Shameless AW (interview UPDATE)

jeanacorina

So, Tuesday night I sent two resumes to companies with internship openings.

One called me first thing this morning asking me to come in for an interview tomorrow morning! I AM SO EXCITED.

DH kept trying to help me stay grounded- he said "Don't be disappointed if no one calls you, it doesn't mean you're not awesome." BUT THEY DID CALL ME! AND I AM AWESOME!

I may or may not get the position, but just having the interview makes me feel fantastic. I stood out! And I'm going in there tomorrow morning with a confident smile, knowing that I can do anything (because I can).

Wish me luck! And give me advice on interviewing if you have some nuggets of wisdom- I've had a full-time job in retail management, but never anything in my field (advertising).

Hazel_B

Congrats on the interview!

You are going to do awesome because you are awesome!

tuarceatha

Wishing you lotsa luck!

calindi

Congratulations!

Just be confident and calm.  Respond thoroughly with examples to flesh out your point without going onto tangents.  Have 2-3 good questions to ask at the end of the interview (or more, if you have them). 

And do a soft close - I usually ask as my last question, "Based on my resume and this interview, do you have any concerns or questions about my ability to succeed in this position?"  And usually they'll say, "No, I think you're great" to which you can reply, "Great, well I'm really excited about the company and the position, and would love to be a member of the team.  What's the next step in the interview process?" 

If they do bring up any concerns (like, "Well, you seem great, but I'm concerned you're not currently working in the field") it gives you a chance to address it on the spot, which usually nullifies the concern.  I usually start with, "I can understand why you would feel that way, but with my experience in...." and let him know why exactly you're awesome - and then do the same "Great, well, I'm really excited..." close!

Good luck!  You'll rock it!!!!  Can't wait for the "I have my dream job" AW!!!

Blue & White

Whoohoo!  congrats!

motoLyn

Congrats Jeana!  Good luck on the process, and remember you are a confident and wonderful woman with a side of awesome sauce.

aah009

Congrats Jeana! That's so exciting and you are awesome! 

Tip: Know the company that your interviewing for like the back of your hand. I would learn as much as possible about their objectivies or goals so that way if your asked a question such as "why you want to work there", then you can apply their company to your needs. Also don't chew gum:) But that's an obvious one hehe

jeanacorina

Yeah, I kinda know not to chew gum- but thanks for the reminder! lol

I have been looking at the company website a bit. I need to really think about why I REALLY want to work there (honestly, it's a fantastic opportunity and I can't even put into words how amazing I feel that they even called!).

I'm going to drive by the office today to make sure I know where I'm going tomorrow morning.

Ugh, I am so excited I have a stomach ache! lol

MLekathLEEN

Cates points were spot on. I got to speak with an interviewer after they chose the person ( not me) but he said he always asks that very same question. Otherwise, be confident and awesome, which shouldn't be hard or you Oh yea, don't wear underwear. Dont know why but it's an ultimate confidence booster.

jeanacorina

DON'T WEAR UNDERWEAR?

Yeah, right. I'm not a commando type of girl. I will, however, wear pretty undies.

sparkles88

Congrats and good luck! I think confidence is probably the biggest thing to remember.

Ember01

Good luck!!

DanieKA

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_shameless-aw?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:70f1182e-d839-4cf7-8c3c-edf01a12c070Post:e83d07eb-784b-4257-bc7d-77bfbb1e0b2e">Re: Shameless AW</a>:
[QUOTE]Yeah, I kinda know not to chew gum- but thanks for the reminder! lol I have been looking at the company website a bit. I need to really think about why I REALLY want to work there (honestly, it's a fantastic opportunity and I can't even put into words how amazing I feel that they even called!). I'm going to drive by the office today to make sure I know where I'm going tomorrow morning. Ugh, I am so excited I have a stomach ache! lol
Posted by jeanacorina[/QUOTE]

<div>Perfect preparation! Congrats on the interview!</div>

MLekathLEEN

Neither am I Jeana, that's what makes it so great. LOL.

jeanacorina

So, thinking about why I'd like to work for this company (I know it'll come up, as you guys said)... here are some points I came up with:

- when I think of advertising in Baton Rouge, this company comes to mind immediately

- it's a well-known, well-respected company with a huge presence and a variety of advertising products

- the experience would be immensely valuable to me. it could teach me how to apply the things I've learned in class, but in a practical, real-world setting


Also- they support a local cat rescue group and that DOES really matter to me- it's like icing on the cake. Not only is the job experience fantastic, but the company appeals to me on a personal level, too. I may actually bring that up in the interview, not sure. I obviously talked about my volunteer experience in my cover letter and listed it on my resume (I do a lot of the branding and print design for APAWS, it's really pertinent).

