How To Stand Out in an Interview

Landing an interview is  the most exciting and nerve racking experience in a new graduate’s life. In this day and age, we face extreme competition not only from our classmates but also from kids across the country. This is why it is important to do your homework before heading into an interview. Here are a few tips to impress an employer at your next interview:

Research. You should never underestimate the importance of research. Your insight will show your employer that you have come to the interview prepared. Most importantly, it will demonstrate your ability to problem solve and give them confidence that you can complete assigned tasks.

Bring Questions.  Have at least five questions written down that you can refer to in case they slip your mind. Make sure your questions show you looked into the company and you have a good understanding of how the company operates. Something you might ask is, “I see that your company’s motto is … can you explain to me how that is seen in day to day operations?” This will show that you have done your research and that you are assessing whether or not this company is right for you.

Take a deep breath. Everyone knows that interviews are scary and stressful, but you want to appear calm and collected. Deep breaths help to calm you down so you can think more clearly, and a calm demeanor will show confidence in your abilities.

Send a thank you note. It may sound old school, but it is always good to follow up with a hand written thank you note after the interview. Thank you notes show you appreciate the opportunity to interview and handwritten notes will set you apart from other candidates. Start off your letter by thanking the employer for taking time to meet with you. Then in the body talk about things you learned from the interview and referring to your relevant skills. Conclude by thanking them again and encouraging them to contact you if any questions arise.

The job market is full of stiff competition and you need stand out. If you enter an interview with a solid understanding of the company and bring good questions, you will be sure to make a good impression. What are some of your interview tips? Feel free to leave them in the comments.

Austin Zerbach is a senior majoring in public relations. Austin plans to pursue a career in event management post graduation. You can contact Austin at austinz@uoregon.edu.

 

Getting Involved With the SOJC

Getting involved with the School Of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) is one of the most important things you can do as an undergraduate. Joining clubs and organizations in the SOJC will not only build your resume but also give you experience in your areas of interest.

You’re probably thinking, “How do I decide which club is right for me?” I struggled with the same question when I first got involved. Here are a few tips that helped me find the right organizations:

  1. Go to the advising office: The advising office is a great place to start when trying to find where to get involved. The advisors can provide you with a list of clubs and organizations you can join.  Keep in mind that some publications, as well as Duck TV, have Ad and PR sections for students to get involved with.
  2. Make a list: It helps to make a list of the clubs you are interested in so you can focus on finding out more information about them. This can also aid you in the process of deciding if the club is right for you.
  3. Contact the club/organization: After looking up information about the club or organization, reach out to someone involved with the club and ask questions you may have.
  4. Apply: Once you decide on a club that fits your interest, find out when applications are due. Don’t be afraid to apply to more then one club. It isn’t guaranteed you will get in.
  5. Join early: It’s a good idea to join clubs as soon as possible. Your interest will most likely change throughout your time at UO, but gaining experience in different areas of journalism will help you in the long run. Starting early will also give you more opportunities to try out different clubs and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Finding the right club and organization for you can be a time consuming task, but in the end it is well worth the effort and will help you start your professional career in your field of interest. So, get out there and get involved.

Austin Zerbach is a senior majoring in public relations. Austin plans to pursue a career in event management post graduation. You can contact Austin at austinz@uoregon.edu.