Greetings, reader! Going into a job interview can be stressful and exciting. You spend a lot of time preparing and you’ve practiced interviewing, but have you considered the questions that can or cannot be asked during your interview?

The article provides valuable insights into the legal do’s and don’ts of job interviews, covering the types of questions that are off-limits and how to rephrase them appropriately. Students considering a career in Human Resources will find this information essential for conducting fair and compliant interviews.

Career Services offers interview practice meetings for current students and NECC graduates. We would be happy to work with you! Schedule a meeting thru Navigate or email careerservices@necc.mass.edu.

What can or cannot be asked in a job interview?

By Tatiana Rodriguez Almonte

My name is Tatiana Rodriguez Almonte. I am about to graduate in May and I am so excited to write this paper. I believe a lot of students would find it beneficial. Currently, I am completing an internship with Northern Essex Community College Career Services to learn more about talent acquisition. Career Services at NECC is a good resource for students with questions about employment and interviewing because they are always willing to help students to succeed with their educational goals.

Students who are considering a career in Human Resources should read this article because I will be talking about the tough questions that are illegal to ask in a job interview.

Job interviews are very important for both people who are searching for jobs and for companies who are seeking people to hire. While reading about the questions we should avoid asking when interviewing, I learned that asking people personal questions is illegal because it could be discrimination. The U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Yale University Office of Career Strategy both mention interviewers should not ask their candidate personal questions protected by laws such as race, color, religion, sex, national origins, age, or pregnancy. I learned that the only way an interviewer can ask an individual about their age is if the question is relevant to the job position. For instance, if the position needs to hire someone older than 20 years old.

When interviewing a candidate, the interviewer should always ask questions relevant to the position. It is illegal to ask applicants about their citizenship status, disability, or their national origin because that will make applicants feel uncomfortable and discriminated against. Yale University Office of Career Strategy provides a few examples of the questions interviewers should not ask in a job interview and what are the right questions to ask. To illustrate, an illegal question is to ask an applicant is “are you a citizen of the United States?” Instead, interviewers should ask, are you authorized to work in the United States? It is illegal to say, “Oh, you sound like you have an accent.” Instead, interviewers should ask, how many languages do you speak? in case the question is related to the job position. When interviewing an applicant, the interviewer should keep in mind it is illegal to ask about an arrest record, such as saying, “Have you been arrested before?” Instead, they should ask them, “Have you ever been convicted of any crime other than a traffic violation?” That way applicants will not feel discriminated against.

I must admit that each of these articles helped me a lot and now I have a better understanding of what the questions are that are illegal to ask and how to ask them in a correct and legal manner. While interviewing them, I noticed that each of them asked similar questions as to what the right and wrong questions to ask are when interviewing applicants. Through experience, knowing the legal guidelines and similarly following them, applicants can be assured of a fair interview. I now feel more confident as to what I should ask when I start working in the Human Resources Department as a recruiter.

 References

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. What can’t I ask when hiring?. (N.D).

https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/small-business/4-what-cant-i-ask-when-hiring

Petrone, P. “Breaking through the noise with relevant, insights-based content”. 16 Interview Questions That Can Get You In Trouble. (2016).

https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-acquisition/interview-questions-that-can-get-you-in-trouble

Solomon of Learn Vest, K. The Muse. “10 Interview Questions You Should Never Ask (and 5 You Always Should). (2020).

https://www.themuse.com/advice/10-interview-questions-you-should-never-ask-and-5-you-always-should

Yale University. Office of Career Strategy. “Illegal Interview Questions”. (N.D).

https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/illegal-interview-questions/

Imagine you are in an elevator with someone you hope to work. They turn to you and say, “Tell me about yourself.” You have 30 seconds before you reach the ground floor. Quick! What do you say? How much do you say?

Your elevator pitch is a concise summary of yourself. The name “elevator” represents the short amount of time it takes to deliver, like the time it takes to go from one floor to another, typically 30-60 seconds.

