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Now that the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” have faded and the mortarboards flung in the air have settled back to earth, a whole new generation of job seekers are entering the workforce to compete for the perfect job that will lay the foundation for their career.
Even when equipped with a diploma, a resume and a handful of references, high school and college graduates still have to pass a major test that can provoke more nail biting than a biochemistry final exam.
The oft-dreaded interview can be the most intimidating portion of the job hunting process. Employment insiders, like Anita Pinnow and Dana Zimmerman, understand the challenge of the job interview better than most.
Pinnow has seven years experience as the Freeport branch manager of Manpower, a world-wide staffing agency. Zimmerman has worked seven years at Highland Community College and serves as the coordinator of the Career Services Department. The nature of their jobs allow Pinnow and Zimmerman a perspective that would benefit almost any job seeker.
Avoiding blunders
Even the most qualified candidates can blow their chances at securing a job by committing one or more faux pas during an interview. One of the most obvious, yet most challenging, a candidate’s attitude.
Projecting that yo* think it’s not even worth your time to be there, sends a clear and negative message to the interviewer, according to Pinnow. She explained that demonstrating soft skills, such as politeness and respectfulness, can often be a challenge for otherwise qualified candidates.
Showing up late, wearing unprofessional attire, demonstrating poor hygiene and failing to prepare are all factors an interviewer might attribute to a poor attitude and a lack of interest on behalf of the candidate.
Of course, anxiety can be the causing the behavior, such as poor eye contact or the appearance of aloofness, insincerity or cockiness.
“Sometimes nervousness can be misread,” Zimmerman said. “Because you’re not being yourself, yo* come across as insincere. That is something that could definitely leave a poor impression.”
Zimmerman explained that lack of preparation not only contributes to nervousness, but can lead to other problems.
“Not being prepared - not bringing extra copies of resumes, not preparing for the classic questions that are generally asked at an interview, and not researching a company” are all potential hazards, according to Zimmerman.
Pinnow said another common mistake would be showing “more interest in what the employer can do for yo* than in the interview.”
This error is made when candidates immediately ask about benefits, wages and employee perks rather than focusing on what they can offer an organization.
Zimmerman suggested that job seekers wait for the employer to broach those subjects.
“Generally the interviewee should not bring up the compensation,” he said. “In the second interview, the interviewer will often bring that up.”
If the wages and benefits are a deciding factor for a candidate, Zimmerman suggested asking a human resources representative before the interview. The only time he felt that an interviewee might be the first to mention the subject is if he or she is a candidate who is very qualified with skills that are in high demand.
“The risk can be taken sometimes, depending on their background and skills,” he said.
Pinnow and Zimmerman also emphasized the importance of appearance and neatness.
“Dress at one level above what you’re applying for,” Pinnow said, adding that a clean appearance is key. “Not being clean represents what yo* think of yourself, basically.”
Other tips include paying attention to details. Nails should be trimmed, hair should be neat, clothes should be pressed and shoes should be clean and scuff-free. Attire should be appropriate for the organizational dress code, which can be found through the human resource department. When it doubt, opt to take the conservative route.
Preparing well
Zimmerman aptly described the interview process as a “roller-coaster of emotion.”
Many job seekers go through a number of interviews before they secure a job. The entire process can stretch over a period of months in some cases. Some interviews might not work out and other positions may require multiple interviews.
“That can perpetuate a roller coaster of emotions through that process,” Zimmerman said. “Sometimes the nervousness can be from really wanting that job so badly. Yo* want to do your best and be yourself.”
Preparation is the best way job seekers can help themselves relieve their nervousness and increase their chances at a great interview. This includes researching the company and the job, practicing for the interview, and preparing answers for some of the commonly asked questions.
Company and job research can be conducted through a human resources department, brochures and Web sites. People can go through mock interviews with friends or a career service.
Another option is that people interview for jobs they may not want, but still give it their best shot. Even if they opt to turn down a job, they have practice with the interview process.
Preparing for common and uncommon interview questions gives a job-seeker a chance to shine should a question arise.
Answering questions
Some of the most straightforward questions are the ones that leave people stuttering.
Modesty is an attribute most people are taught from an early age; however, while an interview is a time to be respectful, it is not a time to be overly humble. When it comes down to the final decision, the winning candidates are often the ones who know how to market their skills and abilities.
During interviews, Pinnow often asks candidates to “sell themselves” to her. “Knowing what your strengths are and being able to present them,” is key, according to Pinnow.
