Good morning. We’re amid first-year hiring and recruiting, so I figured some application and interview tips and tricks would be pretty helpful. This is primarily targeted at the first years, but clubs and companies are exchangeable.

🍪 Personable vs. Cookiecutter

Written applications are criminally underrated. Word on Aberdeen is saying written apps aren’t as heavily considered as the interview. However, the written app is the determinant between two solid interviews.

You may not realize it until you’re in the seat, but you can really tell the difference between a passionately written app and an app with your club name pasted in it.

The written application is our first impression of you.

Our recommendation: 

• Proofread: Grammarly. ChatGPT. Please proofread before sending your apps.

• Don’t leave it to the last minute: The last two hours are fine. But mistakes and stress will creep up on you.

• Show a bit of your personality: I know my club is great and all, but I want to know about YOU. I want to know why you want to be here and how we can help you.

Editor’s Note: I am a victim of mass applying and accidentally put the wrong company name in a cover letter. I can confirm it’s not a great feeling, and I didn’t get an interview. CHECK. CHECK. CHECK.

🗒️ From the Notepad

Are you a writer or an aspiring creator in your first year who’s looking for a platform? If so, we’d love for you to apply for QBR.

Hit reply and let us know if you’re interested in attending our information session. We’ll be in Goodes 102 on Thursday, September 21, at 6:00 PM. We’re excited to see you there.

🤠 It’s all about YOU.

You’re 10 minutes out before your interview. You feel a bit nervous and try to find every ounce of confidence before you collapse in 15 minutes. It’s all going to be okay.

When interviewing for first-year/entry-level positions, there are two key points you want to get across.

1. You’re qualified/passionate to learn: At some point, you’ll be asked a question you don’t know how to answer. It may seem bad, but as long as you show you’re willing to learn and you can make ties to the subject, you’ve done the best you can.

2. Add a bit of spice: Interviews are draining and sometimes turn our brains into mush. Anecdotes and fun stories help you stand out (as long as they’re relevant).

Our advice:

• Mock interviews: We release common questions in our hiring booklet, so practice those. Mocks will help you reduce the nonsense and filler and instill confidence.

• Tone and Pace: It’s an interview, not a rap battle. Be expressive and have variance in your style. It’s super simple but gets neglected a lot.

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