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Hiring managers share virtual interview best practices

August 4, 2020/in Advice from crew, Career opportunities blog, candidate, candidates, hiring, hiring managers, interview, interviews, ken b, managers, mind, nima, nima p, professional, set, share, vanguard, video, virtual, virtual interview, virtual interviews /by jortega

Hiring managers share virtual interview best practices

In this blog series, we sit down with three Vanguard hiring managers who share best practices and things to keep in mind when preparing for and participating in a virtual interview. Here is what they had to say:

As we’ve transitioned to a virtual environment, what changes have you experienced?

Ken B.: The biggest change for me is that I am very much a read-the-person interviewer. Doing that on video is different than sitting down together in a room. Be mindful of not just the words used in your answer, make sure you express passion in your response and that you’re engaged with the questions. Most individuals tend to be more relaxed at home. Sometimes too relaxed. Keep in mind this is still an interview, even if it’s on video.

Nima P.: So far, none of the interviews I’ve conducted have felt different, except for the fact that they aren’t in person. We have continued to hold panel interviews, consisting of back and forth questioning. We tell the candidate in advance how we will approach the interview and have still been able to observe verbal cues in the moment.

Sandy M.: In my experience, candidates continue to come to interviews well prepared. They have been professional, flexible with the format, and overall successful in their deliveries. In all cases, they were dressed in professional attire.

What advice do you have for candidates preparing for a virtual interview?

Nima P.: Make sure you have set up the technology needed. I’ve had interviews start late because they weren’t set up and ready to go. Make sure the audio and video work, and that you’re in an area with a solid internet connection. If possible, select a location that isn’t noisy and blur your background if you cannot find a professional backdrop. We understand this may not be easy. If you happen to have trouble with any of the above, just tell us about your situation.

Ken B.: If you’re in a virtual interview, using video is critical. It gives us some insight into the person we’re meeting. Second, treat this as though you’re in the office and set yourself in a quiet room. Earlier this week I held an interview and the candidate was in front of a blank wall. Nothing was there to distract me and I could focus on the candidate. Not everyone has that luxury, but if possible, find a secluded space with limited distractions. Lastly, dress appropriately and watch your body language. Make eye contact and if you’re taking notes, just let the interviewer know.

What final thoughts can you share about virtual interviews at Vanguard?

Nima P.: I’m pleased with how well technology is working. We haven’t had one issue. I’m completing interviews daily for internal and external candidates and it’s been smooth. That feels good. Our hiring managers have a rhythm down. At first, I was worried about holding virtual interviews but it has been a seamless transition.

Are you getting ready for a virtual interview? Please be sure to read our recent blog titled, How to prepare for a virtual interview.

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Hiring managers share virtual interview best practices

In this blog series, we sit down with three Vanguard hiring managers who share best practices and things to keep in mind when preparing for and participating in a virtual interview. Here is what they had to say:

As we’ve transitioned to a virtual environment, what changes have you experienced?

What advice do you have for candidates preparing for a virtual interview?

What final thoughts can you share about virtual interviews at Vanguard?

Are you getting ready for a virtual interview? Please be sure to read our recent blog titled, How to prepare for a virtual interview.

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Preparing for a Vanguard interview – Be a STAR

Have an upcoming interview with us? You’ll need to know more about the STAR format – also known as behavior based interviewing – and how to prepare for these types of questions.

What are STARs?

In interviews, Vanguard hiring teams often use the STAR format, which focuses on Situation/Task, Action, and Results. This method helps us to better understand your skills, experience and working styles and how they relate to the role you’re applying for. To effectively answer these types of questions, describe the Situation or Task, the Action you took, and the Results of your specific actions. Here’s an example:

Interviewer: Tell me about a time when you had a tough client. How did you improve the relationship?

Candidate: When I worked at a retail store, we had a regular customer who wanted to use expired coupons. We can’t take expired coupons and the customer wasn’t happy about it. (Situation) I showed him how to get coupons on his phone (Action), so he would have access to our most current deals anytime he came in. We found a discount that he could apply that day (Action) and by the time he left the store, the customer was pleased and stated he would be back. (Result) I learned from that experience that you can always find a solution, even if you can’t give the customer exactly what they want.

