After the first edition of the book was in print, we shared copies of the book with several career services leaders throughout the United States. Many offered great suggestions that are now reflected in the new edition of the book. Some of the suggestions, however, were received after the new edition was published. We wanted to take advantage of the good thoughts and ideas received from these career services professionals. Therefore, we placed a link in the book to this page so that readers can come to this page and find updated information. Please refer back to this page from time to time as we will be adding more helpful suggestions received from career services professionals as we receive them.
Business Cards:
A career services leader mentioned that she did not think most colleges arrange for business cards for students. One indicated that she did not think any arrange for business cards for students. Actually, there are not accurate statistics on this subject but I found many schools that either provide the cards for free or at a very large discount. Here are links to just a few of those schools and their student business card programs:
http://a6425.bates.edu/x159450.xml
http://www.usu.edu/career/students/businesscard.php
http://business.marquette.edu/career-center/business-cards
Interviews and Following Up:
In the book, I recommend following up after an application has been submitted or after an interview has been completed. Some people think that might be too pushy. It could be. There are no firm right or wrong directions here except it is better to follow up than not to do so. Just do not do it too soon or be too pushy doing it. If you know a decision is to be made within a day of your contact, you should consider sending an email to follow up. If you believe you have more time, then the hand written note described in the book is best – it is more personal.
Interviews and Mock Interview Practice:
Several people recommended the use of mock interviews to sharpen interviewing skills. You can often arrange with your local career services staff to conduct the interview. Although your friends or a family member can do it too, remember that the career services staff members are expert at these activities and if they are willing to do a mock interview with you, you should take advantage of their offer.
Interviews and Suggestions How to Improve the Company:
Some interviewers will ask you to come prepared with ideas to improve their organization. If that occurs, use the research tips in the book to help you prepare your ideas. However, as was pointed out to me, sometimes they surprise the job candidate by asking the candidate, during the interview, how to improve their organization. Remember what I had shared with you in the book. Be polite in your suggestions. If you are not sure, it is best to say you need more information to make a solid recommendation. It is always a good thing, however, to come with some suggestions already worked out so that if the question is asked, you can contribute your ideas…ideas that are hopefully well research.
Market Research:
A career counselor from the Midwest recommended to me to suggest that students use Google alerts as a way to monitor what is going on at a company or in an industry. I completely agree! Following a company or its managers or industry professionals via Google alerts or Twitter or Facebook is a great idea.
Salary Negotiation:
A great suggestion about salary levels came from a career services member of a New York area college. She recommended that students refer to Vault or Hoovers as sources. I agree but remember the advice I provided in the book…do not press too hard on salary just because you saw something posted on Vault. Companies are not obligated to pay employees based on what averages are posted on Vault. Vault and Hoovers, however, are very helpful sources and I encourage people to use them.
I also would mention the opportunity for mock interviews so you can practice your interviewing skills and gain valuable feedback from a counselor.