Interview Preparation

Great, you received the call that you have an interview on Monday at 2pm! Now it’s time to continue preparation. Here are a couple of questions that you can expect to answer:
Tell me about yourself.
This question is not an invitation to speak about your age, family life or hobbies. This is the time to talk about your academic and extracurricular accomplishments and goals. If you have not participated in extracurricular activities you can use your household responsibilities as a way to show your skill set.

• Family example: I am the eldest of two children. I am responsible for picking up my younger sibling from football practice on Thursday nights. I am a hard worker as demonstrated in my academics, I began the school year on the B Honor Roll and have moved to the A Honor Roll, at the end of this school term I hope to finish strong on the A Honor Roll. My goal is to attend the University of XYZ and major in Psychology. 
• Extracurricular example: I play catcher for my school’s baseball team, I am the president of SGA and I am also a member of the Prom Committee. I enjoy being involved in my school and my community. I hope to attend XYZ for two years and then transfer to a four year college to major in Public Relations. This is one of the main reasons I am heavily involved in school and community activities it gives me an opportunity to engage with diverse individuals which is important in public relations. 

What are your weaknesses?
This question is looking for two things, honesty and problem solving. Having a weakness is not a problem or an issue but the way that you answer this question reveals a lot about you. First state the weakness and then state how you are working to overcome the weakness. Stay away from the cliché I am a perfectionist and please do not say I don’t have any weaknesses. 
Why should I hire you?
This is the time to shine and boast a bit! Highlight some of your characteristics and past experiences. Choose one or two of the topics that you discussed earlier in the interview and build upon how you will be an asset. 

• Example: I don’t just work hard, but I work smart. I am eager to learn and I am a people person. My experience as President of SGA has taught me how to work with administrators and students.  Also as we discussed earlier I have a knack for making people smile which is important when working with customers. 

Do you have any questions?
You should always have at least three questions. If you know who your interviewer is do a little research via Google and LinkedIn to find something interesting about the person and ask them questions. Research the company and ask questions that are NOT easily found on the company’s website such as the future of the company, opportunity for advancement and career paths. The most important thing to remember is that an interview is a conversation between you and the company. You are also looking for a good fit. You are a great person and you have a lot to offer! Don’t sell yourself short!