The right details

Another trick to answering STAR questions effectively is to avoid generalities. Consider the difference in these two answers:

Before: “I had a rough project. I spoke with the person who wasn’t doing their work and it got better.”

Better: “I had a team project in my marketing class where one person wasn’t completing their tasks and was holding everyone up. I approached my classmate privately and asked if he needed help. He admitted that he didn’t understand the project and wasn’t sure where to start. I offered to show my teammate an easy way to complete his research and gave him a few simple resources that could bring him up to speed. After our conversation, my classmate made a complete shift. He finished all his work, before the deadline, and we got an A on our project.”

Notice in the above examples that the interviewee gave just the right amount of detail to make the story clear, without rambling. And consider how many skills this candidate just succinctly demonstrated – team player, problem solver, strong communicator, among others.

Listen for the details

When answering STAR based questions, listen carefully to what your interviewer is asking. For example, if you are asked for one example, don’t give two. If the interviewer asks a question you dislike, don’t jump in with unrelated information or a question you prefer to answer. Taking either of these avenues shows that you can’t follow directions. You may also run out of time to answer other questions that will demonstrate your skills and applicable experiences.

Identify your STARs

You don’t have to have lots of job experience to share something relevant. Some good places to uncover STAR examples include: classwork, interactions with professors, clubs, sports, part time jobs, or volunteering.

Interviews are professional interactions, so avoid inappropriate stories. And it’s not just what you say, but how you say it. Slang or fillers (such as like, um, uh) can reduce the power of your words and lessen their meaning.

Final thoughts

The key to answering STAR questions is to call out past successes that apply to the role you’re interviewing for. Make sure the end result of your example is a win for all parties involved.

Also, the experiences you choose for STARs don’t have to be awe-inspiring. Leadership during team sports, problem-solving with a professor, or clear communication while volunteering can all demonstrate that you have the skills and experiences to flourish in your future role.

If you enjoyed this post, check out these Vanguard interview tips. And if you’re ready for a more rewarding, engaging, meaningful career, search our Client Services opportunities at www.vanguardjobs.com.

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Starting your new job on the right foot

May 8, 2019/in Advice from crew address, confirm, continue, expectations, fact, know, leader, list, office, plan, questions, role, sense, set, share, step, suggestions, tasks, team, time /by manjunath

Starting your new job on the right foot

Congratulations, you got the job! Now, make a great impression from day one. Whether you’re waiting for your start date or already in your role, use this checklist for suggestions for each step in your new role, starting from the first day you officially join your team. As you go through the list, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to blow it out of the water right away. In fact, it may be best to just observe and ask questions before offering suggestions or taking charge. And know that it’s OK to be a little nervous.

Day one

Be prepared to talk about yourself a little–practice a brief overview of your background and be ready to share a fun fact about yourself!” Keep it to a minute.
Confirm your hours and any scheduling expectations with your leader.
For your first day, consider giving extra attention to your appearance and attire.
If your leader or a peer doesn’t do it, introduce yourself to your team.

Week one

Get the lay of the land–find the kitchen, meeting rooms, and best places to park.
Identify main contacts around the office for things like office supplies and IT support.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Intellectual curiosity is a great trait to display!
Confirm that you are added to key meetings–team meetings, client check-ins, etc.
Document what you’ve learned and any gaps in your understanding.
Once you have a sense of the dress code, it may be a good time to update your wardrobe.
Don’t forget to celebrate–you survived your first week!

Weeks two to four

Set up time with team members and other partners to get to know them and their working styles.
Do, or continue to do, some light reading about the industry, the company, or your role.
Set goals for yourself and list all the things you want to know more about.
Think about how to best organize your work and structure your day.

Month six

Confirm that you have a strong sense of your leader’s expectations.
Reflect and address your opportunity areas.
Create a plan to address any challenges you’re experiencing in the role.
Discuss your performance with your leader, even informally.
Celebrate your successes!

