards or honors that represent a composite picture of your strengths.
Be sure to check out the visual examples of resumes and other documents.
Experience
Students use different titles - Work Experience, Employment, etc. - to highlight this section of their resume. As stated throughout this handout, there is no one way to format a resume. However, we suggest you use the heading Experience or Career-Related Experience to caption this section. Experience is a better title than Work Experience or Employment since it can encompass a wider range of activities. Journalism-Related Experience or any other specified type of experience can also be used if targeting specific work.
Since most employers "skim" resumes rather than "read" them, you want to control the eye of the reader. This is done by good use of space and by highlighting information relevant to your candidacy.
Commonly asked questions regarding this section of the resume include:
• Can I include paid and unpaid experiences together? Certainly. The responsibilities you held and the skills demonstrated through campus activities, volunteer experiences, etc., are all transferable and worth highlighting.
• Do my experiences need to be listed with the most recent experience first? No. It's better to list experiences by order of importance. If an employer is skimming a resume, you want him/her to see the most relevant experiences first.
• How far back should I go in listing jobs? You need to be judicious in what you put in the resume and what you leave out. Since this is not an autobiography, focus on only those experiences and jobs which are relevant to your objective. If you are a freshman or sophomore, high school jobs and activities will dominate this section. As you progress through college, more recent jobs and experiences will take their place.
• What about all the odd jobs I had (work study, jobs during breaks, etc.)? You don't want to discount experiences but neither do you want to elaborate on wait staff jobs, etc. You can summarize these experiences in a statement or two to get across the idea that you have an ingrained work ethic, helped finance your education, etc.
Activities and Interests
Many employers look at three key areas of your resume: academic performance, work -related experiences, and involvement in activities. Membership in college organizations is fine. Leadership positions or in depth involvement within these organizations is even better. The activities you list give the reader a look into who you are and how you spend your time. Employers often "latch on" to items in this section as ice -breakers in interviews and to find common interests. Include information that complements the other parts of your resume and which adds personal dimension.
Do not include:
• A personal section giving birth date, marital status, height, weight, health, etc. By law, employers cannot discriminate on the basis of sex, race or marital status.
• Tag line "References available upon request": If employers are seriously interested in hiring you and want references, they will let you know. However, be sure to have people in mind who can serve as references should you be asked. It has been our experience that few employers request references for entry-level positions. It is not necessary to maintain a reference file with our office for the purpose of a job search.
You may want to include:
• Tag lines such as Portfolio Available Upon Request or Writing Samples Available Upon Request if you seek positions that require unique skills or experiences.
Resume Writing Tips
• Use bold or underline separately, not together • Notice spelling of commonly misspelled word: liaison • Avoid using more than two fonts in your document • Use simple, everyday language • Keep sentences short; begin with varied action verbs • Be honest, don't exaggerate • Don't list references on resume (if needed, use additional page for names) • Use high quality bond paper • Keep margins and spacing clean and inviting to the eye
• Proofread yourself and have other people read it as well: read backwards to catch mistakes.
The Lingo of Employers - Skills and Results
Employers assess your resume (and cover letter) to determine if "you have the right stuff" and to judge whether you can deliver results. Sell yourself to employers by showing demonstrated skills and by adding details which show your achievements. Begin sentences with "action verbs," and be specific when showing the extent to which you added value to an endeavor.
Look at the following samples:
1. Skill used = My Problem Solving or Strategist Ability Simple Statement = Organized rush activities for fraternity. Powerhouse Entry = Developed new rush strategies; doubled number of prospective members
2. Characteristic =
I am Community Service Oriented Simple Statement = Worked for Terre Haute's Lighthouse Mission. Powerhouse Entry = Devoted over 100 hours to providing food for low-income individuals within Terre Haute community.
Preparing the Scannable Resume
Some employers are now using computer programs to sort through large numbers of applicants to find desirable employees. These resumes are scanned into a database; key word searches are then conducted to identify applicants who have the desired traits.
These electronic tracking systems can extract skills from many styles of resumes. The most difficult resumes to read are those with poor copy quality, blue or gray paper, or unusual formats such as a newspaper layout, complex fonts, graphics or lines.
When possible, you can ask the contact person for the position whether or not a scannable resume is recommended. When this is not possible, you can either include a scannable resume along with your regular resume, or make sure that your resume is scannable.
