COMPREHENSIVE
CAREER GUIDE
Preparing HPU Students for
INTERVIEWING
Your attire is a form of communication and can influence the impression of your boss, coworkers and customers about your capabilities and professionalism. BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL OR BUSINESS FORMAL • Pantsuits and skirt-suits with a dress shirt • Suits, ties, and dress shirts
STEP 5
BUILDING A PROFESSIONAL WARDROBE BUSINESS CASUAL • Tailored slacks/dress-pants – non-denim • Conservative length skirts and dresses • Sweaters, cardigans, blazers, or jackets
• Neutral colors
• Closed-toed shoes: oxfords, loafers, flats
• You should wear business professional for nearly all job-interviews!
• Button-down shirts • Don’t necessarily need a jacket and tie • Simple accessories
SMART CASUAL OR DRESSY CASUAL • Combines well-fitting, polished business wear with elements of casual attire • Blouses, polo shirts, button-downs • Chinos, dark wash jeans, dress pants • Polished, practical footwear
CAREER CATALYST:
IMPRESS BY DRESSING YOUR BEST!
• Pair pieces together from different formality levels (i.e., Dark wash jeans with a blazer and a casual blouse)
Dress as professionally as possible. Always dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
1 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
STEP 5: SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES | 63
BUILDING A PROFESSIONAL WARDROBE Your attire is a form of communication and can influence the impression of your boss, coworkers and customers about your capabilities and professionalism. BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL OR BUSINESS FORMAL • Pantsuits and skirt-suits with a dress shirt • Suits, ties, and dress shirts
BUSINESS CASUAL • Tailored slacks/dress-pants – non-denim • Conservative length skirts and dresses • Sweaters, cardigans, blazers, or jackets
• Neutral colors
• Closed-toed shoes: oxfords, loafers, flats
• You should wear business professional for nearly all job-interviews!
• Button-down shirts • Don’t necessarily need a jacket and tie • Simple accessories
SMART CASUAL OR DRESSY CASUAL • Combines well-fitting, polished business wear with elements of casual attire • Blouses, polo shirts, button-downs • Chinos, dark wash jeans, dress pants • Polished, practical footwear
CAREER CATALYST:
IMPRESS BY DRESSING YOUR BEST!
• Pair pieces together from different formality levels (i.e., Dark wash jeans with a blazer and a casual blouse)
Dress as professionally as possible. Always dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
62 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
INTERVIEWING | 2
An Interview Is… • A chance for the employer to get to know you • A chance for you to evaluate whether the manager and company culture are a fit • An opportunity to prove that your experiences and skills align with the job duties WHAT EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR Employers use the interview process to obtain answers to four questions: • Can you do the job? • Will you do the job? • Will you fit in with the organization? • Are you a person I will like and our team will like? It is your job to convince the prospective employer that the answer to all four questions is yes. Be honest about your experiences and skills that make you an excellent candidate. TYPES OF INTERVIEWS Remote: Often, employers conduct first round interviews via phone or video. Phone and video interviews last 15-60 minutes, and employers use them as a screening tool for future interviews including oncampus and on-site interviews. • Phone • One-Way Video (HireVue, SparkHire) • Two-Way Video (Skype, Zoom, WebEx) On-Site: Employers offer on-site interviews after a candidate completes a successful phone, virtual, and/ or on-campus interview. Some on-site interviews could last two hours while others could last a half-day or full-day. The on-site interview is the last step in the hiring process where candidates meet multiple people and may be asked to take assessments. It is also the last opportunity for you to evaluate the employer. HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW: • Research the organization, hiring manager, and anyone else who will be interviewing you using LinkedIn and the company website. • Select your interviewing outfit. • If possible, drive to the location of the interview to map the route. • Look over and practice your answers to interview questions. • Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. • Organize items that you plan to take including your resume, portfolio, and references.
3 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
STEP 5
INTERVIEWING TOP 10 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: 1. Tell me about yourself. 2. What interests you about this job? 3. Why did you choose this particular career path? 4. Why should we hire you? 5. What do you know about our organization?
7. What courses have you enjoyed the most? Least? 8. How would your boss or professors describe you? 9. Where do you see yourself in five years? 10. What questions do you have for me?
