You’ve spent countless hours studying, building your resume, and practicing your adult voice for interviews. But nothing can replace that split-second moment when your prospective employer sees your outfit.

Lucky for you, unlike all that other stuff, you can nail the perfect look in a single afternoon.

Yet not every interview calls for the same thing. To find the outfit and style that works for you and for them, you have to consider the industry and the setting. And above all you have to remember to be yourself. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to style, so make sure you’re being true to who you are.

Here are five looks that should carry you through the first hurdle of any interview.

Business Formal

Where it works: traditional corporations, grad schools, and professional/conservative offices

The key to nailing the business formal look is keeping your outfit clean and simple. And you can’t go wrong with a classic suit (think colors like black, gray, or navy), dress shoes, and a dress shirt.

If a suit isn’t available, a blazer and slacks can make for an equally confident look, as long as you stick to more traditional colors. And, of course, a high quality tie will bring the outfit together. If you’re especially adventurous, feel free to opt for a matching pocket square.

A blazer on top and a skirt/slacks with a simple white blouse is tried-and-true. There’s also the option of a classic black dress, which can be complemented with a colorful blazer.

Business Casual

Where it works: Start-ups, relaxed office environments, and everything in between

The business casual look is the most flexible in your arsenal. It can mean nice pants or a skirt; a simple blouse, quality flats, or slacks/chinos; or a dress shirt or oxford and well-kept dress shoes.

For places like start-ups and media companies, be sure to do some detective work online. See if you can find the company’s dress code on its website. You can also try scoping out their offices on social media.

What are the people wearing in the company’s promotional materials or Instagram Story? That’s how you should look when you arrive.

Pro tip: Feel free to ask the recruiter or hiring manager how you should dress.

Professional Creative

Where it works: Media companies, freelance interviews, agencies, and casual networking events

Sometimes your style can say a lot about your personal aesthetic, sparkling personality, and distinguishing qualities. Long story short: If you’re interviewing for a position in a creative field, it’s important to convey a sense of professionalism while still getting across what makes you unique.

Here’s where you can experiment with the business casual look. Try a different color blouse, button-down, or blazer, and throw in some well-coordinated accessories (tie/socks/pocket square/jewelry/watch).

Of course, sticking to the classics is always a good option. So, if that’s your style, then embrace it!

The Humanitarian

Where it works: Non-profits, museums/galleries, health care

The world of non-profit organizations contains many different standards for dress. Some offices are more formal, while others have no articulated dress code at all. (Again, you’re going to want to do some detective work on social media and the company’s website to see if you can ascertain how people in their offices dress.)

However, it’s always a safe bet to go for a sharp business casual look. Think nice pants, a simple blouse, and comfortable flats; that can also mean slacks, a dress shirt, and comfortable dress shoes you wouldn’t mind taking an office tour in. (Bowtie optional.)

The Coffee Networking Guru

Where it works: Coffee shops, networking events, business dinners

Networking over coffee can be a boon for your career. But you want to strike a balance between serious and professional, comfortable and hard-working.

So, what does that look like? You could opt for a polo shirt or dress shirt, slacks or chinos, and a comfortable pair of dress shoes or nice (and clean!!) sneakers. You might also go for dark-wash jeans, a simple blouse, and nice shoes.  

But no matter what, make sure you:

Ask before the interview. When you’re scheduling your in-person meetings, ask the hiring managers what the dress code is. They’ll give you the scoop so you can focus on your answers instead of your sartorial decisions.

Find out what the office is like. If you blanked on asking the hiring manager, then do some detective work. Check out the company’s website and social media channels to scope out the office style.

Iron, steam, and clean, clean, clean. Make sure your clothes are clean, your shirts and pants are ironed (or steamed), and everything is crisp and neat. These minor elements can signal a lot about your organizational skills and reliability.

Be yourself. Make sure whatever you’re wearing still speaks to YOU. Embrace your personal style and play around with how you can still be yourself while dressing for the new role.

The post Here’s How You Should Dress For 5 Different Types Of Interviews appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

These Unilever BRAND MANAGERS are responsible for getting AXE products into grocery stores across the country.

Unilever has a simple but clear purpose – to make sustainable living commonplace. They believe this is the best long-term way for the business to grow.

Check out all of Unilever’s open jobs!

Transcript; 

Kevin: From a brand manager standpoint it’s probably the closest you can get to really being be the center spoke of wheel and working a little bit on everything.

Sophie: It’s definitely challenging at times but it’s really cool to see everything come together at the end

Kevin: I think the that Unilever’s is actually a house of brands right is something as kind of not always thought about. You’ll think about the Axe company or the Dove company, but actually we are all working at Unilever.

Sophie: I was looking to marketing like throughout business school and really liked the idea of something more entrepreneurial that was both creative and quantitative.

Kevin: So there are two ways that we look at marketing and Unilever. There’s local marketing and then there’s global marketing. so I work from the local side where I’m very close to day and a P&L. So are we performing. How much are we selling. How much profit are we actually making.

Sophie: I love interacting with people so working with all sorts of different people and they’re kind of the experts in their field.

Kevin: I have individual goals for my campaign is on your campaign meeting its business case. But also are you pushing the brand in certain areas so you know you may be doing well and how that brand situated now, but are you pushing us from a digital standpoint or are you making sure that we’re hitting our target customers.

Sophie: Everyone knows what AXE is when you talk about it, it’s a huge brand. So it’s really fun to work on and see like a different part of personal care and what male grooming is like.

Kevin: Well I mean ultimately I’m a competitive person.

Kevin: So to be in a space where you don’t live in a vacuum like you live in this fluid environment where there’s always something happening I think it’s something that you Unilever cherishes because that’s the nature of what it is that you want to do want to compete. You want to make sure that you’re working on a business that successful.

The post Video: What does an AXE Brand Manager do? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

We all know how stressful and scary interviews can be. You don’t know what hiring managers are going to ask, how much you should know about the company and so many other things. Before you start getting all worked up, take a deep breath and remember that ultimately, if it is meant to be, it will be.

Below are five things I’ve done before heading into nerve-wracking job interviews, and they really helped me keep calm.

1. Remember that employers already like what they see.

Chances are you’ve already given a hiring manager your resume and cover letter, and you’ve made it to the next round! While it’s definitely important to be prepared for some difficult questions about yourself and the company (you can use the WayUp Guide to prepare here), it’s important to remember that the employer’s already shown interest in you and wants to hear all about your experiences. That’s why you’re here in the first place!

2. Do something beforehand that makes you feel confident.

So, you’re about to walk into a room to impress a bunch of strangers. Make sure you can walk into that room like you just won a Grammy. Okay, maybe that’s a bit excessive, but treat yo’ self beforehand, so that you walk in there feeling your best.

Indulging in some of the things you love is a great way to feel awesome before an interview. Listening to your favorite hype song or sneaking a piece of chocolate may make all the difference. As the old saying goes, look good to feel good.

3. Give yourself plenty of time.

Try and wake up at least two hours before the interview. You don’t want to leave a groggy first impression now, do you? Make yourself a nice cup of coffee (if coffee is your thing) and something to eat so you’re as alert as possible. Take some time to go over your notes, and minimize any possible pre-interview morning anxieties.

4. Use Google to your advantage.

You have all the answers on the world-wide-web right at your fingertips. Use it. Research the company beforehand to look into common interview questions (again, did we mention we have all that information for you here?). Remember, there’s no excuse for a lack of preparation, especially in the digital age. You’ll have some peace of mind knowing you looked up everything you could.

5. Get some help meditating.

If you just can’t get rid of those pre-interview jitters, check out some meditation apps. Once again, take advantage of all the billions of resources technology provides at your fingertips! My favorite is the Calm app, but another great one is Headspace.

Remember, this interview is just one tiny part of your life story. If this job doesn’t happen to work out, there will be plenty more opportunities for you down the line. Regardless, this is a learning experience, and you’re going to rock it!

The post Here’s Everything You Need To Prepare For A Nerve-Racking Job Interview appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Making a unique, first impression is difficult to pull off. While sending in resumes to a company you would like to work for is a simple feat, going on to the next round and having a face-to-face conversation with a potential employer is a whole different story.

The best way to learn is from other people’s mistakes, and lucky for you, eight fellow students have been asked by yours truly to share some embarrassing true tales that’ll help you further prepare for any upcoming interviews.

1. Losing The Job Over Lateness

“I was having an interview with a representative of a tech company and it was scheduled for 2pm. Given that it was only 15 minutes away, I left at 1:40. Unfortunately, I hit some traffic on the way there and ended up parking right at 2pm. I rushed my butt inside the building and checked my watch for it to read 2:02pm. When I asked a young receptionist I was here for my interview, she smiled at me and said, ‘Interviews are only for people who are here on time. You lost the job.’ Thinking her smile meant that she was joking, I laughed. Her smile faded and she literally said, ‘Dude, I didn’t know losing your job was comedic.’ I had never been roasted harder than by that receptionist.” – Richard, University of California, San Diego ‘16

Being on time is actually about being five to 10 minutes early. You never want to risk losing your interview time or simply coming in late even by a minute, because that really is the first impression. While you also don’t want to show up ridiculously early for an interview, don’t be afraid to show up at the office with several minutes to spare; it never hurts.

2. Wearing The Wrong Clothes

“Dress to impress, no matter what the job is. I picked up a position at a local restaurant my freshman year of high school, and given that it wasn’t a huge corporate job or anything, I thought I would just go with some slacks and a nice Hawaiian button-up. I got totally called out in the interview by the boss, asking if that’s how I typically dressed up for interviews and he looked very offended. I didn’t get the job, unsurprisingly to me.” – Gabe, Pepperdine University ‘14

Look the part! And even at times when it seems like you don’t need to go full suit, make sure to dress up and look classy. Not sure how to dress for your particular industry or company size? Check out our tips on the WayUp Guide.

3. Not Preparing At All

“Can anyone sympathize with me in thinking how to answer ‘Tell me about yourself’? That is the most difficult question in the world to nail. And when my interviewer asked me that on one occasion, I was holding ‘Uhhhhhhhhhhhh’ for at least 10 seconds. And don’t even get me started on ‘What are your biggest weaknesses?’ Do not say I don’t have any like I did, because pretentiousness is not looked highly upon in the workplace!” – Steven, University of California, Santa Barbara ‘18

Make sure to research common questions asked in interviews because it will definitely come to your advantage knowing what to say and have an idea of what to say. Do this a few nights in advance so you can at least have topics, thoughts, and anecdotes to have in your mind in case a potential employer asks.

And good news: We mapped out how to answer the most common interview questions in our WayUp Guide.

4. Not Giving A Good Handshake

“My film crew got the opportunity to work with a popular director in our county and we had to meet up with him. Apparently, without me even knowing, I left the guy hanging on his handshake from the get-go because I saw something on the ground when we went into his office to meet him. For the rest of the interview, I felt a cold presence from him and I didn’t know until after when my other crew members told me.” – Kyle, Arizona State University ‘14

A strong handshake goes a long way. Wipe the sweaty palms off and rub your hands together right before the interview to get that warm, comforting feeling with your handshake. And don’t be afraid to initiate it!

5. Forgetting Good Body Language

“During my interview, I was definitely tense since this was one of the four accounting firms I wanted to work at. The interviewer also seemed to notice so he simply said to relax and that being nervous is normal. Maybe due to the amount of anxiety I was having, I took the comment a little too literally and slouched very low on my chair. While he didn’t point it on during the actual interview, the recruiter put in a snarky comment on the end saying, ‘I didn’t really appreciate the lack of posture you were giving me,’ and I actually didn’t end up getting the job. Although it probably wasn’t the full reason, I suspect the lack of strong body language had something to do with it.” – Maggie, University of California, Berkeley ‘16

While relaxing is important during the interviews, relaxing too much with a lack of strong body language can show apathy and lack of concern. Although you would not want to overdo this, keep your body straight, put up hands on your lap, and make sure you’re giving the interviewer your full attention.

6. Not Paying Attention

“Always listen and let the interviewer say what he or she needs to say! At my first interview at a funds management company, I wanted to show the interviewer I was really paying attention and attentive, so I just kept saying ‘Yeah’ literally after every five words the interviewer said, so much to the point where she told me to stop and that it was irritating. It was just really awkward after that.” – Sean, Texas A&M University ‘18

You have to make that connection with your interviewer and show that you’re there to listen and follow directions. Listen to when you’re being spoken to and never cut off what your employer has to say; feel free to even wait a second or two before answering. Keep eye contact as well so the interviewer knows he or she has your attention.

7. Giving Off The Wrong Vibe

“Make sure to have the confidence when you’re going into your interview and not be nervous to the point where you lose the job just like that. At one of the first job interviews I had, I wanted to seem eager for the job, but at the same time humble and modest. That kind of attitude cost me big, because the whole interview went well until the end when I said, ‘If I don’t get this job, it’s okay! I’m sure there are better people out there for me, and I’m just happy for the opportunity’ to the employer. This lack of faith in myself kind of gave off the wrong impression to her I think, making her believe I probably didn’t want the job enough. I didn’t get it after having a solid interview, so I believe that to be my biggest fault.” – Julie, San Francisco State University ‘17

Assume you’re good enough to obtain the position you’re interviewing for; you wouldn’t be applying unless you truly believed you could do a good job right?

8. Asking Strange Questions

“Make sure to have questions ready to ask your interviewer to show interest, but also make sure to have the right questions. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and read online forums that all said ask questions at the end of the interview because it’ll show interest. My naive self, however, did not know what specific questions were to be asked, so I asked questions such as ‘What do you like to do in your free time?’ and ‘Where did you get your earrings from?’ The interviewer looked very uncomfortable, and since then, I have made sure to keep my questions job-related, not personal.” – Kate, Biola University ’18

The question portion may be one of the most underrated parts of the interview that can stand you out from the rest. Where can you get a list of questions to ask your interviewer? You guessed it: The WayUp guide has everything you need.

If one were to take anything from this article, just know that being confident and prepared for your interview is key. Ask others who have gone through the same process about their experiences, study beforehand, and even do mock interviews to make sure you’re giving off the best impression. You’ll nail it!

The post 8 Students Share Their Most Humiliating Job Interview Stories (and What You Can Learn) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

By now, most of us have probably caught onto the fact that one of the best ways to show a past, current or future employer that you care is by sending a follow-up note. Notes can be sent after an interview, following a work event or just to let somebody know that you’re thinking of them. A “thank you” is always appreciated, but there is one surefire way to have your words of thanks stand out from all the rest: Write the best thank you card ever!

Even though e-mails are a nice and easy follow up, sending a card shows your competency in writing and organizational skills that employers want to see still hold up in a digital age. Writing a card is not as hard to do as it might seem. Once you put a little effort into the letter writing process, you’ll find it to be fun! Here are five steps to sending out the best and most memorable thank you card.

1. Know How to Properly Format, Address and Send a Letter

You might not think about it often, but when was the last time you hand wrote and mailed a letter? You’d be surprised how many people have never mailed out a note before in their lives! Contents of the envelop aside, the first thing the recipient of your thank you card is going to see when it gets to their mailbox is the packaging it comes in. You can never make a second first impression, but sending a clean, neat envelop is as close as you can get to one! Make sure that you have your name and your address (a return address is always helpful and important) in the upper left-hand corner, and “Company Name, ATTN: Recipient’s Name, Recipient’s Official Title, Company Address” legibly written in the center of the envelop. A stamp in the upper right- hand corner is a must, but make sure the stamp isn’t crooked, ripped or out of season. A snowflake stamp just won’t cut it in the middle of May!

Besides adding your signature at the end, there are lots of great ways to make your thank you letter stand out even beyond contents and format. I highly recommend investing in some notecard stationery sets. Try to find a pattern or style of card that is professional, but also unique. It can either be something that screams you or reflects back to the recipient. Bonus points if you can find a card that relates back to your conversation with the person getting the card!

The ability to send a properly formatted letter once the envelope has been opened shows that you’ve got the whole package. You know what a letter should look like and what it should say. Paying attention to little details such as spacing, a smooth seal, no ink smudges and straight label placement implies that if you are just as meticulous with the “little things,” you can handle larger, pressing and more time sensitive topics when communicating as a trusted representative of your company.

2. Be Timely

What makes any thank you note a good one is being timely. I wouldn’t wait more than the next day to send out a follow-up. People are always busy and have a lot going on; the longer you wait to say thanks, the greater the chances are that they might not remember your name or confuse you with someone else.

Being punctual means that both on paper and in person, you are creating a lasting impression in the mind of a future or former boss by letting their most recent memory of you be a kind thank you. A surefire way to secure that good impression is also to follow up your more traditional note with a thank you email as well, so the recipient knows right away that you are thinking of them, instead of letting time pass by without contacting them as the letter goes through the mail.

3. Be Thoughtful

Inside of your letter, be thoughtful and genuinely express exactly what it is you would like to give thanks to. Instead of just saying something standard and unoriginal like ‘thank you for the great opportunity,” try to think back to the event or conversation you are writing in regards to and pinpoint one to three things that you enjoyed or were impressed by.

Did you learn something new? Mention that. Were you inspired by a speaker or presentation? Tell them why and how. Was there a piece of advice that resonated with you from that day? Quote it in your letter.

Those who go this extra mile in good faith are those more likely to be recognized for their passion and ability to acknowledge that they want to be part of a team effort or success. Gratitude is always greatly appreciated at any stage of the game, and the fact that you went through the trouble of doing things like taking notes, finding their address and official title and even just sending out a clean envelope means you are being thoughtful.

And if you need more help on content, we’ve got a step-by-step guide to being grateful in a thank-you note on our WayUp Guide.

4. Take Notes and Plan Topics Ahead of Time

One way to get around having writers block for thank you notes is to take notes as soon as an event or interview is over, whether it’s on your phone or in a notebook; jot down your overall impressions of the day and anything that really stood out to you. Try to paraphrase important ideas or note key concepts that were brought up in an interview or networking event. When it comes time to write your letter you can just pull out your notes for reference, write a small draft and then put it down in a card.

5. Have Good Penmanship

Your penmanship will also make you easily identifiable in another way other than your face or voice. Write neatly, without spelling errors, and write well, so that in the future, if your work ends up on someone’s desk, he or she already knows you who are by the handwriting and quality of your work.

6. Putting It All Together

When all has been said and done, you ideally want your handwritten thank you note to look something like this:

Hi [person’s name],

I just wanted to take a moment to send you a note to thank you for the positive experience I got to share with you at yesterday’s [insert activity here]. I spent the ride back home following our meeting reflecting on [what stood out to you most], and I think it’s really going to change [5-10 words on what you learned]! I really appreciate your guidance, and  I look forward to the next opportunity we might have to work together.

Thank you again for [what did you most get out of this interaction]. Looking forward to talking again soon!

With appreciation,

[Your name]

Where there are blanks, you will want to make sure you have referred to your note taking and chosen the best moments to showcase in your note. Don’t just choose random points just because they sound “good”- just like with any academic writing, you want to make sure the points relate and flow along in a logical progression.

It doesn’t have to be a long letter, but it does have to be one that shows you are thinking about how your interactions with the recipient will positively impact your career life. If this person seems like someone you would like to work with again and keep contact with, make sure that you allude to the possibility of future collaborations, so that the reader knows you are still interested in them.

Whether networking is done via WayUp and online or through a friend of a friend, separating yourself out from the rest as someone who gives that extra unprovoked effort is a great way to make a lasting impression that goes beyond your online networking accounts. If you wanna have the best reputation, one way to solidify it is by sending the best thank you letter!

The post How to Create the Best Handwritten Thank You Note Ever appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

First impressions are everything, and the struggle to put your best foot forward is never more real than during job interviews.

And while all job interviews can be intimidating, phone interviews can often be the most daunting of them all. After all, how do you know you’re making a good impression if you can’t physically see your interviewer? How will you pick up on facial cues and body language? How can you seem prepared without reading notes? If you’re not sure, here are several key things that’ll help you ace that phone interview.

1. Start Strong

Since you won’t be able to make a physical first impression, you need to kill it on your vocal one. Answer the phone confidently as if you’re expecting it to be your future employer. Have a brief yet effective introduction for yourself prepared and let them know right off the bat that you are ready for this interview.

For example, if you were to be interviewing for a job at WayUp you could say “Hi [name of interviewer], I am thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with you about becoming a [position] at WayUp!” This tells the interviewer that you know what you want, and you’re enthusiastic.

2. Do Your Homework

This should be a basic rule of thumb for any interview, but being prepared to talk shop with a phone interviewer can be even more challenging. In person, you can observe an office and make conversation based on the environment. In this case, any conversation you make needs to be planned.

