wayupstudent, Author at Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide

How to Give Feedback to Your Manager

Giving and receiving feedback in a professional context might seem a bit intimidating at first. If that feedback is aimed at your manager, it’s likely to be even more intimidating. How can you ensure that you’re not offending your manager while also giving them feedback intended to improve your relationship and their work?

Here are some steps to follow when giving your manager feedback.

Establish a positive relationship with your manager

One of the keys to giving feedback (in any context) is ensuring that you have a relationship with the person beforehand. Since feedback is meant to help the person on the receiving end, knowing them and their work is a key factor in being able to deliver the kind of thoughtful observations that will help them improve. In order to establish this relationship with your manager, it’s important to build trust by taking initiative in your role and by asking for feedback yourself and acting on it. This will go a long way toward showing your manager that you value the relationship and that you’re providing them with feedback designed to improve on an already positive working relationship.

Ask for permission to give feedback

Before giving your manager any feedback, it’s important to ensure that they’re receptive to it and that the timing is right. You can do this by asking them if you can share some thoughts on an existing project or if they are providing you with feedback on something and you’d like to expand the conversation, you can offer them some feedback in return.

The best way to ask for permission by framing the question as something that would be helpful to you as their employee. For example, when giving feedback related to a particular project, you can say something like, “What would be really helpful to me would be to have some concrete steps in place for this next phase.” This will show your manager that your feedback is ultimately related to delivering the best results possible and will help them understand how they can help you do that.

Depersonalize the feedback

Another key component of giving your manager feedback is to make it impersonal. Rather than saying something like, “I don’t like it when you do XYZ,” you can say something like, “Something that’s worked for me very well in the past with previous managers has been XYZ.” This will shift the focus away from anything personal and onto your professional relationship.

Write it out

Once you have a clear idea of what you want to say, it’s important to write it out and refine your delivery. This is a great way to ensure that your feedback is both effective and sensitively. After you have an initial draft, take another look at it and practice saying it as you would to your manager. If something doesn’t sound quite right, refine it and try again. By the second or third draft, you’ll likely have it just right and you’ll be ready to discuss it with your manager.

Although giving your manager feedback might seem a bit stressful, by focusing on how you can improve your working relationship and how you can help them help you, you’ll be able to deliver the kind of feedback that managers appreciate and that makes the whole team stronger.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get a Mentor at Work and find answers to common interview questions such as Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

How to Answer: Tell Me About a Time You Went Above and Beyond the Requirements for a Project

One of the more common interview questions you’ll get during an interview for an internship or entry-level job is: “Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond.” This interview question is industry and role-agnostic and the purpose of it is to understand whether you are the type of person to overachieve and reach for the stars, or whether you are the type of person who does exactly as they’re told, without ever questioning what you can do better.

Luckily, you can practice your answer to this question ahead of time, so here are some things to think about as you formulate your answer:

Think about a project where your original goal had been very clear.

Now explain the original goal in a clear and concise way. It’s important that you give an example where the interviewer can understand what was expected of you, before you try to ‘wow’ him with your story.

Discuss the opportunity you observed that made you think that going “above and beyond” would be beneficial.

For example, if you were given a goal to “eat a pie of pizza”, then eating two pizzas would not be beneficial toward accomplishing your goal. However, if you were given a goal to interview 3 people who ate pizza, but instead interviewed an entire restaurant, then you have a larger sample size, which can help you evaluate the survey outcomes more accurately.

Describe exactly how you went above and beyond the requirements.

It’s important to make sure that you’re using an example that shows YOU as the driver of ambition, and that you weren’t just following someone else’s over-achieving ways.

Explain the outcome.

Finally, explain the outcome, and why going ‘above and beyond’ was the right thing to do.

Extra points if you’re able to include a humble comment along the lines of: “When I’m passionate about something, I tend to be the type of person who goes above and beyond to get something done.”

