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INTERVIEWING ADVICE
One recruiter's
advice:
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:
- Circumstances:
here's the situation/problem
- Action:
here's what I did and why
- 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.
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.
Enthusiasm is vital!
Demonstrate your interest in the job
and in the company.
http://www.bc.edu/offices/careers/skills/interview/advice.html
Interviews |
