Career Success Handbook

CAREER SUCCESS

CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY

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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO HANDSHAKE RESUMES Introduction to Resumes – Tips and Tricks Action Verbs Resume Checklist Sample Resume COVER LETTERS Introduction to Cover Letters – Tips and Tricks Sample Cover Letter INTERVIEWS Types of Interviews Dress to Impress General Interview Questions Tips for Answering Questions Answering the Tough Questions THANK YOU LETTER Introduction to Thank You Letter – Tips and Tricks Sample Letters ETIQUETTE Pre-interview Etiquette Interview Etiquette Phone Etiquette Voicemail Etiquette Email Etiquette WORKSHEETS/NOTES Know Yourself Know the Organization Notes

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INTRODUCTION TO HANDSHAKE What is Handshake?

Handshake is a job and internship database for LIU students and alumni. Students can explore jobs and internships, RSVP for career events, and apply for jobs with a number of employers looking to hire LIU students and alums.

What are the benefits of using Handshake?

Students are able to apply for jobs and internships via Handshake in one easy step! Once students have a resume uploaded, they can apply for multiple positions. The online job and internship database provide LIU students opportunities in a variety of field and industries.

Handshake also provides a wealth of resources and samples for students to reference as a guide to ensure their career success. These resources include sample resumes, cover letter, resume action verbs, and mock interview information.

Who can use Handshake?

Handshake is a system available for all LIU students. All current students have an account using their MyLIU credentials. LIU Alumni can access Handshake by logging in using their alumni.liu.edu credentials. If you are an alumni who doesn’t have an alumni email account please request one by visiting liu.edu/alumni/benefits.

How do I log into Handshake?

The Handshake website can be accessed by visiting handshake.liu.edu.

Log in using your MyLIU credentials (firstname.lastname and your MyLIU password).

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RESUMES

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First Name Last Name Address (Street Address, City, State Zip Code) Phone Number (make sure that you are comfortable with the phone number you are providing) Email address (your email address must be professional, you may choose to use your school email address)

EDUCATION Name of the University, City, State Title of Degree, Expected Graduation Date List any universities that you have attended in the above format EXPERIENCE List all work experiences you have had here in the below format Company Name City, State Start date – End date (or Present) Job Title • • • •

List any accomplishments, duties, or responsibilities you had while in this position Bulleted format is most commons. Make sure that each bullet starts with an action verb These bullets should be descriptive, concise, and quantifiable Remember to limit this document to one page

Company Name City, State Job Title

Start date – End date (or Present)

Company Name City, State Job Title

Start date – End date (or Present)

• •

• •

ACTIVITIES • • •

Add dates if possible in the same format as the above experience section Include leadership roles, clubs/organizations, and extracurricular activities Community Service – for substantial community service, add to experience in the same format as above, otherwise just list community service participation here

SKILLS AND INTERESTS • • •

Certifications/ Computer Skills: Can include Microsoft Office but should go beyond is applicable Language Skills: Identify if you are a native speaker, fluent or conversant Interest and Hobbies: Use unique interests only, try your best to come up with some

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ACTION VERBS You want to use the space under your job titles to convey your ability to make things happen, solve problems, make money, cut costs, etc. These statements are the core of your resume!

When writing these statements…

•

Use action verbs! Action verbs will convey pictures of you doing something. o Use words that will present you as taking initiative, being creative, and accomplishing a goal.

•

In using your action verbs, make certain that you use the correct verb tense. If your employment entry is in the present (for instance, a current job) be sure the verb reflects that you are still performing the duties. If the employment entry is for a past job, the verbs ought to be in the past tense. o The only exception would be for responsibilities or duties statement in a current job that reflects a duty or success performed only once (for instance, “increased sales for the 2012 fiscal year”).

•

Try to quantify your action. Quantifying enhances to mental picture of your accomplishments. o How large was the budget you balanced? Certainly, a budget of $5.00 will be easier to balance and organize than a budget of $5,000,000. How many students did you teach?

Usually teaching 30 students is more of a challenge than teaching 2 students.

