Starting Work
comments powered by Disqus
Back to School
August 11, 2010
This week I return to the University of Iowa, where law students are already preparing for the upcoming on- and off-campus interview season. The good news for all students is that it appears employers are prepared to hire once again. The most recent information I’ve received from several clients is that they extended offers to 100% of this year’s summer associates. If they succeed in getting their foot into the door through the interview process, this year’s students stand a good chance of being employed upon graduation.
To ensure students make the most of this year’s interviewing season, they should remember the following:
Social media – Trust me, lots of employers (not to mention bar associations) now scan social media sites to review prospective hires’ on-line postings. Today, pull-down anything—personal photographs, postings using derogatory, inappropriate or offensive language, memberships in questionable organizations—that might cause an employer to question whether you have a suitable character.
99% of life is showing up – Make sure you arrive for any interview on time and prepared. Bring with you an extra copy of your résumé, a pen and a clean pad of paper in a portfolio. Leave your cell phone, iPhone or BlackBerry in your car or in your locker. You will not receive or respond to text messages during the course of an interview.
You are entering a service industry – First, make sure you understand that you are entering an industry in which you will be judged in part on how well you serve and support those who are more senior than you. If you have any experience in another service industry (retail sales, restaurant work, etc.), make sure you highlight this during the course of the interview. Explain how the practical skills you acquired through that previous work experience are transferrable to the job for which you are interviewing.
Manage expectations – This may be the most important skill any new, young professional can acquire. When a prospective employer requests information, if you cannot respond with that information immediately, make sure you communicate that fact. Then, let them know when you will be able to respond.
Everything you do sends messages about your professionalism – You have less than 30 seconds to make your initial interview impression. Think carefully about your hairstyle, your interview outfit, your introduction, your answer to each interview question, and your follow-up. Ensure each of your actions communicates: I am an up-and-coming successful professional.
And good luck!
comments powered by Disqus
