You are in the middle of finals but there is one other project that needs to be handled at this time: Securing letters of recommendation. Asking someone to vouch for you could feel more stressful than writing a 20 page paper, but it is as important as getting an A. Here's a way to jump start your efforts to get the most effective letters of recommendation.
What are the three words you want your potential employer to remember you by? Do you want them to be convinced of your leadership skills, community involvement or academic achievements? Or your internship experience? Your work ethic? Once you decide what those words are, ask yourself this question: Who is the person who can best convince potential employers I truly have these qualifications?
The answer to these questions will determine who is the best person to write a recommendation for you. Professors or former internship supervisors are prime candidates. Also consider anyone who supervised you during a volunteer project or even a high school contact. If you stayed in touch with them throughout college, and they have witnessed your development as a young professional, they can be a very credible reference.
Be picky about whom you ask. Don't settle for the person that you are friendly with unless you are convinced this person is the best advocate you could have. Letters of recommendation are the last step towards a job offer. Make sure you give potential employers no doubt you are the right person for the job!
If you liked this post, you might like:
Reaching out to professors
How to get a letter of recommendation
Friday, April 29, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Phone Interviewing Tips
This post was inspired by several comments triggered by a thread in the Latinos in College Facebook page. The big take away: phone interviewing requires a different set of skills than in person interviewing. So, let's cut to the chase, shall we?
Getting ready for a phone interview follows the same process as an in-person interview: Your goal is to come across as being the best candidate for the job and to be invited for a second interview. The main difference between a phone and an in-person interview is how the applicant and the interviewer engage in the process. In a phone interview, your voice is the way the interviewer will get to know you and decide if you should move to the next level.
Most of us are very conscious of how we sound. We think we sound too childish or husky or our accent is too strong. One way to get ready for a phone interview is by practicing on the phone. You could leave a voice message for yourself or someone else and replay to hear how it sounds. If you are not happy with what you hear, do not despair. Spend time listening to the news on TV or radio and imitate the pace and pronunciation of the reporters. Focus on channels related to your area of interest (business, health, education), so you can practice the words used in your industry. Another way is to warm up your vocals chords by humming. Yes, humming is the secret weapon of professional speakers. It is easy to do and it's free! If you practice these two techniques often, you will gain confidence in how you sound and present yourself on the phone.
Another factor to keep in mind when interviewing on the phone is the length of your responses. Pause yourself when answering questions. Do not ramble on. Give the interviewer a chance to ask a follow up question. If you talk non stop, you will sound nervous and will appear that you are trying to make up for what you do not know. Answer questions in two to three sentences. If you have more to say, you could ask,"would you like me to elaborate?" and wait for the interviewer's answer.
And lastly...remember to smile while you are on the phone (as several Facebook friends mentioned). Believe or not it will make a difference!
If you liked this blog, you might like:
Where will the jobs be?
Summer internships
Getting ready for a phone interview follows the same process as an in-person interview: Your goal is to come across as being the best candidate for the job and to be invited for a second interview. The main difference between a phone and an in-person interview is how the applicant and the interviewer engage in the process. In a phone interview, your voice is the way the interviewer will get to know you and decide if you should move to the next level.
 |
Source: Google.com |
Most of us are very conscious of how we sound. We think we sound too childish or husky or our accent is too strong. One way to get ready for a phone interview is by practicing on the phone. You could leave a voice message for yourself or someone else and replay to hear how it sounds. If you are not happy with what you hear, do not despair. Spend time listening to the news on TV or radio and imitate the pace and pronunciation of the reporters. Focus on channels related to your area of interest (business, health, education), so you can practice the words used in your industry. Another way is to warm up your vocals chords by humming. Yes, humming is the secret weapon of professional speakers. It is easy to do and it's free! If you practice these two techniques often, you will gain confidence in how you sound and present yourself on the phone.
Another factor to keep in mind when interviewing on the phone is the length of your responses. Pause yourself when answering questions. Do not ramble on. Give the interviewer a chance to ask a follow up question. If you talk non stop, you will sound nervous and will appear that you are trying to make up for what you do not know. Answer questions in two to three sentences. If you have more to say, you could ask,"would you like me to elaborate?" and wait for the interviewer's answer.
And lastly...remember to smile while you are on the phone (as several Facebook friends mentioned). Believe or not it will make a difference!
If you liked this blog, you might like:
Where will the jobs be?
Summer internships
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)