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| Ask your contact for an agenda. This will help you to prepare for the day. Obtain a map of the area. Bring extra cash/credit cards. Travel light. If you are taking a plane, carry your luggage on board in an overnight case or suit bag. Have a contingency plan. If flights are canceled due to weather conditions or if your departure is delayed, what should you do? Ask for both business and home phone numbers so that you can keep your host informed during and after business hours. Be certain you have done your homework. Read up on the company (see "Researching the Employer " handout for ideas). Know their products, services, locations, the names of the CEO/president, and any recent press they have received. Keep records and receipts for all activities. If you arrive the night before your interview, you will most likely have dinner in the hotel. Keep receipts for taxis, tolls, parking, meals, etc. Bring extra copies of your resume as well as a list of questions you wish to ask. Always carry a pen and paper with you. Get a good night's sleep and be ready early. The Interview Interviews are typically 1/2 hour - 1 hour each. You will typically meet 3 to 5 individuals during the day. Most will be involved in the evaluation process. Above all, be enthusiastic and genuine. Ask questions. Know your priorities. Take notes. Jot down names, titles of people with whom you speak (if you have not already received an agenda), and important points. Clarify the next step. Be sure you understand what action will follow the plant trip. Remember, a verbal job offer is not an offer. Get it in writing. Follow-up After Your Trip Complete the expense report immediately. Reimbursement can take 4 - 6 weeks. Increase your visibility. Send a "thank you" note to your host. Recall something that impressed you about your visit to the company. Ask a question requiring further correspondence. If you do not hear from the employer within the previously specified amount of time - call collect. Ask about the status of your candidacy. Talk with your host - the person who arranged the interview. If you receive an offer in writing, respond immediately! Offer thanks and a date by which you will inform them of your decision. Restate and confirm the terms of agreement in your letter: starting salary, job title and duties, location, etc. If you are rejected: Do not grieve! Perhaps there was not an appropriate match. Think about it. Were you, in fact, really enthusiastic about the position? Did you convey this to everyone you met at the company? If you wish to assess your marketability, you may call your host and request feedback. This may be helpful. Things to Think About Salary Go armed. Know last year's range for your discipline and degree level. Look in the "Salary Surveys" binder in the Career Resource Room for current salary data. Try not to state specific salary requirements. This will box you in a corner. It is best to wait for them to make you an offer first, then evaluate the offer. If they do pressure you, provide a suitable range based on your research of competitive salaries. Providing a range rather than a specific salary amount will allow you room to negotiate. Location If you have the opportunity to look around the area while you are visiting the company, you may feel more comfortable making a job choice. Some companies include a "city tour" in your visit. If they do not, try to arrange one yourself. Dress Dress appropriately for the position. When in doubt, wear a conservative suit. Women should take along an extra pair of shoes with flat heels. If you will be visiting a "plant" or "field" in a environment - bring a blazer or wear less formal attire. If you are concerned about dressing appropriately, ask your host prior to your visit. Spouse/Fiance Some employers will make provisions for a spouse to visit the company with you. If you are very serious about the opportunity and you feel it would be important for your spouse/fiance to see the area, let your host know sometime prior to your actual visit. Often this request can be accommodated. |
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