U.S. News & World Report's advice on job search in this market is on target: http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/2009/12/30/5-insider-tips-for-job-seeking-college-grads.html.
Here in CAFNR Career Services, we maintain a database of alumni and employer contacts who are willing to help students begin making the type of connections mentioned in the article. Please let us know if we can help you get started! And, check out OUR online tips for making networking work: http://cafnr.missouri.edu/career-services/interviews/networking.php.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Quizzical Questions
Quizzical Questions
Insight from Employers on Those Tough Interview Questions!
from http://www.agcareers.com/ newsletter 12/17/09
If you’ve done much interviewing or are preparing to start, you’ve probably run across questions that get asked in most every interview. Of course it is great to practice what you might respond with, but what is it that employers are really looking for when asking that particular question? Well, we’ve found out! We’ve asked several industry experts to provide us with points on what they are looking for in a response when asking some of the more difficult interview questions.
Tell me a little about yourself.
Wrong: My name is Pat Smith and I like long walks on the beach and Monopoly. I want to work for your organization because I think you could use some help with your advertising campaigns and I’m much more creative than the team you currently have.
Correct: Mary Birley, Talent Recruiting Consultant at Cargill offered the following insight on the best way to respond to “Tell me about yourself.”
“The purpose of this question is to make you (the candidate) comfortable and start off the interview by getting to talk about yourself without having to answer a tough question right away.” She says to touch on what you’re doing in school, some past jobs you’ve had, some extracurricular activities, and your career goals. She also mentions that it is good to explain how the position you are applying for fits into your career goals.
This question is a hard one for some people because you don’t really have an idea how long they’d like you to speak. Take the advice above for your content and try to keep your response between one to two minutes. To wrap up the conversation and turn it back over to the interviewer, share what you feel you can bring to the organization and/or why you are excited about the position.
Are you willing to relocate?
Wrong: It depends on where the location is and if you are willing to pay to help me relocate.Right: From Human Resources Generalist at Becker Underwood, Kathry Lenz, when responding to this question she is looking for an enthusiastic, but sincere “yes.”
“There is nothing more frustrating than to go through the whole process and make an offer, only to have the candidate decide they don’t want to move after all,” says Lenz.
She says that it is also good to hear if the candidate is familiar with the town where the position is or that the candidate has at least researched the area and like what they’ve found. Lenz says that tells her that the candidate is serious about the job. Also, she says it is nice to hear questions about the town or area, such as what are the schools like, cost of living, etc. Again, another way to confirm the candidate is serious.
If you are really not willing to relocate, don’t apply for the position or if you find out that relocation may be necessary during the interview process, be honest and upfront about the fact that you are unwilling to relocate. It will save both parties time.
What is your expected salary range?
Wrong: I’d like to come into the organization at a managerial level, so therefore I think I should be between $80,000 and $90,000.Correct: “This is a very tough question for most people to answer—not just new graduates,” shares Shannon Blacker, Human Resources Manager with Syngenta Canada. “The main thing is to come into the interview prepared. Do some market research. What are other companies within the industry offering for this type of role? What would similar positions in a different industry pay?”
Blacker advises that most university and colleges have information on typical starting salaries for graduates from each program so use those resources that are available to you.
“Our assumption is that most individuals have an ideal starting salary, valid reasoning behind it and willingness to discuss it,” says Blacker. “If you are the top candidate, most companies will want to make you a fair offer that you will be happy with.”
Blacker also says, regardless of the actual salary range you propose, it is always a good idea to reassure the hiring manager of the main reasons you have applied and let them know that salary is not your only motivator. Reiterate your interest in the position and the company, and let them know you are confident you could come to an agreement that is fair for both parties should the opportunity be presented to you.
What are your weaknesses?
Wrong: I’m not a morning person, which makes me late for work nearly every day. Also, I have a hard time working with people who don’t like my university sports team.Right: “For answers to this question, we always hear ‘I work too hard’, or ‘I’m a perfectionist’, and those are weaknesses that they are trying to make into strengths,” Birley says. “Everyone says them, and it is just annoying to hear.”
