General

Category: General

Mastering HireVue Interviews: Tips and Tricks for Success

HireVue is a digital interviewing tool that enables companies to optimize their recruitment process and more efficiently evaluate candidates. This AI-powered service assesses candidates remotely using video, audio, and AI technologies. In this article, I will share my experience and give you a few tips and tricks on how you can prepare to ace your next HireVue interview.

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in two different HireVue interviews from two competitors in the same field, EY, and Deloitte. On the one hand, EY asked me three long and elaborate questions (see example below) and only gave me 30 seconds to prepare, making it difficult to structure my responses properly. Deloitte, on the other hand, had a total of 8 questions, but they were shorter, and I had a full two minutes to prepare, making it simpler to organize my thoughts and successfully answer the questions.

Example of long-form question asked (EY):

  • New technologies and new ways of doing business are emerging all the time. In such a disrupted environment, you must embrace innovation or risk being left behind. We believe that having an innovative mindset is critical in this time of near-constant change. That’s why at EY, we recruit people today based on their mindset – not just their skill set. With a focus on innovation in mind … Provide a recent example of how you leveraged your expertise on a specific technology or topic to drive innovation and impact the results of a project, organization or role. What steps did you take? What challenges did you face? What was the end result?

Examples of short-form questions asked (Deloitte):

  • Tell me about yourself and why you are interested in this position.
  • Provide an example of a challenging situation you faced and how you overcame it.
  • Describe a project you worked on and the results you achieved.
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Here are a few tips and tricks I wish I knew before going into my first few HireVue interviews:

  • Practice all the most common interview questions ahead of time so you know how to respond before you begin.
  • Make the most of your preparation time! If you are unsure what to say after the initial preparation period, use the entire length of your first take to gather your thoughts and figure out how you want to answer so you can be much more confident in your second take (remember, that will be the one and only take you will have). It’s better to have one really good take rather than two average ones.
  • During the preparation period, develop a bullet point list of the points you intend to cover; don’t stare at it, but use it in case you run out of ideas.
  • Be confident and, if possible, look at the camera – this will make it appear as if you are speaking straight into the viewer’s eyes – it’s a simple way to differentiate yourself from others, as eye contact (even virtually) goes a long way.

HireVue is a useful tool for companies looking to optimize their recruitment process, but it can also be a difficult experience for candidates. If you are prepared, you’ve been practicing interview questions, and you know what to expect, you will be able to navigate the HireVue process with confidence and give yourself the best chance of standing out against other applicants.

If you want to learn more about my experience with HireVue, practice behavioral interviews, or have any questions, feel free to email me (oliver.decroock@lawrence.edu) or schedule an appointment.

Oliver De Croock ’24, Student-Athlete at Lawrence University majoring in Economics and Data Science. Oliver works as a Career Peer Educator at the Career Center and is the President of the Lawrence University Business Networking Club. Connect with Oliver on LinkedIn.

Break into the Tech Industry with CodePath

Breaking into the tech industry requires a number of factors: industry-relevant knowledge, connections, specific hard and soft skills, and an understanding of the technical interviewing process. Unfortunately, even the most well-funded, prestigious CS programs can have gaps and lack the support needed to help students succeed in the tech world. CodePath was founded to change that. With more than 20,000 students enrolled, CodePath provides the access, exposure, and community they need to successfully navigate the tech industry and jumpstart their careers, at no cost to them.

CodePath provides career-ready courses for students that are applicable to the real-world scenarios you will experience once hired. Some examples are:

  • Pathway: Cybersecurity – no cost, 10 weeks (Fall 2024 / 5-10 hours per week) Explore the complex field of digital security. Learn about real-world tools and attacks, empowering you to confidently discuss the basics of different areas of cybersecurity.
  • Pathway: iOS Development – no cost, 10 weeks (spring 2025 / 7-10 hours per week) Experience building iOS applications from scratch using Apple’s native IDE and programming language in a project-based journey of iOS development.
  • Technical Interview Prep – no cost, 10 weeks (summer 2024 / 5-10 hours per week) – Ace technical interviews and gain a preview of real-world challenges in the industry. Designed to prepare you to solve challenging problems in real interviews at top companies.

These are just a few of the many courses available through CodePath. If you want to break into the tech field, any way you can distinguish yourself from others and go beyond the ordinary can help you get the dream job. If you want to learn more about CodePath or explore future career opportunities, feel free to check out their website.

Oliver De Croock ’24, Student-Athlete at Lawrence University majoring in Economics and Data Science. Oliver works as a Career Peer Educator at the Career Center and is the President of the Lawrence University Business Networking Club. Connect with Oliver on LinkedIn.

Meeting and Event Coordinators

Whenever you think of event planning or coordinating, the first thing that pops into your mind might be “aren’t those the people that make weddings happen?” While you are technically right, there are other types of event coordinators whose scope of work exceeds a wedding.  One of these is a Corporate Meeting and Event Coordinator.  This position is vital to making sure office and organization events go smoothly.  The other role is that of a Personal Event Coordinator.   Personal Event Coordinators organize personal events like family reunions, retreats, and, celebrations like, yes- weddings. Opportunities for both of these careers are growing incredibly rapidly, in fact, faster than most occupations, so it is very enticing for recent graduates, especially as a starting position.  The pay is on the low end when starting, but the most successful event planners can make seven-figure salaries.

