Nicole Diseker
Staff writer
Scott Hensley, director of Continuing Education and the SE Career Management Center, spoke about the importance of etiquette during an interview workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 17 in the Magnolia Room.
Hensley discussed the resume process, applying for jobs, attire, and researching and interviewing. Projecting professionalism was the main focus during the workshop.
“It’s really important to look the part,” said Hensley.
Your dress attire should be clean, pressed, and professional.
Whether it is your resume, your appearance, your attitude or the way you approach a secretary; According to Hensley, these are things that need to be perfected.
“The resume is the first thing people see,” said Hensley, “Have a good set of eyes, at least 5 sets, look over it.”
Spelling, grammar, and using creative verbs were all things he discussed.
“You don’t want your resume to disqualify you,” he said.
He spoke of behavioral tips and tricks to help you perform in a professional manner and gave informative examples of former students’ experiences.
When applying for jobs, be courteous and make an impression.
“A lot of people will turn in their resumes, not be very nice to the secretary, and walk away,” said Hensley, “It’s not good to get a big head.”
According to Hensley, secretaries can be one of your connections in the job market.
“Companies love passionate and persistent people,” he said,” follow up by calling in a week.”
If you do get a call back for an interview, research the company before going in.
“I’ve had people apply to work for schools and they’re asked ‘what’s the mascot?,’” said Hensley.
He spoke of students being unprepared for an interview by not knowing where the location of the business was.
“You’d be surprised how many people don’t know this,” said Hensley.
During the interview, after you’re introduced to the person you’ll be speaking with; you have 7 seconds to make a good first impression, according to Hensley, and 30-40 seconds to improve upon that.
He described and “elevator speech:” a 60 second speech you should have prepared before an interview. This speech should be able to begin and end during the time it takes an elevator to change floors.
“You have to ask yourself, ‘will this interview change my life?’ Because it can,” he said.
Interviewers will ask you questions about yourself; what qualifies you, who you are and what you can do for them.
“Not just professionally, they also want to know about you,” said Hensley,” It’s not just about a paycheck. It’s you fitting in and finding your niche.”
“This whole job thing is really a way to do some self exploration,” said Hensley.
A career fair will be held Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Magnolia Ballroom.
25 or more employers from all work areas will be attending.