Tag: postgrad

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:

  1. Talk about why you’ll be a great fit for the position.
  2. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Let ’em know that you care!

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?

How to Answer: What Excites You About This Industry?

Knowing a lot about the industry you’re trying to enter is a great first step to getting your foot in the door. Being able to demonstrate that knowledge during an interview is even better. When potential employers ask “What excites you about this industry?,” what they really want to know is that you’re passionate about the field you’ve chosen and that you have a solid understanding of the company and its goals.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

Know the ins and outs of your chosen industry

In order to figure out what excites you about a field, it’s important to research initiatives and campaigns in the industry to find out which ones really appeal to you. Hiring managers want to see that you’re not only passionate about the space the company is in, but that you also closely follow the most recent trends and can use this knowledge to add value to their business.

For example, if you’re interested in sales, finding out about innovative sales tactics will allow you to demonstrate that you know what works and how it’s done. If you want to work in engineering, be prepared to discuss how mobile is changing the development of technology. If you’re looking at a role in marketing, you should be able to name brands that are thought leaders in the space.

Pro Tip: Hiring managers can see right through someone who is reciting the company’s mission statement or says something generic like “I think the sales industry is fascinating.” Instead, talk about a specific campaign you’ve followed or a person you admire. If you know people who work in the industry, you can also talk about the work they’ve done that’s sparked your interest.

Say something like: “Sales is fascinating because of the competition it sparks. As someone who has always been highly competitive, I have closely followed the sales tactics between Verizon and T-mobile and I’ve learned a lot about the methods that really work in this industry.”

Connect your excitement to your long-term career plans

Having established your knowledge of the field and what excites you about it, talk about how this connects with your long-term plans. Whether you’re applying for an internship or an entry-level job, talking about your goals will show the hiring manager that you’ve considered not only your current enthusiasm for the industry, but also how your excitement aligns with your plans for the future.

Say something like: “My interest in sales stems from the economics classes I took in college, where I learned about what makes companies sustainable. I’d love to be part of an industry where I can develop this knowledge in a hands-on way, and hope to use this knowledge to eventually lead a team of my own.”

How to bring it all together:

“Sales is fascinating because of the competition it sparks. As someone who has always been highly competitive, I have closely followed the sales tactics between Verizon and T-mobile and I’ve learned a lot about the methods that really work in this industry. My interest in sales stems from the economics classes I took in college, where I learned about what makes companies sustainable. I’d love to be part of an industry where I can develop this knowledge in a hands-on way, and hope to use this knowledge to eventually lead a team of my own.”

Answering “What excites you about this industry?” is a great opportunity to show that you’re thoughtfully considering your future and looking for a role that will allow you to add value to the company while also aligning with your goals.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as What Gets You Up in the Morning?

How to Answer: What Other Companies Are You Interviewing With?

Just as you’re about to wrap up the interview, the hiring manager has one final question: “So, what other companies are you interviewing with?” By asking this question, the interviewer is trying to determine how serious you are about the position and how committed you are to landing a job in the specific industry you’re trying to enter. Although this is a less common interview question than some others you’ll encounter, there’s still a chance it will come up, so it’s great to have a strong answer prepared.

Here’s are some tips to keep in mind when answering this question.

Talk about what the companies you’re interviewing with have in common.

Whether you’re interviewing with a dozen other companies or this is your very first interview ever, don’t feel pressured to share exact information about your job search. Instead, find a common theme among the roles and companies you’ve been applying to and use that as a way of highlighting why you’d be a great fit for the position. This is especially helpful if you’re applying for positions in multiple industries since it will show potential employers that you’re passionate about finding a certain kind of role even though you’re flexible about some of the specifics.

Pro Tip: If you’re not interviewing with any other companies, you may want to talk about other jobs you’ve applied to instead (without getting too specific). In that case, you can say something like: “I’m in the early stages of the job search but I’m exploring several opportunities that will allow me to use my social media skills. I’m really excited about finding a position where I can learn a lot and add value to the company’s overall social media strategy.”

