Interviewing 101

Here I am, 30 years old, looking to begin a career, not really wanting to just yet, but it seems to be about that time, I have a master's degree but no experience, so I am in the catch 22 of over qualified for some jobs and underexperienced for all the rest, I finally got an interview with a company that would have been a FABULOUS opportunity and I learned so much I thought I would share. Key word there is would, they are going to pursue other candidates.

1. If you leave an interview feeling like it was more like a therapy session, that is not a good sign. The less you talk, the better.

2. Figure out what in the world muti-tasking is other than cooking dinner, cleaning the kitchen and doing some laundry at the same time. Also better not include the term multi-tasker in your resume profile and then say that you prefer to work uninterrupted.

3. When they ask you questions, such as are you an introvert or an extrovert, are you a servant or a leader, etc. etc., don't answer both to all questions.

4. Don't tell them that you frequently end up working with a sense of urgency due to poor planning and time management even if it's true. Spin it a little bit with something positive.

5. Don't completely freak out and feel like a huge loser because all 3 people that are interviewing you are SIGNIFICANTLY younger than you are (and apparently all drank a red bull immediately before the interview.)

6. Drink a red bull immediately before the interview.

7. If everyone else at the table is taking notes, that may be a clue that you should be writing something down too.

8. When asked where you see yourself in 5 years, do not answer, "Wherever God wants me to be." EVEN IF IT IS A CHRISTIAN COMPANY.

9. If your potential boss has written a book, READ IT.

Well, this certainly has been cathartic, finding a job would be more cathartic, I really did learn a lot on that interview, I wish it hadn't been my first one. I will probably reapply in a different department of the company if anything comes open...in the meantime I will be reading a book and developing an affinity for red bull.