Interview Deal Breakers

Hello Students, 

Recently while at the Career Fair I took an informal poll asking employers what are things potential candidates say or do that cost them the job?  Here are the top 10 interview deal breakers

1. Bad breath (when working in sales and dealing with clients major deal breaker)
2. Coming late to an interview (allow yourself enough time for travel and parking or subway delays)
3. Poor eye contact (looking someone in the eye builds trust and confidence with an employer)
4. Asking the pay in the 1st interview (do your research, know the salary range of your industry)
5. Not knowing the company or what they do (research what the company does and find out as much about them as you can)
6. Making answers too broad (be able to give specific examples  of your work, we suggest the STAR method)
7. Not asking any questions once the interviewer has finished with his questions (have at least one or two questions that you would like to know about the company that you did find out during your research
8. NO CURSING or SLANG (no explaining necessary)
9. Not understanding the job description (read the job description and know how to express how you will be able to do that job)
10. Not showing eagerness for the job (show the employer you are happy to be interviewed but not a doormat, find the balance)

Hope this information helps in your job search to learn what to do and what not to do!

Lorraine Massiah,
Assistant Director

Tricks to get more treats!

This past Wednesday was our Fall Career Fair, where we had over 100 employers connecting with students to talk about available opportunities. If you were at the fair, hopefully you made some great connections with these employers, and maybe got a few leads on positions to which you can apply!

You might be wondering how to keep those connections going, and turn them into links that will last long after the fair concluded. Here are some tricks to get the most treats out of the contacts you made on Wednesday:

• Send an email thank-you! If you haven’t sent a thank-you note to your contact already, today is the perfect time to do so. It doesn’t have to be long; you can simply thank them for taking time out of their day to attend the fair and meet with you, and include something from your conversation to aid them in connecting the email to their time with you. Attach a copy of your resume to the email, too!
• Connect on LinkedIn! This is the best way to keep the connection going throughout your networking process, since you can stay up-to-date on all the professional goings-on of your whole network—and they can see yours! (If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, don’t worry – come in to see us and we’ll give you all the info to set you up!)
• Follow through! If the employer gave you instructions, like to apply for a position online or email them directly with your resume, make sure you follow those instructions – and send them a follow-up email once you do! 

With these tricks, you’ll be treating yourself to a job or internship in no time. Happy networking, and happy Halloween from your friends at The Career Center!

Amy (Batman) Smith,
Assistant Director

Myths of Career Fairs

There are two kinds of people:

1. Those who go to Career Fairs
2. Those who don't

And in my time at the Career Center I've heard many reasons why students do not attend, but I'm going to focus on the 3 main ones and bust those myths!

1. I can't go, I'm only a first-year student or Sophomore!

Yes, a lot of companies are looking for Juniors or Seniors for various internship and full-time opportunities. But that doesn't mean as a first-year student or Sophomore you're not eligible to attend! Attending career fairs is a skill that can be practiced, especially if you've never attended one before (it can be overwhelming at first!). By attending you can get comfortable with the process, as well as prepare for opportunities in the future. Let's say there is a company you KNOW you want to intern with, but unfortunately, they can only take Juniors. As a first-year student, you'd probably feel out of luck. But by attending the career fair and talking to the recruiter can help you gain insight on the types of experiences they want to see on your resume, so by the time you're a Junior, you will be the ideal candidate!

2. I'm not looking for a full-time job right now!

Yes, recruiters are looking to fill full-time opportunities, but a lot of recruiters are also looking to fill internship and volunteer opportunities as well! Similarly to the situation in the first myth, even if you attend just to get comfortable with the process, it gives you a pretty good idea of what types of opportunities there are and what you can do to prepare to be the ideal candidate when the time is right!

3. There are no companies coming for my major!

Totally a myth. Most companies are looking to fill a diverse number of positions, and the company name is not always a perfect representation of what those positions are. A real estate company is not always looking for real estate agents, they could be looking for an event management intern! The tip here is to be open to different companies and organizations, as well as do some research on the types of positions looking to be filled. When you attend a Hofstra Career Fair, we provide you with a booklet of all the employers and jobs to be filled. I suggest taking some time to review that book and see what companies are hiring for the types of position you want to apply, you might be surprised which company it could be!

