Expert

13 June 2018 / Asked by Amel A.

In this current job market would I be better off going straight from a Bachelors degree to an MBA program instead of entering the work force right away?

Hi, Of course all situations are unigue and it would depend on your Bachelor's Degree. There is tremedous value in gaining valuable experience and training in a entry level role prior to going back to get your MBA. Many MBA programs actually prefer candidates that have 3 to 5 years o...

05 March 2018 / Asked by cassandra l.

Are one-year internships required for every bachelors degree, or does this depend on the school? Aside from internships, what are other ways to gain practical experience in my field?

Hi,
There are many internships that are offered during the summer break and some are offered during the school year part time. We do not require new college hires to have had an internship. That being said, I would highly recommend taking the opportunity if feasible for your s...

03 March 2018 / Asked by Tanya L.

My religious beliefs required me to do a couple years of service before college, and this delayed my graduation. Is this something I should explain to an employer or is my age at graduation irrelevant?

Hi!
Your age at graduation is irrelevant. What matters is what skills and experience you bring to the table. Many people come into college at different points in their life whether the delay was service, military service, or financial, the main point is that you are graduating! Yo...

18 October 2017 / Asked by Kristen C.

I have been through several employment interviews and many times I have been asked to describe a time when there was conflict in my life and how I resolved it. I am always caught off-guard and never what I should speak of. What are employers looking for when asking this question? What is the best way to approach this question while giving an honest answer?

HI,
This is a common behaviour base question. I would never expect a successful person to go through their careers or lives without a conflict arising. It is not so much what the conflict was about as much as how did you stay true to your values to make sure a standard was upheld. ...

16 October 2017 / Asked by Catherine D.

I had an internship encourage me to take personality tests like True Colors and Myers-Briggs and I was wondering, do those results actually have any significance in the workplace? Like do employers use them to build well-balanced teams or are they something I should put on my resume.

Hi,
Many companies do have interns and new hires complete such assessments for balance team building as well as individual awareness. It is always helpful to understand your personality and how you interact with other personalities on a team. I would not place personality type informati...

10 October 2017 / Asked by Andrew H.

How should I respond to someone who keeps pending a job offer. I interviewed and was told that they are interested and working on an offer. I was very excited. I waited a week before I followed up, and the recruiter told me they were still working on the offer. Its now to the point where this has gone on for over a month. Should I send an email questioning if the offer is still being made, or move on?

Hi, That is a tough one. While some times it does take a while for the approvals, a month seems a bit longer than normal to approve an offer. I would recommend you reach out to the recruiter and ask if there is still a possible opportunity with them, it is only fair. I would a...

02 October 2017 / Asked by Madison T.

What are some tips you would give to help someone prior to an interview?

Hi,
The best advice is do your homework on the company that you are interviewing with. Learn as much as possible about their business, culture, as well as how your role will fit in to the organization. Jot down questions that you want to ask them, remember that it shows a true inte...

21 September 2017 / Asked by Karah K.

Employers feel that college isn't preparing students for employment. Involvement in what types of clubs/organizations/activities would indicate to them that students are ready for a real word job?

Hi,
Remember there is no absolute answer, but I would say that it is not as important what club, organization, or activity you choose, but rather what did you do while in the organization. Pick an organization that interests you, supports a cause important to you, or supports your community. S...

15 September 2017 / Asked by Abby P.

In the workplace, what habits can be seen as cause for firing someone?

Hi,
I am slightly confused by your question. Do not focus on what will get you fired, but rather how can you excel in your role. If you have to ask is this good enough, then you know it is not. If you have to ask, will I get in trouble for doing this, either do not do it or ask yo...

13 September 2017 / Asked by Kaylie D.

When employers are reviewing resumes for a new hire, is hands-on job experience or co-curricular activities valued more?

Hi,
It really depends on what the hands-on-job experience was and how it relates to the job you are applying to. Holding a job while attending school or during the summer regardless of the experience is still significant as it correlates to your work ethic. The co-curricu...

10 September 2017 / Asked by Katherine M.

For someone who has little clue what they really want to do post-grad, beyond personality/career testing and internships, what short term actions can they take to help zero in on their dream job?

Hi, finding the elusvive dream job is not an easy task unless you have always known what career you have always had as a goal. Start with jotting down the things that you enjoy to do, then look to see if there is a club or volunteer organization that supports that activity. As you build ...

