Orlando Magic Dwight Howard (Photo: Fernando Medina/OM)

Tonight promised to be a classic West Coast versus East Coat battle. Truth be known, I’m anxious. After a loud crunch squeaked through a thin crowd, introductions were replaced with fervent anticipation as center court circled two extremely tall warriors (then again, compared to me even Jon Stewart would appear to be a monster).

Tip was controlled by the Clippers, a long miss from the wing by LA and within seconds Dwight stuffed a two-pointer just below his goal. Chris Paul responded with a three. Twenty seconds later, Richardson called for a slap as LA’s Jordan imitated Dwight’s style. From the looks of it, this was not a night for defense as open shots were raining like frogs stuck on mud.

For those interested, Nelson started the game, looking lost though he was able to pick up a quick layup coupled by three assists. Clippers called time out after 5-1/2 minutes of play, down 18 to 13. The final minutes of the first flew which was not surprising considering the lack of intense defense (from both teams).

Twelve minute stand found the Magic leading 30 to 21:

• Clippers missed too many uncontested shots, hitting only 8 out of 20 attempts (1 of 6 three-pointers).
• Howard and Richardson led all scorers, 13 and 12 respectively.
• Clippers’ Griffin was not a factor, some could say he was a distraction.
• ZERO blocks, ZERO fast break points for both teams… ever seen this before?

Wondering if the Magic were feeling overly comfortable with the lead, the first five minutes of the second quarter replicated the previous quarter. With most of Orlando’s bench on the floor, the defensive dance picked up to a snail’s pace. Sensing the Clippers were waking up from their funk, Van Gundy called a time out at the 5:44 mark, still leading 39 to 35.

With a rested Dwight back on the court, a crowd sensed this was turning into a promised battle. Anderson missed quickly, Evans hit, lead cut to two. Having enough of the nonsense, Howard slammed it home, stole the inbounds pass, and attacked the basket once again. Standing tall at the foul line, Dwight pushed the lead back to four. Evans returned the favor, Orlando up by two.

After several turnovers, Orlando closed out the first leading by 5, 47 to 42.

First Twenty-four:

• Howard controlled everything, as long as the action was under the basket (closing out the half hitting (not really shooting, just dunking) 9 out of 11.
• Richardson was nowhere to be found in the second, still sat at 12 points.
• Ryan Anderson played 9 minutes total, swishing one three-pointer, not impressive at all.

Third quarter had the potential to be a true test of character. After all, the first half Clippers played out of sync and, with a little halftime realignment, this could be a long second half for Orlando.

Orlando missed their first four shots. Billups pulled up a three; Jordan sliced one off the glass, lead back to two. Clippers accepted control, 50 to 49, at the 8:05 mark. Van Gundy called for a town hall meeting.

Back from time out, the Magic gained their own rebound but bricked their second attempt. Butler, refusing to play fair, hit a three for LA. After another basket by the Clippers, the Magic went to Dwight and his two-foot kiss. After several more back and forth, the quarter concluded with a downpour of energy, setting up for a dramatic finish.

Thirty-six in the mix:

• Clippers take the lead, 65 to 62.
• Howard carried the load with 31 points and 12 rebounds.
• Second chance points, Clippers 7, Magic ZERO.

Final twelve minutes was greeted by standing room only. Clippers hit a quick jumper; Magic was snagged by a trap, jump ball. LA found possession, fought for the rebound, and located Billups for a three.

After two minutes of play, Orlando found themselves down by seven.
After three minutes of play, Orlando found themselves talking about being down by nine.

Howard and Nelson re-entered the game after Van Gundy’s sideline discussion.

After five minutes of play, the Magic came back to life, trailed by four.
After six minutes of play, LA’s Billups was escorted off the floor due to an injury.
After eight minutes of play, Chris Paul showed the world why, Clippers up 89 to 82.
After nine minutes of play, Nelson awoke, Magic down 89 to 86.
After ten minutes of play, LA called timeout, tied at 89.
After eleven minutes of play, Richardson bought a layup + bonus, Magic up by one.
Twenty seconds before twelve minutes of play, Nelson fouled Blake, hit one free throw, score even.
One second before twelve minutes, Nelson launched a miss.

