Ask any senior what they are tired of being asked and many will say, "What are your plans after graduation?" It is a daunting task to find a job, but career development is here to help.

The department of career development, in partnership with Matte and Company, sponsored an Interactive Interview Seminar on Thursday Nov. 29.

Held in the boardroom at the William H. Pitt Center, students were given the chance to ask questions about the job search process.

Matte and Company is self-described as, "providing executive search and recruitment services to Fortune 500 corporations around the globe."

The seminar was lead by featured guest lecturer, Norman Matte, chairman of Matte and Company who listened to students' concerns about the job search process.

In return he provided them with helpful advice and insight into what employers are looking for during interviews.

Junior Matthew Telvi said, "I came here for the insight. I knew he would be able to provide. I have a lot for friends that work for him and they've told me he's very helpful with helping them find jobs."

Matte has become a resource for career development.

Elizabeth Lowery, assistant director of career placement, said, "Norman Matte has worked with our school for many years and has been a very valuable service to our students."

The company provides over 300 Sacred Heart students with internship opportunities.

"[Matte] is very proactive in helping students and he came up with this program," said Lowery.

Matte said that he promises to help his interns find jobs if they prove themselves capable during their internship with his company.

In addition to his hired employees, Matte expressed a willingness to help any of the students present at the seminar.

Matte explained how competitive the job market is, but that you cannot be afraid to ask for more money.

He used the example of a past intern of his who was offered two jobs: one in the ideal location that offered less money, the other further away that offered more money.

"You have to tell the company that you would love to work for them, but another company offered you more," said Matte.

When Matte's intern did this, her offer was significantly increased.

Junior Matthew Schatz said, "I found the negotiation aspect useful. When you are interviewing with a company you tend to think they have more pull when it comes to the negotiation of salary and bonuses."

He pointed out that there are certain points you can use to negotiate to get your salary close to where you want it, said Schatz.

In addition to earning their desired salary, Matte helped students understand how to snag their dream job.

In attendance was graduate student Jaclyn Hines, who wants to work for Walt Disney World. After focusing a series of questions on what she would like to do for Disney, it became clear that she wanted to work in the marketing department, but had not thought about what she would like to do there.

Matte explained that when you are writing your letter of intent it is best to know exactly what you would like to do.

You should do your research so that when you write your letter you have something specific to say.

"The most useful advice I received today was to be detailed when writing your letter of intent, you need to know what you're looking for. He used the example of looking for a job in marketing and how there are four areas in marketing. You need to know specifically what area of marketing you want to go into," said Telvi.

The seminar was an hour long and brought to an end after every student had their questions answered.

Senior Monica Loaiza said, "It was useful how you could ask him specific questions and he would answer them with a focus on your particular situation."