Launch Out: Interviewing
You've proof checked and finally completed your resume and cover letter and now it's time to launch out and start preparing for your upcoming interviews which will more than likely take place virtually.
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You need to develop your "Elevator or 30 Second Pitch" that can serve as your opening statement during your interview or at a networking event and/or career fair.
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Your pitch should also include your response to the dreaded Tell Me About Yourself question.
Check out the below videos - How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" Questions - 5 Key Tips and Examples and How To Create Your 30 Second Pitch from Indeed.com on creating your pitch and responding to the Tell Me About Yourself question.
STAR Interviewing Technique
Another technique you can use to prepare for interviews, is the STAR approach.
Situation
Task
Action
Result
This technique will help you provide more detailed responses to interview questions by having you describe the situation or work responsibilities and breaking down your actions and the results of those actions.
Click image for further details about the STAR technique.
Virtual Interviewing
Illustration by Jon Marchione. © The Balance
Virtual or online interviews are not new, but with Covid-19 changing everything in 2020, these types of virtual interviews will continue to be the norm this year and beyond. Virtual interviews are taking place via Zoom, Webex, Skype, FaceTime and other platforms. Check out this article to learn more about some of the other video interviewing platforms being used by recruiters - The Top 11 Best Video Interviewing Platforms.
Below are some tips to help you prepare for a virtual interview.
Practice Your Pitch
Practice your 30-second pitch by using the Harvard Business School (HBS) Elevator Pitch Builder template. Once you have written it down, record yourself reciting via video and/or audio. You can use your mobile phone, tablet, or webcam on your computer. There are also free online webcam recorder websites such as ClipChamp that you can use to record too.
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Who: describe who you are
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What: describe what you do
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Why: describe why you are unique
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Goal: describe your immediate goals
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Analyze: analyze your pitch
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Example:
I’m Kayla Jenson and I’m completing my BS in Communications [Who]. I have strong skills in writing, research, and art history from my courses and an internship I completed at the Boston Art Museum. I also volunteered in communications at the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity [What], where I helped write press releases and contacted media for upcoming events [Why]. I believe I could make a strong contribution in communications at a museum, school, or community center [Goal].
Reference: Fabricant, F., Miller, J., & Stark, D. (2013). Creating career success: A flexible plan for the world of work. Cengage Learning.