Tripping on Tips

When seeking job opportunities outside of your current state of residence one of the biggest challenges is securing and participating in interviews. Although video and phone sessions are sometimes an option in the early stages of the selection process, most employers will eventually want to meet the potential newest addition to their team face-to-face. After a recent four-hour commute for a five-minute interview, I decided I would make more of my traveling opportunities moving forward.  

Last week I took a trip to Houston, TX and returned home with many memories, lessons and budding relationships. I extended my stops in the city beyond the locations of the interview building and post office and opted for a more rewarding experience. While exploring the city I discovered several interesting facts and bragging rights of the most philanthropic city in the country, which also houses America’s largest airport and rodeo.

After securing my spot in Super Bowl LI festivities, I’m excited to extend my Houston experience while visiting for training and the big event. Below are three simple tips to make the most of your future road trips.

1.       Research and visit popular attractions and dining options in the area.

2.       Schedule informational interviews with other businesses of interest in the city.

3.       Visit family and friends along the way.

What are your favorite things to do when traveling to new places? Share below.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate

Rocking the Interview

When making the transition into “The Real World” there is one thing you can’t avoid. No matter how much education or experience you have the interview is an essential element of the selection process. Even when rising within the ranks of a company, interviews are often a matter of protocol.

Today I thought I’d share interview questions and statements commonly directed toward candidates to gauge their ability to succeed in specific roles and determine if they are a perfect fit.

The following are general questions I’ve been asked recently. Although I haven’t interviewed for positions outside of public relations and communications, these questions are applicable across all disciplines. Go ahead, answer.  

1.       Tell me about yourself and your experience to this point in your career.

2.       Why are you interested in this position?

3.       Why would you be a good fit for this position?

4.       What would make you an asset to the organization?

5.       How can this organization and position help you achieve your career goals?

6.       How would you overcome challenges of the job and roll with the punches?

7.       What are your salary expectations?

8.       Do you have any questions or comments?

Because I am a talker, general interview questions are easy for me to answer. When preparing for a new potential opportunity, I spend most of my time focusing on situational inquiries that may arise. Because I thrive in fast-paced, project-oriented, results-driven roles, I’m often asked questions that relate. Below are questions specific to public relations, events, and non-profit roles. Others were simply interesting and fun to answer.  

1.       What is your dream job?

2.       Tell me about your event planning experience and the most overwhelming event you’ve ever had to plan or participate in?

3.       How important is work-life balance to you?

4.       Are you comfortable working nights and/or weekends, when necessary?

5.       What draws you to working in community relations for a team versus a non-profit?

6.       What are you most passionate about?

7.       What causes and/or organizations are near and dear to your heart?

8.       What is your favorite program or initiative of this company and why?

9.       What would be your greatest challenges in this role and how would you overcome them?

10.   Describe a time when you had to adapt to a change midway through an event or campaign.

11.   What are your most and least favorite elements of public relations?

12.   What public relations skills have you mastered and which do you need to improve?

13.   If you could be a vehicle what would you be and why?

14.   What is the greatest risk you’ve ever taken and what were the results?

15.   What is your most significant achievement up to this point in your career and why?

If you get through all of these questions and you’re still in the hot seat, it is probably a good sign. The more direct your responses are the more questions you’ll get to answer. Consider this a practice interview. You can thank me later. What are some interesting or challenging questions you’ve been asked in an interview? Share below or continue the conversation on social media. Don’t forget #RealWorldWednesday! Talk to you soon.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate