How I Prepared for My First “High Stakes” Interviews and Tips I Learned Post-Interview

Olivia Harris, Student Assistant for Student Outreach, discusses her experiences with high-stakes interviews for dream internships and jobs that align with her career goals. She emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, particularly in providing in-depth answers that highlight the impact of her actions. Harris encourages candidates to ask insightful questions that demonstrate genuine interest in the company and position, such as the career paths of past interns and the office culture. Read on to get her interviewing advice and what she has learned.

Defining High-Stakes Interviews: 

These were interviews for internships and jobs that represented dream positions for me—roles with ideal responsibilities, hours, and alignment with my career goals. The pressure came not just from the competitive nature of these positions, but from how much I personally wanted to secure them.

General Tips for Any Interview: 

1. Be prepared to explain your answers in depth. 
   A common follow-up question I encountered was: “What was the impact or outcome of your actions?” It’s essential to not only discuss what you’ve achieved but also articulate the specific results or benefits your efforts brought to a team, project, or organization. 

2. Ask insightful questions about the position, company, and your role within it. 
   This shows genuine interest and can make you stand out. After one of my interviews, a hiring manager highlighted that, in addition to my resume and cover letter, my personalized questions and enthusiasm for the company made me memorable. Here are a few of the questions I was complimented on:

   - "Where have previous interns gone after completing this internship?" 
   This shows that you’re thinking long-term and want to understand the potential career trajectory the internship can offer. 

   - "What are some notable successes of past interns within this office?" 
   This demonstrates an interest in learning from the organization's history and highlights your desire to succeed. 

   - "What is the office dress code?" 
   This is a practical question, but it also conveys your intent to fit in and understand the company culture. 

   - “How many hours are interns expected to work per week?" 
   Asking about work expectations shows you’re ready to manage your time and commitments responsibly. 

Share personal stories that connect you to the company. 
Personal anecdotes help to humanize you as a candidate and strengthen your connection to the organization. For example, I shared an experience from my time in Washington D.C. during a networking opportunity through my school’s PLEN/PCWP programs. I mentioned meeting a Chatham alumni who had gone through the same program and was now working as a staff assistant, which tied directly into the position I was applying for. This kind of story not only highlights your relevant experiences but also your genuine connection to the field or company. 

Lessons from My Group Interview: 

1. You don’t have to answer first for every question. 
   In my group interview, I chose to answer second for most questions, which allowed me to gather my thoughts and build off others’ responses. Instead of trying to speak first, focus on listening attentively to your peers. Make eye contact and engage with what they’re saying. This shows you’re a team player who values collaboration. 

2. Respect the speaking order but stay engaged. 
   While it's important to contribute, it's equally crucial to be respectful of others’ contributions. Stay present and avoid thinking about your own response while others are talking. Group dynamics matter in interviews for roles that value teamwork, and your ability to actively listen and contribute meaningfully will be noticed. 

These tips helped me navigate my first high-stakes interviews and ultimately stand out in a competitive process. By focusing on both preparation and engagement, I learned how to present myself authentically while demonstrating my interest in and knowledge of the company and position. I hope these insights will be helpful as you prepare for your own high-stakes interviews!