Awkward Silence

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Media Contact: Bailey Stacy | Communications Coordinator, Marketing & Communications | 405-744-2700 | bailey.stacy@okstate.edu

Silence in a conversation with recruiters or during an interview is my biggest fear. I always like being prepared with questions or with the “right” answer to their question. You can never go wrong with being intuitive and curious. Here are seven topics you could broach when approaching a recruiter at a career fair or talking with them in an interview.

1. Ask about a certain role.
   • Do you have any summer internships available in your marketing department?
   • Are there any full-time positions open within your finance department?
   • What does a typical day look like for your [desired role]?
   • What other teams does [desired role] work closely with?
   • Which skills are particularly valuable for [desired role]?
2. Ask about the hiring process.
   • Can you tell me a little bit about the different stages in the hiring process?
   • How long will it be before you hear about the next step?
   • How have candidates in the past set themselves apart in the hiring process?
3. Ask about the training process.
   • How long is the training process for new employees?
   • Will I have someone with me during the on-boarding process?
   • What has been a common obstacle for those in training?
4. Ask about their experience.
   • How long have you been with [company]?
   • What do you like about [company]?
   • What do you think the culture is like with [company]?
   • Have you been able to find someone to help you/mentor along the way?
   • Has this company helped you improve your skills?
   • What keeps you motivated in this company?
5. Ask about growth opportunities.
   • What are the opportunities for advancement in the company?
   • What are some characteristics you look for when promoting within your company?
   • How do managers and directors measure success for employees/interns?
6. Ask about how to connect with their company.
   • Does your company have a LinkedIn page?
   • What is the website for your company?
   • Who would be a good person to send my résumé to?
7. Ask about company preferences.

• Does your company expect your employees to relocate? Where are the major offices your employees work at?
• Are there any travel opportunities? How much travel is involved?
• What are the characteristics of your most successful employee?
• Are graduate degrees a necessity when being promoted within your organization? If so, which roles?
• What is the environment like for this role? Is it more formal or casual?

Hope these seven topics will help you avoid the next silence in a conversation when talking to a recruiter or interviewer. To get more practice talking with recruiters, feel free to make an appointment with a career coach in the Eastin Center. They help with interview prep, résumé prep and would be happy to help you come up with even more conversation fillers. Click the “meet with a career coach” tab to sign in and get an appointment or email one of them directly, by clicking the “meet the team” tab.

Story By: Alexis Hightower | alexis.hightower@okstate.edu