This week we will be talking about interviewing. Hello everyone, my name is Tamaria Tate and so grateful to be graduating this semester! I am a non-traditional student finally back in school after over 10 years of raising a family. Many of my friends from my early college days are all working in their wonderful careers and I can finally say I will have my bachelor’s degree and working towards my masters degree. My two areas of study are Education and Behavioral and Social Sciences. My minor is in Entrepreneurship. I have worked over 10 years in the hospitality industry and realized that there was more for me out there. The purpose of getting our degrees is to then begin to enter into the careers world. To enter into the career world we have to get past those dreadful interviews. Interviewing was so terrifying for me when I was younger but now I love talking to people.
Also check out the UCF Career Services Interviewing Skills Website
(http://www.career.ucf.edu/categories/Students/Undergraduate_Students/50_30.aspx ) to read the prompts and take the “Perfect Interview” short mock practice interview to assess your current skill level.
Consider the factors that make an interview stressful…
o Interview setting (in person one-on-one, in person with panel, phone interview)
o Uncommon interview questions
o Discussing one’s personal interests (salary, benefits, vacation time).
They’re many benefits gained from each interview through experience, no matter the
outcome. Think about the results of your Perfect Interview assessment and comment on the following various prompts
o Prompts:
What surprised you most about the results?
Where do you think you need the most improvement? Do your thoughts coincide with the interview assessment?
Is there one particular area you feel you have always struggled with?
Make sure to respond to AT LEAST 3 other posts!!!
After over 32 years in the workplace and having interviewed many times, I still find it difficult. There is the strong desire to be 100% honest, yet the delicate balance of offering too much information.
ReplyDeleteI have also, unfortunately, been exposed to "fickle" hiring processes at several organizations where I was working. The subjective process sometimes present often hinders hiring what may well be the right person for the job and sometimes leads to disastrous situations with the chosen hire.
All in all, many organizations recruit and hire well and use best practices in finding a perfect fit for the position. It will be an all new experience when I begin interviewing for teaching positions after being in the non-profit clerical world for many years. I'm excited and terrified by the great possibilities.
While I recognize the importance of the interview, I've also learned "networking" is of high value in any career choice and intend to use my friendly, loving nature to open doors as much as possible.
Networking is definitely very important in the job field and making connections every chance that you get will prove beneficial in the long run. I too find interviews to be difficult though I am very notice in the job field. Through practice and planning before I go into the interview I have gotten more comfortable with interviews but I would still like to have a higher comfort level. I have not interviewed in many different areas, so I am curious to whether the questions vary that much. Good luck when you begin your interviews for a teaching position!
DeleteStephanie Krall
I also felt like you that I give too much information. It seems to me that a future employer wants to get to know you as a person but doesn't really need to know personal information unless it is directly associated with work.
DeleteI think that you make a valid point when you say that networking is very important. Along with being prepared, one also has to know people.
-Rafaelina A. Mercado
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DeleteHi Daphne,
DeleteI also struggle with this desire to be 100% honest, while at the same time not offering too much information. In my most recent job search, it was difficult to tell my interviewers that I'd lost my other job, but I also wanted to assume they'd be understanding since most of my shifts were 6 a.m. and the reason I lost my job was because my phone died and my alarm didn't go off at 5:30 in the morning! This was an unfortunate situation, and it could happen to ANYONE! But after I didn't get the first job I interviewed for, I considered lying at the next few interviews. I got mixed opinions about this from friends and family, and in the end I didn't lie. I did finally end up finding a new job :)
Jana Read
Being only twenty I know I have only had a handful of interviews, but I was prepared at a young age when I was placed in pageantry and had to participate in interview sessions. Despite this, I still find interviews to be nerve racking because I always feel as though I am going to say the wrong thing, or I will not say enough information to show the employer that I really want the job. I think that I need to be more prepared for the unexpected questions that interviewers use because they always end up surprising me and catching me off guard. Though I am fairly good at thinking on my feet I feel as though not having a concrete answer leaves me seeming unsure when I do respond. This is the area that I feel needs the most improvement and it is now the area that I struggle with the most. Before I used to be really nervous before interviews and I am sure that it shows. However, with practice and thinking about questions I could be given before I went into an interview I have become comfortable in the interview setting. Now I just need to work on my comfort level with questions that I am not expecting, and I feel I will have even more confidence.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Krall
Stephanie,
DeleteI think everyone get nervous, whether your 20 or not. It is a lot of pressure because it is something that we need and everything rides on a set of questions. I think it is very smart that you have sets of answers ready in case employers ask questions that catch us off guard.
