Do's and Don'ts: The Ten Commandments of Interviewing

From time to time, we are lucky to have one of our valued employers volunteer to write a blog post for us.  Aside from giving us a break from having to come up with a blog topic, we love when this happens, as it gives our students the opportunity to hear tips directly from hiring employers. When I talk to my employers about writing a blog, I always tell them to think about what they wish they knew when they were a college student. So, The Career Center is pleased to present a blog post from Michael McKay, PR/Marketing Director at Jozii, who is going to tell you what he has learned about interviewing for a job:

I. Thou shalt do research on the company

Knowing about the company not only makes for a better interview, but also shows potential employers that you are interested in the position.

II. Thou shalt dress correctly

How you dress is often the first impression an interviewer will have of you. Even when interviewing for jobs that allow more casual dress for employees, you should still dress up for the interview. 

Tip: It’s always better to overdress rather than underdress.

III.Thou shalt give a firm handshake

A firm handshake shows confidence and is an important non-verbal part of the interview. 

Tip: make sure to look the person in the eye when shaking their hand.

IV. Thou shalt ask questions

Asking questions shows that you have done research on the company and allows you to address any concerns you have about the position. Remember that the hiring process is a two way street.

V. Thou shalt send a thank you note

Sending a thank you note shows the employer that you’re serious about the position and went the extra mile.

VI. Thou shalt not be late

Being late is unprofessional and interviewers may think this practice will continue if they hire you. Make sure to plan ahead and leave some extra time in case your commute takes longer than expected.

VII. Thou shalt not give one word answers

“Yes” or “no” answers do not give the interviewer much information to work with. 

Tip: Elaborate by providing reasons or examples.

VIII. Thou shalt not check your cell phone

Looking at your phone during an interview is rude and distracting. The interview is your chance to sell yourself to a potential employer, not see what your friends are doing later.

IX. Thou shalt not speak badly of previous employers

Employers don’t want to hire people with negative attitudes. Plus, you never know if they may know your former boss.

X. Thou shalt not lie

In todays day and age it’s easy to to research a candidate and catch them in a lie. Be honest and focus on your strengths.

Use these tips to present yourself in the best light and remember, confidence is key. For more information on the hiring process visit the Jozii blog.

Darlene Johnson,
Director of External Relations

Events for Week of 3/16/15

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: 

Grant Thornton: Monday, March 16^th at 11:59 PM

OCR Position for Grow with Grant Thornton Summer Leadership Program. See listing for desired majors and class levels. 

GEICO: Thursday, March 19th at 11:59 PM

OCR Position for full-time Management Development Program. See listing for desired majors and class levels.

CVS Health: Tuesday, March 31^st at 11:59 PM

OCR Position for full-time Store Management Trainee. See listing for desired majors and class levels.

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!

Zarb Alumni Mock Interview Night 2

Monday, March 16, 2015, 6:30-9PM, 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.

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.

Save the Date

Hofstra University Start-Ups & The Career Center Presents: Marketing Your Business and Grow with Max Ringleheim

Tuesday, March 24, 8PM, Student Center 143

Max Ringleheim, a seasoned entrepreneur from Phunkee Tree phone accessories will be coming to speak on how to market your business and grow. Come learn important lessons in entrepreneurship and talk to Max about possible internship opportunities!

Target Information Session

Wednesday, March 25, 5:30-6:30 PM, The Career Center

Find out about the job and internship opportunities at Target, as well as their commitment to volunteering, health and wellness. This event is open to Juniors and Seniors of all majors!

LinkedIn Power Hour: How to Make Connections and Find Your Next Internship/Job

Wednesday, March 25, Common Hour (11:15-12:30), Calkins Lab

Find out how to use your LinkedIn profile to connect and network with professionals in your career/company of interest and find your next internship or job before the Academic Year ends. The Career Center and Sigma Alpha Mu will be offering tips and help along the way.

1800Flowers Internship Information Session

Wednesday, March 25, 5-6PM, The Career Center Workshop
Room

All Hofstra students are invited to attend with resume, to learnabout competitive 10 week formal Internships for Summer 2015, Fall and Spring in all areas including business planning, merchandising, analytics, planning, IT, marketing, H.R., project management. Come meet Alumnus David Alter, Human Resources.

Women’s Leadership Conference

Friday, March 27, 2015 at 1PM, Mack Student Center Plaza Rooms

Participants will have the opportunity to attend various educational sessions, hear from notable keynote speaker, and network with alumni, faculty and administrators.

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!

Get Ready for March Madness!

As February wraps up, we at the Career Center have one thing on our mind: March Madness! No, I don’t mean the basketball tournament—I mean for your job and internship search! We see March being a “crunch time” month for a lot of students, as it’s when they really jump into their searches and applications for summer internships or jobs for after graduation. Here are some things to keep in mind as you ramp up your search this month:

Bring your A-game to every game!

The March Madness we all know and love is a single-elimination tournament. Now, of course, your search isn’t over because of one not-so-great interview, but you definitely want to bring a winning attitude to each and every application and interaction you have! Even if you don’t get the first position you apply for, you’ll build up your confidence and stamina to keep playing on.

Take advantage of OCR!

Many of our OCR (On-Campus Recruiting) positions have resume submission deadlines in March, with companies like GEICO, Kohl’s, Deloitte, and Grant Thornton, just to name a few! With OCR, if you are selected for an interview, your interview will take place right here in The Career Center—how convenient is that?! You can check out all the available positions on Pride-CMS: they will have (OCR) listed before the position title in our database!

Check out our awesome events!

Our Career Fair (March 11^th from 11-2 in the Mack Arena!) isn’t the only event we’ve got going on in March; check out a sampling of some of our upcoming events (which, if you’re a Hofstra student, are emailed to you weekly!)

                  Out-of-State Teacher Fair: March 5^th

                  No Major, No Problem: March 6^th

                  GoinGlobal Workshop: March 13^th

                  Professional Etiquette Dinner: March 19^th

                  LinkedIn Power Hour: March 25^th

                  Women’s Leadership Conference: March 27^th

Caught on to the madness yet? Stop by and talk to us about how March can be the month where you score a slam dunk in getting your next internship or job!

Amy Smith,
Assistant Director