After twelve minutes of play, the rain refused to call it a night… can you say OT?

Overtime was intense, physical, and defensively owned by Glen Davis (two hearty steals within a one-minute span), but offensively owned by the Clippers. Tonight offense beat out defense as LA’s firepower proved to be too much.

Final score: LA 107, Orlando 102.

Not knowing what tomorrow will bring, I will be seeing you at this weekend’s Orlando Ballet’s “Battle of the Sexes III.”

Danny Huffman
Education Career Services
Shadow me on Twitter: @dannyatecs

Maybe you’re on the job market for the first time. You’ve just finished high school or college and you’re ready to make your mark – ready to build a life for yourself and stand on your own two feet. Or maybe you’ve recently lost a job you loved and did well for many years and you’re working to retool your resume. Or perhaps you’ve determined you want more out of life and given the current economic situation you’ve decided to head your career in an entirely new direction.

No matter where you are in your career and no matter what your employment status, there’s a good chance that you could benefit from mentoring. Finding a good mentor is not always easy, but when you find one, their friendship and advice can be invaluable.

Catherine Apitz in a short article for the on-line journal Circles of Seven, lists a number of famous mentors and mentees from all walks of life. An example of note from the world of popular music is Jerry Wexler, music journalist, record producer, chairman of Atlantic Records, who mentored a number of musicians including Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Linda Ronstadt, Ray Charles and Willie Nelson. From the world of classical music, Israeli violinist and conductor, Isaac Stern, mentored the effervescent talents of cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Oprah Winfrey speaks often of the lessons she’s learned from Poet Maya Angelou.

What do mentors do? Mentors can introduce you to new acquaintances and new business contacts you might otherwise never have met. Mentors can help you avoid career mistakes by sharing with you their own stories and the processes and pitfalls they’ve learned from a long the way.

Mentors can challenge you to push yourself to new heights physically or intellectually – point you to the education you’ll need to succeed. Often, mentors are interested in supervising or helping you evaluate a particular project you’re working on or in answering questions and offering suggestions along the way as you work independently on that project.

Career Tip: In all areas of life, mentors can be of benefit to us, but they are an especially wonderful tool and support when we’re looking to improve our employment situation.

Who should serve as a mentor? Your big brother or your former football coach may be wonderful individuals, and great life coaches, but a mentor with experience in a field you’re seeking success within can offer insights and direction you often cannot anticipate needing. If you’re on a job hunt, or seeking to retool for a new career, look for a successful professional from whom you can learn. It’s important that you not only find someone that you enjoy working with but also someone who believes in your potential and has a vested interest in your success. It’s also helpful if your mentor is someone with concrete experience in the field you’re pursuing, though it’s not a necessity.

Career Tip: The traits of leadership and the habits that lead to success in one field will often lead to accomplishment in others.

How do I work with a mentor? When establishing a relationship with a mentor, it’s important to clarify whether he or she truly has time to help you and has the expertise to do so. Being clear about your needs and expectations and being respectful of their time is crucial if your work together is to be successful. You must also be willing to hear criticism, and to communicate clearly even in the midst of challenges in order to maintain a good relationship with another professional who has agreed to mentor you. Whether you meet with your mentor weekly, or Skype monthly, the encouragement and advice such a relationship can provide may be just what you need to get into–or move ahead in–a new career.

Where do I find a mentor? Good mentors are valuable. Be willing to work hard to establish a connection with a potential mentor. Think outside the box as well as look close to home for a professional you respect, from whom you can learn, and by whom you want to be guided or shaped. Ask friends, family, and colleagues if they can put you in touch with someone who might help you in your career.

If you’re just graduating, consider taking an internship (even an unpaid one) in order to gain experience in a field you want to pursue and from that experience you’ll likely gain not only a resume reference but a mentor in the form of a boss or colleague. Former professors can sometimes be great mentors as well. Social media sites like Linked-In can be another way to connect with a potential mentor. Don’t overlook mentoring networks maintained by professional organizations or alumni affairs offices as a source of valuable advice either.

