Looking: Applying, Follow-Ups, and Interviews

I've been applying to an average of two jobs per day, and as I am finishing Finals and looking forward to going home for the vacation I wonder about some of the protocol when it comes time to follow-up, interview, and the content of my materials.

First- how long is too long to apply?
Even though you have a fierce loyalty to your Internship where you couldn't possibly imagine thinking about any other job, sometime after midterms would generally be a good start. Even if an organization hasn't posted anything because they share the same fondness about the Interns they have now and couldn't possibly think of taking anyone else, sending them your resume or a quick email to see if they are seeking Interns wouldn't hurt. In fact, it would put you ahead of the pack, and for the really good Internships that go fast that's key.
If you're looking now, no worries because I have experience in doing the Hail Flutie pass right before break. Once Finals are over and your head stops spinning, get your resume and cover letter together, and begin searching the organizations that could still need some help.

How long should you wait after applying to contact them?
I like waiting a few days, or calling right after I send it to make sure they received it. In reality they may keep applications open for a few weeks, so during the Interim they will just print out the information and get a pile ready for the picking. Tip- if you apply for an executive agency like I did with the Department of Justice, your resume gets posted on a job bank and stays there for months, so make sure there aren't any mistakes and be prepared to get phone calls from some organizations you didn't know you applied to.

Phone Calls and Interviews
I'm nervous about this one, and the best strategy I can suggest is practice. The Career Center has Interview Preparation that can help. In my public speaking class we learned practicing in front of a group or in a room where you can see your expressions helps tremendously. Ask the general questions you think they could ask, such as
- tell me a little about yourself (balance between telling a novel and just quipping "All you need to know is how great I'd be for the job!")
- why you would be good for the job- match the qualities or interests you have with the characteristics they are looking for, and DO YOUR RESEARCH!! Before the interview look over their website and say why you would match their goals.
- Always have something to ask when they ask if you have any more questions. Ask what is a daily routine for the staff or your job or further clarification on your responsibilities. It shows that you are genuinely interested in the job and you paid attention.

Looking for the New Internship or Job

We're in the midst of Finals, getting everything ready to go home, abroad, or get new housing for next semester...and the cherry on the cake is finding a new internship. For me it's time to enter the Real World series and find my new job because I am a (very, extremely) recent graduate of American University. Where can you turn to for information on your next job?

- Career Center Website- I check their lists of Jobs & Internships at least eight times a day now. Apply to some jobs that you may not have thought about but still may interest you, it could open new doors. And remember to check the listings from the day before because some get added much later.

- Adviser- I met with my Career Center Adviser the Spring of my Sophomore year to secure this Internship that I started in March. I knew I was going abroad but wanted to do this once I got back, so we researched the Department of Justice website until we found a list of places I could apply. In November while on my patio overlooking the Vatican in Rome (shameless plug...bellissima!) I e-mailed all the contacts and had a phone interview while I was there.

- Activities- If you worked with off-campus organizations during your time at AU contact them to see if they need any help. One of the first people I talked to was the American Cancer Society representative that helped us with Relay for Life in April (plug 2- join the AU team! Great experience!)

- Professors- Talk to them after class a few times, especially adjuncts! They will either know of hiring in their offices or other people in the city that are looking for help. Then just remember to thank them and pass the Final.

- Friends- Super important! Friends can connect you with jobs or internships they just had, and they'll know firsthand when things are opening up or their boss may ask them if they know anyone for next semester.

Leaving: Materials for Your Next Internship

There are certain materials you should take with you when you leave to prepare for future interviews and applications.

- Recommendation- REALLY Important!! Ask now or regret it later when people want two or three letters about your performance. Have your boss or Intern Coordinator write up a letter about what types of responsibilities you had, what skills you strengthened, and what kind of work ethic you possessed. Then make sure it's okay to put them down as a reference. It's better to ask instead of throwing their number around without their permission, and to let then know ahead of time so they have thought about what to say.

- Work Samples- even if it's a draft of a letter commending fifth graders from graduating, keep some work you did and either send it to yourself or save it to a flash drive. New bosses ask for samples and it would be great to have something other than a course paper to show them your skills.

Leaving: Building the Network

So there's a week or two left, and there are a few things and people I want to talk to before I leave. One attorney for example I would love chat with about his experiences with Teach for America, because I am seriously considering it. Instead of waiting until the last millisecond to discuss it, I'm going to e-mail him and ask for a good time over next week so we can have a lot of time. Although the Internship probably seems like it's going to go on for eternity, the end is almost here, and soon the countdown will hit zero, sans confetti and crazy sunglasses (dancing in the street entirely acceptable though). Make plans this week to talk to those last few people you've become close with or just want to chat with them about future options.

- Whether it's your boss or the higher-up you've only seen in passing but heard great things, ask to sit down with them for a few minutes. When they know you're leaving they should be able to fit in some time. Talk about how much you enjoyed your time there, a few key things you may have learned while there, and thank them for hiring you. Talk about your future plans, and always leave the door open if you do consider it an option for a post-graduate job, even if it's only Sophomore year.

- Grab their business cards and contact information. See if it's okay to talk to them in the future if you have any questions.

Leaving the Internship: With a Good Impression

It's that time of year again- end of semester, last week of classes, about to start Finals, and of course leaving the Internship. It's been a long, windy, spiral road, but it's been good. I hope. Here's Part 1 in a few posts about what to do in the last few weeks to leave a good impression, building your network, and to have the materials for your next internship.

Leaving the Good Impression-

Fun tip- Even though you are leaving sometimes for good, remember that a) your performance reflects on whether employers will look forward to hiring another AU student or would rather hire..well, anyone else, and b) you may very well need your boss as a future reference. So while currently you're thinking of a dozen ways to end the job with a memorable blast, hold on to the squirrels or seran wrap long enough to debate the pros and cons.

During the last few weeks make sure you keep the same professional manner you had the entire time you were there. Finish off any projects you were assigned, or if it's a work-in-progress make sure you send all the information and materials to another Intern or your boss. Many times like in my current job right after you leave they delete all the documents from your folders, so if you don't send and save what you need it'll be lost.

Also, tie up any loose ends you can think of, not only work-related but if there are people you want to stay in touch with, sit down and chat with them. Let them know when you're leaving and where you'll be going, and exchange contact information. More on building the network later! And if the pros outweigh the cons of the big blowout, I'd love to hear about it.