Thursday, March 10, 2011

TPE On-site advice

If you are here in Philadelphia for TPE, here are a few things to consider:

1) Placement is laid out in a very strange manner- the candidate and employer waiting rooms and your mailboxes are a fairly far walk (and escalator ride) from the interviewing area. Give yourself time, and don't walk it too often in the hopes of finding something in your mailbox.

2) Be careful with your feet. Yes, I mean it. Hurting feet from new-ish shoes or walking more than you are used to in said shoes can really take a toll on your experience. Soak them at night, give yourself a gentle foot rub mid-day, and just consider ways you can protect them a bit while you are here.

3) There are lots of places to shop, eat, relax- find them. Don't everyone cram into the Market for each meal! You don't get to relax while you are there (recall from my previous post that you are "on" every moment). It is convenient, fun and there are lots of options, this is true. It is also true that there is much this city has to offer if you walk a street or two away from the convention center. Find the other good spots, sit down, relax and allow your body time to eat in peace.

4) Relax and don't get caught up in the competition that seems to arise among candidates. Don't tell anyone how many interviews you have and when they are. It isn't going to help your candidacy, and it isn't going to help your frame of mind. Last night while checking in I overheard so many candidates comparing their interview numbers! Some of the best people I know were intentional and selective, did maybe ten interviews- and landed the job of their dreams. You'll be better if you avoid the competition, avoid the intensity, stay focused and be selective!

5) Take a chance on a school that reaches out to you. Not all employers do it- search through resumes looking for excellent candidates- but some do. If an employer you never considered before invites you to interview, consider it. You never know when your best opportunity might drop into your mailbox- don't turn it down until you've at least thought it over and maybe done a first interview. Take the same chance on us we are taking on you. I have indeed overheard candidates speaking poorly about schools who solicited their application. Poor form, and rather closed minded. Be open to possibilities these next few days, and, stay true to yourself as well. If you are truly geographically limited then say no to that school across the country from where you want to be.

Good luck on Day 1!

The Employer

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for sharing your insight! I know the next round of interviews may be happening for candidates as part of ACPA's conference this next week. For those who are getting on campus invitations in the meanwhile- I'd love to hear your advice/input for that next stage! Thanks for your postings!

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