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10 Questions to Close an Interview

“So, do you have any questions for us?”

Ah, the obligatory-end-of-interview questions.  While it seems simple and unobtrusive, don’t be fooled. Even though the formal interview questions may be over, this is your opportunity to show your interviewer you care enough to learn more about the company or position. According to the Interviewing Guide created by Career Planning, you should prepare 3-5 questions ahead of time.

Some Cardinal Rules:

DO NOT ask nothing. Even if you’ve been to a million and one networking events and feel you’ve exhausted your list of questions, ask one of them again to gain a new perspective. Ask something. Anything. Not asking a question makes you look cocky–and that’s not going to win you any brownie points. See the list below for some inspiration.

DO NOT ask about salary, vacation, benefits, etc.  If hired, you’ll have plenty of time to find out.

DO NOT ask questions whose answers can be easily found out by doing basic online research on the organization.  Don’t demonstrate your lack of preparation with a question to which you should know the answer.

Some Sample Questions:

1. What are some of the projects interns have worked on in the past?

2. What kinds of opportunities are there to receive feedback from supervisors?

3. Is there a training program? How long is it? What sorts of things will I learn?

4. Questions about transportation–if you don’t have a car you’ll need to know if there’s public transportation or a car pool system available.

5. What goals does the company have/projects the company is working on this summer/semester? How do you see my role in those?

6. If Since you’ve read up on the company, you may have follow up questions on an article you read. “I read in XX that Company is expanding XX project; would there be an opportunity to work with this project during my internship?”

7.  Could you elaborate on your job? What are you responsibilities? etc.  If your interviewer works in a career field or department which you feel drawn to this could be especially interesting, and you may want to ask other questions about their education and training.

8.  What do you most enjoy/value about working for Company?

9. Are there any technical skills or other specific knowledge needed or recommended for the job (other than listed in course description)? Is there an opportunity for some training on site?

10.  And everyone’s favorite… What is your time frame for making decisions?

Additional Resources on Interviewing:

Interviewing Guide
Interviewing for Shy People
Set up a mock interview with Career Planning; call 508-793-3880
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This Week’s Deadlines and Events
Employers are hiring!  Apply for a job or two via Crusader Connections!  Visit this week’s Worcester Consortium Career Fair!  Set up an informational interview with a Holy Cross Alumna/us!
Don’t know what you want to do or where to start?
No Problem!  Set up an appointment by calling 508.793.3880 or stopping by Hogan 203.
Tuesday, March 29
Event:  Colleges of Worcester Consortium Career Fair, DCU Center Ballroom from 1-4:30 pm Click here for a list of participating employers and directions
Deadlines:
  • Insight Global, Inc. – Training/Account Manager (On-campus Interviews: April 7)
  • Zoom Technical Services – Technical Recruiter  (On-campus Interviews: April 8)
  • Apply via Crusader Connections
Thursday, March 31
Deadlines:
  • FactSet Research Systems, Inc. – Market Metrics Analyst (resume referral)
  • Fidelity Investments – Financial Representative (resume referral)
  • Apply via Crusader Connections
Friday, April 1
Don’t be a fool!  Visit us in Career Planning to work on your job search!

We’re always available by appointment (M-F, 9 – 5 – call 508.793.3880 or stop by Hogan 203 to schedule) or visit us on drop-in hours, M-F, 1-4pm, no appointment necessary.
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Career Fair!

Consortium Career Fair
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
DCU Center Ballroom
50 Foster Street, Worcester, MA

FREE

Review a complete list of participating organizations.

All classes welcome!  Speak with employers about full-time employment as well as internships!
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Decision Time!

Lately, it seems a large portion of my conversations with my peers revolves around summer plans — What internships are you applying to? How are interviews going? Which company do you like best?

Why all the hype? Summer internships are one of the best ways to build your resume and define your future career path while at HC. According to Pam Ahearn, Director of the Summer Internship Program (SIP), “Internships give students an opportunity to ‘try out’ an industry to see if it’s a fit for a future career path and allow students to gain many skills which are transferable to future employers.” Also, companies prioritize students with internship experience for full-time employment. Some companies, says Ahearn, even use summer internship programs as recruiting tools for full-time employees.

Speaking from recent experience, I know how intimidating the application process can be and I am very thankful for the Career Planning staff’s resume and cover letter-editing prowesses!

But how do you choose an internship to apply to? Or, if you’re so lucky to receive multiple offers, how do you choose which one to take?

While it’s exciting to have a variety of interesting possibilities, it can be equally overwhelming. And while Career Planning will discuss the options with you, it’s ultimately your decision. After all, it’s you who will be at the office analyzing stocks/crafting press releases/designing fliers/or doing whatever it is that you want to do every day.

One valuable resource for sorting through options is the expertise of other students. I’ve found it helpful to peruse former summer interns’ blogs to get a feel for what the experience may be like. While companies often have their own blogs–which are worth reading as well–there is something particularly salient about an HC intern writing about his or her experience. Their stories allow me to get a real feel for the overall experience both within and outside the internship.

Trying to sort out your options? Check out the following Summer Internship Blogs:

Erin Carpenter ’11 at Starkman @ Associates
Elisa Di Ruggiero ’11 at the Avon Foundation
Christine Giamatti ’10 at Brooklyn Industries
Alice Simcoe-Matthews ’10 at Autism Speaks
Ryan Wiik ’09 at ScaleDB

Related Resoures:
Summer Internship Program
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Interested in an MBA?

The Simon Graduate School of Business at the University of Rochester is leading the way among top MBA programs in an initiative to attract the best and brightest students, regardless of whether you have a lengthy resume.  They actively recruit candidates with 0-3 years work experience through the Early Leaders® initiative.

The Simon School will visit Holy Cross this Friday, March 18 from 8 am – 12 pm. This is a great time to discuss graduate degree options with a Simon representative. Candidates for 2011 and 2012 are strongly encourage to set up a 30 minute informational interviews.

Simply log in to Crusader Connections and sign up for an interview (Keyword search: Simon). Please bring your resume to this session.  If your schedule does not permit your attendance, please do not hesitate to call (585-275-3533) or e-mail the Simon Admissions Office with your questions.
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Teaching Opportunities in the Southeast

Teaching at a private or independent school provides an excellent opportunity to stay involved in your academic interests and inspire young minds.

Southern Teachers Agency is the oldest teacher placement agency in America. STA is a free resource for teacher candidates. Although applications are accepted on a rolling basis, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early in order to have a complete file as positions are listed through STA.

Now is the time to apply and become an active candidate with STA, as there are only a few more weeks before the cut-off date for their Teachers Fair in Charlottesville, VA on April 15th. To be considered for this event, please apply as soon as possible.

Thanks for your consideration.  If you have questions, Katie Campbell would be delighted to speak with you (434.295.9122).  Or you may visit their website for more information.
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Spring Break Sophomore Career Advising Sessions

Are you in the area during Spring Break? Would you like to have an opportunity to begin discussing what you might do after graduation?

Please call 508-793-3880 or stop by Hogan 203 to set up YOUR career advising appointment with Dr. Winters.