Issue 2 / 09.02.14
Accounting Interview Days | NEW to Hire -a-Shocker | Career Counselor Corner | Skype Interviews | Oddball Interview Questions
WSU Career Services
Hire-a-Shocker Building Shockers, Building Professionals
Accounting Interviews The Fall semester is on-campus interview time. Accounting firms are scheduled to interview on campus from September 23 through October 20. If you are graduating in December ’14 or May ’15 you are eligible to interview for full-time positions to begin after graduation. You must have an approved resume in Hire-a-Shocker before you can request interviews.
An employer should notice your resume because it is outstanding, not because it is filled with mistakes.
September 8 is the deadline to upload a resume. Students can access Hire-a-Shocker from their myWSU account.
A resume must be letter perfect. It should be without grammatical errors, misspelled words, unusual type or funky formatting. If an employer sees errors on a resume, he or she is likely to assume that you will not be careful in your work.
Students may request interviews until 5:00 pm on September 19. On September 24 students will be notified via email if they have been accepted or declined for interviews.
While a resume is not going to get you a job, it is the key to obtaining an interview.
Students who wish to practice interviewing skills are encouraged to schedule a mock interview with a career counselor.
Be honest and accurate on your resume. Be aware that anything on your resume can and probably will be validated.
Visit our website for more information on
When you upload a resume into Hire-a-Shocker it will be critiqued and, if needed, suggestions will be emailed. The Starter Kit which is located in the Resource Library of Hire-a-Shocker offers sample resumes and tips for writing a resume. And career counselors are available during walk-in hours to help you perfect your resume.
www.wichita.edu/InterviewDays
Make a good first impression with a great resume.
Do you like to interview for a job?
By Jan Mead
Who likes to interview for a job? I only know of two people. I'm not one of them. I understand how you feel if job interviews frighten you. So, I’m a firm believer in the value of practice/mock interviews. Why? Here are a few reasons. • There are many different types of interviews. One on one, group, panel. You need to ask what type of interview to expect – so you don’t walk into an interview expecting to talk with one person, only to see four interviewers looking at you. • Practice helps you know what questions to expect. • Practice helps you learn how to think about questions, what the employer is trying to find out from his questions and how to best answer. • Practice will help you feel more comfortable being interviewed. Feeling comfortable leads to self confidence. • And, finally – and most important – employers expect you to be well prepared. Along with practice interviews, our Ace the Interview kit is a good resource and is available to pick up in our offices or to review and print from our website. "Ace" includes how to prepare for an interview, how to dress and conduct yourself, sample questions, and how to follow up. Ace also includes suggested questions for you, the candidate, to ask. Wait – you get to ask questions? Yes, you do...and employers expect you to ask questions. Why are you waiting? Pull up Ace the Interview from our website. Then call and schedule a mock interview. See you soon.
EMPLOYER ON-THE-LINE...By Jeanne Hopkins OLC Global
Corrina Webber - Vice President of Sales-Teleservices What was your first job after completing your education? Modern Millionaire Magazine. I started as a receptionist and ended up leading the business development department. Tell us about your organization. OLC Global is an inbound and outbound call center that has been in business since 1985. We are woman owned and have been in Wichita for 10 years. We have multiple clients who come to us for Data Collection Market Research, to sell a product or service to other businesses for them, or to handle inbound calls for customer service or order taking. We are an organization that truly believes in our family-style company and make it our job to find the right employees to fit that culture. What majors should consider applying to OLC Global? Any major should apply because everything we do centers on “communications,” and that is a skill that will serve a person well both personally and professionally for the rest of her life. Are you a Wichita State alum? No, I did not grow up in Wichita, I moved here from California many years ago. However, both my children are current students of WSU. Do you have advice for new employees on their first day/week? Yes...Show up. What I mean by that is show up early, show up with full attention, a great attitude, and open to learning everything you can. Would you share an interview tip for new grads? My best advice, dress professionally and dress for the interview. Be confident, and when the interview starts, relax and just be yourself. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? Yes, think about your future resume and think about what looks best for you.
NEW to Hire-a-Shocker
Continental Corporation
With sales of $32.7 billion in 2012, CC is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide and currently has approximately 177,000 employees in 46 countries. The ContiTech division is among the leading suppliers and a specialist for rubber technology in the non-tire rubber sector. They develop and produce functional parts, components and systems for the automotive industry and other important industries. ContiTech has a workforce of approximately 27,500 employees. Introducing perhaps the most comprehensive line of conveyor belts in the world, quality engineered to meet a variety of everyday applications, or specially engineered to specifications. The LEGG belting line is the result of a commitment to excellence and a dedication to quality that runs deep. Our legacy speaks for itself – since 1939: LEGG has been serving the needs of a variety of industries by providing more than products. Legg Belting is located in Halstead, KS. www.leggbelting.com
Career Coffee Blog...By Jan Mead According to the Small Business Administration’s, small businesses make up 99.7% of U.S. employer firms; 63% of the net new jobs created between 1993 and mid-2013 were with small businesses. Over half of the workers in America own or work for small businesses. Small businesses create two out of every three new jobs across the U.S. On a local note, according to the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce, approximately 97% of the establishments in our county have fewer than 100 employees. Other than the fact there are so many, why might you want to consider working for a small employer? I met recently to discuss that question with Sam Oglesby. Sam started and operated a small business providing accounting services for small to mid-sized companies. He recently sold his ownership to take a position as Chief Financial Officer for Westar Foods, which is a large Hardee's franchisee. Sam shared his perspective regarding working for a small organization. “There is less specialization. You may ‘wear many hats.’ Which allows you to learn a variety of skills and attitudes.” Working for a small organization can offer opportunities you might not have in a corporate environment. You may be directly connected to the owner. He can see your talents, initiative and dedication first hand. In Sam’s words, “in a small company, people know when you do the right things.” In small businesses, you take personal ownership for your actions and decisions. There are distinct advantages to working for large and small organizations. You owe it to yourself to consider both.
