Communicate this. College interviewers see about fifty of you per week. There is nothing you can do that they won't have seen before. Your absolute best practice is to genuinely convey who you are, because they know what they're looking for better than you'll ever be able to determine. Remember - they're lucky to have you, not the other way 'round, so be honored, flattered, open and appreciative of their time. As to "gotcha" questions ('what's your biggest weakness?') I'd argue that being able to truthfully say "I haven't thought about it much" has the advantage of honesty while also deflecting a ham-handed attempt to rattle you. With any luck, they won't be adversarial like that. It benefits no one.I'm so goddamn psyched!
I would suggest that honesty is great regarding the weakness question. I'd go as far as to say, "I anticipated you might ask this...."Communicate this
-100% yes. As I said in a comment here, no interviewer has ever said, "that person is too passionate."
What's your greatest weakness? I'd have to say "honesty". I don't think honesty is a weakness. I don't give a fuck what you think.I would suggest that honesty is great regarding the weakness question.
Very true, as you've said and others in this thread. One caveat I have about this comes by way of a story: was once in a job placement program where we were taught resume, interview skills, and part of the education was having each person being filmed on camera doing a mock interview. There's one guy, it was very clear he was trying to show he was very enthusiastic about the job. He was smiling like crazy, kept lunging in his chair toward the interviewer to show excitement, kept moving closer and closer, near climbing over the table. Don't do that. =)
To elaborate on that a bit, many people seem to forget that an interview is a two-way evaluation. Do NOT forget that. You are absolutely there to evaluate them as a company - ask them some tough, but fair questions too to get a sense for whether you want to work there or not. I've found going in with an attitude of equal parties can give you extra confidence. This obviously won't work if you feel desperate for work, but remember they are just as desperate to fill a position as you are to find one. Of course the numbers work in the employer's favour, but during the interview it's only 2 parties. Remember - they're lucky to have you, not the other way
I like those questions. They let me know I'm interviewing somewhere I don't want to be early. Nothing worse than wasting half the day interviewing before realizing you want nothing to do with these people.As to "gotcha" questions ('what's your biggest weakness?') I'd argue that being able to truthfully say "I haven't thought about it much" has the advantage of honesty while also deflecting a ham-handed attempt to rattle you. With any luck, they won't be adversarial like that. It benefits no one.
Good point. It's also okay, if asked a question, to say, "I've never been asked that question, it's a good question, very interesting. Can I think a few moments about that?" Also... it's related to something I read about Western vs Chinese business practices. Chinese, you're expected to know everything, right off the bat, and it's insulting, bad on you if you don't. Western, it's quite okay to say, "I don't know the answer, but I will do research, figure it out, and get back to you in an hour, by end of the day, etc."