Hello!
I'm currently an undergrad student searching for accounting internships. Since it's my first experience ever searching for jobs, I am nervous about how I would do in an interview. I just got an email from a Company saying they want to do a One-way interview using a Spark Hire, and I just want to ask experienced women how should I prepare myself and what should I expect. My first language is Spanish, but I've been learning English since pre-k, but still, I'm nervous about messing up my sentences and not talking properly. Any bits of advice? Thank you!
I usually write out my responses to common questions before the interview and read them aloud. It helps me feel prepared when I need to respond in the moment during the interview.
I would practice with a friend just to get comfortable. Practice you answers to basic questions on who you are, your experience. You education and goals. Just some basic answers will help your confidence.
I was in your shoes a month ago, please take away the “ my first language is Spanish,” you are bilingual. That thought sets your mind to feel nervous about messing up your sentences. I do recommend practice, write down questions and answers, and practice, (memorizing doesn’t work). Be concise on the question “tell me about yourself “ and talk about your achievements at school, with no experience it’s always good to highlight them. If you don’t have no one to practice like me, practice your answers in loud voice as much as you can and with enthusiasm. I did my first ever interview a month ago, I didn’t went to school here but I enrolled in college and I got my certifications. I was afraid like you but I prepared and practice every day. I nailed my first interview and 2 hours later I got the job. I wish you the best and good luck. Trust in yourself :)
Have a few good stories ready to go for questions like “tell me about a time when…” You can adjust the story slightly to fit the specific question. I always used a story from college where I worked with someone I didn’t like and thought was incompetent for a time when I coached someone on the job, worked with someone I didn’t get along with, worked through a challenge, etc. Having a few good coherent stories developed will make the language barrier less stressful bc you already basically know what you’re going to say.
I'm sure the company has gotten a sense of your language skills from your resume, and you make the cut (or far exceed it) or they wouldn't reach out to you to interview.
About the video interview, frankly, one way interviewing is weird at first. Prepare clear and memorable answers to the most asked questions like you would with any other interview and record yourself answering each question on your phone or computer until you feel comfortable. It may help to imagine you are speaking to a specific person when you deliver your answers. Best with your interview! PS-Try to test the tech before you start the interview and have the contact info for Spark Hire on hand in case of technical difficulties during your interview. Best with it!