Topic 2 covers Interviewing, Networking, and Follow-Up.
We can grow as people, in our business and personal adventures through networking. This is how we expand and we do it everyday, whether we know it or not. We create connections and establish relationships that we can use or not use to our advantage. While we may be successful in life, we may of had an easier path with the proper associations. With applications that have grown in popularity like Facebook (Personal/Social) and LinkedIn (Professional) we are able to do this very fast and efficiently. Even sow e still overlook many avenues in life to our goal destinations, so it never hurts to look twice!
Activities: (Complete 1 or Both)
1. Complete the Perfect
Interview activity located on the UCF Career Services website. Share one
paragraph explaining what you learned from the experience about your interview
skills.
2.
Webster defines Networking as, The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups,
or institutions; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or
business.
Think about how technology and computers has made networking faster and easier. What did people have to do before the use of computers, it didn’t prevent them from being successful networks so what extra steps were there? What has computers added, and what have they taken away?
Think about how technology and computers has made networking faster and easier. What did people have to do before the use of computers, it didn’t prevent them from being successful networks so what extra steps were there? What has computers added, and what have they taken away?
Resources: Review the Career Services website and
what is offered there to help students (note links for Undergraduate Students
and Non-Traditional Knights). A lot of the stuff is only offered as a UCF
Student but not after you graduate, so the time to use it is now and the upcoming years. One of the
largest factors of success is timing, and it’s never too good to wait.
Talking Points: (Don’t have to respond to all, but think
about a few, or add your own!)
* What are the different types of interviews
you could come across?
* Why are practice
and/or informational interviews helpful? How they help you?
* What makes you
nervous about interviews?
* Share any tips
or techniques you have used or heard about for remaining calm in an interview.
* What behaviors
should you avoid during an interview?
* Which topics
should you avoid sharing during an interview (too much information!!!)?
* How will you
explain your Interdisciplinary degree in the interview?
* When is the time
to talk about salary?
* Share a positive
networking experience
* When and how do
you follow-up after an interview? (yes, you should follow-up)
* How often should
you check back?
* Are "thank
you" letters appropriate?
The “Perfect Interview” site is a great tool for focusing your thoughts for an interview. I found that after a few questions I settled into what I call intervieweese. You don’t say “maybe” or “I think”. You are always positive and respectful. The example answers are very helpful and the help is insightful into what an employer is looking for when they ask certain questions.
ReplyDeleteI personally have to keep reminding myself to shut up and just answer what’s asked. When you are nervous, you can ramble. TMI. Don’t squirm in your seat. Don’t bite your nails. Don’t eat onions before an interview.
You should get a handle during an interview as to when a hiring decision will be made. This gives you a window of opportunity for a thank you letter and follow up.
I admitted in class that I have never gotten a job through an interview. Either I have been hired through networking or I have created my own job. Just recently, I pick up a client in Ocala who found me through a friend of another client. You never know when an opportunity will pop.
For me the classic form of networking, meeting face to face or talking directly to a person, is being lost to a cold and increasingly sterile form that requires constant vigilance to social and business networking. I find this stressful and ultimately unproductive. While we are constantly fixated on devices, we ignore people and opportunities around us. This constant need for electronic connectedness is promoted by tech companies who make it clear that if you don’t have the newest whatever you lose. Have you seen the commercial with the tag lines “that was so 14 seconds ago”? How can that not be stressful? They are saying that your future success is predicated on weather or not you spend every moment of your life staring at their device. How can that be productive?
I completely agree with your last paragraph. As a nation, I personally feel as though we are getting slightly lazy, when it comes to actually putting in work, ourselves. We are getting away from "earning" our positions, in a sense. But, a lot of times, you will come to realize, that it's not "what you know, it's who you know." And that can be beneficial, depending on the field of interest. As for your "intervieweese", which I thought was pretty hilarious, you're right. And just as quick note,(for everyone who may read this) you're only as weak as you present yourself. Yes, experience/knowledge does help a lot when it comes to interviews, but bold and confident/assured potential employees are going to catch the eye of an employer before a timid person would. Not saying to become boisterous or arrogant, just gain a confidence. Through practice and time, it'll come.
DeleteI agree with your assessment. While we of course have to adapt to the changing times it is a shame that face to face networking is getting lost. Not to say it doesn't exist but it has been diminished.
