A free suit is just one of the many awesome prizes you can have if you win the CSPD Extreme Makeover: Career Edition!!! The CSPD is offering 2 students, one male and one female, the opportunity to win a professional development makeover including a free suit, consultation with an image expert to assist with buying the right suit, haircut, makeup/grooming consultation, and professional padfolio!

Take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity to make sure you will be making the best first impression during your full time job search!

Offer available to all Fox School students graduating in 2010 or 2011.  Find additional information here!

 Most job seekers have a case of the jitters before going on a job interview. Anxiety’s normal, but almost always those butterflies were in your tummy for nothing. The interview goes well, you don’t make any serious mistakes and you exhale the moment you walk out of the room.Sometimes, however, the interview goes terribly wrong. We’re not talking about little mistakes, like spilling coffee on your shirt while you’re in the waiting room. No, we’re talking about the odd behavior that 99 percent of us wouldn’t commit. Hiring managers have given us some examples of the worst missteps they’ve seen in interviews, and we’ve compiled the best.

Here are eight interview faux pas that hiring managers have witnessed and that you should avoid if you want to get hired

1. Bad manners
“A cell phone goes off — which you should just apologize for and turn off promptly, but I’ve had candidates look at the number, which really ticks off an interviewer.” - Connie Thanasoulis-Cerrachio, co-founder of SixFigureStart Career Coaching

“[The candidate asks,] ‘When can I start?’ Presumptuous and inappropriate.” - Will Robinson, co-founder of VirtualJobCoach

“‘Do you have something to eat? I am hungry.’” – Robinson

“One candidate opened his briefcase and started snacking on crackers while interviewing.” - Kent Johnson, partner with Da Vinci Search

2. Being weird
“Strangest thing ever — a [University of Chicago] MBA student was doing very well during an interview, when a tape recorder spilled out of his briefcase. Very, very odd. He would have gotten a call back for a second round, but not after we saw that tape recorder.  We still don’t know what that was about! But we stayed away — big time!” - Thanasoulis-Cerrachio

“I’ve heard some interesting ones, but the most bizarre was a prospective hire asking me if I was Jewish. Any religion would have been weird to inquire about in that situation … maybe she was trying to form a bond?” - Justin Seibert, president of Direct Online Marketing

3. Giving a bad reason for wanting the job
“One answer to a question about why the applicant was looking to change jobs left me speechless. The candidate, a 20-something with about five years of work experience, said, ‘Well, I’ve been twiddling my thumbs for six months.’” - Dana Byrne, manager of talent acquisition and professional development at RMJM

4. Letting nervous tics control you

“You shouldn’t repeat a phrase over and over again. I had one candidate say, ‘There it is’ at the end of about seven or eight responses. Very annoying and not impressive.” - Thanasoulis-Cerrachio

“Nervous leg bouncing syndrome: I once had a candidate who rocked her leg so much that she was physically moving during the interview. We ended up hiring her, which was a huge mistake — one of the worst hires ever.” - Thanasoulis-Cerrachio

5. Too Much Information
“I once had a candidate tell me her last boss was a drug addict and did cocaine regularly. Talk about inappropriate disclosure. I am sure there was a much more tactful way to talk about why she left the job.” - Raquel Garcia, president of Silicon Valley Human Resources

“[One candidate said,] ‘I’m a little worried about the background checks. Do you guys do background checks? Because my credit is terrible. I’m trying to get it fixed, but the credit agencies are a joke.’” - Brett Coin, vice president of business development for Resume Donkey

“In response to, ‘We’d like to offer you this job. When can you start?’ [the job seeker] replied, ‘I don’t know what to say. I’ve been through 16 interviews and no one has offered me a job.’ This came from the mouth of my junior designer, who was referred to us by one of our clients. Tip: Be ready to accept a job. Like the Oscars, you might want to practice your speech. Not every employer is as forgiving as we are.” - Nance Rosen, CEO of Pegasus Media World

“[I was asked,] ‘What is your drug-testing policy?’” - Robinson

6. Poor presentation
“Another candidate wore a skimpy sequin dress and fedora hat to an interview claiming she just came from a photo shoot. We all guessed it was a bit more of an X-rated photo opp.” - Johnson

“Candidate: Hi, I’m [so-and-so]” (leans in toward us).
Recruiter: (leans ever so slightly away to minimize the odor).” - Mary H. Roome-Godbolt, HR recruiter for Cox Communications Northern Virginia

“I once had a recent graduate who looked fantastic on paper, but showed up wearing  flip-flops. During the interview, he would lean back in his chair, flex his hands over his head and he even said several curse words in his responses. It was so bad I e-mailed him afterwards to point out his most obvious blunders!” - Nickie Doria, marketing director for Emmer Development Corp.

