5 Interview Tips I Learned From Landing My Entry-Level Career Job

Ah, the entry-level job interview. It brings back #dark memories of 22-year-old Lauren lightly shaking in a too-small Express blazer trying desperately not to bite her nails. Usually the night before said interview, I would research the company I was being interviewed for, paint my nails, and chug sip wine to calm myself. I really dislike interviews because I have a mild fear of public speaking. When you combine that with having to interview for your first “big girl” job, it can feel overwhelming.

In these interviews in can be difficult to communicate how you’re different from the pack of applicants behind you when you lack the professional experience to back you up. How do you illuminate your skills with colorful stories about conflict resolution in the workplace when you’ve only been out of school for a short period of time? It feels like the chicken or the egg argument — in order to get a job you need to have experience, but it’s difficult to obtain professional experience without first having a job.

I’ve been on a fair number of interviews in my life, so I have a been there done that attitude when I look back at how I overcame the entry-level job hump. I’ve done a ton of research into interview techniques and methods (I love Lily Zhang’s articles on the subject) because it was an area in which I needed a lot of work. While interviews aren’t part of life for me currently, I’ve gathered five ways I learned to interview better which I feel can help anyone interview with greater confidence. Remember, each interview is a chance to prove yourself and become more comfortable with selling your skills — you want to leave the room feeling great. Check it out!

You’re bound to be asked at least one of those vague, open-ended questions where the person
interviewing asks you to share a negative character trait or situation that went awry. It’s important to always show maturity and professionalism when answering a dreaded “tell me about a time when you didn’t meet a client expectation” question. Not only are recruiters looking to see what they can learn from the experience you share, but they’re also looking to see the way in which you react to a potentially awkward question. If you’re asked how you handle difficult coworkers, be honest. However, be careful how you answer. You always want to illustrate helpful strategies for how you can make a situation better. You don’t want to cut someone else down unnecessarily

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Understand what recruiters want, and prepare specific examples.
The biggest mistake I made when I first graduated college and began interviewing was when I was too vague and danced around answers. This was partly due to my nerves, but it was mostly because I felt as if I had nothing to say. During your interview, you’re going to be asked questions that will help a hiring manager understand the way you work, how you problem solve, and how they can expect you to react under pressure. For example, one of the most important qualities you can offer at this stage is a team player mentality. In her article 5 Skills You Must Show Off To Land Your First Job (And Every One After That),
author Lily Zhang writes:

In fact, Skyller Jordan, a hiring manager at best practice insight and technology company CEB, says a track record of problem solving is such an essential skill that she wouldn’t consider hiring someone without it. What does that mean, exactly? According to Jordan, “being able to look at the larger goal, understanding the levers to pull to get there (and historical patterns that have led to success), and prioritizing the most effective means to get the job done” makes someone the kind of problem solver she’d hire.”

If all parties involved are going to get the most out of an interview, you have to give specific details about the skills you’ve developed at past jobs. Drawing upon specific scenarios (which prove your capabilities) is a must, so think about this ahead of time and create a short list.

Always come with follow-up questions you’ve prepared for each job interview.
Don’t ever leave an interview without asking the person interviewing you at least one or two questions. It’s essential to understand the position on the table as best as you can, especially because it’s most likely your first one out of the gate. At this stage in your career you have very little insight as to what you want and/or need out of a job, so it’s crucial to milk the interviewer for all the information they can provide. This article provides insanely useful examples of questions you should ask such as “how has this job evolved over time?” and “how long has the position been available?”