Rooting for your job/internship search!

This is a guest blog by Alecia Kissel, HR and recruiting intern at Milliner & Associates, LLC in Indianapolis. 

There is really no tiptoeing around the fact that in less than a couple of months, life will be totally different for me and other soon-to-be college graduates.

It is surreal because just yesterday I was moving into my freshman dorm and didn’t know a single person on campus. Hopefully, if you are in the same boat as me, you have looked into some really great companies and even had some interviews as well. Whether it is looking for full-time employment or a summer internship, it’s important to actively engage the following questions while in the interview process.

Can you picture yourself working there?
Thinking about the office space is important, especially if you are going to be there day in and day out for work. I know when a space has a balance of cool and warm colors, I feel welcome and happy to be there. I also appreciate offices with a common theme in terms of decoration or furniture. It just jives with my personality. Walking in to a potential employer office, gauge if your first impression is positive, negative or neutral, and why. This small detail might be overlooked sometimes in the decision process, but nonetheless is an important factor because it can influence your mood at work.

Have you asked the in-depth questions?
Many questions asked in an interview can be addressed with relatively vague answers if we are not careful about how we ask them. I have walked out of an interview before and thought, “I still have no idea what I would be doing.” Really delve into what is important to you, whether it’s the daily tasks and responsibilities, the company culture, or the potential for growth within the company. And be specific.

Have you sent a thank you to the interviewer or interviewers?
It may seem silly, but this can be a make-or-break factor in an employer’s decision to hire you. It was for me. Almost one year ago, I was hired to work with Milliner & Associates because I sent a thank-you note to my current supervisor that said outright: “I want this job.” The other person being considered for the internship simply forgot to send a thank-you email and didn’t get the offer. That sentence was singlehandedly the smartest, most influential thing I have done in my life because it gave me this internship experience. Handwritten or via email, send a thank you. It’s common courtesy.

Wishing everyone the best of luck in their job search, whether you are a college graduate looking for the dream job or the college student looking for the dream internship. I’m rooting for you!