In today’s job climate, it can take applying to over 50 or more jobs before you land one interview. With such a drastic shortage of jobs, it’s very important to make the most of each and every interview opportunity you might receive.

There are so many people out of work that an interview is really your only chance to stand out, make a great first impression, and highlight your skills. Below are some tips to do just that, and hopefully land your dream job.

Know your resume: Make sure your resume is tailored to match the job description you’re applying for and you know it inside and out. The interviewer will likely ask you questions based directly on what your resume says, so it would be in your best interest to be ready to discuss anything on it.

Be honest: Answer every question honestly. If you’re unsure of an answer or don’t have direct experience in an area the interviewer is asking about, say so. If you are unsure about a question, make a point to mention that you are willing to learn or be trained in that particular area. It will go over much better than lying and being found out later in the interview. Read the rest of this entry »

If you have any experience at all with Nelnet, you may be one of the many people who have tried to contact their customer service. Since Nelnet is a financial planning site that offers information about educational funding, there is always the possibility of questions. The web site is free to access, and gives you a direct link to services like financial planning and loan applications.

Sometimes one of the most frustrating things to deal with when trying to work with financial sites like Nelnet is making phone calls. That frustration can be compounded through things like being put on hold, not being able to understand the representative you’re talking to, dealing with an automated system or not being able to reach an actual human being. Many companies are leaning towards more automated recordings for customer service, but that doesn’t always meet the customer’s needs. Nelnet has received numerous complaints from people trying to call in and talk to an actual person.

If you follow these steps you should be able to talk to someone. The process is lengthy, but should help you reach an actual person sooner that you would otherwise. Read the rest of this entry »

Between deciding what colleges to apply to and then filling out your college applications, getting into college is stressful. On top of selecting, applying and getting accepted into a college, there are the ever-dreaded standardized tests. Most schools base their acceptance of a student on their high school GPA, high school extracurricular activities and standardized test scores. Each college varies on which version of standardized test that they require for acceptance, whether it be the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or the ACT (American College Test) but standardized tests are a must for the college-bound student.

The stress of these tests is huge, but reading the scores can be just as intimidating. Prior to taking your test of choice, (it doesn’t hurt to take both, if you are still undecided) you can arrange to have your scores sent directly to the colleges and universities of your choice, but you’ll want to know your scores, and what they mean, to see if all your hard work paid off.

For those taking the SAT, the following information can help you become comfortable with reading your SAT test scores so that you’re ready when you receive them. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s mid-August and many summer internships are starting to wrap up as the fall semester approaches. Internships are probably a college student’s best resource for finding a job after college. Keeping in touch will not only increase your chances of hearing about job openings, but you will also want to use your mentors as references. Here’s some advice on saying goodbye and keeping in touch.

1. Ask for a performance report.
When your boss isn’t too busy, ask him or her for ten minutes to sit down together. Ask them to tell you what areas you excelled in and where you could use improvement. Ask them for recommendations about classes to take or other steps you could take to further your understanding of the field.

If you don’t know already, it’s also good to find out about your mentors’ career paths. Ask them how they got their jobs and what strategies worked for them.

2. Write thank you notes.
It’s really as simple as it sounds. Be sure to hand-write each note and say something personal. Read the rest of this entry »

If I have said it once, I have said it a million times: there is just not enough time in the day for a college student to do everything that needs to get done. You have to go to classes, study, possibly work a job, sleep and eat, and you might just need a few hours of free time every day to keep from going insane. Try cramming that all into one day, and it just does not seem possible. However, if you use these tips, you’ll not only get everything you need to done, you might actually find yourself with more free time.

Make a plan. Make a list, or just spend some time each day prioritizing your activities. Start with the things you absolutely have to do, such as working or going to class. Then move on to the things that you really should do, such as study for the test you have next week. At the bottom of your list should be the things that you want to do or can do another day, such as watching the latest episode of “The Bachelorette” you TiVoed last night. Read the rest of this entry »

Sometimes it seems like college professors forget we students have other classes besides theirs. Last semester, I had three tests, two papers, and a project all due the same week. It was incredibly stressful and I knew that I would not be able to finish all of my assignments on time and study for my tests. So what is the stressed-out, time-crunched, and sleep-deprived student to do? Ask for an extension.

Contrary to popular belief, professors actually are human beings, and if you present your request for an extension on a project in the correct way, they might grant it. Here are some of my tips for successfully asking for an extension.

Have a meeting set up. You shouldn’t just approach your professor after class to ask for an extension. Your professor is a very busy individual, and interrupting them while they are preoccupied with something else isn’t the best time to ask for a favor. Instead, ask to meet during his/her office hours. This will guarantee your professor’s full attention, which will make it easier to plead your case. Read the rest of this entry »

The starting school year is upon us, and with it comes the ever constant quest for the best school supplies before heading back to the classroom. For those in elementary, middle and high school, a universal list is provided. But what about school supply recommendations for college or technical school students to follow?

For those sitting in lecture halls, trying to absorb all the material that is shared by the professor, there are definitely some tools that can make the school year easier. Laptops and computers are expensive, but quickly becoming essential. The laptop can be used for completing writing assignments, doing research, as well as taking notes in class and corresponding with professors and fellow students. A regular desktop computer kept in your dorm room can be used to complete assignments if you don’t have a laptop, but for those that don’t have access to a personal computer, most schools are stocked with several computer labs that are open to students, many of them on a 24 hour basis.

Of course, a computer isn’t going to be the only thing you need for class, but it’s a great start. Read the rest of this entry »

Trying to avoid the Freshman 15?

With those buffet-style cafeterias and late night study-snack breaks, it’s no wonder why we pack on the pounds in college. But eating right is only half the battle to avoiding weight gain. Exercise is also key to staying healthy. But you don’t need a gym pass to stay fit.

 Here are five exercises you can do in the privacy of your dorm.

Read the rest of this entry »

Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with friends and make new ones. In addition, it allows potential employers to see who you really are. Since the social-networking craze began, people seem to abuse their profiles left and right. It seems that people forget about etiquette and common sense when it comes to Facebook. Remember that those manners that mom taught you can also be applied to Internet usage. Here are some tips on how to keep your profile polite. Read the rest of this entry »

Trying to stretch that dollar in the dorms? Living on your own isn’t easy or cheap, but here are some helpful tips that will lessen the strain on your checking account:

Food: You can only force down those ramen noodles for so long, and let’s face it, they’re not the most nutritious thing you can eat. Check out the local farmer’s market to find great deals on fruits and veggies. At the grocery store, buy the generic brands and be sure to clip those coupons.

Coffee: Limit your Starbucks runs to once a week. Start brewing your own pot of coffee or bum a complimentary cup of joe from one of the campus offices.

Entertainment: Going out every night will drain your budget quickly. Instead of hitting up the club, opt for something cheaper. Host a pizza-and-movie night at your dorm or see what your college student activity center has planned for the weekend. Read the rest of this entry »