Say something like: “In my summer internship in the strategy department at Pizzeria Dos, I was asked to find out what customers thought of our new white tablecloths (we had just switched from red tablecloths). I was told to ask 10 customers in total by stopping them on their way out of the restaurant. Instead, with my boss’s permission, I decided to add a small questionnaire to the checks of every customer who came in for the next 2 days. This way, I could reach more people in a scalable way, without bothering those who were in a hurry to get out. I printed the questionnaires on small pieces of paper, so the entire study cost no more than $10 in supplies. I then collected all 50 of the completed evaluations and learned that people hated the white tablecloths because they could see the stains from their dripping cheese too easily. I’m happy that I could deliver 500% of the number of opinions my boss wanted, and that I was able to do it without bothering customers and still getting an unbiased opinion.”

By answering this question with a specific example, you’ll be able to show the interviewer that you’re ready to go above and beyond your assigned duties and to be a team player for the company. This is a great way to show how motivated you are, and to stand out among the pool of other candidates.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 7 Phone Interview Tips That Will Land You a Second Interview and find answers to common interview questions such as What Motivates You?

How to Answer: Why do You Want to Leave Your Current Role or Internship?

“Why do you want to leave your current role or internship?” is never an easy question to navigate during a job interview. However, it is a common interview question that will likely be asked at many interviews for both internships and entry-level jobs.

So why do recruiters ask this question? They are curious to know your reason and want to make sure that you won’t have the same reason to leave the position for which you are interviewing. How an interviewee answers this questions also says a lot about how they handle people and difficult situations; being able to answer well does involve a certain level of maturity.

Here are different reasons why you may wish to leave your current position and how to address them positively and professionally in an interview.

You dislike your current job and/or boss.

If your reason for wanting to leave is because of an uncomfortable work environment or a pesky manager that you just don’t see eye to eye with, provide the interviewer with this information in a polite, professional way.

Say something like: “Throughout my time in this role, I’ve realized that my team lead and I were headed in different directions. Though it was a difficult decision to make, I feel ready for a new challenge.”

After stating your reasons, try to bring the conversation back to something positive and remind the interviewer why you’re interested in the new job you’re interviewing for.

Here’s the one thing not to say when in this type of situation: Avoid, at all costs (especially during a job interview) badmouthing your current company and/or manager. There are sure-fire ways to say you’re not pleased in your current position or with your current manager, without actually saying it. While it might feel good to get your feelings off of your chest, save it for a friend or family member, as it’s definitely not going to land you a job.

You’ve professionally outgrown your current role.

There’s nothing more frustrating than having to get up every single day to go to a job that you’re just not that into. There are ways that you can try to turn a job you hate into a job you love, but if that’s no longer an option, here’s how you can position yourself.

Say something like: “I have achieved everything that I can achieve in my current role and feel that in order to keep grow during this early stage of my career, it’s time to move on to a new company with more room for growth. I’ve decided to pursue a position where I can learn more about this industry and benefit from strong leaders. I know that this company places a lot of emphasis on mentorship so the opportunity to learn and contribute is something I’m really excited about.”

If your reason for moving on has to do with the fact that you’re currently working in an internship or part-time role and you would like a full-time position, you can tweak this answer to fit your experience.

Say something like: “I’ve enjoyed learning about the retail industry throughout my time with my current employer. For the past three months, I’ve been the number one salesperson on the floor and this has made me realize that I’m ready for a new challenge and a full-time opportunity.”

Try to avoid making comments such as, “I’m bored in my current position.” This kind of talk comes off negatively, and may make the interviewer question if you’ll lose interest in the role and move on quickly. Remember that an employer wants to know that you are loyal and responsible, and that you will not leave after a couple of months when the job is no longer new and exciting.

You want to earn the market rate for your position and industry.

If your current position as a college student or recent grad is volunteer, providing an honest reason (you need a paid position) won’t be perceived negatively by the employer.

However, students and recent grads who are paid the market rate for their work should be careful about saying they are leaving for more money. Employers know that you’re looking to improve on both a personal and professional level and that includes a financially sufficient role. Adding something positive about the potential new employer in your response to the interview question is a great way to highlight your interest in the company while also being honest about your job search.