Tips for Scannability
• Use white paper and do not fold or staple • Use laser printed original; avoid photocopies • Use standard typefaces such as Helvetica, Futura, Times, Palatino • Use font sizes of 10 to 12 • Use boldface and/or all caps for section headings as long as letters don't touch • Avoid fancy styles such as italics, underline, shadows and reverses • Fax only when necessary. When faxing, fax in "fine" mode if possible
Action Verbs
Your resume should be action-oriented in order to catch the reader’s attention. Listed below are a few ideas to help you begin writing action-oriented statements to further describe work, leadership, or volunteer experience.
Communication Skills Creative Skills • Advertised • Arbitrated • Authored • Clarified • Composed • Contacted • Corresponded • Demonstrated • Drafted • Edited • Facilitated • Informed • Interpreted • Mediated • Moderated • Negotiated • Notified • Presented • Promoted • Proofread • Publicized • Published • Translated
• Built • Composed • Conceived • Conceptualized • Constructed • Created • Designed • Developed • Directed • Established • Formulated • Generated • Initiated • Invented • Launched • Performed • Piloted • Planned • Produced • Revised
Helping and Counseling Skills
Leadership Skills
• Advised • Advocated • Aided • Assessed • Assisted • Coached • Collaborated • Counseled • Diagnosed • Directed • Encouraged • Guided • Inspired • Led • Mentored • Represented • Served • Supported
• Achieved • Clarified • Decided • Delegated • Effected • Enhanced • Exceeded • Excelled • Headed • Improved • Inspired • Instigated • Led • Marketed • Motivated • Participated • Presided • Recommended • Succeeded
JANE DOE
1234 Maple Street · City, Ohio 43xxx · (xxx) xxx-xxxx · [email protected]
OBJECTIVE
Seeking a responsible role as a Registered Nurse where my skills, training and current role as a Patient Care Assistant can be enhanced and used effectively.
NURSING SKILLS
Medical/Surgical Provided patient care for a maximum of six patients per day and perfected prioritizations skills. Assessed patients head to toe, charted patient progress notes, provided patient teaching on diabetes, hypertension and COPD, started and discontinued IV sticks, read EKG strips, administered medications, contributed to discharge teaching, accompanied patient to surgery and dialysis for continuation of care.
Cardiology Care Observed patient’s cardiac catheterization, shunt placement, and provided post-procedural care, performed focused assessment on patients with acute cardiac disorders, administered medications, assessed and interpreted EKG strips, performed blood glucose accu-checks, provided j-tube care, and prepared nursing care plans.
Pediatrics Assessed children’s pain levels using FACES scale, performed neuromuscular assessments, provided emotional support to patients’ family, fed infants on formula milk, performed complete bed baths, and monitored and documented I&O’s.
Orthopedic Assessed patients head to toe, administered medications utilizing IV piggyback and IV push, instructed patients on proper ambulation, inserted Foley and straight catheters, changed surgical dressing, monitored vitals and blood work including white blood count and hemoglobin/hematocrit. Provided care for up to four patients.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE – xxx HOURS
Mount Carmel East Hospital, Columbus, Ohio Summer 2014 3 North, Medical/Surgical Unit
Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio Spring 2014 5 Orange, Cardiology Unit
Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio Autumn 2013 Neuromuscular Floor
Licking Memorial, Newark, Ohio Summer 2013 Orthopedic Unit
Arlington Nursing Home, Heath, Ohio Spring 2013 Long Term Care & Rehabilitation Facility
EDUCATION
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing Technology August 2014 Central Ohio Technical College, Newark, Ohio
National League for Nursing Accredited, Clinical-based education program
3.8 GPA; Member, Phi Theta Kappa Academic Honorary
Eligible for NCLEX-RN, July 2014.
