“Find a job that fits you. Don’t try to fit yourself to a job that does not fit your character, skills and experience,” said Bud Rockhill, former Daniels School of Business professor.
Rockhill presented the Interviewing Skills Workshop, last Thursday afternoon in the Academic and Career Development Center.
As an owner, CEO, and a previous student, Rockhill related his own experiences of being hired and hiring others.
His purpose of the workshop was to help students be more successful in their interviews.
Rockhill spoke about the three essentials in preparing for an interview.
His method for a successful interview is referred to by the acronym ESP: “Enthusiasm, Story and Preparation.”
First, be enthusiastic in your manners, conversation and personality.
Rockhill repeatedly emphasized being true to yourself, but also offering something original.
“Give them a flavor of yourself, your skills and your interests,” Rockhill said.
To anticipate questions, Rockhill stressed having two to three characteristics that stand out and can be supported from your experience.
Experience can come from internships and summer jobs, but also from school projects, volunteer work, community involvement and club participation.
Rockhill suggested that students sit down with someone they know and can help them find abilities that make them an attractive employee.
This is what Rockhill called the story part of preparation.
Students should refer back to these characteristics to link themselves to the job while answering questions.
Prior to the interview, research the company and where they are interviewing, and if possible, the qualifications for the job they’re applying for.
“Don’t expect to know more than the common person,” Rockhill said.
But at the same time, showing an effort to be interested will make a more positive impression on your possible employer and the internet is certainly a quick resource.
At the interview, Rockhill recommended making conversation and acknowledging common grounds to create a basis on which to proceed.
“This is not easy,” Rockhill said. “Not only is the interview not easy, but the prep is not easy…Find a job that fits you.”