It’s important to practice your introduction to become confident. Focus on what you want the listener to know about you.

Do not be shy! Your elevator pitch is an opportunity to set a good first impression. You may not find yourself in an elevator with your future boss, but this introduction could be helpful when you attend a networking event, such as the Spring Job Fair on Thursday, April 25th in TC103 on the Haverhill Campus.

Create a concise pitch using the template below and start practicing with a friend. 

 Here’s an example:

Hello, my name is Golden Knight and I am completing my liberal arts degree at Northern Essex Community College. I will be graduating next May and I am interested in a career that works with people and uses my technology skills. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to create videos in my public speaking class and I’m looking to get more experience in social media marketing. Could you tell me about XYZ Company’s approach to marketing?

Template for Elevator Pitch

Customize this template and make it sound more like you!

 1.) Hello, my name is ________________ and I am completing my degree in _________________ at Northern Essex Community College.

2.) I am interested in a career as a ______________________ in the ___________________ field (industry, e.g., marketing, computer science, etc.).

3a.) I have worked as a ___________________ and really enjoyed ____________________ (mention an aspect that relates to your future career).

OR

3b.) I have completed projects in __________________ and am excited to get more experi5ence.

 4.) Could you tell me more about __________________

Contact NECC Career Services

Interested in a practice/mock interview? Schedule an appointment with NECC’s Career Services through Navigate or email.

Email: careerservices@necc.mass.edu

Navigate: https://necc.navigate.eab.com/ 

Handshake: www.necc.joinhandshake.com 

Join Career Services and MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Center for our upcoming job fair!

April 25, 2024 @ 10am–1pm | Haverhill Campus, TC103

See Page 9 for a flyer about the up coming job fair. ___________________________?

Did you know that many summer internships and job posts are posted between January and early March? Competitive fall semester internships are already posted! If you are interested in applying, it’s important to start searching early. Here is some important information to consider as you begin.

Internships vs. Jobs

Internships typically focus on learning and growing your skills, whereas jobs focus on performing regular responsibilities for a fixed, long-term period. It is important to clarify your internship goals and responsibilities with your supervisor before starting any work.

What are internships?

Internships are a popular way for college students to gain entry-level experience, build skills, and network in a short period. These positions could be paid or unpaid, and they typically involve a few months of part-time work. There are many internships you can apply to online, or you can connect with a company to make your own. An internship can be a great way to explore your interests and grow your skills at any point in your college experience. Why are internships important?

• Gain real work experience and assist a company.

• Work with industry professionals and receive guidance, feedback, and suggestions to work in the field.

• Meet and network with professionals.

• Sometimes an internship can lead to a full-time work opportunity, either with that company or an acquaintance you make working there.

• Explore your career interests. A part of the internship experience is discovering what you do and do not want to do.

When is the best time to start looking for internships?

Internships can require a lot of planning and searching. Companies with a competitive application process will open between 4 to 8 months before their start date. This means internships for summer 2024 are opening in the first week of November. Typically, most internships will invite applicants about 3 to 4 months before the intended start date. If you are creating your own internship or looking at local companies, the timeline can look very different and it may take 1 to 2 months to secure a position.

It takes diligence and patience to find the right internship. If you are looking for a local internship, we recommend starting your internship search 2-3 months before the start of the next semester.

When is the best time to start looking for summer jobs?

Companies with a competitive application process will begin posting their jobs 3-4 months before the intended start date. Now is a great time to start looking for a summer job. It’s also important to do more than apply for jobs online. Attend on-campus events with guest speakers and employers. It’s a great opportunity to network, learn about a company, and hear about job opportunities that might not be posted online.

I’m ready to start searching, where can I get started?

Start by logging into your Handshake account (necc.joinhandshake.com/edu). Handshake is NECC’s job and internship board, and you already have an account! You can use your MyNECC Portal information to log in.

