OT: Interviewing tips - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

OT: Interviewing tips

Maya

Veteran

The job fair is this Friday and my entire future seems to be hinged on it right now. It is not just important but imperative that I do well and get something out of it, as this is really my last chance.

The problem? I don't think I interview very well. I'm shy and unconfident and although I do my best to hide it and pretend, I'm sure that it shows. If nothing else, my shaking hands are a dead giveaway as I page through my portfolio. I am an introvert and I find it very difficult to toot my own horn and pretend to be all confident and outgoing when I'm not. How can I get through this without looking back and regretting what I did/didn't say?

Also, since I don't know who I'm going to be interviewing with, like I would at a normal interview, how in the world do I prepare a list of questions?

General

29 replies

Latest reply was from bella

Alecia

Veteran

Hmmm. This is a anxiety provoking, isn't it? According to Meyers-Briggs, I'm an introvert, too. And yet my job is all about meeting with people and testifying in front of people. Sometimes I wonder what the heck I'm doing to myself.

In any case, through the course of it all, I've learned a few things that I think have helped. First, I learned that I spent a lot of energy worrying and thinking about how much I disliked the situation before I went into them. By the time I actually did the thing I was so worried about, I'd worked myself up into a lather and that made it that much harder. Now I try to just take action without investing so much emotionally. I still try to prepare but try to avoid thinking the really negative stuff that gets me so worked up. Ok, I know that sounds trite and not terribly concrete but it has really helped me.

The other thing I do that helps is remembering something hard that I've done successfully done in the past. A lot of the times I use weight lifting. For example, I'll think to myself, "You lifted x amount the other day when you didn't think you could. You are strong and can do this." Is this an example of a positive affirmation? Again, it sounds kind of silly, but it works.

As for prepping for questions, the folks you're meeting won't know you either so I'd assume they have more generic questions to ask. I'd think about the more generic questions that they are apt to ask everyone and prepare for those. Instead of planning for their questions, I'd figure out what you can tell them about you that will set you apart. That way you've kind of got something in your back pocket to whip out. It'll make it easier to sell yourself if you've got your pitch already worked out.

shana

Veteran

Maya, I am generally great talking to people one on one but am terrible at speaking to groups so I understand the nervousness. My knees always shake when I give talks so I always make sure I have a podium to hide behind!

Anyway, I think Alecia has given you some great tips. I truly believe in having a script - so maybe go through your portfolio and have your comments memorized & ready to go. Could you have a friend help you out with some mock interviewing? It sounds cheesy but it really does help! I agree that a little positive affirmation can go a long way too. You need to get yourself in the right mental state before you go in. Don't go in thinking that this is your last chance!!!

marianne

Maya, did anything surface on your current internship at all?
I am an extreme introvert so I know where you are coming from. I would try asking very specific questions about their business and the type of work you would be doing. It makes a good impression and shows that you are serious about it. Try practicing mini-spiels at home as responses to typical questions - tell us about your experience, give us an example of a challenging situation you handled, etc. You can write them down as bullet points, that would help you remember them so in case you get too flustered you have something to fall back on. I am sure you'll get a lot of good advice here. Good luck!

marianna

Veteran

Maya, I'm shy too. UGH. I try to act confident and outgoing during interviews but sometimes I wonder if I come off looking neurotic or something. Ha. I'll be watching this thread for tips!

AJ

Veteran

I do think there is a lot to this positive visualization that Alecia and Shana touched on. Athletes visualize themselves doing their routine, jump, run, etc. before each game/competition. Actors have their lines memorized and how exactly they will move as they're saying it.

When I was in junior high, I was so tired of shaking nervously in my chair whenever the teacher was looking around to call on someone to answer a question. I would shake even if I knew the answer. So I forced myself to take a drama class. I ended up loving it so much I took it all the way through high school! I've learned that practicing to talk confidently helps you to actually be confident.

What would you regret not telling the interviewer? I would practice those points in front of a mirror. Pretend you are watching a movie of someone else saying these words. How would you want that actress to say it? Then you try it that way as well. The more you practice, the less silly it will seem to you.

