Interviewing and Networking

You might also hear the common acronym S.T.A.R. (situation, task, action, result) for crafting interview answers. C.A.R is an effective, yet more simplified, acronym.

C – Context: Provide a clear image of the scenario or background.

“In my last role as a Compensation and Benefits HR Intern, I was tasked with analyzing existing pay levels for the electric division of the company.”

A – Action: Describe what you specifically did. Be detailed and use “I” language to show your contributions.

“I completed market research on salary and hourly wages at competing companies and discovered the company was slightly underpaying for certain roles that were also experiencing high turnover. I prepared a report in Excel and designed an accompanying slide deck to present to senior leadership.”

R – Results/Reflection: These results can be positive, showcasing how you were successful, or your results can provide details about the things that you learned from this experience and how you improved going forward.

“They agreed with my recommendation to increase pay in line with market rates and implemented it for the next cohort.”

Want to tell a potential employer that you’re creative? A problem solver? Flexible? Well-worn phrases won’t help you get the job, but concrete examples will! Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Don’t Say: Highly qualified

Do This Instead: Highlight your accomplishments in previous jobs. Emphasize your specific skills and note any certifications you have earned.

Don’t Say: Hard worker

Do This Instead: Explain exactly how you’ve gone the extra mile for your job. For instance, did you regularly meet tough deadlines, handle a high volume of projects, or tackle tasks outside your job description?

Don’t Say: Team player

Do This Instead: Provide examples of how you worked with colleagues or individuals in other departments to meet an objective or complete a project.

Don’t Say: Problem solver

Do This Instead: Highlight a difficult situation you encountered and how you handled it.

Don’t Say: Flexible

Do This Instead: Describe how you responded to a major change at work (or in your schoolwork) or dealt with the unpredictable aspects of your job.

Don’t Say: People person

Do This Instead: Can you offer examples of your strong communication skills? Can you describe how you’ve worked with co-workers and customers?

Don’t Say: Self-starter

Do This Instead: What can you contribute immediately to the company or to the department you work in? Describe how you took action when you saw an issue that needed to be fixed.

Building a network is essential to getting hired not just now, but for future positions too. The good news? You’ve already started! Once you’ve identified members of your professional network, you can focus on cultivating those relationships.

Your professional network might include:

• Professors
• Alumni and guest speakers in your classes
• College and University leadership and staff
• Current/Previous employers
• Classmates
• Former coaches
• People you know on a more casual basis, like friends and family

Where to Network

• Informational interviews with alumni
• Career fairs and company-sponsored events
• Professional workshops and seminars
• Classes or student organization meetings with an external guest speaker
• Industry conferences and trade shows
• Alumni events
• Professional meetups
• Online networking platforms (e.g., LinkedIn)
• Industry-specific associations and organizations
• Business competitions and hackathons

Additionally, remember to stay open to networking opportunities in everyday situations like social gatherings, volunteer activities, and informational interviews.

The Follow-Up Plan

Leave a lasting impression with personalized follow-up strategies:

• Send a thank-you email within 12 hours, highlighting the value gained and expressing continued interest.
• Connect on LinkedIn with a customized message, reminding them of your meeting.
• Follow up with an update on implementing their advice or progress made.

Following up after networking demonstrates your interest, professionalism, and commitment to building relationships.

Networking Do’s:

• Request contact information, asking for their preferred communication method.
• Ask meaningful questions to foster engagement and active listening.
• Attempt to connect and find common ground, such as exploring shared company core values.
• Be honest about your experience, goals, and interests.
• Keep the conversation focused on professional topics.

Networking Don’ts:

• Avoid asking for referrals or a job on the first encounter.
• Refrain from inquiring about salary or confidential information.
• Maintain a strictly professional connection; avoid personal topics.
• Only request personal cell phone numbers if they indicate it’s the preferred method.
• Respect confidentiality by refraining from asking about clients or sensitive information.
• Avoid commenting on appearance.
• Steer clear of negative conversations about competitors.
• Never fabricate stories or lies to establish common ground.
• Refrain from speaking negatively about previous employers.