January 22, 2009

Interviewing: Part III

A Smorgasbord of Tips

Take notes, if you can, but don't assume taking notes is acceptable. Some interviewers want your undivided attention, others will perceive you as disinterested if you don't take notes. Just cover your bases by asking your interviewers' preference by asking if they mind you jot down a few notes.

A phone interview should be treated as a face-to-face interview. Have everything with you - resume, cover letter, transcripts, notes and questions, notepad and pen, calendar, and writing sample - before you make or answer the call. Take or make the call in a quiet, private place so that you are able to give the interviewer(s) your undivided attention. Prepare for phone interviews as carefully and thoroughly as you would for an in-person interview.

Write thank you notes. Immediately following the interview, you should send a thank you note to the interviwer(s). Handwritten notes are ideal, but emailed notes are better than none.

Mock interviews are great! Everyone needs practice and can gain confidence from a mock interview. You can find the LCS Job Interview Guide in the eReserves account, which will provide you with tips on preparing for interviews, sample questions, and more. For formal practice experience, reach out to the Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) program to schedule mock interview. Plan to attend one of the LCS programs titled Interviews Dos and Don'ts. Check out the dates and RSVP your spot on Symplicity today.

Interviewing: Part II

Appearances Make a First Impression

1. Dress Professionally
  • Clean nails, hair tied back or neatly styled
  • Limited jewelry and polished dress shoes, with low or flat heel
  • Pressed suit and blouse/shirt/pants
  • Understated tie (men) and nylons (women)
2. Don't Carry Too Much - Leave your backpack or jam-packed briefcase at home, school or your office. A slim portfolio with a notepad and pen is appropriate and should also include:
  • Multiple copies of your resume and a list of reference with full contact information
  • Your writing sample and transcripts
Make sure you are carrying your portfolio in your left hand when being introduced so you can shake hands easily.

3. Smile
It is natural to be nervous but being so nervous that you neither smile or laugh at jokes during an interview will give you a poor showing. Don't be afraid to take a deep breath before answering questions -- the interviewer won't notice, you'll gather your thoughts and provide a more thoughtful answer.

4. Body Language
Sit up straight, maintain good eye contact, and use appropriate facial expressions. Have a firm handshake and smile when you meet the interviewer.

January 21, 2009

Gov't Honors & Internships

A great resource for seeking federal, state, and local government opportunities across the country is the Government Honors & Internship Handbook. This resource includes paid/unpaid and summer/school year/postgraduate opportunites. Newly updated this week are listing for paid positions with the City of Chicago Mayor's Office and the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.

January 20, 2009

Cancelled Programs & Appointments

Due to the cancellation of day classes, today's Cover Letter and Judicial Clerkship Nuts & Bolts presentations have been canceled. The Judicial Clerkship program is still scheduled for tomorrow at 11:50 a.m. and will be recorded for those who are unable to attend. Check the Video Library in eReserves next week for the clip. The Cover Letter Presentation is already in eReserves so you can check that out today.

If you had appointments with Dean Ellis or Alisa Rosales today, please call the office tomorrow (Wednesday) at 312-362-8385 to arrange for a new appointment. We apologize for the inconvenience!