I know you feel this is a make or break situation but that is a lot of pressure you are putting on yourself. Aim to get across those important points about yourself, but try to be in the moment as well and let them see your fab personality shine through. You can do it! We'll be rooting for you!

judy

Veteran

Okay, Maya, you don't have to be outgoing unless it's part of the job description. Look at al those software engineers :). Not outgoing. Serious introverts. But they can do the job.

But DO shift your focus from "getting a job" to looking for a place that you can contribute to. It's like dating, it takes out the desperation.

You don't have to pretend to be something you aren't. You aren't there to win anyone over. You are there to embody being a contributor. You DO have skills and talents and abilities to offer. The interview is your opportunity to minimize any risk risk the manager has to take on to hire you. How can you do that?

Well, you don't have to "toot your own horn". But you DO have to be prepared to talk about your past experiences as outlined on your resume and in detail illustrate situations in which you were instrumental to the success of the project/team/organization, either at school or at work. If you don't have a lot of work experience, use school or extra curricular activities. Put them on your resume, because they will ask you about what's on there.

You can't assume you can know why the manager will or will not hire you, so don't give answers you think they are looking for. Try to answer questions honestly, in other words if you do not know something, it's better to simply say you don't know. They may be asking you something they don't expect you to know! Or if you say you do when you don't , a follow up question about that thing you do not know will just be more awkward.

But on the other hand, don't spend any time talking about what you don't know, didn't do, …because it's not telling them anything worthwhile about you. They have to base their decision on what you've done in the past, (not what you hope to do in the future) so focus on what you DID do, and go in there willing to demonstrate your past performances and successes…not "I'm so great" but rather things like, "I was responsible for…". Even if it's something that you can think is mundane, if you look in detail, even say with babysitting or something, you were in a position of responsibility and kids got fed and things happened on time. In other words you were prioritizing and making decisions. (I was just using that as an example to say that even the most mundane of jobs...can anyone say stay at home mom? :)...have a lot more to it if you really look at all that you have to consider to carry it out, successfully. Sharing your process tells the manager how you work, how you operated in situations in the past).

My husband did poorly at interviews until he worked for a couple of years for his temp agency and sat on the other side of the desk and interviewed about a thousand candidates. One of the worst things he noticed was when people couldn't talk about their past jobs/experience...again, not whether they liked it or not :), but how they contributed to the success of the project/organization. Some people even said they didn't remember....ok, why is it on your resume?

Oh, one of his favorite things he recommends: Let's say they ask you a scenario question…what would you do if….? Begin the answer with "It depends" and then brainstorm with them. Don't be afraid to ask questions to get more information. What you are doing is showing them how you would handle not just this situation, but how you can be creative and resourceful. They get to see how you think. Like let's say I ask you: "what's the best way from your house to the store?"…well, it depends. Do you have a car or are you walking? What is the weather like today? What time of day is it? Seeking more information gives you more to work with and shows how you manage resources, time constraints, etc….again, just an example.

Is any of that helpful? Oh this is long. I could edit and consolidate, but it's late so I'll just leave it!

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Maya, I can understand your trepidation. The ladies here have given you some wonderful advice and support.

A technique that I have used a lot and which I have found incredibly useful in situations like this is to create some "dummy" questions or scenarios and then literally video record myself answering them. (A voice recorder also works, but obviously you lose the visual feedback by doing this.)

Then, as painful as it is (for me, VERRRRY), I would watch myself in action. I'd watch the whole thing through first (usually cringing) and then go back and look at specific sections. What did I do well? Why did it work? What can I improve on? Why didn't it work? Was it my body language, my tone, an awkward phrase etc?

After doing this and thinking about it I would then go back and literally do the same thing over, trying to improve on my last effort. I'd watch again, critique, re-record, critique as many times as it took until I felt like I had finally done a "good job". Being able to "view" myself from the position of an outsider, just like you can see how you look different from when you look at yourself in the mirror vs on film, I found that I really did gain some valuable insights into how to best present myself.

