IDSA 2006 National Conference Day 3

IDSA 2006 National Conference Day 3
The third day of the conference and symposium started off with a bang, students and graduates gathered for the Portfolio/Interviewi ng Seminar with Rita Sue Siegel and Bruce Claxton.

The session was titled: "Building a Career with Passion and Good Sense." Passion and good sense were in ample supply from Rita Sue and Bruce who gave the best advice on the subject I have ever heard.

Here is an excerpt about interviewing that your reporter managed to jot down: "Practice," and "be prepared" for obvious and not-so-obvious questions: "What makes you special?" "What can you offer our company?"

Be prepared, for example, ask for clear directions to get to the interview location.

You don't want to get lost and arrive late for a job interview. Arrive early.

"Show your greatest strengths" but explain by telling a story and giving context.

"Discuss a challenge you faced and how you overcame it." "Share a teamwork story" but not just talking about "we." Interviewers want to hear what "you" achieved.

Take care of your personal presentation, take a shower, brush your teeth, etc...

"Dress appropriately," if you are not sure it's perfectly fine to ask about the dress code.

"Give a solid handshake," "maintain eye contact when talking," "balance talking and listening," "don't over explain." "Ask to meet the team you will