Once you find an internship or job, check out the responsibilities and qualifications. After you review the description, review the company’s website to understand its mission and purpose. Like what you see? It’s time to apply!

Many internships and jobs will require a resume and cover letter. You can find examples of these on Handshake by clicking “Career Center” on the homepage, and then “Resources”. If you would like to talk about this process and have a cheerleader in your search, contact NECC’s Career Services through Navigate or email (careerservices@necc.mass.edu).

Ready to start your internship or job search?

1. Log into Handshake.

2. Identify what you are looking for in an internship.

3. Update or create your resume and cover letter.

4. Connect with Career Services for advice.

Learn more about internships, Handshake, and application materials by scheduling a meeting with Career Services.

Schedule a meeting through Navigate.

Email: careerservices@necc.mass.edu Handshake URL: www.necc.joinhandshake.com

Internships are a popular way for college students to gain entry-level experience, build skills, and network in a short period of time. There are many internships you can apply to online, or you can connect with a company to make your own. Whether you are in your first year at NECC or preparing to graduate, an internship can be a great way to explore your interests and grow your skills.

Why are internships important?

• Gain real work experience and assist a company.

• Work with industry professionals and receive guidance, feedback, and suggestions to work in the field.

• Meet and network with professionals.

• Sometimes an internship can lead to a full-time work opportunity, either with that company or an acquaintance you make working there.

• Explore your career interests. A part of the internship experience is discovering what you do and do not want to do.

How long are internships?

Internships are short-term positions, often lasting several weeks or 4 months (a semester). They can be full-time or part-time hours. You would work with your internship site to create a schedule that suits your needs as a student.

Internships vs. Jobs

Internships typically focus on learning and growing your skills, whereas jobs focus on performing regular responsibilities for a more fixed, long-term period. It is important to clarify your internship goals and responsibilities with your supervisor before starting any work.

Are internships paid or unpaid?

Internships can be either paid or unpaid. It is important to review this information before you accept an internship offer or when you talk to a company to create an internship.

How much an intern gets paid varies. Interns may receive an hourly wage or a stipend for the entirety of their work. Since internships are short-term positions, they often do not offer health or other benefits that full-time employees receive. If an internship is unpaid, you are volunteering your time with the company and it is important to set boundaries of how much time you can and are willing to spend as an intern. Unpaid internships are common in fields such as politics, healthcare, education, and nonprofits; whereas, tech, finance fields, and larger businesses often pay higher.

Can internships count for credit?

Yes, internships can count for credit. Many programs at NECC include required experiential learning for a specified number of hours during the semester as part of a class. This may be an internship, externship, clinical, or practicum required to graduate. Other programs offer an elective course option. When considering elective internships, it is important to understand the cost and transferability of those credits if you plan to transfer to another college. Meet with your Academic Advisor for additional information about your elective credits and the course options for your major. Of course, completing an internship does not have to be for college credit. You have the option of pursuing an internship that is not linked to a class to be proactive and gain experience in your field.

When is the best time to start looking for internships?

Internships can require a lot of planning and searching. Companies with a more competitive application process will open between 4 to 8 months before their start date. This means internships for summer 2024 are opening in the first week of November. Typically, most internships will invite applicants about 3 to 4 months before the intended start date. If you are creating your own internship or looking at more local companies, the timeline can look very different and it may take 1 to 2 months to secure a position.

It takes diligence and patience to find the right internship. If you are looking for a local internship, we recommend starting your internship search 2-3 months before the start of the next semester.

How do I find an internship?

There are two primary ways to find an internship – (1) searching and applying online or (2) directly contacting an employer and creating your own internship.

(1) When it comes to searching for internships online, get started by logging into your Handshake account (necc.joinhandshake.com/edu). Handshake is NECC’s job and internship board, and you already have an account! You can use your MyNECC Portal information to log in.