This technique had the added advantage that I could do this by myself (not needing to rely on others), it was private and it helped me to "memorise" what to say or just as importantly, not what to do in order to make sure I gave the right impression. (By doing this, I discovered I was notorious for fiddling with my hair and looking down instead of at my "audience". (You know, the unconscious stuff we all do when nervous, but doesn't really portray the image we are looking for!))

Maya, I wish you the very best of luck this Friday and hope it turns out brilliantly for you. I will be thinking of you and sending you lots positive energy to help you get through this tough, but hopefully rewarding day. x

Maya

Veteran

Ooh, lots of good advice. I will read over all your replies more carefully when I'm not at work.

There are going to be dozens of students interviewing, so I really have to stand out. It is no longer about meeting the requirements but about exceeding them. Believe me, I have had enough unsuccessful interviews where I met the requirements to know that it just isn't enough. In this job market, you have to prove why you are BETTER than alllllll of the other students who are competing for the same thing. To that end, these internships I have been doing helped me out in a very important way. Before I was utterly clueless about what my skills and strengths were but my supervisors have really helped identify them for me. So that is a relief. At least now I have something to toot about.

It's just hard to "prepare" for an interview when you don't even know who you will be interviewing with. I'm hoping the fact that I'm a good four years older than most of the attendees and have more experience both working and interviewing will give me an edge.

ruby

Member

Maya, as a recent college grad and someone who struggled to get a job in this rather horrid economy you definitely have my sympathy. Job fairs are really frustrating places given the hoards of people who are also looking for jobs.

But to return to your question of interviewing well, one thing that really helped me (and continues to help me) is getting over my nervousness at speaking with strangers. I'd recommend trying your local toastmasters or some other public speaking course. They have tons of helpful advice and practice and it's really a life skill worth having. (I do realize that this won't help you prep for Friday but for every future interview you ever have to have, it's great!)

Good luck!

Dawn

(website)

Maya, I don't have any advice but I just wanted to wish you the very best of luck at the job fair. I'll have my fingers crossed for you all day!

Rosie

Veteran

All of these answers have been truly fantastic. Visualization, practicing, thinking about potential questions and answers - all things I was going to write!

Like Judy said, don't focus on the negative, but be confident if you respond that you don't know something. A common interview question is what your weaknesses are. I recently conducted a round of interviews and it is far more impressive when someone can say, without too much pondering, what one of their weaknesses is. It shows self-analysis and awareness. So, I would think of an answer that you think is good, because it is oddly a strength to know your weakness. The interviewers will be believe you when you talk about your strengths, which is really what you want.

Generic questions you can ask: about the company environment, employee turnover, whether they are looking for a long-haul employee or not (usually long-haul, so give them the impression you want to be there for a long time), whether there are mentors there to guide you, company size...

More than anything, think positively and smile. Breathe before you answer a question.

All of us here who have read your posts know that you are an intelligent, talented girl with a lot of strength behind her words. I know you can show them that.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Maya, I was a recruiter for many years, and Alecia's advice about not overthinking it is some of the best I have ever heard. Just be you, answer the questions honestly and politely, and it will happen the way it is supposed to happen.

I have also had 6 different careers in my life. You gotta go with the flow sometimes!

Anonymous

Hi Maya, I'm mostly a lurker but your questions here inspired me to get out of the shadows. I just started a new job in January, and so I've had some recent experience with job searching and interviews (and to be honest, 2+ years of being underemployed, in debt, struggling with depression, etc.).

I'm also an introvert and found that I was most nervous when I worried about how my experience fit with what the employer was looking for (especially considering I was applying for jobs where I was, and felt, very over- or under-qualified). When my current job was advertised, I was excited, and confident that I understood exactly what they were looking for, and felt that it was a perfect match with my eclectic skill set. I revamped my cover letter format around this time, and felt that it powerfully and concisely illustrated my skills. When I was called in for an interview (and then a second one), I surprised myself at how I was able to carry this confidence into the interview.

