YouAlberta
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Olivia La Caprara, Student Advisor at UofA Career Centre, to learn about some resources on campus that students can utilize to prepare well for their interviews. Here are some insights from our conversation.
What are some resources on campus that students can use to prepare for job interviews?
Olivia: Students can take a few different steps when preparing for interviews. In my opinion, the first thing to do is book a mock interview at the Career Centre to receive personalized support from a peer. This will allow students to practice speaking in an interview setting with questions that have been targeted to the specific job to which they are applying. Next, I always recommend students take some time to reflect on their experiences, paid or unpaid, and write down the skills they’ve learned and the challenges they’ve overcome in these positions. It is important to understand how previous work or volunteer roles can be described to their new potential employer in a way that highlights their transferable and technical skills. Finally, students should do some research on the organization and learn about their mission or values so that they can connect to the company as a whole. Even if a student is unable to book an appointment with an advisor, we still welcome them to come by our HUB or SUB office and chat with us at the front desk for any interview-related support. The Interviews section on the Career Resources tab of our website also has very helpful information.
How can students book an appointment at the Career Centre?
Olivia: To book an appointment with us, students can call (780) 492-4291 or come in person to HUB (8917A HUB Mall) or the second floor of SUB (2-100 SUB). Students are not able to book themselves online because we want to ensure that the correct appointment type and advisor are chosen based on our clients’ needs. Before the appointment, we ask that students email us their resume and job posting that they’re interested in so that their advisor can adequately prepare mock interview questions and address anything else they see fit.
What advice do you have for a student who is appearing for a job interview?
Olivia: If you are attending a job interview in person, be sure to dress professionally; that is, dress as if you were going to work at that company. Try to arrive clean, comfortable and well-rested. Additionally, come prepared with a printed resume and cover letter, and bring your references’ contact information, too. When you get to the interview space, be courteous and kind to everyone you meet. For example, you may first check in at a reception desk, or maybe you will encounter another employee on their way to have lunch. Greet everyone with a smile. Upon meeting your interviewer or interviewing team, act as if you were meeting a new friend - because you are! Whether you are ultimately offered the job or not, you are still making an important networking connection. Introduce yourself, ask about their day and express your enthusiasm for being there. When answering interview questions, keep your body relaxed and maintain eye contact with the interviewer intermittently, but do not rush to answer if you need a moment to think. Ultimately, be open-minded, confident and positive.
What do you think are some key things to keep in mind when interviewing?
Olivia: Employers are looking for someone who can integrate their skills with the team. Do you work well with new people? Are you able to collaborate effectively and manage conflict? This is why it is so important to highlight your strengths in this area. Furthermore, when a new employee is hired, there is a training process that requires learning from existing team members in the organization. What is your learning style? Are you self-directed? When do you ask for help? Are you a good listener? All these questions should be kept in mind when interviewing.
Do you have a personal story to share when it comes to interviewing for a role you had dreamed of getting?
Olivia: My most recent interview for a summer job with the City of Edmonton is very memorable to me. The interviewers were amazing, and I felt very comfortable speaking with them. Part of the interview was a short presentation, but they surprised me by also asking me to improvise a second presentation based on a few prompts! I was nervous, but I ended up having fun. Looking back, I remember lots of laughs and quick personal anecdotes by myself and the interviewers that really helped us connect, and I had a great experience overall.
Thanks, Olivia, for sharing your insights and the wonderful resources U of A has for students in order to help them prepare well for job interviews!