Some of these tasks should continue beyond six months (you should never stop learning or reflecting!), so a great next step is identifying which tasks to include in your ongoing development plan. And when someone new joins your team, you’ll have some great tips to share.

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12 Vanguard interview tips for experienced professionals

We sat down with five Vanguard recruiters to hear how they coach candidates through the interview process. In this blog, we share 12 ways that experienced professionals can prepare for a Vanguard interview – whether in person or over the phone.

Christi C., Vanguard Senior Recruiter

Brian U., Vanguard Senior Recruiter

Tracy C., Vanguard Recruiter

Michael M., Vanguard Senior Recruiter

Susan S., Vanguard Senior Recruiter

Click to learn more about each recruiter and view their LinkedIn profile

1. What questions can applicants expect to get?

One of the most common questions you’ll hear is “tell me about yourself.” This one is tough to answer because it’s so open ended. We recommend keeping your answer to 3-5 minutes, share a couple of your strengths, what you’re working on, and what you’re learning. Practice it until you’ve got it down. It’s important to be able to demonstrate what has prompted your interest in this role. Why did you choose to apply at Vanguard? What attracted you to this position?

Teamwork is also huge at Vanguard, so expect questions around a time you worked well with a team, how you collaborate effectively, and how you motivate others and drive collaboration. Remember the key is what you did, not what the team did. If you answer every question with, “we did…” it’s tough to identify your individual impact.

2. What are the best ways for someone to prepare for those questions?

We have lots of websites and resources that will help you learn more about our company. You can check out about.vanguard.com or look at our pages on The Muse or LinkedIn. A really easy way is to watch our YouTube videos.

For teamwork-based questions, think about your specific strengths in group settings – do you offer insightful knowledge? Do you ask probing questions or challenge the team’s thinking? If you haven’t had team-based projects in the past, consider all the ways you interact with co-workers. Perhaps you encouraged someone’s idea in a team meeting. Maybe you created a tip sheet for peers when your office technology changed.

I always tell candidates to have a few situational examples ready. The most common being “Talk about a time when you had a problem/situation, what you did you do to identify and solve that problem/situation, and what was the outcome?” I think every hiring manager asks this question in some way, shape, or form. Make sure to carefully read through the job description and relate your answers to the responsibilities of the role you’re interviewing for.

Overall, consider–what are the positive results of your contributions?

3. We all know interviewing is tough, what are some insider tips you can share?

Sometimes when recruiters are quiet, the candidate may think they’re not doing well. Don’t mistake silence as disinterest and remember that your recruiter is taking notes and digesting what you’re saying.

If we ask you to give us an example of something to demonstrate your skills, know that your answers don’t have to be about a time you saved the day. It can be as simple as clearing up a miscommunication, coaching a colleague, or making a tough decision.

It’s also helpful to know that the recruiting process is much more than just the interview—it takes time behind the scenes. We may have to interview a large number of people, then we’re having conversations with hiring managers, and perhaps doing a second round of interviews. Timelines aren’t the same for every position either – some take just a few weeks, while others may take a few months. So don’t worry too much if you don’t hear anything right away.

4. What are some common slip-ups that prevent candidates from moving on?

When you answer a question, don’t add clarifiers like, “I don’t think this is a great answer,” or “This probably isn’t what you’re looking for.” Confidence is important, so don’t play down your experience.

A real deal breaker is unprofessional behavior – cursing, being impolite to the receptionist, or complaining about our security measures. And remember that an interview is a professional interaction, so be careful of using heavy slang or sloppy body language.

Showcase your talent in humble language. Although it’s probably just nerves, sometimes candidates will interrupt a lot or talk over the recruiter. That can give the impression that you don’t communicate well or aren’t courteous.

5. Is it OK for candidates to apply to multiple roles?

If the roles make sense for your skills and background, absolutely. We understand people may feel they are qualified for multiple positions, and really want to work here. Just make sure to keep organized and aware of each job you applied to by making a list of the titles and a few notes about the roles. This will help you prepare to speak about any role when a recruiter calls you.

You can also log into your talent account if you need details of the jobs. We do find it a bit concerning when we call someone for a phone screen and they can’t remember which positions they’ve applied to. During the phone screen, disclose if you’re already speaking with a leader or recruiter at Vanguard.