Say something like: “I’m currently in a volunteer position at a similar firm, and my goal is to find a role that not only challenges me professionally but also compensates me appropriately financially.”

Whatever your reasoning for looking for a new job, be sure that you present yourself in a positive manner during the job interview. No employer wants to employ someone who may potentially bring a toxic attitude to work. Interviews can be stressful, as your career history is being examined under a microscope and you have a limited amount of time to convince your potential employer that you’re the best fit for the job. Remember that with effort and some practice beforehand, you can walk away from the job interview with confidence and a favorable phone call in your future.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get a Job in Sustainability and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are Your Hobbies?

How Do Employers Evaluate Resumes?

There are few things as important to a job search as writing a resume. You’re tasked with creating a concise document that captures your entire essence in order to grab an awesome opportunity. As you squeeze years of achievements and memories into a few bullet points, it’s not only important that you’re happy with how it reads, but that your audience likes it. And for the best odds of your audience—your future manager—enjoying your resume, it helps to know how they will read through it.

Here are some of the most common things they look for.

They look at your education

Even though your major and GPA don’t define who you are, these are likely the first stop on an employer’s journey through your resume. It’s a good jumping-off point for them to understand the topics you find interesting and gain a sense of how committed you are to your education and your future success. An employer will walk away from this section wanting to know:

That you meet their GPA expectation
That you’re studying something interesting and relevant to the job
What school you go to (possibly several if you studied abroad)

They scan your experience for brand names and key stats

When looking at your previous work or internship experience, there are generally 2 key trends an employer will seek out: relevance and impact. A great way to show that you have relevant experience is through brand names. If an employer is looking to hire you for a media job, for example, and sees that you worked for a major TV network, that’s a great start to your application.

If your past companies aren’t famous or recognizable, don’t worry — the work you did can still be relevant, and the impact is key no matter the role. This is where statistics come in: always use numbers to describe what you did and quantify the impact. If you’re scanning a resume with roughly 400 words and suddenly the number 80% pops up, chances are you’ll notice it right away, and so will your employer.

They look for unique skills and hobbies

Hobbies and skills are treated very differently across industries, but no matter the volume, each fun fact adds a lot of personality to your resume. An employer may read 100 resumes in a day, and even if they gave yours a good score and positive feedback, they are likely to remember you more for citing your mastery of guacamole making than for simply being a good fit. Keep these items detailed and unique to you—many can say they like “travel” but not everyone lists “spontaneous trans-Pacific travel.”

For skills, each entry not only completes your profile but is also a new search keyword. On WayUp, employers are most commonly using search tools to find specific experience or skills. So if there’s a programming language you know, show it! The same goes for other things like being proficient in Photoshop or having an in-depth knowledge of social media platforms.

They’ll walk away with highlights and a few notes

Resume-readers love to take a pen or pencil and mark up your resume, circling those juicy numbers described above or writing down questions for follow-ups. Realistically, the final notes they produce will be 1-3 bullets. This should lead you to ask: Did each piece of my resume tell the reader something new? For example, say you worked in 3 restaurants, so you try to be thorough and give each its own header, dates and bullet points showing your responsibilities and impact. This could take up half of your resume and all an employer will walk away with is “has server experience.” Push yourself to condense items that tell the same story, and to expound upon experience that shares something new.

Even with all these best resume practices, each employer is a different person. The same exact resume in different hands might get reviewed differently. A common system for reliable decision making is for a company to have each reader give notes on a five-point scale (from “definitely hire” to “definitely don’t”). You can’t pick your resume reader but never forget that the journey begins with submitting your application.

At the end of the day, you’re the one telling your story. So be proud of your resume and tell it like it is, but know that targeting it to your audience will dramatically improve your odds of matching with a great opportunity. Ready to create your own? WayUp’s user profiles act as digital resumes, making it easy to put your best foot forward with employers.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Set Internship or Job Goals and find answers to common interview questions such as How Have You Displayed Leadership?.

