Simple Tips to Follow In an Interview

In today’s markets, no matter what the career anticipations are, candidates are expected to stand out from the thousands of other potential applicants. It can become overwhelming just to get a call back from a recruiter or manager due to the overload of resumes and cover letters businesses receive when they post a job opportunity, but when you do receive the opportunity to present yourself, it’s important that you are prepared. When I was a senior at East Stroudsburg University, I was in the process of applying to anything and everything sports related in hopes of obtaining a full-time position before graduating. After countless hours of research, applications, cover letter edits, and pike place coffee from Starbucks, I was fortunate enough to receive a few phone calls from various organizations.

Some of the organizations reaching out to me included; the Philadelphia 76ers, Flyers, & Union, Newtown Athletic Club (the NAC), Healthy Kids Running Series, Soccer Shots, and a few more. With over five years of personal experience with interviews, ranging from small to large organizations, I share my suggestions below on what you can do to make managers feel that they need you on their team rather than you needing them. The following provides details on two of my earliest interview experiences. The first explains a bad interview experience I had, while the second is a better experience.

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Bad Interview – Philadelphia 76ers

My first interview was with the 76ers for a Ticket Sales Associate position. At first, I thought I had an edge already since one of the Premium Seating Managers as well the Director of Ticket Sales were both alumni from East Stroudsburg. I also believed that I was truly prepared for the questions that they were going to ask since I was prepping for about two weeks beforehand. However, that changed quickly when I was on a Skype interview with six of their managers. When the interview began, one of the supervisors was walking with the camera through the entire sales department, and having all of their employees clapping and chanting my name.

Soon after, he took the camera into a meeting room where the other managers were already sitting with my resume. The environment changed quickly, and I was thrown off with what just happened. Right away, the managers did not hesitate in asking me about myself and proceeded right into the interview. Everything that I practiced went out the window at that moment because I was still distracted. I wasn’t prepared for this or the questions they asked me, and I could tell that most of them seemed disinterested the more we talked. After twenty minutes, they acknowledged me for taking my time to talk with them. I never received any feedback or offer afterwards.

Here are a few things I learned from this experience, and what you can prepare for before getting in a similar dilemma:

- Managers like to sometimes throw curve-balls at you before interviews or during the interview in general to see if you are able to remain focused even with distractions. They are creating a mental picture to see if you have the capabilities of completing duties without getting sidetracked. Try and remain focused and understand that you are there to express how you would be a great fit to the team

- You sometimes have to take a few losses to get thicker skin. Not every organization will be a match for you, but you shouldn’t give up that easily. If managers don’t seem impressed with what you have to say, don’t take it to heart

- Do your research about the position, organization, and others already working for them. Showing that you have done your research can prove that you are truly interested in the business and not just the actual position or pay that comes with it.

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Better Interview - Philadelphia Flyers

My second interview was with the Flyers, also for a Ticket Sales Associate position. This interview was different than the 76ers since the first round was a group interview instead of a Skype or phone call. Before being called into the Flyers’ meeting room, there were thirty three of us standing in the main lobby. I didn’t have much money for a nice suit at the time, and was only able to string together a bright teal shirt and older dress shoes. I really felt out of place when I saw most of the individuals I was competing against had nice, crisp corporate suits and attire. However, I didn’t let any of it phase me since I was not going to let any distractions get the best of me like the 76ers interview.

When the group interview began, the Director of Ticket Sales informed us that there were over 3,500 applications for three Ticket Sales Associate positions, and we were the last thirty three left in the applicant pool. He then went on and asked each of us around the room to introduce ourselves including where we went to college and why we wanted to work for the Flyers Sales Team. I noticed that most of the individuals who spoke before me were only mentioning about their goals, but not about how they would be essential to the sales department.

After this, we were then informed that the managers would pull us into the various club suites to have an interview with two of the managers on staff. Out of the thirty three candidates in the room, the first manager who came in pointed at me to go with him. He mentioned that I was chosen first because of how my shirt stood out compared to everyone else. I was brought into a club box suite where two of the managers were waiting for me, with the best view of the arena behind them. We briefly talked beforehand, but like the 76ers, they went straight into questions. The inquiries they asked were similar to the 76ers interview and the arena’s view behind them was just another distraction setup, but this time, I wasn’t hesitant or unfocused. I was fortunate enough to be given an offer to work for the Flyers after the interview, but respectfully declined due to the salary that was being presented.

Here are a few things I learned from this experience, and some suggestions on what you can do to really stand out from the crowd:

- Although not necessary, sometimes wearing a tie, pin, or shirt a little brighter could actually be a way to grab the interviewers’ attention unexpectedly. It could show that you have confidence, and aren’t afraid to stick out from others.

- Take a few deep breaths, and realize that the interviewers are there to learn about you. Own the moment, take control of the reins, and make them want to know more about why you’re the best candidate for the position.

- In moments like this, it truly doesn’t matter where you went to college. You might be a lone wolf in the crowd with a bunch of Ivy League graduates, but you wouldn’t be there if the managers didn’t have some faith in you. Don’t let others’ background or representation make you feel otherwise about yourself.

- Though offered a position, it doesn’t mean that you have to take it right away. Think about your options and realize if it fits with your overall career goals.