CeltaXperience: 023 20 minute Educational Bakcground

Basics

"Tell me about your educational experience."

is a basic interview request you might hear. The hiring manager uses this question to give you a chance to explain your perspective on your education as well as to connect your education to the job. Generally, an answer that shows a positive viewpoint on your educational experience and a connection on your degree to the job you want works best. For instance,

"My college experience was great in terms of both character development and learning about the various aspects of business and finance. It really prepared me well for success in financial management."

Transition

"How has your college experience prepared you for a business career?"

is a transition-based question noted by the website Quintessential Careers. With this question, the hiring manager is looking to see that you have goals and stick to them. Ideally, you can connect your college degree to the job. While the simple approach is to show how a degree in business leads to a job in business or a degree in culinary arts leads to a job as a restaurant chef, there is more you can do with this question. Show off your ambitious approach to learning, such as,
"Not only did I learn a lot in my business classes, but I also had a chance to study abroad in Europe and to practice leadership as our club president."

This shows an above and beyond attitude.

interview (ˈɪntəˌvjuː)
n
1. (Broadcasting) a conversation with or questioning of a person, usually conducted for television, radio, or a newspaper
2. (Industrial Relations & HR Terms) a formal discussion, esp one in which an employer assesses an applicant for a job
vb
3. to conduct an interview with (someone)
4. (intr) to be interviewed, esp for a job: he interviewed well and was given the position.
[C16: from Old French entrevue; see inter-, view]
ˌinterviewˈee n ˈinterˌviewer n
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003
in•ter•view (ˈɪn tərˌvyu)
n.
1. a formal meeting in which one or more persons question, consult, or evaluate another person: a job interview.
2.
a. a conversation or meeting in which a writer or reporter obtains information from one or more persons for a news story,broadcast, etc.
b. the report of such a conversation.
v.t.
3. to have an interview with.
v.i.
4. to have an interview; be interviewed (sometimes fol. by with).
5. to give or conduct an interview.
[1505–15; earlier enterview < Middle French entrevue, n. use of feminine of entrevu, past participle of entrevoir to glimpse; see inter-, view]
in′ter•view`a•ble, adj.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.

Involvement

You may get an additional opportunity to emphasize your involvement and go-getter attitude if an employer asks,

"What types of activities were you involved with in school."

This can get awkward if your answer is nothing, which begs the point you should get involved in experiential learning. Your answer should showcase that you recognize the value of hands-on training, relationship-building, leadership and other skills valued by the employer. You might say,

"I had a great opportunity at a small college to get very involved and meet lots of cool people. Being a student body officer and member of the thespian guild along with going on study trips and working in internships all helped me strengthen my communication skills and leadership abilities."

This example works especially well if the job requires communication and leadership.

Tough Questions

Educational interview questions get tricky if you lack strong education or have education different from the job. A hiring officer may inquire, "I see your degree is in marketing, why are you looking for work in a science museum?" The best approach is to be honest but show how you are both qualified and passionate about the job. You might say, "Soon after I earned my degree I had a great experience in a marketing internship with a science center. While I enjoyed the job, I realized I had a strong passion for the museum culture and helping develop that particular type of organization. I want to help promote and share my enthusiasm and all the museum has to offer with others."

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