You have to know more than just
the basic mission statement and the masthead on the website. Find a way to
connect to the places you apply to by reading about the group’s current
endeavors, the job description you applied for, and any initiatives they have
information about on their site or in the news. If something really makes an
impression on you, mention this as you reveal your motivation to seek the
position.
Also, use declarative and
assertive language when answering questions about how your experiences fit the
role such as, “As a member of your team, I will bring the kind of
organizational qualities you say you are looking for with this role. I am a
self-starter evidenced by all the times I have taken the lead role in projects
and work as you read on my resume. Additionally, I know I can learn a great
deal from my more experienced colleagues at this company and I look forward to
that challenge.”
Practice Selling Product YOU
Aside from knowing your stuff on
the company and the job, you have to know how to sell YOU to an employer. If
you get called in for an interview, they already think you have the basics of
what they are looking for. Now it is a matter of finding the right fit for the
culture. Because this can vary greatly
even between companies in the same industry, you will need to select the three
or four or five skills you have at this point which you can demonstrate for
your interviewers. Remember, every answer you give should demonstrate your
knowledge, ability to learn, correct mistakes, accept instruction, and how
those experiences will make you a great whatever you are applying and
interviewing for.
Shine Those Situations
Situation – Task – Action –
Result. The STAR method of answering those “Tell me a time when you…”
questions. Don’t fall into the trap of spending too much time on the Situation
and Task. Give enough information so that the stage is set and anyone can
follow you. Spend your answer describing in appropriate detail YOUR actions and
the results of those actions. Don’t be afraid to take credit where it is due
and don’t be afraid to say it didn’t work but you learned valuable lessons from
the experience. Remember, if you go in to an interview wanting to highlight
three to five (3-5) of your skills, think of two (2) or three (3) stories for
each and frame them using the STAR method. You will have plenty to talk about
for sure.
Ask Questions
Nothing says “unprepared” more
than not having a list of questions to ask your interviewers.
Ask about details of the position.
What you will do on a weekly basis. How many people will you work with on
projects? What is your supervision structure?
Read something recent about the
company in the news and bring it up during your questions. Even if it isn’t
flattering, ask about it. Say a company has closed some plants. Let them know
you read about it and inquire how those “right-sizing” changes will further the
company’s immediate and further development. You will sound like someone who
did your homework and asks intelligent questions.
Ask your interviewers about
her/his background and why being a part of the organization is fulfilling.
People love to talk about their jobs to those who show genuine interest. If
you’ve learned how to talk to your professors outside of class, use the same
techniques. They will work here too.
Practice, Use Your Resources
Whether you schedule time to do a
mock interview with one our Career Counselors or you set some up for yourself
using our InterviewStream software, practice is a key to success in interviews.
Reviewing your practice interviews with someone objective – a Career Counselor,
Advisor, Faculty Member - can give you valuable feedback and help you make
positive changes as you progress through the interview process.
You can find more resources on the
Career Center website: auburn.edu/career/interviews .
Post by: Jay Skipworth
Assistant Director of Employer Relations
Auburn University Career Center
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