As a former student-athlete, I know the challenge of balancing sports and career planning. That’s why I’m here to help you bridge the gap and translate your athletic experience to employers in a relevant way during a professional job interview!

The student-athletes I work with all have one thing in common: they feel like their athletic experience isn’t valuable to employers. Before we go any further, know this belief is false! Your athletic experience has helped you develop unique and valuable employability skills that are highly sought after by employers.

The key to communicating athletic experience in a job interview is thoughtfully preparing interview stories that speak to the skills employers are seeking. Let’s take a closer look at the employability skills employers seek, how to prepare good interview stories, and

Understanding the Value of Your Athletic Experience

Employers are struggling to find employees who have basic employability skills. Employability skills are personal attributes that are essential for good performance in the workplace.

Here are a few skills employers seek that student-athletes typically have mastered:

1. Teamwork – you understand the importance of collaboration and work well with others to accomplish more.
2. Coachability – you can take constructive criticism and use it to improve performance.
3. Interpersonal skills—you have been a teammate to people with many different personalities and have learned to build relationships and work with them.
4. Conflict management – you have learned to resolve conflict with coaches and teammates and put differences aside so the team can move forward toward a common goal.
5. Work Ethic – you know the meaning of hard work, have demonstrated strong commitment, and have worked tirelessly to accomplish goals.
6. Time management – you managed being a full-time student, games, practices, weight training, study hall, etc.
7. Grit – you learned to press on despite an injury, setback, etc.
8. Goal Setting & Progress Monitoring – you set individual and team goals, monitor your progress, make adjustments, and keep pushing toward your goals!
9. Communication Skills – you have learned to communicate well with coaches, teammates, trainers, and the media.
10. Leadership—You have developed leadership skills by taking charge in situations, mentoring younger athletes, helping with sports camps, and recruits. Additionally, you have learned how to leverage each teammate’s strengths for the team’s success!

And the list goes on! My list above is certainly not exhaustive, but it is a great start and has likely made you realize just how many valuable skills you have to offer your future employers!

Understanding Situational and Behavioral Interview Questions

Situational and behavioral interview questions are two of the most common types of interview questions. Situational interview questions are focused on the future. They ask hypothetical questions so an employer can better understand how you might handle situations. Along with your explanation of what you would do in the situation and why, it helps to tell a story about a past experience related to the situational question/scenario.

Behavioral interview questions look at the past and help employers know more about you, your character, etc. Similar to a situational interview question, they are trying to gauge who you are, how you operate, and what they can expect of you as a colleague. Again, stories about past experiences are the best way to approach a behavioral interview question!

Explaining Your Skills through STAR Interview Stories

Since both behavioral and situational interview questions require more lengthy responses and stories to help illustrate, it is best to have five to seven interview stories prepared and rehearsed before the interview. The STAR method is a great framework for ensuring your stories provide enough detail to adequately answer the questions and ace the interview!

• Situation – Provide background information for the audience. What was happening? Who was involved? What was your role, participation, etc.?
• Task – Describe the challenges and problems. What were the issues? What made the situation difficult? What factors contributed to the situation?
• Action – Explain what you did and how. What steps did you take and why? What resources did you leverage? Who helped?
• Results – Provide the outcome or resolution in a tangible way. How was the situation resolved? What was significant about it? What did you learn? How would you do things next time?

The STAR method ensures you provide enough context and explanation to the interviewers and give them insight as to why and how you make decisions.

Examples of Communicating Athletic Experience in a Job Interview

Question 1: Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership. (Behavioral Question)

My athletic career as a softball pitcher afforded me many opportunities to develop and demonstrate leadership skills. One particular leadership experience I am really proud of came at the end of the season my sophomore year of college. We traveled four hours for an away game. Typically, we would have at least a few fans and parents in attendance at our games, but at this particular doubleheader, the stands were empty. Our head coach, assistant coach, and the team were the only ones in attendance for our college. The game was tied 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning. Both teams were competing hard for the win. I delivered a pitch, and a baserunner began to steal third base. Our catcher threw to third, and our shortstop tagged her as she was sliding into the base.

It seemed obvious to our team that the opponent was tagged out before she reached the base; however, the umpire called her safe. This was a big call as it put the runner in scoring position. While I held my composure and returned to the mound, our coach handled the situation differently. He stormed the field and exchanged words with the umpire. Unfortunately, he lost his cool and was ejected from the game.

Our coach’s actions left my team and me with an inexperienced assistant coach in a very tight game. In that moment, I calmly asked the umpire for a timeout and called a team huddle on the mound. I was not a team captain, but I was a team leader as the pitcher. I gave a great, positive talk to the team and explained that we had this under control! We were an exceptional team, we knew how to play ball, and we were great teammates. I explained we had two outs and were going to focus on getting the batter while being mindful of the leadoff of the runner on third. I am happy to report that we got the third out, played two extra innings without a coach, and won that game! It felt incredible to take leadership in a difficult situation, display confidence in our plan, and lead my team to victory! All of us learned a lot that day about leadership. We had a good example and a bad example, unfortunately, to learn from. I know how important it is to keep our emotions in check in difficult situations, remain positive, and rally a team for a common goal!

Question 2: This position requires exceptional time management. You may have three to four projects to manage simultaneously. How would you handle this workload? (Situational Question)

Great project management involves planning in advance, setting benchmarks, monitoring progress, and making adjustments as needed. I am a visual person and prefer to have a project management board that I can use to set project benchmarks, make notes and updates, and mark progress toward completion. This approach helps me manage time, resources, and expectations. It also allows my team and supervisors to see project progress at a glance.

