My First Interview
During my six-month job-hunting processes, I realized that the best method to finding the job that will start my career is through networking. The importance of networking has always been quietly emphasized throughout my years in university, but I feel like professors and schools don’t emphasize it enough. Although it’s easier to sit at home in your pajamas while applying to jobs, your resume will seldom be seen by human eyes. This can be combated through making connections within the companies you’re interested in, seeing if someone you get to know can personally hand-off your resume to the hiring team. Even though this may not get you the job, they may reach out and connect you with someone who may have an opening, while also keeping you in mind for future openings.
My networking experience was enjoyable, but I was also fortunate enough to have parents with a lot of connections in the area. Although making the connection was easy, I then had to put in the effort to sell myself, hoping to find a company that would allow me to demonstrate my value. Even though this took months to find, everyone that I had talked with had given me great advice, while also helping me build up my resume. All of their help, along with my own abilities, resulted in an offer for a Marketing Internship with a well-known company. Leading up to the offer, I had to first pass an interview, although this interview wasn’t one that was held in the office.
Instead, I met with my current employer over coffee at Starbucks while having a casual conversation. The conversation took the usual tone of “What do you want to do in the future,” “What do you like about marketing,” “What do you feel your strengths are,” etc. As you can see, the questions are not difficult and shouldn’t make you feel pressured. Although this is true, it’s always important to have an idea of what you would say in response to these questions, and to be able to make your weaknesses into strengths. For example, although I’ve studied Japanese for eight years, I’m rusty due to lack of use so I would say something like “although I’m a little rusty at the moment, I would say my Japanese could be considered advanced, as I can carry on conversations and live hassle-free in my daily life.” This way of phrasing can extend to your understandings of a topic, training, etc. It’s also important to know at least a little bit about the company you’re talking to, but they will also go more in depth about the company if you want to know more than what’s online.
Lastly, I would always do your best to find networking events, because they help you build up your network, and it also helps you feel more prepared and relaxed during an interview. If you’re going into Marketing, consider finding the nearest American Marketing Association (AMA) chapter near you. Also, look to see if your local chamber is hosting any events that you can go to, as this is where the larger companies in your area may frequent. With this being said, don’t ever be afraid to reach out and I wish you the best of luck!