I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Olivia La Caprara, a student advisor at the UofA Career Center, to learn about some resources on campus that students can use to prepare well for their interviews. Here are some insights from our conversation.
What are some resources on campus that students can use to prepare for job interviews?
Olivia: Students can take several different steps when preparing for interviews. In my opinion, the first thing you should do is book a mock interview at the Careers Center to get personalized peer support. This will allow students to practice speaking in an interview environment with questions that target the specific job they are applying for. Afterwards, I always recommend that students take a moment to reflect on their experiences, paid or unpaid, and write down the skills they learned and the challenges they overcame in those positions. It is important to understand how previous work or volunteer roles can be described to their new potential employer in a way that highlights their transferable and technical skills. Finally, students should do research on the organization and learn about their mission or values so they can relate to the company as a whole. Even if a student is unable to make an appointment with an advisor, we still welcome them to come to our HUB or SUB office and speak with us at the front desk for any interview-related support. The Interviews section of the Career Resources section of our website also has a lot of useful information.
How can students book an appointment at the Career Center?
Olivia: To make an appointment with us, students can call (780) 492-4291 or come in person to the HUB (8917A HUB Mall) or the second floor of the SUB (2-100 SUB). Students cannot book online alone because we want to ensure that the right appointment type and advisor is selected based on our clients’ needs. Prior to placement, we ask students to email us their resume and job posting they are interested in so that their advisor can adequately prepare mock interview questions and address anything else they deem appropriate.
What advice do you have for a student interviewing for a job?
Olivia: If you are attending a job interview in person, be sure to dress professionally; i.e. dress like you will work for this company. Try to arrive clean, comfortable and well rested. Also, come prepared with a printed resume and cover letter and bring contact information for your references. When you get to the interview location, be polite and kind to everyone you meet. For example, you might check in at the front desk first, or maybe you’ll meet another employee on your way to lunch. Greet everyone with a smile. When meeting your interviewer or interview team, act like you’re meeting a new friend—because you are! Whether you end up being offered the job or not, you’re still making an important networking connection. Introduce yourself, ask about their day, and express your enthusiasm for being there. When answering interview questions, keep your body relaxed and make eye contact with the interviewer occasionally, but don’t rush to answer if you need a moment to think. Ultimately, be open, confident and positive.
What do you think are the main things to keep in mind when interviewing?
Olivia: Employers are looking for someone who can integrate their skills into the team. Do you work well with new people? Are you able to collaborate effectively and manage conflict? That’s why it’s so important to highlight your strengths in this area. Also, when a new employee is hired, there is a learning process that requires training from the existing team members in the organization. What is your learning style? Are you self-directed? When do you ask for help? Are you a good listener? All of these questions should be considered when interviewing.
Do you have a personal story to share when it comes to interviewing for a role you’ve been dreaming of landing?
Olivia: My last interview for a summer job with the City of Edmonton is very memorable. The interviewers were amazing and I felt very comfortable talking to them. Part of the interview was a short presentation, but they surprised me by asking me to improvise a second presentation based on a few prompts! I was nervous but ended up having fun. Looking back, I remember lots of laughs and quick personal anecdotes from me and the interviewers that really helped us bond, and I had a great experience overall.
Thanks, Olivia, for sharing these insights and the wonderful resources the U of A has for students to help them prepare well for job interviews!