>> THE SCENE: My Couch. Also, “sweatpants are all that fit me right now…”
Hi Lady,
Welcome to The Search Scene issue #2!
This weekend, I found myself drinking a martini and watching Mean Girls on my couch. I’ve probably watched this movie a thousand times (even saw it once on Broadway), but c’mon this movie is pure pop culture gold. I’m at the scene where Cady meets Aaron Samuels, her first adult crush, and all of these new emotions are rushing through her. She wants to impress him…as we all do when we get caught up in our crushes/first dates…
...but also, do you think Cady would feel the same way if she was interviewing for a job/internship? What are these feelings anyway? I’m not talking about lust, (although a perk if your interviewer is cute). I'm talking about feelings leading up to that first interview. Most likely you’ll feel anxiety, fear of rejection, excitement, and you may also feel a huge rush of adrenaline leading up to it. From personal experience and from talking to friends, there are a lot of similarities with going on a first date and an interview. And whether it is a date or interview, one of the biggest feelings we will feel is anticipation -- that you are ONE step closer to finding what could be a life-changing love, and/or job. Sound familiar? Cheers to that, babe.
>> THE INTERVIEW & THE FIRST DATE
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a magazine editor. I would create collages from glossy magazines and borrow my mom’s clothes for “photoshoots.” My dream was to have my name printed in a magazine one day, and guess what? It happened.
While at college in the big city, I was determined to land an internship to build my career and network. Luckily, I got an interview for an unpaid internship at Harper’s Bazaar, and coincidentally a first date with a cute boy. It was a lot to handle all, but I was hyper-determined to knock it out of the park, with both.
Looking back, there were so many questions and thoughts that raced through my mind for both the interview and the date. First impressions are so important -- and although sometimes there are second chances, usually the first leaves a lasting impact.
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>> SAME SAME (NOT DIFFERENT)
Questions raced through my mind for both the interview and the date back then (and now this is my older self giving advice years later):
What do I wear? (*although a nice blouse wouldn’t hurt for Zoom)
Dress for the vibe. As someone who has worked at JPMorgan and Vogue, you bet I had different outfits for each interview. Always dress to impress, but dress for the vibe for both the job and the date. If you can’t find an outfit that meshes with the scene, dressy casual is usually safe → nice blouse, black pants/jeans, cute flats, simple jewelry, some light makeup, and perfume. Don’t forget, wearing confidence is always attractive (not arrogance), whether it's the interview or the date (P.S. treat Zoom like it was real life).
What time should I get there?
10 minutes early. My mom always says if you’re on time, you’re late. Be early because you just never know about the traffic situation, you can lightly touch-up your makeup in the bathroom (or actually go to the bathroom), you can scope out the scene/vibe to collect some talking points, and you can be the impressive one by being there FIRST. Remember, you’re in control (P.S. you can check that Zoom cam to see how you look).
What do I need to do to make a good first impression?
Do your research and bring up talking points based on what you connect with. Obviously, don’t be TOO creepy in both the interview and on the date. Don’t cyber stalk the interviewer and/or the date where it gets to the point that they asked if you did a People Finder search on them (just don’t make it known). Yikes.
Basically, BE YOURSELF. If you’re nervous, bring up a funny story, a cool podcast or recent movie you’ve binged on Netflix, and ask them for their recommendations. Laughter is key for anything (even if the date or interview is horrible). In the age of COVID-19, ask about someone’s bucket list of things to do when this is all over. Always be curious (not nosy), in work, and/or love.
What questions should I ask during the interview/date?
Everyone likes talking about themselves. It shows you are curious and interested in them (even if you are not). Ask about the interviewer or date’s story, without coming off as nosy. You could also ask this question in both an interview and a date -- what excites you the most about working at this job? Another one could be, what are some things you like to do outside of work? Because, after all, if you don’t vibe with the culture of the firm or the person, it’s not a good fit.
Will this be “it” and if so, how will I know?
Go in with an open mind. You have to trust your gut, and it is cliche but when you know, you know. Although you can’t control the hiring manager or the date, you can control your attitude and your decision to either pursue the job/internship or entertain a second date. Think of it this way -- if you go into a conference room or date nervous but come out smiling and excited, how do you think it went? If the job or date went to someone else, how would you feel? Self-awareness and situation-awareness is key.
How important is the follow-up and what do I say?
Always be polite. Show gratitude for the time spent -- everyone is busy, even in quarantine (you’d be surprised). Express a unique point of discussion from the interview/date as a follow-up communication to make yourself stand out. Let the interviewer and/or date know that you are a great candidate, without explicitly saying you are (yes, this is the key). Ultimately, be yourself. And if it wasn’t meant to be, you have to suck it up and keep on searching.
P.S. If you like this newsletter, share it with a friend!
WORK
>> LIT LITERATURE
>> SEARCH HACKS
ICYMI: The First Newsletter Covered It. Check it out here.
>> WATCH WHENEVER:
>> LET ME CHECK MY CAL:
June 2nd - Pivot Your Business in Uncertainty, Cost: FREE, Register here.
June 5th - How to Supercharge Your Community, Cost: FREE, Register here.
June 6th - Create & Cultivate Summer Camp, Cost: $29,99. Check it out here.
June 15-17th - Diversity Recruit Summit, Cost: FREE. Register here.
June 17th - Virtual Job Fair, Cost: FREE. Register here.
June 26th - Foundermade Wellness Showroom, Cost: FREE, Register here.
LOVE
>> LIT LITERATURE
>> SEARCH HACKS
ICYMI: The First Newsletter Covered It. Check it out here.
See you next week!
With Love,
The Search Scene