Weekly Post

Okay so here I am, like promised - giving my weekly blogpost update for the week. This morning I had a telephone interview with the Atlanta Metropolitan College about a Project Coordinator position I applied back in December. The person in charge of the interview process for this position was Dr. Cunningham, the vice-president of the department of Institutional Effectiveness. The interview went well in my view, short and to the point, and at the end I was able to ask a few questions which is nice to have prepared in case the opportunity presents itself.

I applied for this position way back in December - which really wasn't that long ago, it only feels like it was long ago. I was doing some research and surfing the internet one day for tutoring, teaching, administrative jobs in an educational environment, and that's when I came across the Project Coordinator position offered with Atlanta Metropolitan College. I read the description, did some research, narrowed down what they were looking for, and came to the conclusion I'd be a great fit for the job. So, I applied.

Yesterday was when I received the call they wanted to have a phone interview with me. She asked if Wednesday March 2nd (which is today) at 11 a.m. would be alright. I said yes, and they called me this morning for a short 10-minute interview.

Now, here's the part where I could tell you everything that happened, and make it very easy and predictable about what you guys should be doing when you're in an interview. However, interviews are, by nature, unpredictable. It could lead anywhere - you could go off on a tangent of some story you had thought up before they called which may or may not have any relevance whatsoever to what they are talking about. They could decide if they want to keep you or cut you after the first 5 seconds, or it could go as smoothly as possible. A lot of things can happen in the time of an interview, so while I can't tell you everything - I can give you a few pointers from what I have learned from previous interviews, and of course this one.

Number One - Always Be Prepared. You don't want to come off as a fool or someone who doesn't know what they are getting into. Do your homework and be prepared for their questions, write it down what you want to say if you have to.

Number Two - Have your research notes ready. What you know about the company comes in handy when answering their questions. Make a point of showing them that you did your homework because they will be pleased to know you took the time to do that before the interview.

Number Three - Role Play. Look for someone to play the interviewer, and you as the interviewee. Have them ask you questions to get you warmed up for HOW you are going to answer them. (Note: the word HOW is very important because you don't want to give off the wrong impression during the interview).

Number Four - Be honest. Don't lie or make up some story they can totally tell is not true. To an employer, honesty and integrity are one of the most important things to have in an employee. You don't want to make the mistake of turning your back on an important quality like that.

Number Five - Use Anecdotes. A story from your previous work experience can highlight certain attributes about yourself that might be appealing to some employers. Be careful not to make it too long, just focus on the main points of it, and always make sure it is relevant to the conversation you are having with the employer.

Number Six - Always leave a Positive Impression. It's very important for them to know you are very interested in the opportunity they have to offer. If you come off positive, they will remember you in a positive light.

That's what I have for now, I could go on, but the list would be too long. These were just some main points to keep in mind before an interview. Best of luck to you all out there!