Interview Tips and Tricks
This past Wednesday, WIC’s weekly meeting centered on interviews. Whether it’s for an internship, club position, or job, interviews are how the organization decides what kind of person you are, and if they want you on their team. Interviews are very intimidating, but the good thing is that however different the position you’re trying to get is, mastering some basics can make you a pro.
The night began with a quick but encompassing presentation given by Outreach Chair Leanne Macaione. Here are some of the highlights:
Arrive early! As the saying goes: “If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. And if you’re late, you’re fired.”
Dress appropriately! Understand the company or organization you’re interviewing at and dress according to their standards.
Come with your own questions! At the end of most interviews, the interviewer will ask you what questions you have, make sure to come with some so they know you’re interested!
Examples include: What do you like about working here? What will my daily activities look like here?
Take time to really formulate your answers! The interviewer knows you’re nervous, and you have the best chance of answering in an articulate way if you take time to phrase your answers the way you want.
Bring your documents! These include: multiple copies of your resume (in case they want to give others a copy), letters of recommendation, a portfolio (if one is appropriate) and so on.
After the presentation, members split into pairs to practice answering fake-interview questions on the spot. It then opened up to the entire room as Leanne (and sometimes Kiersten when Leanne became too harsh) proctored simulated interviews with anyone who volunteered. Although the questions consisted of things like, “Twix or Snickers?” or, “What’s your favorite Taylor Swift song?” everyone who answered did so in a timely professional manner. ICWIC President Lexy White gave a sincere and quite personal answer to the question, “What’s your favorite sandwich?” proving that it’s not the question that counts, but how you answer it. However silly or simple the questions may seem, it was a great opportunity for members to practice formulating concise and professional answers on the spot.
After this entertaining activity, members chimed in across the room with their own personal tips and stories concerning interviews. Social Media Chair Kiersten McAdoo pointed out that she sometimes blanks under pressure during phone interviews, and utilizes a cheat-sheet that lists the basics about herself such as her goals, interests, and experience just in case she forgets. Body member Anna Gardner mentioned that she goes into interviews with a list of “Non-negotiables” AKA points that she doesn’t let herself leave the interview without saying.
Overall, the night reassured members that interviews, however terrifying, are manageable if you go in prepared and confident.
