Tag Archives: interview

Interview Tips

Related image As I shuffle through my business cards, stalk potential employers on LinkedIn, and sit in front of the computer all day sending emails for internships, I can’t help but share my two-sense on interviews. I am a firm believer in branding yourself (even if you’re still just a “college student”) and selling yourself to the fullest. If you’re qualified and have a lot to offer, there’s no reason why you’re not fit for the job! Here are my top 3 interview tips:

1. Research, Research, Research: Search the company you are interviewing with online and gather as much information as possible. Whether it’s the founder’s story, company culture, products, mission or unique selling propositions, showing your interviewer you are educated and prepared will always leave a lasting impression. Also, using the company knowledge to relate to your own work experience will demonstrate you are the right candidate for the job!

2. Be Conversational: It is so easy to put important people within companies on a pedestal, but it is important to remember they are just people like us! Being transparent and “real” without the cookie-cutter one-liners appears more honest and authentic. Be yourself, because that’s good enough. Don’t be afraid to showcase a little bit of personality too.

3. Ask Questions: Show you are detail-oriented and care about what is being discussed. Asking specific questions about your expected role, tasks, responsibilities etc. will show you are engaged and serious about the position. Another rule of thumb: people LOVE to talk about themselves. As much as you talk about yourself, ask the interviewer personal questions to create a good connection.

Good luck with your job/internship search!

Make More Mistakes

In life, we will all have experiences that won’t go exactly as we want them to…most likely this will happen more than once. Sometimes small details are forgotten, the timing just isn’t right, or you made a mistake. Mistakes are tough to swallow – for me at least. I would tend to say I lean towards being a perfectionist, which means I don’t like making mistakes. Often times being a perfectionist is beneficial to me, because it pushes me to work my hardest and give my best effort. Yet when that inevitable mistake is made, I am very hard on myself.

As a student, its integral to make mistakes. If we were all literally perfect, there would be no point for us to be in college, to be taking classes and learning new information – because we would know it all already! Even so called perfectionists like myself need to make mistakes because that is the only way to learn. I wanted to share with you a recent “mistake” I made, how it affected me, and how I am using this to learn and move forward.

Over the past few weeks, I have been interviewing for internships for next semester. I had an in person interview with a major television network in one of their digital production departments. I felt very confident going into the interview (despite my butterflies) about my resume and my skills that were applicable to the internship. From the moment I walked into the interview, I felt a connection with the women I was to speak with. We were laughing and established a great rapport. The interview went very well, I shook their hands and thanked them for their time and off I went!

With this certain company, when they contact you letting you know about the outcome of the interview, they give you feedback as to how your interview went and pointers on what to do better. A few days later, I received my email and was very upset to find that I didn’t get the internship. They said my interview went great, and it came down to me and another candidate. The determining factor was that the other candidate had sent a follow up email to the interviewers and I hadn’t….

Immediately my heart went into my stomach. I can’t believe I forgot to send a follow up email! I have done multiple interviews and ALWAYS send a follow up email – how had I forgotten?! This is where the “beating self up” begins, and asking myself “What as I thinking? Or what wasn’t I thinking?!” I couldn’t believe that had I not forgotten to send an email thanking them, I possibly could’ve had the internship. How could I be so stupid??

And this is where I had to stop myself, take a step back, and flip the way I was looking at this. Despite being disappointed and embarrassed, there was nothing I could do to change the situation now. I know I gave my best during the interview, and for some reason I had forgotten to follow up. Its okay. I’m not going to die. The world isn’t going to burn over. I’m just not going to intern with that company at this time. Simple as that. ITS OKAY.

This mistake, that seemed so monumental in the moment, was such a learning experience for me. Although it came with temporary uncomfortable feelings, I walked away from it learning something – that I will never NOT send a follow up email. That will always be a priority from here on out, when entering the job market.

This event opened me up to a bigger idea – that in my life, I need to make more mistakes. That its OKAY. I need to sometimes fall down, so I can get up a bit bruised, but a heck of a lot stronger and smarter. Life isn’t meant to be understood – and boy do I not always understand it. But I believe that moments like these, and many others, happen at a specific time for a specific reason, so that I can LEARN something specific. I can’t always be Brendan the Perfectionist. It won’t always work that way. I will make mistakes, I will learn, and I will always be a gracious, positive, hardworking person. And that’s what truly matters.

