Tips for Interviews

 First impressions determine a lot of things in life, and it is also very essential when attending job

interviews. The best way to give off a good first impression is ensuring that you have made

sufficient preparation for any and every situation that you can predict or give an estimate on how

the job interview goes.

Your first impression to the interviewer is vital as it can help to stand as some sort of credibility,

i.e; you are able to present yourself in a way that reflects the skills and experience listed on your

resume. Without giving off a good first impression to the interviewer, you wouldn’t be able to

convey or portray yourself in a way that aligns with what the employer/recruiter is looking for.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW

1. Be on time: punctuality is an essential factor when it comes to attending interviews.

Typically, you’d want to arrive at job interviews 10-15 minutes early as interviewers are

often ready before the scheduled time of appointment.

 

2. Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a smile: Showing confidence and

politeness by a handshake with a smile shows the interviewer that you are prepared,

shows good mannerism, and also shows you’re not nervous.

 

3. Dress appropriately: This is self explanatory, but your dress code is essential in making

a good first impression. Now of course, the proper dress code for jobs is subjective to the

type of job interview you are going for. For instance, a job interview for a position at

Foot locker wouldn’t mind a casual attire being worn on the day of the interview, while

an interview for a position at TD Bank would require a business formal attire. Whatever

type of job interview you go for, always make sure you dress appropriately. For the

ladies, close all unnecessary openings, avoid fixing lashes or nails, and go with a decent

hairstyle. For the males, avoid sagging your clothes, avoid unnecessary jewelries or

accessories.

 

4. Go with a pen and a notepad: Even though you may not get to write much, it shows the

interviewer that you are constantly trying to gather information about the company, and

taking notes of feedback you receive from the recruiter.

 

5. Make a research about the company: Researching the company you are applying for a

job allows you to have background information about the company and its policies, and it

also helps answer questions like; “why do you think we should employ you?”How can

you contribute to our goals as a company?”

 

6. Convey a proper tone: avoid using words you don’t know the meaning of or how to

pronounce at an interview under the guise of trying to impress the recruiter, be sure you

are loud and clear enough for the recruiter to understand what you are saying, but not too

loud in a way that you’d come off as rude or aggressive.

 

Resources

https://ung.edu/career-services/online-career-resources/interview-well/tips-for-a-successf

ul-interview.php

https://skillroads.com/blog/tips-to-pass-interview

By: Carlson Nwawuru

Jobs with Pension Benefits: A Path to Financial Security

 

Pensions, although less common than they used to be, remain a valuable retirement benefit for many employees. A pension plan is a type of retirement plan where an employer contributes funds to a pool set aside for an employee’s future benefits. Pensions provide a guaranteed, lifelong income after retirement, making them especially appealing for those seeking long-term financial security.

Here's a list of jobs with pension benefits: 

1. Government Jobs 

• Federal, State, and Local Government Positions: Most government employees receive pensions through various plans, such as the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or state-specific plans. These pensions provide a steady income, often calculated based on years of service and average salary. 

• Public Safety Positions: Police officers, firefighters, and other first responders typically receive pension benefits. Due to the demanding nature of these jobs, pensions are a significant part of their retirement package, allowing early retirement options. 

2. Education Sector 

• Teachers and School Administrators: Public school teachers and administrators often have access to pensions through state or local programs, such as the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). These pensions help make up for the often lower pay in education compared to other fields. 

• University and College Staff: Public university employees, including professors and administrative staff, typically have access to pensions as part of state or institution-sponsored retirement plans. 

3. Healthcare 

• Public Hospital Employees: Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers employed by public hospitals or government-funded healthcare institutions often have pensions. While this can vary by location and institution, public-sector healthcare jobs generally provide retirement benefits. 

• Unionized Healthcare Roles: In private healthcare, unionized employees—such as those in large hospital systems—may have pension benefits negotiated as part of collective bargaining agreements. 

4. Military and Defense 

• Military Personnel: Active-duty and retired military members receive pension benefits through the U.S. Department of Defense. Military pensions are based on years of service, and those who serve for 20 years or more can receive a guaranteed lifetime pension. 

• Civilian Defense Workers: Civilian employees within defense agencies also typically receive pension benefits, aligning with federal government retirement structures. 

5. Utility Companies 

• Employees at large utility companies (like those providing electricity, water, and gas) often have pension benefits. Many utility companies have historically offered pensions to retain employees due to the specialized skills required and the essential nature of their work. 

6. Transportation Sector 

• Public Transit Workers: Public transportation employees, including bus drivers, subway operators, and other transit workers, are often eligible for pension benefits through government-sponsored retirement plans. 

• Airline Industry Workers: Some airline employees, especially those represented by unions, may receive pensions. However, the extent of pension benefits in this sector can vary significantly depending on the airline and position. 

7. Unionized Private Sector Jobs 

• Many unionized positions across various industries, from construction to manufacturing, come with pension benefits negotiated by unions. Unionized jobs in sectors like steel production, automotive, and telecommunications often include pensions, although this can vary widely. 

Considering a Career with Pension Benefits 

Jobs with pensions offer a pathway to financial stability in retirement, as pensions ensure a predictable income after leaving the workforce. However, pensions aren’t the only route to a secure retirement, as many employers today offer 401(k) plans or similar defined-contribution options instead. That said, if a pension is a priority for you, seeking out positions in government, unionized industries, or large, established sectors like education and healthcare may be a wise decision. 

Sources: 

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-with-pensions 

https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/baby-boomers/articles/jobs-that-still-offer-traditional-pensions 

By Tingbin Zhao (Career Peer)

Ways to Fight Procrastination

Everyone has felt an instance of procrastination at least once in their lifetime. May it be from putting off a task at some point in their life due to there being another time to do it. Or just not doing the task out of fear of it not being done perfectly. These are all examples of procrastination. Which many procrastinators may be doing instinctively to avoid distress, but this approach can ironically cause more distress in the long run. From leading to increased stress, health problems, and poorer performance. As well as increased sleep issues and experience greater stressful regret than non-procrastinators. Which is why you should try any of these tips to get you back on track and out of procrastinations grasps.

WAYS TO FIGHT PROCRASTINATION

• Make a to-do list: To help keep you on track, consider placing a due date next to each item.
• Take baby steps: Break down the items on your list into small, manageable steps so that your tasks don’t seem so overwhelming.
• Recognize the warning signs: Pay attention to any thoughts of procrastination and do your best to resist the urge. If you begin to think about procrastinating, force yourself to spend a few minutes working on your task.
• Eliminate distraction: Ask yourself what pulls your attention away the most, whether it's Instagram, Facebook updates, or the local news and turn off those sources of distraction.
• Pat yourself on the back: When you finish an item on your to-do list on time, congratulate yourself and reward yourself by indulging in something you find fun. 

Resources:

11 Ways to Overcome Procrastination | Psychology Today

Procrastination: Why It Happens and How to Overcome It

Procrastination: Causes, Types, and How to Overcome It

By: Zachariah Solomon (Career Peer)