How many books out there promise how to ‘ace the interview’ or guarantee a job offer with a few well crafted phrases? Maybe you have a couple of these titles on your bookshelf or Kindle. There is an industry that thrives in times of high unemployment, publishing books that promise success with little effort. Unfortunately, as the job opportunities become more competitive a candidate needs to put more effort into the process. There are no shortcuts.

Some of these books provide answers to commonly asked interview questions. Others suggest you develop a ’script’ to sell you talents. At what point does your personality disappear as you prepare for an interview? Remember, the employer is seeking a potential colleague who will join a team and be productive. Throughout the selection process a recruiter is trying to get an accurate assessment of who you are and what you will contribute – in your own words.

I have encountered candidates who have memorized answers to questions and cruise through the first five minutes of an interview only to impressively implode on the unexpected. Here’s the thing; we are human, both interviewer and interviewee. We will act in unpredictable ways. The interview is not an exception. You need to expect the unexpected and not panic.

A recruiter may be working from a script of questions to ensure there is consistency in the interview process. As the candidate, you need to customize your points to the needs of each individual employer. Do your research, look at your resume and think about what you want to highlight to this particular employer, but don’t get so tied up in what you want to say that you totally miss what the employer is asking.

The most important thing to do in an interview? Listen. Observe. What is the employer relating about their organization in both questions and non verbal behavior? Use these cues in your responses. And be yourself, in a professional way.

Acting through an interview may get you to the next step in the audition, but rarely will you get the lead.

Does a particular major give you an advantage in today’s job market? If you were to look to the enrollments in professional school programs around the country you might come to the conclusion that there is a benefit to these programs.

Before you enroll you should ask a few questions. First, do you want to be an accountant or an engineer? Do I need an undergraduate business degree to find a job in business? If I want to be a film maker and I did not get into a film program is my career over?

If you are not planning to be an accountant or an engineer, it really does not matter what you choose as an undergraduate major. What is important is that you choose a major that you enjoy. If you are actively engaged in your studies, you will do well and it will be reflected in your GPA. And you should seek out a couple of internships that will give you an opportunity to demonstrate the practical application of your education.

As I write this I know there are many of you who are doubters. But let’s look at your competition. With the exception of the University of Pennsylvania, none of the Ivy League schools have an undergraduate business major. Employers hiring at those schools are looking at traditional liberal arts majors.

Check out the bios of the folks who are leaders in your particular field. You may be surprised to see how many theater, philosophy and history majors are leading Fortune 500 organizations. And those filmmakers? How many of them have succeeded because they know how to tell a story and select a score to create the perfect visual image without knowing all the technical aspects of film?

The message here is to look at your undergraduate education as a time for intellectual exploration. There are so many career options, even in an economic downturn. It just does not make sense to narrow your choices prematurely. Take electives, get out of your comfort zone. Don’t go for the easy classes, take the ones that challenge you to think and stretch your capabilities. This is what will prepare you for the workplace after graduation.

What can Mark Sanchez teach us about being successful in our rookie year in the workplace? (For those of you who are freshmen, Mark was the USC quarterback and graduated in May. He is the starting quarterback for the NY Jets.)

First, you have to be willing to relocate. For many of you native Californians, the idea of working in a place where the temperature goes below 60 degrees is not tempting. However, if it puts you in the major business center of your field, why wouldn’t you move?

In order to achieve success, you need to be willing to fail. Being the first rookie quarterback of the NY Jets in many years is placing yourself out there among some of the most knowledgeable and critical football fans in the country. If you make a mistake, recover quickly. Visualize the sacked quarterback getting up and calling the next play. It hurts, but you don’t have time to dwell on it, just learn and move on.

Don’t always listen to other’s opinions of your career choice. It’s your decision. Seek advice and counsel from those your respect, but in the end what you choose to do is what you choose to do.

Study and work hard. Just because you have left an academic environment doesn’t mean you don’t have lots to learn. In today’s NY Times sportswriter Greg Bishop describes the process Mark has used to learn the Jet’s playbook. Once you know the strategy of your employer you understand what part you play in the success of an organization.

Ask lots of questions. In the article, Bishop describes Mark reviewing the game plan and filling a notebook with questions for the offensive coordinator. If you don’t ask questions, you don’t learn. If you are discouraged from asking questions, perhaps you need to find another job.

In any new position you are trying to master a set of skills that will help you succeed and be comfortable in your workplace. Take a look at the picture at the beginning of the NY TImes article. Is that one happy rookie? Wouldn’t you love to be that confident and happy in your new job?

Only a couple of more days until career day. What should you be doing to prepare?