There's this awkward "dance" where I try to balance what's expected of a job/internship applicant with my personality- which is admittedly a BIG personality. And I think it's an asset... so I don't want to stifle it too much. I want to be me... but of course... a "polished" me. This is exhilarating... and kind of fun!

I think I'm crazy. lol

cu97tiger

Cate's advice was great. Also, take some time today to think of your past work experience. They will probably ask you questions such as 'tell us about a time you worked with a difficult person' or 'tell us about a time you overcame an obstacle.' Having those experiences at the top of your mind will really help. 

Also, from talking to MANY interviewers towards the end of my MBA program, they do not mind if you take a minute to think about a question. Don't feel like you have to rush right into an answer. Say 'that is a good question' and then think for a moment before you start talking to collect your thoughts.

Finally, be yourself. Don't try to be their 'perfect fit' by saying what you think they want to hear, just be you and you'll do awesome!

AudgiePodge

AWESOME JEANA!!

jeanacorina

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_shameless-aw?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:70f1182e-d839-4cf7-8c3c-edf01a12c070Post:b18d9029-9503-47fd-851f-ff8300dbdd00">Re: Shameless AW</a>:
[QUOTE]AWESOME JEANA!!
Posted by AudgiePodge[/QUOTE]

Yes, yes I am awesome. *pep talking myself*


cu97- good point about stopping to think during the interview. I'll have to limit myself to one cup of coffee in the morning. lol!

I do need to think back on my previous jobs. The one I have now is a student position with not a lot of responsibility. Perfect for getting some schoolwork done during the downtime, but not the most prestigious or challenging position I've had.

Elle1036

Congrats and good luck.

Don't feel like you have to start answering a question immediately after it's asked.  If you need some thinking time, don't be afraid to say, "That's a great question, and I want to make sure to give you a great answer.  Do you mind if I take a second?"

Good luck!

desertsun

Cate and Tiger had awesome advice. Listen to them!

Good luck, lady!

bourgehm

Yay Jeana!! You'll rock it, I know it!!! Eeee!!!

GreenPepperBurger

Congrats! Good luck on your interview.

leia1979

I've been interviewing people a lot lately, and I would also advise having examples. Don't just say "I'm super organized." Give an example of how you worked on five simultaneous projects and kept them all straight. I don't care whether the example is from school or work.

Don't forget to have questions for the interviewers. I interviewed one guy who said, "Everyone before you answered all my questions." That totally rubbed me the wrong way. I don't care if you asked the previous person the same question--you might get a different answer.

Good luck Jeana! You are awesome!

babybchbum

I'm so excited for you. Please come back and tell us how it went!

PaigeMcC

*high five*

One word:
batman.

noelle24

Congrats Jeana!! And good luck tomorrow.

There's already lots of great advice in this thread.  Cate already said most of what I wanted to say.  She was spot on.

The only things I would add are:

1) think about your own experiences, and be prepared with examples if you get those off the wall questions like "describe how you handle conflict" yada yada.

2) when asked why you want to work for this particular company, try to think of ways you can show how YOU can help them, not just vice versa.  They'll get lots of "You're a great company and it would really jump start my career to work here" answers.  Explaining how you could help THEM will help you stand out.

#2 may not be as big of a deal for internships than for a permanent position (you are there to learn, more than anything afterall), but it's always good to show them you are thinking about how to benefit the company, not just yourself.

SopChick

Woo hoo! Good luck Jeana!

loves2shop4shoes

YAY!  Good luck on your interview.  Wear new underwear.  That always makes a person feel confident.

[Deleted User]

Congrats on the interview!!! Show your passion for the job in your interview!

AbigailMS

WINNER! <-(charlie sheen reference) 

Lol. you'll do GREAT. 

p.s. drink some tigers blood.

jeanacorina

UPDATE!

I just got done with the interview, and have a few minutes before I need to leave for work.

I feel great about it. I don't know if I got it, but I feel great. It's a very cool/awesome/trendy place, and most folks working there were probably around my age, and everyone was really laid back and friendly. I think I'd be a good fit.

I am just so psyched. I won't be horribly disappointed if I don't get it- that's life, not everything works out even when you do your best. But I really DID my best, and I'm incredibly proud of myself! It's an incredible company, and an incredible opportunity.

Now, to wait to see what happens!