Acing the Interview: Next Step interns and volunteers from Google swap strategies for confidence and success
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“Both of my [mock] interviews I really enjoyed. Amazingly, I was just comfortable. And I’m hoping that I carry that into my next interview because I know what I want, and I know my worth.”
Last Wednesday, a vivacious group of Next Step Interns and volunteers from Google came together for a mock interview experience. The Next Step Internship Program (NSIP) works to remove barriers to employment for adults with histories of homelessness, mental illness, substance use, and involvement with the criminal justice system in order to prepare them for successful careers.
Project Renewal’s current cohort of Next Step interns is in week 7 of the 8-week training program, and will begin interviewing for jobs this week. In preparation for those interviews, interns had the opportunity to complete two rounds of mock interviews – one to warm up, and another to practice what they learned during the first interview and implement any feedback they received.
“One of the issues that I have is nervousness and I tend to get stuck when I’m elaborating on a question,” one intern remarked. “They taught me different ways to go about [dealing with my nervousness]. I said I’m going to write them down and I’m going to start practicing at home with my kids.”
And the teaching was mutual. Volunteers and interns discussed shared experiences and strategies for learning how to be personable without oversharing and gaining confidence in selling themselves. As the day went on, sweaty palms and nervous energy turned to supportive conversation and group laughter.
A volunteer from Google reflected, “Being on the other side of the table, we didn’t exactly know what to expect either. But as soon as I started asking questions, your responses were right on point…some of your responses, I was like—I’m putting that in my back pocket!”
Interns were encouraged to reflect on the value of all of their life experiences and to confidently present them as assets to their future job performance. One intern shared how her role as a mom gives her managerial skills that translate both inside and outside of the home. “I learned how to highlight my skills in a much better way,” she said. “It’s not just a stay-at-home mom, it is a full-time job, a 24/7 organization. I have to deal with all these little personalities running around. It’s a big deal.”
It was beautiful to witness the self-knowledge and confidence of NSIP participants as they moved through the mock interview process. Interviewees described themselves as accountable, reliable, team players, detailed oriented, professional, compassionate, and adaptable. They are looking forward to sharing their strengths, advocating for themselves, and acing their upcoming interviews!
“Both of my [mock] interviews I really enjoyed,” one participant said. “Amazingly, I was just comfortable. And I’m hoping that I carry that into my next interview because I know what I want, and I know my worth.”