Corporate Meeting and Event Coordinators, self-explanatorily, arrange times for live and virtual meetings, for organizations and clients.  They check technology and registration and make sure everything is accounted for. Some event coordinating can be grander, such as organizing company outings and celebrations, which calls for more moving components like budgeting for meals and/or desserts, decorations, and perhaps a venue.

Personal Event Coordinators may have broader range of responsibility. They can help organizations with events if the organization does not have a designated event coordinator in-house, but they also work with individuals who feel they need help with a birthday party or that wedding. Planning meals/desserts, finding decorations, and a reserving a venue are tasks that are usually part of the job.  Other tasks could include sending proper invitations and organizing transportation and accommodations. Here, the event coordinator may also be in charge of coordinating what to do in a day, depending on the clients’ wishes.

To become a meeting and event coordinator, most employers would prefer a candidate to have a bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field. Certifications for event coordinating can also be helpful.

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/event-planner

https://www.salary.com/research/jobs/meeting-event-planner-jobs/wi

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/event-coordinator-vs-event-planner

Spencer R. Brown is a sophomore experiencing their first year at Lawrence University, with a major in Government. They work as the Marketing and Media Assistant in the Career Center and creates content for students in both Communication, Journalism & Written Arts (#CJW) and Government, Law & International Relations (#GLI) career communities. A writer and animator by trade, Spencer is fascinated in finding ways to make digesting information entertaining. Feel free to connect with them on LinkedIn here!

VPA Gap Year Opportunities

Theatre

Actors Theatre – Louisville
     Approximate Deadline: February 28
American Stage Apprenticeship Programs
     Approximate Deadline: April 30
Arden Theatre Professional Apprentice
     Approximate Deadline: May 1
Barter Theater Apprenticeships and Internships
     Approximate Deadline:
Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Fellowship Program
     Approximate Deadline: March 10
CENTERSTAGE’s Professional Internship Program
     Approximate Deadline: Rolling, and selection process begins in early March
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
     Approximate Deadline: January 28
Acting Apprenticeship at Kingsman Shakespeare
     Approximate Deadline: January
Smithsonian Fellowships (several opportunities)
     Approximate Deadline: Various
Steppenwolf Theatre Apprenticeships and Fellowships
     Approximate Deadline: March 18

The Colin Powell Leadership Program

In late 2022, the U.S. State Department launched the Colin Powell Leadership Program “to further advance the Department’s commitment and efforts to hire a workforce representative of all segments of society and in support of the department’s modernization agenda.”  The program provides opportunities to pursue careers at the Department of State.

Named after the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Secretary of State, this program provides paid fellowships to recent college graduates and paid internships to students who enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education.  Both paths may lead to full-time employment opportunities at the State Department and will develop future leaders through training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience.

To be eligible for the Colin Powell Leadership Internship Program, applicants must either be an enrolled or current student, on a part-time or full-time basis, pursuing their bachelor’s degree in a qualifying post-secondary educational program.  A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0 is required.  The duration of the internship program will be determined by the participant’s anticipated graduation date and may not exceed four years from the initial appointment to the program.

Applicants for the Colin Powell Leadership Fellowship Program must have received a baccalaureate or graduate degree within the last two years with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0.  The fellowship program is a one-year paid developmental program.

 Visit https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/civil-service-fellowships/colin-powell-leadership-program/ for more information and to apply during the next open application period.

AI – Efficiency Tools to improve your chances of getting hired

A big part of job searching and applying for jobs is being able to use the resources you have available to your advantage. Over the last few years, I’ve learned about and used many different types of software to try to make this process easier. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have grown in popularity in recent years due to their ability to provide valuable assistance in a wide range of tasks. Here are four free AI tools that I have previously used to help you stand out from the crowd and improve your chances of landing your dream job:

  1. Quillbot: This AI tool allows users to rewrite sentences in a more fluent, efficient way that sounds more professional. This can be especially helpful when writing a resume or cover letter, as it can help you present yourself in a more polished and sophisticated manner. Visit Quillbot’s webpage.
  2. Canva: Canva is an excellent tool for creating visually appealing marketing materials, such as LinkedIn header images or social media posts. By using Canva to create a professional-looking header image, you can make a strong first impression on potential employers and showcase your personal brand. Visit Canva’s webpage.
  3. VMock: This software is specifically designed for Lawrence students looking to create a resume from scratch or improve their current resume. VMock provides a score on how your resume compares to other Lawrence students’ resumes and offers feedback on areas for improvement. Visit VMock’s webpage (sign in with your Lawrence Email)
  4. ChatGPT: ChatGPT is a strong artificial intelligence platform that allows users to interact with it as if it were a person. By submitting your CV to ChatGPT, you can request a summary of your previous experiences or suggestions on how to improve your wording. ChatGPT may also assist you on ways to better highlight your skills and accomplishments, as well as how to tailor your CV to a certain position or industry. Visit ChatGPT’s webpage.

Whether I needed to rewrite my resume in a more professional manner, generate a visually appealing LinkedIn header image, or obtain feedback on my resume, I discovered how much these AI tools had helped me, and my hope is that after you read this article you will be able to benefit from them as well.

Don’t hesitate to reach out or schedule an appointment with me if you have any questions about any of these powerful resources, or if you need help with your process of looking for a job or an internship.

Oliver De Croock ’24, Student-Athlete at Lawrence University majoring in Economics and Career Peer Educator. Connect with me on LinkedIn.