Your Next Step at Rensselaer

Sophomore Career Experience

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February 2008 Newsletter

Career Development Center

Mark your calendar now.  The next SCE event, “Going to the Source:  Job Search Strategies from Recruiters” will be presented on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, Sage 3510, at 4 and 7 pm.  Anne Dean and Doug Slingerland, Rensselaer alumni from ExxonMobil, will be here to talk about the steps to take in finding summer internships and co-op jobs.  In addition, they will give you an inside view as to what happens on the corporate side after career fairs.  Join us for what should be a very informative evening.  Please note the change in classrooms to Sage 3510!  Pizza and soda will be served.  RSVP on RedHawk Joblink!

Our Sponsors

Many sophomores are getting invitations for interviews.  For those of you preparing for this important occasion, remember these basic tips for men and women.  Wear a conservative 2-piece business suit (a sports jacket or blazer is acceptable for sophomores).  The best colors: solid dark blue or grey.  Your shirt should be pressed and be white or a pastel.  Men should wear silk ties with a conservative design and dark socks.  Women should wear shoes with conservative heels and simple makeup.  Take your SCE padfolio with extra resumes, an unofficial transcript, and pictures of your projects if you have any.

Dressing for the Interview

Adapted from the Wall Street Journal, February 5, 2008

 

Everyone knows they should express their gratitude in writing following a job interview. Yet most applicants spend scant time writing such letters. Dashing off a perfunctory note blows a great opportunity to gain a competitive edge and, possibly, to seal the deal. A thoughtful follow-up carries as much clout as a cover letter, many experts say.

 

Make sure your letter describes relevant achievements and potential contributions beyond those you cited in person. A well-crafted letter also may overcome a hiring manager's initial qualms about you. You can address any issues that may have not gone your way in the interview.  Every key interviewer deserves a personalized thank-you letter. 

 

Career counselors, recruiters and human-resource managers disagree about the format for a follow-up, however. Email often makes the most sense when a hiring decision looms. On the other hand, a hard-copy document sets the job seeker in the immediate consciousness of the interviewer.  A handwritten message in flawless penmanship can leave an indelible impression -- especially if you use simple stationery, minus any flowers or animals. More than half of the respondents to a survey prefer that approach.

Notes to Interviewers Should Go Beyond A Simple Thank You

Next SCE Event

Mark Your Calendars!

 

“Cracking the

Networking Code”

 

Presented by:

 

IBM

March 19, 2008

4 or 7 pm

Heffner Alumni House

 

Ice Cream Bash & Amazing Giveaways!

Learn From the Experts!  “Job Search Strategies” Next Week!