Thanks for letting me vent a bit. I tell you this story to prevent the same thing from happening to you. I hope this lesson applies to more than just thank you notes, but bigger things as well. Its also ironic because I’ve written a blog post in the past about sending Thank You notes after interviews – and look who forgot 😉 Well, I’m human. And it’s okay.

xx,

Brendan

Welcome to the Jungle: AMC Career Expo 2014

FIT has always had a wonderful reputation of providing its students with one-of-a-kind learning experiences outside of 27th street. Every week on campus, there is another opportunity offered to students. Everyone at FIT, from professors to students, are so connected within their respected industries. Through those connections, internships and even entry level jobs are often easier to find than you may think! However, it does take a nice resume and a good head on your shoulders to nail it down 😉

To make it even better, FIT’s Special Events class puts on an annual Advertising & Marketing Career Expo, which is a fancier way of saying Job Fair. About 60 New York based companies gathered in the John E. Reeves Great Hall Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm in hopes to gain some new interns and even employees! Ranging from corporate fashion designers like Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan to smaller boutique agencies like 24/7 Laundry Service, there is bound to be a company that interests you.

This years AMC Career Expo flyer!

Students are able to walk around to different company tables and introduce themselves and start a conversation with these representatives. This was my first year to take advantage of this amazing opportunity that is offered to all AMC students. Dressed to impress, I entered the Great Hall with a stomach full of butterflies. I didn’t know what to expect, or what companies I was hoping to talk to. It can be overwhelming walking into the hustle and bustle of a job fair and immediately begin networking yourself. But I must admit, this was such good practice for me. I am a good conversationalist…once a conversation has begun. Sometimes I get nervous to be the one initiating the conversation, especially with professionals. However, this experience definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best ways possible. I walked up to the table, introduced myself – and it only got easier and better from there!

I brought a few copies of my resume, ready to pass them out! All in all, I gave all of my resumes to different companies and had some great conversations with potential employers. They were all very curious about my past interning experiences, which I was happy to tell them about. In return, I asked a lot of questions about their companies and positions within their companies. Asking questions is important. It doesn’t make you look “dumb,” actually the exact opposite. It shows that you’re interested and want to learn more!

I walked away with 5 business cards, and potential internships for Spring 2015! The first thing I did when I got home was to type a follow-up email to the company contacts I was interested in pursuing. Within the email, I thanked them for their time and how I enjoyed chatting with them. I reiterated how I was interested in a possible internship and attached another copy of resume, just to be safe! The next morning, I had 2 emails from the top 2 companies I wanted to intern for! In both, they mentioned how it was so nice to receive a follow up email promptly. ALWAYS, send a follow up. The best follow up is a Thank You note, however email was the appropriate option for this situation.

I am so happy and grateful that I went to the Career Expo. It’s a great networking event for students who may not have much experience in the industry already, or who are looking to gain more experience. This is something that is so special and unique to FIT. If you didn’t take advantage of this event this year, be sure to keep your eyes out for next years flyer! You don’t want to miss this!!

xx,

Brendan

Phone Interviews & Gladys Marcus Library

Hi there,

Yesterday I was interviewed via phone for a Production and Sourcing Internship at Ann Inc. Today I have my second round of phone interviews with the person that will eventually be my superior if they hire me (since I’m in DR they’d rather do this than wait until I get back to NYC). If the title throws you a bit off (it’s normal, seems pretty unrelated) I’m here to explain how I have used one of our most fabulous web resources. But first, I’ll share some tips I’ve gathered online and from previous professors about interviewing over the phone:

When you do phone interviews it’s like you are cheating, because you can actually wear what you want, something that makes you feel comfortable and reassure you (I had an Ann Taylor shirt, haha I know just felt right and sweats).
Always stand, your voice comes out better and sounds more energized. SMILE I swear it projects a positive image and completely changes the tone of your voice.
Be near a desk, here you can keep your resume at hand, a list of your skills and what you bring to this position and also a list of your “weaknesses” (always something that can be taken as positive aka I’m tenacious, great article here)
Lock yourself in a room where you can’t be interrupted, this includes turning off call waiting (I seriously had my mom scream GOOOOOOAL yesterday LOL when Argentina finally scored during the world cup, I almost DIED haha)
Landlines are more convenient and have less tendency to drop than cellphones.
Enunciate clearly and speak slowly (take a deep breath when they speak, remember they can’t see you).
Do NOT interrupt. Wait for your turn. Ask them questions.
Take notes after or during to recall the interview for future references.
Follow up with a thank you email.

Now about our “not your typical library” (you will see more of why when you visit us, because you can eat and drink and talk in our main floor, SAY WHAT?! Yes). The Gladys Marcus Library consists of three floors full of what can only be described as a world of fashion knowledge above and beyond what you can imagine.