Where can I learn more?

1. A great interview with Lynn Chambers-Ketchens, published on-line by the Missouri Institute of Mental Health. discusses clearly some very helpful ways to understand a mentoring relationship:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBwSZpjh1yU
2. Link to two articles on mentoring published by Law PracticeTODAY here: http://apps.americanbar.org/lpm/lpt/articles/mgt08041.html
3. A lengthy but very readable article by Katherine Hansen, Ph.D. on finding a mentor can itself be found here: http://www.quintcareers.com/mentor_value.html

Thanks Kathryn, your advice is greatly appreciated. For those interested in learning more about American Public University/American Military University, where they are expanding access to higher education with more than 100 affordable degrees and certificates to prepare students for service and leadership in a diverse and global society, visit their website at www.apus.edu.

Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
EducationCareerServices.com
Got Twitter? Shadow me @DannyatECS

 No doubt being recognized as a key player nowadays takes more than simply doing your job well. In such a competitive employee market, you must go beyond the call of duty or get lost in the shuffle or worse, become a victim of “right-sizing.”

Now that you’ve been with the same company for several years, NOW is the time to let your voice be heard in a professional and progressive manner. One of the most effective techniques of career recognition lies with you developing and submitting a one to three year plan. I realize this takes a bit of work on your part but the payoffs could be most rewarding.

Career Tip #1: A formal one to three year proposal can lift you well above your peers.

Last year one of my employers surprised me by providing an in-depth plan detailing steps she would be taking to become a more effective and valuable employee. Part of her plan was to complete her career coaching certification and also to introduce a web-based customer response team. Needless to say, her five-page proposal lifted her head and shoulders over other members in the department instantly.

Following up on her story, within three months she gained her coaching certificate and began coaching clients directly, increasing revenue while decreasing client services wait time. The following year she was promoted to department lead.

Developing and producing a formal strategic plan is not for every position and person but creating mini-career/company projections is something all employees can do. These shorter projections can be as simple as becoming more diverse within the company, for example, learning how to perform duties outside of your realm of expertise or department. Such learning show determination and increases the value you offer.

Career Tip #2: Diversifying your work duties beyond job descriptions gains value and career recognition.

Going back to the original question, I recommend you take a long look at the value you currently offer and what you can do to enhance your position. After writing several ideas down, think of the ways you can add value to the company and merge those thoughts into a formal proposal. Once you have your work proofed for errors (nothing like poor grammar to ruin a picnic), arrange for a meeting with your supervisor where you will submit your plan of action.

By submitting action and results, you are making a strong statement that you are a dedicated employee who is in for the long haul. As an employer, I actively search and promote dedicated and innovative employees, especially those going beyond normal operating standards. Unfortunately with large companies, taking a passive approach rarely gains recognition.

Career Tip #3: Actions you propose to take must be met or the career recognition you seek will not be favorable.

If you would like additional information or assistance in any career-related manner, don’t hesitate to reach out and send your request through the comment section or email me directly at dhuffman@edu-cs.com or visit us at Amazon.com (search Huffman at ecs).

Danny Hufman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
www.educationcareerservices.com
Got Twitter? Shadow me @dannyatecs

Battle of the Sexes III (Photo: Michael Cairns)

For those who can’t make any of the performances, NOW is time to panic, reshuffle your schedule, do what it takes to become part of the action.

As the title infers, a battle is brewing, promising to transcend each audience member on their own personal buzz ride where beauty, brilliance, and brawn collide. Energetically, Artistic Director, Robert Hill, effectively transfers his unconventional interpretations of dance and ballet, bringing Hegel’s dialectic full circle (and I thought studying philosophy would never come in handy) onto a medium previously not considered.

No doubt about it, Battle of the Sexes III is not grandma’s ballet… this is not a sport… this is not a game… this is the balance between love and sex where friction and frolic sway to an endless metrical strum.

