|
Mock,
mock, whose there? Your life
By Cristina Madrid
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
While walking past the receptionist who has confirmed a 10 a.m. interview
for your dream job, a flutter of butterflies and the memory of using platinum
sweat guard deodorant reminds you that after shaking hands with the company’s
recruiter, life as you know it will ultimately change for better or worse.
What’s a person to do?
For students enrolled at Cal State Long Beach, there is a unique service
which specializes in reducing stress and improving self-confidence when
going for a job interview. As part of the services offered at CSULB’s
Career Development Center (CDC), mock interviews are a wonderful opportunity
to practice the technique of job interviewing without the pressure of being
turned away by employers.
“ The [mock interview] gives students the opportunity to get feedback on
how to speak, about their posture and on how to dress when they go to a job interview,” said
Manuel Perez, director for the CDC. “There’s only one chance to make
a good first impression.”
This service has helped many career opportunists reach their dream jobs
by instilling confidence and teaching them the art of articulation and
giving students critical feedback, Perez said.
Robert Wendt, a CSULB career counselor, said the mock interview helps students
by “increasing self-esteem, reducing errors in the job interview
process and increasing student’s confidence.”
He added, “The mock interview helps people to be natural, so that
the person who hires you hires you for you.”
The most common error Wendt sees is false expectations of what goes on
during a job interview.
“ It’s more than not merely understanding the process, but an individual
can become scared by what they don’t know,” Wendt said.
A student walking through the doors of the CDC located in BH-250, can excpect
to find a multitude of services provided, including the mock interview.
“ Students participating in a mock interview will be evaluated verbally
based on how the [candidate] physically presents themselves, how they articulate
ideas, concepts, volume, word selection and responsiveness,” Wendt said.
Wendt recommends people research the company in order to know the business’ needs,
and write a thank you letter to the recruiter for their time and presence
regardless of whether or not you get the job. But most importantly know
yourself.
He said, “Look at your resume and ask yourself ‘Can I articulate
the details of my resume?’ ”
The catch phrase “Practice makes perfect” is more than just
a saying to the career administrators. It is an ideology that is implanted
into minds of students looking to be more marketable to employers.
Mock interviews can be scheduled in person at BH-250 or over the phone
by calling (562) 985-4151. For more information about mock interviews
or the Career Development Center visit its Web site at www.careers.csulb.edu.
|
