Students often dread one of the first, and most important, stages of landing a job — the interview — but University Career Services is here to help.
This Thursday, University Career Services is holding a mock interview day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the UCS office located in Hanes Hall, room 242.
The mock interview session provides practice techniques to be used during a real interview without the pressure of a “live” setting.
Jeff Sackaroff, director of University Career Services, said the event has been held each semester for the last fifteen years and is normally quite successful.
“We are maxed out tomorrow and have twenty students on a waitlist,” Sackaroff said.
Sophomore Joey Skavroneck,” creator of Buzz Rides”:http://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2013/09/unc-sophomores-launch-free-electric-car-transport, a student transportation option launched this year, is no stranger to the art of interviewing.
He won first place in the job interview portion of a contest held by the state’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, a business interest organization for students.
Skavroneck spent much of his high school and college career perfecting his communication skills.
Skavroneck and his business partner Parker Draughon held interviews for those interested in driving the small electric cars used for Buzz Rides and learned a great deal about being on the “other side” of the interview process.
“You should rehearse to the point where it doesn’t look rehearsed,” Skavroneck said. “You should be able to say three to four words about everything on your résumé.”
Sackaroff feels that some students underestimate the importance of preparation when going in for an interview and are unsure as to how to sell their strengths and attributes to employers.
“Interviewing is a skill—the more you practice, the better you get. We encourage students to start early,” he said.
Senior Amanda Goodrich said she is brutally honest about herself during interviews, but it paid off for her.
“In the past that has served me well, but I go into every interview wondering if that is going to undermine my candidacy for a position,” she said.
Sophomore Lauren Howland said she has interviewed for jobs in the past, and she said her personality is a strength in interviews.
“I think I’m very friendly and good at being engaged, but I am nervous about not being able to think on my feet,” she said.
Skavroneck said he hopes students take advantage of this event.
“Anyone who gets called into an interview is qualified, but the interview determines who fits best into the business’ strategy and culture”, he said.
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