Embrace Job Interviews

Over the past couple days I have been involved in quite a few interviews. I love the job process...searching through resumes and trying to pick out the most qualified candidates. Unfortunately I have a lot of experience doing interviews and applying for jobs. I was unemployed for 4 months a few years ago and it was not a pleasant time. Everyone out there just keep trying and you will definitely find something.

The two most important things for me when I am doing an interview with someone are:

1. The first impression you give. Usually in the first two minutes I have a good idea or how the interview is going to go. 
2. When a potential employer asks if you have any questions you better have a few ready to go. You can tell what type of mental process a person has by the types of questions you ask. Employers want to see you how analyze their company or question some of the details of the job descriptions. Even stock questions like "What's the next step?" or Is there any potential for full-time employment (for an internship position) or upward mobility in the company. Always prepare at least 4-5 questions ahead of time just in case some of them get answered. 

Our generation is unlike any other where many of us will be holding multiple jobs over the course of our careers. You need to be able to interview well because and articulate your qualities with the job market being so fickle. If you are able to think outside the box and show creativity in your work experience it will please employers or at least me. 

This process has served as a lesson for me as well because I know inevitably I will be on the other side of the room sooner rather than later.

NOTE: Big props to the candidate that displayed her Twitter handle prominently on her resume. She was applying for a Communications/Marketing job so it was very appropriate and shows great insight. Maybe that is common nowadays, but honestly after seeing that I was going to give her an interview regardless of what the resume had. Go figure the rest of the resume was pretty solid as well!