As we prepared to set up our first research interviews, we spent a lot
of time in class discussing how to display professionalism over the phone. We
used time in class to practice our phone etiquette, receiving feedback from our
partners. I need to work on thinking before I speak instead of using filler
words, such as "like" or "um." We also completed rough
drafts of our resumes, and reviewed them with partners and in groups in order
to see how we could edit them to be more thorough, better organized, and more
focused on our field.
On Wednesday, we practiced dressing professionally and used the rough
drafts of our resumes to conduct mock interviews. We began each interview with
a handshake, and throughout the interview, we worked to maintain good eye
contact, posture, and body language, in addition to rehearsing our verbal responses.
I feel like these interviews were extremely beneficial to preparing me for
business symposium as well as for our research interviews, because they gave me
a better idea of what to expect. Now I have practice answering questions
similar to those that will be asked in these interviews, and I feel more
relaxed when forming my answers.
