Many students think that a job interview is the first step toward getting a job. However, it is one of the last.
The Career Center, found on the second floor of the San Rafael building, held a “Successful Interview Strategies” workshop on March 25 from 2 to 3 p.m. The two students who showed up were able to get detailed lessons and demonstrations of career-finding programs.
“Having your face known to the boss and employees before submitting your résumé is very important,” said Sandy Lee, a counselor at the Career Center. “When you first walk in to ask if there is a job opening, first impressions are everything. It’s important to dress and act appropriately.”
One of the most difficult tasks for students is finding a job. About 75 percent of the available jobs are unadvertised. How does a student find these jobs?
“You have to let friends and family know that you are looking for a job,” said Lee. “They will help you by asking the people they know and those people will ask the people they know and so on. This will greatly increase your chances of finding a job.”
Students shouldn’t get ahead of themselves once they are granted a job interview. They should be prepared for any type of interview, from one-on-one to being interviewed by a panel.
“Make sure you have fully researched the company and don’t spend too much time thinking about what to answer,” said Lee.
“I came to this workshop because I think it will be helpful not only in the short-term, but also help me further in life,” said Jessica Panameno, 18, an undecided major. “I learned a lot of helpful things today, like how important first impressions are. I definitely plan on attending the next workshop.”
Students can go to the Career Center to practice their answers and learn correct mannerisms for job interviews. Students can also use valuable programs and tests not only to find out what career choice is best for them, but also to get a valuable insight as to what kind of person they are.
Programs, such as EUREKA and DISCOVER, can be used by students at the center. Both these programs help students pick out what career choice is correct for them as well as provide statistics on salary information and how much demand there is for that job in California.
With the DISCOVER program, students can watch people from different backgrounds being interviewed for a job. Students can then see firsthand on what to do and what not to do at a job interview.
“The counselors are here to help students not only find jobs and careers, but to help them discover what kind of person they are,” said Lee. “We recommend all students should stop by and use these helpful services that are provided to them.”
Students can visit the center Monday through Thursday from 8:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. It is open from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. Students can also find a directory of links and tools such as such as personality tests and career databases. at http://www.glendale.edu/index.aspx?page=1294.
