I got the Interview… ?Ahora Qué Hago?

Hola Familia!

Here we go with our next Career Blog. This one is focused on Interviewing — Scary, I know!

As someone who recently interviewed for a role, I know what a challenge it can be to prepare, showcase your best self authentically, and follow-up effectively.

Here are some of my best tips and tricks, and the tips and insight from friends and colleagues in my network.

?Prepárate! Prepare!

Contact your references. Make sure your references have your most recent materials, and that you’ve let them know that they may be contacted soon.

Are you Interview Ready? Review common interview questions and prepare your responses. This will help you feel prepared and confident in your answers.

Pro Tip: Think of three “Rockstar Moments” about yourself that you can work into almost any interview question. Those moments usually touch on your strengths, communication, and teamwork. – Samantha O’Neil

Have you looked into them? Check their website, social media platforms, and connect with folks you know who work at the company to learn more. Your network can be one of your most valuable assets!

Pro Tip: Do the research and make sure your values align with the company. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. – Victor Zuniga

Prepare a list of Interview Questions. Review these 25 questions to ask in an interview to start.

?Actívate! Be Ready!

Start with Positive Affirmations so that you are mentally prepared.

Pro Tip: Be Yourself! Everyone else is taken. Let your personality shine! When I’m looking for a peer, I want to know if they’d be enjoyable to work with. – Shadae Mallory

Be Ready! Make sure you have the information you need about the location of the interview, any pertinent links (for online interviews), and who you might be meeting. Also, make sure you’ve reviewed your reference materials and have copies of them ready to hand out (for in-person interviews).

Pro Tip: If you are working with a recruiter, stay in touch with them every step of the way... Take their advice and their lead. – Pamela Schuler.

Does your outfit make you shine? You should feel comfortable and confident in the outfit you choose. You want to feel good about your appearance, so that you can look prepared and take-on the interview self-assured. Here are some Clothing Options based on office environment.

Pro Tip: Be confident and honest in what you know, and what you don’t know. If you don’t know something, find the answer after the interview to demonstrate your ability to problem solve and e-mail the interviewer. – Bryan Ritter

?Comunícate! Follow Up!

Write a follow-up. If possible, send a personal note, not an e-mail. We all get so many e-mail messages in our inboxes, it’s nice to receive a hand-written note every now-and-then.

Include specifics from your interview. Is there something else you wanted to share? Did you want to thank the interviewer for a specific comment? Include those pieces, so they know your communication is thoughtful and intentional.

Pro Tip: In today’s virtual world, it’s vital you check to see if the hiring authority and/or interviewer are in-office or remote. If they are remote you may want to send an e-mail thanking them for the interview. They may not see a written note in several weeks. – Elizabeth Mahoney

Set a reminder on your calendar. If you haven’t heard from the interviewer in two weeks, it’s ok to follow-up. Restate your interest in the role, the length of time it’s been since you’ve heard anything from them, and provide grace in requesting a response. ?

?Diviértete! Have FUN!

If you got the interview, it’s because you can do the job. Your competence is not in question. So, prepare adequately, be yourself, and stay-in-touch.

And remember… If you don’t get the job, there are many other doors out there. Be kind to yourself, take the time you need to reset after receiving the news, and then jump back into the job search.

You’ll find the right role for you. ?Si Se Puede!

About the Author: Chris Garcia currently serves as the Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Staff Fellow for Hispanic Serving Institution initiatives at the University of Northern Colorado. He is a first-generation college graduate, an advocate in his local community, a podcaster, and has the privilege of working in a community he loves. Chris writes articles and speaks on topics such as: leadership, career development, higher education, and Hispanic/Latinx culture.??