Goldman Sachs x Her Campus
The job application process can sometimes feel like a full-time role in itself. Whether you’re applying for internships or your first post-grad position, your job hunt to-do list will be full of tasks like research, resume prep, and cover letter writing. Of course, this all leads up to one of the most important steps: the interview.
As exciting as it is to be asked to participate in a job interview, the idea of sitting down with potential employers can also be a little nerve-wracking. Will I say the right thing? What if I can’t think of an answer to a question? These are all thoughts that have gone through my head before a big interview. And when you’re a candidate for a job you’re really passionate about, the pressure can feel even greater. But with the right tools and preparation, you can say “goodbye” to the butterflies in your stomach and “hello” to the confidence you need to succeed.
Want to nail your next interview (whether it’s in-person or virtual)? These five tips from Omer Tanvir, Vice President and Global Co-Head of Campus Recruiting and Early Careers at Goldman Sachs will help you do just that.
1. Do your research.
What’s the first thing you should do when you get an email from a recruiter or hiring manager asking to schedule an interview? Celebrate. The second thing? Start your research.
An interview isn’t just a chance for hiring managers to get to know you — it’s also an opportunity for you to get to know them and the company they work for. And having a good understanding of the position and the organization’s values will help you explain why you’re a great fit for the job.
So, take some time to read through the company’s website, visit their social media pages, and leverage your personal network to collect any info they might have. Then, use this knowledge to identify how your background and experiences line up with the role you’ve applied for.
2. Choose clothing that makes you feel your best.
Worried that you don’t have the right interview outfit in your closet? Don’t stress! In today’s professional world, you don’t have to be overly formal. Just use your judgment and choose an outfit that you feel good in!
3. Put your most confident self forward.
During the interview, you’ll probably be focusing most of your attention on what to say to position yourself as the right candidate for the job. But it’s equally important to consider how you’re saying it.
Companies want to see candidates that are confident, enthusiastic, and natural. So, treat the interview like a conversation — not an audition. As you answer questions, pay attention to your posture, speak slowly and clearly, and make sure to showcase your enthusiasm for the role.
What if your interview is virtual? Even though you won’t be in the same room as the interviewer, you should still showcase your confidence. Little things like ensuring your background is tidy and professional, having good on-camera posture, and making eye contact with the camera (instead of looking at yourself) can go a long way in putting your best self forward.
4. Be concise, yet specific.
So, you’ve nailed your body language and delivery. Now, how do you make sure you’re responding to questions in the best way possible? Start by reminding yourself that you’re having a conversation, not delivering lines. It’s great to paint a full picture of yourself and your experiences, but you should aim to keep talking points short and punchy. Concise responses can go a long way, and it’s always better to let your interviewer ask a follow-up question if they need more information.
Again, be sure to approach the interview as a two-way conversation. Use it to think about whether you can see yourself at the company, and use the question and answer position to ask about what matters to you — whether that’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, work-life balance, or opportunities for growth.
5. Breathe. Be yourself.
Don’t worry about knowing the exact answer to everything the interviewer asks. As long as you can demonstrate your ability to break down the question and logically explain how you’d approach it, you’ll be displaying a skill set that’s valuable to any company: strategic thinking and problem-solving.
At the end of the day, interviewers want to get to know you. Instead of defaulting to clichés or only saying what you think your interviewer wants to hear, speak from your experiences. Whether you share your unique background or an interesting personal story, make sure to own your identity and highlight how it will be an asset in the workplace.
Companies would rather see your personality and unique experiences come through naturally than hear you go through a script or list your accomplishments — so take a deep breath and remember to be yourself!
Now that you have all of the tools you need, it’s time to get out there and nail your next interview. Still looking for the right job to apply to? Goldman Sachs has a variety of exciting opportunities for students. Head to the Goldman Sachs student career hub to check out their summer 2023 internship programs!
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