Last Updated on February 18, 2016
Chris Sumlin is gaining popularity through his YouTube videos that creatively help other students and young professionals in getting the job that they want through the lyrics of famous artists such as Beyonce and Rihanna. He is currently attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA majoring in Cinema, Television & Emerging Studies. Chris has been successful at getting internships with major entertainment companies such as Fox Studios and BET Awards in Los Angeles, CA.
As Chris has experience landing these much sought after jobs and internships, he has decided to share his knowledge in a unique way. He enjoys showing other young professionals how they can do well in interviews so that they can get the experiences that they want, just like he did. His creativity has led him to start creating YouTube content that passes on the knowledge that he has learned in a fun way that is relatable to millennials.
Once Chris has graduated, he hopes to become an entertainment producer and wants to work with stars like Beyonce and Rihanna, who have inspired his videos on YouTube. His most recent video is on 5 best interview tips based on Rihanna’s lyrics:
1. “Talk That Talk” Research
Being prepared before going into the interview is critical, and it will show the employer that you are prepared and excited for the opportunity. Do your research on the company, the company’s culture, what the company stands for and what the job entails. Make sure also to think about and research what kind of interview questions they might ask so you can think about your answers ahead of time.
2. “Do Ya Thang” Confidence
Being confident in the interview is critical as you do not want your interviewer to pick up how nervous you are. If you have to, pretend that you are talking to someone you know so that you do not feel as nervous. Coming across as confident, even if you are not, will give the interviewer the impression that you can do the job to the fullest potential. Just remember to relax and breathe!
3. “Don’t Be A Rude Boy”
One of the worst things you can do in an interview is to come across as rude or disrespectful. Make sure to listen actively to everything the interviewer is saying, don’t cut them off, be sure not to use explicit language and come to the interview dressed in a way that would be compliant to the company’s dress code. You also want to make sure that you do not wear or do anything that is off-putting such as wearing too much perfume or cologne, have bad breath, or being late. Make to be punctual, respectful, kind and polite.
4. “What’s My Name” Questions
At the end of the interview, the interviewer will typically ask you if you have any questions about the position or the company. Have a couple of insightful questions prepared so that they will know you are excited about the position? Ask them questions about how long they’ve been with the company or how has working for the company impacted your career. This will let them know that you’ve taken the time to prepare and figure them out, and they will be impressed with your enthusiasm and potential.
5. “Take A Bow”
When the interview has finished, congratulated yourself on a job well done, take a bow! However, this is not the end of the process. Be sure to send the interview an email or a thank you note to let them know that you are invested in the opportunity. When this is done, reflect on the interview and think about the questions that they asked you, how you responded to them and in ways that you think you can improve. Regardless of whether you get the job or not, you can use the interview to help you excel in your career by learning from the experience.
Hello, I'm Ruby Galvez. I'm originally from the Philippines and have been a dedicated writer for HBCU lifestyle since 2012. My writing journey at HBCU lifestyle is more than just a profession; it's a heartfelt advocacy for the mission of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As a college graduate, I'm deeply passionate about supporting first-generation college students and fostering diversity and inclusion. I firmly believe in empowering the next generation of student change-makers through education and awareness. Each article I craft is a step towards this goal, using my voice to inspire and enact change. Join me in this mission for a more equitable and educated world.
