My impression of what is supposed to go in a cover letter wasn't quite as accurate as I thought. I was not aware that cover letters should not be about the writer, but rather the company. However, this makes since because the writer wants the person reading the letter to believe that he or she has researched and is aware of what the company does, and obviously believes he or she would make a good addition to the organization.
Another point to remember is that the cover letter will not be read first. The interviewer will only read the cover letter if the resume makes a good enough impression and he or she is interested enough to find out why the writer is particularly interested in the company.
Key points that I thought were important to remember included: being specific and personal, selling yourself as the applicant by making the reader see why you would be a great addition, and giving testimonials. I found giving testimonials to be a very good tip because it helps build credibility and ethos.
Most importantly to remember, FOLLOW UP! Give the impression that you care about being a part of the organization.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
What to Ask an Interviewer
I thought the article, "What to Ask an Interviewer" was very helpful. It's definitely hard to keep in mind that I, the person being interviewed, also need to ask questions regarding the position that I am applying for. The article had some very good points; some I was aware of, but sometimes forget, and others that I never thought about.
The article reminded me that it makes me look intelligent and interested when I ask questions. It means that I have potentially researched the company and am seeking more knowledge so that it may become a more mutual selection process, rather than the interviewer bombarding me with questions and drilling me about my experience and what I may be looking for. While the company probably knows better whether or not I would fit in with the other co-workers, it is also important that I feel welcome within their organization. Bringing up the work environment and company policies and goals would be a good discussion so that I, as well as the interviewer, can begin to see if my personality and worth ethic fits there.
Another point the article made was to remember the audience. I wouldn't want to ask someone on the executive board the same types of questions as I would be able to ask co-workers, managers, and/or recruiters. I must keep in mind what is appropriate and what is relevant to who is interviewing me.
The article reminded me that it makes me look intelligent and interested when I ask questions. It means that I have potentially researched the company and am seeking more knowledge so that it may become a more mutual selection process, rather than the interviewer bombarding me with questions and drilling me about my experience and what I may be looking for. While the company probably knows better whether or not I would fit in with the other co-workers, it is also important that I feel welcome within their organization. Bringing up the work environment and company policies and goals would be a good discussion so that I, as well as the interviewer, can begin to see if my personality and worth ethic fits there.
Another point the article made was to remember the audience. I wouldn't want to ask someone on the executive board the same types of questions as I would be able to ask co-workers, managers, and/or recruiters. I must keep in mind what is appropriate and what is relevant to who is interviewing me.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
10 years from now
10 Years from now? I'm really not even sure what I plan on doing tomorrow or this weekend, much less in 10 years. There are so many opportunities and great paths I could take, but I honestly don't know which one is for me at this point. My faith has directed me thus far, and I can only hope that my reliance on God will push me toward where I am supposed to go.
After graduating I would really love to do mission work for a year or two. If after that time spent around the country and/or the world I feel led to continue in that field, then I think it would be amazing to do so.
As a management major I could pursue a great many positions. The options are plenty, and openings aren't scarce. Whether it be running a restaurant, a boutique, or a large corporate company, my education has been preparing and continues to prepare me for taking on those positions. I have worked in the restaurant business for the past five years and have really enjoyed it, so opening one of my own or simply accepting a job as general manager would be something fun and familiar for me.
However, I don't think it would be as challenging for me as I would like. I have always loved planning events, particularly the set up and interior design part, and think event planning would be an excellent position for me. I handle pressure very well, and can come up with quick solutions when something goes wrong. I hope to at least have an internship sometime very soon where planning is involved so that I can exercise these skills and see if that's really what I'm in fact interested in.
Another position that I have considered for several years now is that of a Youth Pastor. There have been several people in my life that have impacted me greatly and pushed me to pursue my faith and live a life pleasing to the Lord. I am forever grateful to them, and would love to be that go-to person for teenagers who are struggling with all the pressures that come with growing up. I love helping people talk and sort through their problems, which is why at one point thought I saw myself as a therapist or school counselor.
Clearly I have had many thoughts and considered many options for the future. But who says I couldn't experience all of them at some point? My mom always says she still doesn't know what she wants to do when she grows up... This gives me hope that I can always change my mind. The workforce is a competitive place, but it is also one of endless opportunity.
In ten years I hope that I can look back and say that I've had really great learning experiences and have met and interacted with wonderful people. I hope that I can look back on these days and say that I pursued what I believed was best and loved and learned from the people in my life the best I could.
After graduating I would really love to do mission work for a year or two. If after that time spent around the country and/or the world I feel led to continue in that field, then I think it would be amazing to do so.
As a management major I could pursue a great many positions. The options are plenty, and openings aren't scarce. Whether it be running a restaurant, a boutique, or a large corporate company, my education has been preparing and continues to prepare me for taking on those positions. I have worked in the restaurant business for the past five years and have really enjoyed it, so opening one of my own or simply accepting a job as general manager would be something fun and familiar for me.
However, I don't think it would be as challenging for me as I would like. I have always loved planning events, particularly the set up and interior design part, and think event planning would be an excellent position for me. I handle pressure very well, and can come up with quick solutions when something goes wrong. I hope to at least have an internship sometime very soon where planning is involved so that I can exercise these skills and see if that's really what I'm in fact interested in.