However, not being in a physical office offers you an advantage: You can keep notes on hand about important aspects of a company and the position. While you still don’t want to read off of what you wrote, you may get a couple of cues you wouldn’t otherwise get during an in-person interview.

3. Be Clear and Concise

Phone interviews are particularly hard because you cannot read the interviewer’s body language. Even on Skype interviews, you can tell how a person is feeling to some extent.

Because of this, it’s crucial that you remain upbeat and clear when you speak. This means no mumbling, “ums” or slang. Refer to the interviewer however he or she is introduced to you, avoid stammering and speak confidently.

Another pro tip: Stand up while you’re speaking; sitting down may cause you to slouch or feel tired. And hey, strike a power pose if you’re feeling it.

4. Let Them Finish

Nothing is worse than an awkward phone conversation. To avoid cutting off an interviewer, be patient and give him or her some time to breathe. Be eager to answer, but be sure that the other person is done talking first.

People will often chime in with more thoughts after they finish their sentences, so that extra second or two is crucial and trust me, hiring managers are used to this when conducting phone interviews!

5. Don’t Let The Call Drag On

“You hang up!”

“No, you hang up!”

This is the last thing you want happening on an interview call. If an employer seems like they are wrapping up your conversation, let him or her do it. Final impressions can be as influential as the first. As long as you are sure an interviewer is looking to hang up, be sure to thank him or her for taking the time, express your interest in the position and let him or her know you are looking forward to hearing from them in the near future. Be polite and be professional, and you will be remembered.

Next time you’re preparing for a phone interview, don’t stress about not being face-to-face, rejoice in the advantages you’ve gained. Have your notes ready, get comfortable and make that call. If you do it right, it could be the call that lands you your dream job.

The post How to Make an Awesome First Impression Over a Phone Interview appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Going into a job interview can be scary, even terrifying. There’s certainly a lot of pressure no matter what role you’re up for; you want to make a good impression, sound knowledgeable and informed and most importantly, get the job, but so much could go wrong.

It’s all pretty intimidating, but knowing these seven simple tips will help to improve your performance and confidence levels!

1. Do Your Homework Ahead of Time

By simply googling the company, you can gain some helpful insights into what the company expects of its employees and the goods or services they provide. This will also prepare you for what you’ll be facing in the interview and makes you look good if you get asked questions specific to the company.

Looking into the company may also give you some questions to ask your interviewers. You can also be prepared by rehearsing some answers to common interview questions and things that you think might be asked in your interview. Here are some examples of what to look for when you’re doing your research:

• What are the responsibilities of the role you are pursuing? How does that role fit into the company at large?
• Who are the important people in the company?
• What is the company’s history?
• What direction is the company currently headed in and how will you fit into that?
• Do past employees have anything positive or negative to say about the workplace?
• What does the company’s social media and larger digital presence look like?

2. Dress Appropriately

This is so much more than dressing “professionally.” How you dress in an interview reflects how prepared and knowledgeable you are about the role you are pursuing.

In terms of general don’ts, avoid wearing jeans and clothing with tears or holes. If you have no idea where a company falls on the spectrum of formality, you can never go wrong wearing a nice button-down shirt, slacks or skirt, and dress shoes. Feel free to add any accessories or jewelry that are minimal but show personality. And remember: If you’re unsure of how to dress, it’s always better to dress up rather than down, but be careful not to go too far (for example, don’t wear a ballgown to the interview!).

I would also recommend checking out a company’s website and social media pages to see what employees are wearing in those photos.

And if you need more tips, our WayUp Guide has more tips for how to dress for a more traditional corporate setting versus a smaller startup company.

3. Open With a Firm Handshake

I cannot stress the importance of this enough! Your handshake is one thing you should definitely practice ahead of time, as it’s crucial you get it right. If you don’t, you’ll spend the remainder of the interview trying to repair a poor first impression instead of adding to it.

For a good handshake, make sure you are grasping the person’s hand firmly; don’t give a soft squeeze or go all dead-hand on someone. Try to avoid clammy and damp hands as well as overly dry hands. Make sure you maintain eye contact during the whole handshake, which will usually last two to three seconds. Also, beware of using scented lotions or other products, as some people might be allergic to them – and that definitely won’t leave a good impression!

4. Repeat the Question at the Beginning of Your Answer

This will make sure that you understood the question you’re being asked and will give you some time to think of an answer. If the question has multiple parts, break it down and repeat each section with its respective answer.

For example, a common question is to list your greatest strength and weakness. Obviously, no one wants to tell a possible employer about their weaknesses, but how you answer will paint a picture of how you deal with it and are working to improve it. If possible, try to list your weakness first, but make it clear that that’s what you’re doing. I usually follow that by telling interviewers what I’m doing to improve that particular quality. Next, tell the interviewer that you’re moving on to address the strength question. This one can also be tricky because you don’t want to sound like you’re bragging, but you also shouldn’t sell yourself short.

(If you want help answering questions about your greatest strengths and weaknesses, we have comprehensive guides to those here and here!)

5. Don’t Forget to Ask the Interviewer Questions

This goes back to having done your homework. Asking questions shows that you know a little about what you’re getting into and that you’re willing to learn. This also breaks up the interview so that the interviewers aren’t the only ones asking questions. Your goal is to create a conversation with the interviewer so that he or she can get to know you on a more personal level.

This would also be the time to ask about the things that weren’t listed on the job posting, like what a typical day at the company in this role looks like as well as some problems the company has faced and how it plans to move forward in the future.

6. Remember to Relax

This is probably the hardest thing to do during an interview because everyone’s nervous. However, like the handshake, smiling and showing that you’re comfortable creates a good impression and shows that you’re friendly and open to meeting new people.

This also relates to being aware of your body language throughout the interview. Avoid fidgeting or anything that would distract from your answers. I always make sure when I go into an interview that my hair is pulled back and out of the way so I’m not tempted to play with it. Make sure your nails are well-trimmed so that you’re not picking at them, and shave or trim any facial hair if you need to. Be mindful of where your hands are placed, preferably in sight, and that you’re not rocking in your chair, especially if it’s a swivel chair. Avoid crossing your legs if possible and definitely don’t slouch. Your whole body language should be positive and focused.

7. Thank Your Interviewers

After an interview is over, it can be easy to rush out and heave a huge sigh of relief, but there’s one thing you need to make sure you do first: Thank the interviewer(s). Everything about your interview should be genuine, but this especially. This is your closing impression because chances are, you’re not going to encounter these people again until you get the job there.

Before I leave the interview, I always make sure to include a handshake with my thank you and address each interviewer by name when I thank them. I’ll also throw in a line like “Thanks for taking time out of your day to meet with me” or “I look forward to hearing from you.” After you get home and the stress of the interview is over, send them an email or even a personal note thanking them again (if you need help with this, here’s some advice on how to write a great thank you note!). Even if you don’t get the job, this looks very professional and creates a lasting positive impression of you.

Nothing beats practice and experience when it comes to rocking an interview, so make sure you prepare before going into an interview and remember these crucial points. There are a lot of do’s and don’ts, so it’s important to remember why you’re applying for this job and why they should hire you. You have lots of valuable and unique skills and experiences, so don’t sell yourself short!

The post 7 Strategies That’ll Take Your Job Interviews to the Next Level appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

No matter how many of them you have been on, interviews are a nerve-wracking experience for everyone. Though you might not be able to rid yourself of the jitters entirely, you can make any interview less stressful with ample preparation, and who better to use as a preparation role model than Parks and Recreation’s Leslie Knope?

Even though Leslie can be extremely tenacious, she did get the job at the Pawnee Parks Department even after yelling at the hiring manager and future boss, Ron Swanson. Here are seven interview tips from Leslie Knope that’ll help you land the job.

1. Research, Research, Research

It is never a good idea to go into an interview and wing it. Researching a company and its work environment can make any interview more enjoyable. It can be awkward when a hiring manager gives you time to ask questions and you have no questions to ask, and likewise, it can be off-putting if you do not have any company or industry-specific inquiries.

A brief analysis of a company’s website and social media handles can inspire some questions about the organization. Don’t be afraid to write these questions down in a notebook. If you find something about a company that could be completed more efficiently, or if you have an idea for a new company product, scribble it in your notepad. If you’re prompted, hiring managers will be impressed by both your knowledge of the company and enthusiasm to work.

2. Stay Organized

You can’t leave a good impression if you’re shuffling through papers when you enter the conference room. A lot of hiring managers request applicants to bring copies of their resume, portfolio samples and even supplemental application materials. It would be embarrassing to hand out your resumes to the hiring manager after they have been wrinkled or bent in your bag.

Getting organized for an interview can take quite a bit of time and effort. Take a tip from Leslie Knope and get a professional folder or padfolio to organize all of your interview materials (and your notes). A “padfolio” will help keep your papers flat, plus it looks super professional. Take it from Leslie, who always impresses with her detailed binders.

3. Treat Yo’self

The best way to ease your nerves is to enjoy one of your favorite meals the night and/or morning before the interview. Giving yourself a small treat can boost your self-confidence. Just make sure it’s something light that won’t make you feel gross while you’re talking to a hiring manager!

4. Prepare With Friends

While your bestie can’t come to your interview with you, he or she can help you prepare for your big day. Hiring managers can throw you a lot of curveballs during an interview, so instead of stumbling on your own words, have your friends ask you some tough questions about your past jobs and internships. While it is important to practice answering difficult questions, it is more important to cultivate answers to a variety of questions.

Consider answering questions about your weaknesses, strengths, specific projects and about your hobbies. A lot of candidates get caught up when hiring managers ask them to talk about themselves. The question is very open-ended, so it can catch anyone by surprise. It’s important to test different answers from what you like to do in your free time and how it relates to your past jobs or even your dream job.

If you want to conduct your mock interview in true Leslie Knope style, you could even wear your go-to interview attire. If you don’t have a favorite interview outfit, your friends can judge your professional wear during an informal fashion show.

5. Give Yourself a Pep Talk

Some self encouragement can go a long way. Along with aiding in relaxation, pep talks can also help kickstart your endorphins and dopamine levels. Rehearsing your best motivational speech to yourself could be the key to landing the job.

As corny as it might seem, pep talks in front of a mirror can boost your confidence before an interview, a meeting and even a presentation. Tell your reflection how you would be a valuable member to that company. Don’t hold back; tell yourself how your superb scrapbooking can increase your future employer’s revenue.

Even if you aren’t comfortable talking to yourself in front of mirror, you can still give yourself a pep talk. Try writing some skills that you have mastered or attributes that make you a good employee and team player. Jot down some adjectives and adverbs that describe you and your work. Read this list back to yourself, or have a friend read it back to you.

6. Stay Optimistic

The days leading up to an interview can give any qualified candidate a healthy dose of doubt. Nevertheless, it is important to channel Leslie Knope’s enthusiasm, so you can stay optimistic. Think of how many jobs and internships you’ve accrued and how you have learned from them. Focusing on how far you have come since your first job can give you a positive mindset.

Even if you’ve never had a job before, try to think of accomplishments you’ve acquired through your extracurricular activities or even your hobbies. You can also use any examples of your accolades and attributes to talk about yourself during an interview.

7. Get Some Sleep (Just Not Too Much)

Being well rested for an interview is arguably the most important preparation tip. Although everyone yawns, hiring managers can view yawning as a sign of boredom or disrespect during an interview. Getting between eight and nine hours of restful sleep can make you feel more alert. Just make sure you do not get too much sleep, because excessive sleep can have the same effect as sleep deprivation.

Most importantly, don’t forget to celebrate after a successful interview. Even if you don’t feel like you aced your interview, you should still rejoice. Practice makes perfect with interviews. There is always something to be learned from each interview experience, so pat yourself on the back for continuing to grow and learn. Now, channel your inner Knope and party on!

The post 7 Ways to Channel Your Inner Leslie Knope When Preparing for an Interview appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Interviews are increasingly important, as they will make or break your dream job opportunity. How can you make sure that every interview is incredible? Here are 11 traits of people who constantly rock their job interviews.

1. They Do Their Research

Research your potential employer’s website, blog, social media, press, quarterly reports and anything else you can find. Bringing concrete numbers to the table and understanding every part of a business shows that you’re interested and star interviewees know that.

2. They Clean Their Social Media Profiles

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, 92% of companies use social media for their recruitment, with one in three employers rejecting candidates based on something they found in their social profiles.

3. They Don’t Change Up Their Routines

Instead of drinking lots of coffee or taking medication you think might help you, make sure that you stick to your regular routine. That espresso shot will just make you jittery, nervous and overenthusiastic.

4. They Use the “Iceberg Strategy”

Just like in an effective opening paragraph for a paper, the “iceberg strategy” can be used effectively here.

How does it work? Expose enough about you that you are interesting and the employer wants to hire you, but not so much that you only talk about yourself and bore your interviewer. Combine your professional and personal life so that you discuss how you have been shaped by your experiences and how they have brought you to this perfect potential job today.

If you want more help with this, check out contributor Peyton Murry’s advice on crafting a rockstar elevator pitch here.

5. They Put Thought Into Their Appearance and General “Vibe”

In order to be taken seriously, your mannerisms as well as appearance must be impeccable. Wear something that is special to you that could be a conversation starter; maybe it’s a piece of jewelry from your latest travels or something that represents your culture or heritage.

Additionally, before the interview, find a mirror and repeat these mantras to yourself: “I am confident, I am strong and I will achieve anything and everything I want.”

6. They Focus on Showing What They Can Bring to the Table

We’ve talked to recruiters in the past, and they’ve told us that they look for professionalism, appearance, behavior-based answers (“In my last role, I did…”) and straightforward results.

By combining your past experiences with research into the company and where it’s going, you’ll show a hiring manager what kind of impact you can make for his or her team in the future.

For example, you could say something like, “Through my leadership as Vice President of the Habitat for Humanity club on campus, I was able to use my love for community service to create a strong organization dedicated to the benefit of others. We raised over $10,000 and built over 100 homes under my leadership, and given those experiences, I think I could add a lot to the development team here as a Fundraising Intern.”

7. They Set Themselves Up as a Team Player

It’s a well-known fact that the best teams are comprised of a number of different personalities who bring a variety of talents to the table. Before heading into an interview, think to yourself, what personality traits do I bring to the table, and how will they benefit this specific workplace and my future team’s goals?

8. They Come Overly Prepared

Always carry an extra resume (I would even say three or four so that you can distribute multiple if asked!), and come with a pen and paper as well as lots of questions (here’s a great list of what to ask your interviewer!).

Make sure you’ve already talked to your references, so that they know to potentially expect a call or email, and release your college transcript information if an employer has mentioned needing it in the future. All of these steps will keep any hiccups from forming during your application process and make you seem better than the rest.

9. They Recognize Their Flaws and Pose Solutions

Rather than saying something like, “I have a hard time with being a perfectionist” (all employers groan at this), talk about an actual area of improvement and show how you’ve worked on it.

For example, say something like, “In the past I have struggled with my time management; I have a tendency to want to do a lot, and sometimes it leads to too much to do and not enough time to create quality work. To combat this issue, I’ve done a number of things: I created a color-coded calendar to keep track of deadlines, and I also create daily and weekly to-do lists to track my progress. Furthermore, I ask a simple question before I sign onto anything now: ‘What does this position do that I’m not getting from my other commitments?’”

For more information on how to rock these questions about weaknesses, check out this article in our WayUp Guide.

10. They Reveal Their Experience With Questions

At the end when it’s your turn to ask some questions, incorporate your experiences to further show you’ve paid attention and done your homework.

For example, you could say something like, “I wrote as a contributor for WayUp and received 5,000 shares on one of my articles. Will this position provide more opportunities for me to use blogging and social media management techniques?”

11. They Stay in Touch

Grabbing the interviewer’s business card and sending a thank-you email (or better yet, a handwritten note!) will not only show that you are interested but that you also take a hiring manager’s time and effort seriously.

Pro tip: Allow yourself to be filled with gratitude as if you have already received the job, and imagine yourself being congratulated for your acceptance as you write your thank-you note!

To recap, make sure you are prepared for your interview with data and knowledge about your strengths, and recognize how you can use your flaws to grow.

The post 11 Secrets of People Who Always Nail Job Interviews appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Job interviews are stressful enough as it is: Your hands sweat the whole time, you stumble through your answers and you develop a stutter that came without warning, so don’t even get me started on what you should be doing before you even head to an interview.

Some might overlook the entire interview preparation process, but as a college senior who has been to dozens of interviews, I have plenty of horror stories that could’ve been easily avoided had I taken more time pre-interview to get it together. Trust me, you don’t want to repeat what I did.

1. I Missed an Interview and Then Lied About It

After applying and hearing back for an internship at a local radio station during finals week of my junior year, I ended up missing the scheduled interview because I mixed up the days. After reading the email confirming the interview and not writing it down, I ended up realizing it only an hour after it was supposed to happen.

I told the employer that a final had ran late, so I couldn’t make it that afternoon and rescheduled for a later date. Moral of the story? Triple-check when your interviews are (WayUp actually has an interviewing scheduling tool), and more than anything, don’t lie!

2. I Wore a T-Shirt With Half-Naked Marilyn Monroe on It

Over the summer, I usually live and work somewhere other than where I go to school, and employers usually want to interview people in April or May. It would be a bit of a commute to interview across the country and make it back for class all in the same day, so thankfully, some employers will agree to a video interview.

This all seems straightforward enough, but in my case, I not only forgot what time the interview was, but because of this, I also had to rush to the interview donning a t-shirt that had a scantily clad celebrity on it.

That day, I wore a shirt featuring a half-naked Marilyn Monroe but planned on changing well before my interview that afternoon. In the span of a minute, my dog began to uncontrollably bark at the innocent UPS man at the door and my future employer video-called me for our interview. He not only saw my black lab barking like Cujo but also the unmistakable figure of Marilyn printed on my body.

Note to self: On the day of an interview, don’t wear a shirt featuring half-naked Marilyn.

On top of noting down when the interview is scheduled, if you have a video call interview scheduled, don’t wear anything scandalous. Stick to the professional clothing as much as you can that day because they could end up calling earlier than you expected.

3. I Didn’t Research a Company Beforehand (and Almost Joined a Scam)

Last summer, I applied to a position with a company that was looking for active participants interested in helping with the protection of Minnesota’s ecosystems. Of course, the Captain Planet inside me screamed with excitement and I agreed to an interview without even really looking into the company.

That was a mistake.

Showing up to an interview without knowing exactly what the company does would be like showing up to a midterm without having ever showed up for class. This is also a very good time to recommend at least looking into employee reviews that you can find with a simple Google search.

After doing the research after my interview, it turns out, the company that had reached out to me lures optimistic college students in with hopes of saving the world and what not, but it doesn’t actually do anything outdoors other than make employees canvass in local communities. This meant going door-to-door asking people if they would like to donate and learn more about protecting their local ecosystems from pollution and construction projects. They also had thousands of one-star ratings all across the board and were known to fire people if they didn’t meet their quotas of signatures each week.

The bottom line? Lots of time and energy would’ve been saved on my part and their part if I’d just headed to Google before heading over the the job application and subsequent interview.

4. I Lied on My Resume

While working at a call center for a test scheduling company one summer, it was mildly embarrassing to explain to my supervisor that my fluency in Spanish and French that were listed on my resume extended to the comprehension of two semesters of each in school.

During the interview, I knew I was under-qualified for the position so I added a couple things that I thought would make me look better. I was far from fluent in both French and Spanish, and once I started the job, I’d forward all of the non-English calls I got to some other representative. Part of the reason I had to eventually go to my boss was out of guilt for not being able to help those innocent callers, but also because there had been a growing number of Spanish calls being forwarded around to tellers and nobody knew who was doing it. Yikes.

Lying on your resume is a horrible practice that could lead you to becoming the office embarrassment for a place you don’t even work at. Noting that you have skills and experience you actually don’t have in your arsenal could lead to some pretty awful situations. You’ll be put on the spot and have to make a stage exit similar to Ashlee Simpson getting caught lip-syncing her own songs on Saturday Night Live.

5. I Came Off Too Cocky

If I were an employer, humility would be one of the golden traits that I would look for in a future employee. Nobody likes the overly cocky office tool who talks about his weekends partying with D-list celebrities and puts on his sunglasses before leaving the building. Don’t be that guy.

While interviewing with the owners of a quirky hat shop in a hipster-populated area of Minneapolis, I didn’t realize until after that I had talked myself up way more than what was necessary. I had answered every one of their questions while somehow making it relevant to something about me (and not in a good “self-promotion is awesome!” way).

