Reflection

Well, this is the end of the line, the last blog post that Peter and I will be sharing with you. As he and I wrap up this semester, one important aspect of completing both our Capstone and our Degree requirements is the completion of our e-portfolio, which you have also been working on throughout the semester.

Peter's Perspective:

In our e-portfolios we are given the chance to present any information we find fit for future employers. Once this information is presented we are not done. We have one key assignment and it’s reflecting on the information we present. An example of this would be in my e-portfolio I plan on attaching a copy of my transcript. Like a lot of people there are flaws in my transcript. A quick example being my freshmen year I managed to fail a class. Rather then not using my transcript as evidence because of this flaw in my reflection I mention it. I point out that while I did fail this class it was an elective, and then I go on to highlight the positives that I wanted to take from my transcript such as the 3.8 GPA in upper level courses. This is different then just describing the evidence in your portfolio. You are not just describing something that is obvious to whoever might be reading but rather highlighting the points you hope will stick out from your evidence. Overall this is the chance to really tell your audience what they should be looking for and expect from your e-portfolio.

My Perspective:

Looking back on my years spent working towards my degree, I find that I really had a difficult time finding a niche within the university. I've changed my major multiple times and even within IDS I've changed my areas of focus and minors- these changes are not flaws, instead they reflect the diversity of my interests, my ability to accomplish merit within various areas of study. I'm hoping that my e-portfolio, in showing my prowess in multiple fields, can also reflect my ability to work under diverse circumstances and showcase the multitude of my skills. Actually reflecting back on my education helps me to appreciate what I have been able to take away from my courses, whether difficult or easy, and whether or not I liked my professor. The e-portfolio reflects my own understanding of myself, which might not be accessible through a resume alone. We're interdisciplinary students, we have layers of interests and skills, it's just a matter of showcasing the validity and the actual value of our degrees, and showcasing how our course of study has benefited and shaped us as capable individuals.

Last week we talked about interviews and the results of them. Your humble mentors suggested that you all give perfectinterview.com a try. This week, hopefully with the experience of doing a simulated online interview, we will talk about the best ways to answer questions. Like always you will see contrasting ideas and differences between the two of us. We hope like always to continue hearing your ideas and views on ours. Enjoy!

Peter’s Perspective:
I think the best way to answer questions is to be direct and positive. When I say direct I mean to keep details to a minimum. I believe in an interview you want to show your attributes through the stories ideas, not the tiny unneeded details. The positive side of that I feel like is obvious, just show a pleasant disposition. An example of this would be question 3 in my interview. (Link on bottom) This question summed up asks what I disliked about my previous job. Rather then letting out twenty little things that I did dislike I went straight to a positive of me wanting to move on. A simple answer like this is usually quite functional in my view. This is the way I feel about all interviews. Whether your in a phone interview, or a panel interview attack it the same. This is my personal style I like being direct. I feel like being positive gets you further then being negative. You have to find what works for you. To have a successful interview you have to feel comfortable. Show your relaxed and confident in what you have to say and that is the best you can do.

The last thing to talk about is salary. The appropriate time to ask about salary would be at the end of the interview. There is a clause to this in my opinion. If the interviewer does not ask if you have any questions do not bring any up. You should be informed prior to attending of what position you are going for and basic idea of what you will be doing. That is your responsibility and if you’re not being hired on the spot you should not press the issue. It could be a multiple interview kind of business.

http://www.perfectinterview.com/online/text_viewer.asp?id=F5EB82FA-EB8D-46F3-9610-1C312EAA3C19&mediatype=flv


Mary's Perspective:
Like Peter, I feel that the most effective way to answer questions is to first be direct. Employers tend to ask questions for specific reasons, or so I have found, and answering in a roundabout manner works against you. As I mentioned before, confidence is definitely a key quality in answering what might come across as a non-standard interview question. Confidence is so key because, as I also mentioned before, you need to convey your own security in your skills and values as an individual. Although we all will want and need jobs post-graduation, I also feel that being confident, direct, and honest in your results will help you to find employment within an establishment that will help you flourish- I don't think it's worth lieing or manipulating your answers so you fit in. In terms of phone interviews and panel interviews, you have to be very aware of your communication- the phone is obviously a very critical way to conduct an interview, only your words will convey your qualifications and your character to a prospective employer.

Finally, in terms of discussing salary, I believe it is poor etiquette to blatantly ask, but I also feel that it is an important detail to be discussed. I would consider discussing this detail at the end of, or if possible, outside of the scope of the interview.

http://www.perfectinterview.com/online/review_gateway.asp?id=3020926&type=standard

Practice Interview

Hey guy another week bites the dust and here we are back again. This week were discussing practice interviews and the benefits we took from them. We definitely recommend that you sing up and give it a try.
Peter’s Interview Experience
I really found this interview practice useful. It gave me the chance to see questions in the format they will be used, as well as an opportunity to review what are deemed appropriate answers. The question that really stumped me off the bat was what was your favorite course and why? I had to really think about it and why it was important other then “it was easy” or “there were lots of cute girls”. This interview reminded me that interviewers are going to be asking very broad questions rather then content specific and its about knowing your strengths. Overall I really liked this and think if you guys are not already signed up for it you give it a try.

The one thing I took from this interview was that being optimistic and showing a true happiness in your life and what your doing will get you further then being bitter and resentful. In the example answer for the question what did you dislike about your former job they are very broad and positive with their example saying they chose to move on to better themselves and their careers. This is way better then saying “the stupid manager” or “all the hard work”




http://www.perfectinterview.com/online/text_viewer.asp?id=F5EB82FA-EB8D-46F3-9610-1C312EAA3C19&mediatype=flv
Mary’s Interview Experience
5.) Draft a reflection of at least a paragraph about your practice interview, commenting on the questions asked and your responses to the questions. You might comment on what questions were problematic. What were the strengths of your responses? What could you improve in your responses? How did you responses compare to the "Alternate Response"? What did you learn from the "Coach?"

I thought the practice interview was a great way to refresh myself as I beging to prepare to seek out a new career after graduation. I felt that most of the questions were fairly straightforward, and while I focused on formulating my own answers, the alternate responses were also very strong, offering a different and enlightening perspective. One of the questions I found the most difficult was, "Tell me what you think your most significant achievement was in the past couple of years". Since I've been so busy with school, I tried to emphasize my education as one of my strongest achievements within the last couple of years. In terms of improving my responses, I feel that most of my answers would stay the same, while taking into account the type of work/career that I am being interviewed for.

6.) At the end of the reflection give one question about interviewing or a piece of advice that you've gained in your interviewing experiences.

Honestly, I feel that one of the most critical aspects of the interview is being both comfortable AND confident within yourself. Prospective employers often ask questions that are not necessarily personal, but are reflective of your personality. In general, confidence is the best thing to have and exude.

7.) Click on "Review Saved Interviews." Click on the "Share" button. E-mail yourself your interview and include the links in your posting.
http://www.perfectinterview.com/online/review_gateway.asp?id=3020926&type=standard