All posts tagged interview tips

Dress Professionally for Interview Success

by Kristy Amburgey

You have researched the company with which you will be interviewing.  You Job-Interview-Dressing-for-Successhave practiced your answers to interview questions.  You have printed out your resume.  You have thank you cards for after the interview.  You are ready to conquer that interview!  But did you think about what you will wear during the interview process?  What you wear makes a distinct first impression, so you want to dress in the most professional and fitting attire for your interview situation.  For many of the career fields within aviation and aerospace, conservative attire is key.  For other career fields, you may find that less formal business dress is appropriate.

Suit

A business suit is the most appropriate attire for an interview.  For both men and women, a suit conveys authority, power and professionalism.  Suits should fit well and be altered or tailored as needed.  Ladies can wear either pant or skirt suits, but the skirt must hit at or below the knee.  Suit colors can vary, but the most conservative color palettes are navy, grey and soft black; dark colors are best when selecting a suit.

Shirt

The shirt you wear under your suit should also be subdued in color and fit.  Gentlemen should wear a long-sleeved, button down shirt.  Ladies can wear button down shirts as well; other choices include knit, rayon, silk or other smooth fabric shirts with a neckline appropriate for an office setting.  The recommended colors of the shirts are white, off white or light blue.  Other shirt colors can be considered, but it is best to be conservative in your choice.  Fit is just as important in a shirt as in a suit.  Ensure that the neckline, sleeves and length fit well and select shirts that do not pull or gap down the front.

Tie

Gentlemen should wear ties with their suits and long-sleeved shirts.  The tie should be in a restrained pattern or a solid that complements the colors of the shirt and suit.

Shoes and Socks/Stockings

Shoes are also an important piece of an interview outfit and can convey a distinct message about how you present yourself.  Always wear clean, polished, un-scuffed shoes that are for a professional work environment.  Gentlemen, wing-tips and lace-ups are common dress shoes and considered professional.  Ladies, closed-toe flats and heels are appropriate; keep the heel height to no more than two to three inches.  If wearing socks, the color should match your pants or shoes.  Ladies, it is recommended that you wear pantyhose when wearing a skirt suit.

Accessories

Gentlemen, a belt, braces, tie bar, cuff links, jewelry, a watch and other accessories can be appropriate.  Just limit the number of pieces you wear to avoid distracting the interviewers.  Ladies can also wear accessories like jewelry and a watch; ensure that the jewelry enhances your look without overwhelming you.

Grooming

Good hygiene and grooming are just as imperative as what you wear.  Pay attention to the small details that can make you look and feel ready for the interview. Ensure that your nails are clean and you are showered and fresh.  Ladies, get touch ups on any outgrown hair color or highlights and select hair styles that will prevent you from playing with strands during the interview.  Makeup should be muted but enhance your look, if you choose to wear it.  Gentlemen, trim facial hair if applicable and ensure your hair has been recently cut and is neat.

There are certain things to avoid when dressing for an interview.  Avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing or too ill-fitting.  Don’t wear pieces with stains, rips, missing buttons or other issues that convey you don’t care about your appearance.  Avoid strong colognes, perfumes and other smells that not everyone appreciates.  Fresh breath is always a benefit; avoid drinking strong beverages or smoking right before an interview.

For the ladies and gentlemen, there are some alternatives to interview dress.  Ladies, you can wear a dress and suit jacket combination.  Gentlemen, for certain industries, you can wear a pair of slacks with a navy blazer and button-down shirt with tie.  At times, certain career fields will find a pressed polo shirt and ironed khaki pants appropriate.

It is important to always research the industry, field and company to identify their standards for interview attire.  For an interview, it is best to dress above the standard of what your future employer would consider professional dress.

Please visit the Career Services Pinterest group and peruse the What to Wear – Men, What to Wear – Women and What Not to Wear – Men and Women boards for ideas on professional dress.

For both the Prescott, AZ  (October 3) and Daytona Beach, FL (October 9) Industry/Career Expos, professional dress is required.  Over the summer, plan your Expo event attire.

Kristy Amburgey is the Associate Director of Career Services – Daytona Beach campus and currently manages marketing and employer relations for the department.  She has been with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for approximately 10 years and with Career Services for nine years.

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by eraucso on April 29, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on April 29, 2013

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Your Guide to a Job Search

by Kristy Amburgey

Jobs

Your job search begins as soon as you select a degree program to pursue, a new career path or an expanded role within your current realm of expertise.  Your job search should encompass a variety of activities, including research and preparation, self-evaluation, networking, etc. until you actually have a job in hand.  Even then, you should continue to grow your professional knowledge and connections to further your career until you reach your ultimate goal.

Identify Career Paths and Options

Any job search begins with an understanding of what you hope to do professionally in your life.   As you make decisions about your future, consider various career paths and options that match your personal and professional goals and personality.  Opportunities can range from positions directly related to your courses of study or not related to your degree but that use the skills you learned in college.   You can have one career path in mind, or you might be open to several different options.