I am far from the D-list-celebrity-partying-sunglasses-in-the-office guy, but I had just come from working in a leadership position elsewhere, and I was still living off of my past glory. The hiring managers had apparently thought the same thing and didn’t offer me a position after thinking I could just survive off of my ego.

Cockiness can be a very hard trait to overcome because, like myself, you’re proud of all the accomplishments you’ve achieved so far in life. We all get that you’re proud, but don’t live in the past. Employers are looking for those interested in making a change in their life with the help of their company. They don’t care about all of the great things that happened in your last job; they’re looking for someone open to new experiences and looking to the future. It’s not healthy to be living in the past, and it can also deter you from getting that much desired job.

Everyone has their own interview horror story, but it’s important to realize what went wrong and how you can improve for the future. Learning from your mistakes and making sure no careless errors are made could land you the dream job you’ve always wanted. As for me? Let’s just say I’m googling companies way earlier now, and I put that Marilyn Monroe t-shirt in the back of my closet.

The post 5 Totally Avoidable (and Utterly Cringe-Worthy) Mistakes I’ve Made In Job Interviews appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Tomorrow’s the big job interview and you need a quick refresher on tips and tricks to set yourself apart from the others. Quickly surfing the internet, you find that there are thousands of articles handing out perfectly crafted answers to the most basic and expected interview questions.  

However, there is one answer to a question you can’t simply steal from the internet: The infamous “elevator pitch,” a broader version of the good, old-fashioned “Tell me about yourself.” It’s a basic question commonly mistaken as a slam dunk (after all, you know how to talk about yourself, right?), but it can throw even the best interviewees off their game. You may ask yourself, where do I begin?  What is my interviewer looking for in my answer? Thanks to the elevator pitch, you’ll have all your questions (and your interviewer’s) answered, all in one.

First Thing’s First, Remember to Keep It Short ‘n’ Sweet

Because your future employer doesn’t need a history lesson about your past, merely sprinkle the highlights, preferably the ones best representative of your skill set, goals and work ethic.  

Introducing the elusive elevator pitch, where you pretend you’re in an elevator with your interviewer and have roughly 30 seconds to leave the best possible impression of yourself before reaching your hypothetical floor.

Just like being on a date, your interviewer wants to know what your intentions are. Are you going to be in it for the long haul or is this all fun and games for you? A good place to start is to articulate your goals in the context of the industry of the job you’re applying for.

Ask yourself, what is it that you’re striving for? Buying a big house one day and sleeping on a pile of cash is not a goal, but a fantasy. A goal is something to be achieved in growing as an individual or a milestone to be reached in order to measure your progress and success. A well-developed goal is one that is specific but reachable and broad enough to guarantee a little wiggle room.  

Now that you’re thinking about the point of your elevator pitch, here’s how to break it down in 30 seconds.

Seconds 0-10: So, What’s the Plan?

Once you’ve established your goals, explain your plan of action in 10 seconds. How do you expect to get where you want to go? This is the point in which you display your ideas for the future, driven by your insatiable will to succeed, fueled by the harbored passion already invested in your interest for the industry. What are you doing to make these goals your reality?

Seconds 10-20: Great Ideas, But Why Do We Need You?

In the next 10-15 seconds, explain what exactly makes you crucial to any operation. Why can’t this employer just take your ideas and hire somebody else to execute them? You need to figure out what makes you indispensable to the team. Allow your uniqueness to shine through; what is it that got you here today? As far as I know, you have access to the internet in order to read this article, so you must be doing pretty well.

Second 20-30: Wait, Who Are You Again?

Finally, in your last 5-10 seconds, end with something memorable, something that leaves your interviewer reeling even after the interview is long over and he or she is sitting silently in their dimly lit kitchen over a late night cup of tea.

One of my favorite ways is to leave them with a question or comment centered on genuine interest in the job. A good question would be one that shows your interviewer you’re definitely wanting to excel; it can also make you seem knowledgable regardless of your qualifications.

If you’re lacking experience, for example, a good follow up question when you’re applying to a local government-related position would be, “I have experience collaborating with others and taking leadership roles in social projects through my Rotary volunteer club; would it be difficult to jump right into facilitating policymaking on a larger scale?” It can leave an impression on your interviewer that you are prepared and capable and that you know exactly what you’re talking about.

With this breakdown of the elevator pitch, you’ll be able to confidently paint the picture of yourself, where you’ve been, who are you now and where you’re headed, all with the potential employer in mind, therefore, aligning with what he or she is looking for in a future employee.  

Here’s an Example

“I am a [academic year] student at [name of college]. I was involved in set design and costume making for student run play productions in our drama department. I’m really interested in working on more of the creative and administrative sides of technical theater and was set manager for our most recent musical. I love the collaboration and teamwork behind set designing and modeled our last set for [insert production name] after my own grandmother’s living room. Because I’ve worked on these smaller projects in smaller venues, I’m wondering how different the pace is when applying what I’ve already learned to a much larger production, hence why I was so interested in [name of role].”

Feel free to head to the WayUp Guide for more information and examples.

Cheers to never being tongue-tied again.

The post How to Answer One of the Hardest Interview Questions in 30 Seconds appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether we would like to admit it or not, all of us make mistakes in interviews. The key to acing your I-Banking Interview is to avoid the mistakes that students frequently commit. However, in order to do this you need to understand what those common traps are so that you can prepare and learn from the mistakes of others. This is why we wrote “The Ultimate Guide to Wall Street & Silicon Valley Careers”, to give you a glimpse into how it should be done from folks who have been there!

In this blog post, we will dive deeper into the advice given in Chapter 3: Interview Questions & Suggested Answers. Here are the 3 most critical interview mistakes to avoid in order to land the job.

(Ever made one worse? Own up to it and share in the comments section!)

Mistake # 1 – Lack of Preparation

This tops the list of I-Banking Interview mistakes. Most of the candidates are not well prepared for facing the Investment Banking interview. The problem primarily lies with the technical questions. Candidate needs to be prepared to answer questions about valuation techniques, basic accounting, and formulas in MS Excel without wasting too much time.

Mistake # 2 – Too Prepared or “Robotic”

Second on the list is sounding too rehearsed in your interviews. Candidates memorize the answers to the level that for interviewer it becomes very easy to identify that whether candidate is speaking naturally or just giving a memorized story. An interview must come across as a natural conversation and not a script. How else is the interviewer supposed to assess whether or not you are a cultural fit for the bank? You should strive to remember high level points while studying, but not a word for word response.

Mistake #3 – No research of the company

If you are in the middle of an interview and you have not done enough research on the bank itself then, you are committing the third big mistake. One should do proper company analysis, its competitors, market position, company culture, and anything else that will help set you apart from other candidates.

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Got it? Good! Now go get started prepping to crush your interview for a prestigious summer internship!

The post 3 Interview Mistakes to Avoid in Finance appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Job interviews are an intimidating but necessary part of the job search process, as they allow potential employers to get a sense of how you’ll fit at their company and give you the opportunity to see how you really feel about a company in real life and not just from its website.

But what if your job interview doesn’t go exactly as planned? Luckily, plenty of other people have been there.

Five professionals are breaking down their most avoidable job interview mistakes and what they learned from them. And once you’re done, you’ll be able to put your best foot forward every time.

1. Bashing a Previous Employer

My biggest job interview mistake was when I was trying to move on from my first job out of college. Like many new grads, I had taken the first position that paid a salary and was remotely connected to my degree, and after six months, I was more than ready to move on.

I somehow landed an interview at a well-known media website, and when the hiring manager asked me why I wanted to leave my current job, I unloaded everything I hated about the [previous] company and its management. I knew it was wrong (you never bash an employer during an interview!), but I was so fed up with the place that I couldn’t seem to stop myself from ranting.

The interviewer could tell I was pretty young and was kind about the situation, and even sympathized with my plight. But she ended the interview noting that I “might not be ready” for this job; she said I should take some time to think about what I really wanted in my career, rather than trying to take any job as an escape route. That advice always stuck with me, and now I’m in a job I love because of it! – Nicole

File this under huge career no-no’s: Never bad-mouth previous or present employers. It never turns out well for the person talking trash, and it says way more about you than it does about the company you’re ranting about.

2. Not Researching Direct Supervisors Beforehand

When I was just out of college and looking for my first job in New York while still living in Georgia, I had a phone interview for an Executive Assistant position at Forbes, where I would have been directly reporting to two editors in particular. When my interviewer, a person in HR, asked me what I knew about the editors I’d be working under, I didn’t have anything to say because I hadn’t researched them AT ALL. I spent more time reading about the history of Forbes and its modern editorial content, which was fine but really not that related to the position I was interviewing for. I stumbled through some kind of answer, but it was really embarrassing, and I didn’t have a second interview.

Basically, I learned that I need to pay more attention to the job description/specifics, not the company in general (although that’s definitely ALWAYS a plus). Also, to plan for the job I’m actually interviewing for, not the job that I maybe wish I was interviewing for).

And always research the person you’re interviewing with and the person who will be your direct supervisor if you can. – Stephanie

Make sure you don’t just research the company as a whole; think about what you’ll need to know about your potential supervisor(s) and the role itself. Then ask yourself: How can I eloquently show that I know these details in my interview?

What are some things to look up in advance? We’ve outlined this in point #2 of this article on putting your best foot forward when initially applying to jobs.

3. Not Handling Difficult Questions About Previous Job History Well

I had a job interview once in which my interviewer was not convinced I was interested in his company’s work. Because my resume had a lot to do with sexuality activism and writing, he was convinced I would be bored with no clients related to that field. I tried countless ways to show him that I was interested in expanding my horizons as a young professional, but to no avail.

I wish I had said more clearly in the interview why my past experiences had given me skills that spanned into multiple career paths. Even though I didn’t perform perfectly in the interview, I knew I was being judged for my slightly scandalous resume that said “SEX” all over it. I knew that someone who didn’t trust my word and was hung up about my interest in sexuality was not the right boss for me. – Gwen

As Gwen learned, trying to show hiring managers and potential employers that your skills from one job or industry are transferable in another can be tricky.

How can you go about showing that these skills can apply even though they may seem unrelated on the surface? First, be honest in acknowledging that your previous jobs aren’t necessarily the same thing as the role you’re applying for. Then, be clear about the skills you bring to the table (make sure they relate back to the job listing) and provide at least one or two concrete examples that prove your point.

Here’s what this answer looks like in practice: “On the surface, it may look like being a receptionist is different than being an account relationship manager. However, both roles call for someone who is effectively forms bonds, manages expectations and requests from others, and is extremely organized at all times. During my time as a receptionist, I had to keep track of our office logistics, interact with clients over the phone and in-person and make sure the office as a whole ran smoothly.”

4. Getting Psyched Out Before the Interview Even Begins

My biggest job interview regret would have to be getting overly anxious. When I [got] anxious I would up talking in circles and sounding far less articulate. It’s something I’ve always struggled with while being interviewed for jobs and has definitely cost me a job opportunity or two that would have been great experience to have under my belt.

The instance that stands out in my mind would have to be the day I interviewed at a well known magazine company for an internship after finishing my freshman year of college. Of course I knew it would be a long shot due to my age and inexperience in the field, but I went for it anyway and was called for an interview. I felt confident before walking into the room, but ultimately I let my anxiety take control and I wound up stumbling over my words and searching for answers to questions regarding something as simple as my work history. I looked unraveled and unprofessional in that moment.

The best way that I’ve learned to deal with my anxiety in regard to interviews would have to be when I take a moment to be real with myself. I will take a deep breath and tell myself that if this interview doesn’t work out, it will not be the end of the world and I will survive, and move on to the next. I’ve also realized that the more interviews I have gone though, the more confident I’ve become with my answers, my presentation and my overall poise. The most important thing for me in regards to squashing my anxiety is recognizing my anxiety when it comes on, but knowing that I’m confident enough in myself and my skills to push it aside and stay calm, cool and collected for my interview. – Hope

Regardless of why you’re psyching yourself out, feeling intimidated or defeated before walking into an interview is more common than you think. But the more prepared you feel to answer questions and confident in your abilities to do the job, the better you’ll be.

5. Addressing the Person Incorrectly

While applying for internships, I accidentally sent a cover letter addressed to a “Mr.” when it should have been a “Ms.” It was an androgynous name, and I almost considered double checking the gender of the recipient before I sent it but I was thought, “nah, what are the odds of me being incorrect?” BIG MISTAKE.

Somehow, I still secured a phone interview. Right before the interview, I googled the person I was interviewing with–starting with her Twitter account. Not only did I realize my mistake, but I saw that on the day I sent in my cover letter, she tweeted that she had “received yet ANOTHER email addressed to Mr. [name redacted].” I started panicking and figured that she had just set up a phone interview with me to call me out.

So as soon as I got on the phone, before we started the interview, I told her that there was one thing I had to tell her before we got started–that I was mortified that I addressed her by the wrong title, but that I had learned my lesson and would not do it again if I got the internship. It worked and now I ALWAYS Google a person before emailing them. And, I learned that the best way to fix a mistake is to address it immediately. – Anna

While this last story isn’t one of an in-interview blip, there are 3 great takeaways here:

• Research, research, research before heading into a job interview.
• Never make assumptions about anyone’s identity (gender, sexual orientation, race, the works).
• Admitting to a sizable mistake is often a lot better than pretending it didn’t happen or trying to overcompensate.

Job interviews are daunting for everyone, and sometimes they don’t go your way. Learn from your mistakes, and know that the more interviews you do, the better you’ll get.

Cover image courtesy of Wellington College.

The post 5 Professionals Reveal the Most Avoidable Job Interview Mistake They Made appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Last year, I had a student who told me that his uncle had given him an interview suit as a graduation present. I asked him if he had any idea how much the suit cost. I was shocked to find out that the suit cost $800.00!! I know that some of you might not be shocked by that number, but I work with college students, many of whom are low income and first generation student, and they could not afford such a cost for an interview outfit.

I help students all the time practice and plan for interviews. Finding an appropriate outfit is paramount to landing a job. Not only does it make you look good, but it makes you feel good as well and people feel professional in clothing that fits well and looks the part, but how do you come up with this great professional outfit on a budget? My answer is second hand store shopping. Here’s why and a few hacks to make it easier:

Second hand store shopping is fun. When I walk into a second hand store, I don’t know what I will find. It is like an adventure..will I find a cute pair of shoes, a bathing suit or maybe an interview suit? One must let go of attachment and that ever so present and current desire to have what we want now!! It’s fun to be open to the outcome and sometimes find the perfect dress for graduation or nothing at all.

I get better quality for my buck in second hand stores: If I were buying all new clothing on a budget, I would probably have to limit myself to Ross, given the cost of new clothes. Yes, Ross does get some quality items, but mostly one does not find high quality or designer clothing at discount clothing stores. Think again for second hand stores. I have found very high quality, designer clothing that people have decided to give away. Albeit in the last 10 years, even prices at second hand stores have gone up, but I can usually find clothing that is at least a quarter of the original price. For example, on my lunch break today, I found a great Calvin Klein suit just my size, fully lined for $20. I just found a very similar suit online for $149.99!!

Thrift store shopping is good for the community and good for the earth. Many second hand stores are non-profit organizations that give work to people who need it and/or give their profits to needy organizations. When you buy from second hand stores, you are not only getting a cool item to add to your closet; you are also making a donation to your community. Not only that, buying second hand is great for the earth. It is reusing, which comes even before recycling! When we buy new things, we are not demanding new mining, new agriculture as well as shipping etc. When we buy used, we are saying that there is enough to go around without producing new stuff.

Get to know your local second hand stores. Wherever you live, unless it has a population of 5, you probably have a local second hand store. The more upscale the neighborhood, the better the possibility of high end fashion clothes, so go in regularly as their stock probably changes daily. Ask when they have sales or if they have student discounts, if you are a student. Many second hand stores use color tags and will rotate out certain colors on certain days. This is good information to know if you find something you like, and it will be on sale the next day.

Try second hand store shopping when you travel; I have found some of my best scores while traveling. Thrift shopping in San Francisco and New York are quite different from the ones in my medium sized town. Also, thrift stores specialize in clothing for the local climate so if you have not packed appropriately, you might find something just right for your evening outing.

Great, inexpensive second hand clothes can be gotten online. Of course, there is always Ebay. Once exclusively second hand, it is now necessary to search through the online shops to find real bargains. Don’t forget to read the description carefully and check the price of shipping. There are also exclusively second hand web sites like thredup.com and swap.com., neither of which have I used. The benefit of these options is that you don’t have to go anywhere, and in these two cases, you can sell your gently used clothing as well.

It may not satisfy your need for immediate gratification, but as Macklemore so famously said in his song Thrift Shop “ I’m gonna pop some tags, Only got twenty dollars in my pocket, I’m hunting , looking for a come-up, This is @#%*@ awesome.”

The post “Popping Some Tags”: Great Interview Clothes on a Budget! appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Regardless of where you are in life, a job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience. It is, after all, a great deal of pressure—the impression you make determines whether you will get the job. As a result, you should always arrive prepared. This means doing your homework and reading up on the organization. The following are four things to research before a job interview:

1. The mission statement

When interviewing for a position, it is absolutely essential to learn about the company’s purpose and its beliefs. Many businesses share this information in a compact form—the mission statement. So, the first step you should take when preparing for an interview is to determine whether the company has a mission statement. If it does, read the statement, and think seriously about what, exactly, it means. Then, browse the website to see how the organization is carrying out its mission, and how you could continue to help it do so.

2. Any recent company changes

The organization’s history is another important topic to study—especially its most recent history. If the company has made major changes in the past several months, it is critical that you know this prior to your interview. This will help you gauge the direction that the company is moving in, and you should again think about how you fit into that shift. Use your interview to emphasize skills that support the current attitude and direction of the business, as this can demonstrate your ability to play a significant role in the company’s new vision.

3. The management

It is also essential to learn as much as you can about management. You may be able to determine who your supervisor would be from the job posting. If so, research this individual. Investigate how long he or she has been with the organization, and what some of his or her major accomplishments have been while with the company. This may give you a sense of who your potential supervisor is as a leader, as well as what he or she may be looking for in an employee. You may also wish to research upper management. Who are the executives? Which business leaders do they admire, and what are their areas of professional interest? Do they align with your own?

4. The client or customer

Just as important as knowing who your supervisor is is knowing about the other individuals who you will be working for—the clients or customers. Who does the company serve, and what product or service does it offer? Even if this knowledge is not specifically pertinent to the role that you are applying for, it is important to show your interviewer that you care enough to learn about the business and what it does. Whatever position you might fill, you will be part of the organization, and it is essential that you know what it does.

These are just a few of the key topics to research before a job interview, so do not stop with these four. Most companies have a plethora of information available online, and you should do your best to learn everything you can about the organization before your interview. Your knowledge can help the interview proceed more smoothly, and it may just make you stand out from the crowd.

 
Catherine Martin is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world’s largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.

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You wrote a great cover letter. You met (or exceeded) all of the requirements for the position. You thought your interview went pretty well, and yet here it is, glaring at you from your inbox: the rejection email.

“After careful consideration, we’ve decided to move forward with candidates whose qualifications better match our needs at this time. Please continue to check our jobs page for future opportunities and best of luck with your job search!”

Ouch. Rejection sucks (here’s how to move on), but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. If you’re confused about why you weren’t chosen and need a bit of closure, you may be asking yourself: “Is it okay to ask for feedback after an interview?”  The short answer is yes. Here are three reasons why it’s not only okay, but actually smart to ask for feedback after being rejected from a job or internship:

1. It’s a Chance to Learn About Yourself and Become a Stronger Candidate

Failure is never fun in the moment, but it can provide incredibly useful opportunities for us to learn more about ourselves. So many successes have stemmed from these low points that some companies actually encourage their employees to fail, because it means they’re trying new things and learning from their mistakes.

If you ask a recruiter or hiring manager for specific feedback regarding your candidacy for a job, you might learn something useful that you can use in future interviewing experiences. Maybe you came across as overly prepared or formal in your interview. Maybe they didn’t like how many jobs you’ve hopped between in your career. Maybe you just didn’t seem like a strong culture fit.

Some pieces of feedback will offer you concrete next steps to becoming a stronger candidate, some will require years of work, and others will simply be out of your control. The important thing is that this feedback can offer you a glimpse into what other people see in you as a candidate. This insight can help you avoid similar mistakes in the future, tighten up weaknesses and make you more competitive for other positions moving forward.