•

KNOW YOUR FIELD! DO YOUR RESEARCH! Use the buzzwords of the field in which you intend to work. Buzzwords trigger assumptions and generalizations of your skill in the mind of the reader thus making it easier for them to create the mental picture. o For instance, “multidisciplinary” or “person-centered” for psychology, and “multi-sensory teaching” or “cooperative teaching” for education will brighten and enhance the mental picture you choose to create for your reader.

•

Avoid beginning your statements with “assisted with”, “responsibilities include”, or “duties include.” These are passive statements that do not accurately reflect your accomplishments.

•

For each bullet, write about successes, accomplishments and special projects that you completed first to show that your skills can accomplish important things. o LIST THE MOST IMPORTANT BULLETS FIRST!

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LIST OF ACTION VERBS Be sure to lead your bullet points with action verbs. Below are examples of action verbs that may apply to your experience and qualifications. Don’t be afraid to combine action verbs to make your descriptions more powerful. Circle the words that highlight your accomplishments, which will make your resume more dynamic.

MANAGING

COMMUNICATING

Accomplished Achieved Administered Advised Analyzed Approved Attained Conducted Consolidated Contacted Coordinated Delegated Determined Developed Directed Disseminated Ensured Evaluated Examined Exceeded Improved Increased Initiated Instituted Launched Led Managed Organized Oversaw Planned Presided Prioritized Produced Reorganized Scheduled Spearheaded Streamlined Strengthened Supervised

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Addressed Arranged Assessed Briefed Communicated Conveyed Corresponded Developed Defined Directed Drafted Edited Enlisted Explained Expressed Formulated Influenced Informed Interpreted Interviewed Mediated Moderated Motivated Negotiated Persuaded Presented Promoted Proposed Publicized Related Recommended Recruited Reported Resolved Secured Suggested Summarized Taught Translated

TECHNICAL

CREATING

Assembled Built Calculated Charted Classified Compiled Computed Conducted Configured Designed Detected Developed

Acted Adapted Composed Conceived Created Customized Designed Developed Directed Established Fashioned Generated Illustrated Improvised Initiated Instituted Integrated Innovated Introduced Invented Originated Performed Planned Redesigned Reshaped Revitalized Shaped Synthesized Visualized Wrote

Devised Drafted Enhanced Eliminated Expanded Expedited Fabricated Installed Launched Maintained Modified Operated Overhauled Pioneered Programmed Reconstructed Reduced Redefined Remodeled Repaired Restored Resolved Surveyed Systemized Upgraded

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RESEARCHING Calculated Cataloged Clarified Collected Compiled Computed Critiqued Detected Diagnosed Discovered Diagnosed Discovered Documented Evaluated Examined Experimented Explored Extracted Gathered Identified Interpreted Investigated Obtained Organized Pinpointed Processed Researched Reviewed Searched Summarized Surveyed Synthesized systemized

FINANCIAL Adjusted Administered Allocated Analyzed Appraised Audited Balanced Budgeted Calculated Computed Developed Eliminated Exceeded Figured Forecast Gained Generated Increased Performed Planned Projected Reconciled Researched

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TEACHING Acquainted Adapted Advised Answered Augmented Briefed Chaired Clarified Coached Collaborated Communicated Conducted Coordinated Delivered Demonstrated Designed Educated Empowered Enabled Encouraged Evaluated Explained Facilitated Grouped Guided Implemented Informed Innovated Installed Instituted Instructed Integrated Lectured Originated Persuaded Presented Set goals Simulated Stimulated Summarized Trained

HELPING Advocated

Aided Assisted Assessed Boosted Clarified Coached Consoled Counseled Diagnosed Demonstrated Delivered Educated Encouraged Expedited Explained Facilitated Familiarized Furnished Fostered Furthered goals Guided Helped Instilled Mentored Motivated Nurtured Optimized Provided Referred Represented Served Supported Stabilized

DETAILED ORIENTED Adhere to Administered Analyzed Approved Arranged Appropriated Assured Attained Balanced Budgeted Charted Classified Collated Compared Complied Determined Documented Enforced Executed Followed through Followed up Formalized Formulated Generated Identified Implemented Inspected Met deadlines Organized Prepared Processed Provided Purchased Recorded Retrieved Screened Systemized Tabulated Validated

