It’s that time of year again — your parents’ constant nagging sets in and you realize that you have to actually go out and get that summer job or internship. We’ve all been through it, and now that we are in college, it’s impossible to escape.
As if searching and applying for jobs wasn’t enough work already, preparing for an interview is the icing on top of the cake.
Job interview anxiety is real and the toll it takes is quite draining. We feel nervous, scared and maybe even helpless at times. Dressing up to impress the employer that was once in our shoes can be a daunting task, but here are some tips to overcome your nervousness and land your job like a pro.
Keep in mind your objective. You are there solely for the purpose to get the job offer. Don’t lose sight of the prize. Stay focused.
Your strategy is to convince the interviewer you are the best person for the job. To do this, you must believe you are the best person for the job. Be confident in yourself and your abilities. You can do this.
After each question you are asked, take a breath before you launch into your answer. This strategy is helpful for two reasons. First, you give yourself a moment to think of what you are going to say. Secondly, it calms you down and instantly relieves stress before answering. Don’t worry about how it may appear to your employer. To them, it’ll just seem like you’re taking a small pause.
Remember to stay engaged throughout the entire interview. Constantly stay engaged with your brain before you open your mouth. It is important to be conscious of each word you are saying.
Connect your skills to the job. Talk about how your experiences through school or other jobs make you an asset to the company you are applying for. Give examples that help the employer have a better understanding of how exactly you applied the skills you wrote on your resume.
Please, do not forget to prepare before you walk into your interview. If you have the name of the person who will be meeting with you, research their history online prior to the interview. Looking them up on LinkedIn may help you find mutual connections, which can greatly benefit you. Also, know the culture of the business you are interviewing for. Be familiar with what the company expects of its employees.
Now let’s take a look at what not to do.
Do not be long-winded. Answer concisely and get to the point. A good way to avoid rambling is to practice possible questions beforehand. Figure out what is important to say and what just takes up time. Employers are most likely not interested in your entire childhood from the age of three.
Also, do not make things up. While this seems so obvious, it is easy to get carried away on the spot and talk about certain events or projects that you might be familiar with, but not involved with. The interviewer may probe you for more information and detail that you do not know. Stick with what you know and be honest with the information you are giving.
What most people fear when interviewing is getting the dreaded salary question. It’s not only awkward, but puts people in an uncomfortable situation. If you do not feel comfortable answering right on the spot, request to discuss the information at a later date. If that does not suffice, then consider using the following variation of words:
“I think I should be paid in relation to my education and experience.”
Follow this sentence with a range of a salary. To find what range you should be aiming for, search other positions similar to yours through the company’s website.
Another question most people hope to avoid is when an employer asks what his or her greatest weakness is.
Do not fear this question! The best way to go about answering is to provide your interviewer with an example or a story of your weakness and how you worked to overcome your weakness.
For more helpful tips, practice questions and further resources, check out the Cal Poly Career Services page.