Interviews
Getting that Interview

Sending out packets cold to potential employers usually won't help land that important interview. Competition is stiff. Some companies get up to 1,500 resumes and cover letters per day.

Use your network. Faculty, alumni and students are potential network resources.  
Having a "name" will usually help open the door to an interviewer.

Spend time on the phone. Call potential employers and introduce yourself before sending your packet.

Use e-mail to make introduction. Then send your packet. Follow up with a phone call.

Job fairs allow you to meet folks in your industry. Joining professional organizations helps determine where the jobs/internships are.

Sample Questions Asked By Employers:
Reprinted from the Northwestern Endicott Report by V. R. Lindquist by permission of Northwestern University Placement Center, Evanston, Ill.

• What do you see yourself doing in five years from now?
• What are your long-range career objectives?
• What are the most important rewards you expect in your business career?
• How would you describe yourself?
• How do you determine or evaluate success?
• What motivates you to put forth your greatest efforts?
• How has your college experience prepared you for a business career?
• What is the most difficult work-related situation you have ever faced?  
  How did you react?
• What qualities should a successful manager possess?
• What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
• What led you to choose your field of study?
• How do you work under pressure?
• What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?