Central Florida is fortunate to home one of the most dynamic, aggressive, and pushing-the-line ballet companies/schools in the country. It is with the upmost pride and confidence that I encourage our city beautiful to show appreciation and support to an artistic and cultural group worthy of global respect.

On this note, a quick shout out to Douglas, your progress is officially recognized… now if we can only do something about your obnoxiously striped shorts; psyche, always keep it real.

For those holding onto the belief that ballet is just a game, check out the upcoming battle. I have no doubt that by the end of the performance you will be looking forward to supporting Robert Hill’s next Orlando ballet’s magical creation.

While on the topic and for those holding onto an excuse, you don’t need two nets and a bouncing ball to believe in magic. Sorry Dwight, just saying on this stage, Douglas and his team of pure athletes take the game to a new level.

For ticket information, visit http://orlandoballet.org/performances/battle-of-the-sexes-iii/.

P.S. Dwight, this is for you, I’ll be covering the Clippers game Monday so if you got a beef, meet me after the game and we’ll settle it the old fashioned way… at the free-throw line.

Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
Education Career Services
Got Twitter? Shadow me @dannyatecs

If I could count the amount of times I’ve heard this question, I’d, well, need to do a lot of counting. It seems job applicants are so focused on every aspect of the interview that they don’t have a follow-up plan for once the meeting ends.

(Photo: Creative Commons by bpsusf)

If you’re reading this and wondering, “I need to do things after an interview?” pour a morning cup of coffee and settle in. This is going to be a very informative read.

Let’s role-play for a quick second. If someone took time out of their busy schedule to do you a favor, what would you naturally do? I’ll presume you were reared with manners and answered, “I would thank them.” The same applies for job interviews. By taking time out of their busy schedule to conduct an interview, hiring managers and employers are doing you a favor–never the other way around. You need them, they don’t necessarily need you.

Back to role-playing… how would you thank them? Probably with a phone call or email, correct? Yes, right again. But in this case we’re trying to get a job by putting our name out there. Friends or family members may remember your phone call or email but employers are busy people that communicate with hundreds if not thousands on a daily basis. So how do you stay on their minds knowing that piece of information? The answers is quite archaic but, trust me, it works.

Career tip #1: A well-written letter after an interview can make a positive impact, placing you at an advantage.

Why a hand-written letter? Let’s think about this logically:

• Phone calls are stored in call logs (or maybe recorded depending upon the situation). How often do employers access these records? Really? You need to ask?
• Emails are stored in an Inbox. How cluttered is the Inbox of a business executive? The answer: very. Furthermore, upon reading an email, many people elect to delete or archive them depending upon their importance. In an effort to not hurt any feelings, I won’t mention where your email will stand.
• Fact: Hand-written letters take time and effort. You have to buy a stamp and envelope; you have to plainly and neatly write the letter; you have to send it to the correct address. The simple fact you took the time to do this (and, to your advantage, no one does this anymore) will impress employers. Here’s the kicker… where are documents such as letters stored? On desks. That means your letter, with your named on it, will be sitting on the desk of the hiring manger or employer. Talk about free advertising.

Generally, thank-you letters are comprised of three paragraphs. The first paragraph is the actual ‘thanks’, where you thank them for taking time out of their busy schedule to conduct an interview with you. The second paragraph is the reiteration of skills. During this time, restate why you feel you are best for the job and what qualifies you for the position. On note, don’t forget to mention a few key areas of discussion from the interview. Finally, the third paragraph contains contact information. Reaffirm how you can best be reached and add that you look forward to hearing from them again.

Career tip #2: There is more to writing a thank-you letter than simply saying ‘thanks’. Thank-you letters actually have guidelines that should be followed to maximize effectiveness.

Is any of this, including the letter itself, necessary? No, they’re not required at all, but that’s the beauty of them. You took time to do something that wasn’t required, heck, not even stated in the job listing. This shows you can think outside of the box, are willing to take initiative, and you truly are interested and hungry for this position. All of this wrapped in a neatly written letter with your name prominently on the front, sitting on the desk of the hiring manager is a huge PLUS for you, am I right? I knew you’d agree.