6. What are your strengths? What is one weakness? BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: • Tell me about a time when you envisioned a better outcome and energized others to achieve the desired results. (leadership)
• Describe a situation where you influenced a group decision to your point-of-view. (collaboration)
• Tell me about a time when you chose to step into a situation, took charge, gained support, and brought about excellent results. (leadership)
• Tell me about a situation where you formed productive relationships with a diverse group of people to accomplish a common goal. (collaboration)
• Tell me about a problem situation when you had to analyze facts quickly, define key issues, and develop a plan that produced good results. (problem-solving)
• Tell me about a time when you were challenged by multiple, competing priorities. How did you focus your efforts? Describe your results. (time management)
• Describe a time when you learned from a mistake to improve your solution to a problem. (problem-solving)
• Give me an example of setting a goal and meeting it despite short-term obstacles. (time management)
• Tell me about a time when you contributed a new and better way of doing something. (creativity)
• Give me an example of a situation where you faced a conflict or had a difficult communication issue. (communication)
• Tell me about a time when you were able to think “outside-the-box” to come up with a solution. (creativity)
• Tell me about a special contribution you have made to your employer. (individual strengths)
• Tell me about a time when you “pushed back” against doing something even though the majority, including some at higher levels, favored the idea. (risk-taking)
• Tell me about the most difficult situation you have faced in the context of work or campus organization. (problem-solving)
• Describe a time when you took a wellinformed risk and failed. (risk-taking)
STEP 5: SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES | 65
INTERVIEWING An Interview Is… • A chance for the employer to get to know you • A chance for you to evaluate whether the manager and company culture are a fit • An opportunity to prove that your experiences and skills align with the job duties WHAT EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR Employers use the interview process to obtain answers to four questions: • Can you do the job? • Will you do the job? • Will you fit in with the organization? • Are you a person I will like and our team will like? It is your job to convince the prospective employer that the answer to all four questions is yes. Be honest about your experiences and skills that make you an excellent candidate. TYPES OF INTERVIEWS Remote: Often, employers conduct first round interviews via phone or video. Phone and video interviews last 15-60 minutes, and employers use them as a screening tool for future interviews including oncampus and on-site interviews. • Phone • One-Way Video (HireVue, SparkHire) • Two-Way Video (Skype, Zoom, WebEx) On-Site: Employers offer on-site interviews after a candidate completes a successful phone, virtual, and/ or on-campus interview. Some on-site interviews could last two hours while others could last a half-day or full-day. The on-site interview is the last step in the hiring process where candidates meet multiple people and may be asked to take assessments. It is also the last opportunity for you to evaluate the employer. HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW: • Research the organization, hiring manager, and anyone else who will be interviewing you using LinkedIn and the company website. • Select your interviewing outfit. • If possible, drive to the location of the interview to map the route. • Look over and practice your answers to interview questions. • Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. • Organize items that you plan to take including your resume, portfolio, and references.
64 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
TOP 10 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: 1. Tell me about yourself. 2. What interests you about this job? 3. Why did you choose this particular career path? 4. Why should we hire you? 5. What do you know about our organization?
7. What courses have you enjoyed the most? Least? 8. How would your boss or professors describe you? 9. Where do you see yourself in five years? 10. What questions do you have for me?
6. What are your strengths? What is one weakness? BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: • Tell me about a time when you envisioned a better outcome and energized others to achieve the desired results. (leadership)
• Describe a situation where you influenced a group decision to your point-of-view. (collaboration)
• Tell me about a time when you chose to step into a situation, took charge, gained support, and brought about excellent results. (leadership)
• Tell me about a situation where you formed productive relationships with a diverse group of people to accomplish a common goal. (collaboration)
• Tell me about a problem situation when you had to analyze facts quickly, define key issues, and develop a plan that produced good results. (problem-solving)
• Tell me about a time when you were challenged by multiple, competing priorities. How did you focus your efforts? Describe your results. (time management)
• Describe a time when you learned from a mistake to improve your solution to a problem. (problem-solving)
• Give me an example of setting a goal and meeting it despite short-term obstacles. (time management)
• Tell me about a time when you contributed a new and better way of doing something. (creativity)
• Give me an example of a situation where you faced a conflict or had a difficult communication issue. (communication)
• Tell me about a time when you were able to think “outside-the-box” to come up with a solution. (creativity)
• Tell me about a special contribution you have made to your employer. (individual strengths)
• Tell me about a time when you “pushed back” against doing something even though the majority, including some at higher levels, favored the idea. (risk-taking)
• Tell me about the most difficult situation you have faced in the context of work or campus organization. (problem-solving)
• Describe a time when you took a wellinformed risk and failed. (risk-taking)
INTERVIEWING | 4
STAR METHOD When answering behavioral questions, use the STAR method. The interviewer is looking for you to articulate specific examples of your responses to certain situations. Provide focused answers that demonstrate specific skills or qualities necessary for the position.
S
SITUATION
T
TASK
A
ACTION
R
RESULT
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE EMPLOYER 1. What do you see ahead for your company in the next five years? What do you see as future trends for this industry? 2. How do you distinguish yourself from your competition? 3. What skill-sets do you not have on board already that you are looking to add with a new hire?
To practice answering behavioral interview questions, set-up a chart using the STAR method.
4. What is the overall structure of the company, and how does your department fit within the structure?
Example:
5. What have been the department’s successes over the last few years?
Behavior Based Question
Tell me about a situation where you formed productive relationships with a diverse group of people to accomplish a common goal.
S
Describe the SITUATION
My group was assigned a class presentation to discuss the unique challenges that homosexual students face on our campus. Some in the group were more accepting of this student population while others were less accepting.
T
Describe the TASK
We were asked to present ideas about increasing university support of homosexual students on campus.
A
Describe the ACTION taken
Despite viewpoints very different from my own, I pulled the group together by suggesting that we focus on our task of providing services to a student population, rather than discuss homosexuality from a moral/ethical perspective.
R
Quantify the RESULTS
We received an A on our presentation and the university adopted our idea to provide safe zone training to faculty, staff, and students.
6. What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this position? 7. Where have successful employees in this position progressed to within the company? 8. Can you describe a typical day/week in this position? Can you describe the typical client/ customer/student I would be working with? 9. How would you describe this organization’s culture? 10. What should I expect the next steps to be after our interview today? QUESTIONS NOT TO ASK EMPLOYERS IN THE FIRST INTERVIEW • What will be the salary? What are the • How much vacation time will I get? benefits? (You may ask these questions when you receive an offer.) EXAMPLES OF ILLEGAL QUESTIONS FROM EMPLOYERS: • Are you a U.S. citizen? • Do you have children or plan to have children? • What is your native tongue? • What religion do you practice? • Which religious holidays do you observe?