First you should feel comfortable that your resume accurately represents your experience. This week the career center has all day ‘walk in’ hours for a last minute review. It is also a good idea to ask an industry professional to give you some feedback. They offer a unique perspective of what defines success in a particular field and can advise you on areas to emphasize.

There will be over 100 employers in attendance and the event lasts 4.5 hours. Narrow down your selection of employers and be sure you meet the qualifications. You do not want to stand on a line for 30 minutes only to discover you are not a match. Check the information on connectSC and do your research prior to the event. Select your top 10 organizations and arrive early. If there are long lines at your top choice, go to your next choice and come back when the lines may be shorter.

Are you in class all day Thursday and unable to attend? Stop by the CPPC for the contact information. Your best chance to move on in the process is a face to face meeting. However, your academic commitments are your priority and the CPPC staff will help you make the connection after the event.

What is your story? When you are in front of the employer what will you say? Look at your resume and then review the jobs listed by the employer. What is the one thing about your background that relates to the employer’s interests? This could be a class, an internship, travel or a part time job. You will only have a few seconds to make a first impression and a couple of minutes to express your interest. Be sure it connects with the employer.

In review: update your resume, prioritize your employer list, get a good night’s rest and practice your 2-3 minute story. And, be yourself.

If it’s the fourth week of classes, it must be the week before career fair. What should you be doing to prepare?

First, register on connectSC. This will give you access to the list of employers who will be participating in the Fall Career Fair. Review the list and do your research on the employers you may want to meet. Develop a list, prioritizing those you would like to meet. The day goes quickly and you want the opportunity to spend time with your top prospects.

Once you have your list, think about what you want to say when you meet a recruiter. This will be a short introductory meeting and first impressions are critical to your opportunity to advance in the selection process. Remember your name and a few words about why you are interested in working for this employer. There may be fewer openings available this year and you want the recruiter to remember you – in a positive way. Give them a copy of your resume and ask for a business card.

Are you looking for a position outside of Los Angeles? Your research should lead you to the organizations with locations where you would like to work. Ask the recruiter if they recruit centrally. If not, ask for the name of a recruiter in your city of preference.

What to wear? It is a professional event and if you are looking for a full time job, you should communicate how serious you are with the appropriate attire. The job market is very competitive and employers expectations are a bit more conservative than a year ago. If you are a senior, a suit is a must. If you are an undergraduate looking for an internship, slacks and a collared shirt for men and a coordinated sweater/blouse and skirt/slacks will work for women. Remember, you want the employer to hear what you have to offer, not be distracted by your appearance.

The best advice. Attend career fair. Think of it as the ‘Kickoff Classic’ of the job search season. The employers who participate are seeking USC students because of a history of success with alumni as employees. Be prepared to answer a few qualifying questions. Show your interest and energy in your conversation. And, try not to break the recruiter’s hand with too firm a handshake.

Don’t see an employer on the list? It may be that they are still hiring, but not visiting campus this year. Stop by the CPPC and we can help you find an appropriate contact.

Still trying to figure out where to start your job search? The answer might just be in the front of your classroom today.

While many students in the professional schools look to faculty practitioners for advice, other faculty are often overlooked as resources who can help you with your career decision. Today is the day to begin a conversation with one of your professors. Why?

It just makes sense from an academic success perspective. If your professor knows you on a personal level, he or she will take an interest in your work. It will help you stand out in the classroom and create a memory past the few months of a semester.

If you are considering graduate or professional school after commencement you will need recommendations from a faculty member. In addition, many competitive scholarships and internships will require a faculty reference. Making your first contact at the time you need a recommendation typically will not result is a strong letter of reference.

If you are looking for an internship, schedule some time or drop in during office hours. Let your professors know what you are thinking in terms of both your short and long term career plans. They may know alumni from the department or have professional contacts in the field you have chosen. A well placed call from a respected academic can open doors and get you started on your career path.

And just don’t make it a one appointment conversation. Keep your professors posted on your progress. A personal thank you note acknowledging their help will maintain your positive perception. In this competitive job market, your best resource may just be in your next class.

How long will it take you find a job? When should you start your search? Often the answers depend on the field you have chosen. In this job market, there is no such thing as too soon.

Looking back on the experience of the Class of 2009 it is clear that many people postponed starting their search in hopes the economic situation would improve. What they missed was the opportunity to network with professionals and test interests with an internship. As employers realized they may have ‘under hired’, these students were not even in the loop to be considered.

Assume that your job search will take a minimum of six months. If you had an internship this past summer, you may be anticipating an offer. Do not wait for the offer, continue on with your exploration of options. Take out your calendar and plot a six month strategy. You may want to add time for Thanksgiving and winter break.

