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NEW TO INTERVIEWING

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.”

- Plato, Classic Philosopher

INTERVIEWING CHALLENGES

  • Knowing what to prepare for an interview

  • No "real-world" experience. How to convince them college/internship experience is of value

  • How to be confident if the company is right for you

  • Understanding "Selling my Experience" 

  • Interview Best Practices

PROSPECTIVE COMPANY RESEARCH

Research is key. After the introduction call with a recruiter, make sure you research the items below about the company. There is no rule that prevents you from bringing notes with you to the interview.

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  1. Company Name ​

  2. Who is the CEO

  3. Company mission

  4. Company product or service

  5. Awards or Spotlight News

  6. Customer Base/Demographic

  7. Top three skills required for the applied role

 

Suggestion: Create a Word document with this information and save to an interview specific folder. Label the document <Company Name_ MM_DD_YYYY>​

NO "REAL-WORLD" EXPERIENCE. HOW TO CONVINCE THEM COLLEGE/INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE IS OF VALUE

Good news! Every company believes they are unique in mission, product, and internal processes. Which means they expect to train you regardless of your experience. They want to know what skills you have acquired from your college/internship experience, not the specific books or projects completed. When formulating how to articulate your experience in relation to the applied role, consider the following: 

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  1. What type of skills do they want for the role? 

  2. What experiences do you have that relate to the skill sets they are seeking?

  3. How did you acquire those skill sets?

  4. When were you successful utilizing those skills?

  5. Where did you need improvement and how did you accomplish it?

 

Suggestion: When asked what skills you bring to the role: Only choose 2-3 skills at most. You will be more concise, powerful, and likely to stay on topic. Review "Common Interview Questions" and prepare answers.

HARD TO KNOW IF A COMPANY IS RIGHT FOR YOU

You are as much interviewing the company and they are you. You need to be confident the company will contribute as much to your ambitions and you will to theirs. Research the following:

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  1. What do current or past employees say about the company?

  2. Is the company Private or Public (affects the opportunities available)?

  3. How many employees does the company have?

  4. Other than a paycheck, what value does this company offer for your development or growth if promotion opportunities are limited?

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Suggestion: Everyone has a different goal, or measure of value for a role they are trying to take on. Check out "New to Negotiating: What does Value Mean?" Have some goal in mind that you want to achieve at this stage of your career and vocalize it to the prospective company. 

UNDERSTANDING "SELLING MY EXPERIENCE"

Especially if you are not sales inclined, this concept can be hard to tackle. Employers understand no one is perfect, but they want to feel confident that you will fulfill the role to their standards and will integrate smoothly with company. This is not about being something you are not. This is about showing your best self and trying to connect on a basic level with the interviewer. Keep the following in mind:

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  1. Stay positive! Endeavor to have a "can-do" attitude.

  2. Focus on the strong aspects of your experience and how you want to progress to the next level of success.

  3. You are also an interviewer. Make sure you are asking questions about what you are looking for in a company. These questions will also demonstrate your experience and level of interest.

INTERVIEW BEST PRACTICES

These are only a few of many best practices for setting the right impression.​

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  1. Ask the recruiter how early you should arrive to the office or log  into the video conference link. Check out "Virtual Interviewing" for preparation tips.

  2. Don't wear casual clothes regardless if it is virtual or in person. Dress like you want to be the boss. If you don't know what the appropriate attire is, ask.

  3. If in person, have several printed resumes on hand. If the interview goes well, you may be asked to speak with a second interviewer same day. 

  4. Bring pen and paper for notes. Even better, have notes and questions already written. You will look prepared and have points to reference if you blank on a thought.

  5. Turn off phone, completely! Keep it stashed away. 

  6. Rehearse your answers before the interview. You will be more confident and concise. 

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