DIFFICULT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: • What would you do if you discovered that your company was doing something illegal? • How do you handle stress? Give examples. • What was the last book you read? How has it impacted you? • If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why? • How would you gain the confidence of a client who has over 30 years of experience? • What would you do if a colleague is underperforming and it is affecting your department? • Where else are you interviewing? • What types of people do you dislike the most? • You appear to be overqualified for the position. Why would you be interested in a position at this level? • What do you see as future trends of our industry?
5 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
• How old are you? • When do you plan to retire?
• Are you disabled?
• Have you had any recent or past illnesses or operations? • Are you single?
• Are you married or partnered? If employers ask you an illegal question, there are some strategies that you can implement. First, you can respond by asking them a question. For example, you may say, “that’s an interesting question that I’m happy to answer, but could you tell me how it relates to the job?”. A second strategy involves addressing the concern behind the question. For example, if an employer asks about plans for marriage and children, you can respond by saying, “nothing that comes up in my family life will get in the way of my ability and desire to do the job well.” You also can choose to answer the question or refuse to respond, though both may be undesirable. Regardless of your strategy, if an organization asks an illegal question, evaluate whether it was intentional or unintentional bias and decide whether the organization remains a place in which you want to work.
STEP 5: SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES | 67
STEP 5
DURING THE INTERVIEW
DURING THE INTERVIEW
STAR METHOD When answering behavioral questions, use the STAR method. The interviewer is looking for you to articulate specific examples of your responses to certain situations. Provide focused answers that demonstrate specific skills or qualities necessary for the position.
S
SITUATION
T
TASK
A
ACTION
R
RESULT
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE EMPLOYER 1. What do you see ahead for your company in the next five years? What do you see as future trends for this industry? 2. How do you distinguish yourself from your competition? 3. What skill-sets do you not have on board already that you are looking to add with a new hire?
To practice answering behavioral interview questions, set-up a chart using the STAR method.
4. What is the overall structure of the company, and how does your department fit within the structure?
Example:
5. What have been the department’s successes over the last few years?
Behavior Based Question
Tell me about a situation where you formed productive relationships with a diverse group of people to accomplish a common goal.
S
Describe the SITUATION
My group was assigned a class presentation to discuss the unique challenges that homosexual students face on our campus. Some in the group were more accepting of this student population while others were less accepting.
T
Describe the TASK
We were asked to present ideas about increasing university support of homosexual students on campus.
A
Describe the ACTION taken
Despite viewpoints very different from my own, I pulled the group together by suggesting that we focus on our task of providing services to a student population, rather than discuss homosexuality from a moral/ethical perspective.
R
Quantify the RESULTS
We received an A on our presentation and the university adopted our idea to provide safe zone training to faculty, staff, and students.
6. What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this position? 7. Where have successful employees in this position progressed to within the company? 8. Can you describe a typical day/week in this position? Can you describe the typical client/ customer/student I would be working with? 9. How would you describe this organization’s culture? 10. What should I expect the next steps to be after our interview today? QUESTIONS NOT TO ASK EMPLOYERS IN THE FIRST INTERVIEW • What will be the salary? What are the • How much vacation time will I get? benefits? (You may ask these questions when you receive an offer.) EXAMPLES OF ILLEGAL QUESTIONS FROM EMPLOYERS: • Are you a U.S. citizen? • Do you have children or plan to have children? • What is your native tongue? • What religion do you practice? • Which religious holidays do you observe?
DIFFICULT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: • What would you do if you discovered that your company was doing something illegal? • How do you handle stress? Give examples. • What was the last book you read? How has it impacted you? • If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why? • How would you gain the confidence of a client who has over 30 years of experience? • What would you do if a colleague is underperforming and it is affecting your department? • Where else are you interviewing? • What types of people do you dislike the most? • You appear to be overqualified for the position. Why would you be interested in a position at this level? • What do you see as future trends of our industry?
66 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
• How old are you? • When do you plan to retire?
• Are you disabled?
• Have you had any recent or past illnesses or operations? • Are you single?
• Are you married or partnered? If employers ask you an illegal question, there are some strategies that you can implement. First, you can respond by asking them a question. For example, you may say, “that’s an interesting question that I’m happy to answer, but could you tell me how it relates to the job?”. A second strategy involves addressing the concern behind the question. For example, if an employer asks about plans for marriage and children, you can respond by saying, “nothing that comes up in my family life will get in the way of my ability and desire to do the job well.” You also can choose to answer the question or refuse to respond, though both may be undesirable. Regardless of your strategy, if an organization asks an illegal question, evaluate whether it was intentional or unintentional bias and decide whether the organization remains a place in which you want to work.
