I think most people remember their severe first job interview as nerve-wracking. However, I seemed to have a radically different approach. A few years ago, I scheduled an interview with the employer after receiving an email from a job finder platform. Then, I made no action to prepare myself, not reflecting on my strengths and answers to common interview questions, nor did I try to research more about the employer and the position so that I would have a general idea of expectations. On the day of, I entered the interview with no preparation or theory about the interview process. Of course, I was not accepted for the position, mainly because my consultation was awkward and lacked substance – it was evident that I had not put in any preparation.
Reflecting on the experience, it was a good lesson. With time, I realized that the interviewer asked questions I could have prepared for. Furthermore, I understand now that there is an expectation that if one wants to work somewhere, one has to show effort and interest, which are reflected in the discourse during an interview. While many tips and preparation techniques may seem obvious and redundant, they are vital to establishing oneself as a good and dedicated candidate.
This experience led me to take job interviews more seriously, and going into the future, in the highly competitive industry of event management, I would like to be at my best during job interviews. In search of academic literature, there is many of professional advice. Henke and Krausman (2017) identify that the interview process has multiple stages, and each requires specific inputs from the candidate. It is beneficial to familiarize oneself with these steps to have an effective interview process. Meanwhile, Pelczarski (2017) highlights the importance of researching the company ahead of time, identifying both whether it is a right fit for you and the expectations they have for employees within the position and culture. It provides a solid basis for interview discussions, shows confidence for long-term cooperation, and demonstrates enthusiasm for the opportunity.
The knowledge acquired from the various interview preparation literature will help me to be more professional in various aspects of my next job interview. With preparation, there is a greater chance that I will make a positive impression as a candidate. Being confident and prepared will allow me to focus on the professional aspects, such as describing my knowledge and experience in event management and how I plan to contribute to a future position.
Reference List
Pelczarski, K. (2017). Interview preparation: Researching the company. Tribology and Lubrication Technology; Park Ridge, [online] 73(7), pp.90–92. Web.
Henke, S.E, & Krausman, P.R. (2019). Becoming a wildlife professional. Baltimore, MD: JHU Press.