After taking a mid-summer break, The Executive Path blog is back! Today I'm sharing the second installment of my two-part interview I had with Maxine Todd, the Assistant Director of the Marilyn Davies College of Business (MDCOB) Career Center at University of Houston-Downtown (UHD). You can read the interview's first part.
Maxine, what are some of your tips for body language and confidence while interviewing, particularly for interviewees who may feel insecure or shy?
Job hunting is not the time to be shy. You are a personal brand taking yourself to market. Hiring managers want confident, skilled and likeable candidates. Remember they are hiring their next co-worker, so be likeable, conversational, smile and know what you can bring to the organization.
The professional handshake-- tips? What not to do?
Lean in, firm handshake, and always look your interviewer in the eyes when speaking to them. Keep arms uncrossed.
Bonus tip from Marilyn: I agree with Maxine that a firm handshake indicates confidence. Additionally, however, I would also recommend being mindful of interviewers and other folks who may be wearing rings on their fingers, as they may find an extremely strong handshake painful if it's overdone.
2. The Art of Sharing Your Story
Do you have any general guidance and/or tips for elevator pitches?
I'd like to change the word pitch to story. Simple as that, tell your story, academic and work summary, and underscore your accomplishments and achievements. The elevator story is the only time you have control of the interview, and we know that question will be asked, "tell me about yourself." Be in control, well versed, practice and sell yourself. Knowing the job description for that opportunity is imperative, and your ability to exemplify how you are uniquely qualified for it is a must. Knowing all the transferrable skills that can apply to the role should also be emphasized.
Is there a classic structure/template that is dependable, or should students try to come up with their own version?
Be authentic, honest and focus on your accomplishments. Focus on academic achievements, work and then provide your goals or 5-year plan. Forward thinkers and goal planners are achievers, and it's also a great characteristic of a leader.
What do you recommend should be the typical length for an elevator story (or does it just depend?)
Universally expected to be 30-60 seconds. A lot can be said in 60 seconds.
What should candidates avoid when giving elevator stories?
Being unprepared and going too long. Don't only focus on basic tasks and responsibilities of the past-- showcase your accomplishments.
3. Leave a Positive Impression
Should interviewees follow up with the employer afterwards? If so, what is the best medium (e.g., an email?)
Yes, send [an email] within 24 hours of the interview, [and] express your gratitude, reiterate your interest and underscore your qualifications and why you are the best person for the job.
What to do if the employer does not respond or declines the candidate's pursuit of the opportunity.
If they ghost you, what's important is that you were professional enough to follow up. Move on if you haven't heard back after a few attempts of follow up correspondence. Good, experienced hiring managers will have you in their radar, and will also be professional enough to follow up with you too even if there has been a change or delay in the hiring process. Working for corporations most of my life and managing budgets, I can tell you that budgets can be cancelled at a moment's notice, hiring ceases unexpectedly, it's not the candidate's fault. All you can control is you, always be professional, keep searching and networking.
What to do if it does go well?
Celebrate!
Thank you, Maxine!
The Executive Path is the official blog of the University of Houston-Downtown's MBA Program. For further information on the UHD MBA Program, you may find our webpage at Houston's MBA Program (uhd.edu)., visit MBA Information Session (uhd.edu) for upcoming calendar of virtual Information Sessions. Contact Us (uhd.edu)to reach the UHD MBA Office.
Read the June 2024 newsletter written by the Career Center graduate students at UHD's Marilyn Davies College of Business.
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