Working with the Resources
Last Friday I had an HR interview. What I find funny is how the tension before the interview is still palpable even if I was prepared for it. So here are my two cents about how to prepare for an HR interview.
Most important for me is to go over my two-minute self-presentation. This needs to be, like every answer, tailored to the company you are speaking with and should flow seamlessly. I have found that I really like the structure of Present-Past-Future for this kind of presentation.
In present, I tell the person on the other side of the table about my current occupation, my experience in the field and also some strengths.
I will take as an example what I said on Friday. "I am a fifth-year engineering student at JUNIA HEI on exchange at ETS in Montréal, looking for an end-of-studies internship." Then, for the role I am applying to, I brought out as my strengths adaptability, curiosity and taste for contact.
Next is Past. This is where you back up your strengths through concrete examples. I mentioned my associative experiences as treasurer of the student council and my vice presidency of the musical association bpm, followed by my professional experiences at SBI and Safran.
Finally, tying it all together, it is very important to showcase that you think about the future even if you have strictly no idea what you want to be doing next week, next month or next year. Of course, this needs to be adapted to the company you are applying to.
For example, for me I brought up that I want to evolve in technical roles that have a social aspect to it, something that this role would help me practise through X and Y.
All these points I wrote down as bullet points for each of the three parts. I like bullet points because they avoid me reading, but still give me some structure to follow. Next, I recorded myself multiple times till I was happy with how I was coming across. This is also about figuring out the information to keep or scrap while getting a taste of how long or short your presentation is.
Next, I have a few questions that I have written out a rough answer to :
- Why this company and not another?
- Can you give us an example of a problem that you solved? (For this, using the STAR method is a good idea)
- Your biggest weakness? (Do not say perfectionism like every other candidate; find something truthful that you are working on)
- Specific questions about my qualifications for the role, like mastery of a certain software, languages spoken, etc.
I find it very useful to have thought through these questions beforehand and not have to improvise. When I come across a new question, I can freeze. There will be questions that you have not prepared and some that you might not even be able to answer. It is okay to admit to not knowing. Rambling on without getting any information across is, in my eyes, a waste of time for both parties.
Finally, I create questions that I want to ask beforehand. That being said, do not leave all questions for the end. I also find it very important to bounce back right away when something is unclear and create a more natural dynamic than a monotone dialogue.
I think that sums up what I have learned so far from the job interviews I have done (which is not many, to be completely honest). As I said, this does not remove the stress, but it helps you perform way better under stress. If you have any additions or constructive criticism, do feel free to reach out!
This Week's Suggestions:
🎶 "Soul Is Life" by Eddie Richards:
A song that I rediscovered through a playlist from last year. It is a slow-burn house song that I really enjoy right now, walking through the night-lit Montréal.
Till next time!