INTERVIEWING | 6
• Check the time zone: Don’t assume the employer is in the same time zone as you. Always suggest and confirm times using both your contact’s time zone and your own. It eliminates confusion and allows everyone to catch a time conversion error
UTILIZE OTHER BEST PRACTICES FOR INTERVIEWING: • Research the company and interviewers beforehand
STEP 5
REMOTE INTERVIEWING TIPS Phone • Study up: Read all interview materials thoroughly from the company to prepare. You want to show that you can follow directions
• Show up on time • Have a copy of your resume handy and a notepad to take notes • Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer
• Service: Use a landline phone if possible, or a well-serviced area • Answer professionally: Answer the phone with “Hello, this is <clearly state name.>” The interviewer now knows he/she has reached the right person and knows how to pronounce your name. This simple gesture starts the interview off on great note for the interviewer • Project yourself confidently: Think about your presence and posture. Stand up while speaking and enunciate your words. Many find it helpful to dress as you would for an inperson or video interview • Smile! Emotions are contagious. You have the power to create a positive vibe in your interview Video In addition to the phone interview tips above, also: • Look the part: Dress appropriately and look into the camera, not yourself • Limit distractions: - Make sure your laptop is fully charged or plugged in - Silence your cell phone - Close all other programs and browsers (email, pop-ups, etc.) • In groups, mute yourself: On group calls, mute yourself when you’re not talking. It makes a positive first impression by showing you understand virtual etiquette. For one-on-one calls, do not mute your mic unless there’s unexpected background noise, like a garbage truck idling outside your window or a dog barking. In those situations, explain why you’re intermittently muting. • Don’t forget: Smile! HOW TO END THE INTERVIEW At the end of an in-person interview, ask for the interviewer’s business card. Be sure to shake the interviewer’s hand and thank them for meeting with you. Clarify next steps, their timeline for the hiring process, and when you can expect to hear from them. Also, indicate that you plan to follow-up with them if you have not heard from them by the date they specified. Be aware that confidently following-up is a critical part of the process. Do not leave anything to chance. THANK YOU NOTE It is important to send a thank you note that not only thanks the interviewer for their time, but also reiterates why you would be a good fit for the organization. Send an email or hand-written note on a professional looking notecard within 24 hours of the interview. See an example of a thank you note in the communications section on page 57.
7 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
BIG INTERVIEW Big Interview gives students a powerful suite of tools to get you ready…fast. Their complete lesson curriculum teaches students how to get inside the head of any interviewer and prove that they’re the ideal candidate. The interactive interview practice module gives you the hands-on preparation you need to comfortably and confidently deliver stellar answers. Additional tools like the Answer Builder, Question Library, and Interview Roulette help users drill down on specific skills and get even more guided instruction. To access Big Interview, visit our website. MOCK INTERVIEWS In addition to Big Interview, you are invited to schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor for a mock interview. It is most helpful to submit your resume and the job description of a desired position to a Career Advisor in advance of the appointment. Schedule a Mock Interview appointment on Handshake. HPU’S FINE-DINING LEARNING LABS While some colleges provide an etiquette class during a student’s senior year, HPU provides students with four years of career preparation inside 1924 Prime and Alo, HPU’s fine-dining restaurants that double as learning labs. Here, students building confidence in professional settings beyond the office, practice etiquette and experience international cuisine and cultural. By utilizing 1924 and Alo, which are included in your meal plan, you’ll graduate ready to ace a job interview or a client meeting over dinner.
STEP 5: SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES | 69
REMOTE INTERVIEWING TIPS Phone • Study up: Read all interview materials thoroughly from the company to prepare. You want to show that you can follow directions • Check the time zone: Don’t assume the employer is in the same time zone as you. Always suggest and confirm times using both your contact’s time zone and your own. It eliminates confusion and allows everyone to catch a time conversion error
UTILIZE OTHER BEST PRACTICES FOR INTERVIEWING: • Research the company and interviewers beforehand • Show up on time • Have a copy of your resume handy and a notepad to take notes • Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer
• Service: Use a landline phone if possible, or a well-serviced area • Answer professionally: Answer the phone with “Hello, this is <clearly state name.>” The interviewer now knows he/she has reached the right person and knows how to pronounce your name. This simple gesture starts the interview off on great note for the interviewer • Project yourself confidently: Think about your presence and posture. Stand up while speaking and enunciate your words. Many find it helpful to dress as you would for an inperson or video interview • Smile! Emotions are contagious. You have the power to create a positive vibe in your interview Video In addition to the phone interview tips above, also: • Look the part: Dress appropriately and look into the camera, not yourself • Limit distractions: - Make sure your laptop is fully charged or plugged in - Silence your cell phone - Close all other programs and browsers (email, pop-ups, etc.) • In groups, mute yourself: On group calls, mute yourself when you’re not talking. It makes a positive first impression by showing you understand virtual etiquette. For one-on-one calls, do not mute your mic unless there’s unexpected background noise, like a garbage truck idling outside your window or a dog barking. In those situations, explain why you’re intermittently muting. • Don’t forget: Smile! HOW TO END THE INTERVIEW At the end of an in-person interview, ask for the interviewer’s business card. Be sure to shake the interviewer’s hand and thank them for meeting with you. Clarify next steps, their timeline for the hiring process, and when you can expect to hear from them. Also, indicate that you plan to follow-up with them if you have not heard from them by the date they specified. Be aware that confidently following-up is a critical part of the process. Do not leave anything to chance. THANK YOU NOTE It is important to send a thank you note that not only thanks the interviewer for their time, but also reiterates why you would be a good fit for the organization. Send an email or hand-written note on a professional looking notecard within 24 hours of the interview. See an example of a thank you note in the communications section on page 57.
68 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
BIG INTERVIEW Big Interview gives students a powerful suite of tools to get you ready…fast. Their complete lesson curriculum teaches students how to get inside the head of any interviewer and prove that they’re the ideal candidate. The interactive interview practice module gives you the hands-on preparation you need to comfortably and confidently deliver stellar answers. Additional tools like the Answer Builder, Question Library, and Interview Roulette help users drill down on specific skills and get even more guided instruction. To access Big Interview, visit our website. MOCK INTERVIEWS In addition to Big Interview, you are invited to schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor for a mock interview. It is most helpful to submit your resume and the job description of a desired position to a Career Advisor in advance of the appointment. Schedule a Mock Interview appointment on Handshake. HPU’S FINE-DINING LEARNING LABS While some colleges provide an etiquette class during a student’s senior year, HPU provides students with four years of career preparation inside 1924 Prime and Alo, HPU’s fine-dining restaurants that double as learning labs. Here, students building confidence in professional settings beyond the office, practice etiquette and experience international cuisine and cultural. By utilizing 1924 and Alo, which are included in your meal plan, you’ll graduate ready to ace a job interview or a client meeting over dinner.
