Interview Do's and Do Nots

I see kids come in and out of the revolving doors at my part time job as a front desk concierge for interview after interview. After four years of working there I can pretty much sift through the lames and get to the diamonds in the rough just by first glance and initial greetings. Although most kids are really good applicants they may display some unsavory traits that can cost them a job opportunity.

1. Show up in professional attire. Although we've heard this rule a thousand time we still have people that choose to be unique and break this rule from time to time. OK a little more often! LISTEN college grads, be trendy on guys/girls night out not on your Monday morning interview!

NO!!!!!!!!!

YES!!!!!!!

2. Know your stuff! Do research on the company. Come prepared to ask intelligent questions about the company's products and or services. A lack of this basic knowledge such as goals of the company, and management information is a insult to the employer. This is also a double edged sword. You don't want to apply for a job that you aren't qualified for or really interested in. But if you want the job DO YOUR RESEARCH!

3.Language is also important. You don't want to come off like an air head. Don't use things that you would use in a text, orally or written on paper. For example, TTYL, LOL, profanity, etc. is not acceptable under any circumstances.

4. Just to piggyback off of language, facial expressions are also very important. Everyone loves a smiling face. I advise that you practice in the mirror a little bit everyday. Self control is extremely important. What if the interviewer does something totally embarrassing, is the interviewee suppose to burst out into laughter. I THINK NOT! Work on your poker face.


That's just my two cents on interviewing DO's and DO NOT's!!!

Man On The Street

Inquiring Minds Would Like To Know

"What is the biggest disadvantage that recent college graduates will have to face while looking for work in this job market?"

"The biggest disadvantage that I can see is the lack of jobs available and the lack of funds to pay a decent salary."- James Jenkins Age:18

"Colleges graduates will have a wealth of knowledge but I feel like it has to be accompanied by some outside work such as internships and whatnot. You can't get a job now without any experience."- Stephanie Jolly Age:20's

"Some students won't want to hear that old saying that there is always room for improvement and that could be there down fall in a job market like this one. Companies are much more critical of their employees these days." - Julie Lima Age: 30's

"Definitely the lack of experience is an issue in the mind of the employer. College Graduates have a lot of education, but most have no experience." - Robert Echavarria Age:40's

"The biggest problem will be their work ethic, I think that technology has made this genration lazier than the preceding ones." -RC Wilcox Age:50's

"Coming on the job market today kids will be thrust into a very fast paced environment where competition is much more evident than it was in my time"- Pete Henderson Age: 60's

"The biggest disadvantage is their lack of maturity, some employers in this economy might not be willing to take the risk of highering someone who they feel is still immature"
- Rosa Koonce Age:70's

"They will have to be willing to take jobs outside of their majors. Compromise will be key for this generation."- Thelma Scheinberg Age:80's

One Students Vows That She Will Survive

Real tensions and anxieties are developing at universities all over the country about graduating and moving forward in the mists of such a strained economy. Seniors have more on their plate in regards to career planning than ever before. Most students in order to even get a job in their field of study will have to relocate, take more internships rather than paid positions, and some students are even opting for more intricate and lengthier degrees hoping to wait out the tough job market.

Florida Atlantic University student Nicole Potocki, 24 years of age has decided that Toronto, Canada is the place for her to start her career as a programming assistant for young adult viewers’ network of choice, MTV.

“I’m not applying anywhere in the states because the economy is so bad. I’m going to move to Toronto with my fiancé (Native Canadian). Their money is almost worth as much as ours (USA) and their job market is much more stable than here.”

Potocki, born in Syracuse, NY admits that she will miss the states a great deal and insists that the universities are doing all they can to help students in the gloomy area of job placement but it just isn’t enough.

“I’m planning on attending various workshops given by the career center here on the Boca Raton campus of FAU but I will most likely use the skills that I acquire in Toronto, not here,” Potocki said. “I was laid off three months ago from my desk job and that was the straw that broke the camels back so to speak.”

She is actively taking steps to prepare for America’s job market including looking at some major companies to like BRAVO and CA Vista States. FAU’s workshops are focusing in on lessons aimed to build a student’s salary negotiation skills, interviewing skills, and resume writing skills.

“I’m not worried, I will survive, this is just the major thing that our generation has to deal with at this time. I’m going to accept it and role with it,” Potocki said.

Planning to move to another country is just one extreme that students are taking to get work. This can get very costly but Potocki hopes that one of her six job interests that she has lined up will be well worth the trouble.

*Go to FAU’s website to check out their career center’s events.

Recent College Graduates Up The Creek With Their Diplomas

The economic decline in the United States of America has taken a toll on the whole country. Even before the world wide stock crash some economist had already concluded back in the summer of 2007 that the sub-prime mortgage crisis would result in a recession. It has resulted in the highest unemployment rates since the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Times are hard all the way around and all social classes are feeling the heat. Many would agree that the middle class no longer exists. So the question emerges who has had it the worst?

I’ll tell you who is hurting. First time college graduates. These kids were fed the wholesome when you grow up you can be whatever you want to be speech from conception to graduation but what do they do when the hard cold facts of recession is there to meet them after they get their degrees? Students are keenly aware of these dim and dark realities of today’s job market and are actively seeking ways to get around this employer stereotype of being inexperienced, immature, and not worth their time or resources.

This is what I will explore.

• Public opinion amongst college students about this economic crisis

• Preparation for a tough job market
  

• Tools used to help students achieve their career goals and aspirations

All of this and more coming to your source for college graduate employment.