Hello everyone, my name is Vanessa Perez and I am very excited to be graduating this semester! My minor is Communication Sciences and Disorders, and my two areas of study are Education and Behavioral and Social Sciences. I am also a member of the women’s softball team here at UCF and we are currently in the middle of our season. I am also a member of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association and am continuously involved in many community outreach programs year round. I encourage all of you to join clubs and get involved on campus and in the community. Besides the fact of it looking great on your resume it is what a lot of jobs and graduate schools look for, which leads us into our next topic.
This week we will be discussing professional opportunities and job skills. It is important to make yourself the best candidate possible and leave a lasting impression on future employers.
Activities:
1. Identify one company you would like to work for and explain why in 2-3 sentences.
2. Identify two clubs or organizations that are useful to your chosen career.
Here are two websites with numerous organizations that might help you out:
https://www.uwcf.org/comm/Article.jsp?ArticleID=196
http://volunteerorlando.org/org/opp/dir-A-1.html
3. Go to this website, http://myinterviewsimulator.com/My%20Interview%20Simulator-Online%20Edition/player.html It is an interview simulator that gives questions and tips on answering interview questions. Before doing the activity, browse around by clicking “Basic Interview Questions” and “Behavioral Interview Questions.” After looking around the website go back to the main menu and click “Simulations.” Click “Set 1” and post 5 of your questions answers on the blog. Then, discuss whether or not this website was helpful for you.
Make sure to respond to AT LEAST 3 other posts!!!
1. Banfield Pet Hospital
ReplyDelete2. UCF pre-vet club, UCF environmental club
3.
2. I would like to work for your company because I love your work ethics and I have brought my own pets here for many years. I stand behind the products that are used here and I have also used them myself. I also possess strong skills that can be utilized by your company such as great communication, people, and organizational skills.
4. My grades show that I am a well-rounded person so is highly capable of being able to apply my prior knowledge to every situation. However, grades are not a good indication of what I achieved academically through my entire experience in college. This is not due to any bad grades, but because all of the internships and volunteer opportunities that I participated in contributed to much of my academic achievement. These achievements cannot be seen by grades but in my journals with my experiences.
7. The ideal geographical local I would like to work in would be around this area. However, just because this is the area I prefer, I am definitely still open to traveling if the company would need me to relocate.
9. My salary is open based on what positions I am offered and what the responsibilities are for the job as well as other circumstances such as if benefits are included with the job.
10. How involved in Banfield with other programs which work for animals such as the Humane Society and rehabilitation programs?
I feel that these questions were helpful because the sooner a person seeking employment can start practicing these general questions the better their answers will be. I feel that employers interviewing applicants are looking for a high level of comfort and ease in communication. If the person that is being interviewed is having trouble coming up with answers and looks uneasy, they will not be seriously considered for the position.
Stephanie Krall
Stephanie...
Deletegreat answers and confident responses - good job!
Your mention of volunteering and internships instigated interest and stirred me to want to know more about your work. I'm intrigued. You obviously have much to offer your future employer. More power to you!
Daphne Keys
Stephanie I think it is great how you mentioned you are not set on working in just one place and are willing to move where the job takes you, provided it is the right one. I also think that taking benefits and other factors into consideration when dealing with salary is very important. You seem to have a very open mind and that will help a lot when looking for/deciding on jobs!
DeleteI loved your responses. They mentioned some very important qualities, but was still to the point. I agree with you that the sooner a person starts practicing these questions the better. An employer will more likely hire someone who is confident and comfortable than scrabbling for answers. This has been my favorite blog so far.
DeleteStephanie,
DeleteI loved your response to the question on grades. I also believe grades aren't a true indication of academic achievement. Your outside involvement brings an added bonus to the table. Nice manuvering to slide it into the interview response.
Emily Pate
Stephanie,
DeleteI really liked your point about grades not being a good indication of academic achievement. I have had good semesters and not so good semesters and it doesn’t define me. We aren’t perfect and we have other things going on. Banfield is an excellent pet hospital. I hope you meet your goals.
