Sisters of Alpha Delta Pi sponsored an Interview Tips and LinkedIn Workshop for the Panhellenic Community on Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Sykes Ballroom C. A student career ambassador from the Twardowski Career Development Center gave a short presentation on the best tips on how to prepare for an interview, what to do during an interview, and the proper protocols after an interview, in addition to sharing some information about how to effectively use LinkedIn.
The first step is to submit a resume and apply for a job, which the Career Center also can help students with. They offer resume review services and the Ram Career Network, which lists job postings.
After receiving an invitation to interview, students should make sure they are prepared by confirming all details including time, location, and the person who will be conducting the interview. They should also prepare questions to ask, and have concrete examples of their success from previous experience and/or from the classroom.
During the interview, it is professional to arrive approximately 10 to 15 minutes early. It is important to maintain good posture and avoid nervous habits, and one should dress professionally; it is always better to dress up in a suit for an interview, rather than dress down, even if the working environment seems more relaxed.
Once an interview is over, students should remember to stay in touch; they can follow up with a thank you e-mail or letter, though it is rare to receive a handwritten thank you card, so it is recommended to send a physical letter rather than an e-mail. Students should make sure to follow-up in the allotted time frame given in the interview if one does not hear back before then.
Since LinkedIn has become a popular networking tool, students should create LinkedIn profiles. These profiles should highlight experience, skills, successful projects and other information candidates want potential employers to know. It is important to remain active on LinkedIn and follow organizations, and request to connect with industry professionals. Use these connections to ask questions about the industry, how to create a larger network, and how to seek future career opportunities.
All of the information from the workshop is available on the Twardowski Career Development Center section of wcupa.edu’s website. The Career Center is open Monday through Friday, and has drop in hours from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., though appointments are encouraged. To learn more, students visit wcupa.edu or call (610) 436-2501.
Victoria Holt is a fourth-year student majoring in communication studies. She can be reached at VH758202@wcupa.edu