“One huge pet peeve is when an applicant comes in smelling like a  smokestack! It is a free country … but that is no reason to come in reeking of smoke. People get nervous and might want to puff a quick cigarette before the interview, which is understandable, but when they arrive smelling like smoke, it is a real  turnoff.” - Doria

7. Coming unprepared
“I happen to be hiring right now. One line that is a definite door-closer, that I have surprisingly heard several times: ‘No, I haven’t really had time to look at your Web site yet’ or words to that effect. How interested should I be in a candidate with such a low level of interest in and knowledge about our company?” - Alexander Seinfeld, executive director at Jewish Spiritual Literacy Inc.

“In response to the interview question, ‘So what do you want to do next?’ The worst answer of all is to say, ‘I’m totally open … I’ll do anything,’ or ‘I’m completely flexible … I can go wherever the company’s greatest needs are.’ This answer leaves the hiring manager with the burden of figuring out where the candidate belongs in the organization, and no hiring manager has the time or energy to do that kind of work. And with the economy the way it is today, candidates are feeling the need to be flexible and keep their options open, and I am hearing from hiring managers [frustrated] over this kind of answer.” - Jeanne Knight, career and job search coach

8. Forgetting to clean up digital dirt
“Of course, for those who are MySpace and Facebook junkies, make sure your pages are set to the private setting. We actually had a girl apply for a leasing position with one of our companies, and she did very well during the interview. Later, the manager wanted to learn more about her, and found that her MySpace name was … well somewhat promiscuous at best! Needless to say, she never even got a call back! - Doria

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION FORMS!!!!!!!

Regardless of how the interview went, or whether or not you are still interested in the position, sending a thank you note is essential.  It’s surprising how many candidates forget to follow up properly after an interview, as most jobseekers focus all their energy on the interview. In fact, the follow up is what often distinguishes one candidate apart from the others.  In the final stages of the recruiting process there are usually several top candidates, each with different strengths and weaknesses.  Interviewers see many candidates and have a tough decision to make so here are a few things you can do to set yourself apart from the others:

    * Ask for your interviewer`s business card at the end of an interview so you have their contact information to follow up
    * Ask about the timing for the hiring process to get an understanding of the timeline and what to expect
    * Decide what format your thank you note should be in: email vs. snail mail and send it as soon as possible, no later than 24 hours.  A thank you note adds value to your candidacy while giving you another chance to show your enthusiasm and reiterate why you`re a good fit.
    * It is ok to follow up with a phone call within a week or two to ask about the position, but be sure to assess the situation first, depending on the employer`s timeline - be careful here, as it`s good to follow up, but not too much

You can create a powerful thank you note by keeping it simple and short.  There are 3 main components:

   1. Thank you
   2. Recap the conversation, clarify information if necessary and address any concerns about your qualifications that came up during the interview
   3. Restate your expertise and why you are a good fit, show your enthusiasm (I am a good fit because xyz and my past experience in xyz)

Don`t forget to alert your references so they are informed and ready should they receive a call about you.  And finally, be patient, as the hiring process can take longer than expected.

We all desire to be the best intern that we can be, and maybe the best that the company has ever seen. Regardless of whether its for personal reasons or to impress others here are 3 things that you can do to give yourself a boost over other interns.

1. Don’t act like an intern.
   - From day 1, treat your internship like its a real, full-time job. You want to be as professional and responsible as everybody else at the company. By doing this, you will show the company that you mean business and just because you’re an intern doesn’t mean you should be treated as one.
2. Ask for feedback on your performance.
   - It shows alot about you when you ask for feedback. Asking for feedback means that you care about the way you are performing, and that you will be proactive when it comes to seeking perfection. Don’t be afraid to receive negative feedback because in fact, that’s what you need to hear. You have a real opportunity to improve when you receive constructive criticism. Show employers that you will continue to improve and they will be thrilled!
3. Be involved at meetings.
   - Many times you will be pulled into meetings that are related to your project and others will discuss different issues, news, and ideas. If you have input don’t be afraid to speak up, especially if it involves an issue that someone may have overlooked. By calling attention to that issue you could receive tons of respect and credit from the others. Most interns never speak at meetings and the fact that you did will separate you from the pack. But don’t just do it for the accolades, do it for the good of the company.

