Monday, March 23, 2009

The Moment of Truth: My Real Job Interview







The Moment of Truth: My Real Job Interview
by Chelsea Moore

I just recently landed a job in the College of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma. From the moment I went into the interview, I was thinking of how I was going to convey to them that I would be the best person for the job. I wanted to make the right impression, but I wasn't even sure what they needed.

I realized how much my classes prepared me for the interview. As I got ready for the interview, I happened to come across my portfolio from my publications class. This class was, by far, my favorite public relations class. I've always had fun doing creative graphic publications. So, I took a revised version of my resume and my portfolio to the interview.

When I got there, the first thing they asked me is if I had samples of my work. I didn't realize the importance of the portfolio would be. I handed it to them and they sat me down at a table with three other people. One woman flipped through my portfolio as one guy asked me questions and the other guy took notes-- definitely nerve racking! This was way more involved than I had expected. I found myself pulling information out of my brain from classes from years previous.

Then it clicked. I am a graduating senior. And that interview, though it was intimidating, wasn't so bad. I knew all the answers to their questions. I had no idea that I was adequately prepared for the workforce.

At the end of the interview, he asked me to write a strategic plan for the college's public relations. I applied the 10-step matrix that Dr. C had been explaining that week in class.
A few days later, I received an email explaining their satisfaction with my plan. After a second interview and a little bit of waiting, I got the job.

It showed me why I am going through the stress of college. It may be tough at times, but my rounded knowledge of the public relations industry that enables me to land a good job will make it all worth it. Today, College of Architecture--tomorrow, the White House?


Image Source: BioJobBlog.com

1 comment:

Leah said...

Your post seems very relevant to everything we we all are experiencing right now. Finding a job is a very frightening experience but I'm glad to hear that you were able to find a great job! Its encouraging to know that people are hiring and working hard throughout college has paid off in the end.