Interview Tips

Announcement of Events

• Peace Tour Info Session

  • Scheduled for tonight at 5 PM

  • Location: UCC by the Hornbake

  • Encouragement to attend and research online if unaware

Introduction

• Presenter expresses excitement to engage with students

• Introduction of TA: Nila Far

  • Master's in Public Health and Behavioral Community Health

  • Invites students to schedule one-on-one appointments for guidance

  • Topics available for discussion:

    • Resume building

    • Mock interviews

    • Graduate school preparation

    • Job and internship exploration

Student Check-in

• Acknowledgment of the challenging times at the university and in the country

• Quick activity to energize students by standing up and stretching

Career Resources and Opportunities

• Recommended Website: careers.umd.edu

  • University Career Center (UCC) resources

  • Upcoming Spring and Career Internship Fair in February

  • Interactive workshops for resume revamping

Upcoming Events and Networking Opportunities

• Public Health Career Expo planned for fall semester

• Importance of staying attentive to career-related events

• Mention of Handshake platform for finding events, internships, jobs:

  • Encouragement to utilize Handshake for networking and job applications

Job Market Awareness

• Caution regarding the current federal government hiring freeze affecting job/internship offers

• Importance of understanding implications for students seeking internships

Navigating the Job Search

• Utilizing Handshake alongside other platforms like Idealist and Indeed

• Emphasis on exploring the hidden job market:

  • Most job opportunities are not publicly posted

  • Encouragement to network to uncover these jobs

Networking Importance

• Definition of networking as relationship-building for career advancement

• Discussion of techniques:

  • Reaching out to peers, alumni, professors, and other connections

  • Register for internship days and networking events

  • Expanding networks through LinkedIn and social media platforms

LinkedIn as a Networking Tool

• Using LinkedIn to connect with alumni and professionals in desired fields

• Importance of personalizing messages and demonstrating genuine interest in others' experiences

Preparing for Career Chats

• Benefits of informational interviews and career chats

• Recommended approach:

  • Prepare meaningful questions ahead of time

  • Respect the time of those you are speaking with

  • Take notes for future reference and follow-up

Interview Preparation

• Key topics to research before an interview:

  • Job description specifics

  • Industry trends and ethical issues relevant to the field

  • Develop thoughtful questions for interviewers

Behavioral Interview Techniques

• Introduction of the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for answering behavioral questions

• Examples shared on effectively discussing experiences and skills through this method

Questions to Ask Employers

• Importance of preparing thoughtful questions for the interviewer to demonstrate engagement

• Examples of appropriate questions regarding workplace culture and community

Follow-up Etiquette

• Importance of sending follow-up thank you notes post-interview

• Timing and phrasing tips to maintain professionalism

Resources for Further Support

• BIG Interview as a useful tool for interview practice

• Encouragement to reach out to presenters for further guidance and appointments via Handshake

Conclusion

• Final encouragement to foster connections and utilize provided resources for career journeys.