In Part 1 and Part 2 of Acing Your Interview, we reviewed how students can rely on some familiar skills gained in the classroom to prepare yourself for interviews. Step one was developing a thesis and step two was preparing your evidence. In this post, we examine the importance of anticipating counterarguments.
It is safe to assume that there will be counterarguments to your thesis; an effective argument paper will address these counterarguments. Likewise, be prepared for “objections” during your interview. Anticipate concerns an employer may have about your fit for this specific position. Does it appear that you lack experience? Is your major atypical for this field? Does your experience suggest you are more interested in another field? While it is not possible to know all of the objections that might arise, you should be aware of the most obvious ones and have responses ready for each. There are no one-size-fits-all responses to counterarguments. As with a term paper, you will need to think carefully about how you will respond. Additional evidence, i.e. examples from your work, academics, etc., can be useful here.
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