Reflection :

At the beginning of this project, I underestimated how impactful this project would be in the end. Before this, I never really understood the time and effort that goes into a professional interview. It really wasn’t something I was taught in high school, so I did what made sense, be personable, polite, and professional. I used to get so anxious over the unknown that I didn’t know there was an actual way you could prepare for an interview. I also never considered that doing your own research on a company, program, etc, can help you understand what that work is like, the climate can be inferred and you as an interviewee get a chance to see if you really want to pursue the job. It was actually fun to go through this process which is typically so stressful and professional, and instead have some of the pressure taken off and benefit from the learning experience. I will admit at the beginning of Journal #19, I was unclear about what I was building my job description off of. In turn that made the beginning stages a little confusing and incomplete but it all worked out. During group work, we were all able to pull strong content from each of our descriptions and created something to be proud of. I hope to carry the lessons and advice I learned from this project throughout my professional career and one day be able to share my own tips and trick to ease someone else nerves before any interview.

Journal 25 –

I felt super prepared for this class, I was able to organize some key points I wanted to make during the interview in a notebook along with the detailed question of what I’d like to ask. But there was still the unknown that made me nervous, what they asked a question that stumped me or I didn’t have what the committee was looking for? While these worries were all very real, that’s exactly why we did this exercise. In the end I was pleased with how my interview went, I felt confident in my body language but kept what I said short. It would have been nice to share more of my experience but what I said was well-spoken and professional so for now I’ll settle.

Journal 24 –

When going over how the mock interview would play out, I’ll admit I was a bit nervous despite being on the interview committee. I wasn’t sure how serious this would be and it got me reflecting on how I am in a professional setting. Most of the jobs I’ve worked have started with little interviews but it’s mostly worked out. It was nice to be on the council for this run, it gave me time to listen and reflect on how I should present myself when it was my turn.
As a group though, we were a little flustered throughout the process and weren’t the most organized but that was a learning curve. Part of the process of being a good interview committee is to be prepared to work together and expect the unexpected even if you aren’t the one in the hot seat. I glad I was on that side of the dry-run, it gave me an example of what to expect for next class and what could occur in the real world too.

Journal 22 –

3 Questions:

  • What sort of preparation will need to be done for the Handbook’s presentation as stated in the Major Duties
  • How will the higher-ups promote this product to other companies? Are there partnerships or agreements with these companies?
  • Regarding time management, if this handbook is for first-years, is the busiest time of the year fall when new students arrive?

3 Big Moments:

  • Since I will be graduating from UNE with a major in Sociology, giving me a wide understanding of various topics, and a minor in Communications. This combination can be beneficial for the understanding of sales and having a first-hand experience at UNE. 
  • About a year ago, I was fairly new to my Hostess job at a popular Pub and Bar. We were understaffed and it became super busy and chaotic; many of the waitresses couldn’t balance the smaller tasks while running food. Through communication and adaptability, I was able to pick up the minor duties for them and helped keep the customers happy. 
  • This past summer I was new to working the front desk at a zip line park and often felt overwhelmed as I was alone. When other employees came to check on me, I stopped saying everything was fine when it wasn’t. I was honest with myself and them; I had so many questions that were finally answered because I spoke up. Co-workers also told me that my job can be a lot and a quick radio call for help is always answered. Having compassion and an understanding that sometimes the workload that you are taking on is too much but shows honesty in the work place.

3 Questions during an Interview:

  • What’s your motivation when applying for this job? Furthermore, what is your end goal or what do you hope to achieve with this job? 
  • Recall a time, perhaps from a past job, when you didn’t know what to do. How did you handle it and learn from it?
  • How do you plan to sympathize with customers and make positive connections that will benefit the product.

Questioning the Sample Job:

  • How do you plan on building rapport with the first years? 
  • How accessible do you plan to be during the work week?
  • It’s a good idea to familarize yourself with the routine of acceptance day, and tours, etc. Do you fully understand what those days consist of?

Journal 21 –

On Friday, my group split up and highlighted pieces of our job description that we thought would be beneficial. I was really pleased with each group member’s description and I’m confident the compiled information will make a strong collaboration. Looking back at our compiled work, it’s clear everyone contributed to which we have a solid paper that’s well put together. Our major and minor duties are one of our stronger points on this project, it’s well organized and gives an actual representation of the bigger and smaller tasks that would be done in an actual office setting. The only thing I want to neaten up is our title, it’s hard to give one name that’s well-rounded when this description seems to hold a lot of information. Three questions I have for my peers are:
Does this job seem like an overwhelming amount of work or is it balanced?
Is the description lacking anything information?
Does this write up seem appealing?

Journal 19 –

Job Title: Company Relations Manager

Description: Through my company, I communicate with others who want to collaborate with us. I represent the company and manage others who wish to work with us. This involves in-person and technological communication to ensure both sides clearly understand the expectations of working together.

Major Duties: I form discussion outlines for meetings so we can manage time and cover all the topics needed. I organize schedules based on partners’ needs and what works for us, and respond to emails and offers.

Minor Duties: I attend the early stages of meetings for clarification and keep in the loop if things need to be adjusted. I keep up engagement and good rapport, computer work, and make sure employees don’t feel overwhelmed by balancing their workload. I often consult on collaborations but don’t have the final say.

Qualifications: A Degree or certification in Business, Communications or Negotiations. Although not all three is required, having experience in one of the three with making learning the other two easier for this job.

Competencies: I envision someone who is personable and trustworthy. Who has what’s best for the company in mind while being considerate that we are humans and errors/mistakes happen? They work and communicate well with others and can make decisions with reasonable expectations for the employees.
This is a job listing for a higher education or undergraduate degree, parts of this job could also benefit an intern or beginning employee.