How to Answer an Employee Feedback Questionnaire

With many companies turning feedback into an ongoing process, feedback platforms are increasingly being used to find out what employees think about their roles and about the company in general. If you’ve never given formal feedback before, you might be wondering what to expect from this process and how you can make the most of the feedback you provide. A great way to start is by knowing what questions to anticipate and preparing to answer those questions as honestly and effectively as possible.

Here are the questions you’re most likely to encounter on an employee feedback questionnaire.

1. Do you feel challenged in your role?

When an employer asks this question, it’s because they want to know that you’re feeling stimulated by your role and that you’re not bored by the day-to-day tasks involved. The key to answering it effectively is to be honest about whether or not you find the role challenging and to back this up with examples of specific things you find challenging (or too easy).

2. Do you feel you know where to find help when you need it?

This question is designed to ensure that you know what support is available to you at any given time and to assess how comfortable you are seeking out that help. The best way to answer it is by explaining the steps you take whenever a problem comes up. If you tend to tackle problems on your own because you’re not sure where to find help, be sure to mention that and explain what resources you’d like to have instead.

3. What’s your preferred working style?

Focusing on your personal work style, this question aims to understand you better as both a person and an employee. For example, if you’re someone who works best in a quiet environment, your employer will be able to use the information you provide in the feedback form to adapt your working environment to your needs. This will help you do your job more easily while also ensuring that you’re able to meet the goals the company sets for you.

4. What would you say is the biggest issue you experience on a regular basis at work?

Being able to tell your employer about a challenge you face on a regular basis is extremely important. This will allow them to address the problem directly while making your day-to-day work experience much more pleasant. The best way to answer this question is by being as honest as possible about the problem while providing concrete examples of how it affects your work. For example, if you’re not able to meet productivity goals because you’re constantly working through technical issues, this is a great time to mention that.

5. What is one practical step we could take to help make your job easier?

Finally, one of the most helpful things you can tell your employer is how they can make your job easier. This can be anything from moving your desk to changing your goals. Whatever it is, it should be be something that will have a big impact on your work and your morale.

Giving your employer feedback is a great way to ensure that the company is able to support you in your role while also being aware of any challenges you might be facing. By answering these questions honestly and keeping the focus on actionable steps, you’ll be able to help your employer create a positive working environment for you and for the company.

* This article was written in partnership with the team at Impraise.

6 Do’s and Don’ts of Video Interviews

The hiring process is becoming more and more technologically advanced, and nowadays, it’s not uncommon to be part of a video interview instead of interviewing at an actual office, as it saves money, allows hiring managers to differentiate candidates more quickly, and allows companies to interview more people in a shorter amount of time.

A lot of questions come up when it comes to video interviews: What does one even look like, and how is it different from an in-person interview?

Lucky for you, recruiters at Aramark, a food service, facilities, and uniform services provider, are here to give you the lowdown on the do’s and don’ts of rocking any video interview you find yourself doing.

What’s a Video Interview?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of video interviews, it’s important to understand the two types of video interviews you can encounter.

The first is a video conference, where you’ll have a live interview session with someone (or multiple people) from a company. The second is a pre-recorded online interview, where your responses will be recorded, and someone will review them later to decide whether or not to move you further in the hiring process.

Now onto the do’s and don’ts…

DO Research the Company Beforehand

Think a video interview means you can skip the preparation and google or look up something on the fly because you’re not in the room with your interviewer? Think again. You’re still seen by recruiters when you’re on the video call (they can even hear you typing!), and they’ll immediately know if you’re not paying attention or came to the interview unprepared.

Research everything you can about the opportunity before your interview, including the company, the position, the position’s responsibilities, and your potential boss(es) and/or co-workers.

DO Be Strategic About Where You Have Your Interview

You can’t hold your video interview anywhere; it actually takes a lot of planning to make sure that you’ve found the perfect place.

Find a private space where you can chat without distractions (for instance, if you’re on a campus, reserve a small study room in the library), and make sure the wall behind you is presentable with no objects, posters, or photos in the background. If there are people who could disturb you (like roommates playing loud music in your house), give them the heads up to keep it down.

