Interview Tips & Pointers

Hello everyone,

As prospective interns in the Agriculture industry, many of you must have many questions about becoming an intern. Some of you may have questions about attire, others about etiquette, and few about other more specific topics. In my professional opinion, the most important part of the entire application process is the interview. Attending job fairs, networking, creating a strong resume, a position specific cover letter, and follow up thank you letters are all very important, but nothing tops having a strong interview.  One of my many duties at Driscoll’s is interviewing. In this newest post I will give you all some tips in what we are looking for in an interview and how to nail the interview.

What am I looking for in the interview?

• Values
• Potential
• KSAs (knowledge, skills, abilities)

All of these roll into: fit

• Do you fit my company’s values?
• Do you fit our culture? Relaxed relationship based small company or process oriented hierarchical corporation
• Do you have the potential to grow?
• I never interview an intern candidate for an internship. By that I mean that I look for the growth potential in that person. I look one or two positions ahead, could this person do it? Drive? Ambition? Goal oriented? Passion?

How do you nail the interview?

1. Do Your Research 

·         Research companies: Vision, values, and mission—criteria to be hired.

·         Not a values fit = not hired.

·         History—when it was founded, where and why (what the need was) also

·         General info—is it a non-profit, a public or private company.

·         The position's pressing needs-Are you going for a sustainability position? Know the department and needs (ie-green legislation, gov’t policy, new pesticide, etc.)

2. Change Your Thinking

·         The interview is a Conversation not an Interrogation

·         Approach an interview as a conversation instead of an interrogation. Natural conversation demonstrates your ability to listen and interact.

3. Control Your Online Footprint

·         Your web presence plays a major role. Employers search Facebook, Linked in

·         Make sure your online persona promotes your skills and professionalism. For example, a well-written blog about your field and a strong LinkedIn profile will serve you well.

4. Push Your Nerves Aside

·         Being nervous is natural and can be a roadblock, so don't let your nerves control your performance. 

·         Instead of dwelling on shortcomings, concentrate on positives and prepare adequately.

5. Showcase Your Personality Without Getting Too Personal

·         You need to demonstrate why you're the right choice.

·         Appear confident, poised and friendly and avoid looking desperate or arrogant.

·         It's easier to train skill sets than attitudes and your personality can be the feather that tips the scale.

·         Don’t cry, don’t laugh too hard, just be yourself. Don’t share or say anything too personal.

6. Don't Lie!

·         If you don’t have the KSA don’t say you do.

·        You can say you don’t have a license or knowledge of a program we will test you to find out.

·          We ask specific questions about Excel, PowerPoint, SPSS, and test fluency if specific to job description.

7. Come Prepared With Questions

·         Remember that this interview is a two-way street. You’re also interviewing us as a company to see if you want to work here. You’ll spend on average 2080 hours at work so you better make sure you’re needs are met.

·         For us, its standard for our interviewers to leave at least 15 mins for you to ask us questions, so have a few lined up.

We like when candidates ask:

·         Why do you like working at Driscoll’s?

·         How does an intern get a full time position here? (shows potential)

·         What kind of opportunities do you offer?

·         What is your management style? Where do you see your business in  years? How is this company structured? What happened to the last person who held this job? What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this job? What are the skills and attributes you value most for someone being hired for this position?

8. Dress Appropriately 

·         First appearances do matter. Wear clothing that's clean, pressed, well-fitted and does not emphasize your sexuality.

·         Also, stick to a portfolio, briefcase or streamlined purse over a book bag.

Hope these tips help you all out a little bit, until next time. Good luck to you all!