6. Is it frowned upon for candidates to apply to both leadership and individual contributor roles?

Not necessarily, but the things that make you stand out for each of those roles will differ. In the leadership space, we’re looking for people who are passionate about coaching and developing others, supporting their team, and helping direct reports move up. Leadership at Vanguard is about serving others. Individual contributors are still collaborative team players, but they also prove that they can make an impact independently.

7. Why do you ask about salary?

It’s really just to ensure we’re on the same page and able to match your expectations. Don’t feel you have to share your salary history, just give us a range that would work for you.

8. What advice would you give to someone who thought they did well, but then received a decline letter?

It’s one of the toughest parts of our job to have to decline someone who is really smart and talented. Certainly it can mean that you don’t have the experience or skills we’re looking for, but there are occasions when we have to decline someone awesome for another reason. In those cases, there was someone just slightly more qualified.

Do some self-reflection: do you still feel Vanguard is the place for you? If you think you met the qualifications, we would encourage you to apply again for another similar role. But still take the time to practice the interview and consider how you can make an even better impression.

9. We hear a lot about cultural fit. What does that look like at Vanguard?

First and foremost, you should believe in doing what’s right for our clients. That’s our mission and it runs deep in our culture.

At Vanguard, you’ll fit right in if you are resilient and encouraging, you can demonstrate that you’re a team player and collaborate well, and you are open to feedback and like to learn. We also want people who have grit and can dig in when things get ambiguous. It’s key that you believe in–and contribute to–an inclusive environment.

10. What if the candidate realizes at some point during the process that they’re no longer interested in the role?

There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging that the role’s not a fit during the phone screen. Just the other day I had someone share that after our conversation, the role sounded more senior and he didn’t feel prepared for that level. That’s OK to say – we appreciate the candor.

11. In most cases, there will be a phone screen and in-person interview. How should candidates prepare for each?

Remember that a phone interview is a conversation, so be aware of the volume of what you share to allow the interviewer to ask follow-up questions. Be open for coaching and constructive feedback. The phone screen is just the first level, so bring your “A” game during the entire process.

Before you get to the on-campus interview, ask the recruiter what to expect during the next round, specifically the kinds of questions you should be ready to answer. Come prepared to discuss examples of your work experience and be ready to answer behavior based, or STAR formatted, questions. Review your interviewers’ profiles on LinkedIn to learn more about their background and understand more about the role prior to coming on-campus. And it may seem obvious, but arrive on time or call if you’re going to be late, dress professionally, silence your phone, and bring a pen and paper.

Feel comfortable working with the recruiter on what you’ll need to prepare for the in-person interview. I think it’s one of the most important aspects of our job as recruiters.

12. Any final advice?

Write down questions that you would like to ask the interviewer. Keep in mind that the interview starts the moment you enter the building and doesn’t end until you leave. Recruiters want to set up candidates for a successful interview so embrace the relationship and ask questions!

Most of all, take a deep breath and try to relax. Be confident and be yourself. We want you to do well!

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What NOT to ask a Recruiter

October 25, 2018/in Advice from crew company, conversation, corporate, employees, hiring, history center, interesting, interview, know, linkedin, question, questions, read, recruiter, recruiters, share, speak, speak with a recruiter, time, time to reflect /by fdoerr

What NOT to ask a Recruiter

Recruiters love hiring candidates into their dream jobs and roles they strongly desire. When you speak with a recruiter, make sure to consider how the recruiter may react to your communication with them. Sell yourself. Show your enthusiasm. Recruiters are very perceptive and will take note of anything you share, so do not take the initial conversation lightly. They are great resources for the company you are targeting but they are also the “gatekeepers”; a company’s link between you and the hiring manager.

The questions you ask can say a lot about you as a candidate. Make sure your questions are thoughtful, genuine, and show that you have done a little research on the role you are targeting. Here are some suggestions on the best questions to ask—and a few to avoid.

Questions not to ask a recruiter

Ready to begin your career search? Make it count—explore our opportunities.