DeleteI think its interesting that you've never gotten a job through an interview, that is actually a good thing to say, and shows something for your networking skills!
I like the term "interviewereese" as it does seem to be a very precise and consistent language which makes it easier to choose the phrasing for your answers. Using the same general tone and diction as your interviewer creates a better connection which will likely make you stand out. I also agree that the art of face-to-face communication is being pushed into the background which is hard for people like me who don't necessarily look good on paper.
DeleteYou were making me laugh with your thoughts on how to act in an interview. And yes, eating onions before an interview is not recommended.. LOL. But on a serious note, I agree with completely that too many employers rely on devices instead of face-to-face interaction. I feel technology is good in so many ways, but as a society we rely on it too much as means of communication. Yes it is easier and saves time. But our personal skills are being affected because of it. There are many things you can tell about a person based on their communication skills. And they are dwindling fast in today's youth because of technology.
DeleteI agree with you guys, I personally hate interviews, I get nervous, I feel unsure of myself and really nervous. I have to use the "fake till you make it" with my confidence issues when in an interview, it always feels like a test to me. But looking back, every job I have interviewed for I have gotten except one, and I was 18, so there is definitely something to keeping up your confidence !
ReplyDeleteI personally do very well on interviews and public speaking.
ReplyDeleteI view networking as getting your foot in the door, and interviewing as closing it.
I suppose we can judge the positive or negative outcome of an interview by which side of the door you are on when it closes.
DeleteFrom being on the interviewer side of the desk with my own small business I can tell you it's no fun wondering which of the dozens of faces you see will help or hinder your business.
For small businesses that don't have the resources of a large company, the weight of personnel decisions can be quite stressful. We don't have as much room for error.
Hmmm...I wouldn't say that interviewing is closing the door. I would say that it is more like walking through the door and the result of the interview is either getting left back outside or being welcomed in.
DeleteI wasn't saying it as closing the door and you're on the outside, I meant on the inside of it.
DeleteI can only imagine Keith. I have done multiple interviews for my employer, but it happens to be one of the largest in the world. If it doesn't work out, oh well we can hopefully get them next time.
Where with a small business that mistake and investment could really hurt a company.
I have always found that once I am in front of someone, I can get them to see that I am the type of person they want/need. My problem has always been getting to the interview. I think part of the problem is that I over think things when filling out applications and what not but once I am in person, I can explain my answers. I have always been good at persuasion and defending my position which are good skills to have in an interview, especially with a degree like Interdisciplinary Studies which may not be seen as a "real" degree.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it's awesome that you have that ability. Not many people can just "turn it on" like that. It's actually the reverse, I'm sure, for most people. Just as a bit of encouragement to you, on your applications, think outside of the box, and put down what you know you're great at selling! Having the "it" factor in the presence of potential employers is an awesome trait to have, and shows them your potential as a possible employee.
DeleteIt is good to have that ability. For a while I was int he same boat, it was hard to get the interviews though I know once i did I would nail it. It also is important to know how to explain our degree. I'm sure you may have already noticed around campus if you say you're an IDS major everyone is like what the heck is that? I know it's happened to me my two years here at UCF.
DeleteThat's a really good trait to have to make your degree stand-out and show you have more than just one track mind but can balance two or more skills.
DeleteI agree that getting the interview is the hard part and the interview is sealing the deal. I feel that I am able to sell myself once I get the interview as well. But through apllications online, how can anyone dtermine whether one is truly "fit" for the job.
DeleteOnline applications are a pain because it does'nt give you the chance to explain your self or show your personality. Having those traits are good for the professional world and not everyone can do it. IDS may not seem to be a real degree to some people, but it is and people in this field work just as hard to succeed as any other person would in another field. Believe in your achievements and others will too.
DeleteTechnology has enhanced and hindered networking. It has enhanced it by having the ability to connect to a wider range of people and also a vast amount of people. You can network with people that you have never actually met in person. With technology you can connect with people who have the same hobbies, likes, and career paths as yourself without having to leave your own home. Technology has also hindered social interaction in our society and more people have become socially awkward. Society’s dependence on technology has created a void in face to face networking and interaction. In today’s economic situation any advantage you can get when finding a job makes it that much easier, of course nothing is guaranteed.
