Sunday, February 22, 2009

Cover Letter

Do you agree with all of the advice given here?
I agree with most of the advice given on this website. However, our guest speaker that came to our class on Friday placed a greater emphasis on the cover letter than this website does. He emphasized the importance of "selling yourself" in the cover letter. This website emphasizes focusing more on the company - and that your resume should be the area where you "sell yourself."
Are the points with which you disagree?
One suggestion on the website was to include a "post-script" on the cover letter that adds an additional accomplishment at the end. It even suggests handwriting it at the bottom. I am unsure at the effectiveness of this technique. I feel that adding a "p.s." would look unprofessional and not flow well with the rest of the structured letter.
Which section of this tutorial is the most useful to you?
The most useful section for me was the mock cover letter link and the cover letter checklist. It is always beneficial for me to see an actual example of what the website is discussing. I also always like to work from a checklist, so that I can make a quick run-through to ensure I've included all of the necessary (and important) aspects of the letter.
Is there anything of which you were not aware that you plan to use when you write your cover letter for your mock interview in this class?
When I write my mock cover letter, I am going to incorporate the structure of three focused paragraphs. I like this set-up and I feel that it will force me to remain focused on my purpose and remain concise in the letter.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

"Healthy Campus Initiative"

On Monday, Jennifer Goree came to speak about the client project that our team will be working on for the remainder of the semester. I am not only excited about starting this project, but also in attaining her goal of creating a “Healthy Campus” using six dimensions of a lifestyle: physical, emotional, environmental, social, intellectual, and spiritual.
Our group has started discussing and collaborating on various ways to develop this “Healthy Campus Initiative.” One idea we have is to develop a FaceBook page that provides students with easy tips and/or links to web sites that focus on those six dimensions. Another idea we have is to write or film a short script that shows various campus activities promoting the six dimensions.
I’m interested in both of these ideas, but am a little nervous about their development. I’ve never created a FaceBook page or edited film on a computer – so I don’t know what work or skills are required! However, we might be able to collaborate with other classmates and teach each other.
As far as other questions, I don’t have any more at the moment. Our team’s next step is to start researching those six dimensions and find various ways to incorporate them within our lifestyle. While searching, it’ll be important to keep the purpose and audience in mind: promoting a healthy campus in a way that is attractive to the Clemson family.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Job Interviews

Do you agree that these are the biggest mistakes that you could make in a job interview?
Yes, I think that this article touches on all of the major mistakes that one could make when interviewing for a job. The common advice tips that I have been told are to practice, to tell the truth, and to follow up after the interview.

Have you ever had a job interview?
I have had job interviews for my two waitressing jobs. However, I've never had a job interview with a larger business or more professional company.

Describe what it was like?
I was nervous when first I first met with the general manager, but once we started talking I calmed down a lot. The interview turned into a more casual conversation instead of a question and answer session - so I was able to relax.

What can a person do to be well prepared for a job interview?
I think the best thing someone can do is to practice! Have friends/family ask you questions, so you can get used to answering. The only thing I would be wary about is make sure your answers don't sound too rehearsed.
The second thing one can do is to realize that the interview is an opportunity for you to get a feel for the company! Take the time to discover if the job is a good fit for you – not just if you are a good fit for the job. Using this thought process may help you relax during the interview: yes, you may fit all of their qualifications, but do they fit your requirements as well?