I know it's very different in a job fair situation, where you're walking in cold and trying to connect with recruiters/employers. My suggestion (echoing some others, I think) is to take some time and really brainstorm and meditate on what you think your skills are, and what are the situations where you feel most confident, are having fun, etc. (Friends and family can be helpful in this as well!) Your extra years of maturity and the internships you've done are definite strengths. Tap into the part of you that KNOWS how much of an asset you would be. Think of how to share these parts of you while flipping through your portfolio. And just before going into the job fair room(s), take some time in a quiet place to again reconnect with this strongest part of yourself. If a friend is available, invite them to accompany you to help relieve stress, give pep talks, etc. Good luck, and I really wish you all the best!

Stefka

Anonymous

Oh, and one question I asked in my second interview was "what do you enjoy most about working here?" My interviewers enjoyed the question, and I was surprised at the answers I got - it really spoke to the health of the organizational environment rather than specific job descriptions.

judy

Veteran

A couple more points I wanted to make, hopefully not as long as the first time!

!. When asked about your strengths and weaknesses, keep your responses contextual to your field and work experiences.

2. Don't underestimate your value to how you contributed to the success of a past or present project or organization, especially if you think you weren't in a "powerful" or "meaningful" position.

If you had a position, any position, at school or work, paid or unpaid, there was a need and if you met that need, not only was it meaningful to making deadlines, or serving customers, or shipping or selling a product, it was essential. In a team everyone is important. Realizing that can be revolutionary to how you feel in an interview. You may still have nerves, of course, but you will feel valid. Even if in those former positions, someone wasn't giving you praises (or raises) doesn't mean you can't be aware of what it was you were contributing. And this is the key point: Being aware and able to talk about what you were contributing that helped the whole function better.

Here's an example. I had a new boss once who, I noticed, tended not to open his mail. Since we were a small non profit that offered mail order products, this really slowed down our operations. I was responsible for going to the post office and sending and picking up the mail, but not opening it, so one day when I brought in an incoming pile of mail, I simply said: "Would you like me to open it for you?". He looked very surprised and said: "Yes!" I was able to sort it into orders, bills, and correspondence, all ready to read, FOR him. And from that day on, that's how we did the mail. This was instrumental to my being able to fill the orders which were also my responsibility. Soon the three of us who worked there began to go over the mail together, so instead of an unknown pile of work "to do" we were more aware of what the need was. Our operations functioned more smoothly and in a more timely manner.

Now it could be easy to overlook this or talk it away as "oh yeah, I had to open the mail for my boss". But in interview/resume speak, we could say: "I instituted a new mail procedure that facilitated shipping our products and serving our customer base faster"…or something like that. And if, when asked in an interview about this former job on my resume, I spent any time complaining about my boss, (don't go there) I would miss the opportunity to share this and other ways that I was instrumental in contributing to the success and unity of that organization. It's kind of shift because a part of us wants to discount what we do and say "oh it's nothing". But it is something, something we did, that helped everyone. It's important to be aware that what we do every day, even small things, aren't small things when they help that company or team (or family) do what it is designed to do.

LoP

Veteran

Maya: I'm not a recruiter, but I interview people often and helped at career fair booths couple of times. I don't think you're expected to be confident for a starting level job. It's perfectly normal if you're anxious about it and it shows a little. Trying to hide it makes it worse. (Like a first date.

An important part of attending a job fair (other than resumes you drop off and people you talk to) is defining your goals and collecting information and business cards to move towards these goals. It's what you do after the fair is over with the business cards that matter. I expect someone I talked to on a project or potential opportunity to contact me again. It makes a difference even if I don't remember the person especially if they researched the subject and show how they are interested in it.

Good luck with the fair! Look forward to hearing your success!

Kristine

Veteran

I'm an introvert too, but I've learned to flip the switch when I need to. A confident smile and eye contact is a good way to start, even if you blow the rest. It's fine to be shy, but speak clearly when you do say something and don't ever undermine your chances with self-deprecating comments (unless you trip or knock something over, then it's good to show you can laugh at yourself).