All signs point to NO!Today’s workplace doesn’t look much like it did 20 or 30 years ago. Typewriters gave way to clunky PCs which are now paper-thin laptops. Perhaps more noticeably, the workers look different now that shoulder pads are gone and they took teased bangs with them. Over the past few decades, fashion statements that belonged to rebels became part of mainstream attire. Piercings in your eyebrow, nose and tongue started showing up on your Average Joe and Jane. Tattoos no longer belonged to bikers — your typical college student might be sporting ink somewhere on his or her body. Even Mohawks and brightly dyed hair worked their way into suburbia. As a result, younger generations entering the work force have brought their sense of style with them and are complicating the old dress codes.

Know your audience
Now that business casual is the new suit-and-tie, how much liberty can you take with your appearance before you’re not seen as professional? Depends on the industry, says Brad Penman, chief operating officer at The Marketing Arm, a promotions agency.

“Obviously the dress code and the acceptable ‘look’ should match your organization’s culture,” Penman says. “What’s OK for a creative agency like ours may not be right for a bank, investment firm or attorney’s office.”

Workers should keep in mind that the company culture has two components: the boss and the client.

“[The company’s dress code] should match the expectations of your clients. Your clients pay the bills, so it’s important to respect what makes them comfortable,” Penman explains. “And, by the way, it’s OK to ask your clients that question. If [they] expect you to be creative and understand that a little irreverence can spur exceptional ideas, they’re likely to be OK with a different look around the office.”

Etiquette consultant Mary Harris agrees that context is everything.

“Your judgment really does have to come into play here. If you’re a software developer or graphic designer, most likely the atmosphere is more relaxed in your work environment and an outward creative expression of your personality would not be frowned upon,” Harris says. “If you are in investment banking or work in the sales department of a large firm then pink hair, visible tattoos and tongue piercings would not be recommended if you are hoping to land or keep a job. Even subtle piercings like nose rings, which younger workers feel are very tame, are considered inappropriate to their older superiors.”

When you’re already employed, you probably know what’s acceptable and what’s forbidden in terms of personal style. At least you’re already employed, so if you have a question you can ask your boss or refer to the handbook. When you’re looking for a job, though, how do you deal with your unique appearance?

The interview dilemma
Janet Flewelling, director of human resource operations at HR-services company Administaff, suggests job seekers exercise caution during the interview.

“One of the primary goals of an interview is to leave a lasting and positive impression,” Flewelling says. “When interviewing for any position, most employers are seeking candidates who display professionalism. In many cases, the first impression a prospective employee will make on an employer is often based on appearance.”

If a cautious presentation isn’t in your best interest, at least recognize what you’re risking with 11-inch hair spikes or a tattoo of your daughter’s name on your forearm.

“If a candidate were to arrive at an interview with an uncovered tattoo and the organization is one that prohibits its employees from having exposed tattoos, the chances of that individual landing the job can be reduced,” she says.

Of course, you could be your own tattooed Trojan horse and play it safe for the interview, only to arrive for your first day with your pink hair and inked arms exposed to the world. But that could be just as bad. Flewelling cautions job seekers that the company could have an explicit policy about visible body modifications, and if you do an about-face, the boss might perceive your conservative interview appearance as dishonesty.

One way to prevent the awkwardness of revealing your true, expressive fashionista is to discuss the matter prior to accepting the job — just don’t sound presumptuous with your questions. The last thing you want is to sound like you know you’re getting the job, thereby turning off the hiring manger.

“One way to approach the subject of the company dress code, without potentially sending a red flag, is to ask about the policy as part of a list of general questions. Try asking the question in an open-ended manner,” Flewelling suggests. “For example, instead of saying ‘Do you have a dress code?’ or ‘Can I wear a nose ring?’ phrase questions in a manner that leads to a discussion. ‘Are there any dress code specifications relevant to this position I should be aware of?’ or ‘Are there any particular types of dress required for the job?’”

The ongoing debate
Even after you’re hired and have established yourself as part of the company, you can find yourself grappling with work-appropriate appearances as your style changes or career advances. Maybe one morning you wake up and think the Dorothy Hamill haircut you’ve been sporting since 1976 isn’t contemporary enough. Or maybe you get promoted and worry that an edgy look doesn’t belong in a senior position.

