Before college, I did two interviews. One for my job as a lifeguard and one for my job as a hostess. I showed up in “business casual” they asked me a couple of questions about why I wanted the job and then I filled out paperwork. The paperwork was a formality; I knew I was going to get the job; they knew I was going to get the job.
As soon as I started interviewing in college, though, I knew my original experiences were out of the ordinary. My first interview was not a formality — the questions were probing, difficult and encouraged me to consider the impact I could really make on an organization. It was not what I anticipated, but it helped me to grow not only as an interviewee, but as a person.
So… as a self-taught interview pro, here are a couple of things I’ve learned.
Have anecdotes on hand
What experiences have you had that set you apart? Do you have a story that is a testament to your passion for something? This is crucial in an interview. There’s an important differentiation, though. Don’t memorize a story, just have ideas of the things you have done and how to apply them. You want to sound excited, not rehearsed.
Research the company or organization
This step is important to answering your why. When you apply for something, you don’t just want a general idea of how it works, you should know the mission, goals and values. Without these, you might think it’s a good fit even if it’s not. Knowing what the company or organization stands for tells you if your values align and gives you a why.
Run potential interview questions with a friend or family member
This is something that has enhanced my ability to interview so much. The scariest part of interviewing is the very beginning. Once you get through the anxiety of the first question, it gets so much easier. Replicate that feeling with a friend, so that when you get into the interview, it is familiar.
Final Thoughts
Interviewing gives you an opportunity to figure out who you are, what you want and perhaps most importantly: your why.
Why are you here? Why do you want this? Why this organization/job/club in particular?
These questions may seem simple, but they tell you a lot about the job you’re applying for and you learn a few things about yourself along the way. Interviewing sucks, but more and more it will be a part of our lives, so learn how to do it while you’re 18 instead of 25!