Getting Questioned: baby’s first interview (kind of)
- Mikaela Graf
- Sep 30, 2023
- 2 min read
My time has finally come. After countless applications going ignored or rejected, I finally landed an interview.
For many, this is the most dreaded part of the hiring process. For me, though, this is the moment I have been eagerly awaiting. This is my chance to play to my strengths and let my personality shine! It's also my chance to show off my super cute, professional style with my thrifted blazer and platform loafers ;)
Needless to say, when 2 PM Monday rolled around, I couldn't click the Microsoft Teams link fast enough. I was giddy to talk to not only one but TWO real human beings face-to-face(ish) about a potential job. And, I know what you're thinking: "How much did you pay for that blazer?" $3! Also, to answer your other question, yes, I did mention last week that that I have yet to make it this far in the process. So, how could I possibly be so excited for something that's normally extremely nerve-wracking?
Well, you should know at this point that I love to talk, but it's deeper than that. I enjoy interviews so much, because they give me a chance to show the type of person I am, not just the skills and experience I squeezed onto a single sheet of paper. A good employer isn't just looking for a worker that checks all of the technical boxes; they are looking for someone who has the potential to fit in and grow with the company.
While I did have the typical interview nerves going in to this one, I had one goal in mind: be authentic. I am confident in my personality and people skills, and I want hiring managers to get a glimpse of the woman that may be joining their team. I responded to their questions honestly and tried not to embellish my answers too much (though, it's in my nature to be a bit wordy). I honestly think not putting pressure on myself to craft the perfect script and put on a one-of-a-kind performance is what helped me stay natural and at ease. Hopefully, it helped me stand out in an almost ironic way.
Don't forget that this is a two-way street, too! An interview is your chance to learn more about the workplace environment, procedures, and values from individuals who are directly involved. When it was my turn on the floor, I made sure to ask questions about my interviewers' experiences at the company and what I could expect from my role. I also got a feel for their personalities, and, luckily, both women seemed to be a great reflection of the team.
30 minutes later, I was signing off just as high-spirited as when I started. Instead of feeling drained like I just left a 3-hour interrogation, I felt refreshed like I just left a quick chat with some acquaintances. So, my advice to anyone going into an interview is this: come prepared, but leave the pressure at the door. Or the online meeting lobby.
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