Research Jobs and Companies of Interest

After you have determined the job type you want to pursue, you now want to find out the various job titles that encompass your career path, and you need to identify the companies that offer these roles.  In addition, you want to learn about the companies’ expectations, what the job requires of candidates (at a minimum) and what the job would entail, matching it to your preferences.  Be sure to get a realistic picture of who the company typically hires for your desired role and how both your background and your personality fit that job.  Make informed career decisions based on accurate research you have conducted.

Create a Targeted Company List

Any job search should be focused (avoid the “I will take anything” approach).  One way you can focus your search and help yourself down the road is to develop a targeted company list.  The list can be as long or as short as you want, but it should be focused on the companies that offer the job or an iteration of the job you want.  Your company list should evolve as you continue through school, find new companies and gain new interests; routinely monitor your list.  Don’t be afraid to go outside of your targeted companies to find opportunities, but you should do your due diligence on the company before applying to jobs.

 Prepare Job Search Documentation

Using your resume, cover letter and other documentation, your goal is to prove you can not only do the job but positively impact the company’s bottom line.  Focus your resume and cover letter on one job type at a time, customizing the resume using the job description as you apply for positions.  Ensure that each part of your resume is focused on showcasing your accomplishments by listing outcomes and results of your experiences (from work to academic to project).  Quantify your accomplishments as often as possible using dollar amounts, numbers and percentages.  Avoid using terminology (i.e. fluff) that gives employers no real useful information upon which to make a decision about you as a candidate.  As always, proper grammar, accurate information, consistency, clean formatting and ease of reading are all important factors in your job search documents.

Consider Additional Skills, Trainings and/or Certifications

Going back to the career path research you completed, you should have an understanding of what a company expects from their candidates.  If you are not sure, check out a variety of job descriptions or ask your professors or people in your network.  If you are missing a requirement, take the time to complete it before graduating, if possible.  If you must wait to obtain additional skills or trainings, have a timeline for when you hope to accomplish them.

Gain Relevant Experience and Skills

Relevant experience can come in a variety of forms, including co-op/internship positions, projects, research, job/summer jobs/part-time positions, on-campus clubs or organizations, volunteer work, conferences and professional organizations, to name a few.  Through any experience, you should work to further develop your leadership, communication, initiative, analysis and other skills that apply to any job type (also called transferable skills).

Maintain a List of Achievements and Accomplishments

In order to accurately communicate your accomplishments, you need to keep track of them.  Maintain a list of things you achieved in any academic, work, group or other experience.

Network

In reality, networking is an action that you began early in your life.  Now it is time to build your network into a more formal support system for your job search and professional growth.  You can build relationships in any number of ways, but you want to place yourself in situations where you can make a positive impression on a future employer or future advocate.  Brainstorm about ways you can connect with others; do not fall into the trap of assuming you know no one.  Your network may fall outside of the job type you are pursuing, but keep an open mind about building relationships with people from all professional backgrounds.

Apply for Positions

Approximately six months to one year before graduation, begin to apply for positions, especially for entry-level candidates.  Some career types are more likely to hire as needed, so you may need to wait closer until you are degree complete to pursue a job.   As you apply for positions, you must gain insight into how the company selects candidates to interview, always following directions.  Many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), where the system scans your resume for key words before being viewed by a hiring manager.  In these cases, you must reverse engineer or integrate key words from the job description and your knowledge of the company into your resume and cover letter.  Another important reminder is to keep track of the positions for which you applied.

Interview

Interviewing skills need to be developed and practiced.  Prepare for an interview situation by researching the company, understanding the position, having stories to relay during the interview and giving evidence of how you can help solve the company’s problems.  Practice your interview skills by reviewing and answering sample questions, either with a partner or by planning out your answers.  Ensure you have questions to ask the employer and always put your most professional self forward, from your dress to how you present yourself.

Follow-up

After an interview, networking event or other activity where a person helps you, follow up.  A thank you note or email is appropriate, and a phone call or other act of kindness can be nice as well.  Avoid contacting a person too often as they will soon lose their desire to help you, or you may even lose out on the job after an interview if you are too persistent.

Understand the Salary Process

Once you are offered a job, you will also be extended a salary and benefits package.  Typically, you want to avoid talking about salary until you have been offered the job; only if a company requests the information should you provide an expected salary, preferably as a range.  Once you have been extended the job with salary, you can decide to accept, negotiate or decline the offer.  Understand that factors such as your negotiation strategies, your worth, the cost of living, the company’s salary standards and more impact your offer.  Ensure you understand what you bring to the negotiation table if you decide to ask for more money or benefits and always thoroughly research the typical salary ranges for your industry, for the company and for your job type.

And Network More

Networking should be an ongoing activity in any professional career.  Never stop meeting new people and growing current relationships.  Most employers prefer to hire someone who has been recommended to them, so make sure you continue to place yourself in a position to be the recommended candidate.

A job search is a personal journey, but there are some common steps that you should take to put yourself in the best situation for job search success.

Kristy Amburgey is the Associate Director of Career Services – Daytona Beach campus and currently manages marketing and employer relations for the department.  She has been with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for approximately 10 years and with Career Services for nine years.

