Summer is coming up fast, and I know many of you are looking for internships or jobs. Interviewing is a big part of getting the position you want. In the business school, I have received many helpful tips for interviews. I’d like to share them with those of you who may not have had the same direction.
Before the Interview
Before college, I believed the best way to succeed in an interview was to wing it. Being yourself is an important part of interviewing, but you should also come prepared. Make sure that you read the interview instructions carefully and bring anything they ask for, such as your resume or references. It is also important to research a bit about the company and prepare some questions for the interviewer. I find it helpful to ask about the company’s mission statement or vision to ensure that our views align. Practice is also vital to your success in an interview because the more comfortable you are, the better you will come across.
During the Interview
It is nerve-racking to walk into an interview for a position that you really want. Start strong by shaking the interviewer’s or interviewers’ hands and introducing yourself. One thing I struggle with when I get nervous is speaking too quickly. Taking a breath before you answer a question has helped me slow my pace and speak with intention. Eye contact is another big part of an interview. I have been taught to look at the interviewer when they are asking a question, look away briefly while thinking, and then look back at the interviewer when answering. This helps keep a balance of paying attention while not making the interviewer uncomfortable.
After the Interview
You did it, but the work isn’t over quite yet. End the interview by thanking the interviewer for their time and shaking their hand again. One of the most important pieces of advice I have received is to write handwritten thank-you notes to each interviewer and mail them to them after the interview. Doing this sets you leagues ahead of your competition and lets the interviewer know you really care about getting the position. It is also important to take the time to reflect on what went well in the interview and what could have gone better to prepare for the next time you interview.
Conclusion
Interviewing can be scary and difficult, but I hope these tips helped make it less so. Make sure to remain adaptable, as every interview is different. Being yourself is key because the company may not be a good fit for you. The most important thing to remember is that you are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you. Your time and work ethic are valuable, and you don’t want to be somewhere that doesn’t see that. If you have any other interviewing tips, please let me know!