Regarding time management and the ability to manage multiple projects, I am confident I have exceptional time management skills and work well under pressure. My time as a student-athlete taught me the importance of managing my time well and how to work under pressure. Every semester, I carried a full-time student load of 15 units, managed a practice schedule, weight room workouts, games, and study hall. During season, my typical week brought me 15 hours in class, 15 hours of practice, at least five hours in the weight room, 10 hours of study hall, and an average of 20 hours traveling to and competing in games. Managing all of my commitments required careful planning and attention to my progress and goals. My 3.8 GPA and honors at graduate are evidence of my ability to manage my time well and work under pressure to meet deadlines, expectations, and goals.

Practicing Your Delivery & Choosing Versatile Stories

It is very important to have five to seven interview stories and illustrations prepared and rehearsed for each interview. The more you practice telling the stories, the more confident you will feel. It is more important to practice your stories than it is to have them linked to specific interview questions.

Take my first example above about demonstrating leadership during that tough game. That story would have also worked as a response to these interview prompts:

1. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a supervisor’s decision.
2. Tell me about a time you overcame an obstacle.

Good interview stories highlight your skills and character and can also be used for a few different questions. Having at least five stories prepared will help ensure you have a story for almost any behavioral or situational question!

Additional Interview Preparation

I am passionate about helping student-athletes get a great start professionally because I was a student-athlete myself! As a professional interview and career coach, I can help you prepare for your interview, craft interview stories, and get the job offer you deserve! Let’s connect so I can help you get your dream job out of college!

More Helpful Content for Student Athletes

• Winning Strategies: How to Write a College Athlete Resume
• Case Study Examples of Student-Athlete Resumes
• How to Write a Standout Cover Letter as a Student Athlete
• How to Write a LinkedIn Profile for Student Athletes

About Loren

I am a passionate career coach with over ten years of experience helping student-athletes and students with job searches! I specialize in highlighting your best skills and accomplishments in relevant and valuable ways! It is hard to write about yourself without feeling like you are bragging. Conversely, it can be difficult to connect your athletic accomplishments to what the employer seeks! Leave the strategizing and writing to me! Let’s chat today to see how I can help you land your dream job!

Communicating Athletic Experience in a Job Interview
Loren Kelly

Preparing before an interview can minimize anxiety and reduce the odds that you’ll do things that can turn employers off in an interview. If you’re here, you are likely wondering what those turn-offs may be.

Things That Can Turn Off Employers in an Interview

Here’s a list of seven common mistakes interviewees make that can deter an employer and cause an interview to end early.

1. Not Knowing About the Company

It can be an immediate turnoff to an employer if you don’t know much about the company. Spending time on their website, social media pages, Google business page, and looking at Google and Yelp reviews (depending on the business) can be very insightful. Knowing their mission, vision, and goals can help you explain your experience and skillsets in relevant and valuable ways. If you are wondering what to do before an interview to learn about a company, check out my recent blog post!

2. Appearing Desperate

A desperate candidate is never appealing to an employer. Saying, “I’ll take any job to get my foot in the door,” or “I’ll do anything to work for you” may seem like a compliment, but it comes across as desperate to an employer. Make sure you articulate excitement but not desperation.

3. Negativity

Employers are willing to train the right person for a job. Most hiring managers seek the right cultural fit rather than an exact set of hard skills. A huge part of being a good cultural fit is having a great attitude, being teachable, and demonstrating accountability.

Negativity is one of the top things that can turn employers off in an interview. Avoid speaking negatively if asked about a conflict with a supervisor or colleague. Instead, accept responsibility and emphasize how you learned and grew through the situation.

Likewise, remain positive if asked why you left a position. Negative remarks will turn employers off in an interview. Perhaps the culture wasn’t a good fit. Maybe you needed more flexibility, etc. Owning the decision demonstrates accountability and a good attitude.

4. Lack of Questions for the Employer

Most employers will end the interview with, “What questions do you have for us?” Not having questions is one thing that can turn employers off in an interview. I suggest preparing a list of five thoughtful questions and taking it with you to the interview. A few of those questions will likely be answered organically throughout the conversation, so having a list of at least five will ensure you still have remaining questions at the end of the conversation.

5. Too Much Confidence

While it is important to be confident of your skillset in an interview, it is essential not to come across as arrogant. Showing humility, honestly presenting areas for growth when asked, owning up to mistakes, and explaining how you grew from them when answering behavioral questions are all part of being confident yet humble. Preparing interview stories in advance can help you find the right balance!

6. Appearing Overly Relaxed

While many think interview nerves are bad, having some nervousness in an interview is good! If it appears you are incredibly relaxed, you may lose the professional vibe that is necessary to excel in an interview. Sitting forward in your chair with good posture is part of professional nonverbal communication. Slouching in a chair, showing up on time or a few minutes late, or speaking too casually are all things that can turn employers off in an interview.

7. Brief Answers to Interview Questions

The most common mistake I see people make in interviews is giving brief answers to interview questions, primarily situational or behavioral interview questions. You must prepare good interview stories to provide adequate detail to the panel. Remember, they are looking for an excellent cultural fit. Well-explained stories allow the employer to understand who you are and how you respond to different situations.

How to Avoid Interview Turnoffs

The good news is you can easily avoid doing things that can turn employers off in an interview. The key is preparing well for an interview. I offer coaching sessions to help professionals prepare for interviews! These sessions include interview strategy, interview stories, questions to ask the employer, and more! Book a free consultation today to learn more about my interview prep services!

Do you have an interview? I can help!

I love helping candidates prepare for an interview! If you have an interview, let me help you prepare interview answers and stories that will make you stand out and adequately illustrate your skills and experience. Are you short on time? No problem! An hour session is all it takes to help you confidently knock your next interview out of the park!

Book a coaching call now!