2. It Shows That You Care

You might hesitate asking for feedback after an interview out of the fear that you’ll come across as annoying or needy, but any good recruiter or hiring manager will respect your request if you ask properly. In your request, be sure to thank them for considering you for the role, underline your desire to work with them again in the future and frame the question in a way that demonstrates you care about becoming a stronger candidate. This example can be used as a starting template:

“Dear (recruiter/hiring manager),

Thank you for considering me for the role of ____. I’m disappointed to hear that I won’t be moving forward as a candidate for this position, but will definitely look for more opportunities to work with (company name) in the future. In the interest of becoming a candidate who can add more value to your team in the future, do you have any specific feedback from the hiring committee that you can share with me? Any notes would be greatly appreciated!

All the best,
Your Name”

An email like the one above shows that you care not only about the company and the position you applied for, but also about how you can become a stronger candidate and a better match for that company in the future. If a recruiter or hiring manager gets annoyed by your desire to learn from failure and grow as a professional, they’re not the kind of future coworker you’d want anyways.

3. You Have Nothing to Lose

The last time I asked for feedback after an interview, the recruiter responded with a boilerplate email that it was against company policy to share specific candidacy feedback with applicants. While this wasn’t the response I had hoped for, I didn’t lose anything by asking. Requesting feedback after an interview can take as little as 60 seconds, so what’s to lose? Worst case, you never hear back or you get a response like I did. Best case? You might learn something important about yourself, make yourself stand out for future job openings or maybe even change the recruiter’s mind!

Feedback is an important part of any process, so you could be losing out big by not taking the time to learn from your failures, as long as you respect boundaries (no one likes a crazy ex – the same goes for crazy job applicants).

The post Three Reasons It’s Okay to Ask for Feedback After an Interview appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

If you are preparing for an interview, you may have strong answers for the basic interview questions: “Why do you want to work here? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why are you the right person for this job?”

But there may be other questions that throw you for a loop, specifically questions that ask you to share examples of certain situations from your past experience. These are called behavioral interview questions, and they can be difficult to answer. Interviewers ask them because they are looking for specific behavior traits in a candidate, so it is important to answer them in a way that shows that you are right for the job. The following are five common behavioral interview questions, and advice on how to answer them.

1. “Describe a recent challenge that you faced at work, as well as how you approached it.”

This question, and others like it, attempt to analyze your problem-solving skills. In any position, you are bound to encounter obstacles, so you may have many examples that you can build your answer around. It is important to choose a story that involves a particularly difficult challenge, or one that highlights your creativity in solving it. Demonstrate to your interviewer that you can think outside of the box to reach a solution, and that you are comfortable asking for help.

2. “Can you think of a time when you took the lead on a project?”

Many jobs also require leadership skills. A question such as this tries to determine whether you have, and can illustrate, key leadership abilities. Have an example in mind of a time that you not only took charge, but led a project to great success. You do not wish to seem arrogant, so be sure to give credit to any others who helped you. This can suggest that you are a leader and a team player, which are both essential skills in the workforce.

3. “Do you have an example of a time when you disagreed with your supervisor?”

This is a particularly difficult behavioral interview question. You, of course, will want to carefully select your story so you do not seem critical of your supervisor—instead, you should seem easy to work with and not at all obstinate. Choose a story in which you and your supervisor simply had different opinions on an issue, and discuss how you worked through that disagreement. If the outcome of the story is in your favor, do not gloat. Emphasize compromise, as well as your ability to calmly communicate your feelings.

4. “Tell me about a time you disagreed with a colleague.”

This question is similar to the one above, but it has more of an emphasis on teamwork than it does on balancing your ability to follow orders and to politely express your opinions. However, you should draw on an example that has similar qualities—one in which you do not dwell on a colleague being wrong, but instead show your ability to talk through a problem and to work out a solution together.

5. “Can you give me an example of a mistake that you have made?”

This is another challenging question, as you do not want to emphasize your shortcomings. Prepare several examples of minor mistakes that you have made that also highlight lessons that you have learned and continue to use. If you would like to be bold, you can discuss a major mistake, but only if you can tell the story in a compelling way, and can truly emphasize that you learned a valuable lesson from it. Discussing improvement and awareness is key.

When answering these, or any other, behavioral interview questions, it is important to keep your stories concise and to the point. In a long, rambling story, the interviewer may miss the point you are making or the skills you are trying to emphasize. Include details of the specific situation, but keep the story direct and organized.

Catherine Martin is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world’s largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.

The post 5 Common Behavioral Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

“What do you want to do after you graduate?” “What’s your dream job?” “Are you going to move back home?” “What are you doing with your life???”

For current college students and recent graduates, questions like these are all too familiar (and often quite traumatizing). For some, the answers are easy. “I’m going to grad school.” “I have a job lined up at ____.” “I’m going to travel around Europe for a few months.” These answers are great ways to defer painful questions, but the harsh reality is that every graduate program, job and trip has to end at some point, which brings us all back to the same spot: sweating and bumbling through an improvised “life plan” in an attempt to answer questions from pesky relatives and friends. What do you tell them? What’s the answer???

The short answer is…there is no right answer (sorry!). There are literally hundreds of effective ways to handle difficult questions like these, but to get you started, I’ve put together three of my favorite methods for getting through painful interrogations from Grandma, Uncle Mike, high school friends, your hometown grocery clerk and that pesky PTA board member who lives down the street from your mom.

1. Throw the Question Back at Them

You have your whole life to plan your life. No one says you have to have it all figured out by a certain point. Your goals, interests and dreams will change over time, guaranteed, and the best part? We’re all in the same boat.

Don’t believe me? Throw the question back at the person who asked you, sit back and watch them fumble through an answer the same way you did. When someone asks you about your life plans, they’re often making an attempt to avoid answering those same questions about their own life. So if someone asks “What do you want to do with your life?” and you want to end the conversation cooly and confidently, just say, “You know, I don’t really know yet! What do you want to do with your life?”

2. Make Up an Answer and Run With It!

If you want to say something a little more substantive than “IDK!” (even though it’s totally what you’re thinking), you can always try making up an answer.

Let’s say you just graduated with a Sociology degree and have no idea what you want to do. Your Aunt asks, “What’s your plan for after graduation?” and you know she wants a real answer. Think of a job that sounds interesting, a city you can picture yourself living in and a realistic timeline for lining everything up. Then give her an answer: “I’m going to spend the next three months applying for jobs in the field of Social Justice or community activism in and around San Diego.”

The key to this method is specificity and confidence. If you make up an answer, make sure you can always defend it and explain your reasoning during the interrogation. Your Aunt might be critical or inquisitive about details of your answer, but at least she won’t lecture you about not having an answer! And just because you tell one person that that’s your plan, it doesn’t mean that has to be your real plan! Consider it a placeholder answer while you work on figuring stuff out behind the scenes.

3. Ask for Advice

While it often feels like people ask these questions in a sick attempt to make you feel hopeless about your life, that usually isn’t the case. More often than not, your friends and relatives just want to feel involved and help guide you towards happiness and fulfillment.

To indulge them and to avoid floundering helplessly in made-up answers, try asking for advice the next time you need to answer questions like “what’s your plan after college?” People love talking about themselves and feeling helpful, so if you haven’t figured everything out just yet, try responding with something like this: “Well my degree is in History and I’ve always been interested in helping people. I think I’d like to work somewhere near Chicago after I graduate. Do you have any advice or recommendations on how I can pursue those goals?” You’ll be surprised by how well your answer will be received, and who knows, maybe your pesky Aunt or neighbor or friend will be able to help you out!

Ultimately, you’ll probably never have life “figured out,” but you’ll also be hard-pressed to find anyone else who truly feels like they’ve figured it out themselves, so don’t stress yourself out too much, and don’t let these questions drive you crazy. Stay humble, stay hopeful and you’ll be fine.

The post 3 Ways to Answer Questions Like “What Do You Want to Do With Your Life?” appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether it’s your first job interview or your tenth, prepping for an interview—especially for a job you really want—is a stressful experience. It’s hard to anticipate the interview questions you may be asked, which can make preparation a challenging venture. However, there is one aspect of your interview you can prepare for: playing to your strengths. Highlight your talents so employers know the value you will add to their organization.

It may feel bizarre and immodest to brag about yourself, but that is what you need to do during an interview. So how can you identify your strengths? Follow the below tips for guidance on identifying your strengths for an upcoming interview.

Look at your experience

When you’re emphasizing strengths to a prospective employer, the best way to drive your point home is with solid, concrete examples (remember to always get metrics about the activities you do on the job). Think of the work you’ve done, whether in a job or even through projects or activities in school, and what strengths you’ve built through those experiences. Perhaps you were involved with campus government, which allowed you to develop strong leadership skills. Or maybe you wrote for the campus newspaper, where you crafted eloquent feature stories and honed your ability to communicate within a team. If you’ve had an internship in the industry, describe those experiences, what you learned, and how you contributed to the company through your work. Be as specific as you can—say something like, “I pushed for transitioning to a responsive design while on a team tasked with redesigning the website,” rather than, “I was part of a team that redesigned the website’s landing pages.” Providing examples of what you, specifically, contributed, demonstrates to employers that these are strengths you possess and have sharpened through practice—and not just generic interview responses.

Think outside of the box

In an interview, avoid emphasizing generic traits, such as being a hard worker or a team player. These are fine qualities to name, but you should think of a more unique strength you possess, or a more creative way to present a skill. What if everyone else interviewing for this position is also a team player? You want to stand out. Instead of saying you’re a hard worker, say that you take ownership over projects, and list specific examples that illustrate this dedication. Again, specifics are key and can help set your answers apart from vaguer responses. A good way to identify unique traits is to consider your unique skills. For example, you could say, “I am always looking for ways to learn new skills,” and include your software programming experience or French fluency as evidence of this. Think about something you can do that not everyone else can.

Tailor your skills to what the company needs

While it is important to identify a standard set of strengths you possess to touch on at any job interview, it’s equally important to tailor your strengths to each interview. Think of the skills you have and how they would benefit the employer you are interviewing with.

One strategy is to look at the job listing itself. Typically, the listing will include a qualifications  section listing the skills necessary to perform the job. How do your skills apply to the job listing? Just as you would list relevant qualifications in your cover letter, think of how your skill set would lend itself to performing those functions, and highlight that in the interview. It’s also important to not oversell yourself on skills you don’t have, which could become an issue if you do in fact get the job.

An interview can feel overwhelming, but the best preparation is preparation. Make identifying your skills an important part of that preparation. You know yourself, your skills, and your academic history—just do a bit of introspection.

Catherine Martin is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world’s largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.

The post How to Identify Your Strengths for an Upcoming Interview appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

A red flag, what does that mean? What are some of the things that an employer would flag as questionable? These are great questions! The biggest red flags that come up during the hiring process are having been fired, poor grades, a criminal record and no experience. Some employers would also consider poor references, having no degree, large timeline gaps or even being over-qualified as red flags.

An interviewer’s job isn’t just to find out why they should hire you, but also to unveil reasons not to hire you. This is why they sometimes ask about your weaknesses as well as about times when you failed. It’s also why they prey into any red flags that may come up through the venting process. Below is an exercise you should practice to feel more prepared and comfortable answer those difficult questions.

Conduct an honest personal assessment by writing down the following:

1. 1. Identifying the red flags of your work habits that might affect your employability.
   2. Identifying the reasons or set of problems that cause these behaviors.
   3. Explaining what you have done to improve the situation and the lesson you learned to reassure the employer that the behavior will not be a problem.

Here is an example:

1. 1. Red Flag: I was fired at XYZ Company.
   2. Reason: I was late for work many times.
   3. Explanation: At the time, I was working two jobs. One was a late night shift and the other started at 6am. When factoring in the commute time for both jobs, I was left with only 3 hours of sleep a night causing me to be late. While I take full responsibility for being late, my situation has changed where I no longer have to work 2 jobs. I assure you that if you hire me, I’ll demonstrate how reliable, consistent and hard working I am on the job.

Make sure you focus on how you have changed the situation and learned from the experience rather than focusing on the actual problem. I suggest going thorough this exercise and identifying what truthful information you can divulge that won’t be harmful to your chance of obtaining a job.

Also, I don’t suggest to voluntarily offer this information, but only if it comes up during the candidate screening process. Just so you know, legally employers cannot ask you certain questions, per the U.S Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC), so understand your rights and what questions are acceptable to answer.

You want to make sure you reassure the employer that history will not repeat itself. Making excuses or blaming others for your problems highlights a more serious behavioral problem – not taking responsibility for your actions. Don’t be that person.  Be the person that is confident, resilient and dedicated to giving your absolute best!

The post How To Talk Through Bad Grades and Other Interview Red Flags appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When preparing for interviews, we know the basic questions we need to think about beforehand. We need to know facts about the company, our strengths and weaknesses and be prepared to showcase our prior experiences. While these questions may seem basic, it is important to come up with engaging and unique answers. You can give your interviewer a basic answer, but this makes you a less memorable candidate in the long run.

Here are very popular and basic interview questions that you should be prepared for. Even though these seem like basic questions, there is both an adequate and fantastic way to answer these questions. Here’s what not to do:

Tell Me About Yourself.

“Well, I’m Katelyn. I come from a sporadic family where I have 5 younger brothers and sisters. I love to read, and I most likely will read at one point on the job. When I was younger, I hated playing dress-up and preferred to play outside, read and play video games instead.”

Can you see how the above answer may result in the interviewer falling asleep and deciding not to hire you? When an interviewer asks you this question, they do not want to know your life story. They do not care about your life story. They want to know how you fit into the job.

This is something you can prepare in advance, like your pitch, and should be no longer than two minutes long. You should briefly state your education, work history, why you like the field and your skills that you have learned.

What Are Your Weaknesses?

“Chocolate. Seriously, offer me any type of chocolate and I will devour it as if I am breathing in air. It doesn’t matter if I am on a diet and trying to be healthy, I lack any sense of self control when it comes to chocolate.”

Everyone has a weakness for sweets and other bad habits, but your interviewer is looking for a real weakness you have that relates to skills, motivation or time management and how you are trying to solve it. They want to know that you can spot your flaws and that you are trying to overcome them.

Do not answer this question with, “I don’t have any weaknesses” or “I work too much.” Answer it with a skill that relates to working that you know you need to improve upon. For example, “I am slacking a little in CSS, and I am currently taking a course on Codecademy to strengthen it.

Why Do You Want To Work Here?

“I need a job. More specifically, I just need the cash. You guys were the only place hiring within 5 miles of me, and I think the view of the lake is nice from the office.”

You have already done research on the company and know a little about its values and culture. This is the time to show what you like about the company and how you would be a great fit. Here’s a better example:

“I want to work here because I think it will be a great place to put my skills to the test and gain experience working at a non-profit. I love volunteering and supporting organizations dedicated to social change. Since your client base is mainly non-profits, I feel that it’s a win-win all around.”

Where Do Your See Yourself in 5 Years?

“I honestly am not sure where I would like to be in 5 years; that is a lot of pressure. I haven’t thought about what I will be doing in 2 weeks let alone 5 years. I don’t have an answer.”

This is a hard question for many, and we’ve been getting this question since high school. The interviewer wants to know where you see yourself in five years in relation to the company. “In five years, I would like to be a senior developer managing several projects as the lead developer,” would be a good example. Just don’t say that you would want to be running the company in five years time.

What Factors Did You Consider In Choosing To Work in This Field?

“I didn’t really consider it. I just knew that I liked code, and I went for it.”

The above answer could actually be a good answer if you add what being the field has taught you and why you want to keep moving forward. Why do you like your field? Is it the work? The communities? Know that there is a problem and you have the skills to solve it? Work these into your answer.

These are the more basic questions in an interview. The questions that are really going to throw you off shouldn’t be these questions; they would most likely be unique interview questions that ask you about your favorite princess or how you would get yourself out of an odd situation. The questions that focus on your strengths, weaknesses and interests are the ones you should know backwards and forwards, so prepare for them ahead of time.

The post Are You Prepared For These Interview Questions? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

The best predictor of how a student will perform in an internship is a work sample test—asking the student to perform the type of work or activity that is typical of what the future mentor will assign. For technical roles in the tech/web industry, such interviews often involve writing code and solving problems in real time.

But work sample interview are often preceded by the ever-dreaded non-technical interview. Every winter, droves of technical college majors encounter the non-technical interview and ask: What exactly is this interviewer evaluating?

Good news. The answer is (or should be): not much.

Strong interviewers at great internships recognize both the need for and the limits of the non-technical interview. We typically use it early in the evaluation process, primarily for social reasons—to introduce you to us and to introduce us to you. Often, both of us have a few, simple questions we’d like to ask each other as we get to know each other a bit.

Ultimately, we don’t use the non-technical interview to tell us if you should get the internship. We need much better interviews—like work sample interviews—to help us make the big decisions.

Instead, we use the non-technical interview as a quick way to eliminate applicants who should not get the internship, as well as a quick way to steer applicants in various directions, based on some of the early indicators we pick up on.

So what types of early indicators am I talking about? In the non-technical interview, we’re looking for a few main things.

1. Basic Communication Skills

My goal is to learn if an applicant can engage in quite basic conversation: listening to a few questions and answering them clearly. Every once in a while, I discover that an applicant cannot meet this basic standard, and it’s important for me to learn that early.

2. Basic Professionalism

This one is related to basic communication skills, but it’s a little more subtle. I’m on the lookout for indications that a student might not have the self-awareness or maturity to meet a base level of professionalism. A few examples: conducting a video interview in a very messy dorm room; insulting team members while describing group project work.

3. Commitment to Our Work and/or Industry

Every once in a while, I’ll speak with a programmer who looks strong but it turns out that, in the long term, she is ultimately interested in working for a completely different type of company or field or industry. Depending on the nature of the internship, that’s not necessarily a blocker—but since most internships support long-term recruiting efforts in some way, it’s important for interviewers to gauge commitment early.

4. A Sense for Strengths and Preferences

This one is quite broad and possibly the most confusing. Imagine things from my perspective—I’m looking at a pipeline of twenty top programming applicants, and I’m aware of various different mentors and projects that they might get paired with. I won’t eliminate an applicant if he or she comes across as particularly introverted, but it’s helpful to observe and note that tendency as I consider who would interview or ultimately mentor him through what types of activities. This part of the non-technical interview is about making sure the rest of the interview process—and, ideally, the actual internship—is as positive of an experience as possible for the applicant.

In other words, the big secret is that there is no big secret. At its core, the non-technical interview is pretty pragmatic, and when I conduct them, they last fifteen to thirty minutes maximum. I keep them short, so we can all move on to the good stuff, like the work sample interviews that’ll show us your skills and potential with a great deal more accuracy—as well as, ideally, give you a great glimpse into the nature of the gig so you can decide, for your part, whether we’re the right fit for you.

The post The Non-Technical Interview, Demystified appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

It’s easy to overanalyze every word that was said during your job interview. Instead of wasting the time and energy on over-thinking, try doing these five simple tips, listed by Mashable, to ease your mind.

The post Don’t Overanalyze Your Job Interview appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Interview jitters? Ensure you boost your chances by leveraging your personality type. Read these tips to know how to play it right at the next interview.

While the key to getting an affirmative response to your job application lies in the creativity, honesty and brevity that is conveyed through your resume and cover letter, oozing confidence is what works at the in-person interview. Confidence stems from believing in yourself and backing your strengths. Some are “born confident,” as they say, but it takes some level of guidance and motivation to get some people to radiate self-confidence.

Your personality (and how it is perceived by recruiters), as Mona Abdel-Halim says in her article on Mashable.com, plays a big role in determining whether you have a good shot at the job you’ve applied for. There’s no reason why your personality type should hold you back during the interview process. In fact, it is the other way around. You know yourself better than anyone else – what your weaknesses are, what your strengths are – and the trick to creating a lasting impression on the interviewer is to push the latter forward.

When you’ve got your job cut out in front of you — in this case, appearing for an interview — the smartest thing to do is to forget about your limitations and make your strengths the center of attraction. That’s how brands become successful, and that’s how you can, too!

Interview tips for every personality type

Introverts

You usually come across as the silent and aloof type. This can actually work in your favor since it allows you to project yourself as someone who takes his time to think before speaking. You won’t need to put up a façade in most cases, so the next time someone asks you about introversion, here’s a comeback:

“I might take time to open up to people. It might seem like I’m reserved, but I have no shame in admitting that I’m an introvert. I tend to put a lot of thought into everything I do. I believe I can stand out without shouting out.”

Beware: If your interviewer comes across as an extrovert, don’t allow him/her to dictate the terms. While respect and courtesy are essential, you’ve got to make sure you get your points across to them.

Extroverts

Hey, you already have the world on your side. Recruiters have a soft corner for friendly, outgoing people who speak their minds and have this uncanny ability to make friends wherever they go. They make great leaders and are generally proactive when it comes to taking initiatives at work. All you need to do is ensure that you are in the best of moods on D-Day, and be your chirpy self during the interview. Easy-peasy.

