Hiatus

So, I've been on a little bit of a hiatus for personal reasons but I'm back now!

Since February I've been working for a magazine doing marketing/social networking. It's been great so far but it's unpaid so I'm really struggling moneywise. I'm trying to at least find a babysitting job to do on the other days of the week that I don't have the internship just to be bringing some money in but I'm striking out in that way as well.

So, I'm starting again, full speed ahead, with the job search.

Interview: Put Your Best Face Forward

In light of some exciting news from your favorite unemployed chick, I have decided to talk about interviews. The exciting news first: I got an interview for tomorrow for an internship! After a long time of not hearing back from anywhere that I sent my resume, (and yes I tried to get in contact with HR but some of these bigger corporations won't let you call in) it is really nice to get an interview! Wish me luck!!

Anyways, here are some helpful tips that I've learned through the years or picked up in my research.

Some things you should be doing before the interview:

1. Researching the company & the position as well as making yourself familiar with the industry if you are not already: Do not go in unprepared. Show that you have taken the time to learn about the company. Know their mission and vision, their target market, newsworthy items, CEO names, etc. See if anybody you know has any contacts with the company or organization.

2. Iron that outfit. Polish those shoes. Be neat and pressed. Have everything picked out beforehand so you aren't rushing around. Make sure you have a notebook & pen ready as well as a briefcase depending on the position. Also, print out a copy of your resume and a list of references just in case. Make sure you are showered and well groomed. Don't just look like you rolled out of bed.

3. Prep with some mock interview questions. You can search the internet for popular interview questions. Be prepared. Get your mind ready! Practice with friend or family member.

4. Prepare some intelligent & relevant questions. When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, pick 1 or 2 good ones that haven't been covered. Interviewers like when you ask questions because it shows interest. Avoid being to eager about pay, vacation, benefits, etc. Here are some good questions to get you thinking.

Things to be doing during the interview:

1. Be positive and self assured! Fake it even if you are nervous.

2. Be early! Don't be on time and don't be late! Be early.

3. Be polite to everyone in the office before your interview starts. Smile and make a good impression to all the people you might encounter before you meet with the interviewer. People talk after you leave. Trust me.

4. Have good manners. Sit up straight. Say "Thank You"(especially when you leave) and "Please". Do everything your momma taught you that you found irritating to be corrected on. No gum chewing! Use proper English!

5. Focus on the company and what you can do for them in the position. Yes, they do want to learn about you. However, it needs to be relevant to the position and what you can do for them with your skills, experience, education, etc.

After the Interview:

1. Send a thank you note or email. Again focus on the company and what you learned and not all about you.
2. Follow up. Follow up quickly if you think they are making the decision soon. Feel it out for when you should follow up. Don't call 5x a day to find out.

Internships?

(me at my internship for a customer service photo shoot..and guess what..I ended up in an advertisement in photography magazines!)


Internships might just not be for college students anymore. It seems as though every article related to unemployment or job searching tips that I find myself pouring over are saying that internships are the new jobs (particularly for college grads!)

I remember watching The Pursuit of Happiness in college and thinking how horrible it must be as an adult to take an unpaid internship. But alas, here I find myself seriously considering taking part in an internship program. I think alot of people are finding themselves considering the option. I mean, there is nothing wrong with an internship! I had a wonderful, paid internship and learned alot from it. However, the thought of taking possibly an UNPAID internship scares the dickens out of me! That could have been a possibility whilst in school but it would be a tough option to not get paid. It scares me to think that money will be coming out of my bank account and not going in; no matter how well I save.

Let's just highlight some of the positives of an internships (which far outweigh the negatives):

-They are the middle ground for someone like me between having zero experience to having 5 pages worth of experience. Internships don't require you to have extensive experience. They create experience.
- Many internships lead to actual positions and if they don't they sure are a good resume booster and a good reference. That's why it is important to take your internship seriously and do your best work; even if you aren't getting paid.
- You can get a feel for what you want to do (or don't want to do). I've been looking at internships as a way to see what possible careers there are for me out there and how well I fit into those fields.
- They are generally part time. This is important for those of us who are absolutely broke. You could always pick up a few shifts waiting tables or working retail. It will be hard work to juggle an internship, a job, and a LIFE but it will pay off in the end.
- There are some amazing, crazy internships out there! I'm actually in the midst of applying for an internship with a travel company to travel for 3 months and document it. I'm also looking at Cross Cultural Solutions for internship opportunities in India and China (they have many other countries available.) You just have to seek these internships out. Thinking outside of the box is always beneficial.

Those are just a few of the benefits that came to my mind while I was weighing my options.

So, my dear unemployed (and employed) friends, what do you think about internships?

You can find internships all over the web. Remember to look on websites for industry associations. I know that the American Marketing Association has marketing specific job boards with internships.

And check out my FAVORITE resource for awesome internships and intern advice:

Intern Queen!!