Another position that I have considered for several years now is that of a Youth Pastor. There have been several people in my life that have impacted me greatly and pushed me to pursue my faith and live a life pleasing to the Lord. I am forever grateful to them, and would love to be that go-to person for teenagers who are struggling with all the pressures that come with growing up. I love helping people talk and sort through their problems, which is why at one point thought I saw myself as a therapist or school counselor.
Clearly I have had many thoughts and considered many options for the future. But who says I couldn't experience all of them at some point? My mom always says she still doesn't know what she wants to do when she grows up... This gives me hope that I can always change my mind. The workforce is a competitive place, but it is also one of endless opportunity.
In ten years I hope that I can look back and say that I've had really great learning experiences and have met and interacted with wonderful people. I hope that I can look back on these days and say that I pursued what I believed was best and loved and learned from the people in my life the best I could.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Web 2.0
I think the video raised some very good questions and concerns about our changing technology, and our communication and thinking as a result. As a society we are growing more and more dependent upon technology, and more specifically, the web. It has become our source of communication, reference, and advertisement. We have become so dependent upon signing into an account and relying on that for functioning in our daily lives. Facebook, e-mail, Blackboard and Wikipedia are all we feel like we need these days. In an instant we can send a mass message to any and every one who we need to get in touch with. There is an endless supply of information for research or simply for our own curiosity.
The title mentions that we are the machine. This is true in every aspect. We use the resource, post and add to websites, and ultimately expand the dependency upon the web every time we use it. Without hesitation or a second thought the majority of the time we would rather send an email than make a personal visit or even a phone call. It is a source of convenience for us. We post blogs and 'status updates' for anyone to see into our lives. This raises a great concern for safety. The web provides numerous tools for people to find anything about us that they really want to know. I saw a newscast recently about a new GPS-type website that would virtually drive you through a town. Instead of simply printing Mapquest directions listed in steps, it would also show a video from Point A to Point B. While this is an amazing step in technology and can help people, it also is a wonderful tool for those would are potentially dangerous. All a person needs is an ending address and he or she can see the entire route to the potential victim's home.
We have to determine whether the benefits of the web outweigh the potential dangers and losses. Communication has become fairly informal, and only continues to grow in that direction as we feed the internet. Will we eventually lose paper all together? Will people depend on video-chat in placement of visiting family and friends? Is getting an email from a significant other just as meaningful as a hand-written and mailed letter? These are all issues that are being dealt with and as of now, it depends on the person using the web. But I think we are moving towards a unified web-dependent society. As long as there are people using the internet, we will continue to feed it, and potentially lose once valued communication skills.
The title mentions that we are the machine. This is true in every aspect. We use the resource, post and add to websites, and ultimately expand the dependency upon the web every time we use it. Without hesitation or a second thought the majority of the time we would rather send an email than make a personal visit or even a phone call. It is a source of convenience for us. We post blogs and 'status updates' for anyone to see into our lives. This raises a great concern for safety. The web provides numerous tools for people to find anything about us that they really want to know. I saw a newscast recently about a new GPS-type website that would virtually drive you through a town. Instead of simply printing Mapquest directions listed in steps, it would also show a video from Point A to Point B. While this is an amazing step in technology and can help people, it also is a wonderful tool for those would are potentially dangerous. All a person needs is an ending address and he or she can see the entire route to the potential victim's home.
We have to determine whether the benefits of the web outweigh the potential dangers and losses. Communication has become fairly informal, and only continues to grow in that direction as we feed the internet. Will we eventually lose paper all together? Will people depend on video-chat in placement of visiting family and friends? Is getting an email from a significant other just as meaningful as a hand-written and mailed letter? These are all issues that are being dealt with and as of now, it depends on the person using the web. But I think we are moving towards a unified web-dependent society. As long as there are people using the internet, we will continue to feed it, and potentially lose once valued communication skills.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Introduction
I'm Sarah, and I'm a junior with a management major and advertising minor. I'm a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and am also involved in Clemson Dancers and FCA. I love to travel and was lucky enough to have the opportunity to study abroad in Europe this summer. I hope to find a temporary job in a big city after I graduate, but would like to return to my hometown, Greenville, for a more permanent career.
I have been dancing since I was four, and love to learn new styles while improving on the old. It's sort of my escape from reality. There are few things more rewarding than working on a routine for months and performing it, knowing that the hard work has paid off. I swam from 3rd grade until my senior year of high school, and still enjoy it. I most recently took up running, and finished my first half marathon in the Spring. I have plans to run another one this October. I have always been very involved in Youth Group, and hope to intern as a Youth adviser/leader at my church this coming summer.
I'm looking forward to working with a client to gain some hands-on experience with 'business writing.' Helping Hands is a part my sorority's philanthropy, and I would really enjoy getting to work even more behind the scenes in addition to visiting the children's home.
I have been dancing since I was four, and love to learn new styles while improving on the old. It's sort of my escape from reality. There are few things more rewarding than working on a routine for months and performing it, knowing that the hard work has paid off. I swam from 3rd grade until my senior year of high school, and still enjoy it. I most recently took up running, and finished my first half marathon in the Spring. I have plans to run another one this October. I have always been very involved in Youth Group, and hope to intern as a Youth adviser/leader at my church this coming summer.
I'm looking forward to working with a client to gain some hands-on experience with 'business writing.' Helping Hands is a part my sorority's philanthropy, and I would really enjoy getting to work even more behind the scenes in addition to visiting the children's home.
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