-Rafaelina A. Mercado
Stephanie,
DeleteI, like you, am young and have only ever had one interview. So although I to think well on my feet, I become nervous before interviews. I've found that having someone interview you like a family member or friend is great for becoming comfortable. There are a lot of websites out there with great interview questions. Just have someone go on one of those sites and interview you. This way you'll be exposed to more questions, and become more comfortable discussing those topics. Also a family member or friend might have some great advice or constructive criticism for you.
~Ashley Monk
Pagentry must have helped your confidence levels quite a bit and I expect you articulate well. Knowing where I want to go often stimulates a better interview, I've found. When I'm not really certain this is an organization where I'd like to work, it shows. If I'm confident the organization is one where I'm excited to be a part, this also shows in the interview. I had a phone interview today for a company I love, but a position I probably won't want in the long run. I interviewed well, but I'm not certain I want it. When I find myself "wishy-washy", I'm sure it is sensed by others.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear any tips you learned through your training for pageants.
Daphne Keys
Posture and eye contact were always stressed upon and we were taught to lean forward when being interviewed while seated in order to show an interest in what the interviewer was talking about. Practicing for interviews was also stressed a great deal and we would be given any topic that we had to talk about for five minutes. We were given anything random from the color purple to a favorite school subject. This definitely helped with being able to talk about any subject, but for job interviews I feel it is a lot different. Having a job that means something gives me more confidence but going through college I find myself applying for customer service jobs in which the drive behind my interview is for the necessity of rent money. With jobs like this that I have no long term plans to stay in it is extremely hard to elicit a believable want for the job.
DeleteStephanie Krall
One of my areas most needing improvement is learning how to ask for the salary I want while understanding the organizations expectations. Finding a balance between my value as an employee and the budget needs of the company is important, I think, when determining how much salary I should ask to receive.
ReplyDeleteI tend to do many things as a volunteer or friend which are normally paid tasks and I notice this is a weakness. I feel these skills and competencies are of great value, but lack the ability or desire to tell someone they should pay me for my assistance (at least once in a while).
I also struggle with this area. After working at the same company for almost two years now I became a little disappointed and frustrated that I was still earning the same amount and less than new employees who were hired later on than me. I finally got up the nerve to ask for a raise in which I stated that I felt I had been loyal to the company and felt that I worked hard and deserved a raise. I was given the raise after that and promoted a little while later. I feel that if you do your job well and you are loyal, it never hurts to ask for a raise.
DeleteStephanie Krall
Daphne,
DeleteMoney is always an uncomfortable topic to touch. If you say too high, they won't be able to afford you but if you say too low, you are under selling yourself or won't get enough money for your experience. So it is better to do some research and see what everyone else makes in that position. That way you don't under or over estimate yourself.
-Rafaelina A. Mercado
Rafaelina,
DeleteExcellent point! I too have been uncomfortable speaking about money in the past (it seemesd taboo). But you are right with adequate research one can get a good range of what to ask for. Plus assertiveness and confidence in ones skills are great leadership qualities to have.
Francine Bacchus
Stephanie...
ReplyDeleteI've had plenty of interviews over the past 30 years and the questions have varied some, but overall the goal is the same. Are you a good fit for the current culture? Do you have the skills? Are you a good communicator? Will you be an enhancement to our company? How?
Overall, I think a good fit becomes obvious very quickly and a bad fit is often not noticed as fast. I'm a praying woman and I feel God opens doors or shuts them. I do what I can and should, but leave the rest to Him.
Daphne Keys
First impressions are key at an interview because that's all you get. I agree both the interviewer and the interviewi can quickly tell if the job is the right fit. I haven't had a lot of interviews, but like you said the goal is the same. I also believe doors open and close when they do for a reason. Just always know He has your best intentions.
Delete~Ashley Monk
Ashley,
DeleteThe sad truth is that first impressions are such a big thing and that can weight negative on someone if there are circumstantial issues (sick, personal issues etc.) But in essence how porefessional you carry yourself will be the major determinant of whether you get the job regardless of external influences.
Francine Bacchus
First impressions are key. That's why you have to have confidence and sell yourself. You may only have a 15 minute window to convince them you are the right fit for their company. That all starts the moment they lay eyes on you. In all the interview talk the past couple of weeks, I haven't heard much mention of interview attire. I can't tell you the amount of prospective employees who get an automatic dismissal based on what they are wearing. Dressing appropriately and professionally is a kep aspect in an interview!
