Week 4 Reflection: RISE Peer Review

It's important to get constructive critique from others no matter what your endeavor.  This is especially true when it comes to interviewing for a job.  Getting others' reactions to your interview style and responses can give you an idea of how you come across to actual interviewers and allows you to make changes before you interview for a position.  The classmate I'm reviewing is Margaret McDonald

Margaret's Mock Interview

Hi, Margaret

The first thing I noticed was how you presented yourself. I think your look was spot-on. The hairstyle and what I could see of the outfit appeared very professional and you looked well put together.

I was a bit confused about the interviewer’s question about the company. I believe the question was supposed to be asking the interviewee what she knew about the company. Even so, you should never ask what the mission of the company is. You need to know that before you ever walk into the interview. You should know as much about the company as possible. If an interviewer does ask you if you have a question about the company, I suggest thinking of something you might want to know that isn’t easily found on a Google search. Maybe something like, “How many different teams do you have and what are they?” You want to show them that you know how to do your due diligence. Especially since that’s probably what they want to know if they ask you that question.

You have a stiff delivery, but I think you just need to practice. Interviews are nerve-wracking. You have to practice what you want to say until you feel confident with it, which will help you be more natural and fluid in your responses.

You could really elevate your interview with some appropriate stories. You are obviously a writer. Remember, there is only one hard and fast rule in writing and it applies to almost anything else in life, too, including interviews. Show; don’t tell. Instead of telling me you’re hard working, give me an example of how you’re hard working. You probably want to stay away from the clichés of “honest, hard working” and that sort of thing. Being hard working is a good thing, but come up with a stronger way of saying it. Perhaps something like, “I always strive for a personal best in every task I do.” That’s a little awkward phrasing, but you get the idea. Then launch into a story about a time your superiors recognized you for that or where your diligence really paid off for a company you worked for.

Competition for jobs is fierce. One way to give yourself a fighting chance is by making yourself memorable—just make sure it’s in a good way. Giving a grocery list of your strengths and weaknesses doesn’t give them anything to remember you by. You have to give them something that no one else can and that’s your personal experiences. You don’t want them to say, “What did she say her strengths were again?” You want them to say, “Remember that one girl that said she tries for a personal best on everything she does? I really like the idea of that.”

With some practice and a little enthusiasm, I think you can give a great interview. Your video gave me a sense that you are a smart girl. What you need to do is to make sure I KNOW you’re an intelligent, confident, and capable woman.