“What does your company do?”

Never speak with a recruiter without having some idea about what their company does. There is no greater turn-off to a recruiter than for you to know nothing about their company, and no greater compliment than for you to know a few interesting facts. These days you can find interesting tidbits from a quick internet search, or you can be a real superstar and watch a few of the company’s videos. Watching the company’s employees by video is a great way to develop engaging questions for your interview. Or bring up an interesting fact you learned from recent news and ask the recruiter to share their opinion.

“Is there anything I should have asked and didn’t?”

Under no circumstances should you ever ask this one. Always, always, always prepare thoughtful questions for the end of your interview. When you have no questions, the recruiter assumes you are not interested in the opportunity or that you are unable to think strategically. Instead, ask if there is anything more you should know. Never end an interview without a question for your interviewer.

“How many vacation days would I receive?”

Try not to ask questions that can be answered by visiting the company’s career site. Make sure to conduct proper research and maybe even teach the recruiter a thing or two. Instead, read blogs, watch videos, read corporate news, look at company reviews on employer review sites, and connect with alumni from your school, or other company employees on LinkedIn.

“What do you like about your job?”

This isn’t a terrible question, but unless you are interviewing for a job in Human Resources, our answer may not help you at all. As an alternative, ask what they like about the company and uncover information that will help you to make a better decision against other offers. Remember when I suggested that you connect with other employees with similar interests? Well, that is a great question for your connections.

“How did I do in the interview?”

Never ask this question. Recruiters need time to reflect on their conversation with you or take time to speak with the hiring manger. In the moment we will not be able to share feedback with you. Instead, proceed with your own process of reflection. Follow up with a thank you note which can even include any additional points you failed to mention in the conversation.

Interviews are scary for most people, but remember that your recruiter is human, too. They are trying to fill a position (or many positions) so they always want you to do well. Keep in mind that if you do not receive the role, do not take it personally. There may be limited positions or other candidates were a better fit for some reason. Your professionalism throughout the process will make you a great candidate for another position in the future!

-Kassie H.

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8 tips from an IT recruiter on how to ace your interview

October 8, 2018/in Advice from crew, Career opportunities blog, career, company, crew, crew member, data science, experience, grace hopper, grace hopper conference, hopper conference, impression, interview, linkedin, recruiter, shares, talent, technology, vanguard, vanguard at the grace, vanguard at the grace hopper /by fdoerr

8 tips from an IT recruiter on how to ace your interview

Sharon is an IT recruiter with 10+ years of experience recruiting talent for a vast array of IT positions, including Developers, Project Managers, AI/ML Engineers, Architects, Technical Leads, and Systems Administrators. In this blog, she shares tips on how to standout in an interview and make a lasting, positive impression.

1. Research the company using more than just their career site. Utilize career search sites such as The Muse and LinkedIn to read blogs, watch employee videos, and get up-to-date on company news. This will convey to your recruiter that you are interested and have done your homework. It can also help you determine if the company is really a fit and can help ideate questions for your interview.

2. Develop a strong LinkedIn profile. Connect with others in the industry, and find employees that work on the team you are targeting. Research has found that up to 97% of recruiters and employers use LinkedIn to discover talent. LinkedIn is also the ultimate personal branding tool.

3. If you have a technology listed on your resume be ready to discuss your experience. Recruiters want to hear examples that show you are proficient and meet the requirements of the role.

4. Provide a portfolio and relevant certifications. This will give a clear illustration of your experience and quality of work.

5. Display your enthusiasm and passion for the role. We are interviewing multiple individuals, often with similar experience and skills, and we want to hire someone who truly wants to bring value.

6. Maintain professionalism and be confident. Avoid filler words such as “um”, “like”, “kind of”, and “you know”. For in-person interviews, make a great first impression with neat attire and offer a strong handshake to everyone you meet. Keep electronics off and tucked away.

7. Send a thank you note to those involved in your interview process. An email is nice, but a hand written note goes a long way! Ask the coordinator for contact information or the manager at the end of the interview.

8. Keep in mind the interview starts the moment you enter the building and doesn’t end until you leave. You never know who you will encounter in the elevator or lobby.