10 September 2017 / Asked by Katherine M.

What are some practical things that impress an employer in an interview? i.e. firm handshake, key phrases, etc..

A firm handshake, eye contact, attentive posture, and dressed appropriately will always be helpful, but do not focus so hard on these items that you become robotic or worst of all cannot focus on the interview! That being said, I find the most impressive aspect of an interview is a candidate t...

09 September 2017 / Asked by Abbi S.

How many "degrees of separation" is it appropriate to claim a connection, use someone as an employee reference, or ask for someone to hand in a resume in for you?

Hi,
Great questions, but there is really no clear cut answer for any of them. Referencing a connection to establish a relationship is valuable, but make sure that they are aware that you will be referencing them and that they have a direct connection with the employer. As far as an emplo...

27 August 2017 / Asked by Evan B.

What co-curricular activities, other than internships, would be most effective in preparing college students for the workforce?

Hi,
As you already stated, an internship is probably one of the most important aspect of your college education. Glad to see you have done your homework!
As far as any additional co-curricular activities, it is not as important for the what it is, but rather what did you do. Pick an or
...

25 August 2017 / Asked by Madeline P.

How much do employers look at extra curricular activity in college? Are there some organizations to avoid?

Hi,
Besides internships and grades, extra curricular activities are a great way to help you stand out.
As far as extra curricular activities to avoid, don't worry about that, find the organization that interests you. If you were not to get hired for being in that organization, would you want to w
...

07 August 2017 / Asked by Angie B.

I applied for a job and it says that I applied to the position successfully. It also says that the job posting is no longer available for adding or removing interest. What does that mean exactly?

Hi,
Many times a job is posted for a specified amount of time and then either taken down due either to the time frame or simply the volume of candidates to review. The good news is that you applied in time and can be considered. Be mindful that you may have quite a l...

25 July 2017 / Asked by Emily P.

Do you have any advice for working with a boss I do not like? I really like the organization and my coworkers, but me and my boss just don't get along. What can I do to make it more bearable without leaving?

Hi,
That is always a tough situation, but you have several ways of dealing with it. First off, my standard advice if you like the organization you need to look for the positive. If you plan to be a manager one day, this can be to your benefit.
First off, look for the "why".
...

06 July 2017 / Asked by Justine G.

Hi, how do I find my passion?

Hi, That is a difficult thing for many people so do not feel alone. If you were independently wealthy and did not need to work, what would you do? That is what you love and have a passion for. Now look for jobs that support that activity or cause. Not all of us are...

30 June 2017 / Asked by Karen C.

Hi! I've heard people say that it can be useful to find a mentor in my first job or internship, but how do I go about doing that? Also, will that really benefit me or is it a waste of time?

Hi, Connecting with a mentor is not an automatic as it definetly takes both parties to be effective. Start off with who do you have a great respect for. It should not be your direct supervisor. Get a sense if you have common interest and have a good rapport and straight up ask them...

02 June 2017 / Asked by Jay G.

A hiring manager is asking me compensation requirements via email. What is the best way for me to respond so I'm getting the best offer?

Hi and Conratulations on getting to this stage of the selection process.
You need to do an honest assesment of your skills and experience relative to the market and for the job you are applying to. Do your homework for salary with sites such as glassdoor to get a good feel for the market.&nbs...

27 May 2017 / Asked by Tanya A.

Is it ok to put 'negotiable' when asked what your desired salary is? How do you ensure you aren't selling your self too short?

HI and Great question!
Putting your desired salary expectations up front is not easy! I would not put negotiable in your expectations as that indicates that you truly do not expect to be paid what you are worth. Do your research based on the job description and area combined w...

24 April 2017 / Asked by h h.

In recent interviews I've found that I am introduced and interviewing with a manager in a whole different department than the role I applied for. We sit down and go through normal questions (why you would want to work here? etc.) I then start asking questions I have prepared that are related to my field and the role, and my interviewer often can't respond as they are unfamiliar with that work. Am I misunderstanding the interview? Is it common for an initial interview to be with just a manager-level person, regardless of the role I'm applying for?

Hi,
Many jobs do start with an interview that is more behavior based type questions which do not necessarily require the manager of the department you are interviewing with to be involved in. You may develop some more generic work environment type questions for your interview, but you should ...

