We have learned that if one person has a question, many other people may also have the same question. This page has been created for the people who have purchased the book, but may still have some questions related to the material in the book. We will examine all the questions we receive and post answers here to the questions that we think will benefit many of our readers. Please return to this page periodically to review any new material.
Question # 1:
When I go on an inteview and provide copies of my resume to people I meet, is it permissible to change the resume from the one I had initially submitted when I applied for the job?
Answer # 1:
Yes, of course. Remember that you should use every opportunity to convince potential employers that you are the best candidate for the job. The resume you distribute during a job interview can be updated to reflect new information. It can also provide more information about you. Unlike the initial resume, the one you bring with you during the job interview can extend beyond one page. As always, check and double check for typos and follow the advice in the book — your resume is an ad for you and only the most relevant information should be included.
Question # 2:
I notice in the resume examples in the book that you include the title to an honors research paper that a student may have done while in school. I am not an honors student and have not done an honors paper, but I have done a term paper that is well written. Can I include that?
Answer # 2:
Yes, you can list the title to a term paper IF it supports your brand positioning. The objective addressed in including the listing of a paper title is to show a prospective interviewer that you have approached your studies in a serious way and that you know something about the topic area that others may not know. You do not have to be an honors student to do this. It can be any term paper, but check to assure yourself it is well written because the employer may ask to see it if you get an interview.
Question # 3:
If there is a particular professional that I would like to network with via LinkedIn but I have no connections to them, how do I approach them in terms of asking them for a connection?
Answer # 3:
There are groups for many professions. You need to search LinkedIn to find them.
Question # 4:
How long should I wait before following-up with a company after sending my resume?
Answer # 4:
10 days to two weeks, but do not get disappointed if they do not respond as they are often overwhelmed with hundreds of resumes.
Question # 5:
I have been having trouble landing an internship. I initially landed one for the fall but was turned down after the offer; so now I am back on the market. If all else fails, how do I request to be an intern at a company that isn’t looking for an intern?
Answer # 5:
Look at the cover letters in my book. Take the cold call cover letter and use it as an example of how to write a letter to a company asking for an internship.
Question # 6:
While networking with a professional, what topics should I bring up in case I want to continue the conversation but run out of things to discuss?
Answer # 6
Best thing is not run out of ideas to discuss. Come with a list of topics that you know a little something about so you can contribute to the conversation. But always know that the way to keep a conversation going
is to ask the other person what they think it takes to succeed in their profession and then ask for examples when they provide you with answers.