Health Technologies-College Tech Prep Certificate May 2012 C-TEC, Newark, Ohio
State Tested Nursing Assistant
CERTIFICATIONS
American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers (CPR & AED) Program August 2014 Central Ohio Technical College, Renewal Date August 2016
NIH Stroke Scale August 2014 American Stroke Association, Renewal Date August 2015
RELATED EMPLOYMENT
State Tested Nurse Assistant June 2012 – Present Tuscany Gardens, Pataskala, Ohio
Provide vital sign trending and monitoring; chart observations and care
Assist with activities of daily living and maintain daily hygiene
Monitor intake and output and care for urinary elimination needs
TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES
McKesson HED
STAR
Med Pointe
Meditech
Pyxis
Epic
Suction machine
IV pumps
Bladder scan
Continuous passive motion machine
ECG
Patient controlled analgesia
CAMPUS LEADERSHIP & VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Student Ambassador, Office of Student Life May 2013 – Present Central Ohio Technical College
Member, Student Nurses Organization August 2012 – May 2014 Central Ohio Technical College
Volunteer, American Red Cross of Licking County May 2012 – Present
JANE DOE
1234 Maple Street · City, Ohio 43xxx · (xxx) xxx-xxxx · [email protected]
REFERENCES
Ms. First Last Name, RN, BSN, MS Job Title
Organization Street Address
City, Ohio 43xxx (xxx) xxx-xxxx email address
Mr. First Last Name, RN, AD Job Title
Organization Street Address
City, Ohio 43xxx (xxx) xxx-xxx
email address
Ms. First Last Name, RN, BSN Job Title
Organization Street Address
City, Ohio 43xxx (xxx) xxx-xxxx email address
John Doe 321 Elm Avenue
City, Ohio 43xxx
740.123.4567
PROFILE
Enthusiastic, team-oriented professional committed to delivering patient-focused care within a variety of
medical settings utilizing well-developed interpersonal communication skills.
SKILLS SUMMARY
Orthopedic Assessed patients head to toe, administered medications utilizing IV piggyback and IV push, instructed
patients on proper ambulation, inserted Foley and straight catheters, changed surgical dressing, monitored
vitals and blood work including white blood count and hemoglobin/hematocrit. Provided care for up to four
patients.
Cardiology Care
Hung and administered TPN and IV Heparin, subcutaneous insulin and Lovenox, monitored labs such as
PT/INR and PTT levels, assessed post-operative amputations, changed PICC dressings using sterile procedure,
provided colostomy care, read EKG strips and started IVs.
Medical-Surgical Administered medications, started and discontinued IV therapy in ER, performed straight catherization,
hooked patients on EKG and read strips, provided wound care, accompanied patients to surgery, and prepared
nursing care plans.
Pediatrics Assessed children’s pain levels using FACES scale, performed neuromuscular assessments, provided
emotional support to patients’ family, fed infants on formula milk, performed complete bed baths, and
monitored and documented I&O’s.
COLLEGE CLINICAL EXPERIENCE – xxx HOURS
Genesis Hospital, Orthopedic Unit Autumn 2014
Mount Carmel East, Cardiac Care Unit Summer 2014
Genesis Hospital, Medical-Surgical Unit Spring 2014
Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Neuromuscular Floor Autumn 2013
Cedar Hill Care Center, Long-Term Care Facility Summer 2013
EDUCATION
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing Technology December 2014
Central Ohio Technical College, Newark, Ohio
National League for Nursing Accredited, Clinical-based education program
Eligible for NCLEX-RN, July 2014.
General Coursework 2005 – 2006 The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
COMPUTER SKILLS
Meditech
Pyxis
Epic
Microsoft Office applications
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Pharmacy Technician June 2011 – Aug. 2012
ABC Pharmacy, Newark, Ohio
Assisted Pharmacist in processing and filling prescribed medications
Took inventory of over-the-counter medications
Maintained proper storage and security conditions for drugs
Prepared insurance claim forms
Completed cash register transactions
Answered customer phone calls, responded to questions or requests
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Operations Specialist July 2006 – June 2011
National Bank Corp., Columbus, Ohio
Effectively prioritized tasks within fast-paced, deadline-drive environment
Accurately completed daily reports
Placed and received calls from internal and external customers
Ensured confidentiality of customer information
Coordinated daily operations in absence of supervisor
Provided quality customer service
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Member, Licking Co. Healthcare Network – Young Adult Volunteer Program October 2012 – Present
Provide assistance in the development and implementation of educational service projects
Actively participate in quarterly professional development sessions
Serve on recruitment and communications sub-committee
Regularly attend monthly meetings
Volunteer, Licking Memorial Hospital Mock Disaster Exercise Autumn 2014
John Doe 321 Elm Avenue
City, Ohio 43xxx
740.123.4567
REFERENCES
Ms. First Last Name, RN, BSN, MS
Job Title
Organization
Street Address
City, Ohio 43xxx
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
email address
Mr. First Last Name, RN, AD
Job Title
Organization
Street Address
City, Ohio 43xxx
(xxx) xxx-xxx
email address
Ms. First Last Name, RN, BSN
Job Title
Organization
Street Address
City, Ohio 43xxx
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
email address
Ms. First Last Name, RN, BSN
Job Title
Organization
Street Address
City, Ohio 43xxx
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
email address
COVER LETTER MODEL
COVER LETTER FORMATTING
A cover letter is an example of your ability to communicate effectively. As a result, correct
formatting is important.