Beware: Don’t overdo it. While being candid and sociable is great, interviewers don’t want someone who talks more than he/she listens.

Flexible

Flexibility can sometimes be perceived as uncertainty and indecision. Whatever the job, recruiters always look out for someone who can make decisions on his own (if and when required). The best way to leverage your flexible personality is to be prepared to answer the “Where do you see yourself 10 years down the line?” question in a way that combines your open-mindedness with a certain long-term perspective in place.

Beware: There’s a huge difference between being flexible and being a pushover. Make sure your interviewer doesn’t see you as the latter.

Dynamic

We all love all-rounders, but the “jack of all trades, master of none” phrase comes into play here. Interviewers appreciate the fact that you can adapt to different situations, but they want to know that you’re specifically most-suited to the job requirements. The next time you apply for an advertising copywriter position, convey to the person on the other side of the table that while you are an adventure sports junkie with a keen eye for design, art, filmmaking and cooking, your forte is exactly what the job demands – the ability to conjure up content that sells. Try this:

“If I were to sell myself as a brand, this would be my punch line: Jack of all trades, master of one – writing persuasive copy.”

Thinkers

You tend to look at things in a more objective way. You prefer to take into account the logical consequences of anything and everything. Convey to the interviewer that you are highly focused about your goals in life. Knowing what you want reflects discipline and ambition.

Beware: You definitely do not want to come across as a rigid, difficult or uptight person.

Feelers

You are quite subjective; a lot depends on your mood and state of mind at any given point of time. You usually consider what’s more important to you as well as those around you. Interviewers will love you because you are the closest to being a human – and nobody wants to hire a robot.

Beware: Don’t make it sound like you do everything based on your gut feeling. While knee-jerk reactions and risk-taking abilities may come naturally to you, it’s best to not make it too obvious during the interview process.

I could go on and on because there are other personality types, too – the 16 personality types of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator^®, for instance – but I suppose you’ve gotten the point of this article.

Positioning yourself in a manner that is specifically appealing to someone looking to hire a candidate for a precise position is what you call “role play,” but that’s risky business.

Pro tip #1: When the interviewer asks you the dreaded “What are your weaknesses?” question, don’t get too hassled. Give them a list of weaknesses that you think won’t have a role to play in your field of work. Can your weaknesses be covered up by automating something you’re not good at or hiring someone to do it for you? If the answer to that is a “yes,” problem solved. Recruiters want people who know what their shortcomings are and can figure out ways to get over them.

Pro tip# 2: It’s not just YOUR personality type that matters. An interviewer’s questions can give you hints about their personality type, too – so observe them keenly, take those clues and remodel your answers if you feel like it.

The whole process of communicating with humans is prone to misunderstandings and differences in opinion. The key lies in understanding your personality — and the personality of your interviewer — and driving the conversation in your preferred direction. Success guaranteed!

The post Interview Tips: Capitalizing on Your Strengths and Personality Type appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Millennials often get persecuted for being the carefree generation that lacks a work ethic. This is not always the case, and if you found yourself strongly disagreeing with the previous sentence, you might just have what it takes to makes employers think otherwise.

A recruiter will try to judge your work potential by how well you perform in an interview. Here are six mistakes millennials are prone to making that result in them getting erroneously labeled “inept.”

Not Worrying about Their Social Media Profiles: Don’t mistake your employers for oldies with no knowledge of what’s new in technology. Today’s employers are searching social media profiles to perform background checks during the “screening” process. So many millennials are unaware of what the public is able to view on their profiles.

Have a look at Career Builder’s 2013 research results based on the topic. According to a sample of more 2,100 hiring managers and recruiters, two in five (exactly 39 percent) companies used social media to research candidates and find information that would help them decide whether or not they should hire a candidate.

What are some of the top reasons for not hiring a candidate?

Inappropriate/explicit pictures

Drug use

Discriminatory or offensive comments

Lying about qualifications/contradictory information

Bad mouthing an old boss

Inappropriate Attire: We know you have the “freedom” and the right to wear whatever you wish, but not dressing professionally will surely hurt your chances of getting a job. To err on the side of caution, try to pick a neutral color that is neither too dull nor too flashy. For example, black, blues, and whites are common colors worn in a professional environment. In addition, suits, ties, skirts and dress pants are NOT overly formal. In fact, they are ideal for this occasion. When it comes to interviews, you want to dress to impress. Millennials often make the mistake of dressing too casually and thereby appear unprepared or overconfident.   

Not Being Professional: Employers already know that you are new to this situation – a.k.a “entry level” with only a few years on your resume. However, they won’t understand why you fail to portray a professional image after an extensive education. According to CNN, millennials are far more educated than Gen X’ers and are more likely to have a college degree. The sad part is they are less likely to get as many jobs as Gen X. Although this is due to various factors such as the economic situation, part of the problem lies in their unprincipled attitude when it comes to “work.”

The current situation you are in demands a high level of maturity and professionalism. Professionalism includes everything from the way you behave at your interview, the vocabulary you use in your documents, the way you dress and yes, even the email addresses you use. An email address such as, coolbabenancy@– is not going to impress any employer.

Not Doing Enough Research: With enough technology at the tips of their fingertips, one would think a millennial is an adept researcher. Not so, says a group of hiring managers. If hiring managers think you haven’t done enough “research,” it only means one thing: You haven’t researched the company.

Part of preparing for the interview requires you do sufficient research on the company, its products, your interviewers and the interview setting.

Being Careless or Overconfident: Being overly confident or sloppy when it comes to your documents is careless and un-professional. Make sure you have your resume as well as cover letter set and ready to be delivered.  Using inappropriate language or having spelling mistakes will render your resume useless (and probably get it thrown away in the garbage). The biggest mistake applicants make while searching for jobs is not ensuring that their resume is error-free.

Also, being creative or different works in other situations but certainly not this one. Employers prefer the standard resume and cover letter format with appropriate information. Trying to be cute or funny might make you stand out from the rest, but it won’t necessarily leave a good impression.

Not showing Long-term Commitment: Every company is vigilant when hiring a to-be employee. The moment you show them signs of betrayal is the moment you will lose your worth to the company. As harsh as it may sound, employers want to be sure they are investing in an employee who will stick around. Millennials often make the mistake of answering the “where will you be in the next five years” question incorrectly or having their resume show how often they “jumped around.” To show long-term commitment, you need to show passion for the job and sincerity towards the organization you are applying to.

The post 6 Interview Shortcomings That Cost Millennials a Golden Job Opportunity appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Aside from the straightforward questions regarding your skills and what experience you have, interviews don’t have to be completely nerve wracking.

Interviewers like to ask a wide range of questions to see other sides of your personality and how well you would fit in at the company. When asked about your hobbies during an interview, it’s the perfect chance to let others see how relatable you are.

Mashable shared an article about how you should respond in an interview when asked what you like to do in your spare time.

The post How to Discuss Hobbies During an Interview appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

As a career consultant, I’ve heard just about every nightmare interview story you can imagine.  Tears have been shed in my office as tales of regret and doubt unfold recounting moments of anxiety, brain freezes and frustration over failed interviews. 

It’s true; the interview process can be intimidating and nerve wracking, but it doesn’t have to be…if you can tell a good story.

All jobs require one thing: that you can solve a certain problem.  Employers are going to pay you for your ability to help them with their problems or challenges, such as how to build a new product, how to sell a service or how to market their great idea to the world.

All good stories have this in common: They connect with you in an emotional way and show you how a challenge or problem was resolved. 

If you can tell an employer stories about how you’ve overcome challenges or how you’ve used your skills and experiences to solve some problems, you’ll capture their attention and become the memorable candidate that stands out from the crowd. 

So, how do you tell your story?

1. Know yourself (you are the hero of the story)

Do you know what your top strengths are?  Do you know what problems you like to solve?  Have you ever failed?  What did you learn from that?  As the main character, you need to know your strengths and weaknesses.  Take time to not only define these things, but also to ask for input from trusted friends, family or colleagues. 

For example, you may notice that you are great at helping people figure out new technology.  Now ask your trusted network for examples:  “Can you think of a time that I used my technical skills to help you?” “What problems do you think I’m good at solving?”  “Can you tell me about a time that you were impressed with my talents and why?”

These examples can help you develop a context to show the employer how you’ve solved problems and the benefits others have gained from your work.

2. The best storytellers prepare and practice

“Storytellers learn their stories in many different ways. Some read or listen to a story over and over. Some meditate on it. Some type or write out the story. Some draw charts. Some begin telling the story at once. However you do it, you must absorb the story until it becomes second nature. Find the best way for you.”  —Aaron Shepard, author and storyteller

While you don’t want to memorize a script and sound like a robot during your interview, you do want to have some stories and examples prepared for common questions.  Here’s the great thing about preparing stories for a job interview–the employer has already told you what kind of stories he wants to hear through the job description.

Dissect the job description and highlight the main duties and responsibilities.  These are the problems that the employer needs solved.  Now, think of examples of when you actually solved these types of problems and organize these examples (stories) in the following way:

Problem:  What problem or challenge did you have to solve that was similar to what’s outlined in the job description?

Action: What actions did you take to solve the problem? Here’s where you’ll highlight your skills that are relevant to the position.

Results: What were the outcomes, how did things improve or what were the lessons learned? This is where you show how you’ve made an impact and that you can do the same for them.

If you pick your top three strengths as they relate to a position and organize stories of how you used these strengths through the Problem, Action, Result method, you’ll be prepared to answer most interview questions.  Most of your stories will outline more than one skill and exemplify several positive outcomes such as your ability to analyze and solve a complex problem, successfully communicate ideas to others, work on a team, take initiative, bounce back from a failure, etc.

3. Be genuine  (this is a nonfiction)

Don’t lie or make up stories about yourself.  You don’t have to slay dragons to make an impression; the employer just wants to get to know who you are and your unique approach to work, to problem solving or to the industry.

Also, the key to a good story is connecting with someone emotionally.  You want your audience to care about what happens to the main character (you!) or to become invested in the outcome of the story.  This means making good eye contact, using proper tone and nonverbal expressions (nodding or smiling as appropriate) and expressing confidence as you tell your story.

The happy ending

Taking some time to think about your interview as a chance to tell a good story can not only lead to a happy ending (you get the job or internship!) but can make the process less stressful and actually enjoyable.  Who doesn’t love a good story?!  And you definitely have one to tell.

The post 3 Tips to Ace Your Interview Through Storytelling appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Helping students on their way to a great career is important to any honors society, but for Delta Epsilon Iota—for which I served as the University of California Riverside chapter’s Secretary in my senior year—it is the highest priority. We made sure our members were no strangers to Speed Interview events and Elevator Speech games, that they understood the art of networking and could give a good handshake. Still, even with practice, I found that many members struggled with the daunting task of performing successfully in an interview of any kind, much less one for a job.

When asked by one of our members how I prepare for interviews, I told him my four simple steps to ensure that I make a great and lasting impression in my interviews. I use them, I shared them with my honors society members, and now I’m passing my secret recipe on to you!

Do Your Homework!

Pretty much everyone agrees that this first step is extremely important as far as brewing up a successful interview. You can have the most fantastic answers to generic interview questions, but once your interview starts getting into the nitty-gritty, company-specific questions, if you don’t know anything about your potential job or employer, things can go south pretty quick.

Use the resources you have, whether it be a physical job posting or the website of your potential employer, and learn as much as you can about the organization you are about to interview for. What kind of qualities are they looking for in a person? Do they want someone who is self-motivated and able to work alone, or do they prefer a team player that works well with others? What kind of experience are they looking for in a candidate for the position? These questions can often be answered with a glance at the job description, which will often list desirable qualities in a candidate as well as general tasks that will be assigned to the person who gets the position.

Also, be sure to look for information on your potential employer as a whole. What are the values of the organization or company you are applying to? What is their mission statement? What kinds of events or projects does your potential employer take part in? Doing something as simple as googling your potential employer and browsing their website, or re-reading a job description will help you tailor all your answers to your potential employer’s needs, instantly making you a much more competitive candidate.

The Ultimate Questionnaire

Speaking of generic interview questions, it’s definitely good to be somewhat familiar with the ones that always rear their ugly heads during any interview. To name but a solid few, these are some questions loved by all interviewers:

The basic: “Tell me about yourself”,

The infamous: “Tell me about one of your weaknesses (or a time that you failed, etc.)”,

The blunt: “Why should we choose you out of all of our other candidates?”

These questions are purposefully open-ended and vague; they’re made to prompt responses that not only reveal how well prepared a candidate is, but also the creativity and intelligence with which a candidate can answer the question. During these questions especially, that research you did before really comes in handy. It’s your time to shine, so remember to personalize your answers and to incorporate the values of the organization and the specific needs of your potential position in your answers.

Word of advice: don’t make your answers too personal or negative. While interviewing for a board position, one of our interviewees was asked to tell us about a weakness of hers and what she has done about it. She proceeded to tell us about a severe mental illness of hers and how crippling it was for her, that she believed this position offered her an opportunity to overcome her illness and that she was ready to take it.

In a job interview there are certain things that interviewers are not allowed to ask about: sexual orientation, race, religion… things of a very personal nature. The point, of course, is to protect the interviewee from undue discrimination. Ours was well within her rights to discuss her mental illness, and considering she did get a board position, I can happily say that her having a mental illness didn’t affect our board’s decision.

Still, since you can’t always be aware of the biases of your interviewers, I would suggest staying away from such topics in an interview unless it explicitly pertains to the position you’re trying to snag.

Dress for Success!

My favorite spice to throw into a great interview brew is dressing as though you have already been hired for the position. Here our main ingredient, research, once again comes into play. Tailor your interview-day outfit to the work environment you applied for. If you’re interviewing for a service industry position, such as a waitress position or a position in clothing retail, dressing sensibly but comfortably is a great idea. Flats, non-slip work shoes, or any kind of close-toed, simple shoe are definitely great choices for this kind of position.

When I interviewed with the Western Riverside County Clean Cities Program, I made sure to consider the work environment I’d be entering – a local government office – and chose a business casual outfit instead: a simple white blouse, grey pants, black heels and minimal amounts of jewelry. My goal was to appear professional, confident, and approachable, and working toward that goal helped me a lot when it came to making a great impression. After the interview, I was told how excited they were to see a college student taking an opportunity serious enough to put aside their jeans, t-shirt, and Nikes. It was a wonderful compliment to get from a potential employer, and showed me how great a difference an outfit can make.

Though many might argue that it shouldn’t matter what you wear as long as you’re qualified, the truth is it does make an impact. From the moment your interviewer shakes your hand, the interview has already begun, and they are looking for someone who can easily fit into the organization’s culture. Dressing the way your employer expects an excellent candidate to dress is a great way to give yourself a boost in the interview process.

Get It Together!

By it, I mean yourself. Eat dinner the night before, get to sleep at a reasonable time. Eat breakfast, or at least grab a granola bar and some water before heading out. I know from experience that interviewing on an empty stomach makes nervousness that much worse to deal with. I personally get a bit jittery when I’m nervous, and not eating turns me into a shivering wreck which… is not the best way to appear like a confident interviewee. When you are sitting in a chair in a place you’ve never been, trying to impress one or more people that you’ve never met, making sure you are well rested and well fed makes it that much easier for you to interview successfully. Trust me.

Taking care of yourself is the icing on the ‘great interview’ cake. You could have the best answers to all of the questions asked, you could have great references and abundant experience to be applied to your potential position, but appearing unenthusiastic or lethargic because you didn’t get enough sleep, or even anxious to leave because you are too hungry to think straight, definitely hurts your chances at getting that job.

Relax.

Finally, remember that an interview isn’t a standardized test, but a conversation. It’s a chance for your interviewer to get to know you, and it’s also a chance for you to size up your potential employer as well and ask yourself if you really want to work in the environment you’ve been presented with. Make your goal to enjoy the conversation in the interview, to passionately and professionally discuss your accomplishments and aspirations, and to make clear your enthusiasm for your potential position. The rest will most definitely follow.

The post 5 Steps to Crushing the Interview appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Once you’ve written a good resume, discovered what they are looking for, and know your skillset matches the position, it’s time to get noticed. By which I mean, time to interview. Rarely will they see you in person before you’ve had a phone interview first, so let’s consider you’ve already peaked their interest. Now you just have to complete the deal.

The all point now is make them believe you’re the perfect fit for the job, so you must resist and win any temptation to distract them with things other than yourself, things like extra lipstick, aggressive nail polish, freaky facial hair and the like.

Do not overdo the makeup – they are not interested in your talent in this area!

Keep your hair out of your face. Cut that ‘Justin Bieber’ hair, my man, you’re not 15 anymore! Women, if you have long hair, a quick way to look professional is to put your hair up. And to all the men sporting the latest facial fad: shave it off.

Do not wear distracting clothes: patterns, logos, or bold statements unless you want them to read your shirt instead listening to you. Ditch the “Nirvana” shirts, the hoodies, the leather jackets, and the turtleneck sweater that make you look like a hangman.

Do not EVER wear leggings to an interview. You’re not Kim Kardashian. Oh, and keep the girls hidden, if you know what I mean. Cleavage distracts everyone and doesn’t add to your experience or skillset as a potential employee. They’re not going to hire you just because you have boobs.

Also, although the latest trend calls for it, guys, do not roll up your skinny jeans (and please make an effort not to wear them if you have Pinocchio’s legs). Seeing a hairy ankle popping out is not a great sight at all.

If you’re putting something on because you think it will be cool, then it isn’t. Take it off and go simple.

Remove all jingle-jangle things, such as the 75 bracelets you’re wearing because, again, you think they are cool. Take out nose rings, eyebrow ring, cheek ring, and tongue ring. All facial jewelry must go. Lose all excess jewelry and the plectrum necklace.

Do not soak yourself in cologne and perfumes. Shower in the morning, use deodorant, use deodorant (yes, again!), wear clean clothes, and that’s all. Remember: Cleanliness is next to godliness! By leaving behind your scent, maybe mixed with perspiration, you remind them how much they hate their job and you. If you’re a smoker, have your 5, 10, 20 cigarettes at home before the above-mentioned shower and brush your teeth twice. Smelling like an ashtray won’t do you any good.

As best as you can dress properly. You need to have at least one good suit you can use your interviews. If not, you can surely find one at Ross, Marshalls or TJMaxx.

You have this one time to make a good impression, and they already have scan your resume, now they want to see and hear, but you come with a full package of looks and attitude, don’t let them sell you short.

I know things like these shouldn’t matter, and that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but more often than ever it is the other way around. Everything you put on, every color, piece of jewel, shade of lipstick says something about you. Your appeal is a statement you make of yourself. When you get in the room, they’ll immediately read your look before you start speaking.

The post Real Talk: Are You Dressed for that Interview? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Preparing for an interview is like staring into a mirror. We may not want to face our fears. We might be afraid of being unqualified, or making a mistake on the interview.  So, what is the best way is there to avoid all of this? Many of us pretend the interview is not going to happen and go into the interview “cold”, otherwise known as unprepared.

All of a sudden, you find yourself sitting in your car, or in a coffee shop a half hour before your interview with regrets and a stomach full of nerves, because reality is about to happen.  So, for all of you out there who may wait until the last minute or are just looking for some interview tips you can implement, here are 5 interview tips for the 30 minutes before your interview:

1. Create a “Suitcase of Stories.”

Read the internship or job description. Highlight the skills they are looking for in a candidate. Now, think about how you developed those skills and create your “suitcase of stories.”  Take out a sheet of paper or grab a napkin, and begin to jot down those moments in time and those experiences where you developed those skills.  Make sure you have several stories in your suitcase so you can pull out what you need during the interview.  The best stories are those that can be used for any multitude of interview questions.  Remember, just saying you are able to work under pressure is an empty claim without evidence or in this case a story to back it up.

2. Jot down your best traits and your strongest skills.

In other words,  list the things about yourself that you want the employer to absolutely know about you before the end of the interview.  If you are feeling self-conscious and cannot think of much, ask yourself, “If my mom was bragging about me, what would she say?” or “What would my friends say about me?”  Jot these adjectives down on a piece of paper, and read it over several times. Become comfortable with the words with the goal that during the interview these words will naturally flow out of your mouth.  For instance, “Based upon my engaging personality and ability to empathize with others, I am able to develop strong relationships with customers.”

3. Read your resume, know your resume, become your resume.

Everything on your resume is fair game for an interview question. So, if you “beefed” up your resume with superfluous information, like the fundraiser you participated in a few years ago, you better be able to talk about it.  Furthermore, the more you review your resume the more likely you will be able to backup your answers with examples of things you have done whether it is your work experiences, school work, volunteerism or campus activities.