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by eraucso on April 25, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on April 25, 2013

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Conference Spotlight: National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Annual Convention

by Kristy Amburgey

DSC_3557Attending conferences and events is an excellent way to professionally network, learn new information as related to your career and identify employment opportunities.  The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) 39th Annual Convention, to be held March 27 – 31, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a great example of an event where you can both personally and professionally grow.  In fact, the annual NSBE conference, and the many events they host throughout the year, has resulted in great success stories for Embry-Riddle students and alumni.  Two such success stories come from Marie-Jeanne Steady Ndiaye (or MJ) and Vincent Bell.  We asked both of these alumni to share their experiences with the NSBE Convention.

Why did you decide to attend NSBE in 2012?

MJ: It was a very simple and pragmatic decision to come to. As an undergraduate student, I tried to attend as many professional conferences /conventions as I could; it is the best way to meet industry leaders and others who share your enthusiasm about your field.  The other reason why I attended the convention is that I quite frankly liked not being the “odd one out”. There typically aren’t many minority attendants; there’s this belief that we are not interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), so it’s nice to be reminded it is just a “myth”.

Vincent: I decided to attend the NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) Convention in 2012 after talking to Mr. Mark Lyden about working for The Boeing Company at the end of February or early March 2012.  He told me that Boeing and various companies go to the convention to hire knowledgeable minorities.  So my main reason for going was to obtain a job after graduating from ERAU.  However, I also saw an opportunity to present what I was working on at that time at the conference when I saw there were so many cancellations in the conference presentation schedule.

What was the conference like for you?

MJ: It was a bit overwhelming at first because there were thousands of attendees rushing and buzzing around. There was a multitude of sessions, workshops, and discussions panels. I just didn’t know how I was going to make the most of the convention and what events to attend. All I knew was that I wanted to take it ALL in!

Vincent: The conference was great, and I had an unbelievable experience.  The first day that I got there I met up with couple of other ERAU students.  And Mr. Lyden, who I had been in contact with prior to the convention, wanted to meet with all the ERAU students that attended the conference, and he invited us to an exclusive Boeing talk, to where we were able to talk to Boeing managers and Boeing engineers that came for the conference.  The second day I ended up presenting on what I was conducting research on with Dr. Bereket Berhane.

Everyone that has been to an ERAU career fair would enjoy the NSBE Convention.  The convention is one huge career fair with so many engineering companies/firms and graduate schools trying to get qualified students to come to their program and study. Plus this gives the companies opportunity to see what you know by means of presentation.  For example, after my first interview, which was with Boeing, I invited my two interviewers to my presentation, and one actually came.  So it was great experience for your potential employer to see what you know and how well you can present information to others that may or may not be as knowledgeable on the subject at hand.

Overall, it was great, and the feedback I received was amazing.

Where there any outcomes from NSBE Conference?

MJ: Definitely! I really enjoyed the Educational Sessions, including:

  • Professional Development sessions -  provided me with soft skills to my academic and professional career ahead
  • Mentoring sessions – provided a framework that I used for my grad school selection/application process. That session also helped me outline for myself how I wanted to maximize my grad school experience
  • Outreach sessions – we had an opportunity to interact with local high schoolers, conducting experiments and answering questions about different STEM fields. This sparked my interest for Science Outreach and more specifically promoting Space Ethos. So much so, that when I started working at the Kennedy Space Center, I joined the Speakers Bureau, which is a group of volunteers who represent the center at civic, professional, educational, and other public events. Bureau members are exceptionally qualified to discuss general and specific aspects of the activities and technologies associated with the space flight program

Vincent: Of course the big aerospace companies were there (Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and others).  So I earned 5 interviews in those three days: Boeing, Raytheon, Goldman Sachs, Northrop Grumman, and Texas Instruments.

The interview with Northrop Grumman was for thermal analysis engineering, and I never heard anything back from them.  The Texas Instruments interview was for mechanical engineering.  Texas Instruments never contacted me back again.  The interview with Goldman Sachs was for financial analyst, where, if I received an offer, I would be inspecting engineering project funding.  I had a follow up phone interview but ultimately did not receive an offer.  The interview with Raytheon was for Navigation, Guidance, Control (GNC) engineering and with the Raytheon Missile Systems.  Raytheon Missile Systems actually flew me to Tucson, AZ for a hiring event with about 100 other applicants for various job openings.  I ultimately received a job offer with them.  My interview with Boeing was for a fuel system engineer.  The day after this interview, I was told that I would receive an offer within the month for a job with Boeing.   I took the job with Boeing over Raytheon.

Why should students/alumni attend this conference?

MJ: Three words: networking, development, and exposure! I think that is pretty self-explanatory. If you are a black engineer, you NEED to attend the national convention.

Because the National Convention focuses mainly on the big 4 (Electrical, Mechanical, Software, and Civil Engineering), I would strongly urge ERAU students with interest in space to join the NSBE Space Special Interest Group (commonly referred to as Space SIG). It is one of NSBE’s star programs and is opened to college students as well as alumni.

