Spring semester tends to be a more stressful semester for every college student. If you’re a senior like me, the task of finding a job for after graduation is dangling over your head now more than ever. For other collegiettes, finding the perfect summer internship can be just as difficult. However, once you’ve scored the interview, the job can easily be yours if you follow these helpful tips.
1. Confidence. Being 100% sure of yourself is one of the best things you can do during an interview. Whether your heart is racing or your palms are sweating, don’t let it show. If you aren’t confident in yourself, who else should be? The company obviously saw potential in you if they gave you the interview—prove them right.
2. Smile. Why so serious? Smiling during an interview, especially during the initial greeting, is absolutely essential. An employer is not going to want to hire someone who won’t seem friendly to his or her clients. Also, scientists have proven that smiling relieves stress and lowers our blood pressure, making us a little more relaxed during a nerve-wracking interview. (www.psychologytoday.com)
3. Résumé. Although the interviewer has more than likely already seen your résumé, always bring another copy with you. Be sure to place it in a nice, professional folder or portfolio, not a paper one from the dollar store. It’s much better to have a spare copy for them to glance at rather than awkwardly admitting you did not bring one if asked. For fabulous tips on strengthening your résumé, check out this helpful website: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/719/01/
4. Handshake. I’m sure you’ve already heard it countless times, but the perfect handshake is key to impressing an interviewer before the questions even begin. Make sure to have a firm grip on the other person’s hand, but also, remember to not cut off their circulation! An ideal handshake lasts for three seconds. The hands are generally pumped once or twice and then let go, even if you are still conversing. Also, if your palms get sweaty when you’re nervous remember to subtly wipe your right palm before an impending handshake. (www.career-advice.monster.com)
5. Clothing. Finding the perfect interview outfit can be tricky for anyone. For a tall girl like me, it’s usually easier to wear a pair of dress pants rather than stressing about the appropriate length of a hemline. A shorter girl may prefer to wear heels, whereas flats are also a perfectly appropriate option. The best article of clothing for every woman to invest in for the workplace is a blazer. They look put-together with both skirts and pants and can also be a fun way to dress up a plain, professioanl outfit. Add color to your outfit, as well, such as a bright necklace or a teal blazer rather than black. It’s still business-like and will make you stand out among the competition.
Also, remember to take a big, deep breath before entering an interview. We all know interviews can be nerve-wracking, but let them see the strong, hardworking, and confident person you are. If you impressed them enough to get the initial interview, you can definitely impress them enough to land the job. Good luck collegiettes!
Photos courtesy of: www.fashionilluminati.com and www.personnel-placements.co.uk