4. Read the organization’s website.

Grab your smartphone, and get on the Internet.  Make sure you know about the company, what their mission is, who their clients are, what department you are interviewing with, etc.  Additionally, if you know who you are interviewing with beforehand, look them up on LinkedIn to gain a better sense of their background and how long they have been with the company.  The more you understand about the company and who you are interviewing with, the better you will be able to sell yourself, your experiences, and the relevant skills you have.

5. Close your eyes, breathe, listen to some calming music, and empty your brain.

Take a moment or two, and relax.  Staying calm and even doing a short meditation will definitely ease those nerves and put you in a good frame of mind.

 Now, shut off your cell phone, straighten out your suit, put a smile on your face and go knock ‘em dead.

The post Last Minute Interview Tips appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

After attending an event, whether it is a career fair, networking event, a conference, or any random encounters that involves collecting a few business cards, it is always a must to send out a follow up email. A follow-up email is a good way to thank the person for their time and insight in the conversation. It shows them that you understood what the conversation was about and that you are taking what they said into consideration in your life and work. It will also connect with them on a personal level and you will be accepted and added into their network; you can add them to your network as well.

I’m going to show you some example follow up emails that have gained responses. You may customize these however you like depending on your situation.

Follow Up On A Discussion

Subject: [Event]

Hello [Name],

I wanted to say it was great meeting you at [Event] last Thursday. Thank you for looking at my PHP and warning me about my MySQL statements. I’m going to start researching PDO extensions and implying them to my work.

Thank you for the heads up,
[Your Name]

With a Goal in Mind

Subject: [School]’s Career Fair

Hello [Name on Business Card],

It was great meeting you at the career fair at [school] on Thursday. I’m sure you met a lot of students and you may not remember me, but I’m a 5th quarter web and interactive student here at [school].

I’m not sure if your company offers mock interviews, but I’m very interested in speaking to someone who updates your website to see about securing a mock interview.

It was nice talking to you and learning about your company and what it could offer someone like me. I have also attached my resume for review. If you have any questions please let me know.

Thanks again,

[Your Name]

When You Didn’t Get a Chance to Speak

Hello [Name],

I was at the [School]’s career fair on Thursday. I’m sorry I missed you. You’re table seemed very busy. I’m currently a 5th quarter student at [School]. I go there for Multimedia Web and Interactive. I would love to learn more about your company and see what it could offer someone with my credentials. I would be interested in discussion about a mock interview or internship opportunity. I will not be eligible for an internship until April 2014, but I did not want to pass up the opportunity.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Tips

• Always respond within 48 hours of the business card exchange
• If you gave out your business card too, be the first one to follow up even if they don’t
• If you don’t get a business card, but you know the representative or company, you can try to find their email address online. Some events, such as career fairs, have a list of websites and email addresses

The examples above are actual follow up emails that I have sent. The first one eventually lead to a job offer, the second one lead to securing my mock interview needed to pass a college course and the third lead to a temporary gig. Also, I want to note that the job and the mock interview happened because my initial email was passed along to someone who could help me or someone who was looking for a position to fill. Follow up emails can lead to even more connections.

The post How and Why to Write Follow-Up Emails [Templates Included] appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

So you didn’t get the job. You made a fool out of yourself and you’re certain that CEO just thought you were insane with your consistent rambles. So what. Yes, so what. As collegiates, we need to know that one, maybe even a handful of unsuccessful interviews are not the end all be all of our careers. We have futures, bright shining futures. Success is all in how we handle failures and all other unfortunate events. Take in stride that shameful interview and let it better you, not break you.

A whole lot can be learned from your mistakes. For example, you learn what not to do, what you are comfortable with and you learn where you need improvements. All of which are positive things! These positive things all adding up to a list of things you can apply to your next adventure in the interview process. Take for example, you walk into a company and you slaughter the CEO and partner’s names. You are embarrassed and you flee at the soonest possible chance. This is the perfect chance, after all facial redness subsides, to take a step back and evaluate what just happened. Here is just an example of how to evaluate your faux pas:

1. Take a chance to figure out what exactly just happened. Chances are you’re just embarrassed and glad you made it out alive with your portfolio still in tact. Use this time to decompress, overview and evaluate.

2. Once you’ve came to your final conclusion of what-the-heck-happened, think about what you could have done differently. Think critically and seriously. In order to make sweet lemonade, you must first take a part those sour lemons.

3. Final step, formulate a plan for the future to best prepare yourself to avoid at the very least, the same mistake. Study that company’s website till you make it your homepage. Research the CEOs and other staff to better acquaint yourself with the team, their values and what exactly this company does. Researching the organization you apply to is one of the most important steps to take.

The post What You Can Learn From Those Bad Interviews appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You just finished your job interview, but you are not sure how you performed. As soon as the interview is over, go to a quiet location and use the following checklist to evaluate how you did, and take notes on how to improve for the next interview:

My Non-Verbal Communication

• I maintained eye contact
• I used positive body language
• I consistently showed enthusiasm and energy
• I did not fidget or otherwise show nervousness
• I was appropriately dressed

Verbal Communication

• I avoided filler words such as “Umm”
• I spoke slowly and provided clear responses to questions
• I emphasized my strengths and highlighted my top skills
• I used proper grammar and avoided using acronyms
• I provided specific examples of my accomplishments and strengths with C.A.R. stories
• I paused to organize my thoughts prior to responding to difficult questions
• I kept all of my answers under 2 minutes

Also

• I remained positive throughout
• I showed self-confidence
• I expressed well defined career goals
• I showed my personality (e.g., likable, charming, funny)
• I had good chemistry with the interviewer
• My answers were consistent
• I finished strong (summarized my case, expressed my enthusiasm for the job and the company, and sold myself as an outstanding candidate)
• I demonstrated that I researched the organization
• I asked good questions at the end including asking about next steps

For my next interview, I should focus on improving:
1-
2-
3-

The post The Post-Interview Checklist appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

This time of year, Career Services’ offices around college campuses are being inundated with on-campus interviews.  Recruiters from various industries and areas recruit students for full-time and internship positions. Students need to take these opportunities very seriously and come prepared.  Here are my tips for a successful on-campus interview:

Dress the part

While professional dress is not trendy, it is classic and timeless.  You may want to check out your Career Services website for guidelines on what to wear or more importantly, what not to wear!  Ladies, this means your skirt should not be the same one you would wear out that night with your girlfriends!

Practice

Conduct a mock interview before your actual interview.  Many offices have mock interviews as a service to students and provide tremendous feedback.

Research

Read about the companies that interest you and figure out why you want to work for them.  Help yourself stand out by remembering the details.

Follow through

Do not leave the interview without knowing the next step.  As you wrap up the interview, ask what their time frame is and how soon you can expect to hear from them.  Write your recruiter(s) a handwritten thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the job or internship.

Evaluate the offer

The hope of everyone who interviews on campus is that they receive an offer for a full-time job or an internship.  Be sure to think this over carefully and reach out to your Career Services staff for advice when necessary.  They are a great, objective sounding board for these decisions.

Know that on-campus interviews are a two-way street.  While the recruiters are sizing you up to see if you would be a good fit for their company and a particular position, you are also evaluating them as a potential employer.  Do not blindly jump at an opportunity simply because it will look good on your resume.  Make sure you will gain a valuable experience from the internship or full-time position.

The post On-Campus Interviews: How to Knock Them Out of the Park appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Crisp black suits, ties, polished shoes, and leather portfolios – this has been the scenery in my office for the past few months.  With the holiday season fast approaching, so are internship application deadlines!  If you are planning to complete an internship next summer, now is the best time to start looking, applying and interviewing for these positions. Most employers recruit in the fall for the following summer’s interns. If you haven’t thought about an internship yet, now is the time!  As full-time jobs become more competitive, more and more students are completing at least one, if not two, internships before they graduate, in order to set themselves apart.  Here are a few tips to help as you start to apply and interview for internships:

1. First impressions are crucial.

This begins when you first submit a resume and cover letter all the way to how you dress for the interview.  Make sure you have your resume and cover letter reviewed by a career services professional. You don’t want a spelling or grammatical error to ruin your chances for an interview. Furthermore, when you arrive for an interview, make sure you are dressed the part.  Business professional is always recommended. If you are not dressed professionally for an interview, this may hinder your opportunities for securing an internship.

2. Practice your interviewing skills.

Practice your handshake and introduction. Take the time to pause and think through how you will communicate your answers in a direct and concise way.  Make sure to draw on past experiences to use as specific examples when answering interview questions.

3. Prepare questions to ask.

The interview is not only about the recruiter interviewing you, but it is also an opportunity for you to interview them. Asking questions in the interview will give you a good sense of if you are a good fit for the company, and if your values align with the company values.  In advance, make sure to write down big-picture questions regarding company culture and environment.  This will show the recruiter that you show sincere interest and that you have done your research.  Remember, do not ask any questions related to salary, vacation holidays or other benefits in the first interview.  These questions should be addressed at a later time.

4. Don’t forget to follow up.

There is something so meaningful about sending a thank you note.  Although handwritten thank you notes are more personal, it is appropriate to send an email thank you if the company is wanting to make a fast decision.  Be sure to ask for business cards from each interviewer so you have the correct contact information.

The post ‘Tis the Season…for Interviews appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

It’s true- no two interviews are the same. However, it is safe to say that there are some very basic questions that are asked in variation at any job or internship interview. Here are the top 5 questions asked by interviewers, and the most effective ways to answer them.

1. What are your strengths?

This one may sound easy, but saying you’re great at chemistry won’t land you a job as a social media intern. Basically, your strengths should apply to the position that you are well…applying for. If you are applying for a position as a social media specialist and you are good at networking, boom, there you go. Just make sure you have facts to back up your strengths. Have a number for every skill you possess. If you are good at networking, how many followers do you have on twitter, how much social media influence do you have? Give your interviewer something tangible, don’t expect them to take you at your word.

2. What are your weaknesses?

This one is a bit more tricky. Essentially, you have to find a way to turn your weaknesses into strengths in the eyes of your interviewer. So for example, when I applied to a secretarial position, I said that I often get bogged down in details. A secretary’s job is details, so while this may be a weakness in another position, it bodes well for a secretary.

3. What brought you to this point?

In my opinion, this is the most important question an interviewer asks. This is where you sell yourself. Where you tell your story. This is where you practice in front of the mirror. Come up with a compelling story. A cohesive and intriguing tale that pinpoints each of your accomplishments while explaining how exactly you got to this point. So yeah, it matters.

4. What can you bring to this company?

This one is a big deal as well. If you can’t bring anything to a company, then why on earth would they hire you? Have an answer ready for this. And think hard about it. Try and come up with something that the company does not currently have, but needs. For example, if it is an international currency firm and you have spent a lot of time abroad, tell them why that will benefit them. It’s all about what you can do for them and why you are indispensable.

5. What do you like to do?

That’s right, this question actually matters. As companies have evolved, employers have realized that every office has a culture. If you do not fit into that culture it could be a deal breaker. So research the company you are applying to and emphasize your interests that pertain to them. If it’s an environmental conservation agency and you hike, there ya go. This question may seem a little fluffy, but it could actually make or break you.

So again, you may not be asked all of these questions verbatim, but you will be asked some variation of them. These 5 questions are a great way for you to begin thinking about how you want to present yourself in an interview, and most importantly, how to rock it.

The post The Top 5 Interview Questions And How to Respond to Them appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

10 years ago, getting noticed by submitting a well-done professional resume and cover letter was a lot easier than it is now. Today, with hundreds to thousands of qualified people applying for limited positions one has to get CREATIVE about ways to stand out.

We have all heard the phrase, “It’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know”.  While that may be frustrating, it is often very true.  So why is that? Well, because we human beings are wired for and thrive on CONNECTION.

Thanks to relational psychology we understand the importance of relationships in regards to human growth, development, and overall well-being.  Therefore, we are naturally programmed to want to connect with others. And this leads us to want to work with people we LIKE, and in order to like them we have to KNOW them.

Therefore, people who create a PERSONAL CONNECTION with a potential employer have a greater chance of getting noticed than those who just submit a paper resume. So how can you create a personal connection with an employer you have NEVER met before?

Easy! One of the most authentic and effective ways to create a personal connection with an employer and expand your network is by interviewing THEM.  You heard me right, INTERVIEW your dream job.

This tried and true strategy is called the “Information Interview” and has been touted by Career Counselors for years as a core tool for discovering your dream job and building your network.  Why? Because it works.  This strategy creates a personal connection and provides clarity to the interviewer about whether this is really a career path they are interested in.

Ready to conduct your Information Interview? Here is what to do…

1. Find someone who has the same (or similar) career/job to what you are interested in.

These can be connections through friends or family, colleagues, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.  Send them an email or message and say you are interested in going into their line of work and are seeking to learn more about it. Politely ask if they wouldn’t mind sharing their wisdom with you for a 15 minute chat about their career path. Actually talking to someone creates a greater connection than just email alone, so opt for a phone or face to face conversation if you can.

2. During the interview ask about their career path experience.

Here are some stem questions to help you get clear on whether this is a career path or organization you are really interested in…

• • How did you get into your job? What kind of training or education did you have?
  • What are the 3-5 tasks you do most? What are the skills required to complete these tasks?
  • What do you like most about your job?
  • What do you NOT like about your job? What do you wish was different?
  • How do you see this field evolving over the next 5-10 years?
  • What advice would you give someone starting out in this field?
  • Where would YOU look to find a position like this

3. Thank them and ask “Do you know someone else doing this work, or something similar, with whom I could speak?”. This is the question that will expand your NETWORK.

They say your network is your net-worth. So, you want to harness the power of community? Then ask this question!

4. Follow up with a thank you email within 48 hours.

Remember, promptness is good manners and manners go a long way in first impressions. If you want to work for their organization this is the perfect time to inquire about opportunities. Share briefly why you like the organization and what you feel you could contribute to their mission. Then ask who you might be able to talk with about career opportunities there.

To support you in your interviews I have created an Information Interview Template for you outlining these questions. CLICK HERE to grab your FREE PDF copy. This way you can stay focused on cultivating CONNECTION instead of on what question to ask next.

How are you going to use your new Information Interviewing skills? Please share one action step you are going to take toward getting your foot in the door of your dream job below, and embrace the power of community accountability and most importantly…connection.

The post 4 Steps to Getting an Interview When You Don’t Know Anyone at the Office appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

1. You did not follow up after the interview.

When I ask job candidates why they didn’t follow up, answers include, “I didn’t know how or when to follow up.” Following up is critical, and shows that you care. If you did not follow up, the employer might have questioned your level of interest in the job and/or the company. When I say follow-up, I am talking about a thank you email within 24 hours of the interview, and a final email about two weeks later (if there is no contact from the employer) expressing continued enthusiasm and interest in the company and the position. Please note that many interviewers will not appreciate a follow-up phone call during business hours, although a follow-up voice mail after business hours is acceptable if you have little confidence in your writing ability.

2. There was a more attractive candidate

Maybe someone who may not have been as talented as you, but was better able to sell himself, or came highly recommended (a good possibility).

3. You did not have excellent chemistry with the interviewer.

If you are interviewing with the hiring manager, chemistry is often the deciding factor between candidates. In fact, a lesser qualified candidate who establishes chemistry will usually get the job offer over a better qualified candidate. Be sure to show your personality! Many international students act like robots out of nervousness or remain quiet out of respect for the interviewer’s age or position.

4. Someone who did not meet with you made the final decision.

5. You said something on the way out that was a turn-off to the interviewer.

Don’t let your guard down for a second until after you leave the building.

6. At least one of your references did not give you a strong recommendation.

You can avoid this by carefully selecting your references, and by coaching them before they are contacted, “Steven, I just had an interview with Steinfeld Industries. They were particularly interested in my analytical skills. If you could focus on my skills in this area when they contact you, I think it would be very helpful.”

7. Social Media gave negative information about you or did not match with what you said on your resume or at your interview.

8. You did not show enough enthusiasm for the company and the job.

9. You are an international student who made an issue out of your visa status when discussing long term interest in the company.

Do not mention your visa status unless asked. When asked, have a good answer and be able to explain the visa process.

The post Great Interview! So Why No Internship or Job Offer? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

While the way you answer questions during an interview is important, there is a lot of communication that is not verbally exchanged. The body language that you portray during an interview reveals just as much about you as your answers to the questions–sometimes even more.

Speaking from experience, I have found that there are three key points to consider while expressing your body language.

First impressions are crucial, especially during a final round of face-to-face interviews. The company has already seen your resume and cover letter, so now it is time to showcase your personality. Making a strong entrance is very important. Walking with your shoulders back and chest out, shows that you are confident. You should also walk with purpose. Clear, defined strides are much more visually aesthetic compared to someone who shuffles their feet into an interview. You want to appear confident about yourself, not like you just rolled out of bed. The subtle difference between how you would walk into an interview and how you would walk into a shopping mall make a huge difference in the long run.

After a (hopefully) good first impression has been made, you must consider how you appear during the Q&A session. I tend to feel awkward about my movements throughout the Q&A process. I always ask myself, “Are my gestures too grandiose?” “Do I seem too stiff?” From trial and error, I have found that it’s best to just act natural. I know that seems obvious–but it’s true. If you talk with your hands and use gestures–then use them. If you don’t know what to do with your hands in an interview, simply fold them in your lap. (I have also found that this avoids fiddling with papers or clothes which is a bonus!)  So sit with a nice straight back and just act natural! You don’t want your interviewer to think you’re putting on a ‘professional’ act.

The last thing to consider is your exit. You always read about the importance of a good, strong handshake–and it’s true. That’s how you “seal the deal” after the interview, before you part ways. However, something else to consider about your exit is eye contact. This, of course, should be done throughout the whole interview, but looking your interviewer in the eye,  explaining how good it was to meet them, combined with your handshake–is basically a triple threat.

Combining these tips have helped me tremendously in interviews. Try them out and put your own spin on them next time you want to nail an interview.

The post The Importance of Body Language in an Interview appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

This is a guest post by Kayla Ihrig for Contributor Platform. 

In a competitive career field, to be qualified for a job is less than half the battle. There are thousands of graduates in your career field fighting for a job, so it’s important to be memorable. In order to stick out among other applicants before, during and after your interview, there are three things you will need:

1. A head-turning resume

For a single position, up to hundreds of resumes will be filing into an interviewer’s inbox. Stick out instead of being skimmed over. A resume that makes an interviewer stop and stare goes way beyond your work history and awards – it’s in the design.

Creatively designing your resume doesn’t mean you should abandon all qualities of a normal resume. You should still have clear categories in a logical order, with your name and information easily visible. Consider adding a personal logo, using a vertical format or adding a color scheme. Turn to Pinterest for inspiration.

My first non-traditional resume was simple with an orange logo in the top right corner with blue dividing lines. During one interview for a marketing internship, someone stopped in the interviewer’s office. Noticing my resume on her desk, he said, “That’s yours? We were passing it around the office yesterday. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

I was offered the job at the end of my interview.

2. A diverse portfolio

Portfolios aren’t just for artists. If the position you’re interviewing for has writing, design or marketing qualifications, you should take work samples. Showing off your strengths to a potential employer will make your more memorable than a candidate who just answered questions and left.

What to include: writing samples (especially published pieces), marketing pieces (brochures, posters, logos) and any other work you’re proud of. What not to include: work that has no relevance to the job. It’s important to show off your strengths, but if you’re displaying a piece that doesn’t have an obvious applicability to the job, point it out when showing the piece.

3. Something to remember you by

Now that you’ve blown the interviewer away before and during your interview, keep them thinking about you after you leave.

If you’re confident that the interview went well, offer the interviewer letters of recommendation on the spot. They’ll be impressed by your preparedness and will likely read them that day, instead of getting them via email days later. If they received a digital copy of your resume, offer them a hard copy as well. Also offer hard copies of your most relevant writing samples. They may say no, but taking the initiative and being prepared can never hurt.

About the Author:

Kayla Ihrig is a college student native to western Pennsylvania studying journalism at Indiana University of Indiana (IUP). She’s refining her skills in communications, public relations and graphic design by interning and working freelancing before being thrust into the working world in May of 2015. She enjoys attending leadership conferences all over the country and sedulously reading through every post from Entrepreneur. Connect with Kayla Ihrig on her website, Instagram, and Twitter.