You might not believe it, but the interviewer is probably a little nervous too. They need good people as much as you need a good organization. It's a mutually beneficial meeting to see if you're right for each other, that's all.

Kari

Veteran

Maya, reading that your internships have helped you realize your strengths really made me smile. I know you have had a rough go of it in the job market, and being out of work can really be a drain on self-confidence, so I am *so* glad that you are really conscious of the strengths you bring to the job. That is an awesome attitude to bring to an interview or job fair!

I know you've received a ton of helpful advice, but wanted to toss in a few other suggestions that have been useful to me. (I also used to be a recruiter, though in a very different sector than Kristen, and before I interviewed people for a living, I was terrified of actually going on an interview myself.)

Prior to the interview, I review the job description as well as my resume/cover letter, and write up a few talking points that I might want to elaborate on or bring up during the interview. Like Alicia mentioned, I try to avoid over-thinking the interview, but it helps me sometimes to even write up some different "scripts" for how I might describe my role based on what I know of the job description.

Sometimes I try to get in the mindset of being a recruiter or reference for myself. For example, pretending that I am one of my former managers or colleagues, what skills and strengths would I bring up? In what ways was I particularly valuable to my team, or how did I bring innovation and creativity into my job responsibilities?

Finally, I try to take the pressure off myself as much as I can. I don't go into the interview thinking that all of my future is riding on this one interview, because that mindset tends to psych me out and make me stumble. Instead, I just try to do my best that I can in the specific situation. I try to remember that the hiring manager that I'm interviewing with is just another person that I'm having a conversation with, and in some interviews (like the interview that got me my current job, which was actually a panel interview with the team I'm now working for), I actually managed to have fun and really enjoyed getting to know the people I talked with.

I hope this helps a bit, and am wishing you the best of luck. Having been in your situation a few years ago after a long period of unemployment, and being incredibly depressed on top of it, my heart really goes out to you.

Maya

Veteran

This thread has been so so helpful. I don't have time to reply to each of you individually but I have read over every reply and got a ton of great feedback and advice. I'm sure it will make all the difference this Friday. I am still nervous because even though I have a hair more confidence and at least know what my skills are now, I am still not sure if I have resolved my weaknesses. I still don't know why all those other places rejected me, so I have just been playing this guessing game trying to "fix" what I perceive to be wrong and I might be totally off. If it is experience, hopefully I have fixed that. If it is quality of work, I'm not sure if I have. If it is personality, articulateness, presentation, etc. then all I can do is take the feedback I got from this thread and run with it. Unfortunately quality of work is probably the most important thing, and I have no way of knowing if mine is up to scratch.

I am already having nightmares about it. Last night I had a dream where I overslept and missed half the fair! It's awful. I hope this will be the last time I have to go through this for a while!

Anyway, thank you for your considerate and detailed replies!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Such invaluable suggestions!

I can't hope to add to the wisdom, but I will add something else. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of meeting you several times and you come across delightfully. I can't imagine that you don't convey this in an interview, unless you're schizophrenic which I know you're not.

It's hard to be "yourself" when you become obsessed with it in an interview situation. So I'm going to go ahead and say that in order to relax, try and imagine that you're showing your portfolio to a kind friend. Think happy thoughts.

Chris

I have recruited for companies at job fairs many times. Typically, there isn't a full fledged interview (unless yours is set up in advance) so it's about the first impression and demonstrating how much you know about the company and job.
I have a lot of students who walk up to table and don't know a thing about the company. Drop by career center in advance and get a list of attendees if you don't have one - that way you can research openings and information ahead of time and even tailor some resumes to those employers.
If you have only a few minutes with the recruiter, ask for their card or if they would set up an informational phone interview. If you get their card, send a follow up email. The students who do this really get our attention in a good way.
I think knowledge is your secret weapon - you are talented and that will show what an asset to the company you will be.
Good luck Maya!

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Maya you've already got amazing advice here, but I just wanted to add my thoughts to the pile of well wishers for you. Good luck on Friday!

