Career Development Center Conducts Interview Skills Workshop

Many are having trouble landing a job in today's tough market.  The Career Development Center at William Paterson University may have the answer.

On Feb. 23, the Career Development Center hosted its monthly interview skills workshop at the University Commons Room in Room 301 of the Student Center. 

Lynne Orr, a career counselor at WPU, was the main presenter at the workshop.  She said the sole purpose of the event was to prepare individuals for an interview and learn the techniques on how to present oneself before, during and after an interview.

Students were handed an interviewing guide about the preparation process of an interview. 

One section of the handout included what interviewees should do before and after an interview. It suggested students learn about the company by reading the company's website and stressed that paying close attention to the job description is significant.

Dr. Tina Lesher, a professor at WPU, agreed it is important for aspiring journalists to be familiar with a company and its surroundings.

"I would seek someone who has some journalistic experience, even if it were on a college paper," said Lesher.  "I definitely would hire only someone who is knowledgeable about what is going on in the world and thus can discuss news-related topics."

Another section in the handout also gave questions that may be asked during an interview.  Questions such as "why should we hire you?" or "what adjectives would you use to describe yourself?" 

The handout advised interviewees to ask questions as well, such as "where is the company going in three to five years?" and "what is the next step in this process?"   

The final section encouraged students to dress properly for an interview.

For women, it recommended them to wear no more than two rings total and light or clear nail polish.  For men, carrying a professional briefcase containing resumes, paper and pens gives a polished look.   

A mock interview was also performed by the two lecturers at the workshop, and consisted of two examples: a good interview and bad interview. 

 Many of the students enjoyed the performance, especially the bad one.  It created laughter because the interviewee, played by Orr, acted recklessly and did not realize her careless mistakes during the interview.  Although the mock interview provided entertainment, students were still aware of the lecturers' message of what to do during an interview.

"I felt that the mock interviews were the most beneficial out of all the information that was presented today," said Amany Elkady, an accounting major at WPU. 

Lesher feels it is necessary for productive events to take place on the WPU campus.         

"Any event that assists collegians with interviewing skills is worth having on campus!" said Lesher. 

The workshop on interviewing skills is the first of a three-part series arranged by the Career Development Center.  For students interested in touching up their interview skills, the Career Development Center at WPU will be hosting its next workshop on April 11 as well as April 21. 

The other two workshops will focus on resume writing, which will be held on April 4 and April 14, and the job search, which will be held on March 2 and April 28.