They are actually hosting a conference in January, Space Technology Session 2013 (next one won’t be until 2015!) that is unlike other conferences in that it is actually a hands-on engineering session.  Participants are divided into groups with each group being assigned to work on a pre-defined set of deliverables for one of NSBE’s space-related technical projects.   It offers students an opportunity to work in an apprentice-like setting with industry engineers, managers, and scientists. This is how I developed and honed my technical proficiency!

Vincent: Students and alumni should attend this conference because companies come to this convention to hire participants.   Knowing that you have a huge chance of getting hired is a main reason why the ERAU family should attend.  Even if you are a freshman, you can standout for the upcoming years and help your chances either with a job or internship, when you are ready.  When you are looking for a job and applying via the internet, companies do not know you nor see your passion.  They only see what you put on your resume at the time.  And that is if you did your resume right and tailored your resume to that job announcement to which you just applied.  But at this conference you are talking to people who are eager to talk to you to see what you know, and you can pick apart their brains at any time.  They want you to ask a lot of questions as much as possible.  Companies are really looking for the best applicant possible that they can hire.  So I think for ERAU students and alumni, we are those types of people that they can hire and train very easily.

Vincent also has some additional advice for students who will be graduating soon.

The advice I would give students who are graduating soon is to go out there and apply and apply to all jobs for which you are qualified.  Before I went the NSBE Convention, I applied to about 350 jobs in 2 and half months.  From these that I applied to, I only heard back from 10 or 15 of the companies.  None of them offered me a job at all.  After the NSBE Convention, I had two offers after talking to 5 companies.

Another piece of advice I will give is when you get a chance to have an interview (either over the phone or in person), ask as many questions that pertain to the job or the betterment of you ultimately receiving an offer.  For example, in every interview that I have had over the past 2 years, I have asked the employers what about my resume stood out to them.  If something stood out to them, it possibly may stand out to others as well.  Another question I have asked is what is something that I can change (either on the resume or the interview itself) that will help with next interview you may have.  This question will show employers you are eager to learn something new about yourself and work on weaknesses that may be apparent to them.  Also, you should ask questions on relevant projects that company has worked on and/or on which they are currently working.  This will show your interest in the company with which you are hoping to get a job.

At the end of your interview, make sure you have business cards of all those people that interviewed you.  Wait about a week or two and then email them.  In your email, you just want to tell them thank you for the opportunity to talk to them.  You are not asking where you stand in the interview process.  This step will allow you to pop back up in their head because they received an email from you, and it is another way to stand out above the rest of the people that they may have interviewed.

I hope these tips help all ERAU students and alumni get jobs upon graduating.

Based on our alumni feedback, you can see that the NSBE Convention is a great opportunity for candidates seeking opportunities, both right now and in the future.  Besides professional development and networking opportunities, you will have access to many premier companies who are hiring like Battelle, Boeing, CIA, General Dynamics, Johnson Controls, Lockheed Martin, Toyota, United Technologies Corporation and many more.

Kristy Amburgey is the Associate Director of Career Services – Daytona Beach campus and currently manages marketing and employer relations for the department.  She has been with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for approximately 10 years and with Career Services for nine years.

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by eraucso on January 14, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on January 14, 2013

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The Art of Following Up

by Alicia Smyth

Expo InterviewMaybe you had an interview at the Industry/Career Expo, or perhaps you handed out your resume to several recruiters and haven’t heard back. To keep the ball rolling and to make a positive impression that can help you to stand out in a sea of candidates, it is crucial that you follow up.

Apply Online

Even if you hand your resume directly to an employer at the Industry/Career Expo and they accept it, nowadays many companies also require you to submit a formal application through their online job system. Be sure to go to the company’s website and apply for those jobs for which you are interested and qualified, especially if the employer specifically requested you do so.

Say Thank You

A simple note of thanks can go a very long way. Be sure to always send a thank you note to each and every recruiter or hiring manager with whom you interview. It is also a nice touch to send thank yous to individuals who take the time to speak with you at career fairs,  conferences or other related events.

When sending a thank you, keep your message concise and confirm your interest in the company and position (if applicable). Make sure you spell names and titles correctly and use proper grammar and correct spelling. This message should go out as soon as possible; if you haven’t sent out your thank yous yet, now is the time.

Thank yous can be in the form of an email or a handwritten note. Review a sample thank you letter on our website.

Check In

If you interviewed two weeks ago and the employer told you he or she would have an answer to you in a week, it is completely acceptable to make contact in order to check on the status of your candidacy.

In this message (which should be very short and to the point), you should thank them for taking the time to meet with you and ask if there are any updates regarding the position.

No News is No News

Just because you don’t hear back right away, do not automatically assume that you are no longer in the running for an opening. Keep in mind that the hiring process can be full of red tape, which can sometimes slow down the process. Additionally, family emergencies, vacations, busy workloads, and other priorities can get in the way of a forthcoming offer.

If you aren’t getting a response from the HR recruiter, check with your network to see if you know someone in the company who can help you out. If you met with the hiring manager and have his or her contact information, contact the person directly.

