Authors: Ellen Gordon Reeves
Tags: #Non-Fiction, #Self Help
Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?: A Crash Course in Finding, Landing, and Keeping Your First Real Job (32 page)
Which items on your résumé do you think are most relevant to this job?
Much of this answer should be prepared in advance by reading the job description and doing your research, but new thoughts will inevitably occur to you during the interview.
It seems like you’re looking for someone who understands the needs of transfer students. Since I transferred from a two-year community college to a private university, I’ve actually been through the process. I also worked as an assistant in the Admissions office, so I think these experiences would serve me well as an assistant in the Transfers office.
Are there things you wish you hadn’t left off your résumé? What are they and how are they relevant to this job?
Don’t just rattle off random trivia about yourself and your past whereabouts; tie your answer back to information you’ve gleaned during the interview.
I didn’t realize the job had a development component; I sold Girl Scout cookies for years and then organized the fund-raising efforts as a troop leader. I also was a volunteer student caller for my college alumni association. I enjoy cold-calling for donations when it’s a cause that I can really believe in.
“TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF”
If an interviewer prompts you with the phrase “Tell me about yourself,” beware. As with every other question, it’s essentially code for “What can you do for us?” The interviewer is not asking for your favorite color or for your autobiography. He is saying, “Give me an oral summary of your qualifications as they relate to the job I need done.”
So don’t lead with “I was born in a small town in Nebraska.” Lead with “As you can see from my résumé, I just graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska. I was an Urdu major, and while that language may not come in handy for this job, I spent three hours a day, for three years, hunkering down in the language lab. I understand that this position will require that kind of discipline and focus. I also managed the track team. It was in a college setting, but it gave me experience in managing people, working as a member of a team, and balancing a full plate. I was also in charge of purchasing uniforms for the team, pulling together our travel schedule and transportation to state meets, fund-raising for new equipment, and communicating with alumni.”
Another common interview opener is “What do you know about the company?” Make sure you have something to say—and then ask to hear more. The conversation could go in any number of directions—but remember, the subtext is always the same: How will hiring you help them.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? (See page 149 for more on this interview classic.)
What would friends/enemies/your last supervisor/your references say about you?
Of what accomplishments are you proudest?
Describe the biggest challenges/obstacles you have faced/overcome.
What aspects of this job are most/least appealing?
What aspects of your previous job or internship were most/least appealing?
Why should we hire you?
What do you do in your spare time?
How do you deal with stress? What stresses you out?