Additionally, check your internet connection and ability to sign onto the platform where your interview will be hosted. The last thing you want to deal with is spotty wifi or a failed login while you’re trying to tell a recruiter why you want to work for his or her company.

DO Maintain Your Professionalism

Just because you’re not having your interview in a physical office space doesn’t mean you can slack on your professionalism.

Aramark’s recruiters have noticed that often students will start off speaking and acting professionally and will then start using slang and losing enthusiasm as the interview goes on. Regardless of the type of company you’re interviewing for, remember that you’re speaking to professionals, not friends.

And while you might be tempted, don’t just dress appropriately from the waist up. There’s a fair chance you may need to stand up or move, and you don’t want your interviewers to see your “Game of Thrones” pajama bottoms mixed with your best button-down shirt and blazer.

DON’T Read Off of Your Computer Screen

Because you’re in a video interview, you may think it’s okay to write out answers to potential interview questions or map out other responses on your screen for reference. Stay away from this!

Instead, it’s all about preparing and practicing your answers beforehand so that they sound natural when you’re in your interview. Work on responses to behavior-based questions (“Describe a time when…” or “What would you do in a situation where…”) instead of trying to guess what you’ll specifically be asked.

DON’T Be Afraid to Ask Your Interviewer to Repeat the Question

Didn’t understand what a recruiter just asked you? It’s okay to pause and ask, “Can you please repeat that?” Or, if you’re in a live video conference, ask the interviewer to rephrase or clarify the part of the question that’s confusing you. It’s better to ask than to not answer the question (or to answer the wrong question).

DON’T Forget to Be Personable

Two of the biggest things students forget to do during video interviews, according to Aramark’s recruiters? Smile and make eye contact. When you’re talking to a screen, it may be more difficult to pick up on social cues or think about your own. While you don’t have to be grinning from ear to ear and staring wide-eyed at the screen throughout the entire interview, you also don’t want to seem robotic.
Above all, let your personality shine throughout the interview, even if it’s not face-to-face.

Video interviews definitely don’t have to be intimidating or scary. Just like any other interview, come in prepared, look polished, and act professionally. There’s no way a recruiter will be able to say no.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Be a Team Player and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

7 First-Round Interview Tips That Will Help Land You A Second Interview

Securing the first-round interview is a major accomplishment in your job search process: It means that you did something right when it comes to the preparation process. Your resume was on-point, your experience is on-track, and your cover letter was well-written. But now it’s time to show them even more about yourself.

A first-round interview is usually done over the phone or by video call. It’s a screen that you have to pass in order to be truly considered for the job. It has its own set of precautions and best practices that should be acknowledged in order to make sure that you’re putting your best foot forward.

Here are seven interview tips for snagging that second-round spot.

1. Have answers prepared for the three most common interview questions.

*They’re not all going to be* this *easy*.

There are certain questions that every interviewer will ask in one form or another, so you have to be ready to answer them regardless of which field you’re trying to enter. The good news is, if you’re a great candidate for the job, coming up with an answer that will impress your interviewer should be easy.

These questions are:

Why are you interested in this role?
What are your strengths?
Why do you want to work at this company in particular?

You should always answer “Why do you want this role?” with the following two points:

Talk about why you’ll be a great fit for the position.
Explain what you think you can get out of the position in the long-term.

This way you’re showing that not only do you have something to offer the company but also that the company has something to offer you (which makes you an even better investment on their part).

Most employers want to know that the person they’re hiring is looking for a productive relationship—not just a way to make money.

As for strengths, be sure to pick your top three strengths most relevant to the position and have concrete examples of when you displayed them in the past—even if that means bringing an example from class or an extracurricular rather than a past job or internship. And be honest here—misrepresenting yourself will only hurt your chances of giving a quality example.

The last question will rely heavily on your research around the company’s mission, culture, and how those relate to your personal goals. For example, you could say something like, “Because I want to be in leadership in the long-run, I think your company, which offers a ton of management training, would be a great fit for me.”