Read: Signs You Interview Went Well

Things That Can Turn Off Employers in an Interview
Loren Kelly

Congratulations on your invitation to interview! You are wise for preparing in advance and thinking about potential interview questions you might be asked. 

A common topic that you will likely be asked to discuss is your weaknesses. It’s a tough one, no doubt! You are being asked to be vulnerable and expose something you may not be proud of. So, how do you answer the job interview weakness question professionally and honestly without making yourself sound bad in front of hiring managers? Here are a few steps to take and tips to keep in mind.

Download The Interview Preparation Workbook | $8

Designed to help you prepare for your upcoming interview by providing you with essential steps and tips to ensure you’re ready to impress.

How to Answer the Job Interview Weakness Question

First, understand what they are trying to identify when asking about weaknesses.

This question isn’t about judging you for your weaknesses. We all have them because we are all human! The wrong answers to this question include, “I work too hard,” “I care too much,” or choosing a weakness or issue that you’ve already overcome (ie. Lack of education as a weakness when you’ve just graduated with a bachelor’s degree. It doesn’t count if you’ve already addressed it!).

Instead, understand what is really being asked with this question.The hiring manager is checking for your level of self-awareness and, dare I say it, maturity. A self-aware, mature professional already knows their faults and weaknesses. We aren’t afraid to admit them, and we are always striving to improve in those areas. By addressing a real weakness and showing a bit of vulnerability, you will really appeal to hiring managers. Answering a job interview weakness question with confidence and true honesty takes courage and self-awareness!

Prior to the interview, closely evaluate your weaknesses.

I want you to grab a piece of paper or open a note on your phone and quickly list a few of your weaknesses. Write down whatever comes to mind. Now, do the same with your strengths. When you’ve finished both lists, I want you to look for connections between the two. Here are a few examples:

Strength: highly disciplined and organized

Weakness: uncomfortable with last-minute changes

Strength: caring and compassionate

Weakness: difficulty setting boundaries and saying “no”

Strength: laidback and easy-going

Weakness: procrastination

Shift your mindset, and change how you think about your weaknesses.

Did you notice anything when you were evaluating your strengths and weaknesses? Typically, we can link our weaknesses to an overuse of a strength. The first example I shared was one of my own. I am a very disciplined and organized person. Every Saturday, you can count on a blog post, and I have them written and scheduled at least a week in advance. However, a weakness of mine is that I don’t like last-minute changes or unforeseen issues that interrupt my “plan.” An overuse of my strength can cause weakness.

Use your analysis to address any job interview weakness question posed.

Now that you have an analysis of your strengths and weaknesses and can articulate their relationship, use that information to answer any job interview weakness question. If I were asked about my weaknesses, I could use my analysis and example from above. See my example below for a detailed illustration of this practice.

Provide examples of how you have been working to improve the weakness.

Remember, we will never totally rid ourselves of weaknesses because we are human. We can work on them over time and adjust our natural tendencies, making us more effective, efficient, and easier to work with. Again, know that the hiring manager is checking for your level of self-awareness with a job interview weakness question, so demonstrate a high level of self-awareness and really address a weakness rather than evading the question.

Example of a Response to a Job Interview Weakness Question

Describe one of your professional weaknesses.

“One of my weaknesses is responding and adjusting to last-minute changes. I am a very disciplined and organized person. I diligently plan and prepare for professional events as well as my workload. Early in my career, I would panic inside when things did not go to plan. My anxiety and blood pressure would rise, and it was difficult for me to keep a level head. I had to learn to manage this tendency more effectively at my position at XYZ Company. I organized and coordinated a large dinner event that was dependent upon high-level executives attending and contributing. It was inevitable that some of these very busy professionals would have last-minute obligations or obstacles arise that would prevent them from attending—sometimes without any notice. My colleague and I would be scrambling at the event to make arrangements for last-minute cancelations and no-shows. It was extremely stressful; however, I did not have time to panic. I had to keep a level head and problem solve. Although I have improved my initial responses to unforeseen challenges, I’ll admit I still struggle when they first appear. This is a weakness that I’ll continue to work on throughout my career and in my personal life.”

Other Interview Preparation Resources

Are you ready for more great interview preparation tips and materials? I’ve got several other resources to help you knock your next interview out of the park!

• Common Job Interview Questions & Answers – This post is devoted to how to structure interview questions so you stand out as the top candidate! Don’t make the all-to-common mistake of ambiguous answers. Don’t miss this article!
• Questions to Ask a Hiring Manager – What questions should you ask them? A crucial part of interview preparation is having good questions prepared for your hiring manager. I’ve outlined 10 questions to ask during your next interview.
• Interview Preparation & Coaching – A coaching call prior to an interview can make all of the difference! Remove the anxiety around interviewing and replace it with confidence with a one-hour coaching call. Let’s make sure you are prepared and ready to ace the interview!

FREE GUIDE: How to Prepare for a Successful Interview

Preparing for a job interview can be done in these five, easy steps. Get the freebie!

Do you have an interview? I can help!

I love helping candidates prepare for an interview! If you have an interview, let me help you prepare interview answers and stories that will make you stand out and adequately illustrate your skills and experience. Are you short on time? No problem! An hour session is all it takes to help you confidently knock your next interview out of the park! Book a coaching call now!

 

How to Answer the Job Interview Weakness Question
Loren Kelly

Waiting for your interview can be nerve-wracking, but so can waiting to hear from the hiring manager after an interview! If you are wondering about signs your interview went well, you are likely feeling pretty good about your conversation and anxiously awaiting to hear back! Here are some signs your interview went well.