INTERVIEWING | 8
STEP 5
HPU’S EXECUTIVE SURVEY:
DISCOVER WHAT LEADERS NEED IN NEW HIRES
High Point University’s Survey Research Center surveyed 500 C-Suite executives nationwide to find out what they want in their future hires and which traits, characteristics and attitudes they see in their current employees that make them successful. In this poll, you’ll find practical takeaways and insights on questions you can expect to be asked as a college student entering the workforce.
1
Definition of Life Skills: Capabilities that outlast and extend beyond technical skills, but allow one to communicate, build relationships, continuously grow and thrive in competitive environments. Adaptation amidst rapid change. Understanding that to work harder, one must work smarter. Accepting failure as the price for learning and developing a growth mindset. Navigating complex situations without being intimidated by life’s obstacles. What employers want in new hires. HPU’S C-SUITE EXECUTIVE SURVEY: This survey has demonstrated that employers consistently report that new hires don’t work out for reasons such as coachability and adaptability rather than technical competence. HPU faculty understand that educational knowledge is the foundation for success. They listen to the demands of the marketplace and prepare students to excel in the areas that matter most.
13% COACHABILITY 11% TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 9% TEMPERAMENT
9 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
TOP FIVE
29% EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
REASONS NEW HIRES FAIL 38% MOTIVATION
MOTIVATION “Your outlook upon life, estimate of yourself and estimate of your value are largely colored by your environment. Your whole career will be modified, shaped and molded by your surroundings and the character of the people with whom you come into contact every day.” - Orison Swett Marden, founder of Success Magazine HPU’S RESPONSE to Motivation: Think environment doesn’t make a difference? Ask any professional sports coach if they prefer to play at home or away. Leading organizations understand your surroundings shape your behavior. At HPU, an inspiring environment is part of a strategic effort to surround students with energy, enthusiasm, and the lift they need to walk and act with purpose.
2
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to control and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. In the working world, employers rank a lack of emotional intelligence as the second highest reason new hires fail. The HPU experience addresses the need for students to be able to properly express their thoughts and feelings while simultaneously adjusting to the thoughts and feelings of others on their team. HPU’S APPROACH to Emotional Intelligence: The President’s Seminar on Life Skills is a required course for all freshmen taught by Nido R. Qubein, HPU president, serial entrepreneur, business leadership consultant and author. In their first semester, students learn about relational capital, the art and science of persuasion, communication skills, and many more life skills that will help ensure students chart a path for success. In fact, HPU graduates often site their Life Skills Seminar as a catalyst for their personal and professional transformation.
STEP 5: SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES | 71
HPU’S EXECUTIVE SURVEY:
DISCOVER WHAT LEADERS NEED IN NEW HIRES
High Point University’s Survey Research Center surveyed 500 C-Suite executives nationwide to find out what they want in their future hires and which traits, characteristics and attitudes they see in their current employees that make them successful. In this poll, you’ll find practical takeaways and insights on questions you can expect to be asked as a college student entering the workforce.
1
Definition of Life Skills: Capabilities that outlast and extend beyond technical skills, but allow one to communicate, build relationships, continuously grow and thrive in competitive environments. Adaptation amidst rapid change. Understanding that to work harder, one must work smarter. Accepting failure as the price for learning and developing a growth mindset. Navigating complex situations without being intimidated by life’s obstacles. What employers want in new hires. HPU’S C-SUITE EXECUTIVE SURVEY: This survey has demonstrated that employers consistently report that new hires don’t work out for reasons such as coachability and adaptability rather than technical competence. HPU faculty understand that educational knowledge is the foundation for success. They listen to the demands of the marketplace and prepare students to excel in the areas that matter most.
13% COACHABILITY 11% TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 9% TEMPERAMENT
70 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
TOP FIVE
29% EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
REASONS NEW HIRES FAIL 38% MOTIVATION
MOTIVATION “Your outlook upon life, estimate of yourself and estimate of your value are largely colored by your environment. Your whole career will be modified, shaped and molded by your surroundings and the character of the people with whom you come into contact every day.” - Orison Swett Marden, founder of Success Magazine HPU’S RESPONSE to Motivation: Think environment doesn’t make a difference? Ask any professional sports coach if they prefer to play at home or away. Leading organizations understand your surroundings shape your behavior. At HPU, an inspiring environment is part of a strategic effort to surround students with energy, enthusiasm, and the lift they need to walk and act with purpose.
2
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to control and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. In the working world, employers rank a lack of emotional intelligence as the second highest reason new hires fail. The HPU experience addresses the need for students to be able to properly express their thoughts and feelings while simultaneously adjusting to the thoughts and feelings of others on their team. HPU’S APPROACH to Emotional Intelligence: The President’s Seminar on Life Skills is a required course for all freshmen taught by Nido R. Qubein, HPU president, serial entrepreneur, business leadership consultant and author. In their first semester, students learn about relational capital, the art and science of persuasion, communication skills, and many more life skills that will help ensure students chart a path for success. In fact, HPU graduates often site their Life Skills Seminar as a catalyst for their personal and professional transformation.
