MEMORABLE ITEMS
Significance – these Tees Valley Net Zero Industry Scholars from NETA Training were asked to bring an item that’ s meaningful to them to interviews.
Enthusiasm – Rory McIntosh says there are no“ right” or“ wrong” items to bring in, but it’ s a chance to show you have the passion for the job.
AN OBJECT LESSON
WHAT DO YOU DO IF AN EMPLOYER ASKS YOU TO BRING AN ITEM TO AN INTERVIEW THAT BEST REPRESENTS YOU?
You’ ve been invited for an interview for that scholarship, apprenticeship or perhaps the job of your dreams and the letter says …
“ Bring an item with you and be ready to tell us what that item says about you.”
What do you do?
a. Ignore the instruction and don’ t bother. After all, what’ s the point? You’ re far too cool for that.
b. Ask a friend or classmate who also has an interview what they are bringing and then take the same or something very similar?
c. Give it real thought and choose an item that says something about you, your enthusiasm, work ethic or amazing teamworking skills?
It’ s a scenario you could find yourself facing at any stage in your education or career, when applying for future opportunities.
To help you make the right choice, we turned to the team at the Education Training Collective( Etc.).
NETA Training and Redcar and Cleveland College were recently among the colleges and training providers to carry out interviews as part of the Tees Valley Net Zero Industry Scholarship. Potential scholars were asked to bring an item that is meaningful to them.
Rory McIntosh, head of engineering at NETA and Redcar and Cleveland College, says:“ Academic ability is just one part of a programme or job. When carrying out an interview, it’ s also beneficial to get an idea of the character of the person in front of you and what drives them to succeed.”
The truth is, he says, there is no“ right” item. It’ s about getting a sense of who the applicant is, what motivates and inspires them. It can be a bit of an icebreaker, too.
The best part is, if you give it some thought, this is an opportunity to show any employer, college or university, you have the skills they are looking for.
So where do you start?
Redcar and Cleveland College’ s careers coordinator, Miccah Urwin, suggests …
MEMORABLE ITEMS
Confidence – it’ s important to bring in something you can talk about easily, says Miccah Urwin.
• Consider the message you want to get across.
• Look at the job description and choose an item that shows you have skills and interests that are relevant to the role.
• Demonstrate an enthusiasm for the subject that extends beyond the classroom.
• Don’ t fake it. Choose an item that represents a genuine interest, as you will be asked questions, and having a sincere passion will shine through.
• Choose something you can talk about easily.
• It doesn’ t have to be an expensive item – this isn’ t about showing off.
• Ultimately, it’ s about showing you have a genuine enthusiasm and interest in something that relates to the area of work.
Scholars at Redcar and Cleveland College and NETA impressed the team with …
Bike handlebars / handbook – suggesting an interest in fixing things, working independently and problem-solving.
A sporting hero’ s autobiography – showing the applicant admires leadership, captaincy skills, teamwork and ambition.
A welded toy soldier – illustrating a keen interest in welding, fine skills and an attention to detail.
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