The PSA interview is one of the most important aspects in our hiring process. It is a way for us to get to know the person behind the application and resume. Our interviews typically last anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on the position, seniority level, and the number of interested applicants offered interviews.
A Few Tips from Us
1. Research Penn Student Agencies
You must read our website and know what we do, what our businesses are, and our history. We will ask questions about both PSA as an organization and the business you intend to join. PSA strives to provide the experience to students and like any job interview you attend post-graduation; industry and company knowledge will be heavily rewarded.
Mission
Our mission is to teach transferable skills and business management to Penn students by providing hands-on entrepreneurial experience outside the classroom so that these students can be competitive in the job market and prepared for their post-graduation pursuits.
Vision
We envision Penn Student Agencies to remain a relevant resource to Penn students by reconstructing our hands-on learning opportunities to account for the new and ever-changing skills that employers will be looking for in applicants, as well as provide innovative products and services that will meet the evolving needs of the student customers.
Value Pillars (Updated July 2024)
- Professionalism: We uphold professionalism by fostering respect, integrity, and excellence, ensuring students gain valuable experience while being able to be their authentic selves. We emphasize strong work ethic, effective communication, and continuous improvement to prepare students for successful post-graduation careers.
- Sustainable: We are committed to sustainability, ensuring our operations, initiatives, and products support the long-term well-being of our community and environment, promote eco-friendly practices, offer lasting learning opportunities, and ensure financial stability for Penn Student Agencies.
- Accessible: We aim to make our programs, opportunities, and resources available to all Penn students, regardless of background or circumstances. By removing barriers and offering inclusive solutions, we ensure every student can benefit from experiential experiences, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all students can thrive.
- Passionate: We are driven by a passion for entrepreneurship, learning, and student success. Our community thrives on enthusiasm and a shared commitment to making a difference. By fostering a culture that celebrates and channels passion into productive endeavors, we inspire students to pursue their goals with vigor, leading to innovative ideas, dedicated efforts, and a vibrant learning environment.
- Supportive: Our community is built on a foundation of supporting, valuing, and empowering students. We create an environment where everyone can seek guidance, share experiences, and receive the help they need. By fostering strong relationships, offering mentorship, and providing resources, we ensure students have a reliable network to support their post-graduate readiness and academic journeys.
- Adaptable: We embrace change and prioritize staying ahead in an evolving higher education landscape. Our culture values flexibility, resilience, and continuous improvement. By embracing new ideas, technologies, and methods, we keep our programs and services relevant to the communities we serve. We encourage students to be adaptable, learn from challenges, and pivot when necessary, preparing them to thrive in dynamic environments.
2. Dress appropriately "Dress for the job you want!"
Our interviews are business casual, but we welcome candidates to dress in whatever way communicates their professionalism and personality. It’s not always what you say, but how you present yourself that makes a lasting impression. PSA seeks to employ students who are eager to learn and can represent the organization and the University of Pennsylvania well!
3. Bring Yourself and your Personality
Confidence and preparation are vital to a successful interview. For many students, this is their first job interview and that can be intimidating. Stay engaged in the conversation and everything will be fine. You don’t want to appear too nervous, but, don’t be too relaxed. PSA comprises students from all undergraduate schools, ethnicities, sexualities, and interests. We are NOT looking for “a type”. We have found that anyone who demonstrates ambition and dedication can grow within our community and thrive while at PSA and beyond.
4. Ask your interviewer(s) Questions!
The interviews are conducted by one or more Managers in the agency’s leadership team. They love it when interviewees ask questions, it shows they’re interested and have done their homework. Before the interview, make sure you’ve prepared questions that you have or that we may not have addressed. We hope that this is also an opportunity for interviewees to learn more about us!
5. Ending your Interview
It’s always appropriate to thank interviewers for their time and the opportunity. Make sure you note the name of the individual who interviews you. We will reach out within a couple of days after the interview to let you know of our decision.
How to Structure an Appropriate Response
We suggest structuring your answers using the S.T.A.R. technique. These interview questions are typically phrased starting with: ” Tell me about a time…”, “Have you ever had to…”, and ” Why are you qualified for …”.
Prepare. Listen to the question and think of an event.
Situation. Describe the event or situation that you were in.
Task. Explain the task you had to complete.
Action. Describe the specific actions you took to complete the task.
Result. Close with the result of your efforts.
This is a great way to structure a clear and thoughtful response. You may not use this for every question, but it is helpful, especially if you are nervous. Not answering a question appropriately or taking a long time to do so will affect your interview. For more information on this topic, please click this link.
Additional Resources
You can also find helpful information for preparing for an interview at the Career Services Website.