7 Signs Your Interview Went Well

1. Good nonverbal feedback
2. Drill-down questions were asked 
3. The conversation was natural and easy
4. Personal connections were made
5. You were offered a tour or personal introductions 
6. Future steps were discussed 
7. You feel confident the position is for you

1. Good nonverbal feedback

If you received good nonverbal feedback such as head nods, smiles, and reassuring eye contact, your responses likely allowed you to connect with the audience. Remember, most hiring managers are looking for candidates that are a great fit for the organization’s culture and that your personality would complement their team. If you received good nonverbal feedback during the interview, it is one of several signs your interview went well.

2. Drill-down questions were asked

Most hiring managers and interview panels will have a set list of questions they ask candidates for consistency. In fact, some organizations will require the same questions to be asked to ensure equality between interviews and candidates. But, if you were asked a drill-down question or a question that requires you to expand on a certain part of your response, you have intrigued the hiring manager, and he/she wants to know more about you. This is a great sign!

3. The conversation was natural and easy

Perhaps you left your interview feeling confident because it felt so natural! That is one of the best feelings! Whenever I participate in interviewing candidates, I truly want the interview to be conversational. If a candidate is relaxed, you get to know them better (and vice versa). If you felt like the interview was conversational or had a very natural flow, both are signs your interview went well.

4. Personal connections were made

One sign your interview went well is if a personal connection was made with your work or someone in your close, professional network. For example, if you talk about an event you have planned or a program you coordinated in the interview, and the hiring manager has attended, participated, or heard positive feedback, that connection can greatly benefit and help make you memorable!

Similarly, if you and the hiring manager have a close, mutual connection in your professional networks, this can also be a great sign. For example, perhaps the hiring manager asks if you worked with Jane Smith at XYZ company. If you did and worked very well together, you can explain that and make a personal connection. Not only might this make you more memorable, but it could also boost your credibility. And, don’t be surprised if the hiring manager reaches out to Jane for a quick reference check.

5. You were offered a tour or personal introductions.

If you were offered a tour or personal introductions to team members after your interview, this is a sign your interview went well! If your interview had not gone well, the hiring manager likely would not invest this extra time.

If you felt confident your interview went well, but you were not offered a tour or other introductions, don’t panic. The hiring manager may have been on a tight timeline or may have strict human resource policies that must be followed.

6. Future steps were discussed.

Sometimes a hiring manager will be very forward at the end of the interview and talk about the next steps. This could come in the form of any of the following:

• How your skills and experience would fit in this role.
• Inviting you for a second interview.
• A timeline for hiring and start dates was discussed.

Any mention of the next steps can be incredibly reassuring to a nervous and hopeful candidate. I also believe it shows foresight, organization, and diligence on behalf of the hiring manager, which is a great sign!

7. You feel confident the position is for you.

Have you ever left an interviewing feeling like that job is “the one” for you? If so, the interviewer may have done a great job explaining the job, the company culture, and related it to your experiences and interests. Trust your gut! If you feel like the interview was great, it’s a sign your interview went well!

What should you do next?

If you feel like there are several signs your interview went well, congratulations! Take a moment to breathe and celebrate! You’ll also want to send a timely thank you email, if you haven’t already, to communicate your gratitude and highlight something memorable from your interview. The email doesn’t need to be lengthy, but it should be sincere and concise. Use this article and template as your guide!

Please don’t get discouraged if you are here because there were signs your interview went well, but you didn’t get the job. There may be factors you are completely unaware of in play. In my article, Why didn’t I get the job after a great interview? I explain some reasons this may have happened to you.

What if your interview didn’t go well?

If your interview didn’t go as well as you had hoped, or you are not confident the position or company is right for you, don’t dwell on it. Instead, hold your head high and keep looking! In the meantime, you can also hone your interview skills!

Here are some great interview resources to help you make your next interview a standout conversation:

• What to do before an interview
• Preparing for an interview
• How to talk about your weaknesses in an interview
• Preparing interview examples and stories

In addition to the free resources on my blog, I also offer tailored, one-on-one interview preparation sessions! Go into your next interview confident and ready to communicate your experience and skills!

Are you prepared for your interview?

 

Book an interview prep session!

You’ve worked so hard to get the interview! The hours invested in the application process and writing a resume and cover letter have paid off well! But now, the big unknowns of the interview stand before you. Don’t worry! I can help! There are several keys to a successful interview, and a career coaching call will give you the tips and strategies you need to be confident, prepared, and land the job offer! Stop wondering what to do before an interview and get the help you need to confidently own the room!

Let’s prepare for your interview!

 

Signs Your Interview Went Well
Loren Kelly

If you show up to a job interview empty-handed, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage! Here is a list of what to bring to a job interview to give yourself the best chance at success. I recommend getting an inexpensive, but professional, portfolio folder to keep the items below neatly organized!

What to Bring to a Job Interview: 7 Items for success!

1. Copy of the job description
2. Your resume on professional paper 
3. Polished self-introduction 
4. Prepared interview stories 
5. Questions for the hiring manager
6. A list of things you want to make sure you discuss in the interview 
7. Evidence of your work (optional)

1. Copy of the job description

The first, and perhaps somewhat shocking, item on my list of what to bring to a job interview is a printed copy of the job description. Why? Because it is helpful to review the position description prior to walking into the building. This will help you speak the company’s language and serve as a great refresher of the skills and traits they are looking for.

If you are not in the habit of printing or saving the job descriptions for each position you apply to, make that your practice moving forward. Some organizations can move through the hiring process quite slowly. It isn’t uncommon for larger companies to hold interviews up to a month after you submit your application. If you don’t save and review the position description, it can be difficult to recall what was included.