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RESUME CHECKLIST HEADING: □ □

Name is in bold and slightly larger than contact information; address, phone numbers and email are correct E-mail address and telephone voice messages are professional and appropriate

EDUCATION: □ □ □ □

The correct title of my degree and major and the month and year of my expected date of graduation or date granted The name, city and state of my school Additional schools and high school, if appropriate, are listed in reverse chronological order, beginning with our campus My GPA (if above 3.2) and if academic honors and/or awards are included, dates are included

EXPERIENCE: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

Name of company and city and state are included (not street address/zip code) Job titles and dates of employment are included for each position When describing my experience, I Indicated my role and contributions, and emphasized results and used specific numbers when possible I have used action verbs and varied them to begin each bullet point I have included jobs, internships, volunteer experience, community service, and/or clinical rotations, externships I began with my main and most relevant responsibilities My skills, knowledge and experience are highlighted within the job responsibilities I have avoided “I”s and “my ”s, narratives, and paragraphs Verb tenses are consistent and correct (i.e., all past tense verbs for past positions) I did not include my managers’ names and any mention of salary or reasons for leaving

LEADERSHIP/ACTIVITIES: □ List relevant past or current activities, including club involvement and other extracurricular activities within or outside school. Use consistent format to include the name of the school/organization, dates, and describe using bullet point(s), as appropriate □ Include special learning circumstances such as research projects, case studies or names of relevant coursework □ If Honors section is included, dates and granting institution are included □ If Certifications section is included, dates and/or expiration dates and granting agency/school are included

SKILLS: □ □

My degree of proficiency in computer software and/ or experience with special databases My language fluency for both written and spoken ability (do not include English)

OVERALL APPEARANCE: □ □ □ □ □ □

Resume is graphically appealing and easy to read (traditionally one page/ font size between 10-12) Resume is grammatically correct and free of typos Most relevant information is towards the top of my resume Resume appears balanced on the page, sections are single spaced, and margins are not too narrow or wide The content is consistent in such things as capitalization, verb tense, italics, and punctuation The format is consistent and my bullet points are aligned

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Steven Shark

123 East 91st Street City, State 11111 (123) 456-7890 | xyz@gmail.com

EDUCATION Long Island University, Brookville, NY Bachelor of Science in General Accounting, Specialization in Taxation GPA: 3.55

Expected May 2020

EXPERIENCE Long Island University LIU Promise Brookville, NY Resident Assistant • • •

Provide a safe living and learning environment for residents Coordinate educational and social programs for residents Serve on an on-call duty rotation on a staff of 5 resident assistants

New York City Comptroller’s office New York, NY Intern • • • •

August 2018 - Present

June 2015 - August 2016

Documented research findings to be included in December 2015 Audit Report Conducted research on several county agencies involved in the audit Analyzed city agency data and cross-referenced it with Mayor’s Office for accuracy Prepared PowerPoint presentations and presented recommendations to senior Comptroller team

ACTIVITIES Long Island University Accounting Society New York, NY President • •

August 2019 - Present

Supervised the chapters activities to ensure efficiency and maintain mission statement Communicated between the Professional Chapter and Student Chapter to Ensure issues and topics are covered effectively

Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) White Plains, NY Advisory Board Member, White Plains, NY Chapter August 2017 - August 2019 •

Coordinated programs for educational and professional growth of CSTEP students

SKILLS AND INTERESTS • •

Computer: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint) Language: Fluent in Spanish

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COVER LETTERS

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First Name Last Name Address (Street Address, City, State Zip Code) Phone Number (make sure that you are comfortable with the phone number you are providing) Email address (your email address must be professional. You may choose to use your school email address) Note: Your name, address, telephone number (including area code), and email address should be easily visible. They should be the same font size and style as your resume. Don’t repeat your resume – the reader will get bored very quickly.

Date Name Title of Specific Person Company Name Address Note: Make it personal – address your letter to a specific person within the company.

Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. Last Name:

Note: If the person has a unisex first name, use his or her full name. For women, use Ms. unless you know they use the prefix Mrs.

First Paragraph: State the reason for the letter, the specific position you are applying for, and how you learned about the job. Mention how interested you are in the position and why you are a good fit for the job.