Prepare a separate, personalized cover letter for every resume you submit.
A cover should be only one page in length, but there should also be enough text so that the
page is appropriately filled with text.
Utilize at least one inch margins.
The use of full block format strongly encouraged. This is where all text (the date, address,
salutation, paragraphs, and closing) begins on the left-hand margin.
The font style and point size should be easy to read; typically the same font as your resume.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Always write to an individual. If no name is given on a position announcement, contact the
organization to get the contact person's name – avoid “to whom it may concern.”
Keep the tone and content professional. Be succinct and gear the letter to the needs of the
reader.
Be wary of the overuse of the personal pronoun "I" and avoid using humor and catchphrases.
Do not minimize your experience. The purpose of the letter is to highlight your skills, not to
apologize for where they may be lacking.
Be able to support the statements you make about yourself with specific examples.
Watch grammar and spelling, do not rely on spellcheck. Remember that this is an example of
your writing skills. Proofread multiple times, and ask others to edit your letter for mistakes.
If submitting a hardcopy documents, use good quality paper that matches your resume paper. Print
your documents on quality printer.
When submitting your documents electronically, put the text of your cover letter in the body of the
email rather than attaching a separate document to the email. This will make it easier for employers
because they will not have to open up an attachment. When formatting a cover letter in this manner,
follow the exact same format as described above. The only changes would be that you do not need to
include a date. Moreover, you do not need to include your address information. If an employer
responds to you, they will likely use email, but include your phone number as well just in case.
If the employer specifically asks you to “send” or “attach” a cover letter to an email, create a separate
Word or PDF document with your cover letter and attach that to the email. In the body of the email,
place a brief message in the body of the email to encourage the employer to open the attachment(s).
As always, make sure that you are using a professional email address for all correspondence with
employers. The email address that you use for your cover letter should match the one that is listed on
your resume.
The voicemail greeting of the phone number you list must be of a professional nature.
COVER LETTER MODEL
Your Street Address City, State Zip code Telephone Number and/or Appropriate email address Date (3 blank lines) Mr./Ms. Recruiter’s Full Name Recruiter’s Title Department Name (if applicable) Organization Name Mailing Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name Only: The opening paragraph should state why you are writing and why you are interested in the organization. If you are writing a letter of application, you should name the specific position for which you are applying. Also, tell the employer how you became aware of the vacancy. If someone has referred you to this organization, this is the place to mention that person’s name and point out that it was suggested that you contact him or her. A letter of inquiry should provide evidence of your career-mindedness; it helps to refer to specific job functions, if not titles, when trying to determine if a vacancy exists. The middle paragraphs (usually one or two) are where you draw attention to your resume and highlight specific skills relevant to the potential employer. Present your motives for seeking employment with this organization and cite achievements and qualifications related to the position desired. Select and emphasize key points in education credentials, training, work experience, or relevant personal qualities. This is accomplished by carefully reviewing the position announcement and connecting your knowledge, skills and experience to the duties and responsibilities outlined in the posting. The closing paragraph states what you will do next (such as connecting to arrange an interview at the employer’s convenience) or what you would like the recipient of the letter to do next. An assertive statement explaining what you plan to do and what you hope the employer will do is harder to ignore that a vague request for consideration. End with a thank you statement. This can be part of the last paragraph or on a separate line. Sincerely, (3 blank lines for signature area) Your name typed Enclosure (This indicates that your resume and/or additional materials are enclosed)
Preparation is the key to interview success. To market yourself during an interview, you need to know your skills, abilities, and past accomplishments, tie them to the needs of the organization, and communicate these qualifications to the interviewer.
Interviewing Tips
Based on the premise that "past performance is the best single predictor of future performance", your goal is to demonstrate how your past experiences predict future success. The hiring decision will be made by matching your skills, abilities, and accomplishments (along with your personal attributes) to the job requirements. Thus, it is essential that you provide substantive examples of past behaviors.