In the end, a Career Fair can be a very rewarding experience in more ways than one. So be sure to stop by our Career Fair today, at the Mack Sports Exhibition Complex from 11-2, or to any of our upcoming Career Fairs (all can be found in the 'Events' section in Handshake). And if you feel you want some preparation for the fair, be sure to reach out to all the folks at The Career Center, we're here to help!

Anne Monique Concepcion,
Graduate Assistant

It's Almost Career Fair Season!

It’s that time of year again, when we start to say farewell to summer and to say hello to a new season… career fair season! If you just groaned, I apologize. I understand that career fairs are perhaps produce a bit of anxiety.  But, they really are a great opportunity to meet people and explore possible jobs and internships.  So, here are three good ways to prepare for any of the upcoming fairs (and if you don’t know when they are, log into Handshake via the Career Hub).

Tip 1: Research the companies in advance.  By logging into Handshake and clicking on the “fairs” link on the left, you can browse each fair and see what employers are attending.  Once you’ve identified those of interest (and don’t let the company name be your only guide – look at the actual positions for which they are recruiting), then be sure to research both the positions and the companies so you can be well prepared when you meet them.

Tip 2: Practice introducing yourself.  You’ll be interacting with a lot of people at the fair, and each of them will want to hear some basic information about you when you first approach their table.  So, prepare a short overview that sounds something like this:  “My name is Gary Miller, and I’m a senior here at Hofstra studying Philosophy and Psychology.  I’m interested in positions that involve critical thinking and analysis and have had some great opportunities to develop those skills in some past internships and campus opportunities.  I understand you’re here to recruit for (position name here), and I’d love to hear more about what you’re seeking.”

Tip 3: Freshen up your resume and have plenty of copies on hand.  Not every company accepts resumes on the spot, so don’t be offended if they ask you to apply online.  But, most organizations at the fair will want to take a copy of your resume.  So, make sure you update it and make sure it’s telling the narrative you really want to tell.  If you need help with that, please come see us at an appointment or in our Quick Questions service.

We look forward to seeing you at any of the upcoming fairs this fall and are excited to see you present yourself with confidence!  You never know who you might meet at the fair – it’s might just change your life!

Gary Alan Miller, Executive Director

Events for Week of 4/3/15

Events for Week of April 13th! General On-Campus Recruiting: On-Campus Recruiting are opportunities brought right to the Hofstra campus! Employers post job and internship opportunities that students are eligible to apply to; and if selected, first-round interviews occur right on campus at the Career Center. All positions are listed on PrideCMS and require resume submission by the respective application deadlines listed below: GEICO: Tuesday, March 14th at 11:59 PM OCR Position for Management Development Program. See listing on PrideCMS for details and desires majors/class years. St. Francis College Annual Bridge to Your Dreams Career Fair Wednesday, April 15, 10-2PM, 180 Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights, NY, 4th Floor in the Genovesi Center Hofstra students are invited to the St. Francis Annual Career Fair in Brooklyn to meet with over 140 diverse companies from all industries who are looking to recruit from various majors. Resumes and professional dress are required, but students do NOT need to register in advance. The final list of company attendees will be posted on  http://www.sfc.edu  a few days before the event. *This is not a Hofstra University sponsored event, for any questions please contact the St. Francis College Career Center at (718) 489-5360. Save the Date! Amazon Day: Lunch Meet & Greet Wednesday, April 22, 2015, Common Hour (11:15-12:45PM), Career Center Workshop Room Amazon.com, the largest internet-based retailer in the United States will be holding a meet-and-greet at the Career Center to discuss Operations and Area Manager positions! This event is open only to undergraduate students. Lunch will be served. RSVP on PrideCMS is strongly encouraged. Amazon Day: Amazon in Residence Wednesday, April 22, 2015, 9:30-3:45PM, The Career Center Meet one-on-one with a representative to discuss available career opportunities! Students must reserve a time-slot appointment on PrideCMS accessed through the 'MyApps' folder in the Portal website. All majors are welcome to schedule a pre-interview with an Amazon representative.  Amazon Day: Cookies with Amazon Information Session Wednesday, April 22, 2015, 4:30-6:30PM, The Career Center Lab Amazon.com, the largest internet-based retailer in the United States will be holding an information session at The Career Center to discuss career opportunities and what it's like to work for the company! This event is open only to undergraduate students. Refreshments will be served. RSVP on PrideCMS is strongly encouraged.  Amazon Day: Tabling On-Campus Wednesday, April 22, 2015, 10-4PM, CV Starr Lobby and Student Center Atrium Amazon representatives will be tabling at CV Starr Lobby and at the Student Center Atrium to meet with students and provide more information on available opportunities and what it's like to work for the company! Internship Careernival Wednesday, May 6, 12-4PM, Intramural Athletic Fields Step right up! Come one, come all! Fun for all majors and all years! Grab your popcorn and cotton candy. Have your fortune told and learn what your future holds for you. Play some of your favorite carnival games with employers and find out about their available internships for Summer or Fall! We've got it all: games, prizes, food, music, opportunities, and more!