The post 3 Best Practices For Being Remembered By An Interviewer appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether you’re interviewing for a job or an internship, you will inevitably have something about your education, background, or experiences that isn’t quite what your potential employer has in mind. This however isn’t personal and doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not qualified. In fact, it’s highly unlikely that any candidate is going to be perfect for a job. There’s always something that could be a little better or a little more on point, and it’s probably an amalgam of different candidates that equates to the perfect package. Once you have the interview lined up, know that you met the basic criteria for the job and then some — at least on paper! The point of the interview then is for your potential employer to gauge if you’re the best possible candidate out of all of the other applicants. And that’s where you have the opportunity to discuss all of your experiences and accomplishments, but it’s also where perceived weaknesses and imperfections can get highlighted and probed.

Although we’d all love to pretend these perceived imperfections don’t exist, we can’t. They become the elephant in the room: everyone knows they exist and they’re impossible to ignore. Because you can’t ignore them, it’s important that you’re ready to acknowledge and address any questions about your perceived weaknesses with confidence and then take the focus off that pesky elephant and quickly move to more positive experiences and traits.

Some common examples of perceived weaknesses are grades and lack of experience. Although your potential employer will have reviewed your resume and decided that you meet their basic criteria, you are still not in the clear, and may have to justify your low GPA or lack of industry experience. Maybe your employer sees that you have a 3.2 GPA, and the job posting just said 3.0 or above (or maybe didn’t even include one), but they’re really hoping for someone with a 3.5 and above. Your GPA may be in line with their requirements, but they may want to know if some of your lower grades were outside of your major or during your freshman year.

Or in regard to experience, maybe they don’t see an experience on your resume, but because they were impressed by the rest of the package, they wanted to see if you had similar work experience, or at least have some trait that gives them the confidence you can pick it up on the job. Try not to get thrown off by these questions because they’re all part of both you and the employer figuring out if this is a good fit. Indeed, you wouldn’t want to work somewhere where your background and experiences aren’t valued!

Coming back to grades and experience as the potential elephant in the room, the best way to answer questions that aim to probe these potential weaknesses is to identify those areas in advance (which a careful review of the job description will usually bring to light), and then to acknowledge them, address them, and move on to the positive that came out of the those circumstances. Always remember to speak in an honest, confident and importantly, proactive manner that keeps the conversation moving forward and focused on the skills and experiences you do have.

For example:

• Did you perhaps struggle with some biology classes during your freshman year before realizing that you wanted to pursue international affairs and not pre-med? Can you discuss that realization with your employer, and then explain that since transferring to international affairs you’ve maintained A-level grades and have participated in several significant research projects?
• Are you maybe lacking in some experience that was listed on the job description but did some similar tasks during an internship and can truthfully and confidently explain that you’re ready to take on this new responsibility? Instead of saying “no, I don’t have that experience,” can you instead, more positively and proactively, explain that “while I haven’t done A, I have done X, Y and Z during past internships and feel confident that I can tackle A if I’m hired.”

Notice here that we’re not letting the elephant just sit there. We didn’t shut down when asked these difficult questions, or give a one-word “yes” or “no” answer, or one that acknowledged the perceived weakness without any concomitant positive. Rather, we aimed to carry the conversation forward and in the direction we wanted it to go, away from the elephant and toward the positive attributes that we, as a candidate, bring to the table.

The take-away from all of this is not to let that pesky elephant that lurks in the background for all of us as candidates, in one way or another, derail an otherwise promising opportunity. Be prepared to address it, and know how to keep the conversation moving forward after you’ve done so.

The post Interviewing Around the Elephant in the Room appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Recently, alumni from a Fortune 500 company visited with Career Services and Faculty to reflect on what our students can do to stand out in interviews. These alumni graduated with degrees in Finance, Management Information Systems, and Supply Chain Management. The alumni made it clear that in terms of interview readiness, Career Services was doing a good job teaching students how to answer behavioral questions using the STAR pattern. They also said that our faculty were doing a great job teaching the fundamentals of business theory and specifically teaching students the right methods of working their most important program, Excel.

What was lacking to turn “maybe” candidates into a definite hire was actual PROOF of advanced Excel knowledge.

Many students do not list class or corporate projects that covered advanced excel knowledge. But even those who do apparently are not showing enough to prove they know Excel, inside and out. Students then should have portfolios of projects that are directly related to the knowledge, skills, and abilities of that particular software. Building the frameworks of financial models (and proof that the student understands the model logic) are essential for the day to day operations; up to 80% of the work is based on Excel knowledge according to the alums that we met with.

Proof of these projects should be in print and on a USB drive. I recommend both because in many cases, the recruiters may not be allowed to plug in an external drive according to IT security policies at their respective companies.

Having this proof is critical because unlike other majors that use portfolios, Sales, Marketing, and Advertising, many students that are great technically in business are not great at selling those skills. This was their second piece of feedback – students must learn to become comfortable with selling their skills to recruiters and hiring managers.

The proof portfolio can be a “supporting crutch” to lead into a conversation until students become comfortable with selling their skills and proving their advanced knowledge of Excel.

The post Keys To Nailing An Interview For An Excel Heavy Job appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Your impression on an employer doesn’t stop after the interview.

One of the most important things you can do, to make sure you stand-out from the other applicants, is send a follow-up email. There may be some confusion as to what exactly this email should contain, so here are four main points to consider.

1. When should I send it?

A follow-up email should be within 24 hours of the interview. Sending it within this time frame makes the employer feel that you truly appreciated him or her setting aside the time to interview you. Also, sending this email shortly after the interview makes you stand out and shows you care about the company. What employer doesn’t want that in a new-hire?

2. What should I write about?

First and foremost, you should say ‘thank you’ to the interviewer for having you; it’s a big deal to get a face-to-face interview! But that’s obvious isn’t it? To make your email stand-out, write about something specific that happened during the interview. Maybe you really appreciated the company’s values, or connected with a project the company is starting. This should be stated in the body of the email. This shows the interviewer how attentive you were during the interview and that you valued the opportunity. It also makes it more personal so it does not seem like you just ‘copy and pasted’ it from a previous email.

3. How should I conclude?

This is something that I always struggle with myself. Do I sound too cold? Do I sound too casual? After a series of trial and error, I have found that a simple, ‘I look forward to hearing from you’ is the best way to go. It’s short, sweet, and to the point. You don’t want to elaborate on the ending of your email too much–remember, it’s an email, not an essay. Of course, don’t forget to sign-off with your signature–you want to make sure the interviewer knows who you are!

The post Sending The Follow Up Email appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

In the wake of the stressful job application process and interview preparation, many students and college graduates overlook the importance of personal presentation. While the content of the interview is of the most importance, many employers are greatly influenced by the professionalism and appropriateness of the interviewee’s wardrobe. This aspect is true not only throughout the interview process, but in the office environment, after obtaining that dream internship.

As an aspiring member of the fashion industry, I feel an extra pressure in the professional world. While I feel obligated to fulfill the invisible standards of industry professionals and stay at the top of my style game, it’s also important to consider what is truly considered professional dress in the eyes of your employer for the given environment.

First and foremost, it is crucial to remember that in order to impress in an office environment, you should not be dressing like you would for a day of college.Vogue Senior Market Editor Meredith Melling Burke includes “flip-flops, Crocs, ripped jeans, denim shorts, chipped nails, exposed lingerie, and makeup experiments” among her list of “Don’ts”.  Another PR agency takes fashion guidelines a bit further. “No tank tops, no strapless, no stretch pants, no leggings, no flip flops,” said James LaForce, partner at LaForce & Stevens. “We use the term ‘business appropriate,’ but we don’t want them to feel like they’re dressing like a robot”.

Comfort and functionality are two key components of a professional wardrobe, especially within the unpredictable days of a fashion employee. “Dress according to the reality of what your day will consist of,” advises Teen Vogue fashion director Gloria Baume. “Packing up for shoots and running around to showrooms means comfortable, easy clothes. ” Even the most fashionable and powerful of fashion execs agree that an intern spending the day backstage at a runway show should not be wearing a pair of pumps; no style points earned there. A worthy compromise would be to pack a spare pair of shoes for fashion (or foot ache) emergencies, like a sleek pair of sensible flats.

“College-aged kids only know extremes — it’s either a suit or what they’d wear to a club. What you wear in a club at night is not appropriate for working in an office,” said Alison Brod, founder of the public relations agency of the same name that specializes in fashion, food and lifestyle products from Boden and Godiva to Sugarfina and Kmart. “They just don’t know what’s appropriate for a client meeting. In their day-to-day, they think flip-flops and a skirt are okay”.

Wardrobe appropriateness is especially under fire during the summer months. It’s important to stay cognizant of what is deemed appropriate in your particular office. “I’d like to say no to shorts, but in the end, if someone looks terrific, I’m not going to stop them,” said Brod, “But shorts can be hard — not everybody looks good in shorts… and I don’t know about spike heels and leather shorts with a silk blouse.”

The post Assess to Impress: A Guide for Professional Dress appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Interviewing: It’s one of the most important but least predictable events that we experience as human beings. In many ways, it’s similar to dating: you have some information about the job, you think that it matches the description of the next job you’d like to have, and you generally have a sense of how things are going to go within the first 3 minutes.

Many people, particularly students or those entering the job market for the first time, tend to try and guess at what the ‘right’ answers are to a recruiter’s questions, instead of answering honestly based on their own unique experiences.

This makes for a stressful time, both for the recruiter and for the interviewee. Having spent a significant amount of time on the company/recruiting side, I want to share a few thoughts on the subject of interviewing. I know that if you take the time to carefully consider and implement some of these ideas, you will leave your next interview feeling much more confident, regardless of the outcome.

1. Give Yourself a Task for the Interview

That goal or task should be something simple: smile when you greet the recruiter and look him or her in the eye or ask this a specific question regarding overtime. Eventually you can add onto this list. If you’re a nervous person, start with something small, then give yourself credit for accomplishing this goal each time.

2. Be Prepared

This seems like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t think ahead. Research the company. Have important projects or products been announced in industry trade publications in the past few months? Is the person you are potentially going to be assisting new to the company? Show that you have a genuine interest in working for that person or at that company. Also, be prepared to talk about yourself. What are you currently doing to keep busy while you’re interviewing for jobs? What personal interests do you have that are NOT related to the job? It’s ok to have a life outside of work. In fact, I’d be more concerned if you don’t have any extracurricular activities.

3. Know that You Deserve to Be There

For any job posting, a company may receive hundreds or even thousands of applications. If you are fortunate enough to be called in for an interview, you’ve already overcome the biggest hurdle; so know that walking through the door. Most other elements that will affect whether or not you ultimately get the offer are out of your control. If another candidate has more relevant experience or has a personal friendship with an executive in the company, you can’t help that. What you can control is the way you present yourself. Own what you are and what you’re not. Don’t apologize for experience that you don’t have. Instead, try to focus on the elements of your career or education that you feel proud of. Even if you aren’t offered that particular job, if a recruiter is impressed by the way you present yourself and your career goals, he or she will remember you for future opportunities.

4. Know How this Particular Job Will Benefit Your Career

The recruiter is almost guaranteed to ask you some version of this question. Even if the job isn’t exactly related to your dream job, find a way to relate it to acquiring skills you’ll need in the future.  For example, say you’re applying to be a Production Assistant in a production office for a new TV sitcom. Instead of saying, “I’m not really sure what I want to do in the future. I think I might want to be a Producer or an Art Designer, but right now I’m willing to just take anything in the field of TV so I can expand my skill set.” Most candidates I meet with for entry-level positions will give some variation of this answer. And I get it. I gave the same answer when I was first starting out. We think it makes us sound honest and eager to learn. In truth, it makes us sound uncertain.

Instead, you can present a similar answer in a much stronger fashion, “Right now, I’m most interested in pursuing a career as a Producer or Art Designer. I had some great experiences in college working on Projects A, B and C, and learned a lot at my internship for Company X. Working in this production office will give me exposure to working with studio representatives, production houses, producers, and other professionals in a range of departments. Learning how the machine runs together will be a great first step for me in helping to narrow down my future goals.” No one expects you to know exactly what you what to do everyday for the rest of your life. But at least have an answer prepared that shows you’ve given it some thought.

5. Watch This TED Talk by social psychologist Amy Cuddy

… and do a power pose in the parking garage or the bathroom before you go in.

6. Be Present

It’s more difficult than it sounds. In an interview, your brain is often swirling around in circles. You wonder, “Should I have said that?” “Why is the recruiter asking me personal questions?” or “Is my parking meter about to expire?” Do your best to be present, moment to moment. It’s not something that will happen overnight. But if you consciously make the effort to practice listening and being in the moment, you will start to become more aware of the significant difference in the impression you make – whether at an interview or at a dinner party.

Being able to confidently accomplish a task (even if it’s just smiling when you first meet the recruiter) will improve your confidence over time and let you relax more. And what I want, more than anything else as a recruiter, is to get an honest sense of who you are. Make the goal of your interview to do the best job you can, instead of making it about whether or not you eventually land the job. Trust me, I know you WANT the job. But it’s a lot easier to go into an interview when you look forward to sharing your interests and life goals, instead of fearing professional scrutiny.

The post 6 Ways to Change Your Approach to Job Interviews appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You are about to discover 2 of the most important tactics top performers do to master the interview.

Without a doubt, interviews are tough and I’ve seen talented individuals lose great job opportunities because they simply aren’t great at interviewing. Books upon books have been written on how to successfully interview, but it’s not as complicated as it seems. Really, there’s only 2 things you need to consider in order to master the interview.

Let’s start with the basics:

1. Know the Wrong and Right Answers

Did you know that every interview question has a right or wrong answer?

When was the last time you gave a 100% honest answer to the question “what’s your biggest weakness?” The wrong answer is to give away a personal character flaw that paints you in a negative light and instantly provides a reason not to hire you. The right answer is to give an example of a past negative trait and explain how you are actively working to improve yourself. You think you’re not technically savvy? Explain how you’re taking online courses and reading up introductory coding books to show your dedication of turning this weakness into a strength.

One of the most important things about interview questions is to know the wrong answers.

For example, why did leave your last job? The wrong answer is to talk negatively about your past company or coworkers because it portrays you in a negative light and implies a bad attitude. For every question, there’s a wrong answer that can cripple you. Even at the end when they ask you “do you have any questions for me?” The wrong answer is “no”, because it implies that you haven’t researched the company enough and will take any job the employer offers.

For my recommendation, google common answers to interview questions or visit the career section of your local bookstore or library, so you can come into an interview fundamentally prepared.

2. Follow up After Rejection

If you do this one thing, you will have a better job, a higher income, and a better career. The fact is, you will often go into interviews making the same mistakes over and over again. In an interview, you do some things right and some things wrong; but the trick is, you have to know EXACTLY what you’re doing right and doing wrong.

After being rejected because of a so-so interview, pick up the phone, call the interviewer, and repeat the following words:

“Good afternoon Mr. Employer, this is John Doe calling. I wanted to thank you for taking the time to interview me. It’s unfortunate that I didn’t get the job but I understand that I simply wasn’t the right fit. Mr. Employer, I was wondering if I could ask for your help. I was really interested in working for your company and really want to make sure I don’t make the same mistakes in my next interview. Because I want to better prepare myself, it’d be extremely helpful if you could elaborate on the things I did right, things I did wrong, or things that I could improve on?”

9/10 times, the recruiter or hiring manager will spend some time analyzing your interview and tell exactly what you did right and wrong. This little exercise will be life changing because you’ll know exactly what to do and what not to do for the next interview.

Think about it, not making this phone call is like going to school, taking tests, and never bothering to find out what mistakes you made. The interview is a test, so pick up the phone and find out how you scored.

And if you get rejected again, repeat the process, it can only help. It’s called failing; analyze what went wrong and then try, try, try again – this isn’t a new groundbreaking strategy, it’s a proven fundamental equation for success.

Are you ready?

For your next interview, make sure you are prepared, by researching the company and knowing the right and wrong answers to the most common interview questions. Do your best and after a week or two, call back and find out if you got the job.

If you didn’t, thank the person for their time and hang up. It’s best to call back a day or two after as you just got rejected and it’s a little awkward for both parties to talk (this is important). Call back and ask for some advice on how to improve for your next interview. After every rejection, you’ll become better and better at interviews and eventually, with enough hard work and perseverance, you’ll  land the job of your dreams.

The post 2 Interview Tactics that Work Brilliantly appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Like any future business professional to be, you will run across several troubles when deciding what to wear for an interview. As with any other decision in your career, this should not be taken lightly. First impressions begin with your looks, followed by how you carry yourself in conversation.

You may ask yourself:

• Should I stand out, wear this colorful shirt and make a statement?
• Should I dress clean, neat and professional?
• Will they take me seriously if I don’t wear a blazer?
• Does this make my butt look too big?
• Does this color make me look too young?

All are questions fitting of your typical nervous interviewee. However, do not fret with such questions or woe. Don’t get yourself bogged down with typical worries such as; “what will they think?” Present yourself with professionalism and confidence, in order to increase your odds of landing a job. Throw your worries aside of trying to outfit yourself in the latest Calvin, Louis or Coco. Chances are, being a college student, you won’t be able to afford such fabulous clothing. Use your strong courageous attitude to rock that thrift store jacket and button up you’ve had for years. It also wouldn’t hurt to iron that bad boy.

Blazer or not to blazer? That is the question. Keeping in mind that you are not guaranteed any position you are applying for, regardless of who you may know. Appearance as well as attitude is an integral part of any interview. If you look like you want the job, then act like it. Odds are you are in the running for any position. If you come in acting as if you are entitled, get ready for the ever dreaded, “We went with someone more qualified” or “Thank you for your interest but we are seeking other applicants” email.

Truly talented, driven and hardworking employees are hard to come by. Make it known that you mean business, and your interviewer will notice. Let your resume get you in the door then allow your rockin’ personality rope them in.

The post Interview Attire: Dos and Don’ts appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Ever wondering if those cargo pants and collared shirt will be enough to impress at an interview? Think again. Gentlemen, the competition is fierce out there in the world and you definitely don’t want to lose the job based on your wardrobe.

Here are three examples of outfits that are sure to land you wardrobe points in that much anticipated interview:

The No-Fail Calvin Klein Inspired Interview Outfit

Even if you don’t fancy spending all your money on a Calvin Klein suit, this is a good example of a suit that is perfect for an interview. The extremely slim fit has recently become a popular choice, and for good reason as it is quite a handsome trend. Pair one of these slim suits with a slim tie and you’ll be acing your interview in the wardrobe category.

The Can’t-Go-Wrong Dress Shirt/Dress Pants Look

Now if you aren’t feeling the whole suit jacket style, opt for a nice looking dress shirt paired with some slim trousers and a pair of nice looking dress shoes like the ones featured above. Adding a watch is always a good option and works as a great completion accessory to bring the entire ensemble together.

The Wear-Your-Sweater-To-Work Combination

 Option number three takes a more casual approach: pairing a dress shirt with a sweater. This is also a good option for the months of cooler weather. Once again we have the dress socks and shoes that are a staple in the male wardrobe and always a good idea to have on hand. With this style, you can usually get away without a tie, but (as uncomfortable as it is-sorry guys) I highly recommend wearing one as it looks more professional. Finally, the watch adds a finishing touch that is sure to impress.

*One more tip for the road and possibly the most important: ALWAYS WEAR DRESS SOCKS WITH DRESS PANTS. I can’t stress this enough. I have worked with guys who wear athletic socks or short socks with dress pants and shoes which is most definitely a fashion faux-pas, or in other words, a serious mistake. Even if you’re not up to date with the latest trends, this is an absolute must!

Hopefully these three outfits have given you an idea of what to wear to an interview. Lastly, feel free to leave any comments with suggestions or questions!

The post Tie or No Tie? A Guide to Interview Outfits for Men appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Yes, cut your brand new suit with scissors!  Say what?!

Many of you have already started your summer internship or may be embarking on your first job after graduation.  With this new adventure comes professional clothes including suits, and before you know it fall and winter along with the purchase of your first wool dress coat. Many new professionals have read plenty of articles about how to dress for success. However, what many of these pieces do not tell you is about jacket vents, skirt slits, sewn on tags, and those tricky pockets that are sealed shut.

Take a look at your new suit. Is there a vent on the back of the jacket or a slit on the skirt?  If yes, chances are the manufacturer sewed those shut with an easy to identify “x”.  This needs to be removed.  Shocking but true. So, why did they put it there?  Well, in order to keep the clothing from getting creased and making it easier for pressing when it arrives at the stores, the “x” holds it together. So, get cutting!

