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Get the advice you need to successfully start your career.

This blog presents guidance on topics such as making the most of 1stGig, writing appropriate cover letters and resumes, developing solid interview strategies, negotiating a starting salary, deciding about graduate school, and much, much more. It is interactive as well as informative: If you have questions or comments about what you read here, or if you have ideas for topics you’d like to see covered, just let us know.

Keyword: interviewing strategies
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How do I prepare for a job interview?

By Susan M. Katz
February 28, 2017
There are multiple ways to to prepare for a job interview; let's go over some of the together. (Read more)
Keywords:
interviewing strategies | interview questions | job interviews | preparing for the job interview |

What not to say or do in a job interview!

By Susan M. Katz
January 9, 2017
i've been thinking about the kinds of things that you might inadvertently say or do in an interview that could be misinterpreted, and I’ve put together a list of a few of the inappropriate behaviors that you will want to avoid. (Read more)
Keywords:
interviewing strategies |

What questions should I ask in a job interview?

By Susan M. Katz
December 20, 2016
Make sure you have multiple questions prepared, but don't ask about salary! (Read more)
Keywords:
interviewing strategies |

What is an elevator speech?

By Susan M. Katz
December 13, 2016
It might sound complicated, but just follow these simple steps to craft a usable elevator speech of your own. (Read more)
Keywords:
elevator speech | interviewing strategies | job search strategies | networking |

The all-important handshake

By Susan M. Katz
November 15, 2016
There are multiple ways to shake hands incorrectly; learn tips for passing the handshake test! (Read more)
Keywords:
business etiquette | interviewing strategies |

How do I stand out in a job interview?

By Susan M. Katz
November 1, 2016
Know what you want, why you want it, and how you can contribute productively to whatever position you're interviewing for. (Read more)
Keywords:
interviewing strategies | job research |

What should I wear for a face-to-face interview?

By Susan M. Katz
September 27, 2016
Real workplaces aren't nearly as casual as they're portrayed in movies and on television. (Read more)
Keywords:
dressing for the interview | interviewing strategies |

How do I prepare for a video interview?

By Susan M. Katz
August 30, 2016
There are numerous ways to help ensure you come across as capable, knowledgeable and professional. (Read more)
Keywords:
interviewing strategies | video interviews |

What are some of the biggest mistakes that job seekers make?

By Susan M. Katz
June 13, 2016
If you ask ten Human Resources professionals what they think is the biggest mistake that job seekers make, you’re likely to get ten different answers. But if you ask them to list the top five, you’re going to see some mistakes show up over and over. Avoiding the seven mistakes listed below can put you ahead of many other applicants and will demonstrate that you should be viewed as a serious candidate. (Read more)
Keywords:
application materials | internships | interviewing strategies | job research | job search strategies | LinkedIn | social media | thank you notes |

What do I say if someone asks an inappropriate question in a job interview?

By Susan M. Katz
May 2, 2016
We'll talk about what kinds of questions are considered inappropriate in the U.S., and how to handle those questions if they arise during an interview. (Read more)
Keywords:
interviewing strategies | interview questions |

What are some typical interview questions?

By Susan M. Katz
April 11, 2016
Every interview is going to be different, so it’s difficult to provide you with a list of “typical” interview questions. However, most interviews are going to include a variety of questions on topics you can anticipate, and it’s good for you to be prepared to talk about these topics. (Read more)
Keywords:
interviewing strategies | interview questions |

Why are information interviews an important part of the job search process?

By Susan M. Katz
March 29, 2016
If you're interested in learning more about a potential career path, one method is an information interview. The point of the information interview is twofold: to learn more about what the job entails and to make contacts within the field. (Read more)
Keywords:
information interviews | interviewing strategies |
Susan M. Katz
Student Career Placement Consultant

Susan M. Katz, PhD, is 1stGig’s Student Career Placement Consultant and the author of Start Your Career: 5 Steps to Finding the Right Job after College.  She is also Associate Professor of English and Internship Coordinator at North Carolina State University, where she developed internship courses for both undergraduate and graduate students. Her courses help students prepare for the job search process, identify their strengths, and consider a variety of potential career paths. Her first book, The Dynamics of Writing Review: Opportunities for Growth and Change in the Workplace, describes some of the processes that newcomers must go through as they enter the workplace and adapt to organizational conventions.

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