OK, so now you’ve been accepted to the school of your dreams and you have started taking classes. Time has literally flown by, and soon you will graduate. Then what? In my last post I discussed writing a good CV. Here’s what your university and professors won’t tell you about how to perform on interviews.
OK…congratulations! You got the interview, which means your CV and cover letter were a success! Now let’s talk about what to do and not do at your interview. Because you want the job and not just the interview, right?
Do Your Homework
Well before your interview, research the company or non-profit along with the people who will be interviewing you. (It’s OK to ask for a list). You’ll want to know:
- Their mission statement
- How you can be useful, ie. what need can you fill
- The counseling speciality and educational background of each interviewer
- Position description, salary
- Employer history, image- consider reverse interviewing
- Formulate a list of questions to ask employer, such as:
a. What is the normal counseling load?
b. What qualities do you look for in a counselor?
c. What do you enjoy most about coming to work? Least?
d. What is the average work week like (hours)?
Dress Properly
This is your mother talking. Wear proper business attire. No cleavage, tight fitting clothing or short skirts. No sneakers, jeans, Tshirts, sweatshirts…I’m starting to feel like Stacy London from What Not To Wear. Dress professionally, and if you aren’t sure what I mean, ask a trusted family member or friend with a professional occupation to evaluate your outfit. Try to find out what the dress code is at the non-profit or company you are applying for, then dress one step above it. Generally, dress pants or a skirt (not too tight! Not too low!) and a button down blouse (not too tight! Not too low!) are safe, or a suit. Watch out for knit tops. There is a fine line between well-tailored and too-tight and I see students cross it all of the time. Lastly, check your rear view. Remember, just because you can’t see yourself from behind doesn’t mean others won’t. Fix any loose threads, gaps, stains, or peeking undergarments.
Preparing For Interview Day
This is your mother again. The night before your interview, lay out your clothes. Include a sweater or jacket, as many offices are cold. Make a practice run to the interview site prior to your interview, but at the same time of day so that you know how to get there and exactly how much time to allow for your trip. Then add about 20 minutes to it to allow for the unexpected (traffic, etc.)
Arrive early, and take a few minutes to decompress. Then put a smile on your face and stride confidently to the front desk to introduce yourself. Remember to make eye contact, and briefly but firmly shake hands with whomever you meet. If you are freaked out by germs, practice your replacement move. For example, clasp your hands about chest level and give a little bow.
Write a Thank You Letter
After the interview is over, of course you will personally thank the people who interviewed you for their time. But after you get home, don’t forget to send an additional thank you letter. Email is OK for this purpose. (But no shorthand lingo!) Follow the same principles outlined in creating a cover letter (last post), remembering to be specific, and end with a positive note, maybe about specifically how you think you can be useful to them, and/or how much you like their organization (say why).
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Barbara LoFrisco
Also check:
• https://mastersincounseling.org/counseling/25-job-sites-for-career-counselors/
• https://mastersincounseling.org/company-update/masters-in-counseling-org-blog-aims-to-serve-counseling-students-and-counselors-with-new-blogger/
• https://mastersincounseling.org/tag/sex-therapy/