2. Your resume on professional paper

Start every interview by offering a copy of your resume to the panel. If you are unsure how many people will be interviewing you, I suggest taking five copies to be safe. Having your resume available and printed on professional resume paper is an easy way to set yourself apart. It is likely that they will have printed copies of your resume if interviewing at a larger company; however, if you are interviewing informally or at a smaller organization, it is less likely.

Having your resume available and ready to distribute shows attention to detail, prior preparation, and eagerness. If you are interviewing remotely, I recommend offering to put a PDF of your resume in the chat for the hiring panel’s reference.

Download Your Interview Preparation Workbook | $8

Designed to help you prepare for your upcoming interview – providing you with essential steps and tips to ensure you’re ready to impress!

3. Polished self-introduction or elevator pitch

The most common first request from an interview panel is for the candidate to share about themselves. It is the open-ended statement, “Tell me about yourself” that many people are under-prepared to answer.

If you haven’t thought about your self-introduction in advance, it is easy to fall victim to over-sharing, rambling, or making your response personal. Instead, prepare a confident self-introduction that is tailored to this company. Resist the urge to get personal or to share your entire professional journey or history. Instead, determine how you want to highlight yourself in this first question. While you will want to mention your education and work experience, strategically choose which relevant experiences you want to spend time highlighting. Give enough information to hook your audience, but don’t ramble.

If interviews make you nervous, consider writing a few notes for your introduction in your portfolio. You can rehearse before the interview or while in route.

4. Prepared interview stories to illustrate experience and outcomes

Many candidates believe it is impossible to prepare for an interview. While it is impossible to know what questions you will be asked, it isn’t impossible to prepare. In fact, I’ve devoted an entire article to how to prepare interview stories that will help you answer a diverse array of job interview questions.

If you prepare at least five stories using the STAR method and have quick notes in your notebook or portfolio, it will help refresh your memory during the interview. I highly recommend rehearsing these stories as well and predicting the types of questions you feel that story could help you answer. Without interview stories and illustrations, your answers will be vague and brief. Using stories will help bring your experience to life in tangible ways for the hiring manager!

5. Questions for the hiring manager

As common as it is for an interview to begin with, “Tell me about yourself,” it is just as common for it to end with “What questions do you have for us?” It is crucial that you prepare a list of at least five questions that you have about the job or company. Again, write these questions in your portfolio so you can refer to your list and make sure you get your questions answered.

Many candidates are unsure what to ask in the interview. I’ve got you covered with a great list of questions to ask the hiring manager at a job interview! Having good questions prepared is not only an easy way to demonstrate your interest in the position and company, but it also ensures you have the information you need to make an informed and confident decision should you be offered the job.

6. A list of things you want to make sure you discuss in the interview

Have you ever left an interview and thought, “Oh no! I forgot to talk about…” Having a shortlist of skills, qualities, and experiences written in your portfolio or notebook can serve as a reminder to you at the end of the interview when you are asked, “Is there anything else you would like to discuss?” This list is also a powerful reminder for you if you are asked, “Why should we hire you?”

I have witnessed many candidates say, “No, that’s all!” when a panel asks if there is anything else at the end of the interview. This is a prime opportunity to leave a lasting impression in the minds of the hiring manager or committee. If you truly feel like you have discussed everything you want/need to discuss, consider reminding them of your strongest attribute and briefly summarizing why you want to work for them in this role. Be genuine and authentic!

7. Evidence of your work (optional)

This last item on my list of what to bring to a job interview is optional and will depend on your industry. If you have a professional portfolio, examples of your work, etc., I strongly encourage you to bring it with you. For example, a graphic designer should be prepared to show a few examples of his work. As a higher education professional, I have been asked to prepare a teaching demonstration. In addition to being prepared and delivering the lesson, I also bring a complete lesson plan. Often, demonstrations or working interviews are condensed. Any documentation that provides evidence of your abilities can help set you apart from other candidates!

FREE GUIDE! How to Prepare for a Successful Interview

Preparing for a job interview can be done in these five, easy steps. Download the guide!

Hi! I’m Loren and I love helping candidates ace their interviews!

Does the list above of what to bring to a job interview seem great but daunting? What if I told you I can help! I love meeting with candidates to prepare for an interview and instill confidence! Investing in interview preparation is an investment in your future and is sure to boost your confidence!

Book your free consultation today!

What to Bring to a Job Interview
Loren Kelly

I love helping students prepare for internship interviews and, part of this is identifying questions you need and want to ask. Many people think of a internship interview as a high-stakes question and answer session where they must impress and convince the company to hire them. Before we jump into questions to ask at an internship interview, I want to challenge you to begin to think of the interview differently. It is a two-way conversation. While the company will want to make sure you are a good fit for the position and company culture, you (as the intern candidate) need to make sure the company and position are a good fit for you! Make sure an internship position and the company are a good fit by asking good questions during an interview!

10 Questions to Ask at an Internship Interview

1. What have been past interns’ favorite experiences with your company?

This question will keep the conversation light and give you great insight about past inters’ experiences. In fact, you may even have a past intern on the interview panel! Many companies will hire interns to be full-time employees after graduation. If you are fortunate enough to get a former intern on your interview panel, you’ll definitely want to hear about their experiences!

2. Can you provide examples and stories of the company culture?

By asking this question, you will get insight regarding the work environment. Company culture is very important and needs to be a good fit for you. Personally, I find that work environment and company culture make up 50 percent or more of my overall job satisfaction. A perfect-fit role with a toxic work environment will still leave you miserable. Ask this question, and another drill-down question if needed, to ensure the company culture is a good fit.

3. How closely does this role work with colleagues? Can you tell me about the team size?

These questions will provide additional insight about the culture but on a more intimate level. Try to gather information about who you will be working with most closely and how frequently collaboration occurs. Then, gauge how that fits with your work preferences and personality. If you are an extrovert, you might like a high level of collaboration and team interaction. If you are more introverted, perhaps you are looking for a more autonomy.