Once you find an internship, check out the responsibilities and qualifications. Some internships require students to take certain pre-request classes so they are ready to step into the technical demands of the internship. After you review the description, review the company’s website to understand its mission and purpose. Like what you see? It’s time to apply! Many internships will require the same materials as a job application, including your resume and cover letter.

After exploring Handshake, your search may extend to additional job search sites, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, or companies’ personal websites.

(2) Sometimes the internship you’re looking for does not exist and is waiting to be created. Crafting your own internship can be a bit more time-consuming, but it’s worth it. To get started, identify your internship goals – are you looking to explore an industry or work on a specific project? Who is doing similar work? Use your goals and interests to explore potential companies. You can then use Handshake and your local Chamber of Commerce website to get contact information for the best-matched companies. From there you can email potential companies and express your internship interest.

If you would like to talk more about this process and have a cheerleader in your search, contact NECC’s Career Services through Navigate or email (careerservices@necc.mass.edu).

Ready to start your internship search?

1. Log into Handshake.

2. Identify what you are looking for in an internship.

3. Update or create your resume and cover letter.

4. Connect with Career Services for advice.

Learn more about internships, Handshake, and application materials by scheduling a meeting with Career Services.

Schedule a meeting through Navigate.

Email: careerservices@necc.mass.edu Handshake URL: www.necc.joinhandshake.com

What is Federal Work Study?

Federal Work Study (FWS) is a way for students to earn money to pay for school through part-time NECC-approved jobs. Many of these positions are located on campus in Haverhill and Lawrence. Some are with our community partners that are close to campus, like MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Center and JumpStart (early childhood education).

What Are the Benefits?

• Students earn money for educational expenses as part of their financial aid award.

• Students gain valuable experience and skills in their area of study to the extent possible.

• Your employer knows you are a college student first. Employers are encouraged to be as flexible as possible and work around your class schedule.

• Because FWS is a need-based financial aid program, FWS income (although taxable) does not affect your future financial aid eligibility.

Applying on Handshake:

Available FWS jobs are posted on Handshake, NECC’s job and internship board. Use your MyNECC login to get started! https://necc.joinhandshake.com/

Once you log in, select jobs and use the filter to select the “Work Study” checkbox. Review the open opportunities and submit your resume to the opportunities you are interested in working. An NECC employee will follow up with more details and potentially invite you to an interview.

Not seeing FWS positions? Contact the Financial Aid office to confirm your eligibility. financialaid@necc.mass.edu

Starting your first resume or looking for feedback? Schedule a meeting with Career Services through Navigate.

My Experience as a Federal Work Study Student

Opinion article by Robert Suriel (written May 2023)

Hello! My name is Robert Suriel, and I am writing an opinion piece as a work-study in Career Services. A Federal Work Study Job is for college students with financial needs, allowing them to earn money to help pay for expenses related to their education. I knew when I was eligible to work as a work-study when I got financial aid and confirmed with the Financial Aid office if I was eligible. 

 When starting a Work Study, it’s important to consider your college schedule as different departments may have varying flexibility regarding remote work or working hours outside of 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

 1. Time management: Take note of the number of classes you have and assess whether you can effectively balance your homework and work responsibilities. If you have a heavy course load, it may be challenging to handle additional work without negatively impacting your grades. Be mindful of the workload you can handle in a week. 

 2. Effective communication: Keep your supervisors informed about your class schedule. If there are emergencies or exams that clash with your work schedule, communicate with your supervisors promptly. Discuss the possibility of rescheduling or inform them in advance about your unavailability due to exams or other commitments. Prioritize your education, and as a work-study student, your exams and classes are a top priority. 

 Remember, the best ways to contact your supervisors are through email, Microsoft Teams, or a quick phone call to notify them about any exams or schedule conflicts. 

 By managing your time effectively and maintaining open communication with your supervisors, you can navigate your work-study experience more smoothly. 