The Fine Line

Always keep in mind that there is a fine line between inquiring and annoying. You want to appear interested but not desperate. Do not leave constant messages for a recruiter if you do not hear back from them and do not call every single person you know within a company to ask for help.

Moving On

If it has been several weeks and you aren’t getting any kind of feedback on your candidacy, it is time to cut your losses and continue looking elsewhere. Perhaps they went with an internal candidate or decided to hire someone with more experience. Either way, there comes a point when you should move on and focus your time and energy on other viable opportunities.

Most importantly, keep a positive attitude. Leverage your network through social media and by attending career-focused events and conferences. Link up with the Embry-Riddle Alumni Association to find a mentor. Utilize the resources available to you through Career Services. Whatever you do, never give up.

Alicia Smyth has been with the Career Services Office at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University since 2000. In her time at Embry-Riddle, Alicia has worked primarily at the Daytona Beach campus but has also served in roles with Prescott and Worldwide. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida. Alicia currently serves as the director and information systems manager for Career Services and loves all things social media and technology. 

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by eraucso on October 25, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on October 25, 2012

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Co-op/Internship Spotlight: Shyamal “Sam” Patel

Shyamal Patel, DB AE

Shyamal “Sam” Patel is a junior in the Aerospace Engineering program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus, specializing in Astronautics. In addition to his major course of study, Sam is minoring in Mathematics, Space Studies, Aerospace Life Sciences, and Homeland Security. Sam has completed internships/co-ops with five companies: Northrop Grumman, NASA Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company, Masten Space Systems, and most recently with SpaceX. While he finishes his degree, Sam is working on side projects and consulting on his previous project with SpaceX. He is also a Private Pilot and Emergency Medical Technician.

How did you land your co-ops/internships, and how did you navigate the process?

During my sophomore year, I went to the Career Expo and spoke with the SpaceX representatives and learned more about the company. Later that day they had an informational talk in which they discussed more about internships. I learned from the presentation that the most important aspect when considering an intern for SpaceX is their hands-on experience. I used this bit of information the following year during the Career Expo, focusing on my hands-on experience while speaking to SpaceX representatives. I obtained my practical experience from previous internships and university organizations. During my Masten Space Systems and NASA internships,  I gained valuable hands-on experience with fluid systems. Organizations like ERFSEDS and Society for S.P.A.C.E. provided me with additional practical experience with high powered rocketry and working in teams. They were impressed with this experience and called me out to their Cape Canaveral launch pad for an interview. During this interview, I again used my hands-on experience to influence and guide the interview. Within five minutes of leaving the interview, I was called and told that I had landed a co-op for the spring and summer of 2012. My recommendation to students is to really listen to what employers want in an intern and focus on those aspects heavily when talking to representatives and during the interview phase.

What opportunities are available for students at SpaceX?

There are many opportunities available for students at SpaceX. One of the benefits is that there are opportunities in different locations: Cape Canaveral, FL; McGregor, TX; Vandenberg, CA; Hawthorne CA. I interned at the launch site in Cape Canaveral. There, students get to work with the launch operations group, which involves final vehicle integration and launch/mission execution. The Texas facility is primarily focused on testing the various propulsion systems of the Falcon 9 and Dragon spacecraft. Most of the opportunities for students are located at headquarters in Hawthorne, CA. In Hawthorne, students get the opportunity to work with all of the groups, including: Avionics, Dynamics, Launch Operations, Manufacturing, Propulsion, and Structures.

What advice would you give students who are contemplating doing an internship experience?

Students who are contemplating doing an internship should know that internships are incredible experiences. An internship is your chance to finally see what your field has to offer. I personally believe that I have learned more practical knowledge during my internships than I have in the classroom. Sure, the classroom teaches you the basics, but the basics do not do you any good if you do not know how to use them. Internships are there to fill the gap between theory and seeing it in action.

When I received my offer from SpaceX, I was given a spring and summer co-op. That meant that I had to skip the spring semester and push back graduation. At first, I was on the fence about accepting the co-op because of this push back. I realized that graduating one semester later would be worth the co-op experience. I learned firsthand that the experience you gain far outweighs any cost, even if that means graduating later than expected.

In what ways has your co-op experience impacted your college experience?

My college experience has been greatly impacted as a result of my co-op. My co-op has bridged the gap between what I have been learning in the classroom and how to use such knowledge in industry. During my co-op, I learned many concepts that are just now coming up in my classes. This has made my classes easier because I am already familiar with some of the topics, and it is easier now to follow along.  With this comes a new perspective about classes. I now look at the small topics taught in class and try to find out ways in which they can help me when I return to SpaceX.

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by eraucso on October 22, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on October 22, 2012

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Check Out The New and Improved ERAU Career Services Website

http://careers.erau.eduEmbry-Riddle Career Services has a new website! Please update your bookmarks and check us out at http://careers.erau.edu.

