Things To Do Before You Graduate

If you’re approaching the end of your program, there are a few things to think about before you move on to life’s next chapter. Here’s 4 must-do’s before you graduate:

Get letters of recommendation – While you’re still a memorable face to your teachers, get a letter of recommendation so you will be prepared to start applying for jobs right after graduation. Although all of our instructors at Career Quest will continue to help you with your job search after graduation, we think its best to ask for recommendations while you’re still having regular interaction.

Get connected on LinkedIn – If you are not on LinkedIn yet, get signed up today. LinkedIn keeps you connected with professors, past employers or other professionals you may lose contact with when moving on to the career world. It’s important to stay in touch with these contacts for future references or possible job opportunities.

Clean-up and update your online image – It’s time to make sure you present yourself as a professional; this means both in person and online. With today’s competitive job market, every detail counts to set you apart from other job applicants. Many employers check social networking websites to screen candidates. Make sure your online image reflects the image you want your future employer to see.

Practice your interview skills – Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but a little practice goes a long way. Draft a list of questions a potential employer might ask in an interview and begin preparing answers to them. This will help to gather your thoughts and prepare you for any tricky questions that could catch you off-guard in an interview. Don’t memorize your answers too much though; you still want to be personable!

Job Interviews: The Wow Factor

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3 impressive qualities of job candidates and how to prove your have them:

1. Results – Have concrete examples of how you’ve delivered on a project. The more detail, the better.

2. Preparation – Have questions ready for the interviewer that demonstrate you’ve researched the company.

3. Passion – Don’t just give the answer you think they want to hear. Show that you have a true interest in their business.

Do you have any questions?

Guest post by: Danielle Cook, Career Services - Lansing Campus

In an interview, the answer to this question should always be yes. Given that it’s almost always the last question your interviewer will ask, we want to help you make sure you’re ready with an educated answer. Here are three possible questions to keep in the back of your mind:

On-The-Spot Job Interviews

Anytime you are applying for a job in person, or even online you should be prepared to be interviewed immediately. If you're applying in person, the hiring manager could interview you right then and there. If you applying online, the hiring manager could call you within minutes.  Keep reading for tips on how to always be prepared.

How-To Talk About You!

Have you ever been in an interview and been asked to “tell me about yourself”? Many people struggle to talk about themselves in an interview; here are some tips for making a good impression:

THE DREADED QUESTION: 'WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?'

You know your best qualities, but what are your weaknesses? 

Read this to handle the question everyone hates!

SURPRISE PRE-INTERVIEW TIPS - ACE IT!

Congratulations – you’ve landed an interview! Now what? Besides researching the company, and preparing for questions, here’s how to stay cool and look smart even while you wait. Read the first tip on Facebook today: your future employer is researching you while you are researching them!
Learn more here.