Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

Ask the Hiring Manager is an online career forum designed specifically for college students and recent grads, with answers to many common job search questions provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter.

If you don't see an answer to a question you would like to see answered here in this forum, please submit your own question direct to Brian.

• Career Planning/Preparation/Selection Questions:
   
• What is the difference between the following terminologies: internship, experiential learning, co-op, service learning, field study, community service, and volunteer intern?
   
• I can't decide on which path to take. I am very ambitions and extremely competitive, but I don't know what career I want to choose.
   
• Does the college that a person attends affect the number of job opportunities that will be available when he/she graduates?
   
• Of what value is advice/informational interviewing?
   
• Is it okay to contact and set up informational interviews prior to his second interview with three of the departments that would be reporting to the potential new boss?
   
• Should I pursue a Masters in Child life/Rec.Therapy or pursue an avenue of experience first?
   
• I want to go to grad school in a year, but I need to work for the next year to survive. Where do I go from here?
   
• I did a co-op in a field I'm no longer interested in. Should I try to do another co-op before I graduate? Or just look for entry level jobs?
   
• Is it best to go on for my Master's degree full-time or should I begin working and pursue my M.S. part-time in the evenings? Which option is better?
   
• What are the factors that contribute to overall job satisfaction, and how do they rank? How should I go about interviewing current employees of a prospective employer?
   
• I have questions about what it takes to be successful in a sales/marketing job. I can't seem to find any information about this. How can I track down more information on this topic?
   
• I am interested in fashion buying or fashion marketing. I need to find out more information about these jobs and possible internships.
   
• I am taking classes to get my M.S. in Human Resources, but I can't get a job. Is my degree worth it?
   
• I will be completing my undergraduate degree and leaving the military soon. Will I have to compete at the entry level with all the other college grads? What can I do to prepare?
   
• What type of career would be appropriate for someone that enjoys taking high levels of risk?
   
• Where can I go to find out more information about specific careers?
   
• When career counselors and publications indicate that recent graduates should have "realistic expectations" what does that mean? What sort of salaries are reasonable?
   
• Is it worth being out of the job market for a few years, since I am in my thirties, to pursue a college degree? Is it worth pursuing ANY degree at all at my age?
   
• When should I begin shifting my focus from looking for my "ideal" job to just finding a job?
   
• What type of jobs should I pursue while in college to best prepare me for getting a job after graduation?
   
• Other Categories:
   
• Job Search Prep
   
• Internet Job Search
   
• Resumes and Cover Letters
   
• Employer Research
   
• Initial Contact/Getting the Interview
   
• Tough Interview Questions and Interviewing Techniques
   
• Getting the Offer
   
• Offer Negotiation and Acceptance
   
• Relocation and Visa Issues