INTERVIEWING | 10
4
• The art and science of goal-setting. Most of the things that make life worth living require careful introspection, sufficient time to develop and plenty of hard work. Students learn that setting goals and consistently working toward them is how success can be achieved. Fundamentals of leadership. Leaders are made, not born. Even if you don’t want to pursue a career that is traditionally thought of as requiring leadership, you can certainly benefit from knowing how to persuade, influence and negotiate with others.
Continuous Growth Today’s students need more than a degree; they come to college seeking a transformational experience. And HPU knows a thing or two about transformation. HPU has continuously transformed its institution and its culture, remaining a small university, but with major university resources. Growth is a familiar story at HPU. Growth is what makes it possible for HPU to transform its students.
• Fiscal literacy and stewardship. A mini-crash course in economics: learn how to manage your own money for long-term prosperity. Know how to save, invest, avoid bad debt and otherwise make sound financial decisions. • Health and wellness. Think about it: what is more central to quality of life than quality of health? There’s no point in having a brilliant, purposeful career if you don’t feel well enough (or live long enough) to enjoy it.
In the last decade, HPU has more than tripled enrollment from 1,450 to 5,800 students, more than quadrupled campus from 91 to 500 acres, earned doctoral degree-granting status and established six new academic schools, for a total of 10 academic schools now at HPU.
• Time management. Time is your greatest treasure. If you don’t make a constant decision to invest it in the pursuit of your goals and objectives, you are throwing it away. You will learn practical techniques for analyzing your time habits, keeping daily and weekly to-do lists, getting organized, and yes, making time for leisure, friendship and spiritual growth. • Communication skills and persuasive presentations. Through effective communication, we exchange information and ideas with other people, integrate our lives into the human race, and bring the things we want to happen to reality. Communicating effectively is the “master key” to success. In this course, you’ll learn how to get your point across and listen to the points of others.
3
COACHABILITY Employers want new hires who are coachable, and a lack of coachability has been noted as the number one reason new hires fail. If you want to be coachable, you have to practice being coached. HPU’S ANSWER to Coachability: Every freshman at HPU is provided a Success Coach, a professional staff member who offers guidance, wise counsel and encouragement. If you want to be coachable, you need practice! Mentorship is the responsibility of every faculty and staff member at HPU. And students benefit from an ecosystem of mentorship and support – ALL FOUR YEARS.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCE HPU’S STRATEGY on Technical Competence: HPU’s academic curriculum is both innovative and relevant in part because our faculty mentors include a mix of scholars and real-world practitioners. Just as the marketplace is in daily flux, majors in all disciplines are in a continuum of evolution. HPU’s newest programs in engineering, actuarial science and physical therapy are merely a few examples of HPU’s commitment to ensuring graduates are prepared for the world as it is going to be.
Each new academic enhancement is proof of HPU’s commitment to preparing students with the technical skills needed to excel in this ever-evolving workforce.
5
TEMPERAMENT “When people are in a fixed mindset, they believe their basic talents, abilities and intelligence are fixed traits—they have a certain amount, and that’s it. But, in a growth mindset, people understand that talent and abilities can be developed through hard work, learning new strategies, and help from others. This is an empowering belief.” - Carol Dweck, Stanford Professor HPU’S POSITION on Temperament: Growth mindset is our answer. It represents faculty’s strategic approach to instilling students with the temperament to overcome life obstacles and view challenges as opportunities. Dr. Carol Dweck, Stanford professor and expert on growth mindset, has even visited campus to share her research and its impact with faculty. Exceptional Experiential Learning Faculty and staff provide students with a plethora of opportunities to put classroom concepts into real-world practice. These experiences help students learn to collaborate with people from all walks of life, while also learning to embrace failure as an opportunity to grow.
Students benefit from Career Advisors, faculty advisors, peer mentors and more. Even HPU’s club sports teams have professional coaches. No one in life gets far without the help of others. HPU understands this and has forged a culture where students are surrounded by “coaches” who care.
11 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
STEP 5: SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES | 73
STEP 5
Skills Students Build During the Course: • Positive self-esteem. Positive self-esteem can give you the confidence to face any obstacle that stands in your way. By believing in yourself and your abilities, you can overcome the most disappointing and discouraging situations.
Skills Students Build During the Course: • Positive self-esteem. Positive self-esteem can give you the confidence to face any obstacle that stands in your way. By believing in yourself and your abilities, you can overcome the most disappointing and discouraging situations.
4
• The art and science of goal-setting. Most of the things that make life worth living require careful introspection, sufficient time to develop and plenty of hard work. Students learn that setting goals and consistently working toward them is how success can be achieved. Fundamentals of leadership. Leaders are made, not born. Even if you don’t want to pursue a career that is traditionally thought of as requiring leadership, you can certainly benefit from knowing how to persuade, influence and negotiate with others.
Continuous Growth Today’s students need more than a degree; they come to college seeking a transformational experience. And HPU knows a thing or two about transformation. HPU has continuously transformed its institution and its culture, remaining a small university, but with major university resources. Growth is a familiar story at HPU. Growth is what makes it possible for HPU to transform its students.
• Fiscal literacy and stewardship. A mini-crash course in economics: learn how to manage your own money for long-term prosperity. Know how to save, invest, avoid bad debt and otherwise make sound financial decisions. • Health and wellness. Think about it: what is more central to quality of life than quality of health? There’s no point in having a brilliant, purposeful career if you don’t feel well enough (or live long enough) to enjoy it.
In the last decade, HPU has more than tripled enrollment from 1,450 to 5,800 students, more than quadrupled campus from 91 to 500 acres, earned doctoral degree-granting status and established six new academic schools, for a total of 10 academic schools now at HPU.
