I have been receiving numerous requests from students on mock interviewing and interview preparation. This week I wanted to use this column to focus on a few VERY successful interview strategies. Without a doubt, these strategies will result in more job offers than you ever thought possible.
RESEARCH - Don't bother to research the company. It is more effective to show your ability to improvise on the spot! It is even more effective if you provide excuses why you could not conduct research (i.e. "My computer is broken," "I have been depressed because my girlfriend just broke up with me," etc).FLAUNT YOUR INDIVIDUALITY - Enough about interview "dress protocol." Why not "go as you are." After all, you want to make sure they see the "real you".... right? EAT GARLIC - Did you know that garlic is a natural breath mint? Go ahead, eat garlic the entire day before a big interview and see what happens! BE HONEST! - When the interviewer asks you questions, be authentic! Talk about all of the faults of your last boss. Give them the gory details! They will appreciate your candidness and honesty. While we are on the subject of honesty, it is more effective if you have embellished some of the facts on your resume as well so that you have something significant to discuss.TIME MANAGMENT - Do not worry about being on time for an interview. After all, it is important to set the tone regarding "who's in charge here." The company will be lucky to get you! Actions like this start the relationship on the right foot.TALK A LOT - Interviews are the perfect opportunity to have a captive audience. Spill your guts! Talk about your personal and professional struggles. Look at it this way, it is a lot cheaper than therapy! FORGET CAREER SERVICES - Disregard any advice from the Career Services office. After all, they only pretend to care about your career development. Anything worth obtaining is worth obtaining on your own right? Networking is for people who are afraid to stand on their own two feet! Watch for more practical advice in this column on how to stand out in the job search process!
Do you have a question for Marian? E-mail her at mcacciatore@rollins.edu. She guarantees that all questions will be responded to individually or in this column.
2008 Woodie Awards