We’re hiring talented technology and security professionals—learn more here!

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How to prepare for a Vanguard interview

July 27, 2018/in Advice from crew answer, best self, career, career search, client services, demonstrate, hiring managers, interested in the role, interview, interview questions, know, never know, practice, practice practice, present your best self, questions, recruiters and hiring, recruiters and hiring managers, role, vanguard /by fdoerr

How to prepare for a Vanguard interview

Not sure what to expect for your first interview at Vanguard? Whether it’s a phone screen, or an in-person interview on one of our campuses, the below tips will give you a behind-the-scenes look at questions to prepare for, how to stand out, and general best practices for our entry level interviews.

Practice, practice, practice

A best practice is to prepare for your interview the same way you would for a presentation – make sure you have thoroughly gathered the right information to share and rehearse your “speech.” Here are some ways to practice answering questions:

Ask a friend, mentor, parent, or professor to host a mock interview.
Stop by your campus’ career services office for advice and practice opportunities.
Answer common interview questions in the mirror.
Record your interview skills using a webcam.

The key is to practice repeatedly – don’t get discouraged if you struggle your first few times. Remember that interviewing is a skill, and like any skill, it takes time to develop and become proficient at it.

Make sure you are familiar with Vanguard

You don’t have to have deep knowledge of our strategy, but be familiar with our mission and the general purpose of our business. Candidates that know the basics about what we do will better demonstrate that they are interested in the role and company. Job descriptions are a great place to start, but we also have videos, crew profiles, a LinkedIn page and other career search related websites.

Know why you want this role

You will most likely be asked why you’re interested in the role you’re applying for. Tailor your answer to what specifically led you here – the role had growth opportunities, the culture was appealing, or you have a passion for doing the right thing for clients. And it’s best to not simply read from the website – make your answer personal. Consider what made you click the “Apply” button – do you have a friend who works at Vanguard and their experience sounded attractive? Do our values match with yours? Take your answer beyond, “I need a job” by telling a story.

Present your best self

We all know that interviewing is difficult and it’s completely natural to have some nerves. Despite this, it’s better to not state how uncomfortable you are. Part of the interview assessment includes measuring your ability to handle challenging situations, so statements like, “I’m so nervous!” can come across that you’re unprepared for the discussion. Go in with the mindset that recruiters and hiring managers want you to do well – your interview performance doesn’t have to be perfect. Interviewers will appreciate confidence and professionalism, but be careful about coming across as overly confident. For example, use phrases such as, “If I were to move on in the role,” not when I’m hired.

Answering the uncomfortable questions

Some interview questions are uncomfortable because they suggest that you’re unreliable or a poor performer. For example, questions related to mistakes you’ve made or challenges you’ve experienced can seem like a trick. But answering these types of questions with responses such as, “I’ve never made a mistake,” isn’t going to reflect as well as it may seem. Remember, everyone makes mistakes. If you are asked to describe an error of some kind, know that it doesn’t have to be a major mistake. You can describe a miscommunication, a time you forgot to return an email, or when you misread a school assignment. Humility and the ability to correct your actions are good qualities to demonstrate. Plus, we want to hire people who are coachable and open to feedback.

Manners count

Also, be careful not to inadvertently insult your interviewers when discussing schools, companies, or colleagues. A recruiter recalls the time a candidate described how they were offered a scholarship, but choose not to attend because the college was, “beneath them.” What they didn’t realize was that they were trashing the interviewer’s alma mater. Ouch!

“An interview is a great opportunity for you to present your best self and share the impactful experiences that demonstrate your skills.”

-Sarah H., recruiter

End strong

Asking questions will demonstrate your interest in the role, so always have a few in mind. Our recruiters love these questions:

What’s a typical day like in this role?
What’s the career trajectory?
How does Vanguard measure success in this role?
Which strengths are needed for the role?
Why do you choose to stay at Vanguard?

