Business Cards

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Do people still have Business cards these days? The answer is yes.  Business cards are used for more than just businesses today.  They are a great way to get your name out there without a lot of paper.  It provides a quick snapshot of YOU!

• Your Name
• Phone Number
• Email
• LinkedIn URL
• Twitter Handle
• website - if you have one
• Tag Line - What about you in a quick sentence.

It's easy to do with computer software and Avery Business Card stock.  Or you can try these online sites:

• Vistaprint
• Moo
• Zazzle
• 123 Print
• Staples

In the digital age, having a digital resume located on a personal website is becoming more common.  Having LinkedIn be your source of an electronic resume is also popular - reflecting your work experience and endorsements from co-workers. Technology is great - but having that card can give you the presence of being remembered by that person even better.

How many times have you bumped into someone and wanted to exchange information.  What do you do?  Pull out your phone, create a new contact and type in their info.  Then when you go back into your phone later in time, you question - Who is this person.  I'm sure that happens more than you imagine. Having a Business Card or Personal Card is also a great networking tool for Job Fairs, Interviews, Dinner Parties, Networking events of any kind etc.  You name it you can pass it out!

Ever been to a restaurants where you drop your card in the bowl for a chance to win something?? That's right - makes it easy to participate!  Who doesn't love to win things?

Have you created your personal business card yet?

Let's Do This: In Person Interview

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Prior to reaching the "in person interview" phase, you may have had a number of phone calls with the the company. Well here you are, you made it to the "in person interview" phase. Also known as the "onsite interview". Congratulations! 

Are you ready for this step?  Do you know what to expect and what's expected of you? In this phase you may meet with upwards of 5 people. Each interviewer will have a different style of interviewing - some better than others. You may be asked some pretty interesting and crazy questions like: "If you were a brick, what would you be used for?" Yup that's right, today's interview questions are getting pretty crazy. Why? Well they want to see how you think on your feet!

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Some other questions might be:

• Explain a situation where you had to work in a team:
• what were the dynamics
• how did you communicate
• were there expectations set - how and what were they
• what is the greatest lesson you took away from that experience
• What would you say your top 3 strengths for this position are?
• What would you say are your top 3 development areas for this position?
• Explain what you bring to the table to help us succeed?
• How do you keep yourself and work organized so nothing falls through the cracks?
• Why would you not accept this position if offered to you?

How you present yourself and answer these questions will be the difference of moving forward and receiving an offer or not.  Here are some tips and tricks to get you through:

• Don't jump into the answer - take a deep breath and speak clearly and concisely
• Don't ramble
• Have enthusiasm and be engaging
• Think about your answer - but not too long.  You want to keep the conversation moving along
• Watch how many "Fillers" you use. 
• Fillers are "um's", "ah's", "you know's", "like"...  
• Have a sense of confidence when you speak

It's a 2 way conversation - They are interviewing you and you are interviewing them.

• Prepare questions for each interviewer - Yes you can ask the same question of each person you speak to.  WHY?  You want to compare their answer

When the interview is done - send each person a personal Thank You email:

• Thank them for their time in speaking with you
• Express your interest in the position and working for the company
• Ask any final questions and let them know they can contact you if they have an additional questions.

Remember, Be Yourself - You Can Do This!

Let's Do This: The Phone Screen

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Congratulations, you've made it to the Phone Screen phase.  Now what?  The phone screen is designed to eliminate candidates from the process based on specific criteria the company has created for the position: skills, phone skills, cultural fit, to name a few.

You may be called without an appointment. 

• Be professional when answering
• If they get your voicemail - Be sure you have a greeting so they know they've reached you
• Call back as soon as you can!

You may receive an email to schedule a time to speak.  

• Respond promptly
• Thank them for reaching out to you
• Let them know your availability - give them more than one day and time.

Each company has their own process and interview style.  Some do it better than others, and some are just as nervous as you are!  So what types of styles am I referring to?

• Behavioral:  Past behaviors - "Tell me about a time when you..."
• Situational:  What would you do  - "Tell me what you would do if..."
• Conversational:  Casual Conversation - Getting to know you through a conversation
• Structured:  Probing Questions - Asking lots of questions of you to see how you answer

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for that first call.

• Put the call on your calendar 
• Pick-up when they call - nothing worse than missing a scheduled call
• Be in a place where you can talk, without distractions
• Research the company to find out:
• What they do - products they make, sell, the industry
• Who works there
• Look up the company on LinkedIn to see who works there
• Some have a "Jobs Page" on LinkedIn to show their culture
• Whose the management team
• Why did you apply?
• Why do you want to work there?
• Prepare your answer - But don't be "canned", be natural, and sincere
• What can you bring to the table to help them succeed?
• Give examples of other accomplishments that match their needs
• Show your commitment, work ethic, integrity, and passion for what you do!
• Practice not using "Fillers".  
• Fillers are using words like "um", "ah", "like", "you know". 

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Relax, Breath, Be yourself!  You CAN DO THIS!

College Career Fairs

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So your fall college career fair is coming up and you're not sure if you should go, what to bring, what to wear or what to expect.

Career Fairs are a great opportunity to present yourself to potential employers.  The cool thing is they come to you!  There will be upwards of 50+ businesses that are hiring New College Grads all vying for your attention.

So, where do you start?

1.  Do your research

• Your college will have a directory of represented businesses with a short profile of who they are and what positions are open.  This gives you the ability to research them prior to the fair, so you can pick and choose who you want to present yourself to.  
• Go to their websites and see who they are.  Most businesses have a "What's it like to work here" section on their website.  Check it out to learn more about their culture!

2.  What to Wear

• Dressed to Impress!  Based on the position you are applying for you should wear:
• Guys -  a suit and tie, dress slacks and nice button down shirt with or without a sport coat.
• Ladies - a dress suit, dress with blazer, dress slacks with a dressy blouse.

• What NOT to wear:
• Jeans, shorts, T-Shirt and sneakers or flip flops.

• First impressions say a lot about someone - you want to be remembered for the Good, not the Bad!

3.  What to Bring

• Your Resume  
• Make enough copies to pass out.
• Customize a Cover Letter:
• If you have done your research on each company, customize your Cover Letter to each company you want to speak with.  Put it in an envelope specific to them.
• Why are you interested in their company
• Why you would be a good fit for the position
• ASK for the interview - Let them know your availability for an onsite interview.
• Electronic Profile?
• If you have your resume and profile out on LinkedIn or a personal website, you can present a Contact Card directing them where they can find your resume and other information about yourself.

4.  What to Expect

Have a Plan and stick to it!

• It's going to be a mad house.  Lots of companies, people, and noise.  Don't let that scare you and don't give up!  

5.  Leave a lasting Impression!

• You will have limited time to IMPRESS - so prepare your "Elevator Pitch"/"2 Minute Commercial" about YOU!
• You want to stick out in their minds and be rememberable!  (In a Good Way)
• Firm Handshake!
• Be sure to shake the hands of each and every person you speak with when you introduce yourself, and when you leave!
• Speak Clearly and Concisely - Be Confident!
• Thank them for their time and let them know you look forward to hearing from them to schedule an interview.

In the end - Relax, be yourself and have fun!  

This is your future!