This guide to interviewing is not an exhaustive commentary on the subject. To best develop your interview skills, we suggest that you make an individual appointment with a career counselor.
On this page you will find information about:
• Interview Preparation • Research Before the Interview • The Interviewing Process • Behavior-Based Interviews • Sample Interview Questions • Illegal Pre-employment Topics • Questions Asked by the Candidate • After the Interview
Interview Preparation Know Yourself.
Analyze your interests, skills and accomplishments - not to mention your passions and dreams. Identify examples of success from your past experiences. You should be able to tell short stories that explain problems or situations you encountered, the action you took to solve those problems, and the results of your actions.
Your interview challenge is to present these scenarios to employers by focusing on the skills, abilities, and personal traits that allowed you to achieve your successes. If possible, quantify your achievements.
Identify 2 or 3 "selling points."
Distinguish your employment candidacy from that of others. Determine how you will convey these points during the interview - using the model that is explained in our Behavioral-based Interview.
Research the organization
prior to the interview. Your research does not have to be done covertly. Employers understand and expect students to do research on their organization. Up-to-date information can usually be found on the Internet at organization websites.
Acquire as much information as possible
about the position for which you are applying. What skills are required for this position? What are the position responsibilities? You may find it helpful to conduct an informational interview with someone who is currently working in a position similar to the one to which you aspire.
Remember that the interview is a two-way exchange of information.
Your goal is to discover if the organization is a good fit for you. The goal of the employer is to assess whether you are a good fit for their organization. Be sure to prepare questions about the position and organization.
Conduct a Practice Interview.
This provides an opportunity to develop interviewing skills, have your performance critiqued, and receive suggestions for improvement. To request a practice interview, contact the Career Center.
Research Before the Interview
One of the best sources for gathering information about what's happening in an occupation or an industry is to talk to people working in the field. This process is called informational or research interviewing. An informational interview is an interview that you initiate. You ask the questions.
The purpose is to research and obtain information, not to get a job.
Reasons to Conduct a Research Interview
• To explore careers and clarify your career goal • To discover employment opportunities that are not advertised • To expand your professional network • To build confidence for your job interviews • To access the most up-to-date career information • To identify your professional strengths and weaknesses
Steps for Conducting a Research Interview
• Identify the occupation or industry you wish to learn about. Assess your own interests, abilities, values, and skills, and evaluate labor conditions and trends to identify the best fields to research.
• Prepare for the interview. Read all you can about the field prior to the interview. Decide what information you would like to obtain about the occupation/industry. Prepare a list of questions that you would like to have answered.
• Identify people to interview. Start with lists of people you already know, like friends, relatives, fellow students, present or former co-workers, supervisors, neighbors, etc.
• Consult professional organizations, the yellow pages, organizational directories, and public speakers are also good resources. You may also call an organization and ask for the name of the person by job title.
• Arrange the interview. Contact the person to set up an interview by telephone, by a letter followed by a telephone call, or by having someone who knows the person make the appointment for you.
• Conduct the Interview. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be polite and professional. Refer to your list of prepared questions; stay on track, but allow for spontaneous discussion. Before leaving, ask your contact to suggest names of others who might be helpful to you and ask permission to use your contact's name when meeting these new individuals.
• Follow Up. Immediately following the interview, record the information gathered. Be sure to send a thank-you note to your contact within one week of the interview.
Twenty Questions
Prepare a list of your own questions for your informational interview. Following are some sample questions:
1. What training or education is required for this type of work? 2. On a typical day in this position, what do you do? 3. What personal qualities or abilities are important to being successful in this job? 4. What part of this job do you find most satisfying? most challenging? 5. How did you get your job? 6. What opportunities for advancement are there in this field? 7. What entry-level jobs are best for learning as much as possible? 8. What are the salary ranges for various levels in this field? 9. How do you see jobs in this field changing in the future? 10. Is there a demand for people in this occupation? 11. What special advice would you give a person entering this field? 12. What types of training do companies offer persons entering this field? 13. What are the basic prerequisites for jobs in this field? 14. Which professional journals and organizations would help me learn more about this field? 15. What do you think of the experience I've had so far in terms of entering this field? 16. From your perspective, what are the problems you see working in this field? 17. If you could do things all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? Why? What
would you change? 18. With the information you have about my education, skills, and experience, what other fields or
jobs would you suggest I research further before I make a final decision? 19. What do you think of my resume? Do you see any problem areas? How would you suggest I
change it? 20. Who do you know that I should talk to next? When I call him/her, may I use your name?
