A conceptually simple but integral part of a job search, the in-person interview is daunting for the simple fact that, like the process of finding a job, not all are the same. Like getting a job, however, interviews are not impossible, and North Central College’s Career Development Center provides valuable resources to help you be ready for your career after college.
Career Development, led by director Haydee Nunez along with assistant director Julianne O’Brien, detail how they help students prepare for a job interview:
“Practice it,” Nunez said when it comes to interviews, “and assure you don’t go in cold. We’re trying to build up some of the resources for students at North Central College so (they) can have ready access to be prepared and practice for interviews at any given time.”
One of the resources Nunez and O’Brien encourage students to use is OptimalResume, which is accessible through the College’s website. The service not only provides help to those creating their resumé and cover letter but also has a query of about 1,000 questions, which give students some familiarity with talking points for job interviews.
After the interview, when it comes to the gray area of “follow-up” emails and trying to solicit a decision from an employer, Nunez says it’s a matter of gauging several details, including the culture and speed of the company as well as their own hiring timeline.
“After each interview, of course, a student is going to send a ‘thank you’ letter,” Nunez said. “Beyond that, pay attention to the timeline (of the job-search process), and if it hasn’t come up in the interview process, ask so you know what to expect.” She adds the importance of being realistic: “(Employers) have a process. They’re going to be meeting with people, so we have to give them a respectable amount of time to go through their process and not pressure them.”
“Be mindful,” O’Brien added. “Don’t be afraid to ask, ‘do you have an estimated timeline?’ It’s a fine balance between expressing your interest and going over-the-top with follow-ups.”
Another service readily available to students is Handshake, which serves as a job board for employers specifically targeting North Central students. Acting as a LinkedIn-like service with more exclusivity in its reach, Handshake allows students to upload their resumés and build a personal profile.
In regards to what students tend to overlook when finding a job, time and effort are two of the biggest points O’Brien highlights.
“It takes work, and certainly (academic) studies are a priority, but this is something that should also be worked into the schedule,” O’Brien said. “A lot of students may not realize this, but the best time to be out there looking is in the fall. Employers are going to be heavily recruiting at that time for opportunities for that next summer. Take the summer to regroup and be prepared to hit the ground running.”
Both Nunez and O’Brien’s offices are located in the lower level of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, and a Career Development drop-in center is located on the main floor of Oesterle Library.