2. Show them that you’ve done your research.

*Just be sure to do it before the interview.*

There are three things you really need to learn about before your interview:

Learn about the company’s business and history. You should know what the business does (obviously) and how it started. Make note of things like acquisitions, major turning points, and the biggest wins (and losses) in its history. This kind of information can come in handy and—more important—is not something you want to be caught off-guard without.
Learn about your potential role. Understanding the business means understanding what you would add to the business. Thoroughly read the job description. After that, search the name of the role plus the name of the company to get more example-based definitions of the position. This will greatly inform your answers in regards to strengths, fit, and what you hope to gain.
Check the news. When’s the last time the company made the news? You probably won’t want to bring up any scandals or PR disasters. But showing them that you not only keep abreast of current affairs but also have an eye on the company is a great opportunity to shine.

How are you going to show them you’ve done the work? Let the research inform your answers. It’s okay to be explicit and say, “For example, in my research, I learned…” They don’t expect you to be a lifelong expert on the company, just someone who can do their homework when they’re called upon.

3. Show enthusiasm and gratitude throughout the interview.

Already by applying, you’ve shown some interest in the position. However, to prove to the interviewer that this isn’t “just another job” to you, make sure to sound engaged, enthusiastic, and grateful for the interviewer’s time and consideration. This is especially important over the phone, where your interviewer’s only impression of your attitude is the sound of your voice.

Even if you’re nervous, you should answer the phone with a cheery, “Hi, this is ____.” rather than just a “Hey!” or “Hello.” Listen closely to what the interviewer says, thank them for their time, and be sure you’re showing your excitement with passionate answers. Don’t worry too much about being cheesy—it’s certainly better than the opposite!

4. For phone interviews, make sure you’re in a quiet place with a strong signal.

*Believe us, it never sounds as charming in an interview.*

Find yourself a room in the library, your home, or a school building that will give you the privacy and resources you need to successfully complete the interview. You want to avoid taking any calls outside, in coffee shops, other public places, or anywhere where you might be asked to move in the middle of your interview.

This means you should carefully plan ahead. Ask your roommate to clear out for that window of time, book a room in the library in advance, or tell your family that you’ll be in y room taking a call at x o’clock.

You’ll also want to have your laptop ready (with internet access) to take quick notes, reference any documents they might want to send you, or open any links they might pass along. Sometimes you’ll even be asked to complete a quiz or exercise during the call, so make sure you’re ready for anything.

5. Have a notepad and printed version of your resume in front of you.

*Jot down quick talking points you want to hit later… but always look attentive, like so.*

This is especially important if they’ve sent you documents to look at on the computer or have asked you to follow a link. You can’t always use your computer to take notes and you don’t want to miss something important. Plus, if your first-round interview IS in person, then using a computer to take notes is out of the question (unless they instruct you to).

6. For video calls, dress professionally and work in a clean setting.

*Just make sure you have somewhere to sit up straight…*

When you’re on a video call, there’s a limited visual element that you have to be aware of. Make sure the room you’re in is clean and nothing too distracting is in the image. You should also dress like you would for an in-person interview.

Take down any distracting or controversial posters/wall art and make sure your internet connection is strong enough to properly conduct a video call. You might need to work off a school computer or Wi-Fi network to make this happen—so, once again, plan ahead.

7. Don’t forget to follow up.

*I just wanted to say, “Thanks… and here are three reasons why I’m perfect for the job, partner!”*

First round interviews usually mean many candidates being screened for the same position. Following up with a well-worded, prompt email briefly reminding the interviewers of your skills, why you would be a great fit, and your interest in the position will help you stand out. Also, be sure to thank them again for their time and tell them you’re looking forward to further discussing the opportunity.

By following these steps, you’re on the road to landing your dream job. Remember that even if you don’t get this particular position, you’ll just be better prepared for the next interview. Getting through an interview is in and of itself an accomplishment.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Negotiate a Job Offer and find answers to common interview questions such as What Motivates You? right here on the WayUp Guide.

How to Answer: What Was Your Favorite Class in College?

One of the most common interview questions you’ll encounter as a college student or recent grad is, “What was your favorite class?” The purpose of this question is to get an understanding of what you’re passionate about and to find out whether you take a thoughtful approach to your education.

