On Wednesday, September 13, 2006 the first meeting for the finance club of the 2006-2007 school year was held in the trading room in Rike Hall. The purpose of this meeting was to help students prepare for interviewing and networking with companies. We were able to have four experienced professionals speak about what to do and what not to do in obtaining a career. The speakers were:

§         Julie Todd, Assistant Director of Career Services, Wright State University.
§         Lakia Littlejohn, Staffing Manager, Accoutntemps
§         Lyndsey Hardy, Staffing Manager, Accountemps
§         Jennifer G. Duwel, University Relations Consultant, NCR Corporation

Each speaker gave different perspectives of interviewing and what is considered acceptable. These were the topics that each covered.

Julie Todd

§         Discussed the career services website
                                    How to search career events and job fairs
                                    Finding on-campus interviews by companies
§         Discussed the Wright Search
                                    How to upload your resume and who looks at it
                                    Importance and benefits of being in the system
§         What to do when meeting an employer
                                    What questions to ask?
                                    Always having a topic starter
                                    Always following up with the employer        

Lakia Littlejohn

§         Discussed the importance of researching the positions before going into an interview
§         Being specific about questions of the job applied
§         Not giving impressions that you are only there for the pay, vacation or raises.  (The job itself should always be the most important)
§         Always get contact information to send a follow up later, e-mail, or thank you note

Lyndsey Hardy

§         Discussed the importance of interviewing the company
                                    Should appear to be truly interested in the job applying for
§         Personality and etiquette at interview is a big role in getting the job
                                    Cell phone should be turned off during the interview
                                    No yawning or appearing to be bored

§         Pay rate should not be discussed until the very last interview
§         If you don’t get the job ask why

                                    Learn what to work on for future interviews

Jennifer G. Duwel

§         Discussed the importance of knowing exactly what type of job you desire
                                    Set up informational interviews
                                    Having confidence, being prepared
                                    Making sure you are memorable to the interviewer
§         Always ask questions
                                    Gather information on the company or the job
                                    Look to make some kind of connection
§         Networking in the career you want
                                    Start talking to contacts early (sophomore or junior year)
                                    Ask people you know that can help you to lunch

Each speaker also spoke on downfalls of an interview. These included but are not limited to:

§         Showing nervousness during the interview
§         Talking about salary before the employer brings up the issue
§         Interviewing for a job that you are not interested in
§         Receiving an offer for a job and not telling the employer you are no longer interested; always stay in good standing with connections
§         Making sure you are courteous to everyone in the company. The interview starts as soon as you walk through the door with receptionists, secretaries, etc.