My guest today is Al Dea. Al is going to guide us through how to prepare for a job interview. This is so important because the interview is your opportunity to shine – to show that hiring manager and the team why they should hire you over every other candidate. It’s also your chance to determine if this company and this role is right for you. 

Al is a product marketing manager at a tech company in San Francisco and he’s the founder of the MBASchooled digital content platform that educates MBA applicants, students and grads with advice on all aspects of the MBA experience. Al earned his MBA at UNC Kenan-Flagler and is now the author of the book MBA Insider: How to Make the Most of Your MBA Experience. The book is available on Amazon for pre-order and will be released on January 28th 2020. Al is also a frequent speaker at top business schools. Welcome Al and thanks for joining me today!

Al, tell us how you got interested in helping people navigate careers and business school. 

I’ve read the book and it’s the guide that when I put on my MBA Career Services hat, I wish every incoming student had as required reading.

3 steps to preparing for a job interview:

1. Do Your Research - know the company, industry, market, competitor landscape, interviewer, role, function, etc

2. Craft You Story - take those insights, and come up with the narrative that you want to tell about how you are the best for the job. Think of yourself as a product on amazon.com - what does a great product story have?

3. Practice Practice Practice - Take the common interview questions and practice them, by yourself, and with someone else. Find the hardest ones, and practice those more. If practicing with someone, have them throw in a few curveballs, just to get the mindset of practicing

Energy / enthusiasm – don’t be afraid to be excited (common feedback from recruiters)

Follow-up