I have two interviews finally! Looking for advice and tips on how to nail them, much love to anybody who can help ❤️

I finally landed two interviews I’m genuinely pretty excited about that I need to prep a bit for. I’m a bit out of practice as it’s been a while since I’ve interviewed with anybody, but they’re for entry level corporate roles

Company 1 (tmr afternoon) is an in person, presumably final round interview for a summer marketing internship that starts at just above minimum wage. It doesn’t sound too bad, more creative leaning, and Im less worried because I’m pretty good at in person interviewing. After the summer it would presumably turn into a permanent role. Benefits unknown at this point, most likely minimal. It would also likely start soon this month.

Company 2 (Tue afternoon) is a well known large publisher and would look much better on my resume. The starting salary is also significantly higher and the benefits sound awesome. I was informed the role would start in July so the timing might get messy, but company 2 gets infinitely more priority as I already have internships on my resume and that would be a big step up for me. Also I’m sure they have a swankier office

I’m not just looking for some good tips but also how I should approach these two. Like say company 1 wants to rush me headfirst into the role, and company 2 delays their answer. Company 2 informed me that they’d like me to keep them in the loop about my other prospects.

Oh, also company 2 is doing this round 2 interview over video. Much less confident about this even though I’m a great fit for the position.

I know this is a mess but I’m nervous and anything helps !

Jobadvisor

That's fantastic news about landing two interviews! It's completely normal to feel a bit nervous, especially when you're out of practice and have a lot riding on them. Let's break down how to nail both and navigate the timing.

Here's a comprehensive guide with tips and advice:

General Interview Nailing Tips (for both interviews):

1. Research, Research, Research:

• Company 1 (Marketing Internship): Understand their recent marketing campaigns, target audience, and overall brand. Look at their social media, website, and any recent press releases. Think about how your creative skills align with their current marketing efforts.
• Company 2 (Publisher): This is crucial. Dive deep into their publications, recent successes, and any news about their company culture or initiatives. Identify specific projects or authors that excite you. Understand their business model and the specific role you're applying for.
• The Role: For both, carefully re-read the job descriptions. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills.

2. Prepare Your Stories (STAR Method):

• Think of 3-5 specific examples from your past experiences (academic projects, previous internships, volunteer work, even part-time jobs) that demonstrate skills relevant to the roles.
• For each example, use the STAR method:
  • Situation: Briefly describe the context.
  • Task: Explain the goal you needed to achieve.
  • Action: Detail the steps you took.
  • Result: Quantify the positive outcome of your actions.
• Practice telling these stories out loud so they sound natural and confident.

3. Craft Thoughtful Questions:

• Always have 3-5 intelligent questions prepared to ask the interviewer at the end. This shows your engagement and genuine interest.
• Good questions to ask:
  • "What does a typical day look like in this role?"
  • "What are the biggest challenges someone in this position might face in the first few months?"
  • "How do you measure success in this role?"
  • "What opportunities are there for growth and development within the company/team?"
  • "What's the team dynamic like?"
• For Company 1: You might ask about the transition from internship to permanent role.
• For Company 2: You could ask about specific projects or initiatives you're interested in.

4. Dress the Part:

• Company 1 (In-person): Business casual is usually safe for internships, but lean towards the "business" side. Think slacks/skirt, a nice blouse/button-down shirt, and polished shoes.
• Company 2 (Video): Even though it's video, dress as if you were going in person. At least from the waist up! A professional top, good grooming, and a tidy background are essential.

5. Practice Your Elevator Pitch:

• Be ready to briefly and enthusiastically introduce yourself and explain why you're interested in the role and company. This might come up at the very beginning.

6. Send Thank You Notes:

• Within 24 hours of each interview, send a personalized thank-you email to everyone you interviewed with. Reiterate your interest and briefly mention something specific you discussed.

Specific Advice for Each Interview:

Company 1 (In-Person Marketing Internship - Tomorrow Afternoon):

• Your Mindset: Approach this as a genuine opportunity, but also as excellent practice for Company 2. Don't put all your pressure on it, but give it your best shot.
• Preparation:
  • Portfolio/Examples: Since it's creative-leaning, bring a small portfolio or be ready to discuss specific creative projects you've worked on. Even if it's just a school project, be prepared to showcase your thought process.
  • Location: Confirm the exact location and plan your travel to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Factor in potential traffic.
  • Materials: Bring a few copies of your resume, a notepad, and a pen.
• During the Interview:
  • Enthusiasm: Show your excitement for marketing and the opportunity.
  • Creativity: Be ready to brainstorm or discuss creative solutions to hypothetical marketing challenges.
  • Culture Fit: Pay attention to the office environment and try to gauge if it's a place you'd enjoy working.
  • Questions: Ask about the day-to-day, the team, and what kind of projects you'd be working on. You can also discreetly inquire about the path from intern to permanent role.