Catch the reader’s attention!

Note: Each cover letter should be customized to the job function and employer’s specifications. Make sure that you acknowledge the precise position you are apply for. Identify this in the first paragraph of your letter. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all cover letter. Each job and company that you apply to is different so your cover letter should be as well.

Second Paragraph: Provide specifics about what you can do for the employer. Always remember this letter is about what you can do for the employer, NOT what they can do for you. Mention any experiences that relate to the position, you can describe something from your resume in further detail, and you can mention characteristics you hold that apply to the position. When mentioning characteristics, you should always have an example to support the claim.

Note: Try not to use “I” – your cover letter is not a story of your life.

Final Paragraph: Refer the reader to the enclosed resume. Indicate your desire for a personal interview.

Mention times you’re available and a preferred form of communication (you can repeat your phone number or email address here). Don’t forget to thank the reader for their consideration!

Sincerely, (Insert your signature if you are mailing this or a script font if you are emailing it) Your name typed When finished, check your cover letter before sending it! PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD! Typographical and grammatical errors are unacceptable.

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Sally Shark 903 Buffalo Avenue Brooklyn, NY 12354 (516) 879-5642 Sally.Shark@live.com

September 1, 2020 Joan Clayton Hiring Manager Shark Consulting Group 563 Longfellow Avenue Baldwin, NY 11342 Dear Ms. Clayton: I am a second-year MBA student at Long Island University interested in interviewing for a full-time consultant position with The Shark Consulting Group. I believe that The Shark Consulting Group has the ideal culture in which to pursue my goal of becoming a strategic business leader and thinker.

My professional experience and LIU education has prepared me to be successful at The Shark Consulting Group. Leading a high-level project to develop a China entry and growth strategy in the new media industry for 123 Television Network in Asia gave me invaluable global strategy experience. Furthermore, interviewing senior executives and entrepreneurs of top media and technology companies gave me the unique opportunity to engage in high level business discussions with leaders of industry. As a consultant at DEF Consulting, I managed global information security projects and gained experience in the consultative and client service approach. I have the flexibility in both language and culture to operate successfully in many different contexts.

I firmly believe that I will be a good fit in The Shark Consulting Group’s collaborative, entrepreneurial, and intellectual culture. I am excited about the prospect of working for The Shark Consulting Group upon graduation and have enclosed my resume for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Sally Shark Sally Shark

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INTERVIEWS

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TYPES OF INTERVIEWS One-on-one This is the most common interview method and involves just you and one interviewer.

Panel More than one person interviews you at a time; however, you will be the only interviewee.

Group A group of candidates will be interviewed at the same time by a panel of interviewers.

Meal Here you are interviewed while eating. Most often you are the only interviewee and there is one person interviewing you.

Working This is the type of interview where you are put to work and observed. For example, if you were interviewing for a teaching position, you may have to perform a demo lesson for the interviewer(s).

Telephone This is often used as a screening tool before an invitation for an on-site interview. You should still be as professional as possible even though you are not face-to-face with the interviewer.

Video Chat One or more persons may be interviewing you. Make sure that you are in a professional environment. If you are at home, there must be a clean wall behind you. Everything should look appropriate. You should be dressed professionally. Act as if you are in the room with the interviewer.

On-site/second round After you’ve made it through screening, you will be invited for an extended interview that may include a series of different types of interviews, a site tour, and/or a meal. Getting a second-round interview means the organization/company/school is seriously considering you for position.

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DRESS TO IMPRESS Men Dark suits – Grey, Black, Navy Dark dress shoes (shoes must match belt) Dress socks should be subtle and match your suit/shirt Shirt must be buttoned fully Neck Tie (pattern is appropriate if subtle) Hair must be done: gelled back, combed, parted, washed, etc.

Facial hair must be clean and tamed All clothing must be ironed and clean

Women Dress, skirt, pants, or suit are appropriate (dark colors preferred; skirt/dress length must be right above or at the knee; high necklines for tops and dresses) Dress shoes; if wearing heels make sure you can walk in them Wear stockings with dresses and skirts Minimal jewelry is appropriate Natural make up is preferred Conservative color nail polish, no chips Hair should be polished (if pulled back or up make sure there are no fly aways)

Both No visible tattoos No heavy cologne/perfume Remember hygiene/grooming

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GENERAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What are your major strengths/weaknesses?