Old Folks Matter: How Aging Affects Your Career
Caree Counr Cornselor er
Vivian Rohleder, WSU Career Services Career Counselor Population aging is an unprecedented, pervasive global phenomenon causing profound repercussions for societies, organizations, and individuals. Dr. Masud Chand, Assistant Professor of International Business and Management and Assistant Director of the Center for International Business Advancement, provides some astounding data about the global aging trends. Today, 15% of the population in the U.S. is over the age of 60 and by 2040 it is expected to reach 35%. Japan’s aging population will rise from 20 to 40% by 2040. Developed countries are facing similar aging rates as a direct result from extended longevity and a substantial decline in birth rates – 1.7 in the U.S. and 1.3 in Germany and Japan– thus greatly reducing the population. Government efforts to control population growth – such as China’s One Child Policy – produce undesired outcomes stemming from overcorrection. Countries are forced to adopt unprecedented practices to meet the demands of rapid population aging, thus impacting cultural norms. A prime example is India, now resorting to use assisted living facilities, a service historically not needed. A country’s practices and policies, determined by political power, is amassed by older population. Organizations such as BMW and Boeing are integrating the aging workforce by placing greater emphasis on re-training, teaching new skills, and encouraging employees to stay up-to-date within their field. As consumers age, companies must invest resources on developing appealing products for this specific group. All fields of study are experiencing an emerging trend towards services for aging individuals. The medical field is focusing increasingly on gerontology, Alzheimer’s disease, and chronic diseases disproportionately affecting older individuals. Additionally, as marketing shifts from youth-centered advertising to individualized marketing, larger efforts are invested in appealing to older audiences. Aging has direct repercussions for individuals; career success lays in placing a greater emphasis on this particular population, integrating this specialized market into a career, and embracing lifelong learning. Dr. Chand offers some initial steps for students to consider: think about aging and its impact on the shift in focus in your community; then think about how aging influences your career. Consider taking life span development, aging, or gerontology courses offered by the Department of Public Health Sciences. Develop your proficiency of German or Japanese to seek career opportunities abroad. The implications for international students wanting to return to their country are greater, since many developed countries are experiencing heightened aging trends. Dr. Chand encourages students to keep an open mind and understand the value of older individuals in order to succeed in their chosen field.
How to Ace Your Skype Interview
Val Perkins, WSU Career Services Career Counselor Preparing for any job interview involves practicing interview questions, learning about the position, and researching the company. The use of Skype for interviewing is increasing and additional preparation is needed to ensure success. Are you ready? Present a professional image when conducting a virtual interview by considering the following tips. First, get your interview area ready. Find a reliable internet connection in a quiet area. If your life involves a lot of wonderful distractions, such as friends, noisy pets or children, make arrangements not to be disturbed or consider reserving a room in the Ablah Library. Close any applications that might make a noise. Have a tidy, professional background and use lighting that illuminates your face, avoiding background lighting that casts a shadow. Next, think about your appearance. Choose solid, neutral color clothes for the interview in the same style that you would wear in person, appropriate for the position and company culture. Try to relax, be yourself, and SMILE. Be mindful of the delay in the connection - minimize hand gestures and remember to slow down. Sit close to eye level with the web cam so that you can actually look at the person’s face when conversing. If this is not possible, look at the web cam when talking to simulate eye contact. How can you be confident you’re ready? Practice with a friend or schedule an appointment for a test run with a career counselor. This will help you be relaxed, professional and employed!
Oddball Interview Questions
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“If you were a what would y box of cereal, ou be and wh y?” ~Bed Bath & Beyond
Office Hours
FALL 2014 EVENTS
BRENNAN HALL II | Room 225
Sept. 23 - Koch Industries Interviews
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sept. 25 - Engineering Career Fair | RSC 2nd Floor | 2:00 - 6:00 pm
RSC | Room 205
Sept. 29 - Allen, Gibbs & Houlik Interviews
Walk-In Hours
Sept. 30 - KPMG Interviews
Monday - Thursday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm | RSC | Room 205
Oct. 2 - Adams, Brown, Beran, Ball Interviews Oct. 3 - BKD Interviews Oct. 6 - Kennedy & Coe Interviews Oct. 9 - Lindburg, Vogel, Pierce, Faris Interviews
FYI
Oct. 17 - Lewis, Hooper & Dick Interviews
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm | 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
1845 Fairmount Street, Wichita, KS 67260-0042 316.978.3435 - career.services@wichita.edu www.wichita.edu/career
Notice of Nondiscrimination Wichita State University does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, status as a veteran, genetic information or disability. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita KS 67260-0205; telephone (316) 978-6791.
Oct. 20 - CCH / Wolters Kluwer Interviews Nov. 14 - Education Career Fair | Hughes Metroplex | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
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