We have one of the foremost fashion library collections.
The library supports the academic and research needs of programs in Art and Design, Business and Technology, Liberal Arts and our Graduate School.
Through SUNY’s Open Access Policy our students have access to and borrowing privileges at all other SUNY libraries.
We have some of the most historical collection of magazines such as Vogue dating back to 1929.
As an online resource that I always use for interviews you have the databases to do company in-depth research (Hoovers is your BFF) where I learned almost everything about ANN Inc.
The nerdiest part that I absolutely love is the TEXT A LIBRARIAN. FIT provides you a phone number where you can text the librarian to help you if you are lost in the stacks or to check if we have a certain book available.

Anyways wish me luck at getting this internship and be sure to check the library out! Tons of magazines, trend forecasting books, special exhibitions, movies to rent for FREE and helpful staff.

Carpe Diem,

Sadie

Fernanda De Superwoman

There are a lot of amazing, hard working, inspired people you can meet at FIT. I am constantly wowed at the passion for success that flows throughout the student body here. I think anyone who goes to FIT will say that if you are not prepared to work and really put in the time above and beyond what is required, you should think about attending another school.

Despite the high standard of work ethic here, there are, of course, those who seem to effortlessly out-do everyone else. And I mean that literally. Fernanda De Souza “out-does” probably everyone at this school. We met while playing tennis for the school team, of which she was named team captain for her senior season. Fernanda is also a member of the Presidential Scholars and consistently included on the Dean’s List. Beyond her academic achievements, Fernanda is also currently the editor-in-chief of FIT’s newspaper W27. Yet, somehow she still finds time to work as a nanny, write for The New York Observer, keep up an active amateur photography hobby and have a normal social life! (Can you believe I’m lucky enough to be friends with her? Me neither.) She even had the time to answer some questions I thought would be good insight for current or potential students:

E: You do a lot of stuff. I mean, Pres scholars, tennis, W27, you’re writing for the Observer now, plus your nanny job, not to mention regular school work – how do you find enough hours in each day and not want to jump off the roof of your apartment building?

F: When you put it that way, I realize I do so much. I’m not quite sure HOW I find time every day to go from school, tennis, Pres. Scholars, newspaper, internship, babysitting + working at Ralph Lauren on occasional weekends. I heavily rely on my Moleskine planner, it’s my Bible. I had a very scary spell though where I landed myself in the hospital from a severe anxiety attack because all this stress had built up and I finally couldn’t do it anymore. I’m learning to take better care of myself and pace myself during my day-to-day activities so I don’t drive myself back in the hospital. Thankfully, I have a great team behind me (especially at the newspaper) to help me. My time management’s horrific actually but I somehow manage. I’d rather be busy than sitting at home watching Netflix all day. I’d weight about 500lbs if I weren’t involved in everything I do.

E: How much of your time is devoted solely to W27?

F: W27 is draining. I can’t tell you an exact amount of time that is spent on it because it is ongoing. We have meetings for an hour every week which I’m leading, I’m constantly keeping in touch with the writers, editors, photographers via email and phone, then I’m dealing with the publisher and of course, our edit weekends where me and my art team come in once a month and sit there Saturday through Sunday getting the paper together. I also end up writing one or two articles each issue. It’s a lot of time and you’d think I’d get paid for this but it’s very rewarding in the end when it all comes together.

E: Hopefully all that time is worth it; does your position at the newspaper relate directly to what you eventually want to achieve in your career path?

F: Yes, exactly what I do for W27 is what I want to do when I’ve graduated. I want to work in publishing, newspaper or magazine, and potentially, write my own stuff (short stories mostly). I love to edit people’s work, I LOVE to write, I love setting up a nice page layout that is pleasing for the eye (of course, with the help of my amazing art team!). The dream has always been to work at the New York Times as an editor or columnist–we’ll see! Definitely can’t be an editor in chief of any publication anytime soon, always have to start at the bottom, unless I end up starting my own publication, which I would love to do sometime in the future. They say the newspaper/magazine industry is dying, I beg to differ, I think it’s just changing is all.

E: Your own publication! That’s so exciting! Did you know you were going to be named as the next editor-in-chief? And do you like being in charge?

F: I was a candidate to be editor in chief of W27 two years ago actually. I backed out from the running because I wasn’t sure I could handle it my junior year because I knew I would be extremely busy. I was also not mentally prepared. So Caroline Nelson became editor in chief last year and I was her deputy, second in command. And from there, it only seemed like I was following this line straight to the EIC position. So I sort of knew I would land there eventually–I had been with the newspaper for four years and risen from an inferior writer to being in charge. Being in charge is great, having what you say go, but it’s also very dangerous. If you take this power to an extreme, it can really screw with your head. I try to be the best editor in chief by accommodating my staff but still remaining a strict (but fun!) environment.