Highlight your excitement for this specific position.

Ultimately, interviewers ask this question because they want to gauge your interest in their role and make sure that you’re as interested in the position as the company is in hiring you. To demonstrate your commitment and still make it clear that you’re a valuable candidate who is already on the radar of other employers, be enthusiastic while showing that you do have other opportunities.

Say something like: “I’m interviewing with a few organizations that will allow me to use my social media skills, and I’m excited about finding a position where I can learn a lot and add value to the company’s branding goals. However, I’m particularly interested in the role at your company because it will allow me to make the most of my social media skills while also providing me with growth opportunities, and the ability to work with such an amazing team.”

Answering “What other companies are you interviewing with?” might seem a bit tricky at first, but it’s actually a wonderful opportunity to show that you’ve done your homework on the industry and that you know the position would be the best fit for you. By answering with enthusiasm and confidence, you’ll show the hiring manager that you’re interested in the position not just because you need a job, but because you know this job will be the perfect fit for you.

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 Are You Willing to Relocate?

How to Answer: If You Could Invest in One Stock, Which Stock Would it Be?

Whether you’re interviewing for a finance internship or entry-level job, you will come across technical interview questions during the process. One popular question you’ll encounter when applying for a job in finance is, “If you could invest in one stock, which stock would it be?” The reason the interviewer asks this question is because they want to analyze your familiarity with the market and get a sense of your logic and reasoning skills.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

Explain how you would pick the stock.

Even if you don’t have a preferred stock, you’ve likely discussed various stocks and their performance during economics classes or at a previous internship. In order to make sure that you give a comprehensive answer, pick a stock that reflects something about you. For example, if you have high risk tolerance, mention this and explain why it’s a key factor in your decision-making process.

Say something like: “I’m interested in growth because I’m young and my risk tolerance is higher. Companies that pay dividends don’t appeal to me because I don’t need the recurring income, as I have a job to pay my bills. I would rather see companies use money to fuel their growth in the short and long term.”

Pro Tip: When coming up with your answer, it’s important to keep in mind things like stability, growth and past performance. Although you may choose not to talk about these factors when giving your example, they’re likely to come up when the interviewer asks a follow-up question and knowing about them will show that you’re well-informed.

Give a solid reason for your choice.

Once you’ve outlined the factors you look for when picking a stock, explain how you arrived at your decision. It’s important to be specific and to give a sense of how this stock would fit into your overall portfolio. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not only aware of the current state of the market but that you also have long-term goals for your portfolio.

Say something like: “I’m specifically interested in tech, and Netflix recently reported their earnings. They beat estimates on revenue and earnings, but missed widely on new subscriber growth, sending the stock down 16%. I think this signals a great buying opportunity, as Netflix still has a large market to capture abroad, and these headwinds are a short-term issue. Overall, long term I feel the company is well positioned to significantly increase their growth and market share abroad. In conclusion, I wouldn’t want a single stock to be more than 3-5% of my overall portfolio, as it is not advisable to over invest in one specific equity, no matter how bullish I might be.”

Here’s how to bring it all together:

“I’m interested in growth because I’m young and my risk tolerance is higher. Companies that pay dividends don’t appeal to me because I don’t need the recurring income, as I have a job to pay my bills. I would rather see companies use that money to fuel their growth in the short and long term. If we’re looking at today, with all the uncertainty abroad, I would want to stick to a US-based stock, and I feel that with it being an election year, it has brought volatility into the market for opportunistic investments at specific times. I’m specifically interested in tech, and Netflix recently reported their earnings. They beat estimates on revenue and earnings, but missed widely on new subscriber growth, sending the stock down 16%. I think this signals a great buying opportunity, as Netflix still has a large market to capture abroad, and these headwinds are a short-term issue. Overall, long term I feel the company is well positioned to significantly increase their growth and market share abroad. In conclusion, I wouldn’t want a single stock to be more than 3-5% of my overall portfolio, as it is not advisable to over invest in one specific equity, no matter how bullish I might be.”

