By: Alex Su, Fall 2017 Braven Fellow at Rutgers University-Newark
I’ve only had one official job interview. The other jobs I had were recommended by friends and other people I knew, so I never went through an official interview process. When I finally had a formal job interview last year, it was disastrous. I felt awkward and very closed off and the words that escaped my mouth didn’t come out right. I landed the job, however, I was later told that I was one person away from not being hired. Although I appreciated the honesty, I was definitely hurt.
From there, I realized I needed more experience in applying to successfully land jobs. To be completely honest, I had no idea where to look for help. Professional development had always been a mystery to me since my high school didn’t really teach those skills. Joining Braven was the perfect solution to develop my professional skill set.
During the course of the semester, Braven taught us to build our skills and harness our innate desires and goals. Towards the middle of the semester, we put those newfound skills to the test during mock interview night. I was extremely nervous about the mock interviews, even though Braven prepared us by hosting an interview workshop the week before the actual event. I entered the room expecting to fail, but because of Braven, I walked out of three interviews feeling better about myself.
From the very beginning, we were taught how to be successful storytellers. I learned quickly that telling stories not only personalizes who you are with the other person, but it also allows them to understand your motives, your drive, and your passion. By having us learn that skill early in the course, Braven prepared me to successfully utilize it in my interviews. I felt more comfortable telling my story than I could ever have imagined.
My leadership coach, Joe, and other staff members told me something that I had never thought of before — interviewers are trying to like you, not hate you. Now, instead of being intimidated by my interviewer, I have the urge to try and get to know them, just like the way they want to know me.
I’m so grateful for the experience to give my resume and cover letter to an interviewer and effectively tell them my story. Without Braven, I don’t know if I would have learned any of the skills I know today. For that, I am extremely grateful.
Mock interviews were much more enjoyable than I initially thought, and now I have more confidence in interviews. I even want to get reinterviewed at the company where I barely got hired, all because I know very well that I can perform much better.