Anyway, I debated whether or not to even go because interviews make me nervous and I hate dressing up for them and actually doing my hair (I know, sad). After talking about resume/interview tips in class, I decided to just do both interviews. I told myself that interviewing for the positions wouldn't obligate me to take the job and also that it would be good experience.
This morning's interview covered EXACTLY the stuff we covered in class. As soon as I sat down, they said, "tell me a little about yourself." I mumbled on about where I was raised, bragged about just getting admitted into my program, and shared my exciting wedding news with them. While I was talking, my mind went to the discussion we had in class about already having a 1-2 minute response prepared and I wish I had done that beforehand. The two interviewers switched off asking the questions: "how do you handle stress? What is your ideal work environment? What type of management do you work well under? Can you describe a time you've had to overcome a major problem? When you've had to have an attitude adjustment?" Then, towards the end, she brought up the thing that I had been dreading: "Describe three of your strengths and weaknesses."
THREE?! Oh man I was not prepared at all. How badly I wished I had taken the advice in class and prepared a list and a way to describe my weaknesses in a more positive way! I stammered on about being a high-energy, organized person who loves to socialize and get to know people. For my weaknesses, I said that I get too comfortable in what I already know and feel confident with and have a hard time branching out...probably not a good response. I also said I get stressed easily...probably not what a potential employer wants to hear.
So this is a testimony of what we have been learning in class this week. Those interview guidelines and tips are real and I want to spend more time reviewing them on my own. I'm also getting very excited about the PAR paragraphs, since I have seen how this will be beneficial in an interview.
Here's to hoping that interview #2 goes swimmingly and I keep these things in mind!
Wow, I haven't even thought about preparing those responses or stories yet. Thanks for bringing it to the forefront and letting us know that it actually is worth doing. I should probably start preparing mine even though I don't have any interviews now, because I know I wont prepare right beforehand. Thanks and I hope your second on goes well.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been able to apply the interview skills we learned yet, but I also feel like they are very valuable. I had an interview over the summer for a job I felt qualified for, but I did not do well in the interview and did not end up getting the job. I feel like if I had prepared some of my answers before the interview it probably would have worked out. Thanks for your post and good luck on your interview!
ReplyDeleteOh dear,
ReplyDeleteThis is slightly terrifying. I know you are great at interviews so I am sure that you did well. You did excellent in class, but three strengths and weaknesses are a lot! This makes me excited to know what we are learning in class is beneficial. I love hearing about how people are applying the class! I hope that it goes well and that you get a new job out of it! Good Luck!