Career Connections Newsletter • March 2008

Career Topic of the Month: Interviewing
Career Resource of the Month: Transferable Skills
Spotlight on Success: SNC Alumni Profile
Career Tip of the Month: Thank You Letters
Internship of the Month
Upcoming Events 

Career Topic of the Month: Interviewing

There are different types of interviews – screening, one-on-one, telephone, group, or meal interviews. For each different type of interview what takes place before, during and after are relatively the same.

Before an Interview – Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!

• Research the company or organization. Know their mission, product/service, and reputation.
• Familiarize yourself with the job description and duties. Be aware of what you are interviewing for and know your own skills and qualifications.
• Attend an interviewing workshop or set up an appointment with a career counselor for a mock interview.
• Dress appropriately
• Prepare your resume and 60 second commercial

During the Interview

• Carry along with you a portfolio which will contain copies of your resume, an area to take notes, and a pen
• Arrive early and be aware of your disposition and appearance
• Think before you answer, and do not be afraid to ask for a moment to think about the question before you respond
• Be specific and give examples of your experiences and goals which relate to the job opening
• Be honest

After the Interview

• Ask for a business card – this is great way to know you have the correct mailing information for sending a thank you
• Evaluate yourself by thinking over how you answered the questions – what stumped you, what could you have given more details on, what did you do well

Please contact the Career Services Office if you would like additional information on interviewing or to schedule a mock interview.  

Career Resource of the Month: Transferable Skills

Did you know that all of the skills you are gaining in your liberal arts education at St. Norbert are transferable skills? Transferable skills are included in a number of themes such as communication, human relations, research and planning, work survival, leadership and management. They are skills which can be used in every aspect of your day and your career, no matter what field you are in.

You are learning many of these skills as you complete assignments for class, as you are involved with student organizations, athletics, or the community; and interaction with professors, staff, and faculty on campus. Transferable skills are an important facet of your career as a student and as a professional. As you continue towards your degree and after you graduate you will find yourself continuing to develop the skills that have already been put in place during your time at St. Norbert.

Check out the Transferable Skills Worksheet for a list of transferable skills.

Spotlight on Success: SNC Alumni Profile

Nabali Bawa, Business Administration, 1999
Deputy Managing Director, Cotecna Destination Inspection, Ltd (CDIL), Nigeria, Africa

Click here to learn about the work experience and career path of this successful SNC alum.

Check out our growing list of Alumni Profiles to learn more about their career paths, experience and to envision what you can do with a degree from St. Norbert College. 

Career Tip of the Month: Thank You Letters

It is very important after any interview or meeting with a prospective employer or internship supervisor to write the interviewer a thank you letter. It should be sent within 2 business days of the interview. A thank you letter shows your interest in the company and the position, reminds them of your enthusiasm and qualifications, and most importantly shows your appreciation for their time in meeting with you.Best of all it shows you have wonderful manners.

Thank you letters can be typed, handwritten, or e-mailed. Typed letters are the most formal, handwritten are more personal and e-mail is appropriate if you know the employer prefers e-mail and/or if there is a tight timeline in the hiring decision.

Check out the Thank You Letter Guide for more specifics on writing thank you letters and for a sample thank you letter.   

Internship of the Month: Administrative Intern

Why intern? Internships are a great opportunity to apply classroom theory to real life work and to acquire experience to make yourself more marketable for future employment. It can also be one way to "test" your chosen career area to determine if it is a good fit for you.

Administrative Intern, Village of Wrightstown, Wrightstown

• Description: Under general direction from the Village Administrator, the Administrative Intern position is designed for individuals who have an interest in the functions of municipal government. The basic function of this position is administrative and staff support to the Village Administrator pertaining to all areas of municipal management. In this capacity, the incumbent will assist in the areas of administration, finance, planning and budgeting, personnel management, and special projects as assigned. The individual will have direct working relations with Department Heads, City staff, and the general public.

• Qualifications: 
• • Must be service oriented. 
  • Must demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships by using appropriate interpersonal skills. 
  • Must understand the need for teamwork, timeliness, safety and accuracy. 
  • Must be able to maintain self-control under stressful situations and work load pressures without exhibiting negative behaviors. 
  • Must be able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, and interact with others to accomplish tasks without arousing hostility. 
  • Must be able to assume responsibility and work with a high level of independence. 
  • Must have knowledge of good grammar, spelling, punctuation, and basic math abilities.
• 
  
• Contact: If you are interested in this unique internship opportunity, please provide cover letter and resume to admin@wrightstown.us.

For more information on this internship and to search for additional internships, please login to Career Connections.

Upcoming Events

To register for an event or workshop, login to Career Connections and click on Career Events. 
Click here for the complete Spring 2008 Calendar of Events.  

Utilizing Your International Experience
Wednesday, April 2, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Cofrin 15