Looking for a job can seem like a revolving door, particularly for the Class of 2009 caught in this economic downturn. Becky, a member of the Class of 2009 who would like to write for a comedy show, has this to say about interviewing for that perfect job:
"If you get one interview for every ten jobs you apply to, consider yourself lucky. Between the lack of job availability and hiring freezes, it is not easy to secure a job in today’s economy. Therefore, when you get an interview try to be prepared. I give this advice to you having been through one of the worst interviews in the history of the world.
Step one: What to wear - The internship to which I was applying was for a hip and funky music production studio where the standard daily dress code was jeans, a t-shirt, and sandals. Unfortunately, I did not get that memo until I walked through the door, wearing a black business suit, a pin striped shirt, and high heels, with my hair pulled back into two French braids. The rock music blasting in the background mocked my prim and proper appearance. The walk to the conference room felt like a mini marathon as I tried to quickly pass the editors sitting at their desks staring at me, not their computer screens. They probably thought I was a lawyer arriving to settle a corporate suit, not a student looking for a summer internship. I am not suggesting dressing down for an interview, but if you know someone who has worked for the company, ask what the dress code is like and then dress a step nicer than that, so it feels like you fit in when you walk through the door.
Step Two: Your personal goals - Think about what your future goals are for the particular job you are being interviewed for. “(Before the interview) I come up with answers for why I would be a good candidate, what experiences I had, and how it would prepare me for such a job,” says another recent college grad, who is actively job searching. “Then I research their organization so I know what they’re all about. Showing the interviewer that you are knowledgeable in their organization will be greatly beneficial and make you stand out." I wish I followed that advice myself while I sat in the conference room during my interview. Two very nice women were sitting at one end of the table holding my resume, smiling. When they asked me why I wanted to intern at this particular music corporation, I froze and said, “Because I like music.” I then began to ramble on about the great New Media program that I was enrolled in, and told them about the half million-dollar satellite uplink truck the University had just invested in, which had nothing to do with the conversation. They smiled at me, seemingly confused, and scribbled something on a piece of paper - not the reaction I wanted.
Step Three: Nerves - Accept it. No matter how much you prepare yourself, no matter how many responses you memorize, no matter how many mock interviews you participate in with your grandmother (was that only me?), your nerves will still creep up on you. This is not necessarily a bad thing! Nerves keep you on your toes and give you extra energy that will reflect well on the interviewee. Try to be confident and keep eye contact.
Step Four: After the interview - I do not remember much more from the world’s worst interview starring me, but to my surprise, a week after the interview I received an email that I had gotten the internship! I was more shocked than you. If after an interview you think you did badly, don’t dwell on the negative. Take it as a learning experience and hope for a response. And send a thank you to reinforce your interest in the position."
The Kellogg Company has an opportunity for a National Account Executive for one of their Top Accounts. Located in Chicago.
American Eagle Outfitters is seeking an experienced senior level Merchandise Manager with specialty retail experience. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Sears Holdings is seeking a Manager, Marketing Planning, Hometown Stores. Located in Illinois.
The Coca-Cola Company is seeking an Auditor. Located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Moody's Corporation is seeking a Learning and Development Specialist. Located in New York.
Hewlett Packard is seeking a Senior Executive Communications Manager. Located in San Jose, California.
Kodak is seeking a Chief Listener - Social Media Team. Located in Rochester, New York.
Capital One is seeking a Senior Manager, Bank Credit Review. Located in Melville, New York.
CBS Corporation is seeking a Director, Financial Reporting. Located in New York.
Revlon is seeking a Vice President, Corporate Finance and Investor Relations. Located in New York.
CBS Corporation is seeking a Vice President, Investor Relations. Located in New York.
Jobs in banking can be very different as you can see in this list of jobs at Morgan Stanley:
Morgan Stanley is seeking a Risk Project Analyst/ Risk Officer. Located in New York.
Morgan Stanley is seeking a Global Projects Group Project Manager/ Business Analyst. Located in New York.
Morgan Stanley is seeking a Talent Management Coordinator. Located in New York.
Morgan Stanley is seeking a Vice President – Operational Risk – Policy Governance. Located in New York.
Morgan Stanley is seeking an Associate - Credit Risk Analysis and Reporting Group. Located in New York.
Sara Lee Corporation is offering internships for mid-career individuals to re-enter the workforce following an extended leave. The Program, which they have appropriately called "Returnships @ Sara Lee", aims to provide flexible opportunities for experienced professionals. Projects or roles for Returnships cover areas such as marketing, brand management, human resources, corporate communications, finance, product innovation and more. If I want to return to work and I need help deciding what career to choose, this sounds like a great opportunity. Check it out on saralee.com.
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