Events for Week of 4/6/15

Events for Week of April 6th!

St. Francis College Annual Bridge to Your Dreams Career Fair

Wednesday, April 15, 10-2PM, 180 Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights, NY, 4^thFloor in the Genovesi Center

Hofstra students are invited to the St. Francis Annual Career Fair in Brooklyn to meet with over 140 diverse companies from all industries who are looking to recruit from various majors. Resumes and professional dress are required, but students do NOT need to register in advance. The final list of company attendees will be posted on http://www.sfc.edu a few days before the event.

*This is not a Hofstra University sponsored event, for any questions please contact the St. Francis College Career Center at (718) 489-5360.

Save the Date!

Criminology Afternoon of Service at the INN

Friday, April 24, 1-5PM, The INN

Criminology majors are invited to an afternoon of service at The INN in Hempstead. The INN is a soup kitchen servicing the Hofstra Community. Join The Career Center and employers from the field of criminology for lunch at 1:00 at The Career Center. Then, we are off to The INN to assist them in sorting donations, stocking the food pantry, and getting them ready for the next day's guests.  This is an opportunity to not only provide much-needed service to a local charity, but to engage with employers in your industry, who will share their stories and insight with you.

Reservations are required and are taken while space is available. Registration is available through your PrideCMS account. Please contact Darlene Johnson in The Career Center at 516-463-5833 with any questions.

Internship Careernival

Wednesday, May 6, 12-4PM, Intramural Athletic Fields

Step right up! Come one, come all! Fun for all majors and all years! Grab your popcorn and cotton candy. Have your fortune told and learn what your future holds for you. Play some of your favorite carnival games with employers and find out about their available internships! We've got it all: games, prizes, food, music, opportunities, and more!

The Hofstra University Career Fair: An Opportunity to Learn

Close to 700 students took advantage of yesterday’s Spring Career Fair at Hofstra University.  Overall, the 120 organizations provided us with great feedback about you, our students. In fact, one recruiter even commented that our students were better prepared and dressed than a top university in New York City (who shall remain nameless)!

Some of you may have noticed we changed the set up of the tables in the Mack Sports Exhibition & Complex, thus, encouraging students to stop at The Career Center table in the front of the room and ask for assistance. This was super! Students asked for advice on how to approach companies and which companies were a good fit for their interests. Clearly, these students understood that you have to look beyond just the name of the company and explore all opportunities! Students commented to The Career Center staff that they appreciated the chance to speak with so many employers, even if they didn’t have opportunities for them.