Zimmerman gave a number of examples of commonly asked questions that job seekers can use to their advantage or disadvantage, depending on their answer.
“They can be anything from ‘Tell me about yourself,’ to ‘Why do yo* want to work here?’ ‘What are your strengths and weakness?’ ‘Where do yo* see yourself in five years?’ Or, ‘Why should I hire you?’ Those are classic questions,” Zimmerman said.
Many of these open ended questions, such as “Tell me about yourself,” may cause an eager candidate to ramble and bring their personal life into the interview.
Zimmerman advised interviewees to keep their answers focused to the job and the company. Depending on an interviewer’s perspective, information that is too personal may work against a candidate.
When asked to list weaknesses, Zimmerman suggests job seekers offer weaknesses that could be considered a strength to an employer. Answers such as “When I am involved in a work project, I become very focused and tend to lose track of time, and it’s evening before I know it” or “Because I give a 100 percent to my job, it’s challenging for me to work with people who don’t put forth an effort in their jobs.”
“Yo* want to have a spin on your weakness. State your weakness so it could be a positive thing,” Zimmerman explained.
He also said when stating a weakness, a person should indicate the steps they are already taking to improve.
Other questions that job seekers should prepare for are behavior-based questions that require interviewees to refer to a specific situation in the past. Employers may ask candidates to tell them about a time when they were faced with a problem, such as a difficult team member, ethical conflict or tight deadline, and explain how they handled it. Other questions might point to team or individual projects.
In any case, by formulating answers for potential questions, a candidate has the opportunity to offer evidence of their skills to the interviewer. Answers should ultimately demonstrate the candidate’s strengths, such as organizational skills, time management, conflict resolution or creativity.
“Go into the interview with a few short stories. Integrate examples when possible,” Zimmerman said.
Getting the edge
By avoiding interview blunders, job seekers position themselves to leave a positive impression. A sincere presentation, professional attire, eye contact, and clear, concise communication are ingredients for a successful interview.
But it’s the details that can make the difference. For instance, when candidates walk through the door, they should greet the receptionist or assistant with the same sincerity and hospitality they would offer their interviewer.
Zimmerman recommends that people bring extra copies of their resumes, a professional style note pad and pen for note-taking, and a portfolio to the interview. A portfolio is a collection of 15 to 20 items in binder, typically leather bound. It contains work examples, transcripts, and recognition that showcase a person’s skills and abilities.
“Historically, portfolios were used by people in creative positions,” Zimmerman said. “Now-a-days, portfolios can be used for almost any occupation.”
He suggested that people integrate examples from their portfolio throughout the interview as appropriate, rather than waiting until the close to offer the portfolio.
Another simple task that could tip the scales in a person’s favor is a polite follow-up note, thanking the interviewers for the opportunity and expressing continued interest in the job. It can be a typed letter or hand-written note card. Zimmerman recommended sending a note to not only to the manager, but to everyone involved in interview.
A week later, a candidate could also call the company, just to keep in the loop. When all is said and done, a job offer may be waiting at the end of the rainbow.
Getting help
Highland Community College Career Services is open to students and community members. The office provides career and employment counseling, technical assistance and other resources. Call 599-3573 for an appointment or stop by between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at Room 106 in the Student/ Conference Center (Building H).
Career open house
New grads aren’t the only ones who need job seeking help.
Highland Community College and Columbia College are hosting “HIRE ed Open House” Tuesday in the Student/ Conference Center on the Highland campus. Two sessions, offering many of the same options, are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
College representatives will help adults plan for job changes and learn about the support services available to them.
Sessions are:
* 10 a.m. - Before Yo* Start by Michele Miller, director, Small Business Development Center, H210 (repeated at 6 p.m.)
* 10:30 a.m. - Career Decision Making 101 by Dana Zimmerman, Highland coordinator of career services, H206 (repeated at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.)
* 11 a.m. - Presentation on Online Classes by Nancy Barker, Highland academic computing specialist, H201C and H201D (repeated at 5 p.m.)
* 12 noon - Student panel, H209 (repeated at 5:30 p.m.)
* 1 p.m. - Hughes Resources, H210
The sessions range form 30 minutes to 2 hours in length.
In addition, those who attend may also check out class options, get on-the-spot transcript evaluations, learn about tuition assistance, talk with academic advisors and find out what college classes are like.