4. May I have a tour of the company/workspace?

First-hand perspective is extremely valuable. If you are interviewing in the HR office, ask for a tour of the company or workspace! Being able to observe the operation, environment, and workspace will help you make an informed decision about whether or not the company culture is a good fit.

5. I would enjoy learning more about you. Will you tell me about your professional journey?

This question is a great way to get a glimpse of the supervisor’s personality and background. If the manager responds with a history of working his/her way up within the company, you can probably assume that he/she is well-respected and/or that the company promotes from within and might offer you similar opportunities in the future. If he/she as worked for a lot of different companies, you might try to find out more information through your network following the interview.

6. Please tell me about the onboarding process for this role.

This is one of the most crucial questions to ask at an internship interview! I like this question because it provides information about structure and planning. I appreciate when an organization has already thought ahead to what the training will look like for the chosen candidate. Will it be a formal training off-site by the third party? Will it include travel to another corporate location? Will all training take place on-the-job? Get a feel for how thoroughly you will be prepared and trained.

7. Growth and development are foundations of internship programs. How are these elements included in this experience?

Life-long learning is important. Stagnation creates boredom for many and can lead to dissatisfaction. Asking about professional growth and development can be a good gauge for how heavily the company prioritizes growth and investing in interns. You want to ensure you will be doing more than grabbing coffee and filing papers.

8. What does success look like in this position? How will it be measured?

This question can provide insight to expectations and targets. Depending on the role you are interviewing for, this question can be reworded to fit the job and industry. I like to know that emphasis is placed on quality work over quantity. Perhaps you like a challenge or benchmark to work toward. The answer to this question will help you determine if your preferences and values align with the company’s!

9. What is/will be the biggest challenge in this role?

If you ask the previous question and still feel like you need more insight about the role, ask about the biggest challenges. It is ok to ask tough questions!

10. When do you expect to make a decision? What is the anticipated start date?

Don’t leave yourself wondering…ask these two questions! It will put your mind at ease just in case you don’t hear anything for a few days. These questions also express a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the potential to accept an offer.

Final Tips for Questions to Ask at an Internship Interview

Many times, intern candidates plan on asking their list of questions at the end of the interview. Rather than making it such a structured and rigid question and answer session, I encourage you to make it as conversational as possible. It will be more comfortable for both parties. In fact, you will likely be able to work some of the questions above into in the interview conversation as topics arise rather than waiting until the end and going down the list.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help preparing for your interview. You can prepare interview stories in advance and get feedback on responses to common interviewing questions by scheduling a career coaching call! I really enjoying helping candidates prepare for an interview so they walk in with confidence! Let’s chat and ensure you are ready to make a lasting impression!

Want help with your resume or internship search?

As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one with their career endeavors! Whether you want tailored resume help or assistance finding and landing your dream job, I can help!

Book a free consultation today!

Questions to Ask at an Internship Interview
Loren Kelly

Why didn’t I get the job after a great interview?
Loren Kelly

 How early should you be for an interview? In this article, I will give you my perspective, explain why, and provide tips for how you can spend your time while you wait. The time before an interview can be very valuable!

How Early Should You Be for an Interview?

I like to break my answer to this question into two parts: when to arrive at the interview location, and when to enter the office or building to wait for your interview. I’ll explain more in the headings below.

When to Arrive at the Interview Location

I recommend arriving at the interview location 20-30 minutes early, depending on the type and size of the organization and the building in which is it located. For example, if you are interviewing in a large office building that is multiple stories and houses many companies, I would suggest arriving 30 minutes early. If you are interviewing at a known and familiar place, arriving at the interview location 20 minutes early is sufficient.

There are so many variables that play into one’s stress levels when preparing for an interview. We want to remove as many of those stress points as possible, especially when the location at which you are interviewing is unfamiliar. Consider these variables and more:

• Unexpected traffic or public transit
• Difficulty locating the interview space
• Needing to use the restroom

If the interview location is unfamiliar and you cannot make it 30 minutes prior, I highly recommend visiting the evening before (or when your schedule allows). Doing so will allow you to become familiar with where you are going.

What to Do After You Arrive, But Before Your Interview

So, you have arrived 20-30 minutes early. Should you check in for the interview right away? No, that would be much too early. Use this valuable time to your advantage.

Here are things I suggest doing (in order) once you arrive at the interview location:

1. Locate parking and pay if necessary. Before you leave your vehicle, turn your phone to “Do Not Disturb” and grab your interview portfolio and notes.
2. Find the interview location, but don’t go in just yet. Simply knowing where to go will be helpful and ensure you get back to that location in plenty of time.
3. Use the restroom. Sometimes interviews run longer than anticipated. Using the restroom before you check-in ensures you are comfortable for the duration of the interview and allows you to check your appearance before entering.
4. Review the job description. I talk a lot in my job search articles about how important it is to print or save each position description you apply to. Why? Because it is one of the best interview prep tools! You will want to review the job description so the employer’s needs and wants are fresh in your mind. It will also help you to speak their language during the interview.
5. Review your notes. I have an article devoted entirely to what to take to a job interview. I provide great tips to help you make notes to use or refer to. Reviewing them beforehand can help you be less reliant on them and help calm your anxieties.

Remember, arriving on location for an interview extra early is smart. It ensures you have time for unexpected traffic, difficulty finding the exact location, and gives you additional prep time (read this post to find out what to bring to a job interview!)

When to Check-In for Your Interview

After arriving early and completing some or all the steps above, you will want to check in for your interview 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start. Being 10 minutes early shows punctuality without being too early. But what if you are familiar with the company and location of the interview? How early should you be for an interview? Again, I recommend checking in 10 minutes prior to the interview start time.