If you would like additional information about developing an introductory letter or assistance in any other career-related manner, don’t hesitate to reach out and send your request through the comment section. If preferred, email us directly at dhuffman@edu-cs.com or visit us at Amazon.com (search Huffman at ecs).

Written by Brandon Hayhurst
www.educationcareerservices.com
Got Twitter? Track the latest: @dannyatecs

As today’s question comes from a fellow artist, I asked the founder and CEO of Artist’s Square (www.artists-square.com), Racquel Cruz, to frame a response onto this canvas for everyone’s benefit.

(Photo: Creative Commons - nksfca)

“Being an artist, I am finding it difficult to secure employment. Is there a virtual gathering site for artists to share and explore in the Greater Central Florida area?”

Yes, there is a virtual gathering site for artists to share and explore artwork in the Greater Central Florida area.  In fact, Central Florida is the native location of an online social networking site for artists, called Artist’s Square.

The site was based on the idea of online technology, mixed with the concept of creating an ancient Greek agora, known as a “meeting place” or “marketplace.” Just as the ancient Greek agora, it is a gathering place for artists and people who love art.

Not only does the site provide local tools and resources for artists, but, like WONO, its heart and purpose is connection, affording artists career opportunities as well as career guidance designed specifically for this unique group. Thinking Artist’s Square is just for the locals? Think again. The site extends its services for artists and art lovers internationally and globally.

Career tip 1: Artists looking for opportunities can take advantage of a social/career network.

As an artist you will have the opportunity to create a free profile, submit ARTicles, add your own blog, and this is just the beginning. Even physical art galleries can add their locations (tied with Google maps) and update images for exposure.

The site certainly cannot make an individual dedicate themselves to their dreams, but with its available resources and technology, it can create better opportunity for an individual. It can also change negative statistics for employment, hobby, and artwork all around the world.

Take a look at the site and let us know your thoughts. I know how difficult and struggling finding work is, especially for an artist. Artist’s Square is dedicated to encouraging, assisting, and partnering with you as your journey blazes new trails. Together, with West Orlando News, we will give fellow artists the tools they need to succeed.

Career tip 2: Passion and dedication will take your dreams as far you want to go.

Thanks Racquel, the road to artistic freedom and expression is becoming more accessible. Being a fellow artist, I am also an artist’s square member.

Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
EducationCareerServices.com
Got Twitter? Follow me @DannyatECS

(Photo: Creative Commons - rblood)

We recently received several questions, all focusing around one issue: gaining experience. Though we’ve detailed the concept of transferable skills, I thought it best to ask one of our writers, Brandon, to handle this one directly. On this note, keep sending in your questions and we’ll keep forging new ground.

“How do I get work experience?”

This often asked inquiry is usually penned by eager-eyed graduates throwing their brand new diplomas at places of employment, hoping it will stick. Generally, the question sounds something like this, “How can I ever get work experience if they won’t give me a chance to work?!”

This problem is almost always blown out of proportion due to a flawed belief that many hold, that one can only gain work experience from working a job. For those possessing such a negative attitude (and yes, attitude plays a huge role in gaining employment—at any level) think about this: we would never have an eligible President of the United States seeing that no candidates have any prior experience running a country.

The solution to not having any (or enough) experience is something we in the business call transferable value. You see, the skills that are required in the work place (let’s call them transferable skills) can be learned in a multitude of venues and locations. For instance, a recent graduate may cite his courses as experience, especially if they were hands-on courses requiring students to complete said task. Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve graduated and are looking for a change in career; the same applies to you as well.

Career tip 1: Transferable skills are learned throughout your education and career that may count as relative work experience.

You’re now probably wondering, “How do I know what counts as experience and what doesn’t?” That’s up for you to decide. Only you can judge what is relevant and what isn’t. Just remember to think outside of the box when you start to get introspective. For example, a waitress at Denny’s has far more transferable value than one may think.

Any waitress or server will tell you in a heartbeat they have the ability to multi-task, are proficient in customer service, and have experience handling money. Do you see where this is going?