One key thing to remember is that there is no set response when it comes to determining which stock to invest in. What is important is picking a stock that you can stand behind and convincingly talking about the factors that influenced your decision. This is likely to impress the interviewer and get you one step closer to landing your dream job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Use a Blog to Apply for an Internship and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About Yourself.

Top Interview Questions for Social Media Jobs

Social media is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting fields around. From posting stories on Snapchat to creating engaging posts for Facebook, there’s a lot you can do as a social media manager to increase brand visibility and connect with customers. Whether you’re trying to land your first social media internship or an entry-level job as a social media manager, one of the keys to doing well in an interview is showing that you’re just as analytical as you are creative.

We sat down with Juliette Dallas-Feeney, Senior Social Media Manager at Birchbox, to get the inside scoop on what to expect during your interview.

Here are some questions you should prepare to answer in an interview for a social media job:

What is the future of social media?

“This is a really essential question because it shows that you’re thinking ahead and you understand that social media is a fast-moving industry,” Juliette explains. When she asks this question during an interview, she wants to know that candidates are thinking several steps ahead and that they’re able to anticipate new trends before they happen. “I want to know that you’re thoughtful and creative and are thinking more than just ‘in the now’,” she says.

To nail this answer, do some research on new platforms and trend forecasts for the upcoming year. Come prepared with at least two examples to discuss. One of these should focus on a trend for an existing channel while the other should mention an emerging platform that could be the next big thing.

How would you describe Facebook vs Snapchat vs Instagram vs any other social channel?

This is another key question that tests your knowledge of the industry and of the differences between platforms. “Not all channels are created equal,” Juliette explains. “You can’t just post something across all channels and have it be the same,” she adds. When she asks this question while interviewing potential candidates at Birchbox, it’s because she wants to know that candidates have a detailed understanding of each platform and can develop strategies that are specific to each one. “I really want to get an understanding from you that you have done your research on these channels, that you are a practitioner on these channels and you know what works and what doesn’t work on each one.”

To answer this question, give an example of a post that you think would perform well on a company’s Facebook page and another post that would do well on Instagram. Then explain why they would be successful on their specific channels.

Pro Tip: Looking at the company’s past activity and finding trends among channels is a great place to start. This will give you important insights into the brand voice and help you understand what types of posts perform well for them.

Who is your favorite brand/personality on social media and why?

This question is a great chance for you to give the interviewer an inside look at your personality and to talk about what media brands and personalities inspire you. When preparing your answer, be honest but don’t pick the most obvious choice. “Don’t say that it’s Birchbox because that’s cheating,” Juliette jokes. Instead, show that you know the social media space and that you’re familiar with brands and influencers who are making a difference. Mention the name of your favorite account, approximately how many followers they have and give a specific reason for why you like them such as the fact that they post funny memes on Instagram. This will show that you understand what goes into making a successful brand or personality on social media.

Tell me about your own social presence.

This is a chance for you to show off your own social media presence and talk about how the insights you’ve gained will help you increase engagement for the company’s brand. “I want to see that you have your own following,” Juliette says. She’s also interested in how you’re able to maintain a cohesive voice across different platforms while ensuring that you’re posting content that works best for each one. “I want to see something that shows me that you really understand social media so that you can bring that experience into working for a brand.”

When talking about your social presence, frame your experience in terms of goals. If you’re aiming to a thought leader in a specific area (like entertainment or politics), mention that. Then talk about the strategies you’ve used to increase engagement and reach your goals.

Pro Tip: Make sure to clean up your social media channels before the interview. This will ensure that you’re putting your best foot forward with the hiring manager and spotlighting the things that make your work unique.

In a fast-moving industry like social media, landing a great job is all about showing that you’re up-to-date with the latest industry trends and that you’re able to leverage them to build your personal brand and the brand of the company you want to work for. By preparing your answers to these questions, you’ll impress your interviewer and to get one step closer to your dream job at a great brand like Birchbox.

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