Company 2 (Video Interview for Publisher - Tuesday Afternoon):

• Your Mindset: This is your top priority. Go in with confidence, knowing you're a great fit.
• Preparation:
  • Tech Check:
    • Test your internet connection.
    • Test your webcam and microphone well in advance. Do a practice call with a friend.
    • Ensure good lighting (natural light is best, facing you).
    • Choose a quiet location with a clean, uncluttered background.
    • Close all unnecessary tabs and applications on your computer.
  • Body Language (for video):
    • Make "eye contact" by looking at your webcam, not just the screen.
    • Sit up straight and project confidence.
    • Nod and smile to show engagement.
    • Avoid fidgeting or looking at your phone.
  • Notes: Have a few key bullet points (not a script) visible near your webcam. These can include points you want to make or questions you want to ask.
• During the Interview:
  • Professionalism: Maintain a highly professional demeanor.
  • Specifics: Refer to specific books, authors, or initiatives of the publisher. This shows you've done your homework.
  • "Keep them in the loop": This is excellent information. They are clearly interested in you.

Navigating the Timing and Offers:

This is the trickiest part, but it's manageable.

Scenario: Company 1 Rushes, Company 2 Delays

1. After Company 1 Interview: They might make an offer quickly, perhaps even on the spot or within a day.

   • If they offer you the role:
     • Express Gratitude: "Thank you so much for the offer! I'm truly excited about this opportunity."
     • Request Time: "I'm very interested, and I just need a little time to consider everything before making a decision. Would it be possible to have until [a specific date, e.g., end of the week, or early next week] to give you my answer?" This is perfectly reasonable. Aim for 2-3 business days if possible.
     • Do NOT mention Company 2 to Company 1 at this stage. You just need time to consider.

2. After Company 2 Interview:

   • When to "Keep them in the loop": If you get an offer from Company 1, that's when you contact Company 2.

   • How to contact Company 2 (if you have Company 1's offer):

     • Send an email (or call if appropriate) to your main contact at Company 2.

     • Subject Line: Following Up - [Your Name] - [Role You Interviewed For]

     • Body: "Dear [Company 2 Contact Name],

       I hope this email finds you well.

       I truly enjoyed our conversation on Tuesday and remain very enthusiastic about the [Specific Role Name] position at [Company 2 Name]. I believe my skills in [mention 1-2 key skills] and passion for [mention something specific about their work] would be a great asset to your team.

       I wanted to let you know that I have received another job offer. While I am grateful for the offer, my strong preference remains for the [Specific Role Name] position at [Company 2 Name].

       I understand that hiring processes take time, but I was hoping to get an update on the timeline for your decision. Please let me know if there's any additional information I can provide to assist with your decision-making process.

       Thank you again for your time and consideration.

       Sincerely, [Your Name]"

   • Why this works:

     • It doesn't give an ultimatum.
     • It subtly signals your desirability.
     • It reiterates your strong interest in Company 2.
     • It pressures them (gently) to move faster if they want you.
     • It honors your promise to keep them in the loop.

3. What if Company 2 doesn't respond quickly?

   • You might have to make a decision about Company 1 if their deadline passes. This is a tough call.
   • If you accept Company 1: You can always accept and then, if Company 2 comes through later, decide whether to renege on Company 1 (which is generally frowned upon but sometimes necessary for your career). However, since Company 1 is an internship that "presumably" turns into a permanent role, and Company 2 is a direct step up, this might be a situation where you prioritize Company 2 if it comes through.
   • If you decline Company 1: Only do this if you're prepared to potentially have no offer. This is riskier.

Key takeaway for timing: Try to buy yourself as much time as politely possible from Company 1 if they offer quickly, and then leverage that offer (without revealing details) to prompt Company 2.

Acknowledging Your Nerves and Building Confidence for Video:

It's totally normal to feel less confident about video interviews. Here's how to counter that:

• Practice, Practice, Practice:
  • Record yourself answering common interview questions (e.g., "Tell me about yourself," "Why are you interested in this role?").
  • Watch it back critically: How's your eye contact? Your posture? Your speaking pace? Do you sound enthusiastic?
  • Do a mock interview with a friend or family member over video.
• Familiarize Yourself with the Platform: If it's a platform you haven't used (e.g., specific video conferencing software), try to get a feel for it beforehand.
• Visualize Success: Before the interview, take a few deep breaths and imagine yourself confidently answering questions and connecting with the interviewer.
• Focus on the Fit: Remind yourself why you're a great fit for Company 2. Re-read the job description and your resume, connecting your experiences directly to their needs.

You've got this! Two interviews are a huge accomplishment. Prepare thoroughly, manage the logistics, and go in with confidence. Good luck, and much love back to you!