-Rafaelina A. Mercado
1. led2serve - Serving without boundaries is a common goal for both the organization and myself. It is a strong desire for me to serve well those who are in need of financial, spiritual or emotional help. The ability to work alongside people from different faiths, lifestyles and backgrounds is greatly appealing to me. I feel my experience will enhance the future of this organization.
ReplyDelete2. Volunteer to serve with led2serve on trips and/or local events. Also, work with my church on service trips and day events. My current career path has been in the nonprofit realm and I've experienced several service trips to other countries in several regions of the world.
Your responses to the questions are very strong. The experiences that you have are definitely a strong point and a good aspect to mention. Volunteering also shows possible employers that you are not all about the money you will be receiving. Instead, they can see that you truly care about what your job is about and do not need compensation to feel positive about it.
DeleteStephanie Krall
I would like to work for Volusia County Schools. More specifically University High School. I want to teach high school math, this is a great school, and is close to where I live.
ReplyDeleteI was able to do a part time internship at a middle school this past year. The teacher of the classroom I was in was priceless to me. She was an excellent example of how to be a great teacher, how to handle the students, how to be involved with the school, and was very knowledgeable. This prepared me in so many ways for being a teacher.
~Ashley Monk
If you can survive middle schoolers you are a step ahead of the game! You could incorporate your experience into a future interview. Much of what you said in your second paragraph is exactly what schools are looking for. Good luck in your future teaching endevors!
DeleteEmily Pate
Ashley,
DeleteThat is great that you want to be a math teacher. That is what I want to be. I have always enjoyed numbers because they don't change. They are also universal. I hope you reach your goals.
-Rafaelina A. Mercado
I found the interview website very helpful. There were many questions that I had never thought about before on there. In an actual interview i probably would have drawn a blank. I feel much better prepared now having put some thought into how I feel, and how I want to answer these questions. They were all great questions, and I could see any of them being asked in an interview.
ReplyDelete~Ashley Monk
I agree that the interview simulator is very helpful. I wish we had this activity two weeks earlier! I had an interview for a job, and they informed me that the second interview would be "s.t.a.r." questions, also known as behavioral questions. I had a few days to prepare, and I prepared a LOT, thinking back to previous jobs and academic experiences when I had to make tough decisions or shoe leadership, etc. Then there was a THIRD interview for the same position, and she asked some of those same behavioral questions. Good thing I was prepared :)
DeleteJana Read
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThe interview questions are very helpful and used by almost all employers. I have held and interviewed for several jobs in the past and their questions have all centered around the same questions that were listed asking why you wished to work for the company, to describe yourself, etc. Having an idea of how you will answer these questions will certainly prepare you for an interview. By asking these questions employers can see how much research you have done in the company and how well you can relate to others. I have also been asked unexpected questions at interviews such as to give an example of a time when you have stated your opinion to someone who held opposite views.
DeleteStephanie Krall
Ashley....
ReplyDeleteWe need good teachers. I'm so glad you are pursuing this career choice. Teaching is certainly an IDS career and your disciplines will enhance your ability to work with the many different children in your care. Interviews are tricky and I agree there is much to learn through the website. Being relaxed, confident and yourself is one of the most important factors when interviewing because if you get the job, you need to be able to do what you said you can.
Blessings,
Daphne Keys
Stephanie...
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to read your responses about interviewing. It is true a relaxed, confident person is more appealing than one who is nervous and shy. I also agree salary is only one motivating factor when considering a long term job commitment. Focusing on the joy of the job will take you further in many ways than working for a paycheck. Both are important, but enjoying where you spend most of your day is a huge blessing.
Daphne Keys
1. Identify one company you would like to work for and explain why in 2-3 sentences.
ReplyDeleteI've been looking for a new job lately and I realized that one company I would like to work for is Trader Joe's because this is "where fun, food and opportunity align". I believe in having fun at work, and they hire people with positive attitudes who are passionate about food and making people happy. I am passionate about food, wine, and cooking, and this is a place where I can use my knowledge and learn more every day (and get a great discount on amazing food). There are opportunities for recent graduates, whether as part of the store crew, store management, or office crew.
