If you've done any research on interviewing, you know that you MUST ask the employer questions.  This shows that you are interested in the job and that you've done some homework.  It's also important to know what questions you should stay away from.  Vault (Career Insider) recently shared a list of questions you SHOULD NOT ask on the interview: 1. What are the hours? 2. What is the salary? Is there an opportunity to earn a bonus? 3. Who are your main competitors? 4. What does the timeline look like for promotions? 5. What is the dress code? 6. Could I work from home? 7. How many paid vacation days and sick days would I get? 8. What other benefits would you provide? 9. Does the company monitor employee email or social media accounts? 10. What do you like least about working here? For reasons why you shouldn't ask these questions and additional tips, read the entire post: http://access.vault.com/blog/interviewing/10-questions-never-t...

The Center for Career Development wishes you much happiness this holiday season and best wishes for the New Year!!  Thanks for being our readers ;0).

Now that the fall semester is over, what are your plans? Are you going on vacation or catching up on some sleep? Maybe both. While relaxing sounds amazing remember to stay productive. This is a great time to do all of the things that you have been putting off all semester like updating your resume, applying for internships, taking winter classes or finding a job. Updating your resume is very favorable at this time because you may have developed new skills from one of your classes this semester, earned certification or held a job. If you are looking for volunteer experience this is also the perfect time, the holidays are all about helping those less fortunate. In need of money? Many retailers are hiring for short term employment over the winter break which may be valuable since you will be able to make money while you’re on break then focus on school when the spring semester begins. Here at Kingsborough Community College a six week winter module is offered from Januar...

  Thoughts on the Strong Inventory Assessment from our Career Peers   Gerardo Battiante   One of the first assignments I received when I started my experience as a Career Peer was to take the Strong Interest Inventory survey.   My advisor explained to me that this was a good opportunity for me to narrow my interests and understand what would be the career path that best fits my skills and aspirations. This survey really is a good tool: the report I received was extremely detailed and very accurate. Before I took the survey, I knew I wanted to work in the field of Finance and Economics, but I wasn’t sure what exactly I wanted to be and how to get there. With the help on my advisor, I was able to read and understand what was stated on my report. I believe this tool should be a mandatory assignment for all the students in the school. It can help both students with a clear idea regarding their career, and the undecided ones.   Zeenib Youn...

So your interview is two days away and you’re nervous because you were told that it will be a group interview and you don’t know what to expect. For many job candidates, group interviews can be intimidating and nerve racking. To overcome this fear and embrace the group interview process one must understand the purposes of a group interview.    What is a Group interview? Group interviews involve bringing you into an interview with several other candidates who are contending for the same position. All candidates in the group are interviewed simultaneously. In this setting, Employers are assessing “skills” such as problem solving skills, communication skills and team work.   Employers can get a better insight on how you will handle any stressful situation that may arise. Types of group interviews formats usually consists of group discussions and activities. In this scenario, the candidates involved are either asked to solve a problem that is given or each candidat...

So, you have a great GPA and you participated in a few campus activities, you even have some volunteer experience.  But, are you truly career ready? NACE provides a definition of what Career Readiness is: Career readiness is the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace. Below is a list of recommended competencies that you need to have in order to be prepared for the world of work: Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness. Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express i...

The first scam dates back to 193 A.D. with the sale of the Roman Empire.   During a time of unrest a special army that was supposed to be loyal to the emperor killed him and offered his empire to the highest bidder. The highest bidder was Julianus. He paid each member of the army 250 gold pieces which is valued at $1 billion dollars today. In the end Julianus was overthrown because the empire did not belong to the army to sell. The guards that received money for the empire were later killed by the new emperor for their role in illegal sale of the empire. A new type of scam involving job postings has become very popular with the demand for jobs and an unsteady economy. A job scam occurs when a scammer poses as an employer or recruiter, and offers attractive employment opportunities which require that the job seeker pay money in advance. This is usually under the appearance of background and/or credit checks that are required for the job. Once the money has been paid to t...

An interview that takes place behind a computer screen, can go by many names: Remote interview, video interview or online interview     Take a look at these tips on how to ace that particular interview. Before ü   You will need a quiet pla ce with a neutral or professional background ü   Have your resume, pen and paper ready ü   Dress professionally During Do not eat or drink Do not have your radio or TV on Make sure you will not be disturbed Remember to smile, you are on camera after all!   After Send a thank you note within 48 hours ~Christine Davis

Of course, required skills and knowledge vary from occupation to occupation. Yet, there are certain qualities that appear high on employers’ priority lists, across multiple occupational fields.  Students may benefit from developing these regardless of their major or desired career. Here are a few of the qualities that employers seek in job candidates:     Taking Responsibility It’s not uncommon for students just entering the work world to struggle with describing their prior responsibilities. Responsibilities both in and out of the office can be transferrable to your target job.  In your resume, be sure to include any responsibility where you care for or guide others, even if it is not in the “business” realm--for example, in a babysitting, tutoring or camp counselor position.   Communication Skills Despite the prevalence of apps and social networking in the digital age, face to face and written communication skills remain priorities to e...