E: You have been known to be very vocal about your disinterest in fashion. Do you think it is worth coming to FIT if you don’t have any interest in the subject?

F: You’re right, I have no interest in fashion. I came to FIT thinking I’d be working for Anna Wintour at VOGUE eventually but that dream was quickly shot down the minute I came to FIT and realized that I was in for it. I think my biggest disinterest in fashion comes from the people who work in the industry. I’ve met some really horrible people and I go, “WHY must you act like that? There’s no excuse and you take yourself way too seriously.” I think FIT is a great school even if you don’t have an interest in going into fashion, because professors make sure to cover things BEYOND fashion. We are talking about businesses going public or bankrupt and political issues in the Middle East. A great range of subjects are covered in the courses at FIT but the major courses are very good with focusing on a career in each respective major that entails more than just fashion.

E: So do you think FIT’s student body has helped you in any way?

F: Being around the FIT student body has helped to reassure me of who I really am. We are all different here at FIT, not one of us is like the other. There are so many different characters at this school, which is great, variety is fantastic. But I can definitely tell you I don’t feel like I fit in AT all under the “FIT student” role. What I can say is that FIT students are go getters and hard working so being surrounded by this sense of competition pushes me to better myself in my work.

E: Speaking of competition, you have helped the woman’s tennis team here to many triumphant successes. What are the best and worst parts about being a student athlete?

F: The worst part about being a student athlete is your weekends get taken away–completely. We were at matches every weekend, sometimes we were gone Thursdays-Sunday for tournaments. Your social life suffers a little. Best part was actually being active daily and being with on a team with women who were so dedicated to this sport, in every which way. Plus, staying at hotels and getting free food and tennis courts (which cost $200 an hour in NYC!) -it’s a treat. We work hard for all those things though.

E: Do you have a favorite professor or class from your time at FIT?

F: Best professor hands down was Michael Hyde. I had him for fiction writing class (also my favorite class at FIT) and I felt such a strong connection with him that he and I created an independent study for me to embark on the following semester. It was an advanced fiction writing course where I wrote longer stories and a novella + had short stories and two novellas to read each week. He has pushed me and my work beyond what I thought I was capable of, he’s inspired me in multiple facets of my life, and we remain good friends, even though I do not have any classes with him anymore. He has become a mentor, really, and I consult him with anything I’m writing presently. The best thing I ever did at FIT I think was do an independent study-I created the syllabus and chose what I wanted to learn and we went at our own pace. I recommend it for any student looking to have a more intimate connection to their work and have a professor RIGHT there at your disposal without 26 other people to compete for his/her attention.

E: Do you have any more advice for incoming freshmen?

F: Incoming freshmen–how do I put this? Don’t come to FIT thinking you’re hot shit. Don’t come to FIT thinking you know everything and are the most fashionable yadda yadda. You’re in for a rude awakening. Absorb what’s around you, listen to your professors, respect New York (and it will respect you back) and utilize it as inspiration every day-don’t take it for granted. Don’t sit at your dorm on the weekends, EXPLORE! Don’t just go clubbing at night because you get bottle service-EXPLORE! And give FIT and the city a chance–they both grow on you.

E: So with that in mind, what is the best spot in NYC BESIDES Bushwick? [Ed. note: Anyone who knows Fernanda knows she is absolutely in love with her new Bushwick digs and talks extensively about how great her neighborhood is.]

F: Absolute best spot in NYC besides Bushwick–that’s a very difficult question – haha. Brooklyn is my hood and I love everything about it. BUT if I must choose, I’d say the Rose Main Reading Room inside the main public library at Bryant Park. Great place to people watch and unwind from the rest of New York.

E: And a more interesting question – what is the weirdest thing you’ve seen while living here?

F: Weirdest thing I’ve seen in NYC is this performance artist, if you can even call him that, who dresses up in the worst rag clothing and plays with his puppets on the subway platforms (normally on Bedford Ave.). He wears a cape sometimes and makes obscure noises and when the train pulls up he runs inside really fast making said noises and runs back out. He’ll never get a dollar from me.

E: Ok, well I’ll just avoid Bedford Avenue from now on haha. Lastly, just cuz we’re both literary nerds, what is your must read book of the moment?

F: Must read book at the moment is an anthology collection called Goodbye to All That: Writers on Loving and Leaving New York. This book is a collection of stories by writers who lived in New York City and their experience there. It was inspired by the famous Joan Didion’s 1967 piece, “Goodbye to All That”. Quick, fast, and interesting read, great for FIT students who moved to New York.

E: Ah, I’ll have to read it! And pretty appropriate for you considering you’ll be graduating soon! Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask if you know what you’re doing after college, I’m sure you’ll be fine no matter what!

–Emily–