After the interview

Even if you decide you are no longer interested in the role, don’t “ghost” your recruiter. You never know when you may encounter them again, or find yourself interested in another role at Vanguard. As soon as you can, let the recruiter know that you’d like to withdraw. It can be a simple note, such as:

“I appreciate you meeting with me for the client services position. After some reflection, I don’t think I’m the right person for the role and would like to withdraw. Best of luck!”

If you’re comparing offers, feel free to call or email with questions. Recruiters can help you understand the job offer and our total rewards package. And it’s recommended that you avoid asking for immediate feedback regarding how you did in the interview – recruiters and hiring managers will need to reflect and collaborate on your interview before making any decisions.

Quick tips:

You can use notes during a phone interview, but don’t sound like you’re reading from them.
Limit jokes, and keep conversation to neutral topics such as weather.
Make sure to eat before any in-person interviews as the process may take a few hours.
Bring your resume, a notepad, and a few pens.
Print directions to our office. You never know when technology may let you down.

If you enjoyed this post, check out more from our #LifeatVanguard Blog. And if you’re ready for a more rewarding, engaging, meaningful career, search our Client Services opportunities at www.vanguardjobs.com.

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Why I didn’t give up on my dream of working at Vanguard

May 14, 2018/in Day in the Life, Voyage to Vanguard /by kkilgarriff

BlogBanner_Vanguard-dream-job-persist_1600x600

Why I didn’t give up on my dream of working at Vanguard

“Thank you for coming in to interview with Vanguard, unfortunately…”

I didn’t get the job.

I felt like my world was over.

This was me in 2016: I was approaching my last semester of college and had no job lined up. I had also just found out my wife was pregnant. Needless to say, it was a very challenging and frightening time. And even though being declined for a job feels lousy, I knew immediately I would apply again.

You’re probably thinking, why reapply at a company that rejected you? Truthfully, I’ve always been fascinated with Vanguard! I come from a single-parent home with a tough military-widowed mother. My mother did an exceptional job raising three kids, however, I never had a good understanding of how investing works. In college, I would observe personal finance classes and try to glean as much info as I could. The more I researched, the more intrigued I became with the process of choosing investments wisely and setting appropriate goals. I also came to understand how much people trusted in Vanguard and came to really believe in its mission to stand up for ALL investors. I knew that if I had to start my finance career anywhere, I needed to start it at Vanguard.

So I applied again, and again I was called in to interview. This time, I focused on a set of principles to help demonstrate the interests and abilities I felt made me a good fit for the company:

Assertiveness.

You have to show your passion in both words and actions. During the interview, I discussed starting my own consulting practice to gain more experience in the consulting space. I shared what I learned from taking on such a big endeavor and how it related to the role I desired.

Dedication.

After you’ve shown that you can confidently take initiative, can you endure? While at school I was passionate about business and social impact and found an organization that combined both. By an interesting turn of events, I became the president of the organization. Although I was new, I didn’t let my naïveté slow me down and was able to lead the group through several projects. I shared in my interview how these experiences trained me to face demanding situations successfully.

Self-awareness

I’m a firm believer that hard work over an extended period of time can yield great results. When I was first turned down by Vanguard, I made sure to keep my skills fresh and gain knowledge: I enrolled in a career prep class to enhance my interviewing skills. I studied everything I could about Vanguard: their products and services, their marketing style, and their culture. I even brought a portfolio of my past projects and an academic manuscript to show that I could dedicate myself to Vanguard and its mission.

A couple weeks after the next round of interviews, I got THE call again:

(drumroll please)

I was being offered a position in the company! It was a lot of effort and a long wait, but achieving the goal I had worked so hard for is indescribable.

So, was my journey worth it? Has it been everything I hoped it would be? Stay tuned for part two where I’ll share what it’s like to work at Vanguard – and how I feel now that I’m hired.

-Joseph R.

If you enjoyed this post, check out more from our #LifeatVanguard Blog. And if you’re ready for a more rewarding, engaging, meaningful career, search our opportunities at www.vanguardjobs.com.

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Voyage to Vanguard: Part 2

August 31, 2017/in Voyage to Vanguard /by fdoerr

Voyage to Vanguard: Part 2

An in-depth look at the intern interview process.