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Firstly I want to say Good Luck Maya - I hope you do really well.

Also, good luck to all the other YLFer's out there searching for work... you all really do deserve fabulous jobs.

I haven't worked in 6 years (since mid way through my first pregnancy), and probably next year I am going to have to return to the paid workforce, so I am actually printing all this invaluable advice to save as I will need as much help as I can get.

So thanks Maya for asking and thanks to everyone else for all your tips.

Oh, what is a job fair exactly? We have job fairs here but they are designed to showcase careers so you can see a lot of options to help you decide on a career etc - not an opportunity to actually gain a job.

Anonymous

Good luck, amazing Maya! Anyone who doesn't hire you is missing out on a treasure.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Maya- I have nothing to possibly add to all the fabulous wisdom everyone has already imparted. Just wanted to say good luck! Wear your most confidence boosting outfit and let yourself enjoy meeting with the prospective employers-- if you're enjoying yourself it will show and make you a desirable employee!

Best of luck to you!

Sandra

Maya, we're all sending you positive energy. As a fellow introvert who's interviewed and hired people for their first job, I think the advice you've already been given is great. You can probably help yourself to relax by preparing answers to a few common interview questions: your strengths, your weaknesses (just pick one!), where you expect to be in five years, and a situation when you've had to overcome obstacles and how you handled it. I would also think of a good story about how you went beyond the requirements of your position to help the company by changing a procedure, staying late to make sure work got done, etc. - and then find a place in the interview to bring it up.

Finally, I was always amazed by how many young people come into an interview knowing nothing about the company they hope to work for. If you can get a list of the companies that will be at the job fair and get a minimal amount of information about them, you'll probably put yourself in the top quarter of applicants right there. If you can't do it in advance, then collect business cards and write a note to the interviewers later showing that you went home and investigated the company to determine whether it was a good match for your skills.

Lena

This is such a good thread and you got so much good advice and insight here. I'm a fellow introvert, and job fairs are so nerve-wracking and filled with uncertainty to begin with, so I get where you're coming from.

It's really hard to be yourself and not get brain freezes in such situations. Here's something which helps me sometimes: I use reverse psychology. The days and hours before the event are the worst, so I keep telling myself that this is not my last opportunity, and that it's not serious and etc, (and sometimes) that I don't even need to go. It works like a charm because my contrarian nature comes out and I relax a bit.

Good luck, Maya! I'll be thinking about you Friday. I get up early that day so I'll be on Eastern time, hee

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Wow, what an amazing collection of tips and pointers!! I wanted to reiterate a couple of things based on my own experience as a recruiter. First of all I have to echo Legacy of Pearl -- it's absolutely ok to be nervous. That's not the same thing as lacking confidence or self-awareness, and those are the qualities that matter most. Nerves show you intuitively understand what's at stake here, self-awareness means you know you've got what it takes to rise above those nerves. All the advice about knowing strengths and weaknesses is right on. Would it be possible to have the weaknesses discussion with one of your bosses or coworkers before the fair on Friday?

I agree that honest answers will get you further than cookie-cutter replies that most recruiters have heard a hundred times before. Saying your greatest weakness is that you're too much of a perfectionist, for instance, just smacks of parroting and dishonesty. If an employer doesn't like the honest yet tactful answers you're giving, so be it. You clearly wouldn't be a good match for them. The reverse holds true if someone is genuinely digging what you have to say.

Someone said it's alright not to know something. So true. But try and get information so that you can inform yourself and respond accordingly (this refers, of course, to scenario questions). Judy's tips on this subject were great.

Everyone who advised you to learn about companies ahead of time is onto something, too. If you have a way to find out who will be there, it's worth the effort to do some research. Will it be all big companies or will there be some smaller mom and pop-type graphic design operations too? If there are, it'll look great if you ask them questions to ascertain whether or not you're truly a fit.

Maya, if you want to do a mock interview with someone or want another set of eyes to look over your resume, I'm perfectly willing to do so.

bella

(website)

Veteran

I have absolutely nothing to add but I wanted to wish you good luck Maya!