Finding Someone for a Research Interview
The first thing you must do before conducting an interview is identify an occupation you are interested in learning about.
Secondly, make a list of friends, family, and important area businesses that can help you.
Here are some tips for locating people for an informational interview:
• Ask fellow students about information • Check the yellow pages for leads • Surf the Internet for the occupation in which you are interested. Locate businesses or people. • Professional organizations, as most majors have organizations that allow students to meet
professionals or other students. • Talk with the department of the major that typically leads a person to this career. Ask them to
identify anyone working in this occupation or business • Professors can help because they have many business or organizational contacts • Alumni who are working in your field of interest are generally willing to help current students. • Previous employers • Clergy • Neighbors • Area Chambers of Commerce • Newspapers
• Books/periodicals • Local businesses • Career Counselors
Guides for Approaching the Employer
By Telephone/In Person: Hello, my name is _______. I am conducting a career research in your field. I would like to meet and talk with you for about 30 minutes so that I can find out more about your field of expertise.
By Email: My name is ______and I am a student at Central Ohio Technical College. I am working on a class project that has to do with talking to someone who is in the ______occupation. I would like to conduct an informational interview to find out what you do in your occupation, you’re like/dislikes, how you ended up in your position, etc. This interview can be conducted via email and will only take a short time for you to complete. If this can be arranged, please email me and I will send you the questions I would like answered. My deadline for this assignment is ______.
The Interviewing Process The On-Site Interview
The Purpose of the Company Visit
You made a favorable impression during your campus/screening interview. The employer was conducting these interviews to identify individuals for his/her short list of job candidates or potential new hires. Through this process, the interviewer identified YOU as having the skills and competencies, as well as capabilities to become a productive employee.
The screening interview being over, the company visit allows the employer more time (and more people) to assess your candidacy. Your task is to provide compelling reasons for an employer to hire you. Keep in mind that employers want people who will "fit" into their organization and represent it well. Therefore, most second interviews involve meeting several people including those with whom you would be working if hired. Interviewers may all have separate agendas in evaluating your candidacy, and it is vital that you be consistent in your answers.
One interviewer may talk with you about everything from sports to recent events in East Asia. Another individual may ask you questions related to a real or hypothetical situation, and still another person may question your knowledge about their industry. In this scenario, the agenda of the interviewers is to measure your ability: to communicate, to think on your feet, and to demonstrate interest and knowledge of their field.
No two second interviews are alike. Be prepared for a long day, and be honest and sincere in your answers. Remember that you will be evaluated not only on what you say, but how you say it; by people having the same overriding concern - "Can I work with this person?"
Preparing for the Interview
Ask about travel arrangements and reimbursement procedures. Organizations have different ways of handling travel arrangements and reimbursement. Learn the procedures before the interview. Ask for clarification if you are unsure.
If possible, obtain an itinerary and a job description before your visit. Ask for a copy of the schedule for the day, listing the people with whom you will be meeting. The person inviting you to the second interview should be your contact person.
Read about current events, reviewing articles about the company and career field. Conduct a periodical literature search for articles at the library or on the Internet.
Know the position for which you are being considered and be able to articulate your interest in the organization and why you will succeed in the position.
Speak with alumni working at the company. Ask about their work experience in the organization, and about the current direction of the company.
Know your resume. Take copies of your resume, references, and transcripts to the interview.
The Interview Day
Dress appropriately. Dress to convince the interviewers that you fit into the organization. Err on the conservative side.
Accept that the day will be long. Try to get a good sleep the night before the interview day, and show enthusiasm and interest in the visit. Do not act bored even when you have to answer the same questions frequently.
Be consistent. Do not try to read into an individual and give the answers for which you think he/she is looking. Honesty and sincerity are essential. Interviewers will compare notes at the end of your visit. Do not change answers for each person with whom you meet.
