Career Options
Students don't give themselves enough credit, says surveySummer jobs 101Here's a startling survey finding: Over half of Canadian students avoid applying for summer jobs because they don't think they have the appropriate work experience. |
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 [ 2007-04-28 ] |
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It's from a workopolisCampus.com study released last week in an effort to shed some light on to why employers are struggling to find good staff candidates.
"The results of this study show that students and recent grads looking for summer jobs have additional pressures -- recognizing what qualifies as work experience and understanding what they can bring to the table for a summer job opportunity," says Patrick Sullivan, president of Workopolis.
Employers say work experience is only part of the summer student-hiring equation. Volunteer work experience, previous summer internships and positions at school are also considered to be part of the overall work experience package.
"Ultimately, employers are looking for the same qualities in summer job candidates as they do any new hire -- a willingness to learn, the ability to be a good team player and a great attitude," says Sullivan.
Once you've landed an interview, here's some food for thought: A poll released earlier this week says hiring managers often know whether they might hire a candidate within 12 minutes -- enough time for the opening handshake and some small talk.
The survey, from Robert Half Finance & Accounting, found that interviews for staff-level jobs usually last about an hour, while management-level interviews last an average of 103 minutes. But hiring decisions are often made early on in the process.
"The interview begins the moment job seekers arrive, so applicants need to project enthusiasm and confidence from the start," says Max Messmer, the company's CEO.
"The opening minutes of the conversation often set the tone for the rest of the discussion, making it wise to prepare especially well for the first few interview questions," says Messmer, who is also the author of Job Hunting for Dummies, 2nd Edition.
Here are five questions Messmer suggests any job candidate be prepared to answer in an initial interview:
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
2. What do you know about our firm?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. Why are you looking to leave your current position?
5. What is your most significant professional accomplishment?
Source: workopolisCampus.compjharston@lfpress.com
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