The Observer, April 14, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 24
Just in Case...
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...you've been rejected for a job
Amy Sindelar
Assistant Director
Case Career Center
Ask Amy: I recently applied for a position, but didn't get it. Any advice?
Dear Student Turning Adversity into Opportunity: Rejection comes in many forms during an internship, job, or graduate school search. You may receive a letter explaining you are no longer a candidate. Rejection can be made by telephone or in person. Another form of rejection is not even getting a response.
Preparing yourself for rejection will allow you to protect your self-confidence and enthusiasm. Do not become stuck, rendered, or immobile. Rejection can not be taken personally. Successful candidates continue to search, stay positive, motivated, and learn from the process. For every rejection you receive you are one step closer to an offer.
Résumés get interviews; interviews get acceptance. If you did not reach the interview stage, rejection may be disappointing, but it shouldn't be devastating. So, you need to be constructive and ask yourself:
–Did I tailor my cover letter or application form?
–Did my cover letter talk about how my background matches the job description or program?
–Does my résumé sell my skills and achievements?
–Did I have my résumé proofread by the Career Center?
–Do I understand the skills, qualifications, and personal attributes required for the position I am seeking?
If you get rejected after an interview, don't drown in your sorrows. Evaluate what happened and see if there can be any possible changes. Replay the interview. Make note of questions you had difficulty answering or questions you remember.
–Was there anything else you could have done to sell yourself?
–Did you research the company before you interviewed? Were you able to express understating of the organization?
–Did you memorize your background speech and present it in a positive manner?
–Were you able to elaborate effectively on the information you provided in your initial application?
Once you have looked at how your interview went, assess the type of positions you are applying for. Are they the right positions for you? Seek support and guidance on your search technique. The following are three final recommendations:
Keep cool following a rejection. Being turned down for a job can hurt, but avoid expressing anger or resentment toward recruiters or graduate school admission boards. It is critical to face rejection with class and grace.
Write a thank-you. Continue to pursue the organization. Express in a thank-you letter that you would like to be reconsidered if somebody backs out or if another position opens up.
Request feedback. Following a rejection, ask interviewers for advice on how you could have performed better. This demonstrates a sincere interest in personal development and career progression.
Readers: Many of us have career-related questions we are afraid or uncomfortable to ask. Ask Amy is an opportunity to get your questions addressed. Every e-mail I receive will remain confidential and will be reviewed carefully. However, I will select one question to discuss in the Observer. If you have a comment or would like to e-mail a question for next week's Observer, please send it to amy.sindelar@case.edu. Write "Ask Amy" in the subject line.
Sincerely,
Amy Sindelar
...you need to save some money
Compiled by Liz Zheng
News Editor
A financial literacy agenda is sweeping across the nation, backed by organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). America is becoming consumed with more debt as spending habits increase. This, combined with a lack of proper knowledge on budgeting and saving, is creating a vicious cycle.
There is a national movement towards educating the public on understanding their finances and how to budget and save for a fulfilling life.
This education is for all stages of life, from planning on paying for college to retirement.
In Cleveland, organizations such as the Cleveland Public Library, the Federal Reserve, and Case are joining forces to educate the public on financial literacy.
This semester, there has been an added component of student involvement from accounting students Yevgenia Baron, Valbona Bushi, and Jessica Jameson.
These students have put together a student-based session to help both under- and upper-classmen understand finances and how to prepare for their futures.
The presentation is broken down into three sections: loans and credit cards, investment options, and post education finances, including employer investment decisions.
The first of two pilot programs was held in February, and another is scheduled for Friday, April 21 in the Peter B. Lewis Building 03 at 12:30 p.m.