2. How is your previous experience applicable to the work we do here?

3. What are your long/short term goals/objectives? How are you preparing yourself to achieve them?

4. What are your interests outside of work?

5. Why do you want to work here?

6. Tell me about yourself.

7. What were some of the most important events or decisions in your life?

8. Tell me about a time when you had a crisis at work. How did you handle it?

9. What do you consider to be your major accomplishments?

10. Give me an example of your leadership ability.

11. What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

12. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?

13. How do you work under pressure?

14. What prompted you to choose your major?

15. What do you know about our organization?

16. What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be successful in this job?

17. In what ways do you think you can contribute to this organization?

18. Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those reporting to them?

19. What criteria are you using to evaluate the organization for which you hope to work?

20. Define cooperation.

21. Describe your problem-solving technique.

22. What have you learned from your mistakes?

23. How do you determine or evaluate success?

24. Do you have any questions?

25. What else can you tell me about you that will help in considering your application?

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TIPS FOR ANSWERING QUESTIONS 1. Keep your answers brief and concise, but colorful and complete. Limit your responses to one or two minutes per question. Practice with a friend or tape yourself to see how long it takes. You also want to provide enough memorable information to make the response stand out.

2. Include concrete, quantifiable data. Interviewees tend to speak in generalities. However, you need to paint a vivid picture about who you are and what you know. This means being more specific. Include memorable details, buzzwords, and numbers in your response, where appropriate.

3. Repeat your key skills, qualifications, and characteristics. Realize that by repeating key ideas you will be continually associating your name and face with your marketability.

4. Prepare success stories. Use these stories to exemplify your key skills, qualities, and characteristics. These stories will help the interviewer remember you. Always give examples of your strengths and successes.

5. Ask questions. Develop and be able to ask meaningful, intelligent questions. This can make a tremendous impression on the interviewer. This is where the organizational research we asked you to perform in the beginning of this handbook will come in handy. Feel free to ask these questions any time during the interview where it seems appropriate.

6. DO NOT ASK ABOUT BENEFITS OR SALARY! Remember that an interview is about what you can do for the organization and why the organization should invest in you and your skills, NOT about what the organization can do for you. Reserve these questions for after you receive an offer.

QUESTIONS TO ASK 1. How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?

2. How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?

3. Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?

4. What is the company’s management style?

5. Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him/her?

6. How many people work in this office/department?

7. How much travel is expected? Is relocation a possibility?

8. What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?

9. What are the prospects for growth and advancement?

10. How does one advance in the company? Are there any examples?

11. What do you like about working here?

12. If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?

13. What can I tell you about my qualifications?

14. Are there any other questions I can answer for you?

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ANSWERING THE TOUGH QUESTIONS Interviewers can put you on the spot. The best way to handle these situations is to be prepared.

Below are some of the more difficult questions as well as some guidance for answering them.

How did you like your last employer?

Never criticize a former employer in an interview. You might express appreciation for what you learned on that job. If pressed as to why you left, an appropriate answer can refer to your leaving “to pursue a new and challenging opportunity” or “for a situation which offers more opportunities for advancement.”

What kinds of people rub you the wrong way?

This is not the time to get into personal likes and dislikes. The interviewer really wants to see if you get along well with most people. A good answer may be that you generally liked everyone with whom you have worked.

What are your major weaknesses?

The best approach is to list a few “weaknesses” which are actually advantages, such as: A) becoming anxious to get things done, B) needing to produce a quality end product, or C) taking your work too seriously. Another approach may be to talk about weaknesses that you have already overcome.

Why did you apply for this job?

Be ready to cite several reasons why you think your current level of skill and interest help qualify you for the position. Also, provide several points why you are particularly interested in this position/employer (which also reflects the research you have done on the organization).

Where do you hope to be 10 years from now?

You should have a feel for the direction you want to take in your career. A good answer is that you seek the opportunity to show how well you can perform and hope to go as far as dedication to the job and working intelligently will carry you.