Vanguard is committed to attracting top talent from our nation’s universities to help serve the company mission. Interns are awarded the opportunity to solve real business problems on a daily basis. Though any interview process can seem intimidating, it is a crucial process that helps match intern candidates with companies. Here’s some information and tips from current interns!

There is a broad spectrum of ways that interns have learned about available opportunities at Vanguard, including career fairs, conferences, and more. Interview experiences vary based on program, location, and individual, but they do have one goal in common – to attract talent and inform potential candidates about Vanguard. Generally, there will be a first round interview, which could be over the phone or in person at various conferences or college campuses. If successful, you will be invited for an on-site visit at one of the main campuses in the U.S.

“I interviewed with Vanguard at the Grace Hopper conference for women in technology in Houston last fall. I met some of the crew members at the booth and received an invitation to interview the next day. During my interview, I answered a mix of behavioral and technical questions and talked about my internship goals and interests.”

-Isabel Uzsoy | UNC-Chapel Hill | Computer Science & English Literature | Cary, NC | IT- Retail

Interview Tips

Practice the S.T.A.R. method for interviewing and have a general understanding of Vanguard’s mission.

Be prepared to take in a lot of information! While Vanguard will be vetting your experiences, the process is also designed to inform you about the company.

Be yourself! The most effective quality in a candidate is confidence. Tell Vanguard crew about your experiences and feel comfortable elaborating.

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One Crew, Two Crew, Ready for the Interview?

July 18, 2017/in Day in the Life /by amber

One Crew, Two Crew, Ready for the Interview?

Once upon a time in different lands far away, we, six students, stumbled upon an opportunity one busy college day. Dan had heard from his family how great it would be to take part in an intern program known as C2C.

Nicole learned from her school and Sam, an info-session. Client, Crew, and Community—Oh, how it caught our attention!

By word of mouth we all heard about the chance to work hard, so we all set sail to pursue a summer with Vanguard. From business to investment to IT to finance, we sent our applications in, anxiously waiting for the chance—the chance to show our talents and earn a first-round interview, a single step closer to becoming a part of Vanguard’s crew.

A recruiter called to interview us first. How we practiced so long to not come off as rehearsed. Yet, as soon as the phone rang, and the recruiter said “Hi”, we were all eager to say, “I want to work at Vanguard and here are reasons why:”

Zac desired a summer where he could be challenged and grow. We wanted to learn about the financial industry, because there is so much to know. Mahrukh strived to work for a company whose goal was to set their clients up for success and learn from crew members and interns alike to become her very best.

The recruiter said (although not in these words) that we were in good ship-shape because the C2C internship would be just the place. Since we seemed driven and talented and excited to learn, come down for an interview day in the town of Malvern. We were not alone—the day was spent with plenty of crew and other amazing students very similar to you.

One of the best parts of the day: we each found friends. And at the start of our summers, we saw those friends again. Our day was more than an interview—it was much more than this. It was a chance to see a future with Vanguard, which was our number one wish.

We had lunch with past interns and networked with leaders throughout. It was our opportunity to figure out what Vanguard’s all about. Through the buildings of Audacious and Majestic, we went on a tour—Brennan, eagerly wanting a peek of the trading floor. Look to the right, you’ll see one of the 11 food courts.

Don’t get us started on the benefits—did you know we have intramural sports? The day of the interview flew by so fast. Six interns anxiously waited to hear back – and then, at last! A recruiter called with some wonderful news—excited to welcome us as part of the crew!

We would start after Memorial Day and learn a few weeks prior to which part of Vanguard we would become the new hire. We were each given summer buddies—current employees, who had been through it all: VADP, AFP, and even C2C.

To our reader preparing for their own interview—do not be nervous, do not fret, and just be you. Because just as Vanguard’s mission is to give their investors the best chance for investment success, they are dedicated to steering you as well to be your very best. Each of our roles is unique and our summers very fun. We cannot believe that the internship is halfway done. But if you want to hear more about our orientation, the work, and the laughter, tune into our next blog to hear a happily ever after.

By: Nicole G., Daniel K., Zac M., Brennan O., Mahrukh S., & Samantha W.

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