 Advice for searching for a work-study job 

When using Handshake, simply login to your student account and explore the available job opportunities. Exercise caution when applying and ensure you have a clear understanding of the roles you are applying for. Additionally, consider your mode of transportation, as some positions may require reliable access to a car. It’s important to verify the legitimacy of the places you apply to and consider the transportation options available to you. 

 Creating a well-crafted resume is crucial when applying for any job. If you need assistance in writing a resume, there are various options to consider. NECC Career Services comes highly recommended as they offer support in resume and cover letter writing, along with resources for interview preparation and more. If you are just getting started, you can utilize ChatGPT to generate a skeleton draft for practice purposes. You can edit it to make it your own and connect with NECC Career Services for feedback. 

 By being mindful of these factors and utilizing available resources, you can navigate the job application process more effectively.  

What are extracurricular activities and why include them?

Extracurricular activities are programs outside of your academics, like clubs, athletics, and honor societies. Your involvement in college extracurriculars can help you build your skills and confidence. Perhaps you:

• Were president of the Art Club

• Volunteered at the U-Knighted Fair

• Played on the volleyball team

• Participated in Alpha Beta Gamma, the National Business Honor Society

• Participated in a class project with another school from abroad

This experience can be helpful to include on your resume. Especially as you are beginning your career, your involvement as a college student can be included on your resume to demonstrate your great transferrable skills.

What to include?

You will want to include the experiences that show your skills and readiness for this new job. For example, if you were involved on the baseball team and applied for a tutoring job, you would want to show your transferrable skills, such as mentorship and collaboration skills. Your resume may include something like, “Mentored new players on the team, supporting 3 rookie players into starting roles” or “Collaborated with co-captains to organize pre-season workouts and bonding events”.

Remember: You can create a master resume with all this information. When you are ready to apply for a job, you can edit and remove less relevant content.

Which extracurriculars do you include to tailor your resume?

You’ve listed all of your extracurriculars…now what? It’s time to identify the skills you need for this job. You will want to review the job description for inspiration and pay careful attention to the job duties. Reviewing this description will help you identify keywords and responsibilities for this position.

In addition to reviewing the job, you will also want to check out the company, looking at its website and social media. This context will help you see the company’s values and priorities. Do they value teamwork? Do they want people who are problem solvers?

Where do I list my experience?

Where you list your extracurriculars will depend on the job application and your transferrable skills. Consider how your extracurricular activities are relevant to the application.

Here are three common options:

• Experience section: Including your involvement under an “Experience” section is a great way to show your transferable skills if you do not have paid work experience. Let’s say you are applying to a social media internship, you will want to include how you managed the Student Government’s social media accounts and increased their followers by 25% in a year – that would be super relevant for this role.

• Education section: You may consider this section if you are involved in an honor society or academic-related organization that relates to your future career. If you are involved in the National Business Honor Society and plan to pursue accounting, including this membership would be relevant.

• Separate section: You may decide to create a dedicated section for your experiences if you have multiple items that are relevant to the job application. This section could be titled “Leadership Experience” or “Extracurricular Activities”, whichever best reflects your experience. If you have work experience, avoid mixing your paid and unpaid experiences. Creating this separate section can showcase your transferable skills and help you highlight your extracurricular experience.

Key Takeaways

Your extracurricular activities can be an excellent way of showcasing your technical and soft skills on your resume. 

Remember: always consider your reader and tailor your resume. You want the hiring manager to read your resume to see why you are the best candidate for the job. Quality over quantity matters most!

Want resume feedback? Schedule a meeting with Career Services. Navigate is the most efficient way to schedule a meeting. You can also reach us by email: careerservices@necc.mass.edu.

Looking to apply for jobs? Check out NECC’s job board, Handshake: https://app.joinhandshake.com/edu

A career is not just a job, it’s much more than that. A career combines your education, training, and overall experience, as well as your values, interests, and strengths. Your career goals and plans develop over time and connecting with Career Services early can help you get a strong start in this process. We have exploration resources to help you research and learn about different occupational areas and set career goals and plans. We also have tools and support to help you prepare for your next steps if you already know what you want to do.