She suggests that it is best to be completely honest and think about the feedback from past employers or coworkers, or just something you know you have to work on.
“A great response to this question would be to show that you are self-aware in that you know your weaknesses, and then show what you’re doing to address them or improve upon them,” says Birley.
What will you offer our company?
Wrong: I’m simply the best candidate that you will find and confident in my abilities!Right: While being confident is important, Lenz suggests that being more specific and providing examples of related experiences or education that relate to the job description and job duties listed are a more valuable response to this question and will help set you apart.
“Tell me why you chose this career path and demonstrate why you have passion for this type of work or position,” says Lenz. “Reiterate how you have prepared yourself for this type of work through related education, internships, etc. And, if they don’t have the related background yet, I look for an answer that suggests they have carefully thought through this career path and that tells me why they are choosing it.”
Do you have any questions for me?
Wrong: No, I think you’ve answered them all!
Right: “It always amazes me when people do not take the opportunity during the interview to ask questions,” says Blacker. “We want to know that people are just as serious about their careers, as we are about finding the right team member for our organization so we would hope they DO have questions!”
“Similarly, it is a major disappointment for me when the first or only questions a candidate has are: What is the salary?; How much vacation would I get?; and Can you please describe your health benefits?,” says Blacker.
Blacker agrees that those are details that are certainly open for discussion and are great questions to ask at a later stage in the recruitment process if they are not addressed by the hiring manager. Some topics (like vacation and benefits) may even be best discussed during the offer stage.
“My advice is to ask intelligent questions about the role and the company that show you have done your research,” says Blacker. “One caveat: limit your questions to three to five for the initial interview as most hiring managers are on a schedule and you don’t want to ask too many during the first round. If it is a single interview recruitment process, ask away!”
While we know you would never respond as distinctly wrong as the “Wrong” answers posed within this article, we do hope that the feedback provided directly from the mouths of those who could be hiring you will help prepare you so you are sure to achieve a successful interview and adequately answer some of those quizzical questions!
IMPRESSIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK AN INTERVIEWER1. Can you describe a typical day in this type of role?2. How long have you been at the company and what makes you stay?3. How would you describe the work environment and corporate culture?4. What are some of the goals for the company in the short and longer term?5. How would my performance be measured?6. What types of career opportunities may open up down the road for a person starting out in this type of position, assuming they perform well?7. What are some of the company’s initiatives regarding learning and development?
Insight from Employers on Those Tough Interview Questions!
from http://www.agcareers.com/ newsletter 12/17/09
If you’ve done much interviewing or are preparing to start, you’ve probably run across questions that get asked in most every interview. Of course it is great to practice what you might respond with, but what is it that employers are really looking for when asking that particular question? Well, we’ve found out! We’ve asked several industry experts to provide us with points on what they are looking for in a response when asking some of the more difficult interview questions.
Tell me a little about yourself.
Wrong: My name is Pat Smith and I like long walks on the beach and Monopoly. I want to work for your organization because I think you could use some help with your advertising campaigns and I’m much more creative than the team you currently have.
Correct: Mary Birley, Talent Recruiting Consultant at Cargill offered the following insight on the best way to respond to “Tell me about yourself.”
“The purpose of this question is to make you (the candidate) comfortable and start off the interview by getting to talk about yourself without having to answer a tough question right away.” She says to touch on what you’re doing in school, some past jobs you’ve had, some extracurricular activities, and your career goals. She also mentions that it is good to explain how the position you are applying for fits into your career goals.
This question is a hard one for some people because you don’t really have an idea how long they’d like you to speak. Take the advice above for your content and try to keep your response between one to two minutes. To wrap up the conversation and turn it back over to the interviewer, share what you feel you can bring to the organization and/or why you are excited about the position.
Are you willing to relocate?
Wrong: It depends on where the location is and if you are willing to pay to help me relocate.Right: From Human Resources Generalist at Becker Underwood, Kathry Lenz, when responding to this question she is looking for an enthusiastic, but sincere “yes.”
