Interview Tips and Tricks
Hello my fellow Gen Z’s, and any others I’ve picked up along the way! Today we are jumping into interview tips and tricks!
First interview after college? It can be SO scary but here are some ways to help you kill it!
To start: zoom etiquette.
Make sure you are ready to log in to whatever platform they are using for the (most likely) video call. I always make sure whatever they are using is downloaded onto my browser and I’ve made an account if I need to. Log on/get there 15 minutes early. Always do this. They might be a few minutes late but you can't be. Be sure your location is quiet and free from distractions (your adorable kitten might have to sit this one out in another room, and then be prepared for the side-eye when you let her back in after the interview). Make sure you have on professional attire from head to toe (yes, even in a Zoom call) and a professional background - virtual or not.
Now for the actual interview. Obviously, you will have prepared for the standard interview questions but you also want to make sure you are ready to handle any curveballs. First of all, make sure you are able to speak to everything on your resume. If you have a project from freshmen year on your resume, make sure you have a talking track on that project. Also, review any of the correspondence you’ve had with the company such as a cover letter or email exchanges. This is especially important if you have several interviews going on during the same week. Know exactly who your audience is and what you’ve already talked about through previous emails etc. to avoid embarrassing mix-ups. You don’t want to fall victim to the “oops, I had this company confused with the one I’m interviewing for tomorrow” pitfall. It might serve as a funny anecdote years later, but in real-time - not so funny.
Smile and have good energy! Interviews can be technical but companies also make sure individuals are good culture fits.
DO YOUR RESEARCH!!
Having questions prepared that are tailored to the specifics of the company looks amazing. Have 5-10 questions prepared and rank them in order of importance so if you only get to ask one, it’s at the top of the list. Sometimes companies want it to be a conversation rather than an interrogation. If that's the case you want to be able to maintain your side of the convo.
Also, try to find out who is interviewing you and connect with them on LinkedIn. I would always look at their employment history as well. See how long they’ve been at the company if they’ve had different roles within the company, maybe if you went to the same college! All these things will be great talking points and show you’ve done your research!
Have a good 2-minute rehearsed overview to answer the questions“Tell us a little bit about yourself.” I call this my personal “elevator pitch.” Have a story as to how you got there, who you are, what you’re looking for, your background, experiences, etc. This is something you will use every stage of an interview process, and a million times over in life as well. Also, know enough about the company to answer “Why are you interested in this position.” And be ready to offer an authentic and sincere reason.
If you don't know the answer to a question, my go-to is “To be candid, I’m not sure of that answer but this is what my thought process would look like…” If you aren’t able to give an amazing answer, don't try to BS - they will see right through it. It's best to at least let them see your frame of thought, because it just may align with whatever answer they were hoping for. Being honest is a strength of character and they might actually give you credit for your sincere answer. Finally, after each interview, write down the questions that you struggled with and construct a way to handle the question in the future. Don’t get burned twice besties!!
Engage in small talk!
If your interviewer starts with “I’m so sorry if you hear my dog barking in the background” ask what type of dog! How old? Any other animals? OMG, I have a Pitbull myself! You are a human, they are a human, keep it human-like (who doesn't love talking about their floofster anyway!!??)
I mentioned ask questions- but something I’ve found to be so important is don't be afraid to ask hard questions. As much as they are finding out if you are a good fit, you need to find out if this is a company you would be comfortable working for - interviews go both ways. Don’t be afraid to interview them. After being laid off at 22, I always ask “How has your company dealt with obstacles such as covid- were layoffs conducted?” Again- there are plenty of good companies out there, but there are also plenty of bad ones as well - make sure you’re getting all the information you need.
Piggybacking off of that- don't be afraid to end an interview if you know it isn't a fit.
If they ask you to work on Saturdays and you don't want to…end the interview. If they don't offer the flexibility you need….end.the.interview. If you know it isn’t fit, there is nothing wrong with saving everyone time. So, how do end an interview politely and without burning any bridges? Simply be honest and kind and say something like “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize this job would involve traveling- my situation can’t accommodate that so out of respect for your time, I don’t think we would be a good fit” then thank them for their time and wish them success in finding the right candidate. Connect on LinkedIn, and move on with life. The only exception to this is if you haven’t had much interview experience - if this is the case, then keep it going just for practice!
Overall, prep with your friends or family beforehand. Prepare the best you can and be yourself. Interviews can be so scary but at the end of the day we are all just people, be a human!!