While checking in students for the fair, I asked my Career Center colleagues for some observations or constructive criticism from yesterday’s fair:

1. Women should avoid wearing short/mid-thigh length skirts.  This is considered too revealing for a professional environment. Instead opt for a skirt that comes just above the knee. 
2. Men should avoid wearing trendy slim-fitting suits. These suits need to be fitted just right and in many cases, are too tight fitting for a professional look and work environment. Instead opt for a classic cut suit that will not go out of style for some time and provides you with a lot more wearings.
3. Women should avoid wearing open toe shoes. This is considered unprofessional and should be reserved for less serious occasions. Instead opt, for a classic closed toe pump with a lower heel.
4. Men should not wear sneakers, Converse/Skechers, or casual shoes with a suit.  Instead opt for a classic dress shoe that coordinates with your suit and wear matching dress socks.
5. Avoid coming to the Career Fair dressed in casual clothes, carrying a backpack, wearing a bulky jacket or carrying your resumes loose in your hands.  Instead opt to bring a change of clothes with you, leave your backpack and jacket in your car, dorm room, or leave them with The Career Center staff, and use a clean folder or portfolio to carry your resumes.  All of this will add to a more positive impression!
6. Avoid traveling in packs and talking to your friends throughout the fair. Instead walk around independently and develop your own voice and confidence when interacting with employers.
7. Avoid the inclination to only approach companies you have heard of. Instead think outside of the “box” and talk to a variety of companies especially those who do not have a line of students waiting for them. An empty table may be a job opportunity missed!
8. If you are a first year student, do not avoid the career fair! Going to a career fair is great practice, an opportunity to develop your networking and communication skills, while gaining valuable advice from employers for your future.
9. Make sure to gather business cards from the recruiters you spoke with, follow any application directions they provided you, and/or follow up with them via phone or email within 24-48 hours after the fair to reiterate your interest in their company and position.
10. Avoid discourteous behavior. Once you enter the Career Fair location your “networking/interview” has begun. Be nice to everyone, including The Career Center staff - you never know who is watching. Employers are always in the registration area. While inside the Career Fair don't rush, run, or bump into people. The Career Fair is not a race. Instead, be prepared and make plans to arrive to The Career Fair on time, not in the last 15 minutes of the Fair.
11. Avoid asking a company “So, what does your company do?” This gives the impression that you are not serious about them or the opportunity. Instead prepare for the career fair beforehand, and research the employer list.  Otherwise, read the company description in the career fair booklet, jump on your smartphone and do a quick internet search, or ask a Career Center staff member. 
12. Avoid asking about salary. Meeting a recruiter at a career fair is a networking opportunity and a way to gather information.  Salary questions give the impression that you are not interested in their company or opportunity, and only interested in making money.  Salary discussions should be left to the interview process.  

Suzanne Pike,
Director of Assessment and
Career Development

Events for Week of 3/2/15

Events for Week of March 2nd

Zarb Alumni Resume Night

Wednesday, March 4, 2015, 6-9PM, The Career Center

Current Zarb students will have the opportunity to have their resumes critiqued by alumni from the Zarb School of Business. You must bring a printed copy of your resume. Professional dress is highly recommended. Pre-registration on Pride-CMS is strongly encouraged. This event is open to undergraduate Zarb students only.

#HUInternSelfie Challenge Tabling

Wednesday, March 4, 2015, 11-1PM, Student Center Atrium

We're gearing up for the #HUInternSelfie Challenge where Spring 2015 interns can participate and win a $250 Nordstrom gift card! Join us at the Student Center Atrium to get more information, take selfies with props, and have any questions you have about how to win the contest!

Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Information Session

Wednesday, March 4, 2015, Common Hour (11:15-12:45PM), 101 Davison Hall, South Campus

Join the Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Department for a fun and informative session about careers in audiology and speech-language pathology. Students can meet and hear from faculty, clinicians, and current students in the program and take a tour of the facilities at the Saltzman Center.

Out-of-State Teacher Fair

Thursday, March 5, 2015, 10-3PM, LIU Brookville

Are you interested in teaching outside of New York state? Then join us for our Teacher Fair to meet with out-of-state recruiters and learn more about available opportunities to take advantage of!

Grant Thornton Information Session for Accounting Majors

Thursday, March 5, 2015, 3PM, The Career Center

Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax, and advisory firms.  Grant Thornton has revenues in excess of $1.3 billion and operates 57 offices across the U.S., with more than 500 partners and 6,000 employees. 

