Interview Tips

I recently attended a workshop that addressed professional portfolios, resumes, and the interview process. Melanie Moir, of Waggener Edstrom, and Tom Eiland, of CFM Strategic Communications, hosted this workshop.

During this workshop I learned that during an interview the average ratio of applicants is 8 to 1 and it is important to be at least one of the three who are seriously considered. Tom Eiland asked a very key question: What do you want for yourself? To find the right job it is important to ask yourself that question or else you will wind up in a job you don’t want to be in. The next question he proposed to the group was “what do you want the interviewers or reviews to walk away with?” It is important to have three key messages that you want to communicate with the employers and crucial that you get them across clearly. Product and Promotion are the two most important factors in finding a job. What do you have to offer and how are you selling it? Business is about relationships and to develop a personality of your own, that is unique, you will stand out with reviewers and interviewers.

Presentation is another major aspect in the interview process. A physical portfolio and the presentation must go hand in hand and support each other. You can’t have one without the other. Candidates should always dress professionally and pay attention to the details. If employers recognize that you care about the details in your presentation they may be more inclined to hire you to care for the small details in projects at their company.

Resumes are the short story to why you should be hired. Use it to your advantage. Tell a short story during your interview; build interest with the interview panel. Include funky traits, if they are relevant, that will set you apart from other candidates. The interviewer looks at a resume and asks, “What can you do for me?” There are many other candidates who most likely have a similar looking resume, give the panel a strong reason to choose you. Differentiate yourself.

The following are the key points from the presentation:

• You are the product, promote yourself
• Do you have the basic skills? (i.e. good writing, design skills, format skills)
• Differentiate- how are you better than any other candidate?
• Have attention to detail
• Demonstrate Passion
• Plan Ahead