In both cases, Flewelling puts the responsibility to personal judgment.

“The best way to proceed in this regard is to look and learn. There is rarely a one-size-fits-all or right and wrong in these matters,” she says. Your best bet is to take cues from the people around you to see how they dress and are perceived, she says.

Ultimately you need your work environment to suit you, and Penman thinks this is something everyone needs to recognize.

“I’d say that company owners and top management need to change their thinking about how people should ‘look’ in the workplace and instead think about how people ‘can look.’ One of the most important benefits to staff is freedom of appearance at work. It’s a benefit to feel comfortable,” Penman says. When you’re looking at potential employers, ask yourself if you’ll be comfortable going to work every day dressed how they want you to look.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

Many students are interested in careers in the retail sector.  Many companies in this industry offer great internship and full time management trainee opportunities.  Check out some more information from the Target website about their current career opportunities!!

COME LEARN ABOUT CAREERS IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY!

Interested in pursuing a career in Entertainment, Media, or Sports?Want to learn what opportunities exist, how connections are made, and what it takes to succeed in these exciting industries?Come meet, and mingle, and listen to Nelson Gayton, Executive Director of UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Entertainment and Media Management Institute, guide you to where these industries are currently growing and still in you the knowledge of knowing what to do in order to pursue your dreams.For more information and to Register http://emmiattemple.eventbrite.com/

DATE: Tuesday, October 13^th, 2009
4:30-7:30pm
Alter Hall 1^st Floor Student Lounge
“The EGG”

Information:  

1.5 Hr. Presentation and Q & A 

1.5 Hr. of Networking with Nelson and his colleagues

Free pizza and refreshments during networking time period

Nelson’s Experiences:

• Sony Pictures Entertainment 
• Crayon Venture Partners - Partner
• Microtime Media - Founded UK Ad Agency - Video Game Brand Integration
• Various Non-Profit Ventures
• Wharton School of Business - Professor and Director of Media and Entertainment 
• UCLA - Professor - Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Media
• Many other senior level entertainment, entrepreneurship, marketing positions (see attached Bio)

J&J will be on campus next week interviewing Fox School students for 4 of their programs!  Here is a great video detailing some of the things their recruiters look for on an interview.  This is an easy way to do your research and preparation prior to the interviews!

Finding a Job: It’s a Lot Like Dating

by Brad Karsh: President and Founder, JobBound

Although the task of finding a job may seem too tough to tackle, it’s really quite simple when you compare it to one of your favorite pastimes: dating.

Just like burping out the alphabet or talking to your ex at the dinner table are sure-fire ways to blow a date, there are some things you just don’t want to do when trying to find a job. I found that if you apply these dating guidelines to the job search, you’re sure to find a dream job that’s a perfect fit for you.

1. Don’t be afraid of rejection.
   It’s going to happen. You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince/princess. Just like dates, there will be some companies that just aren’t that into you. Don’t get discouraged; the right one is sure to come along. Rejection is just part of the game.
2. Don’t use the same old line.
   “Do you have a map? Because I am getting lost in your eyes.” It’s been done before! Just like a good pick-up line, a cover letter should leave the recruiting director begging to know more. No one is going to read a four paragraph version of your resume. For your cover letter, short, catchy, and non-cheesy is the best way to go.
3. Don’t tell them what you think they want to hear.
   Just like a smart date, recruiting directors can see through your answers that are too good to be true. Your date won’t buy the fact that for fun you save baby whales from haphazard environments, just like the recruiting director won’t buy the fact that being a perfectionist is your worst “weakness.”
4. Don’t be a stalker.
   There is a fine line between being persistent and being a stalker. If the recruiting director hasn’t gotten back to you, don’t call every 5 minutes and then hang up. They probably have caller ID, and they’re officially scared of you. After calling once, leave them a message telling them how to reach you.
5. Don’t always listen to your mom.
   Just because your mom says the blue sweater makes you look handsome, doesn’t mean you should wear it on your first date. When it comes to resumes and interviews, your parents mean well, but they don’t always give you the best advice.  However, as a student, you have access to an amazing resource - the Career Center! From helping you find jobs and internships to assisting you with resume writing and interviewing skills, your Career Center is an amazing resource.

If you keep these tips in mind, the job search won’t be half as grueling.  Graduation will be here before you know it, and you want to make sure you’re ready when the right company comes along.

Find the original article HERE