Soon, many of us will walk through the doors of the University of Houston for what may be the last time. For those of us who have already begun the interview process in search of a "real job," the interview questions are, at times, overwhelming.
As part of a class schedule you may have had the opportunity to listen to a guest speaker talk about the interview process. They discuss the politically correct things that are allowed to be asked and what you should be prepared to fire back.
On a recent interview I was asked what are considered typical questions such as: "What are your strengths?" and the all-too-familiar "What are your weaknesses?" I was not prepared for the "Tell me about yourself" and "What is the greatest project you worked on in college and why?" questions.
Thinking quickly (we all hate dead air), I answered the first question and actually surprised myself. I figured the interviewer might assume certain things about me by looking at my résumé, such as my having maintained a full course load while working part-time, which is a given when you talk to UH students.
So I assessed my background file and determined several things about my personality.
I plan ahead (Who knows what the traffic will be like on any given day!), I am resourceful (I buy used textbooks), I am able to handle multiple tasks at one time (I eat my lunch during class while taking notes), I am organized (I managed to fit all my classes on Tuesday and Thursday so I only had to make the trip twice a week), I work well under pressure (The exam's at 7, and if I hurry, I can catch the movie and only miss the previews!), and I have a positive attitude ("I am positive you said the test was next week!").
As I listed these traits, I realized I had obtained many skills in addition to the textbook knowledge I sought.
The interviewer seemed very impressed that I possessed all these wonderful qualities and had so much confidence. But when you think about it, each and every one of us has endured traffic jams, bookstore lines, headaches and heartaches to get to this point.
The aforementioned extracurricular activities not listed in the class schedule are responsible for building character, discipline and strength.
So, as you go in for that interview or type that cover letter, remember who you are - it's not entirely about that degree. As you are seated, wearing your favorite suit with clammy hands, waiting to land that dream job, and a question pops up that you are not prepared for, take a minute to collect your thoughts.
Look outside the realm of class schedules, exams and projects. Realize that you have a lot to pat yourself on the back for and remember not to sell yourself short - you are a Cougar, and you made it!
Hilton is a member of the University of Houston Student Foundation, an organization that
works closely with the Houston Alumni Organization to prepare students for future roles in support of the University of Houston.