Getting the Edge

Every year the NIU Career Planning and Placement Center brings between 450 and 500 company recruiters to NIU who conduct between 9,000 and 10,000 interviews.

The greatest demands, at present, are for those graduating in the fields of computer science, accounting, sales, management and finance.

This demand is more a reflection of the companies’ needs at the time of interviewing than the relative worth of a given degree. Other majors have contacts with employers through internships or cooperative education positions.

Whether interviewing on campus or off, researching a company prior to the interview is very important. Employers often feel a person who puts extra effort into an interview also will put extra effort into a job.

As a suggestion, get a copy of the job description before the interview because it helps to know about the job ahead of time.

Workshops are conducted on campus by career planning and placement to help students write resumes and learn interviewing techniques. Counselors also advise students on presenting a positive image during an interview.

The placement center also sponsors a job fair in the fall and spring in which 135 companies were represented at last fall’s job fair.

Something else to be aware of when looking for a job is that many companies now require drug testing as part of the employment process.

Common for many years at large companies, drug testing is now being done at small companies. Companies also might elect to screen part-time employees, summer help and those working as interns or in co-op positions.

It’s important to realize you may be required to take a drug test before being hired by a company. You might or might not be advised, it’s part of the employment process.

Drug testing is the result of an increased awareness on the part of companies. Companies are now concerned about the illicit use of drugs on company property. They also are concerned about safety and productivity.

Employers now screen applicants by asking them to answer questions regarding drug and alcohol use. They may also administer a polygraph test or require a laboratory analysis of urine, hair or blood samples.

The most common test being done is urinalysis whereby an applicant is required to provide a urine sample at a laboratory.

If an applicant has used drugs it can be detected in the sample although detection varies with an individual’s metabolism and the type of drug used. For example, marijuana use can be detected within the urine any where from five days (for a moderate user) to several weeks (for a chronic user).

Employers are primarily concerned about what an applicant may have done during the past year. Some, however, refuse to hire an applicant who admits to using any kind of drug during the past five years.

Drug testing shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s done for a purpose. The results may mean whether or not a job is even offered.

If you choose to answer honestly and admit past experience with drugs, it could mean you won’t get the job. Otherwise, an employee has his conscience to mend if he lies.

If you have taken drugs in the past, it would be smart to know the facts about drug use and how long the proof of drug use is evident in your body.

Career Planning and Placement

Career Counseling and Development Center

Cooperative Education Department