Two Common Concerns
Salary. This subject will usually be addressed by the hiring authority in the organization during your visit. If not, it is appropriate to inquire about salary and benefits because you are beyond the screening interview. Keep in mind that salary levels for entry-level positions (especially for management trainee programs) may be set as standard for all trainees. The larger the organization, the less flexibility exists to negotiate your salary, and any negotiation usually involves minimal amounts. Information about salaries is available through various Internet sources. This will provide you with a realistic figure to consider. Another factor to consider is the cost of living in the area. Living expenses vary greatly by region. A more important factor than beginning salary may be the rate of advancement in pay and position. Do not accept a job offer based solely on starting salary. Assess the total package.
Accepting an offer. The employer will inform you when they expect to make a decision. If not, ask when you can expect to hear of their decision. Do not be pressured into accepting a job offer. Even though organizations need to make timely hiring decisions, you also need time to weigh your options. Ask for additional time if necessary to make a decision. Employers understand that you may be interviewing with several organizations and need time to make an informed decision.
Interview Follow-up
Write a thank you letter to all of the people with whom you interviewed. Restate your interest in the position and your appreciation for their time and consideration.
Behavioral-based interviewing focuses on experiences, behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities that are job related. It is premised on the belief that past behavior and performance predicts future behavior and performance.
Behavioral-Based Interviews
The CAR model of interview preparation provides you with a systematic way to practice and become familiar with behavioral-based interviewing. Below is a guide to using the CAR system of interviewing:
C - Circumstance
The letter C in the CAR acronym refers to circumstance. Describe a situation so that the employer can place himself/herself in your shoes and understand the importance of the event you are relating. For example, "As advertising manager for The Statesman, the ISU student newspaper, I was confronted with the fact that advertising revenue was significantly decreasing because many advertisers were not renewing contracts."
A - Actions
The letter A in the CAR acronym refers to actions. After setting the stage by describing the circumstance, tell the interviewer the specific actions you took to resolve the problem. For example, "I designed a promotional packet and compared the benefits of advertising in The Statesman with other advertising media in the area. I also set up a special training session for the account executives to discuss competitive selling strategies."
R - Results
The letter R in the CAR acronym refers to results. PLEASE understand that your interview goal is to demonstrate a results-oriented background. Connect your accomplishments to the position you are seeking. Even if the results didn't turn out as you planned, tell the interviewer what you learned from the experience and what you would do differently next time.
In our example about The Statesman advertising revenue, our closing results could be something like the following: "As result of my efforts in designing a promotional packet and sales staff training, we signed contracts with twenty former advertisers for daily ads and five for special supplements. We increased new advertisers by twenty percent!"
The CAR system allows you to tell the interviewer a "story" (with a beginning, middle, and end) about how you achieved a goal. Use work experience, activities, hobbies, volunteer work, school projects, and family life - anything that would be examples of your past behavior.
Review our sample interview questions to prepare for behavioral-based interviews. Create your own CAR responses to the questions.
Sample Interview Questions Organization and Planning Skills
1. Describe a specific situation which illustrates how you set objectives to reach a goal. 2. Tell me about a time when you had to choose between two or more important opportunities. How
did you go about deciding which was most important to you? 3. Tell me how you normally schedule your time in order to accomplish your day-to-day tasks. 4. Describe a situation where you had a major role in organizing an important event. How did you
do it? 5. Think about a lengthy term paper or report that you have written. Describe how you organized,
researched and wrote that report. 6. Give an example of how you organized notes and other materials in order to study for an
important exam. 7. Describe a time when you reorganized something to be more efficient. How did you do it?
8. Think of a time when you made important plans that were fouled up. How did you react? What did you do?
Interaction and Leadership
1. Tell me about an event in your past which has greatly influenced the way you relate to people. 2. Give a specific example that best illustrates your ability to deal with an uncooperative person. 3. Some people have the ability to "roll with the punches." Describe a time when you demonstrated
this skill. 4. Tell me when you had to work with someone who had a negative opinion of you. How did you
overcome this? 5. Recall a time when you participated on a team. Tell me an important lesson you learned that is
useful to you today. 6. Describe an instance when you reversed a negative situation at school, work, or home. How did
you do it? 7. Describe a situation which best illustrates your leadership ability. 8. Think about someone whose leadership you admire. What qualities impress you?