Jana Read
Jana,
DeleteYour response to why you want to work for Trader Joe's would certainly be loved at one of their interviews. Having a passion for your job is necessary in order to fully appreciate it and passion is definitely what employers are looking for. The discounts are always a plus though! The fact that they also have opportunities for recent graduates shows that they have consideration for students who have just gotten out of school, which helps a great deal for new graduates to get their feet wet in the business.
Stephanie Krall
Jana,
DeleteTrader Joe's does sound like a fun company to work for. I always like it when employers specifically look for outgoing and vibrant employees. I think these are attributes to highlight in any job interview. It has been my experience that people with the most positive attitudes and productive work habits are those who get promoted faster.
Emily Pate
Trader Joe's is a great company to work for! I have a few friends up north that work at one and they love it. I think your positive attitude and passion for the type of job you are seeking is very important. It's very important that you show that to them in your interview as well. But be careful not too seem too excited about the job, I have been told that they don't like extremes of either (too positive or too negative). Good luck with this job! I hope you get it and get out of it what you are looking for!
DeleteSara Farinelli
Hi Jana!
DeleteI have never heard of Trader Joes before but I am always interested in learning about companies that defy the conventional business model and realise that a job should be inspiring and fun.
Francine Bacchus
Ashley, I think that is great that you want to teach at that school and that you have experience. I think you should continue to do internships within that field so that way you can continue to learn different techniques when it's your turn to be in charge!
ReplyDeleteIn my dream world I would like to work for the software company SAS. They offer their employees many perks such as, unlimited sick time, child care, and a free health care center, to just name a few. I feel that any company willing to invest so much in their employees really cares about them, and that promotes a positive working environment. In reality, I will most likely continue working for HCA (Hospital Corporation of America).
ReplyDeleteIn my chosen career of health care, there are a vast number or organizations that are useful. Two of them are the Florida Health Care Association (http://www.fhca.org/) and Florida Hospital Association (www.fha.org/). Both of these organizations are a great way to meet people. They also have job postings.
1.What prior work experiences have you had?
I've had numerous jobs in the health care industry. I’ve worked in ground level positions, as well as upper division level. I have gained incite and knowledge in many areas which allows me to have a better understanding of this position. I am able to see this job from various viewpoints and that allows me to do the job more efficiently.
2.Give me an example of a goal you’ve had to set and the progress/success you’ve had in reaching that goal.
I set a goal for myself as a full time working mom of three active kids to finish my college degree in the traditional four years. It was a vast undertaking, but I was able to achieve my goal. Not only did achieving this goal make me proud of myself, it also set a great example for my children, and showed them and me where a can do attitude can land you!
3.What geographical location would you most like to work in?
I’m a Midwestern girl, so I would love to be closer to my family, but I realize I need to be where the company needs me most.
4.What starting salary do you expect as an employee?
My salary requirements are open to discussion. I would expect fair compensation based on my education, previous experience, and the current salary range.
5. Do you have any questions for me?
Yes, do you think I would be a good fit for your company, and why?
I think the website is a useful tool for people who are newly starting out or have begun looking for a new job. The whole interviewing process can be daunting and intimidating, so I think a tutorial on frequently asked questions, along with appropriate responses is a great tool to utilize.
Emily Pate
Hi Emily,
DeleteCongratulations on reaching the goal you set for yourself (well, almost, we still have to get through Capstone)! I agree that you must have set a great example for your children and I hope they follow in your footsteps. It must have been challenging at times to keep up with your schoolwork while working AND taking care of three children. I don't even have children and sometimes I find it difficult to make time to achieve the grades I want in addition to working full-time. However, if you love what you're studying, it's much easier to stay motivated.
Also, you provided some good answers to the interview questions. It seems like you know what you want to do, and you have plenty of experience doing it. The answer you gave for number 5, have you asked this question before? And how did the interviewer respond? I've never thought about asking if the interviewer thought I'd be a good fit, but it's a good idea! Then you know right away whether they want you or not, instead of wondering!
Jana Read
Emily,
DeleteThis was a great post. I thought you were friendly and you sounded confident. I also made the choice to go back to school. Although I don't have children, it was very hard to go to school full-time and work full-time. I am almost done and this semester seems that it is the longest semester ever. I am going to copy your confidence on my interview.
