Friday, October 19, 2007
Entry Level Salaries
Here's an insight into entry level jobs in the marketing analytics industry. Statisticians entering the business world after completing a Master's Degree can expect an average base salary of $62,500, as reported by Kristen Wetta, statistical recruiter at Smith Hanley Associates. Interestingly, there was very little difference in salary regardless of geographic location. Salaries in the more expensive East Coast region of the nation closely matched other parts of the country.
Interview Etiquette
Interview Etiquette
Etiquette is defined as the rules that govern socially acceptable behavior. It varies from culture to culture and from situation to situation. Football game etiquette is certainly different than the etiquette required for a formal dinner party. Business etiquette also varies from company to company. Some businesses have a casual corporate culture, while others are much more traditional. So what is appropriate etiquette during a job interview? As a rule of thumb, err on the conservative side. Mind your manners, dress for success and follow the guidelines below to present yourself at your professional best.
“Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.”
– Clarence Thomas, US Supreme Court Justice
Every contact you have with the company is part of the interview process. Every phone conversation; every interaction with receptionists and secretaries; every hand you shake; how you walk, talk and sit; even casual conversations between interviews — all count toward the impression you make.
Rather than being overwhelmed by the daunting idea that every little thing you say or do is being judged, try to think of every minute you have with a company as an opportunity to make a good impression. It only makes sense to treat everyone with the utmost kindness and respect, since these are potentially the people you will be working with every day.
PHONE INTERVIEWS
Once your resume has passed the first screening process, the phone interview is often your first direct contact with a company. Your primary goal during a phone interview should be to get an in-person interview. Since the interviewer cannot see you, it is vital that you use all the tools available to you to convey your skills, experience, professionalism and interest level.
Phone interviews require the same level of preparation and professionalism as in-person interviews. Some experts even recommend that you dress as if you were interviewing in person. Most phone interviews last 30 – 60 minutes. Here are some dos and don’ts of the phone interview:
· Prepare a quiet space without children or background noise.
· Disable call waiting.
· Use a land line (instead of a cell phone), if possible, to avoid interference and dropped calls.
· Identify yourself with your full name and the position for which you are interviewing.
· Be sure you know who is interviewing you — name and position.
· Have a copy of your resume on hand, as well as a pen and paper for notes.
· Smile — you can hear a smile over the phone.
· Keep a glass of water nearby and take a quick sip if your mouth gets dry.
· Don’t chew gum, smoke or eat.
· No multitasking — give the interviewer your full attention.
For more excellent advice on phone interviews, visit quintcareers.com (quintcareers.com/phone_interview_etiquette.html).
FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEWS
Before the Interview
· Get the interviewer’s name, title, and phone number; find out if you will have more than one interview.
· Map the route and estimate travel time (see mapquest.com). If possible, take a test ride out to the company a day or two before the interview at about the same time, so you can judge traffic. Give yourself an extra 30 minutes if you are unfamiliar with the area. Bring money to cover tolls and parking.
· Dress professionally and conservatively. The University of Oregon has an excellent online FAQ sheet on dressing for interviews (uocareer.uoregon.edu/dressforsuccess/dress.asp), including typical dress codes for various industries. Syms has created a website for college students who are starting to prepare their wardrobes for the business world. Click here for basic wardrobe necessities, interview outfit information and a guide to business casual (symsdress.com/).
· Check your grooming: shower well, wear deodorant, brush your teeth, comb your hair and trim your nails. It may sound obvious, but first impressions mean a lot in a job interview. Avoid cologne. Remove piercings, cover tattoos and keep your hair color in the range of normal human hair.
· Bring extra copies of your resume. See our Do’s and Don’ts of the Job Search Process for information on preparing for the interview, including how to create a complete interview kit.
On-Site
· Arrive early — at least 30 minutes prior to interview time. You may need to fill out an application.
· Turn off your cell phone!
· Smile.
· Shake hands gently but firmly.
· Listen carefully:
. Make eye contact. While this is one of the areas that varies from culture to culture, in America it is customary and considerate to maintain eye contact while someone is speaking.
. Watch your nonverbal cues — posture, gestures, etc. Egrad.com has an excellent article on body language that covers everything from what to do with your hands to how to sit in your chair during the interview (egrad.com/index.cfm?action=story&iStoryID=265§ionID=39&subSectionID=44).
