Tips for Success

 How to Successfully Work The Career & Networking Fair

1. Bring professional copies of your resume.

   Stop in the Career Services Department for assistance and/or to receive professional copies.

2. Prepare your “Elevator Pitch” – What is that?

   An “Elevator Pitch” is a slang term used to describe a brief speech that outlines who you are and what you have to offer. The name comes from the notion that the speech should be delivered within the short time period of an elevator ride, usually 20-60 seconds.

   How to Prepare and Practice Your Elevator Pitch:

   • Open with a statement or question that grabs attention: a statement that prompts your listener to ask questions.
   • Include your program of study, your interest in the company or position, and what you specifically have to offer.
   • Maintain enthusiasm and eye contact.

   Visit Career Services for assistance composing your elevator pitch or to practice YOUR networking skills.

3. 
   

   Network with EVERYONE at the Career Fair!

   • Career Fairs are all about networking. Of course, you’ll want to target the employers who are recruiting for positions in your field of study; however, you’ll also want to network with all employers and learn what they are about. Staffing companies are good sources for networking; visit companies that may have the perfect in-school job.
   • Introduce yourself with a smile and a firm handshake. Develop a rapport before presenting your resume.
   • Dress appropriately – Our employers expect current students, clinical students and externs to approach them in clean, pressed PCI scrubs and following the PCI school dress code.
   • Follow up on any leads – if an employer expresses interest in you or schedules an interview; write down the specifics and follow through.
   • Remember the thank you. Gratitude goes a long way. Remember to thank the employer for their time and for visiting your school. You may want to email the employer and reiterate your interest in the company.

Job Search tips from PCI’s Career Services Department

• Read the newspaper and research job search websites to find more information on companies that are hiring and information about their application process.
• Use the posted job description to tailor your resume for the position. This will mean that you will have to edit your resume to suit the position description and criteria with key words. Most companies use applicant scanning software to sift through applications. Best advice is to study the job position and mirror the key words and phrases on your resume before submitting the application.
• If you know any recruiters or managers who regularly interview prospective new employees, ask them to give you a mock interview and take their feedback on your interview style. This will improve your confidence and performance in real interview situations. First impressions are very important. Prepare and practice for the interview. Stop in PCI’s Career Services department to schedule a mock interview.
• Research the company prior to interviewing, in order to ask informed questions of your interviewer. Focus on questions that are appropriate to the position you are considering. Have an honest, automatic response to the interviewer’s. Practice with a friend or a member of the Career Services team at the school.
• Hiring managers prefer to hire those who come recommended by their employees. Ask friends and family members if their employers are hiring.
• Before you offer someone’s name as a reference, make sure you have that person’s permission.
• If you want the job, be sure to ask for it at the end of the interview.
• After each interview, send a thank you letter and remember to follow up. Be persistent.  Persistence shows the hiring manager that you really want the job.

How to Impress an Interviewer within the First 30 seconds

First impressions play a vital role when it comes to the job interview. Hiring Managers often draw conclusions; deciding if they like your personality and if they are going to take you seriously within the initial seconds of meeting you.

Displaying confidence and being calm comes natural to some, while others have to practice assuring the positive first impression.  Below are some tips to assure that you manage that very important first impression:

Arrive on time:  Don’t be late. You want to arrive 10-15 minutes early. This portrays to your potential employer that you are reliable and punctual.    A practice run a few days before the interview will give you a good idea of travel time; keep traffic in mind and the time of the interview.  In most cases arriving even a few minutes late will immediately guarantee that you will not get hired.  This sends the message that your priorities are not in order.

Have a great attitude:  Your attitude is on display; the interviewer will notice the energy you radiate within the first 30 seconds of meeting you; a strong handshake accompanied by a smile generates confidence.   You want to project a calm and positive individual. Hiring managers are drawn to eagerness, interest, friendliness, and confidence when looking to hire employees.  As an interviewee, avoid impatience, being distracted, and haughtiness.

Dress for the job:  Clean, polished, and conservative is the ultimate interview look.   Clothing should be neat, pressed, and fresh.  Hair and makeup should be tasteful.  Dressing professionally demonstrates respect, and that you are taking the interview seriously.  The employer’s mind will automatically be eased knowing you will be an excellent representative of their company,  that you are knowledgeable about professional attire and that you take the process seriously.

Get Career Ready

Find out what organizations and volunteer activities are available at the school and join one that interests you or sign up to volunteer or shadow at a hospital or clinic. Talk to your instructors and program directors. The way you learn to think critically is to engage in conversations that challenges or expands on what you currently know. Speak with them about career interests and new trends in your field of study. Listen to their stories and experiences in the medical field and be open to their suggestions and advice. Start looking for an externship early in your program. Securing a good externship site can assist you obtaining a career quickly after graduation.

Be aware of how you speak. Use these words: please, thank you, you’re welcome, excuse me, and my pleasure. Start cleaning up your Facebook and other social media web pages. Most employers will google you before they offer you a job position. Sign up for a LinkedIn page and start networking with employers, hiring managers, and professionals in the medical field.

Stay focused on your grades. Plan for your study time and schedule your homework time into your calendar and schedule time to utilize the school library to finish assignments. Have a goal to make Presidents list every block. Visit the career services department at the school. The career services department will host on campus events such as career fairs and in-school workshops. Career Services offers assistance with job searching, resume and cover letter preparation, and portfolio building.

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