“There is nothing more frustrating than to go through the whole process and make an offer, only to have the candidate decide they don’t want to move after all,” says Lenz.
She says that it is also good to hear if the candidate is familiar with the town where the position is or that the candidate has at least researched the area and like what they’ve found. Lenz says that tells her that the candidate is serious about the job. Also, she says it is nice to hear questions about the town or area, such as what are the schools like, cost of living, etc. Again, another way to confirm the candidate is serious.
If you are really not willing to relocate, don’t apply for the position or if you find out that relocation may be necessary during the interview process, be honest and upfront about the fact that you are unwilling to relocate. It will save both parties time.
What is your expected salary range?
Wrong: I’d like to come into the organization at a managerial level, so therefore I think I should be between $80,000 and $90,000.Correct: “This is a very tough question for most people to answer—not just new graduates,” shares Shannon Blacker, Human Resources Manager with Syngenta Canada. “The main thing is to come into the interview prepared. Do some market research. What are other companies within the industry offering for this type of role? What would similar positions in a different industry pay?”
Blacker advises that most university and colleges have information on typical starting salaries for graduates from each program so use those resources that are available to you.
“Our assumption is that most individuals have an ideal starting salary, valid reasoning behind it and willingness to discuss it,” says Blacker. “If you are the top candidate, most companies will want to make you a fair offer that you will be happy with.”
Blacker also says, regardless of the actual salary range you propose, it is always a good idea to reassure the hiring manager of the main reasons you have applied and let them know that salary is not your only motivator. Reiterate your interest in the position and the company, and let them know you are confident you could come to an agreement that is fair for both parties should the opportunity be presented to you.
What are your weaknesses?
Wrong: I’m not a morning person, which makes me late for work nearly every day. Also, I have a hard time working with people who don’t like my university sports team.Right: “For answers to this question, we always hear ‘I work too hard’, or ‘I’m a perfectionist’, and those are weaknesses that they are trying to make into strengths,” Birley says. “Everyone says them, and it is just annoying to hear.”
She suggests that it is best to be completely honest and think about the feedback from past employers or coworkers, or just something you know you have to work on.
“A great response to this question would be to show that you are self-aware in that you know your weaknesses, and then show what you’re doing to address them or improve upon them,” says Birley.
What will you offer our company?
Wrong: I’m simply the best candidate that you will find and confident in my abilities!Right: While being confident is important, Lenz suggests that being more specific and providing examples of related experiences or education that relate to the job description and job duties listed are a more valuable response to this question and will help set you apart.
“Tell me why you chose this career path and demonstrate why you have passion for this type of work or position,” says Lenz. “Reiterate how you have prepared yourself for this type of work through related education, internships, etc. And, if they don’t have the related background yet, I look for an answer that suggests they have carefully thought through this career path and that tells me why they are choosing it.”
Do you have any questions for me?
Wrong: No, I think you’ve answered them all!
Right: “It always amazes me when people do not take the opportunity during the interview to ask questions,” says Blacker. “We want to know that people are just as serious about their careers, as we are about finding the right team member for our organization so we would hope they DO have questions!”
“Similarly, it is a major disappointment for me when the first or only questions a candidate has are: What is the salary?; How much vacation would I get?; and Can you please describe your health benefits?,” says Blacker.
Blacker agrees that those are details that are certainly open for discussion and are great questions to ask at a later stage in the recruitment process if they are not addressed by the hiring manager. Some topics (like vacation and benefits) may even be best discussed during the offer stage.
“My advice is to ask intelligent questions about the role and the company that show you have done your research,” says Blacker. “One caveat: limit your questions to three to five for the initial interview as most hiring managers are on a schedule and you don’t want to ask too many during the first round. If it is a single interview recruitment process, ask away!”
While we know you would never respond as distinctly wrong as the “Wrong” answers posed within this article, we do hope that the feedback provided directly from the mouths of those who could be hiring you will help prepare you so you are sure to achieve a successful interview and adequately answer some of those quizzical questions!
IMPRESSIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK AN INTERVIEWER1. Can you describe a typical day in this type of role?2. How long have you been at the company and what makes you stay?3. How would you describe the work environment and corporate culture?4. What are some of the goals for the company in the short and longer term?5. How would my performance be measured?6. What types of career opportunities may open up down the road for a person starting out in this type of position, assuming they perform well?7. What are some of the company’s initiatives regarding learning and development?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Job Outlook for 2010 Grads...Stinks, but Wait...
There is good news for those pursuing careers in agriculture, food processing and environmental science: http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/17/news/economy/college_graduates_jobs/index.htm.
Please let us know if we can help you to organize and launch a job or internship search! As we work with employers, we know the CNN Money article is right: There are jobs out there. We're glad to help you find them!
Stephanie Chipman
MU CAFNR Career Services
Please let us know if we can help you to organize and launch a job or internship search! As we work with employers, we know the CNN Money article is right: There are jobs out there. We're glad to help you find them!
Stephanie Chipman
MU CAFNR Career Services
Monday, September 28, 2009
Dickinson Scholars
Last year, as a sophomore CAFNR student, I was looking to get more involved within the College of Agriculture as well as add intern and leadership experience to my resume. I had heard about Dickinson Scholars through a presentation in my Ag Econ 2183 class and decided that it could be a good opportunity to get involved and get some of that experience I was looking for.The program fulfilled my expectations and more. I went in not knowing what to expect and came out knowing more about professionalism in the workplace, what steps I need to take as a student to ensure a great job in the future, and I also made some fantastic contacts. The program allowed me to network with alumni and get their opinion on attending graduate school as well as different companies and jobs. It was also a great opportunity to grow as a person in ways such as proper business attire and where to put your fork and knife once you are done eating.
I encourage all students who are interesting in working in corporate agriculture to apply to John Brown or Dickinson Scholars. A week of your winter break is definitely worth the experience!
-Danielle Bellis
Junior, Agribusiness Management
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
John Brown Scholars-Finding Career Success
As a college student, I've been involved in lots of things. Campus organizations, internships, and part-time jobs have kept me busy during my time here at Mizzou. Of all these great experiences, I'll say the John Brown Scholars program tops my list of greatest experiences when it comes to career opportunities.
Who doesn't want to meet potential employers and learn what it takes to succeed in the professional world? This week-long opportunity partners CAFNR students with leading companies working in agriculture, food, and natural resources.
You'll have the chance to explore the real-world, while applying the lessons you learn in class everyday. Not only did I learn valuable professional lessons, but I really enjoyed the helpful insight and advice from recent graduates who are now young professionals with full-time careers.
So how can you get involved? Simply turn in your cover letter, resume, and list of three references by noon, Thursday, October 15 in 2-64 Agriculture Building. A panel will review the resumes and hold interviews October 20-22.
Here are the qualifications for the program:
Who doesn't want to meet potential employers and learn what it takes to succeed in the professional world? This week-long opportunity partners CAFNR students with leading companies working in agriculture, food, and natural resources.
You'll have the chance to explore the real-world, while applying the lessons you learn in class everyday. Not only did I learn valuable professional lessons, but I really enjoyed the helpful insight and advice from recent graduates who are now young professionals with full-time careers.
So how can you get involved? Simply turn in your cover letter, resume, and list of three references by noon, Thursday, October 15 in 2-64 Agriculture Building. A panel will review the resumes and hold interviews October 20-22.
Here are the qualifications for the program:
- Be of junior or higher standing (at least 60 hours completed by end of fall semester) and enrolled in CAFNR.
- Have a 2.5 minimum GPA while enrolled at MU.
- Be available the entire week of the program (Jan. 10-15, 2010).
- Have completed Ag Econ 1041 and 1042. (Ag Econ 2183 is highly recommended.)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Dickinson Scholars-A Growing Experience
This past Winter Break I had the privilege to spend a week with the Dickinson Scholar program in Kansas City. The program is designed for CAFNR students to network with leaders in agriculture, and see opportunities in the industry. I was able to spend my week with talented leaders from John Deere, while my peers and I learned from their insight. Not only was it educational and fun, but I've always been partial to green tractors!While visiting John Deere, I learned about all aspects of marketing in the company. We spent time traveling to local dealerships, followed by visiting the corporate headquarters. The program was well-rounded and opened my eyes to the many facets of the Deere Company.