Delete\
Emily Pate
Great point, Emily! Unfortunately, we all judge a book by its cover. It's only natural. If you're not dressed for the part, you're automatically deemed ill-fit for the job. Instead of having to struggle to prove yourself passed that initial bad impression, start off strong and give yourself some wiggle room. Let them see how great you are before you begin to justify it.
Delete~Hope
I believe the most important thing in an interview is to be confident and comfortable. You should smile, have great eye contact, good posture, and a firm hand shake. Being prepared for interview questions is great, but there's always going to be some that you weren't ready for. The best thing to do is be honest. If your there and want the job for the right reasons, your honest answer will reflect that.
ReplyDelete~Ashley Monk
Ashley,
DeleteThese are extremely good points. Many people forget that an interview is both verbal and non verbal. The employer is looking at body language to gauge the truth about your feelings and attitude.
Francine Bacchus
I really like how you included a firm hand shake. Many people, women in particular, seems to have a lackluster hand shake. If it's something you haven't practiced going into a professional situation, I would suggest you do so. I'm not promoting a masculine, over the top, aggressive hand shake, just not a limp fish one! I think a good hand shake from the on start exudes confidence.
DeleteEmily Pate
I was not surprised by my results because I am aware that I have need a bit more honing and development in my professional skills. This experience however showed me that I have improved a lot more than I initially thought.
ReplyDeleteI think I need more improvement in really narrowing down my responses to the objective that the interviewer is asking about. I tend to feel the need to give explanations about my feelings towards different things (I am a passionate talker).
I think I struggled in the area when the employer asked me about salary. I have thought money was a taboo thing to discuss but I am learning that I must be more assertive, esp. in the work place.
Francine Bacchus
During the interview, I realized I wasn't always prepared for the question. I thought that I was more prepared for the interview but some questions took a while to answer. This showed me that I need to practice my response to interview questions. It isn't always "Tell me about yourself" or "What is your greatest weakness". Interview questions have much for depth.
ReplyDeleteI think I struggle with salary questions. It makes me feel better then all starting teachers make the same amount. If I wasn't going after a teaching degree, I would look up the normal salary and have an average before the interview so that I can say a right amount.
-Rafaelina A. Mercado
I think it's hard to always be prepared for evey possible question. Sometimes they just throw you for a loop! What I've learned to do, is to always take a deep breath, focus, and speak from the heart. Employers don't want some BS answer, they want a truthful response. Even if it's not the most clever answer they've ever heard, they will know you gave them an honest answer. I think that speaks volumes to them.
DeleteEmily Pate
I really wasn’t surprised by my results. Perhaps it was because I wasn’t nervous. It’s a lot different sitting in front of an actual prospective employer, especially when it’s a team interview.
ReplyDeleteI think I could improve be not revealing too much personal information about myself. In an effort to make myself and other feel at ease, I tend to open up more than I should. I have to say, though, this has always worked well for me although it’s counterintuitive to what we are being taught.
I think nerves and confidence are areas everyone, including myself, can always work on. The stronger you feel about your abilities and self during an interview, can only help in self promotion!
Emily Pate
Hi Emily,
DeleteI read your response after I posted mine below, and it's funny that you mentioned the team interview. I did too, and in my opinion it's the most stressful kind of interview! Perhaps because we are constantly comparing our answers to those of others, who may possess better or worse interview skills. It's definitely easier to come up with thorough responses to interview questions when you're not in front of your prospective employer.
I agree that nerves and confidence are areas that everyone can always improve upon. Especially when it comes to an area of work that we are inexperienced with, that's when it's most difficult to be confident in our abilities and in our interview.
Jana Read
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ReplyDeleteOne factor that makes an interview stressful, which was not mentioned in the original post, is a group interview. In my opinion this is the most dreadful interview I could possibly have. Whether I'm a good interviewee or not, (and I'm sure I've improved over the years) being in a situation where I'm professionally interviewed side-by-side with friends and/or acquaintances is extremely nerve (w)racking (sp?). The worst two interviews I've ever had were in this format. However, I think there's a way to overcome this, and that is to gain more confidence in myself and my interviewing skills. A few years from now, hopefully these types of interviews will excite me and motivate me, and I can show these friends and/or acquaintances how excellent my interview skills are!
ReplyDeleteJana Read