The new Embry-Riddle Career Services website is inclusive of all three campuses and includes information on everything you need to know to be successful in your job search, including, but not limited to:

  • Upcoming events, including the Industry/Career Expo
  • Career planning
  • In-person and social networking
  • Resume/CV tips and samples
  • Cover letter and references tips and samples
  • Interviewing preparation
  • Resources for special populations, including military transitioners, career changers, international job seekers, displaced professionals, disabled job seekers, and PhD candidates
  • How to access and utilize the EagleHire Network, Embry-Riddle’s online career management system
  • Co-op/Internship Program information
  • Interns in Action
  • Federal employment, civic service, and research opportunities
  • Useful links
  • Information on the services and resources available at each of the three ERAU campuses
  • How to recruit candidates for full-time and co-op/internship positions
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by eraucso on September 26, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on September 26, 2012

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Professional Dress is Required to Attend the Industry/Career Expo

For the 2012 Daytona Beach Industry/Career Expo, Career Services  is teaming up with the support of SGA.  Professional attire is expected if you want to enter the ICI Center floor for the October 10th event.   If you do not meet the minimum standards, you will be asked to leave and come back once dressed appropriately.

Professional attire should include the following:

  • Both men and women should wear suits that fit appropriately; navy, gray, soft black and other dark colors are most appropriate
  • The length of a skirt should reach right above, below or to the knee
  • Gentlemen should wear button down shirts and ties
  • Ties should complement the suit and shirt color and should be in a conservative pattern and color
  • Ladies should wear conservative or appropriate suit blouses
  • Colors for shirts should be muted; white, off-white or light blue are the most recommended colors
  • Shoes should be polished and professional
  • Ladies should wear closed-toe shoes; pantyhose are good for the ladies wearing skirt suits
  • Socks, for both men and women, should match the shoe or pant color

The minimum professional dress allowed is business casual, but you must dress according to the industry standard for the job you are seeking at the Expo.  Business casual entails khaki pants and a collared (polo) shirt for the gentlemen and slacks/skirt and a blouse/sweater for the ladies.  Additional suggestions for the gentlemen can include a navy blazer, slacks or button down shirt without a tie.  Ladies can also wear professional dresses, khaki pants and collared (polo) shirts.

Flight and ROTC uniforms are appropriate Expo dress.  Religious and cultural attire will be accepted.

You will be turned away from the event if you wear any of the following clothing types:

  • Ripped or torn jeans
  • Baseball caps or other hats
  • T-shirts with inappropriate or crude images or wording
  • Overly revealing clothing of any kind
  • Shoes inappropriate for a conservative office environment
  • Mid-thigh length or above skirts

The Career Services Office is enforcing such a code to ensure our students are presenting themselves in the best way possible at this hiring event.  Employers have given consistent feedback that professional dress positively impacts you while inappropriate dress is a detriment to your candidacy for employment.  Please understand the importance of looking professional for any career-related event, both on and off campus.

If you have any questions about what you should wear to the October 10th Industry/Career Expo, visit Career Services, see ideal Expo attire on Pinterest and/or ask your local SGA representative.  There will also be professional dressing events during the fall 2012 semester.

You may also want to review the CareerSpots videos below on professional and business casual attire. PDF handouts are also provided for you below to download.


Interview Dress for Women
Download Quick Tips (PDF)
CareerSpots.com ©
 

Interview Dress for Men
Download Quick Tips (PDF)
CareerSpots.com ©


Business Casual

CareerSpots.com ©

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by eraucso on September 13, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on September 13, 2012

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Interviewing the Employer: Wrapping up the Interview Dance with Questions

by Sandi Ohman

InterviewingInterviewing is a complex process.  Really, it is likened to dancing with a partner.  With dancing, both partners have to know the right steps (answers to the questions) even though they are not always the same steps, and having good chemistry with your partner (employer) is helpful.  It takes practice to dance well, a lot of practice, as does interviewing.  Being a good dancer also takes good form, rhythm and finesse to make the moves look fluid and natural, especially when put to music.  A good interview also has elements that make the interview itself “fluid and natural” for an employer.  These elements include:

  • candidate being dressed appropriately for the interview
  • good eye contact and hand shake
  • properly prepared with a resume, other required documentation, and for interview questions
  • confidence in yourself and your abilities and have a good attitude
  • prepared questions from the candidate to the employer
  • an after-the-interview thank you follow up

Today, we are going to discuss the part of the “dance” that the candidate facilitates – questions to employers from the candidate.

Not every interview is the same – recruiters, HR and hiring managers all have different approaches with interviewing.  Some like the formal process in which they ask questions first, and then the candidate asks questions at the end of the interview.  Others like more of a conversation style interview, where there is give and take between the candidate and the employer throughout the interview.  Regardless of the style, you need to know when to ask questions and the kind of questions to ask during different interviews.  Make sure the questions to the employer are logical and related to the job; this shows you have listened during the interview/conversation and can form intelligent follow up questions.

