To all the juniors, we did it! The interviews are done and over with. No more revising resumes and cover letters. It’s done and we can all move on to the next graduation requirement, passing classes and racking up credits.
For all the future juniors, Junior Interviews truly aren’t that bad. The worst part, as Madison Kurylo put it, is “the suspense until they brought me in.” Sitting in the hallway before the interview is definitely the worst part about the whole process, but everything else is fine.
It is also necessary to take a moment to recognize the reputation of Junior Interviews. Jilly Fogleman did a wonderful job highlighting this reputation in response to being asked about what the worst part of Junior Interviews was. She said “I think the worst part of Junior interviews was the over hype of it in a negative way. I’ve always had anxiety [an overwhelming] perception of it, when in reality it’s a simple and easy thing. … The anxiety from overthinking it is what I feel knocks most people’s grades.” Everything Jilly said is true. Because Junior Interviews are a graduation requirement, they’re stressful. Everyone is worried about passing. Even with the reassurance of seniors and teachers, the collective stress of an entire grade gets to everyone in some way.
The best way to combat this anxiety and negative association of the interviews, is to share the experience of the current junior class and their advice.
While yes, many consider the interviews being over the best part, some considered the interview itself to be the best part. Junior Interviews are a chance to get a feel for what a real interview is like and what you should do in an interview. It’s a chance to make small mistakes and get feedback on how to improve and get a confidence boost for the things you did right. Look at a passing grade as being hired. Go into the interview with the mindset that this is a job you really want, it will greatly improve your performance.
Other tips, like selling yourself, remaining calm, thinking positively, and as Matt Everet wisely suggested, “prepare for the greatest strength and weakness questions” are great. The best advice that I received, came from Mr. Clark.
As he told my Vet Science class, “Be you. Go home when answering questions with examples and experiences, meaning share examples and experience(s) that you personally have and know.”
Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions before the interview. Even if you think it should be common sense, if you are not one hundred percent sure about something, ask. Ethan Swan’s response to the question, “If you could do anything differently what would it be?” was: “I would bring a portfolio, since I applied for a photographer position and interviewers usually want such so they know your skill level. I wasn’t sure if I was allowed to since I heard nothing about a portfolio even though it’s a big thing when considering interviews.”
In the end Junior Interviews went well overall and are truly not something to spend long periods of time stressing over, as well as being the reason for an amazing quote from Johnathan Bradshaw: “Why should we hire you?”
“I’m Johnny Brad.”
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