ReplyDeleteI have confidence that if I get an interview and I will be hired. I think that one of the most important things is confidence in your abilities. Sitting up and good eye contact during the interview is a must. I try to remember that the person across from me is also human and there’s no reason to be nervous. Practice makes perfect so the more you can simulate an interview the easier it becomes. Information that is shared in an interview should be pertinent to the question that is being asked. Once you have thoughtfully answered the question you should move on to the next without hesitation. During the closing of the interview I like to figure out the time frame that the interviewer is looking to hire someone and I will usually follow-up a few days of that deadline. Having confidence in ones’ own abilities makes any interview easier and less stressful because you know that can do the job. Self-doubt in my opinion is one of the key contributors of nervousness and stress before, during, and after an interview.
Confidence is a big key. It is important not to be overconfident though, and to display humbleness and the wanting and ability to learn. They know they will have to train you, and you should display that you are willing and able to do so. Confidence in your ability to adapt to their job, not that you will change their world I think.
DeleteI agree that technology has made it difficult for most people to converse and relate in person. I also agree that if you have an interview that must mean that you have a relative chance that you may get hired, that kind of confidence is necessary.
DeleteI feel like modern interviews rely on an up-to-date air of confidence for those being interviewed. I also feel that in a way it has hindered many who do most of their communication online rather than in person. People are losing a lot of social skills necessary to appear professional and mature enough for specific job requirements.
ReplyDeleteYes I agree. In todays economy people have to show that the encompass the "complete package." When someone lacks ability in the communication arena that is very evident in an interview.
DeleteI completed the Perfect Interview. I loved it and found it to be a great tool when preparing for an interview. Being that I have been in the professional world for many years, I found it to be easy. I have been throgh training and seminars to learn how to be professional, especially in the management position. I consider myself to be well spoken and know the proper etiquette of an interview. No matter how many times I have been interviewed though, there will always be one question that I do not have an answer for or will not be sure of how I feel about it. I simply sit and think about it for a few moments, collect my thoughts and give an honest response. An interviewer is not necessarily looking for a specific answer, just your response in general. If I remain calm and professional, I am confident with my responses, no matter what the question is.
ReplyDeleteI think its great that you found additional help to prepare you for interviews. Being professional is one of the things you need to be in order to seal the deal on an interview. interviewers like to ask questions that make you think because they want to challenge the person being interviewed. remaining calm is something I need to work on and in the future I will take seminars as well to enhance my skills for an interview.
DeleteI especially liked the tab in Perfect Interview that explained why an employer would ask a particular question and what they may be looking for in an answer.
DeleteVery helpful and a confidence builder.
I went to the career services website and did the perfect interview. it really help me learn what I should and should not do for my further interviews. I am the type of person who gets nervous in interviews, for example I may stutter or lose my train of thought in the middle of a question. I get nervous because in my head I need to impress this person and I fear that if I say the wrong thing I wont get hired. I feel pressured to be somewhat perfect and show my professional side really well. Interviews are helpful because it gives the person a chance to experience an interview while seeing or hearing there mistakes. making mistakes gives each individual a chance to grow and learn from them. Some behaviors you should avoid during an interview is Fidgeting, cursing, and stuttering. I have a problem with fidgeting and I didnt realize it untill my dad mentioned something to me. At first I was in denial but after awhile I did notice it myself.
ReplyDeleteBody language is important. But practice should help. I believe the website had an opption to video the practice interviews and have them critiqued. That kind of feedback should really help.
DeleteThe perfect interview is very useful and informative. When I was younger I would nervous before and during interviews and found myself very fidgetty. Once I have convinced myself that they are human and most times only want to the see your reaction and if they perceive you as truthful.
DeleteI completed the Perfect Interview. I felt that it was a great tool and helps a lot when preparing for an interview. I feel as if I too am sometimes scared of interviews. I always work myself up for them, but when actually get to them, it's smooth sailing from there. Once I have actually gotten and interview for a job I focus on explaining all of my good qualities and try my hardest not to panic or show that I am nervous (even though throughout 80% of the interview, I am extremely nervous). But if I remain as calm as possible throughout the interview, I always feel as if the interview went well.
ReplyDelete