Career tip 2: While evaluating your transferable skills, don’t stop at the basic job posting requirements.

There’s a little thing called “added value” which plays directly into the above career tip. Added value is that something extra you bring that most other candidates do not. For instance, let’s say you are bilingual yet the job does not require you to be. The benefit of being bilingual could be to your advantage. Think about it, if the company wants to expand to a new audience, you may fit perfectly into their future plans. Another example of an added value may be a proficiency in software or hardware.

Still think you don’t have any experience? Think again!

Delve deeply into your creative side and begin considering the many transferable skills you offer. There are skills you’ve learned that count as work experience. There are also additional unique added-value skills you’ve learned that sets you apart from the competition. Don’t overlook the significance of your past as you build your future.

If you would like additional information about developing an introductory letter or assistance in any other career-related manner, don’t hesitate to reach out and send your request through the comment section or email us directly at dhuffman@edu-cs.com or you can even visit us at Amazon.com (search Huffman at ecs).

Written by Brandon Hayhurst
www.educationcareerservices.com
Twitter: @dannyatecs

Before introducing the Orlando Magic/Los Angeles Lakers contest, I would like to take a moment and reflect on the music and contributions from one of the most gifted voices to ever grace the airwaves. Etta James passed today; the world will never be the same. For those unfamiliar with Ms. James, instantly feel her soul with her classic: At Last.

Orlando Magic Dwight Howard (Photo: Fernando Medina/OM)

With two “contenders” scheduled to battle after a good-bruising from games previous, tonight promised to be more than a midnight romp. Then again, when it comes to promises and pillow talk, truths during courtship typically morph into don’t recalls the following morning. Enough of too many high school memories invading this basketball evening, time to tip.

One of the most vocal crowds of the season, the Lakers approached Dante’s inner ring first. Looking like a blushing Beatrice, five guys in white hugged one in blue and yellow. Matt Barnes tightened return, only to swallow one pomegranate seed.

Dwight controlled the toss, only to watch Redick hit the rim. Lakers drew first blood; little did I know that first blood would be the only blood-letting on tap. Magic came back with a turnover by Howard as the Lakers missed an easy one while payback double-downed; Dwight easily hit a three-foot left jumper.

Kobe swished his first at the nine minute mark, Dwight shuffled for his second basket in as many attempts immediately afterwards. With six minutes into the first, Bynum is tagged for his second foul. Dwight surprised all by hitting his first free throw, proving true to himself by missing his second.

First bench circle was called by the Magic at the 5:33 point and a lead of 12 to 8. Remainder of the quarter found nothing to write home about. So, with that in mind, let’s review a few details while I am wonder what’s going on at my hearth:

First quarter:

• Magic controlled, leading 22 to 10 (yes, 10 total points for the Lakers)
• Lakers offense needed help, even missed a few barn tosses less than three feet away
• Lakers aimed at the rim 21 times, hitting on 4 attempts (19% success rate)

Not sure if the Magic played a solid first or the Lakers were recovering from their Heat bashing, perhaps the second set of 12 will tell the tale. Indifferent to the cause, this game forced me to reminiscent about my high school days and so many missed opportunities lacking action.

First play of the second found Bynum on the line, missed the first, hit the second. Lead quietly cut to 11, Magic responded with an uncontested layup (plus one). Falling faithful to the first, the remainder of the half found little by way of competitive suspense. Before drifting to what I could be doing on this Friday evening (like watching Supernatural or Fringe), I best summarize the first 24 minutes of play.

First half:

• The Magic pimped the Lakers, totally
• Magic 48, Lakers 31

Third quarter held steady to the first 24 minutes. Though the Magic did display plenty sloppy moments, the Lakers refused to play second fiddle in this area. Ultimately, the game was no game at all and the promises mentioned in the beginning were just as unreal as the many promises I heard (and made) while in high school.

Third Quarter:

• Attendance lessened as many took advantage of an early exit
• Magic 67, Lakers 52; don’t be fooled, the game was not this close

Final quarter drifted beyond dental pain. Seeking relief from numbing sensations, many seats found themselves empty well before the final tick. For the Magic, I must recognize Glen Davis. Glen Davis displayed a great deal of hustle, passion, and energy each second he was on the court. Without doubt, his addition was smart on multiple levels.

At last, the Orlando Magic won the game with a final score of 92 to 80. Treated like an orphaned step-child, the Los Angeles Lakers departed Orlando beautiful with a new sense of identity, not a pleasant one.

With a final word, I am truly saddened about the fall of an American icon, Ms. Etta James.

Not knowing what tomorrow will bring, I am

Danny Huffman
Education Career Services
Shadow me on Twitter: @dannyatecs

1. Do your homework
2. Know where you fit and why
3. Be ready to ask questions as well as answer them

If you happened to miss our last discussion, refer back to the previous submission and get caught up in a hurry. As it is, let’s examine how company personality can be used for your advantage as you head into an interview.

Job interview (Photo credit: CC - bpsusf)

We left off after highlighting company research resources available at your fingertips. Use these same resources to learn about key people in the organization, particularly the area you’re interviewing for. If you’ve been provided a contact in case you have questions, you might politely inquire as to the name or name(s) of the individuals you’ll be meeting in your interview and their titles within the firm.

Receptionists, administrative assistants, and HR personnel are very busy individuals often answering to and supporting a number of individuals in a company at once, so don’t make multiple calls to them or abuse the opportunity to communicate with them. Only call when you have gathered as much information as possible on your own. Make your inquiry short and polite, and thank them for their time and help, even if they can’t provide you the answers you’d hoped.

Career Tip #1: As a potential employee, learning as much as you can about the company is the only way you can successfully accomplish number two on our list.

Let’s take a look at number two on our list of how to prepare for an interview, “Know where you fit and why.”

Now that you’ve studied up on your future employer, have an idea how big the firm is (a team of five family members or an international conglomerate of 50,000), what’s important to them, and gained a sense of what they value and what kind of culture exists within the firm, you’ve got the information you need to figure out where you fit and why.

Career Tip #2: Being prepared shows confidence, initiative, and career readiness.

Know how to respond to expected questions such as “What led you to apply to this firm,” “What strengths do you bring to this position,” and even “Where do you see yourself in five year?”

While you can answer these questions without knowing anything about the company, consider how much better you’ll look as a knowledgeable and prepared candidate. Packed with information, imagine how much more clearly you can make your case for your being THE RIGHT INDIVIDUAL for the job if you can answer common (and no-so common) questions with specificity, using the information you gleaned in Step one!

You can probably see how Step one has also set you up to “Be ready to ask questions as well as answer them” (taking us to number three on the list).

Everyone arrives at an interview expecting to answer questions about themselves and their qualifications. And everyone interviewing for a specific position likely has very similar answers to one another (after all, you’re all up for the same job!). Visualize what that’s like for the interview, though. It’d be like watching the same scene from a movie over and over and over again.

How can you make the interview experience different for the interviewer? How can you stand out from the others interviewing with the same credentials, and same background as you have?

In addition to being able to give specific answers to your interviewer’s questions–answers that demonstrate you’ve done your homework, know about the company and know where you might fit in the company–you can also ask great questions when given the opportunity.

Very often, at the end of an interview, you’ll be asked “Are there any questions we can answer for you?” Be ready! Ask questions that help you learn even more about the company and about the position for which you’re applying. Working relationships go both ways so think of asking the right questions as an opportunity to interview the company. After all, you need to decide whether working for them is right for your future.

In effect, you’re both interviewing one another. So, when given the opportunity, have two or three great questions ready to ask that demonstrate that you’ve studied the company, care about the job, and are seriously interested in whether you’re the right fit for the position. These questions give you one last opportunity to SHOW your future employer who you are.

I know you can’t imagine NOT wanting a job! But sometimes it’s important to know that you can work for a firm and be happy.

I hope you find these suggestions helpful as you prepare for your interview!  Good luck!

