Interviewing

Preparing for an interview

Preparing for an interview is a whole lot more than Googling a company and reviewing the job description. In order to rock an interview, research the company or organization so you know who they are, what they do, and why you want to join them. Review the company website, and use LinkedIn to look up company info and employee profiles.

Anticipate questions, think through and practice your answers out-loud.

Remember to SMILE, and make EYE CONTACT.

Be prepared to answer the #1 question: "Tell me about yourself."

Focus on sharing how your education, skills and experience will enable you to do the job you are interviewing for.

Interview Skills Rubric

Develop an Elevator Pitch

It is a great idea to develop an Elevator Pitch. This is a quick synopsis of your background, experience, and purpose. The reason it's called an elevator pitch is that it should be short enough to present during a brief elevator ride.

Your elevator pitch can be used during job interviews, especially when you're asked about yourself. Interviewers often begin with the question, "Tell me about yourself"—think of your elevator pitch as a super-condensed version of your response to that request.

You can use your elevator pitch at job fairs, in your LinkedIn summary or Twitter bio, for example. An elevator speech is a great way to gain confidence in introducing yourself to hiring managers and company representatives.

You can also use your elevator pitch to introduce yourself at networking events and mixers. If you're attending professional association programs and activities, or any other type of gathering, have your pitch ready to share with those you meet.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

ANSWERING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS DURING JOB INTERVIEWS

While job interviews may vary greatly based on the position or industry, here are some common questions you might face and ways you can frame your answers to highlight the skills and values you’ve gained through your liberal arts education at Soka University.

  • Q: How would you contribute to our team?

    A: “At Soka University, I developed a deep understanding of the interdependence of individuals and societies, which has nurtured my ability to work effectively in diverse teams. I believe in the importance of empathy and open dialogue in a team setting, and I’m committed to bringing these values to my role.”

  • Q: How do you handle complex problems?

    A: “My liberal arts education has given me robust critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I am trained to consider multiple perspectives and possible solutions before making decisions. I believe this approach would be beneficial in addressing complex problems in any professional context.”

  • Q: How have your studies prepared you for this role?

    Answer: “My education at Soka University has been comprehensive and varied, providing me with a wide range of skills [mention specific skills related to the job]. Furthermore, the university’s commitment to wisdom, courage, and compassion has shaped me as an individual ready to serve others and contribute to the greater good.”

  • Q:  Tell us about a time you had to adapt quickly to a new situation?

    A: “Studying liberal arts has prepared me to be flexible and adaptable. For instance, [provide a specific example]. This experience has taught me the importance of being open-minded and quick to adjust to new situations.”

  • Q:  How do you expect your Liberal Arts background will help you in a business environment?

    A: “In my liberal arts education, I have learned to approach problems from a variety of angles and to appreciate the importance of diversity and global perspectives. This helps me bring innovative solutions and fresh ideas to the business environment. My ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and adapt to changes positions me to succeed in any professional setting.”

  • Q:  Can you give an example of a time that your critical thinking skills played a critical role in problem-solving?

    A: “Absolutely. During my time at Soka University, I was continually challenged to critically analyze complex issues [give a specific example]. These experiences have honed my ability to think deeply about problems and devise innovative solutions.”

  • Q:  Some people argue that liberal arts degrees are less practical than vocational ones. How would you respond to this?

    A: “While vocational degrees provide specialized skills, a liberal arts degree equips students with a versatile skill set that is highly adaptable across industries. It cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills that are essential in any professional environment. Moreover, it fosters a global perspective, empathy, and ethical awareness that are increasingly important in our interconnected world.”

  • Q:  Some people argue that liberal arts degrees are less practical than vocational ones. How would you respond to this?

    A: “While vocational degrees provide specialized skills, a liberal arts degree equips students with a versatile skill set that is highly adaptable across industries. It cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills that are essential in any professional environment. Moreover, it fosters a global perspective, empathy, and ethical awareness that are increasingly important in our interconnected world.”

  • Q:  Given that you majored in Liberal Arts, how will you catch up with those who have a more specialized degree?

    A: “While I respect the depth of knowledge that specialized degrees offer, my liberal arts education has given me a broad base of skills that are transferable across industries, including business. This versatility enables me to quickly grasp new concepts and adapt to different professional environments. Additionally, I am a lifelong learner and am committed to continually expanding my knowledge and skills.”

  • Q:  How does your liberal arts education inform your understanding of team dynamics and collaboration?

    A: “A key part of my liberal arts education was learning about diverse cultures, societies, and perspectives. This has cultivated my understanding of the value of diversity in a team and how different viewpoints can drive innovative solutions. It has also taught me the importance of empathy and open dialogue in fostering productive team dynamics.”

Virtual Interviewing

LINK: 12 Tips for a Zoom Interview