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What's on Your Mind?
Archives of recently submitted Questions and Answers! Search by topic or read the full list.
General Job Search Questions
Q: When is the earliest that companies can inform applicants of their decisions, and will they typically tell us if we don't get the job, or only if we do? Ben, Class of 2011
A: There really is no timeline companies use to inform applicants of their decisions and each employer is different. It’s always a good idea to ask at the time of the interview when they expect to be making their decisions or when you can expect to hear back from them. Regarding letting you know if you don’t get the job – that differs between employers as well. Stay in touch with employers; check in with them periodically and continue to reiterate your interest in the position they have available.
Q: I wasn’t able to attend the Career Fair last month – do I have to wait until the next career fair to look for a summer job?
A: Attending a career fair should only be one small part of a job search. There are new jobs posted almost every day in JOBLINK so we encourage you to login regularly and see what’s posted. You should also begin identifying companies NOW that you are interested in working for and making contact as to when they make decisions about summer internship opportunities. You can look geographically for companies, by industry or products/services offered – there are many ways to find those companies – but find them sooner rather than later! The competitive positions will not be around very long!
GPA Related Questions
Q: I am a freshman and am wondering about my GPA-to-be, so to speak. Is there a cutoff GPA where students will not get hired? TJ, Class of 2013
A: Many companies have their own GPA requirement and typically the better your GPA, the better your chances are. However, when an employer looks at a candidate, they look at many factors. GPA is definitely one of them – but they also look at experience you have in your field (you get this through summer internships and co-op experience), coursework (projects, labs, etc.) leadership, activities, skill sets, etc.
Q: My GPA is below 3. Is it really impossible to get a job/internship without it being above 3? What can I do outside of improving it to make myself more appealing? Daniel, Class of 2011
A: No – it is not impossible to find an internship if your GPA is lower than a 3.0. While a good GPA is important, very often employers will look at the ‘whole package’ when looking at a candidate. If a student works while going to school, for instance, or if a student holds a leadership position in their student organizations, they may get some attention. Ultimately, an employer is looking for experience and skills when they hire students. You can get that experience in the classroom but also through summer jobs and co-op. Search out small employers and look for every opportunity to find that experience.
Q: If my GPA is under a 3.0, should I include it on my resume??
A: That depends on how much under 3.0 it is. Typically, if your GPA is lower than 2.5 overall, we suggest it should be left off. However, most recruiters assume the GPA is low if it is not included on your resume and it’s a good idea to tell them that it is a 2.85 rather than have them assume it is a 2.3. Caution: don’t masquerade your GPA and include your current GPA, your in major GPA or previous semester’s GPA without including your overall GPA as well.
Graduate/Professional School Questions
Interviewing Questions
Q: I had an interview last week, but didn't know it was a technical interview beforehand. As a result, I struggled to answer questions because I did not have a chance to review course material from the previous year. How can I find out if my upcoming interview is technical? Julia, Class of 2011
A: Great question - and a hard one to give a clear and definitive answer to. Our best advice is to always prepare as if every interview will be a technical interview or will include technical questions. Everything on your resume is fair game for a recruiter to ask about - including classes you may have had as a freshman. Many employers want to know if you have a basic grasp of the technology - if you have access to a job description before-hand, read it over carefully to determine key areas or skill sets that may be required. You can always schedule a Mock Interview with a Career Counselor if this would help you have a chance to prepare for future interviews. Use the CDC Appointment Scheduler to arrange for a mock interview if needed.
Q: When is the earliest that companies can inform applicants of their decisions, and will they typically tell us if we don't get the job, or only if we do? Ben, Class of 2011
A: There really is no timeline companies use to inform applicants of their decisions and each employer is different. It’s always a good idea to ask at the time of the interview when they expect to be making their decisions or when you can expect to hear back from them. Regarding letting you know if you don’t get the job – that differs between employers as well. Stay in touch with employers; check in with them periodically and continue to reiterate your interest in the position they have available.
JobLink Questions
Q: How does applying from RPI JobLink differ from directly applying at a company's website? Sophie, Class of 2011
A: JobLink is RPI’s exclusive online recruiting and job posting system. Employers posting to JobLink are specifically looking for Rensselaer students. The system allows employers to track RPI applicants. It’s generally recommended you do both – apply through JobLink and on the company’s website, especially when an employer is interviewing candidates here on campus.
Major/Career Choice Questions
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