Am I Expecting Too Much When Interviewing Students?
As a hiring manager, there’s a recurring question that lingers after nearly every interview with students and recent graduates: Am I expecting too much? The frustration is familiar. Many candidates, despite their potential, struggle to provide thoughtful, meaningful answers to even the most straightforward questions.
Whether it’s about their career aspirations, why they’re interested in the role, or how they see themselves growing within the company, the responses often feel surface-level. Instead of hearing genuine motivations, I’m met with vague statements like, “I just want to get some experience,” or, “I’ve heard good things about the company.”
The Challenge of Assessing Fit and Motivation
These questions aren’t intended to trip anyone up. They’re designed to gauge whether a candidate has truly considered how the role aligns with their skills, interests, and long-term goals. It’s about understanding their fit for the position and the organization.
But time and again, I’m left wondering: Are these expectations unreasonable? Should I lower the bar for students and recent graduates, or is it fair to ask for more depth and clarity, even at the entry level?
Why the Responses Often Fall Short
The root of the issue may lie in a lack of exposure to formal interviewing skills. Many students leave school without adequate preparation for the kinds of questions that go beyond their technical abilities. Career centers, while well-intentioned, sometimes focus on helping students “get a foot in the door” anywhere, rather than encouraging them to target roles that genuinely align with their strengths and interests.
This broader approach can lead to generic answers that fail to stand out. When candidates aren’t encouraged to reflect on their motivations, it’s no surprise that their responses lack depth.
A Delicate Balance for Hiring Managers
As a hiring manager, I grapple with this dilemma. On one hand, I understand that students may not yet have the experience or self-awareness to articulate their thoughts clearly. On the other hand, I firmly believe that the ability to reflect on one’s motivations and communicate them effectively is a critical skill, even for entry-level candidates.
So, where does that leave us? Is it unrealistic to expect thoughtful answers from students, or is it a reasonable standard to uphold?
The answer, as it turns out, lies somewhere in the middle.
The Importance of Thoughtful Answers
While it’s true that students and recent graduates may not yet have extensive work experience, the ability to provide thoughtful answers during an interview is not an unreasonable expectation. These responses are crucial for assessing not just fit for the role, but also the candidate’s motivation and readiness to grow within the organization.
Thoughtful answers demonstrate a level of self-awareness and preparation that goes beyond technical skills. They show that a candidate has taken the time to reflect on their strengths, interests, and how they align with the role and the company. This is what sets apart a candidate who is genuinely interested in the position from one who is simply looking for any opportunity.
Meeting Students Where They Are
Interviewers should not expect students to have a fully mapped-out career plan. However, they should look for evidence of genuine interest, self-assessment, and basic preparation. Good interviewers understand the importance of meeting students where they are in their career journey while still encouraging them to think critically about their goals and motivations.
This approach creates a more balanced and fair interview process. It allows candidates to showcase their potential without being held to the same standards as more experienced professionals. At the same time, it gives hiring managers valuable insights into whether a candidate is a good fit for the role and the organization.
Advice for Candidates
For students and recent graduates, the key to standing out in an interview is to prepare specific reasons for their interest in the job or internship. This could involve relating the role to their coursework, personal interests, or unique aspects of the company. For example, instead of saying, “I’ve heard good things about the company,” a candidate could say, “I’m impressed by your commitment to innovation in this field, and I’d like to contribute to that mission.”
Clear and authentic answers not only demonstrate preparation but also help candidates differentiate themselves from others. It’s about showing that they’ve taken the time to understand the role and how they can add value to the organization.
Ultimately, the ability to provide thoughtful answers is not just about meeting the interviewer’s expectations—it’s about showing that a candidate is ready to take their first steps in their career with intention and purpose.
Conclusion
Striking the right balance in expectations during student interviews is crucial for both hiring managers and candidates. While it’s reasonable to expect thoughtful and prepared answers, it’s equally important to recognize the developmental stage of students and recent graduates. By understanding their limitations and encouraging self-reflection, hiring managers can create a fair and insightful interview process that uncovers a candidate’s true potential and alignment with the role.
Ultimately, the goal is not to lower standards but to meet candidates where they are while still assessing their motivation, self-awareness, and readiness to grow. For students, preparation and authenticity are key to standing out and demonstrating their value to the organization. By fostering this balanced approach, both parties can gain meaningful insights and set the foundation for a successful professional relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to expect more from student candidates?
Yes, it’s reasonable to expect thoughtful answers from students, but expectations should be balanced with their experience level. Look for genuine interest, self-assessment, and basic preparation rather than polished responses.
How can I better assess a student’s fit for the role?
Focus on their ability to connect the role with their skills, interests, and goals. Encourage them to provide specific examples and reasons for their interest in the company or position.
What can students do to improve their interview responses?
Students should prepare by researching the company and role, relating their coursework or interests to the position, and practicing how to articulate their motivations clearly and authentically.
What are the signs of a strong candidate?
A strong candidate demonstrates self-awareness, genuine interest in the role, and the ability to connect their skills and experiences to the position. They also show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and grow.
Where can students find resources to improve their interview skills?
Students can utilize career center resources, online interview guides, and practice tools to improve their skills. Encourage them to seek feedback and reflect on their experiences to refine their approach.