Although the holidays are almost among us, so is interview season! Interviews can be nerve wrecking and stressful, but they don’t have to be if you take time to readjust and prepare yourself beforehand. So, here are some tips for nailing that interview!
1. Double check, triple and quadruple check your resume – A couple nights before your interview, make sure you know your resume inside and out! Remember the different activities and experiences you mentioned, that will help you answer the questions provided to you throughout the interview. Also, be mindful of what you include in your resume. It seems tempting to tweak up some extracurriculars or other experiences, but in the end, it won’t be helpful if you are dishonest.
2. Do your homework – It’s always vital to learn about the company you applied to. Personally, I usually research the companies’ values, the work environment and if you know who’s interviewing you, it doesn’t hurt to know their role in the company. This way, the interviewer can see that you are genuinely interested in working with them. But at the same time, keep a balance between how much you want to say (don’t sound like a know-it-all).
3. Dress to impress – You want to give off a good impression as you walk into the room, facing your interviewer. Avoid wearing anything that speaks too casual; you want to look professional as possible. Dressing professional shows that you are taking this next step for this job, or internship, seriously.
4. Be calm and confident – It’s easier said than done, but don’t be nervous! Being nervous can actually show through your body language, like rambling, or being fidgety. If you find yourself doing that during the interview, try to think of the interviewer as an acquaintance, or someone you’re friendly with. It can help keep you calm, and your confidence intact.
5. Don’t forget to breathe – Interviews are troubling because most of them are a make-or-break for your career, but don’t let that get to you. Just think about the reasons why you are driven to take this interview. Whether it be for money, or because it’s something you are actually passionate about, let that be your encouragement. Don’t let the fear of failure take you down!
Remember, interviews are a chance for the company and a potential employer to see your character, so just be yourself. Take these tips to your interview and trust me, you’ll be wowing them! Good luck!
Photo Credits: Cover Photo, 1, 2, 3