It’s that time of year again when your friend’s favorite questions is “do you know where you’re working this summer,” and when your parents ask, “have you applied for internships yet?” With new schedules and classes just beginning, these questions can cause even more stress in our daily lives. If you’ve started the summer search and are lucky enough to have scored an interview, you’ve probably experienced the next phase of stress that sets in – the one that’s exciting but creates an enormous pit in your stomach as your mind races over what you’ll say, what you’ll wear, and how you’ll impress. To ease your mind, here are some tips to help you thrive in that interview and (hopefully!) land that dream job or internship.
1. Prepare
Before any interview, it is important to have some background knowledge about a company’s work. You should understand what its purpose and missions entail, or any projects or partnerships in which it has recently been involved. All you have to do is spend some time on their website, and it’s always a good idea to jot down some notes to glance at before the interview. If it’s a phone interview – lucky you! You’ve created a nice little cheat sheet for yourself.
2. Wear
What you wear solely depends on the type of company you are interviewing for, and whether this interview is over the phone, Skype, or in person.
Phone – wear whatever makes you comfortable! Your pajamas, slippers, or even a robe is appropriate – they’ll never know ;)
Skype – Your potential future employer will only see your top half, so throw together your favorite shirt, a necklace and some sweatpants, and you’re ready to go.
Person – It is important to take into account the type of company you’re interviewing for. If it’s a corporate office, you may want to invest in a blazer for the occasion, but in a more creative setting, such as a magazine or museum, feel free to add in some color or wedges – just make sure you look neat, put together, and appropriate.
3. Show Interest
Anticipate your interviewer’s inevitable statement, “do you have any questions?” Have some questions prepared, and they don’t need to be complex! You can ask anything, from what their favorite aspects of the company include, or what a typical day entails. All in all, make sure you express why you want the position, and why you’d be a good fit.
4. Relax!!!
If you’ve made it to the interview stage, this company already has an interest in you. Show the real you, and the you that will be at work each day.
5. Follow Up
Make sure to send a thank you email after your interview – it demonstrates that you appreciate your interviewer’s time, and their consideration of you for a position (while putting you on their mind again…)