A few of the highlights of the Dickinson Scholars program for me included meeting with the Dickinson family, the owners of Bank Midwest, and then also the final presentations. The Dickinsons assisted us in learning about the banking industry, but we also got to see their passion for agriculture and reasoning behind starting the Dickinson Scholars program. The final presentations are a fun yet professional evening when professors, industry professionals, and all participants join to learn about the different parts of the Dickinson Scholars program.
The Dickinson Scholars program was a great way to spend my winter break, and I encourage all undergraduates to apply! While some application and interview processes can be stressful, the Dickinson Scholars application was simple and the interview was with respected professors from the college with whom I was already acquainted. Seeing familiar, smiling faces made the interview comfortable for me. I hope you see how valuable the experiences are, and choose to apply now!
-Charlotte Jackson
Junior, Agricultural Education
Now's the time to submit your cover letter and resume to apply for this year's program. For details, click here. Also check out the John Brown Scholars program, which is a similar opportunity for CAFNR students, typically juniors and seniors. If you have questions, CAFNR Career Services is here to help!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Who wants a popsicle?
I'm not sure I've ever seen popsicles in the professional world. That is until this week! CAFNR Career Services is handing out these frozen treats to remind students to avoid letting brain freezes lead to hiring freezes!
Our team will be handing out more sweet treats in the ag building today from 2-3 p.m. and again Monday from 2-3 p.m. Take time to come visit us between classes to stay cool, and also find the resources you need to start the semester on the right track.
Just take a look at the pictures to see how much fun we're having!These CAFNR students say goodbye to summer with a yummy popsicle and helpful career advice!
Here are some common cures we think can help you avoid any hiring freeze:-Register at Hire Mizzou Tigers.
-Build your resume.
-Attend CAFNR Career Fair 10/7/09.
-Get an internship.
-Utilize Career Services.
No matter your age or year in school, it's never too early to start building your professional experiences.
Here's proof that CAFNR Career Services is a fun place to be!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Making Dreams Come True
Have you ever gone to Disney World? Played in a big sports game? Sang in front of hundreds of people? Or done anything so exciting you couldn't fall asleep because your mind was so busy dreaming already?I had that same problem just last night as I laid in bed trying to get some sleep before my very last, first day of school.
Just like a trip to the amusement park, or another exciting adventure, I was so preoccupied dreaming up great opportunities that I could hardly fall asleep. We tend to expect that anticipation and excitement from students starting their first day at college...but a senior, REALLY?
It's no secret, I've always liked school, but as a veteran here at Mizzou I expected today to be like any other day in my college career. I was so comfortable, I didn't look up the location of my 9 a.m. class until 8 a.m., right before leaving my apartment to pick up my parking pass, both things that most students did at least seven days ago! So it's easy to see I wasn't awake because of nerves, but more for excitement.
Like other students here at Mizzou, and more specifically in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, I am confident my college experiences have prepared me to succeed after graduation. While I certainly plan to savor every last minute I have on campus, I can't help my excitement for the world that awaits me beyond Columbia.
Call me biased, but I've found this mindset to be unique when I look to other schools on our campus. The CAFNR family nurtures students to help us build the experiences and skills to be successful adults.
One example of this nurturing comes in the form of professional development, offered right here from the folks at CAFNR Career Services. Because of the networking and lessons I've learned from their programs, services, and advice, I know transitioning from college to career will be an experience to help make my dreams come true!
Call me biased, but I've found this mindset to be unique when I look to other schools on our campus. The CAFNR family nurtures students to help us build the experiences and skills to be successful adults.
One example of this nurturing comes in the form of professional development, offered right here from the folks at CAFNR Career Services. Because of the networking and lessons I've learned from their programs, services, and advice, I know transitioning from college to career will be an experience to help make my dreams come true!
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