03 March 2017 / Asked by ray r.

A recent interviewer asked why I thought I had not been hired yet because I have been interviewing for the last 4 months since graduating college. How do I answer that question in a positive way?

Hi, The first step is to honestly evaluate why you have not been hired yet. Job searching after graduating in the fall semester is always more difficult as it does not align with the normal college recruiting timelines for intern opportunities and entry level positions. Did you doubl...

21 February 2017 / Asked by Arthur T.

Someone once told me that an interview is as much about me learning about the company as it is the company learning about me. Is that a fair assessment? For example should I feel free to ask my interviewer about why they like the company or where they feel its weak points are?

Absolutely! Those would be two great questions to ask. The interview is definitely a two way street! Do your homework on the company you are interviewing and try to tie in a question to learn more about the company. By asking good questions about the company, you ar...

09 February 2017 / Asked by Carol M.

If I've been fired from my last job-how do I handle this? What do I put on my application? Say yes or no to contacting my last employer? How should I handle this in an interview?

Hi, It is always tough no matter what situation led to you being let go. Honesty will help you land on your feet and more importantly learn and grow from this set back. First truly assess why you were fired. What could you have done differently, was i...

06 February 2017 / Asked by Jisoo R.

My manager tells me during my monthly meetings that my emails numbers are the best out of the team and that I have been doing a great job taking on new responsibilities. Many say that raises are only about 3%. I want to ask for more than 15% at my annual review. Would I look too much like an amateur asking more than the average raise? Of course I will list all the roles I took on and my reasons

Hi and Congratulations on your review!
There are a lot of factors that go into wage increases. Some companies do have a range in which they typically operate within, so while 3% is the norm, they may have discretion to 4% or even 5% depending on your performance. As a rule a 15% i...

23 January 2017 / Asked by Jordan H.

I am looking for paid work experience in Chicago this summer, before I move overseas. Are there any defined time period jobs out there? Something maybe one step above an internship, as I am a grad student? Is this something I might try and negotiate with companies?

Hi! There are many factors that will play into your goal. The most important part is to ask! As I do not know more specific to your situation and because this is during the summer, an internship is the most likey venue. I understand that you are a graduate student, but internships ...

03 November 2016 / Asked by Alyss R.

I had been working at my entry level position for a little over a year. Last week due to the company downsizing and changing roles, I was laid off. Yesterday, my former boss contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in coming back. I'd have to go through the steps of an applicant. Just looking for some advise on how to proceed. If I were to get an interview, I'm nervous I might say the wrong thing.

Lay off situations are always tough, but they must have thought highly of you if they have reached out to you this soon. As far as the interview, don't worry about saying the wrong thing, be yourself. Remember, they already know you and they are interested in you.

06 October 2016 / Asked by Jonathan L.

I have the opportunity to go on an international assignment with my company. My dilemma is that I'm not sure that the role is relevant for my longer term career aspirations. Is it better to just go for it- experience cultural challenges, etc.- or forgo the international assignment but pursue a role that may be more directly applicable?

I strongly recommend that you pursue the international assignment. Your company obviously think highly of you otherwise you would not be considered for this opportunity. Even if the role does not fit your perceived career aspirations, this will widen your foundation of both your company ...

12 September 2016 / Asked by Kumar A.

I just graduated and started with my first job. I've recently started to feel cheated into taking up this job by false promises in my interview. I feel my tasks have been snatched away to be given to others, and the assignments I do get are less important. Since this is my first job ever, and I am only 6 months into the industry, I am scared that leaving now would hurt my future prospects. How could I explain to a future employer why I left this job after only 6 months? I am confused and mentally stressed. I have spoken to my boss about my feelings, but it seems to be ignored. I feel unproductive. My parents told me to hold on at least a year. Please let me know what you think and what you suggest.

HI,
You are on the right track by starting the conversation with you supervisor. I would follow up your discussions with your supervisor to get feedback on your work and what your supervisor sees as a strength and conversely a weakness. You can also network with your peers to seek advic...

05 September 2016 / Asked by David V.

I work at a very large company. I've got a number of friends who work in my department, but I'd like to connect with more people in the company. How do I go about engaging the much larger corporate community?

Hi, that is a great way to learn more about the company and increase your professional development! I would look to see if your company has an employee resource group that matches your background or interests. These internal organizations do a great job of bringing together coworkers and...