Gen Z Woman's Strategy for Landing Her Dream Job at 22 Goes Viral

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A Generation Z graduate has gone viral online after revealing the interview techniques that helped her land her dream job.
Hali Jama, 22, graduated in the summer of 2024, and she didn't waste any time before diving headfirst into job interviews. Many might dread the recruitment process, but not Jama, who spent time crafting the perfect technique to help her be at her most confident and professional.
It's frequently said that first impressions last a lifetime, and Jama bears that in mind at the start of every interview. Whether in person or on a video call, Jama invites small talk and opens up about herself, telling Newsweek that it's "the human thing to do" in any setting. Just because it's a job interview, it doesn't mean you have to forgo any natural conversation.
"I do gauge the interviewer and their energy, and that often signifies how much small talk I want to do," Jama said. "Some people like to get straight to the point, so I try to go with the vibe."
After engaging in some light small talk, Jama follows this up by discussing her past roles and involvements. She pays particular attention to any details which are especially relevant to the job she's interviewing for.
Hali Jama, 22, discussing her interview technique after landing her dream job.
Hali Jama, 22, discussing her interview technique after landing her dream job.
@haliijama / TikTok
If there are any skills she gained from those positions which would help her land the job, there's no doubt that she's going to mention them.
"This is important because it highlights how you can fit into the role you are interviewing for. It's also an organized way to talk about your involvements without getting scrambled about where to start," Jama continued.
Once the past is covered, she seamlessly moves onto the present day.
Jama explained that she goes into detail about how she discovered the job role that was advertised, and even how she felt about applying.
In October 2024, when interviewing for her dream job, Jama told the interviewer that she was "sad about the learning ending" after graduating from college. But after coming across the job role and reading the description, she realized that didn't have to be her reality at all.
"A big part of market research is the consistent learning and research. So, it was a strength that I was able to mention indirectly early in the interview," Jama said.
Lo and behold, she got a call several days later to congratulate her on getting the job.
Much of her advice was learned from people who Jama looked up to, or who worked at companies she aspired to. As the first person in her family to graduate college and progress into the workforce, Jama sought out people who could help her.
She told Newsweek that she had approximately "80 coffee chats" with people to gain as much useful information as possible. During that time, she took notes and asked an abundance of questions to make the most of their wisdom.
Jama said: "Once I learned all this information, I implemented it in my internships, interviews, and networking opportunities. I always say the best way to learn is to experience it yourself or learn from those who have already done it. I chose to do both."
She also found it beneficial to address her mindset. Rather than putting interviewers on a pedestal and getting anxious, she reminds herself that it's "a transactional process," and she is learning about the company just as much as they're learning about her.
Amanda Fischer, an executive leadership and career coach, thinks Jama's advice is spot on, but perhaps the most important factor is her confidence. Fischer told Newsweek that being confident in your own ability is "a crucial component of succeeding" in any interview.
"A lack of confidence is a huge problem and can be detrimental to even the most experienced candidates," Fischer said. "There are many ways that an individual can boost their confidence before an interview, including positively visualizing how it will go, listening to music, and moving your body directly before."
Mindset is a powerful tool, as Jama suggests. Candidates shouldn't feel anxious about being perceived a certain way, as this can lead to too many questions or coming across as aggressive, Fischer says.
Viewing yourself as a professional catch that a company would be lucky to have is a great way to start any interview.
"Another effective mindset strategy is to treat the people you're talking with as if they're already your colleagues. Be friendly, give the benefit of the doubt to their good intentions, assume that they want to work with you, and occasionally speak about the company as if you already have the role," Fischer continued.
The Online Response
Jama has documented her advice on social media (@haliijama), with many of her videos going viral online. A clip explaining how she landed her dream job at 22 has amassed over 268,600 views and more than 31,300 likes on TikTok at the time of writing.
She didn't intend to go viral, but Jama hopes her content will be useful to others who currently find themselves searching through the job market.
Her advice is to have courage, belief, and to try no matter what.
"When I think back to summer 2021, right before starting university, I could've never imagined the doors that would open for me. And yet, here I am. Not because it was easy, but because I chose to try, even when the odds were stacked against me," Jama said.
Among the comments on her TikTok posts, social media users thanked Jama for the advice and praised her confidence.
One comment reads: "Congrats on getting the job!"
Another person wrote: "I love this pitch honestly. Ties everything about your growth and who you truly are. Thank you for the tip."
While another TikTok user added: "You're the blueprint for my uni experience."
Have you had a workplace dilemma? Let us know via [e-mail]. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.