Here are some tips to help you nail this answer.

Pick a class that was meaningful.

Before your interview, think about all the classes you’ve taken and focus on the ones that had the biggest impact on you. What do they have in common? Did they teach you a new skill or make you think about your life in a different way? Once you’ve narrowed down the list to a few classes, focus on the one that was most meaningful to you. For example, if you took a class that helped you overcome a huge personal or professional hurdle, be sure to mention that.

Say something like: “My favorite class was my sophomore year French class. I’ve always loved French and was able to read and write it well, but I struggled to carry on a conversation.”

Explain what you learned and what skills you picked up.

Once you’ve identified your favorite class, go into detail about why it was important to you. Did you learn something you’d been wanting to learn for a long time? Did it challenge you in a specific way? Talk about the skills you picked up and show the quantifiable impact of those skills.

Say something like: “Because this class focused a lot on developing conversation skills, I was able to get past that hurdle and now I can easily hold a conversation in French.”

Talk about whether you liked the professor and why.

The key to coming up with a thoughtful answer is to make it a detailed one. So in addition to quantifying the impact of the class itself, you can talk about the professor’s teaching style and whether they did anything specific to making learning easier and more fun.

Say something like: “I liked that the professor made the class fun and came up with activities that challenged us to expand our vocabularies and learn the language quickly.”

Show how this experience has shaped you.

Once you’ve outlined your reasons for picking this class, wrap up your answer by explaining how the experience has shaped you. If possible, be sure to also quantify its impact by showing how it led to an even bigger learning.

Say something like: “As a whole, the experience made me realize that things seem a lot less overwhelming once you actually dive in and that’s something that I plan to keep in mind as I start my professional life.”

Here’s how to bring it all together:

“My favorite class was my sophomore year French class. I’ve always loved French and was able to read and write it well, but I struggled to carry on a conversation. Because this class focused a lot on developing conversation skills, I was able to get past that hurdle and now I can easily hold a conversation in French. I liked that the professor made the class fun and came up with activities that challenged us to expand our vocabularies and learn the language quickly. As a whole, the experience made me realize that things seem a lot less overwhelming once you actually dive in and that’s something that I plan to keep in mind as I start my professional life.”

By giving a thoughtful and detailed answer, you’ll be sure to impress the interviewer and get one step closer to landing your dream job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get a Mentor at Work and find answers to other common interview questions such as Tell Me About Yourself.

How to Tell If An Interview Went Well

You’ve talked about your experience, given great answers to the interviewer’s questions, and presented yourself with confidence. Although the hard part is over, you may be wondering what comes next and how to tell if your interview went well. It can be stressful not knowing what the final decision will be (and feeling like you have no control over it).

Fortunately, whether you’re interviewing for a paid or unpaid internship or an entry-level job, there are several hints you can identify that will let you know whether the employer considers you to be an extremely competitive candidate. While these hints don’t necessarily guarantee that you got the job, they are good indicators that an offer is coming.

1. You connected with your interviewer.

Smiling, nodding, and other positive body language point to the fact that you and the interviewer were on the same page. If you noticed any of these signs during your interview, it means that the hiring manager was really interested in what you had to say and was able to engage with you on a personal level. Although having a great connection isn’t the only determining factor in getting an offer, it’s a positive sign that the interviewer liked you enough to seriously consider working with you.

2. You got to meet the entire team, including senior managers.

If your 30-minute interview turned into an hour-and-a-half-long meeting and the hiring manager wanted you to meet the entire team and kept saying things like, “Do you have an extra 10 minutes? I’d love for you to talk to Mike and Lisa,” you can be confident that you made a good impression. Meeting multiple people during an interview, especially someone senior like the hiring manager’s manager (or at a smaller company, the CEO), means that the interviewer is seriously considering you as a candidate and wanted to make sure that you would mesh well with potential coworkers.

3. You were shown a detailed part of the role.

No, your interviewer did not show the password-coded, company-specific admin area to all the candidates interviewing for the position. So if this happened to you, it’s another positive sign that the hiring manager is envisioning you in the role and wanted you to seriously consider the responsibilities and tasks you will be managing.