Here are 5 reasons to connect with Career Services early in your college journey.
1. Identify interests, values, and priorities
a. Reflecting on what matters most to you can help you make decisions more efficiently. When it comes to job searching, you may assume these priorities and filter your search by location, salary, etc. Connect with Career Services for career assessments and additional tools to help you identify how your interests relate to your future career.

2. Researching occupations, industries, and companies
a. Start researching your future profession, learn about the required skills, and your salary expectations. There are many virtual resources and in-person opportunities at NECC to help your research.

3. Start networking
a. Networking is a crucial component in internship and job searching, plus it’s a great way to learn about occupational areas of interest. Connect with Career Services to learn how to do it and why it is important.

4. Guidance on resumes and cover letters
a. Creating a resume and cover letter early sets you up for success in the future. You can schedule a meeting with Career Services to receive feedback and learn how to tailor your materials for a specific job application.

5. Strategize for job and internship search
a. There are more job search tools than Indeed.com. Connect with us early to discuss your career goals, how to apply your skills from classes, and additional search tools – including Handshake!

To meet with Career Services, schedule a meeting through Navigate or email careerservices@necc.mass.edu. Meetings are available on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses, plus Zoom.

Searching for a job can take longer than expected. Did you know the average time from application to accepting a full-time job in 2022 is three to six months? Preparing for your search, applying and interviewing, researching companies, and successfully landing a position requires patience and diligence.

Here are Career Services’ top 5 tips for job searching:

1. Login to Handshake.
• Handshake is NECC’s job board and much more! Attend free employer-hosted events, search for internships and jobs, and check out NECC’s Career Center Resource area for templates.
• To get on to Handshake, login to your MyNECC Portal and scroll to the bottom of the homepage. Click the Handshake login on the left-hand side.
2. Prepare!
• Creating a resume and cover letter is a great first step in your job search. It’s best to proofread your application materials, making sure they are free of spelling and punctuation mistakes. Then ask yourself, are your application materials telling your story? Do they contain relevant information that shows you are the best candidate for the job? Are they clear, concise, and easy to read?
• Pro tip: Reach out to three qualified people to give you feedback. Career Services can be one of them! It’s good to have a small group of people provide suggested edits before you apply.
3. Keep Track of Your Applications.
• Save the job description as a Word file or PDF. You may find the job posting has been taken offline when you go to interview, and you will be thankful to Tracking your applications in a journal or separate Excel document is a great idea.
• Another helpful tool is to create a spreadsheet to track your applications. List the company name, the job title, and the date you applied in a document. You may find yourself creating multiple accounts and applying to different companies. This spreadsheet is a good place to keep your account info, reminders, and notes about the role and company.
4. Networking and Events.
• Sometimes the best job for you is one not listed on a website. Attending events – virtual or in-person – and meeting people in the roles or company you want to work for is an excellent way to discover these unlisted opportunities. Take initiative today! Create a LinkedIn account and start connecting with friends, family, NECC alumni, and more.
5. Beware of scams.
• If the job listing seems too good to be true, it likely is. Here are five common signs of a scam:
1. A job post that claims you will make a thousand dollars a week by working from home is a common example.
2. Jobs with poor grammar and multiple misspellings.
3. The email address isn’t right. The company name is misspelled or the email ends with Gmail or Yahoo.
4. There’s an upfront cost. You’re asked for pay for your own laptop and equipment with a promise of being reimbursed.
5. You’re asked to send a resume and there’s no specific job posting. Someone could be looking to get your contact information, such as your home address, phone number, or email.

Want to connect with Career Services?

It’s never too early to connect! Our services are FREE for students and recent alumni. We help you build career development knowledge, skills, and tools that will help you now and throughout your career.
Zoom and in-person appointments are available. Schedule through Navigate or email careerservices@necc.mass.edu with questions.