May I answer any questions about the job?

Be prepared to ask several good questions about the job (for example: with whom will you work, how is work evaluated, how can you learn more about the job now, etc.). At this stage of the process, do not focus on salary. Again, before you leave the interview, be sure to express interest in the job and ask what is the next step in the process and when does it happen.

Was your previous performance ever appraised? How were you assessed?

From the candidate’s answers, the interviewer can usually get an idea of their honesty. While no applicant is expected to reveal major flaws or serious shortcomings, everyone has some weaknesses and failure to admit, but expressing too much imparts a negative impression.

What are the most satisfying or frustrating aspects of your present position?

The answers provide insight into what makes the applicant tick – is this candidate result oriented? Does he/she derive satisfaction from tangible or intangible results? Conversely, has there been difficulty with interpersonal relationships such as personality conflicts, which may have blocked efforts to reach objectives?

Be careful what you say and never criticize former co-workers.

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THANK YOU LETTER

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THANK YOU LETTER Writing a Thank You letter is just as important as the resume, cover letter, and interview. This is a must! When we say letter, nowadays it is also appropriate to send an email and most of the same format can be applied. The purpose of a thank you letter is to reiterate your interest in the position along with restate your qualifications for the position. It’s an easy way to remind the interviewer of who you are and show that this is a priority for you.

Paragraph 1: Re-emphasize your interest in the company/school/organization and the specific position that you interviewed for. Thank your interviewer for the opportunity to interview as well.

Paragraph 2: Rephrase your background and briefly explain how your experience can complement the requirements of the job. You can also re-emphasize your skills and how they may fit the goals of the company.

Final Paragraph: Indicate that you intend to follow-up the letter with a telephone call/email to determine if and when the employer wishes to see you again. Re-emphasize your interest in the company and in the position again.

There are two appropriate formats for a Thank You letter. First, you can hand write one. On a thank you card you can include the information from above in a more informal way. Make sure that you are polite and still professional. The second format would be a typed letter, looking very similar to a cover letter. Visit the next page for an example. You can mail, fax, or email this version.

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First Name Last Name Address Phone Number – Make sure that you are comfortable with the phone number you are providing.

Email address – Your email address must be professional. You may use your school email address; however, leave Cutiebaby123 for your personal use.

Date Name of Interviewer Title of Interviewer Company Name Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. Last Name: It was very enjoyable to speak with you about the assistant account executive position at the Smith Agency. The job, as you presented it, seems to be a very good match for my skills and interests. The creative approach to account management that you described confirmed my desire to work with you.

In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring to the position strong writing skills, assertiveness, and the ability to encourage others to work cooperatively with the department. My artistic background will help me to work with artists on staff and provide me with an understanding of the visual aspects of our work.

I understand your need for administrative support. My detail orientation and organizational skills will free you to deal with larger issues. I neglected to mention during my interview that I had worked for two summers as a temporary office worker. This experience developed my computer and clerical skills for the workplace.

I appreciate the time you took to interview me. I am very interested in working for you and look forward to hearing from you about this position.

Sincerely, (Insert your signature if you are mailing this or a script font if you are emailing it) Your name typed

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ETIQUETTE

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PRE-INTERVIEW ETTIQUETTE • •

•

•

•

Confirm when and where the interview will be held.

Find out how long it will take you to get to the interview. Plan your trip advance by testing the transportation time (car, railroad, subway, bus…). Make allowances for roadblocks, breakdowns, and plan to be AT LEAST 15 minutes early.

Rehearse answers to technical and personal questions, and also to queries about your career, and why you want this particular job. Know what the client is looking for before the interview and prepare positive answers to potential questions on required skills.

Have written questions prepared about the company, the position, and future plans. Also, remember to bring extra copies of your resume and any other certificates you may be required to submit.

Arrive a bit early to visit the restroom, check your appearance, and take a few quiet moments to calm your nerves, if necessary.

INTERVIEW ETTIQUETTE During an interview, the client looks for an individual with a specific skill set or expertise that enables the candidate to provide a solution to the client’s needs. Recognizing this, you must be prepared to provide specific answers to questions asked. Your “job” during the interview is to keep the client confident that you are the right person for the job. How prepared are you to attend an interview and make a good impression? Here are some tips that will give you an advantage over your competition.