-Rafaelina A. Mercado
Emily,
DeleteI admire you! You have so much on your plate and you continue to move forward. You sound very passionate and confident in your answers. You are staying loyal to both the company and your family and that is very important.
- Jodi Farbish
You're hired!
DeleteI would like to work for Osceola County School District as a certified teacher. This is what I have been working for the last two years. In Osceola County, there are 52 schools that I may work at.
ReplyDeleteThe two clubs that I found were both from The United Way of Central Florida. They are Let’s Grow and Success by 6. They are both used to help children and help single mothers with their children’s care and education.
I really liked doing the interview simulator. It was helpful to know the kinds of questions that will be asked during an interview. I haven’t gone on an interview in 5 years. So it is nice to receive a refresher. These are the five questions that I picked to answer:
1. Please tell me about yourself: I began working for the Osceola School District as a substitute teacher. At about 6 months of working as a substitute, an ESOL paraprofessional position opened and I began working there until now.
2. Why did you select our company (in my case, school): I have heard great things about your school and would like to contribute my experiences. With my years in the district, I understand the use of the curriculum and world like a chance to implement my knowledge to the benefit the students of my future classroom.
3. What prior work experiences have you had: As mentioned, I have worked as an ESOL paraprofessional for 4 years. Before that, I worked as a Fairy Godmother in Training at Walt Disney World. I have always enjoyed interacting with children.
4. Give me an example of an important goal you had to set: After two years off, I decided to re-apply at the University of Central Florida and enter the Elementary Education College. It was very scary because I was working full-time but I was able to complete it and achieve my goal of becoming a Florida certified teacher.
5. Do you have any questions for me: I would really like to learn about your clubs and extracurricular activities. I would also like to learn about any after school tutoring opportunities.
-Rafaelina A. Mercado
Hi Rafaelina!
DeleteI have extreme respect and gratitude for teachers. Your interview responses gave me a little in sight into the demanding job of teaching that many take for granted.
Francine Bacchus
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA company that I dream of working at is Starbucks (Corporate level). Whenever I enter a Starbucks coffee shop I am so taken in by the level of detail and quality given into each shop and further more cup of coffee. I would love to work for an establishment that values the customer and celebrates crearivity and quality.
ReplyDeleteTwo organizations that I beleive would be beneficial to me are:
1. Alpha Kappa Psi (Professional Business Fraternity). I believe this organization would help hone my professional skills and networking.
2. Best Buddies because I am passionate about service and I admire the core values of this organization.
Interview questions:
Please tell me about yourself:
I have known for a very long time that I had a love affair with business management. I found myself in my spare time reading biographies about the great business minds of our century. But recently I found a more focused approach to my dream when I was introduced to non profit management. It was amazing to have my desire to understand the business realm merge with my passion to serve others.
Why did you select our company:
I selected your company because after doing intensive research on your company goals and objectives I realized they were very similar to mine. I believe this mutual understanding will be fruitful for a execution of all tasks and duties with excellence.
What prior experiences have you had?
I have been employed since I was 16 and throughout the years I have held both the managerial and employee role. Exposure to both roles have given me a dynamic understanding of what is expected in all levels of the work place. My last job as program manager for a local non profit organization has even more challenged not only my leadership skills but enhanced my interpersonal communciation.
Do you think your grades are a good indicator...?
That question is relative to the individual. I know personally for me I started undergrad with mnay challenges. During my freshman year I forced myself to pursue the wrong major due to family pressures and also lost a relative. So my foundation was weak and it inevitably affected me throughout the years. However I believe the best indicator is of how strong I am finishing. I have found immense strength to pull through some tough times and built resilience I never knew I had, and that I beleive is the best indicator of someones character.
What do you see as the major objective of this job?
I beleive as an employee my duty is not only complete all duties in a timely and excellent manner but to supercede the expectations of the leadership. The main goal is to fulfil all company goals but also to challenge them in a way that will produce more.
I also believe the simualtor was helpful because it opened me up to sides of my professionalism that I did not know I had.
Francine Bacchus
Hi Francine, I am very impressed with your answers! That is great that you have such a passion for management and that you have good experience under your belt. Your post was great. You should even use these answers while on an interview!
ReplyDeleteJodi Farbish