Assertiveness and Motivation
1. Describe several work standards that you have set for yourself in past jobs. Why are these important to you?
2. Tell me a time when you have experienced a lack of motivation. What caused this? What did you do about it?
3. Describe a situation where you had to deal with someone whom you felt was dishonest. How did you handle it?
4. Describe a situation that made you extremely angry. How did you react? 5. Tell me about a time that best illustrates your ability to "stick things out" in a tough situation. 6. Describe a time when you motivated an unmotivated person to do something you wanted them to
do. 7. Give me an example of a time when you were affected by organizational politics. How did you
react? 8. Give me an example of when someone tried to take advantage of you. How did you react?
Decision Making and Problem Solving
1. Give an example that illustrates your ability to make a tough decision. 2. Tell me about a decision you made even though you did not have all the facts. 3. Describe a situation where you have had to "stand up" for a decision you made, even though it
was unpopular. 4. Describe a situation where you changed your mind, even after you publicly committed to a
decision. 5. Describe a situation that illustrates your ability to analyze and solve a problem. 6. Tell me about a time where you acted as a mediator to solve a problem between two other people. 7. Describe a problem that seemed almost overwhelming to you. How did you handle it? 8. Tell me about a time where you have used a creative or unique approach to solve a tough
problem.
The following general questions will also help you prepare for employment interviews
1. Tell me a little about yourself. 2. Why did you attend Central Ohio Technical College? 3. What led you to choose your major or career field? 4. What college subjects did you like best/least? What did you like/dislike about them? 5. What has been your greatest challenge in college? 6. Describe your most rewarding college experience? 7. Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your academic abilities? 8. If you could change a decision you made while at college, what would you change? Why? 9. What campus involvements did you choose? What did you gain/contribute? 10. What are your plans for continued or graduate study? 11. What interests you about this job? What challenges are you looking for in a position? 12. How have your educational and work experiences prepared you for this position? 13. What work experiences have been most valuable to you and why? 14. Why are you interested in our organization? In what way do you think you can contribute to our
company? 15. How would you describe yourself? 16. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths? Weaknesses? Give examples. 17. If I asked the people who know you for one reason why I shouldn't hire you, what would they
say? 18. What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why? 19. What are your long-range career objectives? How do you plan to achieve these? 20. How would you describe your ideal job? 21. What two or three things are most important to you in your job? 22. Do you have a geographical preference? Why?
Illegal Pre-employment Topics
It is illegal for employers to ask certain questions of candidates. Below are some areas of illegal questioning:
• Marital status and social or living arrangements • Profession of spouse • Race, religion, or national origin • Age • Financial information • Arrests • Height and weight • Pregnancy status and childbearing plans • Number and ages of children or daycare provisions • Foreign citizenship • Academic degrees if not required for the position • Military service discharge information • Social activities as related to social clubs, religious groups, or other organizations which are not
related to your job or workplace. • Disabilities
Questions Asked by the Candidate
Remember: interviews are two-way conversations with a purpose. Thus, you need to ask well-formulated, intelligent questions that demonstrate your knowledge, maturity, and interest in the organization. Equally important, you need to ask questions that will help you assess your fit with an organization. It is important to do your homework and avoid asking questions that are readily answered in organization literature or website.
Here are some examples:
1. Please describe the typical career path of a _________ in this department/organization. 2. How often are performance reviews given? 3. What issues or concerns are facing this department/organization? 4. What are the goals for this department/organization for the near future? 5. What new projects has this department/organization recently undertaken? 6. Why do you enjoy working for this organization? 7. What qualities are you looking for in the candidate who fills this position? 8. Who are the people with whom I would be working? Can you tell me a little about them? 9. What professional development opportunities are available in this organization? 10. What direction do you see this organization going in the future? 11. What is the relationship of this organization with the local community? 12. Do you encourage participation in community or professional activities? 13. What resources would I have to do this job? 14. From your perspective, what is the greatest challenge that the organization faces during the next
year? 15. How would you describe the most successful employees in this organization? 16. What characteristics do you possess that have made you successful with this organization? 17. What do you wish you had known about this organization before you began working? 18. What do you think differentiates this organization from the competition?
After the Interview
Immediately following the interview it's important to submit a simple thank you letter. Thank you letters are an easy way to show gratitude to the interviewer for the time spent discussing your interests and opportunity with the company. These letters can go far in showing competence, good manners, interest, and enthusiasm.
Thank you letters should be clear and concise. They should include a brief statement about when and where the interview occurred, and your expressed thoughts of appreciation.
