Interview Tips

Interview tips:

Arrive very early

If you are not familiar with the place or how to get around the particular area, do not leave it up to Siri to give you good directions. Always allow yourself that buffer time to become familiar with the route. If you get lost on the way, an extra 30 minutes can save you time to get there on time. And we all know on time is arriving early.

Dress the part

In the early stages of applying for jobs, I went wrong with thinking slacks and a cute shirt from H&M's business section would cut it. I soon realized I should also do some light makeup. This may not apply to everyone, but if you know me, you know I look like a child. First impressions are everything and regardless of how many degrees are sitting on that resume, the lack of full time work experience and the fact that you will probably be the youngest person in the job if you get it can hold you back. I have made it my business to at least appear to look older and then let my quick thinking on my feet get me the rest of the way.

Make an elevator speech

While I was in DC I made an elevator speech which went something like this:

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and Marketing. I want to use my oral and written advocacy skills to promote and support diversity, equality and philanthropy in inner cities.

Focus on what your major accomplishments are, how much education you have if that is relevant to the position and what you bring to the table. That 10 second speech has saved me plenty of times when I'm asked why I want the job.

Lastly, only apply to organizations or companies where you actually think you can be passionate about the job. Do not get caught up in a position where you just go to work everyday to get by. We are millennials and we must demand a work space that fulfills our needs. We want the work to be challenging, rigorous and enjoyable and after you score that job it is now up to the organization to hold up to your standards because you have already proved you meet theirs.