Once you have checked in for your interview, it is likely that you will have a few minutes of waiting before the interview begins. I recommend using that time to do the following:

1. Review the job description. As noted above, reviewing the job description helps ensure you speak to the employer’s wants and needs and reminds you of the language and terminology they use.
2. Review your notes. If you did not have time to review your notes, make sure you do so during this waiting period. At a minimum, make sure you have a good list of questions to ask the hiring manager or interview panel.
3. Observe the culture and surroundings. One of my favorite things to do while I wait for an interview is to observe the company culture. Is it casual? Are people collaborating and communicating? Or do people seem to be working autonomously? Your own observations about the environment and culture can be very powerful in the decision-making process when a job offer is extended!

Arriving early at your interview location or the interview office is always a great idea. You can wait and observe in other locations. Arriving early rarely, if ever, adds to one’s interview anxieties. Arriving too close to the interview start time or not allowing extra time for unforeseen issues will absolutely add to interview stress. Set yourself up for success with proper planning!

Do you have an interview soon?

Welcome to my blog! My name is Loren Kelly and I help candidates secure the job and career they want with professional resume and interview preparation services! If you have an interview this week, or are planning your next career move, I can help! Reach out using the contact page or schedule a free consultation. I can provide services in short turn-around times to meet your needs!

Book a free consultation today!

 

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How Early Should You Be for an Interview?
Loren Kelly

I love helping people prepare for a job interview and, part of this is identifying questions you need and want to ask. Many people think of a job interview as a high-stakes question and answer session where they must impress and convince the company to hire them. Before we jump into job interview questions to ask, I want to challenge you to begin to think of the interview differently. It is a two-way conversation. While the company will want to make sure you are a good fit for the position and company culture, you (as the candidate) need to make sure the company and position are a good fit for you! You will spend a lot of time at work and unhappiness and discontent can and will spill over to your personal life. Make sure a position and company are a good fit by asking good questions during an interview!

FREE Download & Printable

Download this list of job interview questions to take with you and ask employers on the big day!

 

10 Job Interview Questions to Ask

1. Can you provide examples and stories of the company culture?
2. How closely does this role work with colleagues? Can you tell me about the team size?
3. May I have a tour of the company/workspace?
4. Will you tell me about your professional journey? 
5. Please tell me about the onboarding process for this role
6. How does the company encourage professional growth and development? 
7. What led to this vacancy? 
8. What does success look like in this position? How will it be measured?
9. What is/will be the biggest challenge in this role?
10. When do you expect to make a decision? What is the anticipated start date? 

1. Can you provide examples and stories of the company culture?

By asking this question, you will get insight into the work environment. Company culture is very important and needs to be a good fit for you. Personally, I find that the work environment and company culture make up 50 percent or more of my overall job satisfaction. A perfect-fit role with a toxic work environment will still leave you miserable. Ask this question, and another drill-down question if needed, to ensure the company culture is a good fit.

2. How closely does this role work with colleagues? Can you tell me about the team size?

These questions will provide additional insight into the culture but on a more intimate level. Try to gather information about who you will be working with most closely and how frequently collaboration occurs. Then, gauge how that fits with your work preferences and personality. If you are an extrovert, you might like a high level of collaboration and team interaction. If you are more introverted, perhaps you are looking for more autonomy.

3. May I have a tour of the company/workspace?

First-hand perspective is extremely valuable. If you are interviewing in the HR office, ask for a tour of the company or workspace! Being able to observe the operation, environment, and workspace will help you make an informed decision about whether or not the company culture is a good fit.

4. I would enjoy learning more about you. Will you tell me about your professional journey?

This question is a great way to get a glimpse of the supervisor’s personality and background. If the manager responds with a history of working his/her way up within the company, you can probably assume that he/she is well-respected and/or that the company promotes from within and might offer you similar opportunities in the future. If he/she has worked for a lot of different companies, you might try to find out more information through your network following the interview.

5. Please tell me about the onboarding process for this role.

I like this question because it provides information about structure and planning. I appreciate it when an organization has already thought ahead to what the training will look like for the chosen candidate. Will it be formal training off-site by the third party? Will it include travel to another corporate location? Will all training take place on the job? Get a feel for how thoroughly you will be prepared and trained.

 6. How does the company encourage professional growth and development? What opportunities are available for this role?

Life-long learning is important. Stagnation creates boredom for many and can lead to dissatisfaction. Asking about professional growth and development can be a good gauge of how heavily the company prioritizes growth and investing in employees professionally.

7. What led to this vacancy?

Asking this question will allow you to learn if this is a new role or if there has been turnover. A new role could be an opportunity to be creative and add your personal touch to the position but can also mean some growing pains as you and the company figure out how the new position fits in the existing company structure. If there has been turnover, hopefully, the hiring manager will explain if the person was promoted, moved to another company, etc. A lot of information can be gleaned from this question!

8. What does success look like in this position? How will it be measured?

This question can provide insight into expectations and targets. Depending on the role you are interviewing for, this question can be reworded to fit the job and industry. I like to know that emphasis is placed on quality work over quantity. Perhaps you like a challenge or benchmark to work toward. The answer to this question will help you determine if your preferences and values align with the company!

9. What is/will be the biggest challenge in this role?

If you ask the previous question and still feel like you need more insight about the role, ask about the biggest challenges. It is ok to ask tough questions!

10. When do you expect to make a decision? What is the anticipated start date?

Don’t leave yourself wondering…ask these two questions! It will put your mind at ease just in case you don’t hear anything for a few days. These questions also express genuine interest and enthusiasm for the potential to accept an offer. 