Develop a plan that starts with a revised resume and a schedule of networking events and appointments. Next schedule an appointment with a career adviser. Ask for feedback on your resume and plan. Talk to your professors. Get their advice. Many are experts in their field and can help you connect with former students. Finally, ask an employer in the field to provide some input.

There can be many distractions on a college campus. Try to stay focused and on plan. Your efforts will be rewarded and your expectations will be based on a realistic timeline.

Are you thinking you are the only one who does not know what do after graduation? As you sit in your classes do you overhear conversations of colleagues who seem to have it all figured out?

This may sound like the beginning of a commercial for a ’self help, quick fix’ road to success. It’s not. Here’s the bad news – there are no shortcuts when it comes to your life plan. It takes time, thought and quite a bit of research. But you know how to do research, right? It’s what you do each semester for papers, midterms and finals.

Where do you start? Pick a couple of career fields that appeal to you. Then visit your local or university library to begin your research. Here at USC we have just published a library guide to provide quick links to online career resources. In one place you will find professional organizations, company listings and contacts. In addition, the CPPC web site provides information on relocation and specific job listings using connectSC.

The number one reason someone fails to move on in the interview process is lack of knowledge about a career field or a specific organization. Using these resources to find information will provide you with a broad understanding of the issues and trends, leading employers and organization culture. Reading through job descriptions will help familiarize you with what background and skills an employer generally requires.

Your next step is to join a professional association as a student member. This will give you access to publications, conferences and contacts. Use the Trojan Network as a resource to identify USC alumni who may be working in your field. One on one conversations with professionals in the field will add a touch of reality to what you uncover in print and on the web.

Take some time this week to get started. And by the way, the folks in your class are part of the ‘Trojan Family’ so join the conversation and share your ideas about what you want to do with your life.

Do your remember all the bad news about the market for college graduates last year? As recruiters started canceling visits to college campuses, reporters forecast dire consequences for the graduating class. But what really did happen?

A significant number of students did not even try to find a job according to national statistics. Many moved home with family members and sat out the summer waiting for something to happen. Others filed graduate school applications in hopes that the market would improve in a couple of years and an additional credential would make them more marketable.

Many employers were conservative in their hiring, while others did not hire at all. In some fields, offers were deferred to a future date while employers tried to manage resources in a complex new economy.

Our experience was far better than the national averages. The percentage of students going to graduate school was identical to 2008 and while it took a bit longer, the jobs were there for those who were actively engaged in the job search process.

What does this mean for you as you plan your job search this year?

First, stay focused on your choice of career. If you have not tried an internship in your field, this semester would be a great time to start. The financial firms did extend offers last year, but most were given to former interns.

Avoid the temptation to follow the media lead with their reporting on ‘hot jobs’. If these careers appeal to you, definitely pursue them. However, do not completely change direction based on an internet story. Rather, continue your research on your career field and keep up to date on trends and market leaders.

Work on a short 2-3 sentence summary of what you are looking for. Whenever you meet someone, tell them your story. Members of your network can be more helpful if they know some specifics. This is the year to build your network. (see previous posts under the networking category)

Bottom line you need to be an expert in your field. Get involved in a professional association. Use class assignments as a way to learn more about your possible career choices. You do not want to end the year back at home watching the news about how people like you have no options.

As the semester begins we learn that the unemployment rate in Los Angeles has reached 11.9%. Over a year has passed since the global financial meltdown. What have we learned? Where do we go from here?

Throughout the year we will share advice, resources and welcome your comments. We begin with the lessons of the Class of 2009.

Lesson #1 – Don’t narrow your options. It is important in a competitive economy to be focused on your career goal. However, it helps to do some contingency planning.

Let’s say you are interested in a career in real estate. Find an internship with a real estate firm to get some experience and possible consideration for a full time job. At the same time, take a look at other regions of the country where the economy is recovering at a faster rate and consider applying for positions out of state. This gives you a back up plan to begin work as soon as you graduate and start accumulating the experience you will eventually bring back to the California market when the local economy improves.

Maybe you are considering graduate school as a way to ‘sit out’ the current economy. You’re thinking things will improve in a couple of years and you’ll have an advanced degree. Unless you are planning to attend medical school, you might want to test the waters. The job market for the USC Class of 2009 was far better than the national averages. Apply to graduate school, but also apply for full time positions.

What you can do this week to get started? Talk to people: parents, faculty, staff and friends. Find out what they do and how they got to where they are. You will learn that there is no straight line from a degree program to a particular career choice.

You have options. Think of a pyramid. You are at the bottom, the widest part at the beginning of your search. You need a strong, broad foundation before you can begin to narrow your choices. Spend the next couple of months exploring a wide range of possibilities. As you continue your conversations, you will decide what is viable and what is not. Keep an open mind and you will improve your chances for a full time offer by commencement.