In addition to answering another “Career Dilemma Question,” the hosts get down to specifics about homework to do and questions to prepare prior to interviews, behaviors that could sabotage your interactions, and strategies for getting your message across. They also highlight the importance of resilience, seeking the right workplace cultural fit and knowing how to “read the room” when it comes to asking for feedback.

Speaking of feedback, Julia elicits some groans from her co-hosts when she wraps things up with a joke. 

If you’re interested in more career advice, the art of interviewing and perhaps some more dubious humor then visit: TheCareerGrowthPodcast

KEY TOPICS:

• 04:35 – Why interviews are an important component of the hiring process.

• 06:25 – Interviews can be as much for the interviewer’s benefits as for the candidate’s.

• 07:39 – Three key things to do before an interview. (Hint: Research, Research, Research … the company, it’s social media, competitors, website and key players.)

• 10:30 – Preparing (smart, well-researched) questions to ask at during interview.

• 12:58 – Things you should be doing in an interview (i.e. showing up on time, listening before replying, demonstrating engagement).

• 18:14 – Julia explains STAR – the team’s method for structuring answers. (Situation. Task. Action. Results.)

• 19:48 – Lucie explains the importance of cultural fit in a prospective workplace.

• 21:30 – Roll play: Strategies for wrapping up an interview.

• 25:31 – A big and scary question: When is it wise (and appropriate) to ask whether the interviewer has any hesitancy coming out of your conversation?

• 28:22 – Baseline follow-up for the post-interview phase, including a thank-you email.

• 29:53 – Advice for those times the job doesn’t pan out. Don’t take it too much to heart!

• 33:00 – “Falling forward” and using rejection as fuel for growth and development.

• 35:25 – Career Dilemma Question: “How do I get noticed and seriously considered in my industry of choice (the financial sector)?”

QUOTES:

“Almost everyone has a love-hate relationship with interviews.” (Vinay)

“If you do well, you could receive a lot of job offers. Do badly, and you may struggle to get an offer, even if you’re the most qualified candidate on paper.” (Vinay)

“It’s exactly like dating: a journey that has many ups and downs.” (Lucie)

“Never look at a job rejection and think you’ll never move on. You’ve got to keep going and make yourself a stronger person.” (Lucie)

“Interviewing is an absolute skill and it can be mastered.” (Vinay)

“It’s always a red flag for me when someone I’ve interviewed does not have any questions or asks really basic questions they could have answered looking at the careers page or homepage.” (Vinay)

“One of the first things I look at is ‘Do they live up to their CV?’ There’s a fine line between selling yourself and exaggerating – and a good interviewer will know which side you sit on within a few minutes.”

“I appreciate candidates who take a moment or two to compose an answer in their head, as opposed to someone who interrupts me … This is really just a basic life skill.” (Vinay)

“There are different cultures in different workplaces and you might not fit into every one, but I think it’s important that you do find one you can fit into.” (Lucie)

“(Thank-you notes) are such a small step but can really set you apart from the rest of the candidates applying for the role.” (Julia)

“Don’t take it personally. It’s not a personal rejection. It’s just that you are not the right fit for that particular role.” (Vinay)

“Yes, this really hurts. Yes, my emotions are all over the place. No, it isn’t against me and my skills. I have to trust that it’s going to ‘fall forward’ and things will work out. Only then will I be able to master the art of interviewing.” (Julia)

“There is nothing like seeing a candidate who has realized that they might not necessarily have the skills and has gone out of their way to pick them up.” (Vinay)

Hosts Bio

• Lucie Morris: Originally from Birmingham, Lucie pursued her bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Human Resources from the Leeds Becketts University. With experience in advertising, public relations and marketing, Lucie is now the Employer Partnership Associate for London-based International Internship Provider, Capital Placement. Lucie uses her experience working with 500+ companies to provide clients with insight into career growth and what employers are seeking in an ideal candidate for their companies.
  LinkedIn
• Vinay Vimalan: As Co-founder and CEO of Capital Placement, Vinay offers a decade’s worth of experience and knowledge into career development and recruitment. He has extensive experience with finding and placing students and graduates in internships around the world with companies ranging from startups to multinational corporations. As CEO of Capital Placement, Vinay not only offers insight into what employers are searching for in their own company but also provides actionable tips for those with career aspirations. LinkedIn.
• Julia Hurtado: Originally from Austin, Texas, Julia received her bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Global Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Upon graduation, she decided to take a jump across the pond to work as a Business Development and Marketing Intern at Capital Placement in London that eventally became a full-time associate’s position. Julia helps university students and graduates with their career choices and provides advice on professional development.
  LinkedIn.

Contact the Hosts:

1. Website: www.thecareergrowth.com

2. Email: thecareergrowthpodcast@capital-placement.com

3. Social Media: @Instagram