Presented by Kathryn Broyles, Ph.D.,
Program Director of General Studies
American Public University/American Military University

Thank you once again Kathryn, your advice is greatly appreciated. For those interested in learning more about American Public University/American Military University where they are expanding access to higher education with more than 100 affordable degrees and certificates to prepare students for service and leadership in a diverse and global society, visit their website at www.apus.edu.

Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
EducationCareerServices.com
Got Twitter? Follow me @DannyatECS

In response to today’s question, Kathryn Broyles, Ph.D., Program Director of General Studies at American Public University/American Military University, will be taking control.

Job interview - Photo courtesy: CC License/bpsusf

“I’ll be graduating in May and looking for a job. I have an interview scheduled but have no ideas on what to do besides show up with resume in hand. What do you recommend I do to prepare for an interview?”

Interviews are crucial to snagging the job you want. If your professional documents have made it past the initial HR screening and on to the desk of a hiring manager, feel confident that you’re being seriously considered for the job. Congratulations on having an interview scheduled!

However, recognize that it’s rare for a company to interview only one person for a position. Therefore, it’s essential that you put your best foot forward and make a good impression on the interviewer as well as on anyone you come in contact with as you make your way to and from the interview. You never know who’s a friend of whom or what tactics an employer might be using to evaluate all aspects of a future employee’s “fit” in a new company.

Career Tip #1: The individual you think is “just the receptionist” in fact might be a very important voice in the office whose opinion is respected, so being rude or disrespectful, or underestimating the value of such individuals can mark you as unprofessional and can even lead to your eventually not getting the position.

A few companies actually resort to creative ways to evaluate the tendencies of future employees and whether or not they’re a good “fit” for the company. It’s been reported that some companies even monitor what magazines you pick up off a coffee table as you wait in the lobby for an interview. Do you go for light reading? Are you attracted to business journals or company brochures? Are you pleasant to those around you? Do you make eye contact and seem poised and confident?

In today’s job market there more qualified people for every position than ever before and competition is stiff, but at least you can be confident that you’ve put your best foot forward and done nothing to hamper your chances. You may even find that you end up in the future with an opportunity you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Career Tip #2: A great strategy is to see every moment you’re in the vicinity of a potential employer as an opportunity to learn, to make contacts, and to make a good impression. If you adopt this as you’re attitude, you can’t go wrong. It doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the position, of course.

Okay, we’ve ventured slightly off the path to disclose hints about “how to be” when you show up for the interview, yet you asked specifically about “how to prepare” for the interview and what to take with you. Time to get back on track…

First, here are several steps which, taken together, can help you prepare for the interview:

1. Do your homework
2. Know where you fit and why
3. Be ready to ask questions as well as answer them

Let’s take a look at number one, “Do your homework.”

Given an interview has been scheduled, it is safe to claim that you know the name of the company you’re interviewing with and you may even know the specific position for which you’re interviewing. Now what you need to do is to learn as much as you can about the company itself as possible.

Companies, like people, have “values” and “culture.” If you’re a fan of Thirty Rock or The Office, you already know this. These shows, of course, are exaggerations of a kind of company culture taken to the extreme to get a laugh from the audience, but they still point to an important fact: companies and the people who work in them, together create a kind of culture shaped by what the company values and its work environment.

Career Tip #3: Companies have, in effect, “personalities.”

As you head into an interview, ask yourself:

• What kind of company is this?
• What sort of personality does this company have?
• What does it make?
• What does it value?
• What kind of culture does it support and create for its employees?

Trying to find the answers to questions like these by researching the company website, studying any materials its published about itself in ads, in brochures, and on the web, as well as reading about the company at the Better Business Bureau, or if its big enough, in past articles (on the web or at your local library) of The Wall Street Journal, Business Weekly, or Fortune is an essential part of preparing for an interview.

This looks like the perfect lead for a break. Join me in a couple days as we complete number one and journey to numbers two and three.

Thanks Kathryn, your advice is greatly appreciated. For those interested in learning more about American Public University/American Military University, where they are expanding access to higher education with more than 100 affordable degrees and certificates to prepare students for service and leadership in a diverse and global society, visit their website at www.apus.edu.

Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
EducationCareerServices.com
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