Student Affairs

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Throughout the application process, you should evaluate the company just as much as they evaluate you. Here are a few

things to consider:

• Closely consider their answers to questions dealing with opportunities for advancement, community life and training

tools.

• Check out the diversity of the company and see if company culture matches your interest.

• Consider the office setup. Is it conducive to your work style?

• Be positive and constructive if the company asks for feedback from you about your experiences throughout the day. If

you are still interested in the position, make sure you let it be known. If representatives do not provide adequate closure,

then you can initiate it tactfully by asking about the next few steps in the process.

• Collect business cards from those you meet throughout the day. Once you are at home or away from the organization, go

over the names and positions of those you came in contact with and send thank you letters or emails to each person.

• When you receive a job offer, respond in writing. Express both your decision to accept or reject the offer and your

appreciation for their time and consideration. See the job offer section beginning on Page 57.

It is not unusual to be asked to take a test on anything from your basic skills to your

personality. Do not stress out. This is a good sign. If they are willing to spend time and

money to test you, then you must be in the final group of potential employees. Relax, take

your time and do your best.

TEST

EMPLOYMENT TESTING

INTERVIEW REVIEW AND FOLLOW UP

TAKE GOOD NOTES

During or immediately after the interview, write down what you discussed, why you are a good fit for the job and any

possible objections you think the interviewer may have about your background.

EMAIL A THANK YOU NOTE

Within 24-48 hours after the interview, you should send a note thanking the interviewer for their time. If you are

no longer interested in the position, take this opportunity to politely remove yourself from further consideration. If

you are still interested, you should also reiterate your interest in both the position and the company. Make a personal

connection from the interview or highlight specific skills that make you uniquely qualified. This initial thank you can

be via email. If the interviewer indicated they would not be making a decision immediately, consider sending a second

follow-up letter two weeks after the interview.

MAIL A BRIEF FOLLOW-UP LETTER OR HANDWRITTEN NOTE

While developing your follow-up letter or note, you should remember to show positive “matches” between what they

want and what you have to offer; refer to previous experiences or education; volunteer further information; ask for

clarification regarding anything that came up in the interview; and offer to provide references. Handwritten notes are

not as common today as in the past. When an employer receives one, they typically appreciate the note and remember

your name for going above and beyond.