Saying no to get ahead & avoiding deal-breakers in your interview answers

Career Launch February 2017

February Greetings from Alumni Career Services This month we discuss the importance of saying 'no' and effective answers to interview questions about weaknesses. Plus, plenty of new jobs, short-term career programs, free webinars and tele-seminars just for alumni. Schedule an Appointment Spotlight on Learning to Say No Maybe you're great at politely declining requests that don't mesh with your interests/availability. For most of us, though, it can be a struggle -- the tension between wanting to help and recognizing there's only so much you can do in a day/week/month. Check out these reminders as you evaluate the demands on your time: How to Say No to Taking on More Work (includes helpful case studies) When to Say No (or Yes) to Additional Responsibilities at Work Why Saying No Gets You Ahead Alumni Career Wednesday Webinars Watch FREE hour-long presentations (8 p.m. EST) including: February 8 -- Your True Colors (Career Exploration) February 15 -- Networking to Build Business Contacts March 1 -- How to Build Your Brand Online Mark Your Calendar with Upcoming Webinars Alumni Career Tele-Seminars Participate in hour-long seminars (12 p.m. EST) led by Tufts Alumni Career Services advisors: Wednesday, February 8 -- Introduction to LinkedIn Webinar Wednesday, February 15 -- Job Search Success Secrets Wednesday, February 22 -- Advanced LinkedIn Webinar Tuesday, February 28 -- Tell Your Story: Your 30 and 90 Second Introduction Sign Up for a Tele-Seminar FAQ of the Month How do I answer the dreaded interview ‘weakness’ question? Yes, it's more fun to talk about all the great things you've done than the things you're trying to improve. But like it or not, you're bound to face the weakness question in future interviews, whether in a straightforward "tell us a weakness" fashion, or a sneakier approach, e.g., "What would your last manager say you need to improve upon?" Read on for ways to gracefully handle this query ... Avoid the clichés."What's my weakness? Well, geez, I'm just SUCH a perfectionist." Note: Besides being an over-used answer, this could be seen as a way of complementing oneself and/or dodging the question. Avoid the deal-breakers. "My weakness? I really struggled to get along with my former boss and co-workers." Note: While this may be true, this person has now created a negative impression that will be hard to overcome.   How to Answer the One Interview Question Everyone Dreads Have a Graduate Degree from Tufts? We Need Your Help! Join us on Thursday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m. for ... Taking Control of Your Career: A Symposium for Graduate Students Exploring Career Options in Nonprofits, Public, and Private Sectors Graduate alumni are invited to attend a dinner with the deans of the Graduate Schools of AS&E, followed by a networking session with current grad students. Share your experiences of embarking on a career path and discuss how you applied transferable skills from your educational background to your work. Your insights will be truly valuable to current students!  RSVP for Graduate Student/Alumni Career Program Regional Career Fairs, Events and Special Opportunities Hudson Institute Summer Fellowship in Political Studies -- 6-week program covering public policy and American political principles; hosted by Georgetown University, includes housing & stipend (Apply by February 17) Health for America -- 11-month paid position featuring experiences that center on health, design, entrepreneurship, and leadership (Apply by February 24) MIT European Career Fair -- Saturday, February 25 LAB Corps Urban Education Fellowship -- 11-month position for those interested in providing math or literacy instruction to middle schoolers (Rolling application deadline) Featured Listings in Jumbo Jobs Media Specialist, Boston -- NBCUniversal, Newton, MA Business Analyst, Consulting -- Xelay Acumen, San Mateo, CA Art Teacher (part-time) -- Belmont Hill School, Belmont, MA Bilingual Assistant (Mandarin/English) or Executive Assistant -- My Job Tank, New York, NY Public Affairs and Communications Assistant -- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Washington, DC Clinical Research Assistant, Celiac Disease Program -- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA View hundreds of positions in Jumbo Jobs Want to network with alumni in your field? Register for the new Tufts Online Community and make career connections today! Join the Tufts Online Community Career Launch is a publication of Tufts Alumni Career Services Alumni Career Services is a lifelong resource for alumni of AS&E. Contact us for assistance as you as you navigate your career path. In-person, phone, email and Skype appointments are available.

Tufts University Career Center   9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday Dowling Hall Suite 740 617-627-3299 See Calendar

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