Mock Interviews

Like most people, I used to get very nervous under pressure until I discovered the secrets to the confidence I had today.

Landing an interview for a job or internship is an exciting moment—but one often immediately followed by questions. No matter your age or experience, meeting with a potential new employer can be stressful. We always think of the background we have that might stop this from going forward. I personally have had brush-ins with the law in my past, which should logically turn future employers away, but you can’t let that stop you from progressing and moving forward! I sure haven’t.

First, take a deep breath and remind yourself that simply securing an interview means you’ve met the basic qualifications. Next, put in some work to ensure that you make the best impression possible. Let your past go, and ignore negative thoughts. Know that it’s always a fresh start and people give second chances! You first have to give yourself the chance to accept the change and leave the past behind you!                                                                     -R Sanders

Ralph Sanders former Juvenile’s  At Risk director of Life coach advising and programming youth Schools,  is no stranger to the interview process. In this post, He gives his expert advice on how to ace an interview—from preparation to follow-up. 

It’s very difficult for an Ex-Con to regain trust and Respect in the new world once walking out of confinement. keep the faith and move forward never looking back. It can be done if you tell yourself it will be done! Failure is a learning process we all have to admit and reach out for the better. You can reach your highest potential if you keep the hunger in your spirit. 

Do Your Research

Ahead of an interview, research three key areas:

• Yourself

• The position

• The company

Researching yourself means reviewing the characteristics and qualifications that make you a good fit. Identify your strengths and devise a story with a beginning, middle, and end that demonstrates those skills. Don’t feel neglected or alone out there searching for success! It’s in you already, butyou have to break down the walls to set it loose at times. 

Next, do your homework on the position for which you’re applying. To get more information than what’s in the job posting.  Search on LinkedIn to find people with similar roles. Look at other places online and ….You can also search sites like Indeed or Glassdoor for job descriptions that may be more comprehensive. Make your resume, and possibly business cards depending on your profession, with help from google. 

Finally, research the company as much as possible. Go into the interview confident that you’ve read all the pertinent details on the website and then some. Search the company’s name in Google and see what the public, as well as current and former employees, have to say. Its a great way for the applicant to get psyched—you should want to know this information!

These steps aren’t just great prep for your interview. They’re a way to ensure you actually want the job. If you want it bad enough you will get it, through drive and not giving up or letting go. 

Prepare Your Stories

A good personal story is powerful. It gives the listener a better understanding of who you are, what motivates you, and how you act in certain situations. That’s why interviewers will often ask you a question that begins, “Tell me about a time when …”

“Most interviews will have a behavioral component because the idea is that past behavior is an indicator of future performance,” says Spencer.

Stories let you demonstrate your creativity, interpersonal skills, and prowess under pressure. It’s about finding the right story to tell, then practicing how you tell it.

Spencer says that when choosing your stories, go back to the agenda of the organization and find a narrative that aligns with what they’re trying to accomplish. Choose a story from your past that’s relevant and relatable.

If your work history is short, it’s OK to use an anecdote from school or your personal life. Just don’t reach too far back

It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. They want to get to know you better, so using something outside a work situation could potentially be advantageous