• Time management. Time is your greatest treasure. If you don’t make a constant decision to invest it in the pursuit of your goals and objectives, you are throwing it away. You will learn practical techniques for analyzing your time habits, keeping daily and weekly to-do lists, getting organized, and yes, making time for leisure, friendship and spiritual growth. • Communication skills and persuasive presentations. Through effective communication, we exchange information and ideas with other people, integrate our lives into the human race, and bring the things we want to happen to reality. Communicating effectively is the “master key” to success. In this course, you’ll learn how to get your point across and listen to the points of others.
3
COACHABILITY Employers want new hires who are coachable, and a lack of coachability has been noted as the number one reason new hires fail. If you want to be coachable, you have to practice being coached. HPU’S ANSWER to Coachability: Every freshman at HPU is provided a Success Coach, a professional staff member who offers guidance, wise counsel and encouragement. If you want to be coachable, you need practice! Mentorship is the responsibility of every faculty and staff member at HPU. And students benefit from an ecosystem of mentorship and support – ALL FOUR YEARS.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCE HPU’S STRATEGY on Technical Competence: HPU’s academic curriculum is both innovative and relevant in part because our faculty mentors include a mix of scholars and real-world practitioners. Just as the marketplace is in daily flux, majors in all disciplines are in a continuum of evolution. HPU’s newest programs in engineering, actuarial science and physical therapy are merely a few examples of HPU’s commitment to ensuring graduates are prepared for the world as it is going to be.
Each new academic enhancement is proof of HPU’s commitment to preparing students with the technical skills needed to excel in this ever-evolving workforce.
5
TEMPERAMENT “When people are in a fixed mindset, they believe their basic talents, abilities and intelligence are fixed traits—they have a certain amount, and that’s it. But, in a growth mindset, people understand that talent and abilities can be developed through hard work, learning new strategies, and help from others. This is an empowering belief.” - Carol Dweck, Stanford Professor HPU’S POSITION on Temperament: Growth mindset is our answer. It represents faculty’s strategic approach to instilling students with the temperament to overcome life obstacles and view challenges as opportunities. Dr. Carol Dweck, Stanford professor and expert on growth mindset, has even visited campus to share her research and its impact with faculty. Exceptional Experiential Learning Faculty and staff provide students with a plethora of opportunities to put classroom concepts into real-world practice. These experiences help students learn to collaborate with people from all walks of life, while also learning to embrace failure as an opportunity to grow.
Students benefit from Career Advisors, faculty advisors, peer mentors and more. Even HPU’s club sports teams have professional coaches. No one in life gets far without the help of others. HPU understands this and has forged a culture where students are surrounded by “coaches” who care.
72 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
INTERVIEWING | 12
1
Give me an example where a failure changed your course and set you on a different path that surprised you because of how you grew from it. Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: Know the difference between productive failures and nonproductive successes. The process of learning and growing always involves challenges. A resume is full of accomplishments, but you need to speak to how you grew through your struggles.
2
Motivation is crucial with any job, and it often boils down to work ethic. Talk about a time when you had a task you disliked. How did you stay motivated? Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: Bad habits are easy to develop, but hard to live with. Yet, good habits are hard to develop, but easy to live with. Motivation is one of those good habits to cultivate.
3
Internships and leadership roles in clubs and organizations in college really prepare you for life after college. How have you seen this work experience help you grow not only intellectually but emotionally? Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: There is no substitute for experience, which creates competence. And competence leads to confidence.
4
5
Tell me about your goals in life. How do you plan to achieve them? Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: What matters is not so much what you want “to do” but rather what you want “to be.” This question will give the employer insight into your personal initiative, your underlying motivation, and assessment of your strategic thinking.
Give me an example of how you found a solution to a problem you faced in your life or your work experience. Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: In any line of work, we need solution finders – NOT merely problem solvers. Solution finders think vertically to eliminate the issue permanently. Problem solvers think horizontally and only react to the tyranny of the urgent. Employers are looking for deep, vertical thinkers to join their team.
6
Tell me about a time when you held a leadership role – whether assigned or assumed. How did you motivate the people around you to carry out the mission? And how did you handle disgruntled team mates? Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: Leaders must build bridges of understanding in order to persuade, influence and guide. Those bridges must always be built at the feet of the other person – not you. Employers will look for candidates who share how they connected with their teammates in order to foster trust. Remember, if no one will follow you, you’re not a leader.
To practice your interview skills, schedule a Mock Interview appointment with a Career Advisor on Handshake.