Final Tips for Job Interview Questions to Ask

Many times, candidates plan on asking their list of questions at the end of the interview. Rather than making it such a structured and rigid question and answer session, I encourage you to make it as conversational as possible. It will be more comfortable for both parties. In fact, you will likely be able to work some of the questions above into the interview conversation as topics arise rather than waiting until the end and going down the list.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help preparing for your interview. You can prepare interview stories in advance and get feedback on responses to common interviewing questions by scheduling a career coaching call! I really enjoy helping candidates prepare for an interview so they walk in with confidence! Let’s chat and ensure you are ready to make a lasting impression!

Want help with your resume or job search?

As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one with their career endeavors! Whether you want tailored resume help or assistance finding and landing your dream job, I can help!

Book a free consultation today!

 

Download my FREE GUIDE on How to Prepare for a Successful Interview!

Job Interview Questions to Ask
Loren Kelly

Interview jitters are often caused by the unknown. How long are the interviews? How early should I be? What questions will be asked? How many people will be in the room? While most of us never truly know what to expect in an interview, this article will help ease your mind and prepare you for interviews of varying lengths.

How Long are Interviews?

The length of an interview can be dependent on several different variables:

• Modality of the interview – face-to-face, telephone, or video conference.
• Size of interview panel – one hiring manager verse a panel of five or more people.
• Level of the position – executive roles often include full-day or multi-day interviews.
• Type of interview – conversational interviews verse a working interview.
• Number of candidates – one-on-one interviews tend to be shorter than group interviews.

Below are some things to expect during interviews of varying lengths. Remember that these are guidelines, and each interviewing experience will be different. Finally, don’t miss the information at the bottom of this article to help you identify questions you could ask when you receive the invitation to interview.

1 Hour Interview

Most interviews for entry-level and public-facing roles will be around one hour and possibly even shorter. One-hour interviews are typically conversational and include the traditional question and answer component.

If you anticipate a one-hour interview, be sure you are as prepared as possible. Here are some great resources for you:

• What to Do Before an Interview
• Preparing Stories and Examples for a Job Interview
• Questions to Ask a Hiring Manager in an Interview
• Writing a Follow Up Email for a Job Interview

If you have been given a one-hour interview timeframe, your interview will probably not include a tour, presentation, or on-the-job component.

2 Hour Interview

Sometimes interviews will be a little longer. If you are applying for a management role or anticipate the position reporting to multiple supervisors, you should prepare for a slightly longer interview.

A two-hour interview often includes the standard question and answer session with at least one person. The additional time will likely be spent on one of the following activities:

• tour of the company.
• working demonstration.
• second question and answer session with another person or supervisor.
• panel interview with potential colleagues or subordinates.
• presentation from you, the candidate.
• skill or aptitude test.

If you have a two-hour interview, consider asking some of the questions in the “Questions to Consider Asking When an Interview Invitation is Extended” section at the bottom of this article.

3 Hour Interview

Like a two-hour interview, a three-hour interview will likely include multiple activities. For interviews three hours or longer, it is acceptable to ask for a schedule or agenda. It will help you prepare for the interview and understand with whom you will be interacting.

If you know you have a three-hour interview, expect to engage in roughly three of the activities listed above (under the two-hour interview heading).

All Day Interviews

While longer interviews can be exhausting, they give candidates much better insight. In my interviewing articles, I often speak of an interview being a two-way exchange. Just as the company uses an interview to determine if a candidate will be a good fit for their role and organization, a candidate should use the interview process to ensure the work environment, company culture, job duties, colleagues, and management styles will be fulfilling.

All-day interviews are an opportunity to be immersed in the culture for a day. You will have the opportunity to meet many people, such as senior leaders, middle managers, and the front-line employees who are the face of the organization.

If you have an all-day interview, you should receive a schedule. Often, it will include names and titles of the individuals you will spend portions of your day with and any panel interviews, presentations you will be giving, and tours or demonstrations that you will be privileged to. Expect to have some conversational interview components over meals as well.

While preparation for all-day interviews will vary based on the activities, I recommend spending time researching the people you will be meeting and their roles and preparing specific questions you would like to ask each one. Preparing questions in advance will help take the pressure off of you and allow you to gain valuable insight into the organization and your potential colleagues.

Questions to Consider Asking When an Interview Invitation is Extended

If you wonder, “How long are interviews?” consider asking a few questions about the interview process when you receive the invitation. Here are some great questions to ask:

• “May I ask who I will have the pleasure of meeting in my interview?”
• “To ensure I have the proper technology available, can you tell me which video conferencing or communication tool we will use?”
• If you anticipate a longer interview, consider asking, “Will an agenda or schedule for the interview be provided prior?”
• “Will there be additional components to the interview such as a tour, presentation, or working demonstration?”

Of course, don’t forget to thank the person for extending the invite to interview! Sometimes the person contacting you to set up the interview will be from the human resource department and might be unsure what the hiring manager has planned. If this is the case, the HR representative might be willing to get the information on your behalf or share the hiring manager’s contact information.

While it is important and very helpful to know what to expect, you also want to ensure that you are not being too needy. If a presentation, working interview, or interview length is not noted when you receive the invitation, your interview will likely be traditional: face-to-face, questions-and-answer-based, and at or under one hour.

Do you have an interview?

An interview prep session will help you stand out!

Hello! My name is Loren Kelly, and I am passionate about helping students and professionals accomplish their career goals! Whether you are interviewing for a promotion, changing your career field, or have been invited to interview for your dream job, I can help you stand out amongst candidates with the right interview preparation. Let’s boost your confidence and success with an Interview Preparation Coaching Session!

Download my FREE GUIDE! How to Prepare for Successful Interview

How Long Are Interviews?
Loren Kelly