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Making an Impression on Your Next Interview

Greer Campbell • April 26, 2022

Congrats! You’ve been selected to interview for your dream job! You’re ready to hit the ground running, make an impact, dive deep into the community, but first, you have to nail the interview. Interview structures have changed a great deal in the past 5 years. Now we have Zoom, Google Meet, TEAMS, hybrid interviews, share your screen for your presentation, etc. It’s important to know some key tips that may help you stand out from the rest of the applicants in your next one-on-one.


Tip #1: Eliminate Distractions

The workforce has shifted, welcoming remote possibilities and processes. While this allows for more flexibility, it can cause stress around virtual interviews. When you attend a video interview, it’s essential to ensure your environment is as quiet with limited distractions as possible. We want the interview panel to focus on you, your qualifications, and what makes you a stellar fit for the role, not your dog barking at the squirrel in the yard, or the TV blasting. In addition to ensuring a quiet space, your background plays a key factor as well. So fold that laundry, get off the couch, sit in front of those books and degrees hanging up, sit in front of a blank wall, or anything similar. Don’t have the isolated space with a minimalistic background, use one of the virtual backgrounds offered on your virtual meeting platform! Anything to keep the attention on you, and your story.


Tip #2: Dress for Success!

Whether you’re meeting at a corporate office, a coffee shop, or virtually, it’s important to dress for the part. Your style gives the panel a great sense of who you are, and what kind of professional leader you wish to be. Dress for your career goal – you may be applying for the marketing coordinator, but in 5-8 years, you plan to be the CMO of a major organization, dress for a CMO interview.


Tip #3: Bring Your Authentic Self

In selecting your career, it’s important to do the work that you love and love the work that you do. It’s difficult to immerse yourself in a position when you don’t feel like your true self. If you feel you need to act a certain way, talk a certain way, or make yourself smaller, there will be no opportunity for a long term fit in that role. When you interview with an organization, incorporate your values, your mission, what drives you, and your overall work style to ensure not only a match on paper, but a cultural fit.


Tip #4: Come with Questions

You’ve made it through the analysis and dive into your experience, now it’s time to turn the tables. The question you as the interviewee asks are evaluated just as closely as what’s listed on your resume. This is the time where you will be able to show the committee that you’ve done your homework on the organization. Deep leveled questions let the organization know you have familiarized yourself with the company, it’s culture, and their milestones. Asking the interview panel about the future of the organization can provide you with insight on how you could play a part in that growth, and better prepare you for the first day.


At Diverse Talent, we cater our process with our candidates to prepare them to have a successful interview that highlights their background and qualifications in the most efficacious way. This is just one of many coaching and development services we offer.


Need coaching and development? Contact us at DT@diverse-talent.com

Making Change: Black History Month 2025

By Greer Campbell • February 12, 2025
While we are only 2 months into 2025, it may feel we’ve lived many lifetimes already. February is Black History Month, and this year it is essential to celebrate and support leaders and people of influence more than ever. As media coverage and information continue to grow at the tip of our fingers, it’s easy to feel that being just one person, you can’t make a huge difference for huge causes, but that is not the case. As professionals, every year we meet with our team, with our supervisors, and focus on goal setting. One major suggestion when entering this planning stage, has always been to set achievable goals. Don’t create chaos in your mind trying to achieve an unachievable goal, our supervisors tell us. The same goes for support change and community. You don’t have to be a major donor to a cause, or a legislator, decision-maker to be the change you want to see. Black history month is and always has been essential to education and honoring stories and perspectives of those that paved the way for communities of the present and future. Below, we’ve outlined ways to be an ally and support Black History Month this month, and every month after. Shop Local, Black Owned Businesses Small businesses thrive off community support. Individual care and attention go into each service and product a local business produces. So, next time you need a coffee on the go, a brunch spot to meet your friends, a new work outfit, or a concert for your next weekend outing, do a google search of black owned businesses around you, try it out, and refer your friends. Educate Yourself Did you know it was a black woman, Marie Van Brittan Brown, that invented the first home security system, which included a camera, peepholes, and a two-way communication system? Or a black man, Garrett Morgan, who invented the 3-light traffic light? Many life changing and saving innovations are credited to people of color, specifically African American people. Doing research and educating yourself on black leaders and people of influence can continue the knowledge and support of the black community, and further the narrative that teams and ideas flourish under diverse perspectives. Volunteer Act, to make change. Research organizations and causes that support racial justice, social equality, and community development. Join groups that work together to support community and engage your skill sets to work together and make a change. Ask the Questions, Use Your Voice See something, say something. If you see a coworker experiencing discrimination, call it out. If your organization is not operating inclusively, set a meeting with your manager to start the conversation. For more information on causes to support, where to start, and how to make change, contact Diverse Talent.

Goal-Setting for Leaders: Embracing 2025 with Purpose

By Greer Campbell • January 8, 2025
As the New Year kicks off, leaders are invited to take time to redefine aspirations for personal and professional growth. Goal setting as a leader helps to push forth an environment of accountability and ambition within teams. By embracing SMART goals ( S pecific M easurable A chievable R elevant T ime-bound) leaders provide strategy and achievable goals that resonate with evolving demands of 2025. If you are finding yourself drawing a blank in beginning the stages of goal setting for 2025, see below for a guide and items to consider adding to your spread: Begin by reflecting on the past year. What went well? What challenges arose? What needs to be discontinued? Identifying achievements and problem areas from the previous year can help in defining where to focus in the new year. This reflective process lays the groundwork for future successes. Connect with different teams and lead discussions to gain all perspectives of previous work, with a clear understanding of past performance and data. Engage your Team. When charting the course for the company’s future, engaging the team in thoughtful dialogue to gather invaluable feedback about ongoing projects and programs helps leaders understand not only what has fueled the organization’s successes, but also what challenges remain. True growth stems not only from pursuing high targets, but also from embracing diverse perspectives and insights from your team. Set Accountability Measures. Once your goals are set, it’s imperative to continue check ins and maintain accountability throughout the year. Scheduling 360 reviews with your teams s not just a procedural obligation, but an essential practice to ensure everyone feels encouraged to receive and give feedback and gain valuable insights that can shape the professional development of the team. Moreover, continuing the refinement of established goals is vital for maintaining focus and direction. As your team engages in regular discussions about their objectives, it facilitates a dynamic process of assessment and adjustment. This ongoing refinement not only ensures that everyone remains aligned with the overall vision but also fosters individual accountability, making each team member a crucial part of the larger mission. Continue your Leadership Education and Professional Development. Continued education is at the forefront for continued success of your individual position and company. Sharpen your leadership skills and ensure you’re up to date on how to effectively lead your team with online or in person programs. Diverse Talent’s DT University is a virtual, 6-session course focused on refining leadership qualities and skills. Meet with a mentor each week and learn through facilitated conversations and workshops to enhance your leadership abilities. For more information, contact us at DT@diverse-talent.com , or visit our website at www.diverse-talent.com .
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