. For more tips on how to improve your listening skills, read “Listening Skills During Interview”: (videofact.com/mark/vfworkplace6.htm)
· Take notes – this will help you remember your questions and review main points at the end of the interview.
· Be positive and confident about your accomplishments and experiences, but don’t be a “know-it-all”.
· Be interested in the position — ask about the job. For more information on asking questions during an interview, see our Preparing for the Interview: Part III — Asking the Right Questions.
· If you are meeting with more than one interviewer, pace yourself. Act as if each interviewer is the only one, but feel free to repeat your strong points to each person.
· NEVER ask about salary. If asked about your salary expectations, give a general range (e.g., mid-$60Ks), but say you are flexible and that it really depends on the job responsibilities and total compensation package.
At the Close of the Interview
· Ask what comes next in the process and for the interviewer’s timeline.
· Tell them you want the job. If things have gone well, don’t be afraid to express your interest: “I enjoyed meeting with you today. I believe I have a good understanding of the position and that my skills and experience would make me an asset to your company.”
· Shake hands and say thank you.
After the Interview:
· Write a brief thank-you note or e-mail to each interviewer: review your understanding of the position, state how you can contribute to the group, and thank them again for their time. Any e-mail correspondence should use proper grammar, spelling and complete sentences. For more guidance, read: “Write a Thank-You Letter that Helps Clinch a Job Offer” (careerjournal.com/jobhunting/interviewing/20041116-marcus.html).
· Contact your recruiter to give feedback on the interview.
· Follow-up. If you promised a list of references, send it. If you said you would check back in a week, do it.
Some Additional Tips
· If your interview includes a meal:
. Brush up on your table manners.
. Order a light, simple meal (avoid onions and garlic, messy sauces and finger foods).
. Don’t order the most expensive item on the menu.
. Don’t drink alcoholic beverages.
. For more tips about meals and interviews, click here: jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/interviewdining.htm
· Slow down. Almost everyone talks too fast when nervous.
· Don't discuss controversial topics.
· Don't argue.
· Don’t smoke or chew gum.
· Return calls promptly.
Think you’re ready? Take this job-hunting etiquette quiz (quintcareers.com/job-hunting_etiquette_quiz.html).
Etiquette is defined as the rules that govern socially acceptable behavior. It varies from culture to culture and from situation to situation. Football game etiquette is certainly different than the etiquette required for a formal dinner party. Business etiquette also varies from company to company. Some businesses have a casual corporate culture, while others are much more traditional. So what is appropriate etiquette during a job interview? As a rule of thumb, err on the conservative side. Mind your manners, dress for success and follow the guidelines below to present yourself at your professional best.
“Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.”
– Clarence Thomas, US Supreme Court Justice
Every contact you have with the company is part of the interview process. Every phone conversation; every interaction with receptionists and secretaries; every hand you shake; how you walk, talk and sit; even casual conversations between interviews — all count toward the impression you make.
Rather than being overwhelmed by the daunting idea that every little thing you say or do is being judged, try to think of every minute you have with a company as an opportunity to make a good impression. It only makes sense to treat everyone with the utmost kindness and respect, since these are potentially the people you will be working with every day.
PHONE INTERVIEWS
Once your resume has passed the first screening process, the phone interview is often your first direct contact with a company. Your primary goal during a phone interview should be to get an in-person interview. Since the interviewer cannot see you, it is vital that you use all the tools available to you to convey your skills, experience, professionalism and interest level.
Phone interviews require the same level of preparation and professionalism as in-person interviews. Some experts even recommend that you dress as if you were interviewing in person. Most phone interviews last 30 – 60 minutes. Here are some dos and don’ts of the phone interview:
· Prepare a quiet space without children or background noise.
· Disable call waiting.
· Use a land line (instead of a cell phone), if possible, to avoid interference and dropped calls.
· Identify yourself with your full name and the position for which you are interviewing.
· Be sure you know who is interviewing you — name and position.
· Have a copy of your resume on hand, as well as a pen and paper for notes.
· Smile — you can hear a smile over the phone.
· Keep a glass of water nearby and take a quick sip if your mouth gets dry.
· Don’t chew gum, smoke or eat.
· No multitasking — give the interviewer your full attention.
For more excellent advice on phone interviews, visit quintcareers.com (quintcareers.com/phone_interview_etiquette.html).
FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEWS
Before the Interview
· Get the interviewer’s name, title, and phone number; find out if you will have more than one interview.