Now take a look at that same suit or a nice pair of dress pants or skirt.  Notice how there are pockets but you can’t get your hand in there?  Well, this is because they are sewn shut and you need to cut it open!  Again, designers and manufacturers do this so the pocket does not get creased or damaged when people try on the garment.  Many times you can stick on finger in a little opening in the pocket and pull it open. Don’t be afraid, you may have to pull hard or use a scissor, and don’t forget to cut off all the extra thread that may hang loose.

And last but not least, look at your suit jacket arms or the arms of your 100% wool coat.  What do you see? Yep, a sewn on tag that tells everyone in the world what material your coat is made of and who designed it.  Believe me, nobody cares and or is impressed when they see it.  This is not a mattress tag – cut that tag off!

Good luck with your scissors and happy cutting!

The post Cut Your New Suit With Scissors appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Since my freshman year of college, I have written over 100 cover letters, undergone 50+ hours of interviews, sent roughly 80 LinkedIn InMails, taken every skills test under the sun (math tests, IQ tests, writing samples, case studies, etc.), experienced a few panic attacks and one possible nervous breakdown, and shaken dozens of hands.

Now, to be clear, I am not purporting to be an expert on the interview process or even claim that I have experienced all there is to experience. However, over the years, I have learned a thing or two when it comes to interviewing for internships/entry-level jobs and I would like to share some of my “Do’s and Don’ts” with you all.

1. DO: Read or keep busy in between interviews:

This is especially true for recent graduates and those interviewing for summer internship positions. I was fortunate enough to find a job relatively quick after graduation, but I did spend about a month after classes ended applying and interviewing for jobs. After sitting at home in between interviews and watching nonstop marathons of SpongeBob and Bubble Guppies with my nephew, I quickly realized that I was either going to lose my mind or destroy the close bond I share with my nephew by selling our TV on Craigslist. Anything to make the Bubble Guppies stop!

Realizing that my parents might also not look too favorably upon my decision to sell the family television, I decided to spend my down time keeping my mind sharp. As a Political Science graduate, this meant reading the New York Times and the Washington Post in the morning, listening to NPR in the car, and catching the Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC before bed. Of course, for a business or engineering graduate this regiment will be slightly different, but the main point is to keep reading and learning in order to stay aware of the current events in your field of expertise and keep your mind from melting in the summer heat.

I noticed a significant change in my mood and disposition after starting this daily regimen while waiting for a job offer. Sitting around for hours watching TV or browsing the internet will make you feel sluggish and could have detrimental effects on your interviews.

 2. Don’t: Get attached to a job before landing it:

Let me give you an example. A few weeks ago, I was interviewing for a junior associate position at a top financial communications firm in San Francisco. I had passed the initial phone interview, writing test, and the second round of interviews. The final round of interviews was approaching, and I slowly began to imagine my life in San Francisco. Before I knew it, I had picked out a beautiful studio apartment near downtown, identified possible parks to walk my dog, and mapped out my commute to work.

I had made the very dangerous mistake of getting attached to a job and lifestyle that was not yet mine. As I am sure you guessed, I received the dreaded rejection e-mail after the final round of interviews. With that e-mail, my San Francisco dreams became just that – a dream.

Best advice to wide-eyed recent graduates or internship seekers – don’t get attached until you receive an official offer letter. Then you  can go ahead shopping for drapes.

3. Do: Prepare to get tested:

Employers are increasingly turning away from the typical 30-40 minute interview to a complex series of interviews, tests, and case studies designed to determine the suitability of potential candidates. Almost every job or internship interview that I have undergone has included some form of a skills test. My McKinsey interview involved an hour long Problem Solving Test (PST) and several business case studies designed to evaluate the problem solving abilities of candidates. I have also completed IQ tests, and other evaluations that have tested my basic math skills, writing/grammar skills, and even personality.

To assume that your next interview will only be a 30 minute long “fit” interview with basic questions covering your resume can bite you later on. My advice is to start brushing up on your middle school math (percentages, metal math, data interpretation, etc.) and perfect your proofreading skills in the event that you are presented with a writing test.

Even if you are not tested, these are useful everyday skills that will only benefit you if you do land a job.

4: Don’t: Underestimate the power of LinkedIn: 

There is no doubt that almost every 20-something year old has been guilty of Snapchatting a picture of themselves about to do something stupid with one hand while updating their Facebook status with the other. I put myself squarely in that camp as well.

However, the one simple thing that every social-media savvy young person can do with ease is create a polished and impactful LinkedIn profile. It is one of the most useful tools for recent grads but one of the most underutilized. I have seen recent graduate profiles with unprofessional profile pictures, countless spelling mistakes, and professional experience entries with little or no detail explaining their past responsibilities and/or accomplishments.

My LinkedIn profile has been instrumental in landing job and internship interviews. Having a professional and detailed LinkedIn profile will be a signal to recruiters that you are a serious candidate and just not another recent graduate.

Take the time and perfect your LinkedIn. It will be your best friend throughout the job hunting process.

The post Do’s and Don’ts of the Interview Process: Tips for Recent Graduates and Internship Seekers appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Here in the Northeast, we’re breathing a collective sigh of relief that the weather’s finally starting to warm up. Summertime has arrived, and that means one thing for us career-minded folk: the start of summer internships.
Chances are, that internship you landed will mean less days soaking up the sun and more days cooped up in the office. Still, you’ll want to lighten up your attire to accommodate climbing temps (or at least dress more sunshine-y). But in the working world, rockin’ Ray Bans, Hawaiian T’s, and swim trunks just won’t cut it.

Whether you’re gearing up to embark on a three-month long assignment or navigating your first summer internship in the corporate jungle, your appearance does matter. It’s easy to hide behind winter staples like cardigans and trousers, which lean towards conservatism. But “dressing for the position you want” really applies in summer, when professional wardrobe mishaps happen much more frequently.

No two companies are alike, and some policies are more relaxed than others, but there are some general recommendations that’ll get you through the dog days of summer without looking like you’re off to the beach.

Your absolute Dont’s include:

• Flip flops
• Short hemlines
• Low-cut shirts
• Untucked shirts
• Spaghetti straps
• Sheer fabrics
• Shorts*

*Walking shorts have had a revival as of late. They can look professional, but it’s wise to run it by HR before wearing them.

Depending on your organization’s dress code, you can get away with some summer basics, like sandals or boat shoes, collared polos, capris, and skirts. There are also ways to side-step some stricter rules without ending up on the unemployment line – opt for seasonal versions of classic pieces, like lightweight khakis or colored denim (which looks more polished than your standard blue jean); layer for versatility, such as wearing camisoles underneath a low-cut blouse; and be smart. You don’t have to turn your filing cabinet into a dresser, but keeping two or three blazers at the office makes sense for times when you need to up your style game. 

It’s always best to check with HR regarding dress code, but it’s also good to take a cue from some of the office vets. After all, their wardrobe choices probably had some influence on their career, and they wouldn’t be where they are today if they had dressed inappropriately. At the risk of sounding like a conformist, there really is no better indication of workplace decorum than what everyone else is doing.

Don’t let casual Fridays spill over to laid-back Mondays. By keeping in mind these no-sweat tricks to dress for success this summer, you’ll not only maintain a professional look, but also let others know you value yourself and the work you do. And who knows? Your garment choices could be the deciding factor between you and another candidate!

About the Author:

Suzanne De Vita is an online editor and content producer. Exceptionally vocal, she’s often found belting “The Star-Spangled Banner” or chanting “Roll Tide!” at her television. Her greatest loves are The Temptations, barnyard animals and cajun cuisine. She’s contributed to Chicken Soup for the Soul and the Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans, and received her BA from Quinnipiac University.

The post Don’t Sweat It! Dress Like a Pro This Summer appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

I’ll get the cliché part out of the way: Always be yourself in front of a prospective employer.

There’s a reason our teachers, advisors, moms will all remind us to do so.  Take it to heart, but don’t let it lock you in to a rigid behavior pattern.

Slight adjustments to how you act during an interview, even some that may seem unnatural based on your own personality, can be very helpful. 

The ultimate goal, of course, is to get a job offer.  This can be accomplished in part by accommodating to the type of person who is conducting the interview.

While crucial to the strength of a candidate’s application, past experience will not be the only thing taken into account by hirers as they make their decisions.

They are looking add people whose personalities fit well within their workplaces. Therefore, it is useful to gauge the way the interviewer carries himself/herself in the interview, since it will be your best indicator of the typical personality type of that workplace.

If you immediately notice that your interviewer is reserved, quiet, or even a bit nervous (not uncommon), reciprocation with over-enthusiasm may not be your best move.  If the interviewer is not the type of person to match this type of eagerness, such a drastic range in personalities can create an uncomfortable tension between the two parties.  Instead, a more lucrative approach to take as an interviewee would be to show a strong interest in the position without blatantly over-doing it.  This can be done by asking questions of the interviewer which demonstrate your prior preparation, and thoroughly answering the questions asked of you.  Emulate the volume and pace at which the interviewer speaks as you do this, in order to ensure a more fluid conversation.

On the other hand, if you have a particularly peppy or upbeat interviewer, attempt to openly share that level of enthusiasm.  Smile, sit up straight, and raise your voice (not to a shout, obviously).  Like I said, you will be assessed by how well you would mesh into that specific workplace.  Employers will be preferential towards applicants whose personality lines up with those of current employees as well as their own (amongst several other factors).

The key to this idea is balance. 

Avoid the extremes – over-enthusiasm and apathy. Use your gut during the interview.  If you sense that you are coming on a little strong by the reactions of the interviewer, bring it back a bit.  If you believe your interviewer is more eager to be there than you are, visibly step up your interest level.  Do your very best to accommodate the personality type of your interviewer in how you act, as it can favorably separate you from another candidate who may have a comparable resume.

About the Author:

Ryan Kelly is a Health Science major in his fourth year at Northeastern University.  His internship experience includes settings in academic research as well as a contract research organization.

The post Accommodating the Personality of Your Interviewer appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

No two interviews are ever the same when meeting with potential employers.

The setting and tone can vary between interviews but there always seems to be a common question asked: How did you overcome a challenge or dealt with a difficult situation? Knowing that this question will be asked in one form or another, I always have an answer prepared. It consists of an actual event in my life that I had to think quickly in order to overcome a challenge.

It’s not dramatic.

It happened on my first day of work and it was filled with lessons that all new employees face. For me, this experience best suits the answer to the question. It’s short; it’s precise; it allows me to answer the question. Having an answer already in mind also reduces the stress of the interview portion.

Here is my go-to answer on how I overcame a challenge:

“I work for the student-run newspaper at my university and I was covering my first men’s basketball tournament. Being a freshman, and from a large sports school, this was a really big deal. I was so excited for this opportunity that everything that could possibly go wrong, did. I underestimated the time it would take me to get to the arena so I showed up minutes before tip-off–not a good move. My laptop died as I was writing my copy at half-time which left me writing game notes by hand the rest of the second half. (Do you know how fast paced a basketball game is?)

When it was time to go into the press room for post-game interviews I discovered my recorder had barely any battery life yet. It lasted through one round of interviews before that died on me as well.

Nervous about not having enough sources, I had to think quickly. Before the coaches portion of the interview began I ran and put my iPhone on the table. My purple glittery case stood out against the black and white professionalism of the other media members’ devices.

But what was I to do? I had to think on my feet and that seemed like my best option.

After my first day out in the field I learned something: always be prepared.

My actions were nothing less than unprofessional and I did not want to represent my organization in that light. So now, whenever I am out covering an event, I always make sure I am prepared. I learned from this experience and now I make sure I arrive at the event early in case I get lost or have any altercations, my laptop is always fully charged, I carry spare batteries, and for good measure, I change my phone case to something a little more professional looking.”

About the Author:

My name is Megan Boyle, I’m from New Jersey and am currently a junior at the University of Pittsburgh. I’m pursuing a double major in English Literature and Communications.

The post Prepping the Answer appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

An interview is the most important part of the job process.

If someone is willing to put aside time to meet with you in person over someone else, you need to make the time you spent together valuable. Don’t stress over interviews, but make sure you take all the necessary precautions.

You can only prepare so much, but don’t let yourself forget the little things:

1. Make sure your mouth is moist before your interview

One of the worst things to experience during an interview is dry mouth and you’re unable to talk about talk about your best qualities. Always make sure you carry gum or water with you.

My tip is to pop a Listerine Breath Strip in and then chew gum. The breath strip freshens your breath longer and the gum keeps in moist. Water typically dries out your mouth, but provides instant hydration if you do experience dry mouth during your interview.

Don’t forget to spit your gum out before you interview though! Chewing anything is a major faux pas.

2. Always bring a copy of your resume

This may seem like a simple tip, but I’ve seen it happen before. You email or submit your resume to the interviewer ahead of time, but that’s no guarantee that they will print it out or have a hard copy of it in front of them.

You will feel and most importantly look so prepared and organized if you have multiple copies with you.

3. Bring your own pen and notebook

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but you should always carry something to write with and something to write on. Don’t splurge on a fancy Moleskin journal and fountain pen, but don’t use a napkin and take-out pen. You never know if you need to write something down in the middle of the interview.

It looks good to take notes also, but don’t take notes verbatim. Actually listen to what the interviewer is saying and jot down the most important parts to remember.

4. Always follow-up 

The best way to show you care and truly want the internship is to be persistent and show them that you want the internship. An email is nice, but calling is even better. Express how you appreciate them taking the time to meet you and how much this opportunity would mean to you.

5. Wear one thing that represents you and your personality

This serves as a great conversation starter piece. Wear something that isn’t too flashy, but shows how you are an individual and separates you from everyone else. This becomes an advantage for you to reference to.

For example, if you completed a mission trip and it is on your resume, wear a piece of jewelry from that country or something that reminds you of it. It will show how much you valued that experience and you take advantage of every opportunity you have. This object will give you personality next to all the others in black, gray, navy, or white.

Have fun during your interview! This is the part of the process where you show yourself off and prove what you can offer your potential new employer. Show the best parts of yourself and work your hardest. That’s all you can ever do, make the interview yours and make yourself memorable.

About the Author:

Emily Kong is currently a journalism student with a passion for writing, art, fashion, and cooking. She aspires to be a magazine writer someday and has the city life in her sights. In between city hopping, Kong writes for other publications, her WordPress, and little 140 character quirks on Twitter.

The post 5 Simple Interview Tips appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Up until a couple of months ago, every experience I’d had on an interview had been positive. I had always been well prepared, dressed for the part, and ready to talk about why I was the perfect fit for a magazine.

Of course, there are internships that I didn’t get. But I walked away from every interview experience knowing that it was a positive one.

A while ago, I was sitting in an important meeting for my college’s housing placements next year. If I didn’t attend, my friends and I would be kicked to the curb.

I had applied to at least a dozen magazines for a summer internship and was still hoping for a placement when my phone lit up with a 212 area code. Manhattan! I was finally hearing from someone.

I quickly risked being homeless next year in favor of having an internship. I have priorities, people!

I was shocked to be called from one of my most coveted opportunities out of the blue; I had applied to them months ago! The phone call turned into a spontaneous interview and I was excited to be able to stay calm, cool, and collected during my surprise phone interview…until I was asked what my favorite article in the magazine was. The silence was deafening as I realized I hadn’t read the magazine recently. I was panicking as I felt so unprepared. The interview took a turn for the worse when I couldn’t think of an article and I hung up feeling awful…and potentially homeless.

As upsetting as my bomb was, I learned afterwards how important it is to think on your feet.

If I could get a redo, I would know to say, “I’m sorry, I just left a meeting and need to think on that. Do you mind if I reread the magazine and give you a call back?” But of course, in my panic, I didn’t think like that.

Even though the memory of that disastrous phone call still gives me the chills, I’m happy it happened. I feel more prepared to go into situations that make me nervous or overwhelm me.

I still hope to have an opportunity with that magazine one day and I know that when I get a second shot, I’ll be ready for anything they throw at me.

About the Author:

My name is Nicole Knoebel and I’m a junior at Marist College majoring in English with a concentration in Writing and minoring in Journalism. I’ve interned at Seventeen and ELLE magazines and will be interning with Us Weekly this upcoming summer. I am the President and Co-Editor in Chief of Her Campus Marist, a staff writer for the Arts and Entertainment section of Marist’s school newspaper, and a sushi and pop culture addict. You can follow me on Twitter at @nicoleknoebel!

The post Bouncing back from an interview bomb appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

It’s the day of the interview and you’re scrambling to find the perfect outfit; not too casual, not too dressy; a pile of skirts, blouses, and pants covering your bed and time running out.

Heels, or no heels? That is the question.

Fear not…. The perfect interview outfit is out there. All you need to keep in mind are a few simple rules:

1) Blouse + Skirt + Blazer = dressy, professional

2) Pants + Heels + Blouse = professional

3) Dress  + Blazer  + Flats/Heels = Stylish, Dressy

4) NEVER wear jeans

I can’t stress this enough. Even if the workplace is casual, you want to demonstrate that this interview is important, not merely just another errand, and quite frankly, jeans do not scream professional. Believe it or not, it is possible to be comfortable, stylish, and still look professional.

5) A nice pair of business-looking flats

These are appropriate if you aren’t a fan of heels (like myself), and although they can be expensive, it’s a good idea to invest in a nice, comfortable pair that will last a while. I would recommend looking at Nordstrom as they carry quite a few business-type flats and the associates are willing to help you find exactly what you are searching for.

6) In terms of accessories

A professional looking purse that is a neutral color (black, beige, etc.) is a good option; something that doesn’t draw the attention away from you, the interviewee.

My purse necessities include:

• Bottle of water (trust me, after answering multiple questions, your mouth will thank you)
• A folder with another copy of my resume (although employers usually have your resume with them before the interview, it’s always a good idea to have another one on hand, just in case)
• Lip balm (talking a lot = chapped lips)
• Wallet
• Phone (when going to an interview, or during finals when I was in school, I always had a fear that my phone would be “that one” that rings when the entire room is silent. Even though I could just put my phone on silent for the interview, I usually turn it off, just to be safe)

And lastly, don’t stress it! Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but keep calm, remember to breathe, and with these style tips you will be sure to impress.

Best of luck! And be sure to tell me about your favorite interview outfits in the comments below!

About the Author: 

Kirsten is a 22 year old graduate from Macquarie University in Australia where she originally went on exchange and later transferred to after falling in love with the country. After graduating she has been both a barista and a teller while saving money to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film/television. She enjoys traveling, warm weather, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family.

The post Heels, or no heels?: A guide to interview outfits appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

This is a guest post by Sherry Zou for Student Stories. 

If you think a well-polished resume and professional attire are all you need for an interview, you are clearly wrong. At an interview, an employer is not only judging you by your outward appearances, but also by your speaking skills. In other words, an employer is looking and judging you from all perspectives; most importantly your 60 seconds pitch when an employer asks you to tell him or her about yourself in the beginning of the interview.
The 60 seconds pitch is your time to shine and that pitch may distinguish you from all other applicants. From my years of being in interviews, an employer wants to hear the pitch in order to get to know your education, major, and why do you think you are an excellent candidate. A pitch should be short in sentences and simple enough to catch the attention of an employer.

A pitch can be written in advance and can be prepared for your audience. If you are beginning to enter the work force, you should definitely prepare your pitch, tailoring it to the job description and employer. Slowly as you practice, your will get the gist of it and your pitch will sound amazing.

So what is the perfect pitch? The answer is there is no such thing as a perfect pitch. Everyone is different in terms of their voices, personalities, and looks. You are different and unique; therefore you should prepare the pitch that best convinces the employer of your excellent candidacy for the position. In addition, you should not be afraid to showcase little of your characteristics as a person during the pitch.

People say too much is a bad thing and that is extremely true for the pitch. You want to let the employer know the right amount of information about you and at the same time you do not want to be too boring. In other words, you want to add different tones of voice to your words when saying phrases like “I am passionate about”, “My career goal is”, and “I have experience in”. When adding different tones to different words, an employer that you are talking to will become more engaged in the conversation.

About the Author:

My name is Sherry Zou and I am currently studying Experimental Psychology at Saint John’s University located in Jamaica, New York. My career goal is to become a clinical psychologist with an emphasis of treating children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders. My hobbies are knitting, crocheting, painting, and drawing.

The post Finding Your Pitch at the Interview appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

A lot of students really enjoyed Forbes’ list of tough internship interview questions! So we thought, “what better way to help students prepare for interviews, than a challenge?” Answer the question below in our comments section or link the answer to your blog for the chance to win a really cool prize!

Question: You have a ping pong ball. It is the same diameter as a tube that it is in. It is buried 3 feet under concrete. How do you get it out? 

–Amazon Supply Chain Internship Candidate

Good luck!

The post Get Prepared: Internship Interview Challenge appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.