Usually an interview is at minimum two steps – a phone/screening interview and then a more in-depth interview, sometimes face-to-face, though not always.  During a phone/screening interview, the employer will typically ask some basic questions lasting approximately 20 minutes.  At the end of this time, they will usually ask if you have questions for them.  This is a good time to ask some basic follow up questions, including:

  • What specific skills/attributes are you looking for in the candidate you want to hire for this position?
  • Why is this position currently available?
  • I am very interested in this opportunity. What is the next step in this process?

If you are selected to move on to the next interview, you will have a longer interview and be asked questions that require more in-depth answers.  This interview could be a panel or one-on-one session.  This could be the final interview, or you might have to interview again.  Regardless of the step, you want to ask questions that clarify concerns/questions you might have about the position, or that will allow you to reiterate your fit for the position and give you a chance to sell/close the interview.  Here are some examples, though you wouldn’t typically have time to ask more than a few questions:

  • What will be the top priorities, or the first project, that will need attention for this position?
  • What is a typical day like for this position?
  • What are your expectations for this role, within the first 30 days (or 60 days, or a specified time frame)?
  • Can you tell me about your training program?
  • What is a typical career path for people starting in this position with your company?
  • After meeting with me today, are there any reservations you have about my candidacy?
  • How soon do you plan on making a final decision regarding this position?  May I follow up with you?
  • What would you share with a new employee about living in this area/working for this company?

In addition to these questions, you also want to ask a question or two that gives the recruiter an opportunity to share about themselves and their experiences, such as:

  • What do you like best about working for ZYX company?
  • What do you enjoy the most about your current position?
  • What position did you start with at ZYX company, and how did you rise to your current position?

Typically you will want to have written down a selection of 3-5 questions prior to the interview.  Your questions could be answered in the course of the interview, so you want to have a few spare questions available to ask.  Also, you might think of additional questions, from the interview, that are more pertinent to making a decision regarding if this is the right company for you, than the original planned questions.  Be flexible during this time of the interview, since you might not have the time to ask all the questions you intend.  However, do make sure at some point that you do ask the questions necessary to help you decide if this is the company/position for you, if offered the position.

Finally, you want to close the interview.  Take into consideration the information they have shared with you and emphasize your interest in the position and why you are the candidate for the position, possibly restating skills and specifics that make you the right candidate.  The closing can occur when you are done with questions or when it seems the interview is coming to an end.

Some experienced career professionals will tell you to ask for the job when you close the interview.  Not every candidate is comfortable with this approach, and not every recruiter/employer is comfortable with you asking for the job.  Whether you are comfortable or not, it doesn’t make asking for the job right or wrong.  If you really want the position, and you can ask for the job with confidence, you might be surprised at the positive response you receive.

During the course of interviews, there are bound to be candidates that do not ask questions.  How does this impact their interview?  Ultimately, it can indicate that those candidates did not research the company/position or maybe are not ready for this position.

Questions for employers will vary based on the type of interview:  internship/co-op, full-time position, professional, or part-time/pay-the-bills kind of job.  However, asking a few questions at all interviews shows you are interested in the employer enough to ask about the company/position.   It shows you want to dance….

There are numerous websites and resources about questions to ask an employer.  Check out the ERAU Career Services website for additional sample questions, along with other resources to assist in further career/job research preparation.

Sandi Ohman is the Senior Program Manager in the Career Services Office at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  She has been with the university for over 9 years and has advised students in most all degree areas while in Career Services.  Sandi brings additional experience having worked in the finance industry for over 6 years in her previous career.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida, and her Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. 

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by eraucso on July 30, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on July 30, 2012

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Constructing an Interview Story

by Kristy Amburgey

ImageOne of the most powerful tools you can use during an interview is a great story that does everything from answer to inform, hold attention to showcase your accomplishments.  By organizing and constructing an interview story in a clear, concise and results-oriented way, your story becomes an even stronger tool.

Many people use acronyms to help guide interviewees through the process of answering interview questions, specifically behavioral-based interview questions.  You can use the STAR (meaning Situation, Task, Action and Result), SBO (Situation, Behavior and Outcome) and other methods.  All of these concepts have several common themes that you can follow to construct your interview answer, and all of these ideas hark back to constructing a great story.

  1. Introduce the story: give the background to the story you are about to tell
  2. Build the scenario: provide a few details to explain the context of the situation and why it is important, hooking the listener into your story
  3. Tell what happened: explain your actions in response to the story’s background
  4. Build and resolve suspense: in this use of tension, showcase something you achieved or learned from the situation
  5. Close the story: end the story with any additional information about your successes or actions and how it might apply to the interviewer

To further promote your accomplishments, you should evaluate your interview stories by examining these questions.

  • Does it have a beginning, middle and end? Remember the basic construction of a good paragraph; include opening (introduce) and closing statements (summarize) and then ensure that the middle thoroughly explains your point
  • Are you sharing an action you took?  Many times, successes involve many people; know and explain your role in the group setting
  • Does your story place you in a good light? Show off your abilities; even interview questions focusing on negative circumstances should be answered with information placing you in a situation of learning, growth or success
  • Does the story have an end with results? Focus on concrete outcomes and not hypothetical ifs or maybes; quantify your outcomes as often as possible
  • Does it answer the original question? At times, an interviewee forgets the original question and tells an irrelevant story; simply answer the question completely

Consider these two scenarios as you decide if this type of method will work for you (and it will!) and imagine an interviewer and the interviewee in the middle of a dialogue about the candidate’s skill sets and accomplishments.