• • • •

Shake hands with the right hand, introduce yourself, and wait for an invitation to sit down.

Don’t sit on the edge of your chair, swing your legs, fiddle with your clothes, or twirl your hair.

Smile and speak with confidence. This is not the time for modesty. However, you should promote yourself without arrogance.

Remember, the interview is a dialogue. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but don’t dominate the conversation or interrogate the interviewer either.

In short: smile, look professional, make eye contact, be specific, be flexible, listen carefully, be enthusiastic, and speak clearly; don’t chew gum, smoke, wear excessive jewelry, lie, mumble, brag, interrupt, or look at your watch.

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PHONE ETIQUETTE • • • • • • • • • • •

Greet the caller with a pleasant tone and manner.

Never assume the caller knows who you are, so always state your name.

If you answer the phone at work, ask who the person wishes to speak with.

Keep in mind the time you are calling. Business hours are usually from 9am to 5pm. Be prepared to leave a message if you place a call before or after these hours.

It is polite to turn your cell phone off or on silent during meetings, in restaurants, and in public places.

When speaking on a cell phone, keep your voice down out of respect for others.

If you must answer your phone in the company of others, keep your conversation short and to the point.

Do not place your cell phone on the table at a restaurant.

Do not talk to other people when on the phone. This is impolite and can be confusing to the person on the phone.

Do not discuss private matters such as relationships and finances in public.

Never use inappropriate language, especially in public.

VOICEMAIL ETIQUETTE • • • • • • • • • • •

Speak slowly and clearly.

Begin your message by stating your name and phone number.

Messages should be brief and cordial.

Convey important messages by stating the level of urgency.

Leave contact information twice so the recipient has time to record the information.

Do not leave grave or upsetting messages, unless absolutely necessary.

Never leave inappropriate language that underage ears might receive.

Never assume that a previous message has been received.

Do not leave long distance numbers. Instead, say that you will call back at a stated time.

When checking your voicemail, listen to messages and return them as soon as possible.

Your voicemail message should be appropriate in an even tone, not angry or aggressive. Do not curse when you leave messages.

CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY 29

EMAIL ETIQUETTE • • • • • • • • •

Utilized the signature device available. Include your name and phone number.

Reference the subject on the line provided – be as concise as possible here.

Address the recipient by first or last name or a brief salutation. The body text should be clear, succinct and courteous in your comments.

You don’t have to prepare a formal document each time you send an email but certainly do not drop all rules of grammar even for a short note.

Try to acknowledge received email in a timely fashion – usually within a day.

If you have any extremely personal messages designate that information to a direct phone call, do not use email.

Try to respect busy schedules by avoiding counterproductive questions or “one-liner” responses.

Do not continue to email someone who has not returned your messages.

Do not gossip, pass along jokes, or use offensive language to co-workers or friends.

CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY 30

WORKSHEETS/ NOTES

CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY 31

KNOW YOURSELF Complete this worksheet before your interview.

Personality traits or skills I have that are job related: _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Examples of experiences I have had that demonstrate the above traits/skills: _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ List 3-5 accomplishments that would be of interest to the person interviewing me: _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ What are the 3 most important things I want the interviewer to know about me? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ What concerns might an employer have about me and what will alleviate their concerns? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ What questions do I have for the employer/interviewer regarding the position? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY 32

KNOW THE ORGANIZATION Complete this worksheet before your interview.

How long has the organization been in operation? _________________________________________________________________________________ Where is the organization located? Are there other locations? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Is it a public or private organization? _________________________________________________________________________________ Has the organization been in the news lately? For what reason(s)? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ What are the services/products/programs this organization provides? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Who are its competitors? How is it doing relative to its competitors? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ What are the organization's short-term goals? Long-term goals? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ What else is the organization known for (e.g., community involvement, supportive of families, relaxed atmosphere, etc.)? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ What challenges/difficulties does this organization face? How can I help solve them? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY 33

CAREER SUCCESS NOTES ______________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY 34

CAREER SUCCESS NOTES ______________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY 35

CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY 36