· Map the route and estimate travel time (see mapquest.com). If possible, take a test ride out to the company a day or two before the interview at about the same time, so you can judge traffic. Give yourself an extra 30 minutes if you are unfamiliar with the area. Bring money to cover tolls and parking.
· Dress professionally and conservatively. The University of Oregon has an excellent online FAQ sheet on dressing for interviews (uocareer.uoregon.edu/dressforsuccess/dress.asp), including typical dress codes for various industries. Syms has created a website for college students who are starting to prepare their wardrobes for the business world. Click here for basic wardrobe necessities, interview outfit information and a guide to business casual (symsdress.com/).
· Check your grooming: shower well, wear deodorant, brush your teeth, comb your hair and trim your nails. It may sound obvious, but first impressions mean a lot in a job interview. Avoid cologne. Remove piercings, cover tattoos and keep your hair color in the range of normal human hair.
· Bring extra copies of your resume. See our Do’s and Don’ts of the Job Search Process for information on preparing for the interview, including how to create a complete interview kit.
On-Site
· Arrive early — at least 30 minutes prior to interview time. You may need to fill out an application.
· Turn off your cell phone!
· Smile.
· Shake hands gently but firmly.
· Listen carefully:
. Make eye contact. While this is one of the areas that varies from culture to culture, in America it is customary and considerate to maintain eye contact while someone is speaking.
. Watch your nonverbal cues — posture, gestures, etc. Egrad.com has an excellent article on body language that covers everything from what to do with your hands to how to sit in your chair during the interview (egrad.com/index.cfm?action=story&iStoryID=265§ionID=39&subSectionID=44).
. For more tips on how to improve your listening skills, read “Listening Skills During Interview”: (videofact.com/mark/vfworkplace6.htm)
· Take notes – this will help you remember your questions and review main points at the end of the interview.
· Be positive and confident about your accomplishments and experiences, but don’t be a “know-it-all”.
· Be interested in the position — ask about the job. For more information on asking questions during an interview, see our Preparing for the Interview: Part III — Asking the Right Questions.
· If you are meeting with more than one interviewer, pace yourself. Act as if each interviewer is the only one, but feel free to repeat your strong points to each person.
· NEVER ask about salary. If asked about your salary expectations, give a general range (e.g., mid-$60Ks), but say you are flexible and that it really depends on the job responsibilities and total compensation package.
At the Close of the Interview
· Ask what comes next in the process and for the interviewer’s timeline.
· Tell them you want the job. If things have gone well, don’t be afraid to express your interest: “I enjoyed meeting with you today. I believe I have a good understanding of the position and that my skills and experience would make me an asset to your company.”
· Shake hands and say thank you.
After the Interview:
· Write a brief thank-you note or e-mail to each interviewer: review your understanding of the position, state how you can contribute to the group, and thank them again for their time. Any e-mail correspondence should use proper grammar, spelling and complete sentences. For more guidance, read: “Write a Thank-You Letter that Helps Clinch a Job Offer” (careerjournal.com/jobhunting/interviewing/20041116-marcus.html).
· Contact your recruiter to give feedback on the interview.
· Follow-up. If you promised a list of references, send it. If you said you would check back in a week, do it.
Some Additional Tips
· If your interview includes a meal:
. Brush up on your table manners.
. Order a light, simple meal (avoid onions and garlic, messy sauces and finger foods).
. Don’t order the most expensive item on the menu.
. Don’t drink alcoholic beverages.
. For more tips about meals and interviews, click here: jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/interviewdining.htm
· Slow down. Almost everyone talks too fast when nervous.
· Don't discuss controversial topics.
· Don't argue.
· Don’t smoke or chew gum.
· Return calls promptly.
Think you’re ready? Take this job-hunting etiquette quiz (quintcareers.com/job-hunting_etiquette_quiz.html).
Analytical Consultant
International Loyalty Marketing firm is seeking Sr. Analysts and Consultants for their Atlanta office. Individuals will be responsible for data mining, statistical modeling, segmentation, hypothesis testing, trend analysis, and reporting using SAS. The candidates will be responsible for understanding the client's business objectives and overall strategy to ensure that analysis is appropriate to the clients' needs. Candidates should be client focused with strong analytic skills that include segmentation, retention and customer segmentation modeling. Strong SAS required. Retail or CPG experience preferred. Salary $80,000-120,000. Resumes to ndarian@smithhanley.com. Reference 3008597.
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