13 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
SALARY NEGOTIATION Negotiation definition: An effort to resolve a difference or explore an opportunity between parties
KEY PRINCIPLES OF NEGOTIATION: • Know what you want/need • Know what the other party can offer • Know the issues(s) at stake - Salary, benefits, hours, etc. – avoid revealing your position too early
Before you even begin to consider a job offer, step back and do some basic RESEARCH on where the job might be and what the cost of living will be in that location. EXPENSES TO CONSIDER: Apartment costs: Application fee, Security deposit, Monthly rent, Pet fee/ deposit (may be monthly; certain breeds may be excluded), Renter’s insurance, Homeowners Association (HOA) fee, Furniture/Kitchen items/Mattress and bedframe Cost for utilities: Electric, Water, Gas, Internet service, Concierge garbage (where applicable in apartment living)
RESOURCES FOR SALARY INFORMATION • NACE Salary Calculator • CareerOneStop Salary Info • Glassdoor Salary information • Salary.com • PayScale.com
Personal budget: Rent, Utilities, Savings, Car payment, Food, Gas, Miscellaneous expenses
DO YOUR HOMEWORK ON SALARY DATA FOR THE JOB YOU’RE APPLYING OR INTERVIEWING FOR AND PROVIDE A RANGE (NOT A SINGLE AMOUNT). • Giving a range allows room for negotiation when that time comes. If you give a single, specific amount, you leave no room to negotiate. • If you don’t want to give a specific range, you can always just respond with “Negotiable,” but you will still need to do your homework and prepare for the eventual salary discussion. TIPS TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS: • Hold off negotiations until after you’re offered the position • Be able to justify your salary expectations • Research your career field and determine salary averages in relation to skills and experiences • Practice negotiating and be prepared to overcome objections, while maintaining a professional attitude • Finally - Be aware that some companies have formal pay structures and therefore aren’t negotiable
Example of How to Start Negotiations: “I’ve done research of industry standards for similar positions in this area of the country, and it seems that salaries range from ______ to ______ depending on experience and qualifications. Based on my ______ experiences, I was hoping that I would be towards the higher end of that range. Is there a possibility of that?” Additionally, remember to evaluate the entire compensation package, because salary isn’t everything. Consider things like health insurance, retirement package, vacation/sick leave, personal reward, opportunity for advancement, job security, etc. Source: Campus Career Coach
STEP 5: SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES | 75
STEP 5
TOP 6 QUESTIONS ASKED BY EXECUTIVES
TOP 6 QUESTIONS ASKED BY EXECUTIVES 1
Give me an example where a failure changed your course and set you on a different path that surprised you because of how you grew from it. Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: Know the difference between productive failures and nonproductive successes. The process of learning and growing always involves challenges. A resume is full of accomplishments, but you need to speak to how you grew through your struggles.
2
Motivation is crucial with any job, and it often boils down to work ethic. Talk about a time when you had a task you disliked. How did you stay motivated? Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: Bad habits are easy to develop, but hard to live with. Yet, good habits are hard to develop, but easy to live with. Motivation is one of those good habits to cultivate.
3
Internships and leadership roles in clubs and organizations in college really prepare you for life after college. How have you seen this work experience help you grow not only intellectually but emotionally? Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: There is no substitute for experience, which creates competence. And competence leads to confidence.
4
5
Tell me about your goals in life. How do you plan to achieve them? Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: What matters is not so much what you want “to do” but rather what you want “to be.” This question will give the employer insight into your personal initiative, your underlying motivation, and assessment of your strategic thinking.
Give me an example of how you found a solution to a problem you faced in your life or your work experience. Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: In any line of work, we need solution finders – NOT merely problem solvers. Solution finders think vertically to eliminate the issue permanently. Problem solvers think horizontally and only react to the tyranny of the urgent. Employers are looking for deep, vertical thinkers to join their team.
6
Tell me about a time when you held a leadership role – whether assigned or assumed. How did you motivate the people around you to carry out the mission? And how did you handle disgruntled team mates? Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: Leaders must build bridges of understanding in order to persuade, influence and guide. Those bridges must always be built at the feet of the other person – not you. Employers will look for candidates who share how they connected with their teammates in order to foster trust. Remember, if no one will follow you, you’re not a leader.
To practice your interview skills, schedule a Mock Interview appointment with a Career Advisor on Handshake.
74 | HPU’S COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE
SALARY NEGOTIATION Negotiation definition: An effort to resolve a difference or explore an opportunity between parties
KEY PRINCIPLES OF NEGOTIATION: • Know what you want/need • Know what the other party can offer • Know the issues(s) at stake - Salary, benefits, hours, etc. – avoid revealing your position too early
Before you even begin to consider a job offer, step back and do some basic RESEARCH on where the job might be and what the cost of living will be in that location. EXPENSES TO CONSIDER: Apartment costs: Application fee, Security deposit, Monthly rent, Pet fee/ deposit (may be monthly; certain breeds may be excluded), Renter’s insurance, Homeowners Association (HOA) fee, Furniture/Kitchen items/Mattress and bedframe Cost for utilities: Electric, Water, Gas, Internet service, Concierge garbage (where applicable in apartment living) Personal budget: Rent, Utilities, Savings, Car payment, Food, Gas, Miscellaneous expenses
RESOURCES FOR SALARY INFORMATION • NACE Salary Calculator • CareerOneStop Salary Info • Glassdoor Salary information • Salary.com • PayScale.com
DO YOUR HOMEWORK ON SALARY DATA FOR THE JOB YOU’RE APPLYING OR INTERVIEWING FOR AND PROVIDE A RANGE (NOT A SINGLE AMOUNT). • Giving a range allows room for negotiation when that time comes. If you give a single, specific amount, you leave no room to negotiate. • If you don’t want to give a specific range, you can always just respond with “Negotiable,” but you will still need to do your homework and prepare for the eventual salary discussion. TIPS TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS: • Hold off negotiations until after you’re offered the position • Be able to justify your salary expectations • Research your career field and determine salary averages in relation to skills and experiences • Practice negotiating and be prepared to overcome objections, while maintaining a professional attitude • Finally - Be aware that some companies have formal pay structures and therefore aren’t negotiable
Example of How to Start Negotiations: “I’ve done research of industry standards for similar positions in this area of the country, and it seems that salaries range from ______ to ______ depending on experience and qualifications. Based on my ______ experiences, I was hoping that I would be towards the higher end of that range. Is there a possibility of that?” Additionally, remember to evaluate the entire compensation package, because salary isn’t everything. Consider things like health insurance, retirement package, vacation/sick leave, personal reward, opportunity for advancement, job security, etc. Source: Campus Career Coach
INTERVIEWING | 14