My Co-op Interviews
My Co-op Interviews
December 17, 2012
Being a co-op student is stressful. The personal learning experiences work placements are well worth the struggle, but those long-term goals seem far away when trying to manage everything in your life plus multiple job interviews, all at once.
During my two-week period of interviews, midterms and assignments, I had twelve interviews! I was so lucky to get so many opportunities, but it meant preparing well for these interviews and staying calm. After it was all over, I noticed some common trends among all my experiences. Here are the main similarities:
Common Interview Situations
1. “Tell me about yourself”
This is a common question to begin an interview, because it gets you to talk about something you’re familiar with. I usually like to have something prepared ahead of time, so I sound confident and professional. I usually talk about what I’m studying in school, how long I’ve lived in my city, and one of the activities I’m involved in at school.
2. Questions about transferrable skills
I found that these questions always came first. They were mostly about experiences I had at my last job, and when I used important skills. Questions like “Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a co-worker” or “What would you do if your supervisor gave you confusing instructions?”. Your answers should describe how you use your transferable skills.
3. Semi-formal atmosphere
Employers want to get to know the people they’re hiring. If you’re too nervous or too reserved, it might be difficult for the employer to see your personality. Always be professional, but being relaxed shows confidence and lets the employer get to know you as a person. I find that a job offer usually follows the interviews where I’m the most relaxed!
4. Q&A Section
Usually at the end of each interview, the employer asked me if I had any questions. If you’re truly interested in the job, you should have lots of questions! How many employees do you have? Do you work in teams/groups? What team would I be on? You can also do some research ahead of time to see if you need clarification on any aspects of the company.
Throughout my co-op and part-time employment experience, I’ve attended many interviews. Although co-op interviews may be a bit different than other jobs, these common situations are still applicable to every type of interview I’ve ever had. The best advice I can give for a successful interview is to be prepared, professional, and relaxed.
I hope my experiences help you with your interviews, co-op or not!
Comments
Ali says,
January 15, 2013
I once froze when asked, in an interview for a graduate traineeship at Grant Thornton, to name a time I had been wrong about something. A bit of an unfair question I thought. The interviewer clearly didn't account for the possibility that someone might never have been wrong about anything in their entire life. I didn't get the job and I'm certain it was down to flubbing that one question.
Rob says,
Hey Ali! That definitely is a tricky question. Whenever I’m asked a question about weaknesses, I always find a way to turn it into a positive. If, for example, your weakness is that you aren’t outspoken or are afraid of public speaking, tell the interviewer the steps you’re taking to improve on that weakness. You’re being honest AND demonstrating initiative. Thanks for your comment.