4. They asked for references.

Since professional references don’t come into play until the employer is very interested in you as a candidate, if the hiring manager asked you to provide references during your interview, it means that the company wants to make sure they have all the information they need before making a final decision. This is another encouraging sign and one that usually comes during the final stages of the decision-making process.

5. They gave you a clear timeframe.

Since a lot of interviews end with a vague “We’ll be in touch,” if the interviewer gave you a clear indication of what the next stage would be, it means that they’re planning to follow up soon and to move forward with the hiring process.

6. They spent a lot of time answering your questions.

If the hiring manager spent a lot of time answering your questions, it’s because they wanted to make sure they were highlighting all the great things about the organization and the role. This indicates that they’re very excited about you as a candidate and want you to be equally excited about the position.

7. They asked when you could start.

This one speaks for itself. If the interviewer asked this question, it means that they’re seriously considering making an offer and wanted to know how soon you’d be available to start. By asking this, they were also gauging your enthusiasm for receiving the offer and looking to see how excited you’d be about potentially joining the team.

Although waiting to hear back after an interview can be a little frustrating, reflecting back on the experience will give you some important insights. And if you notice most of the signs mentioned here, it means an offer letter is probably on its way.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look For In a Company and find answers to common interview questions such as Why Do You Want to Work Here?

How to Answer: What Are Your Hobbies?

Hiring managers ask these common interview questions such as “What are your hobbies?” to gauge whether a candidate is a good cultural fit for a role, a characteristic that can help someone stand out above others with similar professional backgrounds. This is especially helpful when you’re trying to land an entry-level job or a paid or unpaid internship, since you may not have a lot of experience yet. The interviewer wants to know that you’re the kind of person other team members will enjoy working with.

Consider this a great opportunity to humanize yourself and show that you’re an interesting person to work with. Best of all, nailing this question will help you leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.

Hobbies to bring up in a job interview

Pick something you’re passionate about. Your answer to this common interview question is the perfect time to show off who you really are. You should be talking about something that you actually enjoy doing. What brings you joy and gives you energy? Reading? Biking? Gardening? Talk about that.

Pick appropriate hobbies

That said, when deciding on a hobby that you’d like to share, think about how that hobby could affect your work performance. When thinking about which hobbies to mention, it should go without saying that answers like “going to all-night raves” or “spending money playing online poker” aren’t going to paint you in the best light—so avoid anything that could be frowned upon or viewed as something that could affect your performance at work, like drinking or gambling.

Think of uncommon ways to talk about popular hobbies

Try not to be overly generic in choosing responses like “listening to music” or “going to the gym.” Sure, they may mean something to you, but this is a time where you can potentially make a lasting impression. If you’re into seeing live music, that is a concrete response—leverage your skills, talk about the work that you put into it. An employer will likely respond well to this sort of hobby, and may see you as more intelligent and hardworking.

If going to the gym is important, give some examples of how hard you work at your fitness goals—and the fun you have doing it. Better yet, if you’re on a sports team, share this information with your future employer, as it shows that you’re a team player and have solid people skills.

Bring Your People Skills to a Job Interview

If your hobbies include a community activity or group, this is definitely something you’ll want to share during a job interview. If you’re the head coach of a local baseball team, tell your future employer. A hobby like this requires planning, leadership and confidence, among other positive qualities. If you’re in a junior league or women’s club, explain what you do and how your mission is to give back to your community. Whatever hobby you choose to highlight during your job interview, remember to focus on the positive qualities you must possess in order to be successful.

Say something like: “I love playing tennis and I was captain of my of my varsity team in high school. I’ve been playing on my school’s intramural team throughout my time in college and it’s been a great way to make friends and get involved in campus activities. Tennis has been a big part of my life for years and I plan to continue playing after I graduate.”

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 5 Tips for Getting an Entry-Level Job Unrelated to Your Major and find answers to common interview questions such as How Have You Displayed Leadership?