This information session will center around ‘Grow with Grant Thornton'. GwGT is Grant Thornton’s Summer Leadership Program for sophomore and junior University candidates.  Our Summer Leadership Program is a great opportunity for you to gain insight into Grant Thornton’s professional service offerings and get exposure to several of our Business Leaders, Senior Executives, Associates, and peers.  ‘Grow with Grant Thornton’ is a 1-3 day interactive program at one of our 55 local or regional offices.  During the Summer Leadership Program you will be exposed to Grant Thornton’s service lines which include audit, tax, and advisory.  You will also have an opportunity to interact with Grant Thornton team members and peers.  The Program is designed to continue building your leadership skills and help you identify your own abilities and goals as you prepare for a successful transition from college into your career. Refreshments will be served.

No Major, No Problem

Friday, March 6, 2015, 12:30-4PM, Library Room 246

Do you need help in finally choosing your major? This event will offer fun and enlightening workshops that will allow you to learn about yourself and in the process learn which majors will be the best fit for you.  This event will also feature a panel of professionals and faculty that will share their stories on picking their majors and how it lead to their future careers. Arrive early at 12:30 to have some pizza and beverages before we start.

Save the Date

Spring Career Fair

Wednesday, March 11, 2015, 11-2PM, Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex

Looking for a full-time, part-time, summer, or internship position? The Career Center's Spring Career Fair is open to all Hofstra students of any major and class level. Students are encouraged to attend in order to meet with employers from multiple industries who are looking to hire for a variety of positions. Professional dress is required. A professional photographer will be available to take LinkedIn profile pictures. Please bring copies of your resume. Students may attend the Career Center's Quick Question Hours any day prior to the fair for a resume review or for tips on how to make the most our of your fair attendance!

Etiquette Dinner

Thursday, March 19, 2015, 6PM, University Club

Join us for a unique dining event with a three-course dinner and an interactive seminar facilitated by a certified etiquette trainer. Participants will learn how to properly conduct themselves on interviews and meetings in a formal dining atmosphere, and learn proper networking and conversation etiquette. There is a $10 fee, which includes the seminar and three-course meal. Space is limited; Fee/RSVP can be submitted to The Career Center to reserve your seat.

Prepare for The Career Fair 1-on-1 Sessions – Provided by GEICO

Monday, March 9, 2015, 10-4PM, The Career Center

Join GEICO representatives during their drop-in office hours to practice your pitch just in time for the Spring Career Fair! Students have the opportunity to stop in without an appointment and meet with a representative to practice interacting with an employer. Students will learn:

• The etiquette of introducing yourself
• What topics to focus on and talk about
• Employer follow-up
• How to effectively use your time at the fair
• And more!

Zarb Alumni Mock Interview Night 1

Tuesday, March 10, 2015, 6-9PM, The Career Center

Students will be able to participate in a practice 30-minute interview with a Zarb School of Business Alumnus. Pre-registration on Pride-CMS is required for this event. Please bring a printed copy of your resume and dress professionally. This event is open to undergraduate Zarb students only.

GoinGlobal Workshop

Friday, March 13, 2015, 3-5PM, CV Starr 109

Join the Career Center and MISPO for an informative workshop on how to GoinGlobal, an online resource which provides country guides and advice on careers abroad, international career applications, Visa and related requirements, and much more! International students can utilize it to learn about U.S. Visas and also view career guides on states and cities within the U.S.!

Pride Shadowing Program

Application Deadline: Monday, March 16, 2015 on PrideCMS

Shadowing Week: April 6-10, 2015

We are proud to announce that we are now accepting applications for our brand new shadowing program! If you need help choosing a major or exploring careers, this program is for you! Check out Hofstra.edu/shadowing to find out more! 

#HUInternSelfie Challenge:

Sunday, March 15-April 20, 2015, Instagram @hofstracareer

Are you a student interning for Spring 2015? Do you want to a new internship wardrobe with a $250 Nordstrom gift card? Then all you have to do…is take selfies! Starting in March for 6 weeks, we will reveal a choice of two selfie-photo challenges, then you snap your photo, upload to Instagram, and at the end of the challenge, we’ll choose a random winner for the gift card! Visit Hofstra.edu/HUInternSelfie for more details on how to win!