*Well before the interview, do an "inventory of your successes."
Write them down. And have stories and examples you can draw on to elaborate on the successes. The goal is to have a menu of successes you can draw from during an interview, depending on which strengths and characteristics you want to emphasize.
*Come up with a "30-second commercial" that includes:
-Who I am?
-What I want to do?
-What I can bring to the table?
*When describing your examples and stories, use the CAR structure:
1. Circumstances: here's the situation/problem
2. Action: here's what I did and why
3. Result: here's how it turned out
*It's best to try to turn the interview into a conversation, not just a linear Question & Answer format. Two suggestions on how to do this:
-Your examples/stories should engage the interviewer so that they'll ask to hear more about what you did.
-Break the ice by showing interest in them. ("How is it going today?" If they're an alumnus/alumna: "When did you graduate from BC?")
*Always take notes during the interview.
It shows that you're interested and listening and puts you more in control. It also lets you refer back when asking questions later. Ask early in the interview, "Do you mind if I take notes?"
*You are always being interviewed and you are always networking.
In other words, any interactions on your internship, or on the phone with a receptionist, or even with a professor or advisor can potentially be a chance to put your best (or worst!) foot forward.
*Today, students are the commodity - you're in the driver's seat.
Today, the company expects the student to tell them what the student wants to do and accomplish, not the vise verse. BUT - it's important to be able to articulate what you can do for the company and how you can fill the role they have available.
*Prepare for the interview the same way you would for a final exam.
Do your homework and the test will be easy.
*Try to match the interviewer's energy level.
People like to hire others like themselves.
*Remember that the employer is looking for reasons to hire you.
You walk in with an A and it's up to you whether you keep that A or sink lower.
*Take a few seconds to think about a difficult question before responding.
Responding quickly may convey that you're impulsive and don't take time to think about your decisions.
*You want to lose your anxiety and become engaging with the employer
This also shows that you would be customer-oriented and able to be comfortable with people of varying status.
*Don't make up answers to questions you don't know.
They will fear you will do the same thing in the work place.
*Understand the significance of language abilities and travel experiences.
If you can master one thing they will see you capable of mastering their information as well.
*The interview is constantly happening.
Always act as if someone is watching you.
*Check the room for clues.
Family pictures, sports stuff, etc. can provide "ice-breakers" to help make conversation.
*Students should be setting forth goals (and thinking strategically) early on.
Think about your short-range and long-range goals as you decide on which internships and activities to participate in.
*Enthusiasm is vital!
Demonstrate your interest in the job and in the company
No comments:
Post a Comment