One of the most relatable ways that I believe college and even high school students have sold in their lives is in the realm of interviewing. Starting even in high school, students have to sell themselves to others frequently, whether that is for a job interview to make some extra money as a sixteen-year-old teenager, or in applications and interviews with colleges.
My first experience in an interview was for my first job as a sixteen-year-old at a local farm just three minutes away from my house for a cashier role. Going into this first interview was quite nerve racking at the time, as I had no idea what to expect, not to mention close to no work experience and not much to put on a resume. Little did I know, this job would shape me into the person I am today and build many relationships that I still hold dear.
As I have gotten older and had more experiences in the work force, I have gotten to better understand the structure of interviews, and the deeper meaning behind them. The candidate is not only selling themselves, but the interviewer is selling their company to the candidate. I recently had multiple interviews with a company that I had thought would be a good fit for me going into the interview, but after selling myself to the company I realized that I did not want to “buy” what the company was selling- a job. This switch in perspective has lessened the stress when I go into interviews and I have learned that since it is a two-way street, that I tend to ask many more questions and really question whether the job will be a good fit for me. With this wider mindset I have found that I have had greater success in interviews and will more easily find the place that will fit for me.
RMcIlwain
Hi Kate, I like how you talked about both parties seeing if this is the right fit for each other. I think we often get so scared if we are the right fit for the company and what the interviewer has to say about us, but they must fit what we want because ultimately that is why we stay at the company for a long time or leave early. I think you put everything well and I like how you talked about your own experiences that were very relatable.
This is very true about the interview being a two-way street as far as selling is concerned, and it’s important to understand that going into the interview. Very thoughtful!
Great Post! I think that it is very good to point out the fact that in an interview that it is a two-way deal, and the person who is getting interviewed is seeing if the interviewer is representing the company in a good way. In a sense, the interviewer in also an interviewee.
This is a great point! And so interesting as moving into the future of interviews and new job opportunities outside college.