Confessions of a Potential Employer
Denise Doucet-Arsenault // September 29, 2011
I don’t lie well. I don’t have a good poker-face either. My father used to dock our allowance if we ever told untruths (even using the word ‘lie’ was a no-no; ‘fib’ was the preferred term). Keeping a straight face is nearly impossible for me.
So, I’ll just come right out and say it: I absolutely love conducting the Mount Saint Vincent University Communications co-op student interviews for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). They are held three times a year and I really look forward to them.
From the time I get the email from the MSVU Co-op Employee Liaison, Kelly Jacques, that jobs will be posted, the anticipation builds. It’s a great deal of work reviewing the resumes of candidates interested in working at ACOA. The process requires calling references, culling resumes and holding interviews, but mostly it is exciting and incredibly motivating. Seeing young minds preparing and reaching for their next step in life is inspirational to witness. It makes me long for the days of my youth. Well, sometimes. Not always, but certainly sometimes.
Kelly and I often discuss the interview process. We talk about what constitutes a good interview and what stands out, good and bad. Respecting that these interviews may be new territory for some students, I often put myself in their shoes and try to remember that this can be a daunting experience.
With the deepest respect, I submit the following bits of tough-love interviewer-minded advice. Consider them a subtle reminder of what is important to potential employers, as well as a few etiquette tips:
- Always arrive on time for your interview. Always.
- Never cuss during interviews. Ever.
- Dress appropriately. I could stay on this point forever, and while I appreciate that this advice may frustrate you, remember that you are being interviewed for a position in a public office. Wear proper business attire. Let your polished resume and honed references be your leverage. Check out these helpful tips: www.career.fsu.edu/employment/attire-guide.html.
- Research your potential employer. Always. Taking a few minutes to do a quick search is far easier than stumbling blindly through an answer. It is a disservice to yourself and the interviewer not to do your homework for the interview; you sought out this opportunity so put your best foot forward.
- Know what the position is. Highlight where you can contribute.
- Say what you mean and mean what you say. Fully explain your answers. Don’t assume that the interviewer can read your mind or that they “understand the business”. They want to hear your answer to their question. They want to make sure you understand what they are asking and the process.
- Bring your ‘A’ game and rise to the occasion. Avoid becoming too casual in the interview.
- Refrain from bringing food or drinks into your interview, unless you have a cold and need water or a lozenge. It’s only 30 minutes of your time so unless there truly is an extenuating circumstance (i.e. you have just returned from a desert hike), hydrate before you come in.
- If you are waiting outside the interview room, conduct yourself as if you are in the interview. You would be shocked to know the conversations I have overheard from inside the interview room.
- Never forget that your potential employer is considering making a large investment by hiring you. Entry level PR positions in Nova Scotia start around $35,000; if you were investing $35,000 of your own money, wouldn’t you be choosy and want to make sure you were getting the absolute best value for your investment?
- Choose your references wisely, not out of convenience. It needn’t be a former boss. Make sure the person likes you, be confident they will speak well of you, and ask them if they agree to be your reference. It’s amazing how many times my reference calls are met with surprise or indifference. On your behalf, I want to say ouch!
- Relax. Chances are that you will perform far better if you do.
- Tell me something interesting about yourself. Make an impression. Be unforgettable.
The next round of interviews for co-op placements is mid October. I have already started to prepare and have the date indicated in bold in my agenda. It feels like a time of renewal and new beginnings. I sincerely hope that my advice is accepted in good-faith and that you see value in it. Interviewing can be angst-ridden but with proper preparation and refined etiquette, it can be a great learning experience and a step towards defining the future you want.
Respectfully,
Denise Doucet-Arsenault
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
