Now What?
Finally, after a seemingly endless stream of applications, I've gotten a positive response. But what do I do next? I've put so much effort into job searching and applications, I haven't put any thought into the next step. When should I call? What should I say? Is it too early to start applying, considering I won't be able to start until almost July? These are the things nobody ever tells you. I've had to write about four sample resumes for business and communication classes, but they never taught the next step. Apparently it is good business etiquette to write a thank you note after interviews. But, what about everything that happens in between the application and the interview? And, what is the proper response to an email saying, "Good looking resume, give me a call"?
I obviously am going to call right away, but what do I say? It's no wonder it is so difficult to get jobs that don't come with a uniform. No one really knows what it is that they're doing.
Well, the first thing you need to do is call the manager, thank him for the response, let him know you definitely are interested in being interviewed for the position, and then schedule a time for the interview that works for both of you.
Is it too early to start applying? You already have, so, no, it isn't too early. Your school schedule is something you can discuss during the interview. Or you can mention that you need to schedule the interview around your class schedule when you call. That will be an understated message that you're still in school.
Once you've completed setting up your interview, you'll probably have several hours to a day or so before you actually go in. This gives you time to do a little research on the company if you've not already done so. Learn more about the company so that you have some idea of what they do, what their philosophy is, try to get a sense of what your position means to the overall flow of the work. Don't worry if you can't come up with all of this information. It then becomes part of the conversation you have during the interview.
Another thing to prepare is the documents you'll take with you on the interview. Take two extra copies of your resume. In case the manager can't find the one you emailed (or sent online), you have another ready. The second copy is so that you can look at what you submitted and the two of you can discuss it together, line by line.
If this is a position that requires writing or proof of abilities, take samples with you. Also take a list of three personal and three business references, their phone numbers and email addresses, and mailing addresses. Make certain your references agree to be such for you. Keep the references list until asked for them. You can either give one copy of the list to the employer and keep a copy for yourself or you can use your copy to transfer the information onto the application.
The interview is a time for the two of you to get to know one another. Usually the person who does the interview is the one with whom you'll work for and with whom you'll have the most contact. They are evaluating you, your abilities, personality, and how you'll fit in with the rest of the staff. You should also be evaluating this person to determine whether their personality is a good match for you, what their work style is, and so on.
Go into the interview as relaxed as you can be, upbeat, enthusiastic about being there, professional, courteous, on time. The interview is not a time to demand things, dictate and order people around, whine about problems. It's a time for you to talk about yourself in positive terms and what you have to offer the company. It's a time for you to listen carefully to what the company is, what it's seeking in input from you on a daily basis, and what it needs to achieve through your efforts.
Once the interview is over, be certain to send a thank you note. Once that's done, go somewhere to evaluate what happened during the interview to decide how you feel about the job.
Oh, yes. And post to the board to let us know how it went and how you're feeling.