Interview Tips for Young Professionals

By Carrie Anderson, Roseville Parks and Recreation City of New Ulm

Congratulations, you’ve been selected to interview for a position in the parks and recreation field! Your education and experience has paid off; now it’s time to prove why you are the best candidate for the position.

Research the Organization

School is back in session. Take time to learn as much as you can about the organization. Browse activity catalogs, read reviews on Google, skim council or commission agendas, or network with others who may have worked for the organization. If possible, visit the parks and facilities. What intrigues you most about the organization? What assets do you have that can contribute to the organization? This is your time to jot down questions and talking points.

Portfolios, Resumes, and Handouts

Leave the giant college binder of projects and flyers at home. Bring organized, concise, and prepared handouts, if applicable. If you are going to refer to a handout during your interview, know exactly what the handout says so you don’t miss a beat. Resumes should be one page, professional, and edited by trustworthy colleagues. Bring enough copies for all interviewers.

Dress the Part

Dress to impress but make sure you are comfortable. You may be nervous already, don’t pick an outfit that is going to make you feel worse. If you aren’t used to wearing heels, don’t wear them. Borrow your uncle’s suit, but if it’s four sizes too big and you can’t actually use your hands because the sleeves are too long, you may be focusing on trying to pull the sleeves up to shake hands with the interviewers instead of focusing on the interview. You need to feel and look good. A cell phone is not part of your outfit. Leave it in the car. Seriously, leave it in the car.

The Interview

You have prepared for the questions, you have rehearsed your key assets, and now is the time to let your experience and knowledge fly. Skills and experience will get you an interview, but your character and values can lock down that job offer. The interviewers are looking to fill a position, but they are also looking for the right fit into their organization. Allow them to get to know you during the interview by highlighting your soft skills. Be genuine, friendly, a team player, have a sense of humor and show them that you are a motivated and trainable young professional. At the end of the interview, have meaningful questions prepared.

After the Interview

Send a thank you email to all interviewers. Not all candidates do this; therefore, this is a way to leave one more impression on the interview panel. Good luck young professionals on your interview endeavors and I hope these tips help.