Roads to Success

One month ago, five panelists were invited by the AHANA Management Academy and FACES to discuss barriers they faced as minorities in the workplace.

The panel:

Stalin Colinet - Northwestern Financial, former NFL player
Dante Cunningham - John Hancock Audit Dept., graduate of Northeastern University
Julio - Delioitte Consultant
Dr. Lily Albert - FACES
Danielle Wells - BC Admission Office

With experiences in environments ranging from sports to education to office, these panelists gave BC students a solid understanding of the barriers still present today. For the most part, it seems misunderstandings about culture dominate.
"He asked, 'How do you get your hair like that?' I could have taken this offensively, but if I had done that then neither of us would be better off. Instead, by letting him know that it's not intentional but actually natural for those of my race, he gained some information and I kept clean the image he and others have of those of my race. Sometimes, as a minority, you are the representation for those of your ethnicity and so others will judge based on their experiences with you."
Such perspectives and insights gave BC students valuable tools for being successful and good representative of their ethnicity. As ability is already expected of BC students, their new measurements are taken from how they interact with their peers. For AHANA students, there is even more pressure to be understanding and open. Sometimes, its not just about spreading your own culture but also learning about someone else's culture, as one panelist said. Minorities pave the way for other minorities and a bad experience could shut doors for newcomers.
In this one evening, students learned of the valuable position they hold in society and the power they command simply by being one of the first. The AHANA Management Academy and FACES thank the panelists for taking time to tell students about their very personal experiences. They are once again paving the way for minorities.

Tip #10

The day is here. Have fun at your mock interviews.

Tip #10

Instinct tells us to cover up our mistakes, but honesty is the best policy. Describe how the mistakes were rectified and show them you learned from your mistakes. Employers want to see how you take life's hurdles in addition to the daily load.

Tip#10

Ask questions only your interview or another insider could answer.
After an interview, you ask "What is the company's ____ policy?" Yes it's great that you want to know more about the company, but do your research and avoid asking questions that are easily found on the company's website.
Some sample questions:
"How does this position fit into the company?"
"How long do people usually stay in this job?"
"How is performance measured and reviewed?"
"How is the company responding to ____ changes in the industry?" (This question requires that you be up to date on the news so read the Wall Street Journal.)


Questions found here. Click for more sample questions.

Tip #9

You walk in with several large bags and the interviewers reach out and shake your hand--but not until two minutes later when you've unloaded your "baggage." When going to interviews, travel light. A portfolio with copies of your resume, your business cards and a pen should be the only essentials aside from your wallet and phone.

Tip #8

List the most important information first. For example, the section on your strengths should list all the most important skills first, depending on the position for which you are applying.

Tip #7

The break is ending and it's time to get back to business.

Here's Tip#7:
Get on twitter. Follow the companies, if they have accounts, in which you are interested. Knowing the company news and updates will help in your interview should relevant questions be asked.

Tip #6

The professional summary: a very brief summary of the skills/talents/strengths that sets you apart from others. It usually consists of a couple of sentences or several bullet points. The professional summary is posted in the very beginning of the rsume.

Tip#5

In a job market as tough and competitive as this, every little bit counts. This does not mean one should add fluff to make the small things physically huge. Often, we try to say more so as to keep from being too direct, but interviews are small windows of time to get the most actual and material information across to the interviewer.
For that reason, be concise.

• Avoid unnecessary adjectives. "Valuable asset" is a diluted version of "asset." Try saying both aloud in a sentence (e.g. "She is a valuable asset." "She is an asset."). Which was more direct and had more impact? Do they convey the same meaning?
  
  
• Avoid "just" and "like." Like, a lot of people use these words just to fill like all their conversations. It makes conversations seem like a lot longer and, like, smoother; but, like in class, it just really makes it harder to like understand just what the person is trying to say. VERSUS. A lot of people use these words to fill their conversations. It makes conversations seem longer and smoother, but in class, it makes it harder to understand what the other person is trying to say.
  Do not be afraid of a slight pause in mid-sentence to think. It is far better to be silent than to distract the listener from what is trying to be said.
  
  
• Avoid wordiness. "On a daily basis" means "daily" so say, "daily."

Tip#4

Your resume sounds awesome, but how does it look?
Remember that resumes should be clean, neat and easy to read.

• Use bullet points for important/highlighted information. They are easy to read and highlights better than underlined text.
  
• Use no more than two fonts.
  
• Use white space. 1" margins, breaks between sections, etc.
• Bolded words and italics make the resume easy to read but use them in a consistent manner. For example, bold all titles for sections of the resume and italicize all dates.
  

Tip #3

How you dress for an interview can help an interviewer decide if you are a good fit for the company, especially since the competition is tougher and resumes are impressive across the board. Research company culture before the interview, visiting inconspicuously if necessary, and take the outfit up a notch. You should look more formal than the employees but able to blend in with them as well. Never go casual. Unsure? Go with a neutral colored suit.

Tip #2

If asked about past employers, do not exaggerate and claim to have had an ideal relationship, but be sure also to keep comments positive, even if the relationship was bad.

Mock Interview Night

In preparation for mock interview night (December 2nd), the AMA newsletter will be providing tips daily. Check back for helpful information on perfecting your resume and improving your chances at a smooth, memorable interview.

To start you off:

Resumes are one-pagers that act as photographs for interviewers. Keep it short, neat and concise for the clearest, sharpest image of you possible. Irrelevant details and unnecessary words dilute and blur your image.

Check back tomorrow for the next update!

INROADS information session:

Help yourself to:

• Free Food
• Community and Professional Leadership
• Valuable skills for your future career
  
• A good internship

Join us at the INROADS information session. Taking place in Fulton 245 at 7:30 PM Nov 9th.

Next Event: InRoads information session. Nov. 9 @ 7:30 PM in Fulton 245.

"I've landed an interview! . . . What have I done?!"
October 31, 2009

Welcome to the employer's market, meaning those looking for jobs are going to be competing against one another trying to land the one spot for which everyone is qualified. These hard times require serious job applicants to distinguish themselves from the herd. First impressions will do just that.

Within the first few minutes, employers will have shaken your hand and evaluated your appearance. Do not lose these easy points.
Handshakes should be firm without breaking any fingers. Clothing should be the result of research on the company's culture. Do not dress casually even if the culture is laid-back. Always be a level more formal than the average employee.

These check-list items will at least give you a strong start. During the interview, however, if any mistakes are made, do not break down. Mistakes can often be beneficial to an interview as it presents an opportunity for interviewers to see how well you can change and recover from a bad situation; but don't take this as an excuse to not learn how to pronounce the company name correctly.

Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars!
You never know who you'll meet and what you'll learn so get out of O'Neill and join us for...

• InRoads Information Session-Nov.9 @ 7:30 PM in Fulton 245
  
• Roads to Success Panel Discussion-Nov.12 @ 6 PM in Gasson 305
  
• Mock Interview Night-Dec.2 @ 6 PM in Fulton Honors Library
  Interviewers come in and give you the practice you need to be a memorable interviewee. Get tips from the career center to further prepare yourself for the job search & interviews ahead.