JohnHok.Com

Well the last time I took a long hiatus I left quite abruptly and many things have happened since then.

I thought I’d just fill you in a bit. I’m on my first co-op work term now as a Web Developer at IBM.

The whole job searching process was done during the summer. I had interviews with Sun Microsystems, Microsoft, and finally IBM. Each interview was quite unique in itself and I’ve learned a lot going through the job search process. I think this has been one of the most valuable experiences I’ve gone through and one of my most valuable learning experiences so far in university!

I’ll outline just a bunch of things I’ve been able to learn and experience from the process

Things I’ve learned from the Job Application Process

• preparing a kick ass resume
• preparing a kick ass cover letter
• tips for preparing for interviews
• how employers perform certain interviews and the different types
• STAR method of answering behavioral interview questions
• the importance of a co-op coordinator or a helping friend to critique the things you do

Things I’ve learned from the Job Interviewing Process

• how to go about a phone interview (Microsoft)
• BE PREPARED as you will never know what your employer might throw at you
• come prepared with some questions to ask employer
• your attitude and confidence really dictate how well you do in interviews
• you can usually tell if you got the job or not at the end of the interview

Things I’ve learned from the Work Environment

• not everyone knows what their doing
• it takes time to get the trust of co-workers
• past co-op students can influence how co-workers perceive future co-op students
• the corporate world is slow sometimes… really slow
• I really like a more personal work environment… in terms of personal space but also a more personal work team
• I’m fairly good at motivating myself to do work
• make sure your comfortable with your workspace, makes you work more effectively

Well that’s about it.  Not really organized but just a flow of my thoughts.  It’s still been a fun experience.  I started my work term in September 2008 and I am set to finish April 2009 but there’s also a possibility of an extension into the summer which I am debating.

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