Scenario One:

Interviewer: Please tell me about a time when you took initiative for something.

Candidate A: I really like to take initiative [on what?] and often make suggestions.  Sometimes, I am able to help my supervisor by providing her ideas [what were the ideas?] on how to help make office procedures easier [did your ideas become reality?].

Scenario Two:

Interviewer: Please tell me about a time when you took initiative for something.

Candidates B: Taking initiative will be one of my important traits as a future employee at ABC Company [introduce the story].  In my current role, I recently identified a time-saving technique that shaved off 5 data entry steps from tasks [building the scenario].  In order to implement this measure company-wide, I created a proposal and submitted it to management for approval [tells what happened].  Within a month, all employees who enter data followed the guidelines I suggested [the climax of the story].  My department has saved approximately 10 hours per month, and I received a commendation from the company’s CEO [show off accomplishments].  Recently I was asked to sit on a new initiative-focused committee as a result of my proposal [another accomplishment].  This is just one example of my initiative, and I plan to evaluate the data entry process steps while at ABC Company as I understand from our conversation that that is an issue [close the story].

Although both answers mention innovation on the job, Candidate B has given the interviewer specific examples of how she shows initiative.  The interviewer has concrete information in which he or she can expect that Candidate B, based on previous accomplishments, can do the job while the interviewer must infer (or hope for the best) about Candidate A’s abilities.

Being a great candidate is more than just answering questions.  Your job is to answer interview questions with well-constructed interview stories showcasing previous accomplishments that leave the interviewer with complete confidence in your candidacy.  A great interview story is constructed similarly to any story; organize your information thoughtfully and use powerful but concise language.  With such an important tool at your disposal, you should learn, practice and integrate the construction of an interview story into your interview preparation.

Kristy Amburgey is the Associate Director of Career Services – Daytona Beach campus and currently manages marketing and employer relations for the department.  She has been with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for approximately 10 years and with Career Services for nine years.

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by eraucso on July 23, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on July 23, 2012

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Don’t Forget Your Interview Questions: Prepare to Answer Common Questions

by Adriana Hall

Job seekers often invest a great deal of time and effort in preparing high-quality resumes and cover letters.  I am sure you already understand the importance of these documents; however, it is only during an interview that you will be able to convince prospective employers of your unique value.

Your interview performance will most certainly be shaped by how well you’ve prepared yourself for that interview.  That preparation involves selecting common interview questions and practicing your answers.  As a powerful resume can get you an interview, once you are granted that opportunity, great interviewing preparation can lead to powerful interview performances and results.  Be ready to talk about your accomplishments in a way that convinces the employer that you are the right person for the job.

Being right for the job involves more than just having good skill sets; you must understand interviewing approaches and the questions you may face.  Hiring managers use a wide array of interview techniques.  Some organizations will include not only behavioral-type questions but also technical questions based on your degree and the position for which you are applying.  Many companies will include assessment tools as part of the interview process to evaluate your aptitude in various disciplines such as math, reading comprehension and general skills related to your area of study.

Below are some of the most common interview questions:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What is your greatest strength?
  • What is your greatest weakness?
  • Tell us about a time you dealt with conflict in a team.
  • Tell me/us about a time where you failed.  How did you overcome that situation?
  • How would your best friend describe you?
  • What classes do you like the most and why?  What classes do you dislike the most and why?
  • Tell me/us about a technical project you have been involved in.
  • What do you do for fun?
  • Tell me/us about a time when you had to take initiative for something. What was the situation and what were the results?
  • What is your GPA?
  • What motivates you?
  • Define leadership. Tell me/us a time when you have been a leader.

Here are some more experienced-level interview questions:

  • How have your past professional experiences prepared you for this position?
  • From a technical or professional standpoint, what is the most difficult problem you had to solve? How did you solve it? And what was the outcome?
  • What have you done the past xx years for self-improvement in your profession?
  • What type of performance problems have you encountered in people who report to you, and how did you motivate them to improve?
  • As a professional, how would your peers describe you?
  • Is there anything that you want to say that could help us decide that you are the candidate for the position?

Last but not least, being prepared to ask questions at the interview is just as important as being prepared to answer the interviewer’s questions.  This can be your opportunity to gain further information into the requirements for the position and to re-enforce that you are the right candidate.  Asking questions can subtly communicate to the interviewers that you are truly interested in the organization.

Remember, being polished and prepared for common interview questions is an important part of the entire job search process.  This preparation can result in a solid interview performance, garnering you the job you want.

Adriana Hall has a Bachelor of Arts in Languages (Spanish-English) from Colombia-South America and a Master of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  She has been with ERAU for 9 years. Adriana worked for the Department of State in Colombia at the United States Embassy before moving to the U.S.

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by eraucso on July 9, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on July 9, 2012

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