On last Thursday, February 9, 2012, I attended my first school advisory board event at Half Hollow Hills High School, where I facilitated roundtable discussions on Job interviewing. So thrilled I had the opportunity to interact with the students and to teach them about real expectations in the corporate world along with how to prepare for the job interview. Really noticeable was the enthusiasm and eagerness to learn that was exhibited from these business class students who attended this smaller more interactive event.

To begin with, the corporate world is so different than academia/college. Definitely keep your sense of wanting to make an impact within a company and to create change. However, recognize that it will probably take time maybe even a few years before you may be able to move into a more influential role. In the mean time, learn everything you can, become a teamplayer, learn to be flexible and embrace change. If you are a good performer, then you’ll be recognized by Management and sometimes you need to bring your accomplishments to Management’s attention.

One very wise Agency Recruiter once said to me, “A job is like a marriage – there will be good days, and bad days.” That really resonated and stayed with me. There will be exciting days and stressful days on the job – maybe even days when you literally feel like quitting and walking out the door. Everyone has those days – I’ve had those days. It’s all part of the experience. If you bolt out the door at the first sign of a bad day, then how will you ever learn how to rise above? Trust me, it doesn’t look good to HR and Hiring Managers to see on a candidate’s resume a different job every one to two years. It will be questionable.

Be accountable. Learn how to step up and admit when you have made a mistake or ask when you need additional information and guidance. Everyone makes mistakes – even professionals doing the same job for 10 or 20 years. It’s how you handle that mistake that makes all the difference. Of course, some mistakes are more serious than others, and may become life lessons.

Regarding your resume/application, know that companies perform background checks and drug tests, so never over embellish to say you have experience you don’t have or say you received your college degree before you actually have graduated. Instead, indicate the anticipated graduation date.

On the resume/application, never extend the dates of previous employment or internship job to make it look like you worked there longer than you did. Even if you only worked there a few months, it’s always best to be forthcoming and honest in how much experience you really have. I’ve seen candidates not get the job after the background check for these reasons, as its considered falsification of documentation. How disappointing and embarrassing would that be to finally get the job offer and to have it rescinded because of this? Very Disappointing and Embarrassing – so don’t go there.

Before the interview, do your research on the company and review the job description. See if you have any specific questions as it comes up related to the job responsibilities and expectations. Then ask these questions during the interview – it will show that you prepared and made the effort.

Prepare for the Interview then show up presentable and professional and give a firm handshake. You will definitely want to practice answering questions before the actual interview with fellow classmates, friends, or with your parents. I recommend getting a list of typical interview questions and behavioral interview questions. Then as you are practicing speaking your answers out loud jot down the response so you can review it later on your own. Practice and review your responses, but you don’t want to come across over-rehearsed. Let your personality come through during the interview!

Chances are during your interview, the Recruiter and Hiring Manager will ask you some Behavioral Interviewing questions. What makes these questions different is you need to explain and demonstrate using specific examples of how you have handled or worked through a project. And if you lack that experience just explain how you would handle that particular situation or would approach that project. We want to learn about your past experience and how you apply logic in various situations.

Close the Interview and ask for the job opportunity!
Find out if the Recruiter or Hiring Manager needs any additional information from you by asking one of the following questions:
• Any further clarification I can provide for you on what we already discussed?
• Are there any other questions I can answer?
• Do you need further clarification on anything?

Without a doubt, ask for the job opportunity or to move on to the next step in the interview process based on what seems to be appropriate for where you are in the interview process. Always thank the Interviewer for their time and consideration. Be sure to send a thank-you letter, which can be done by email within one day of the interview.

Finally, leave that sense of entitlement at the door! You are going to need to work your way up in any industry and jobs are not just handed to you just because you have a BA/BS degree and an 3.5 overall GPA. Also, keep in mind, salary ranges vary depending on the role and the industry.

Best way to approach finding your dream job – try to keep realistic expectations, prepare, stay focused and determined, be active in your job search, and you will find yourself in your first job when it’s the right role, company and timing. So in the mean time, let me know if you have any questions about finding your first job or dream job.