Whether you’re a student working on campus, a sales clerk at a local store, or just a student with no job you will be faced with an interview of some sort. As a student, interviews are key when it comes to looking for a co-op or a job after graduation. How you act in an interview is how your future employer will judge you on whether or not you would be a good addition to their establishment.
Interviews are nerve racking and can cause a lot of stress because you want to make that perfect impression, but there are ways to get around your nerves. When preparing yourself for an interview you need to relax and be yourself. The employer wants to see the true you, not a fake version of yourself.
You should spend more time getting ready for the interview then the interview itself. The best way to maintain your stress level is to keep a positive attitude and be prepared for anything that might be thrown your way.
Here are some helpful hints on preparing yourself for the interview:
Be Positive
Go into the interview with a smile and confidence ill be radiating off of you. This does not mean having a “know-it-all” attitude or a sort of cockiness, but more of a self-assured look. If you can show your interviewer that you are calm under stressful situations then you could be the perfect candidate for the job.
Be Ready
Walk into the interview knowing that they will have hard questions for you. We know you can’t possibly know the questions they might ask of you, but just prepare yourself for anything they might throw your way. There are generic questions that are asked in these situations, so prepare your answers for those prior to the interview. Make sure your answers are thorough and detailed.
Why
One of the most important things in the interview is to know why you want to work for the company you are applying to. Do your best to obtain information on the company that will impress them. This will involve some research, but you can do it! Do not walk into the interview with a generic answer for why you want to work there. Study their current projects and have a complete list of reasons why you want to be apart of their team.
Job Description
Walk into the interview with knowledge on the job that is being offered. This also involves research on the job duties because if you don’t know what the job entitles it won’t shine a positive light on you.
What you have to offer
Make sure you know what you have to offer their company. Know your weaknesses and strengths. It is okay to voice your weaknesses when asked because everyone has their faults. Be able to talk about your background, education, training and work experience that would show the interviewer why you would be the ideal candidate for the position.
References
Come into the interview with a complete list of references. More than likely they will ask for references that they can contact to learn more about you and your background experience. The list should be complete with names, telephone numbers, addresses and emails.
Resume
Bring a few copies of your resume with you into the interview. In most cases, the interviewer will have a copy of your resume, but just to be safe bring a few copies. This will show that you are well prepared.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep before your interview is very important. Prepare yourself the night before by laying out an outfit you want to wear and set it off to the side. Rushing around in the morning last minute will just add more stress and can cause you to be late. Dress conservatively, be clean and neat and avoid any annoyances.
These tips will help you be prepared for a successful interview.
An interview can be nerve-racking for the job seeker and the person conducting the interview. This next set of tips will help make the interview process go smoother.
1. Be Punctual: Drive to the location of your interview the day before, so you know you wont get lost on the next day. Give yourself enough time to get to the interview 15 minutes early.
2. Relax and be yourself: Be the best, professional version of you. Do not walk into the interview trying to be someone you are not because 9 times out of 10 the interviewer will know. Look at the interview as another adventure you are trying to conquer, even if the job isn’t right for you their will be many more to explore.
3. Smile and be friendly: This is not the time to be shy. Greet your interviewer with a warm smile and positive vibes. Establish a good first impression because they can go a long way.
4. Use direct eye contact: When talking to your interviewer look direct at them, don’t let yourself wander off to the sides of the room (look at the bridge of their nose to maintain good eye conact). Show them that you are interested in what they are saying. Also don’t twiddle your thumbs or shake your leg. Calmly sit and talk.
5. Look the part: You want your potential employer to picture you in the role. Dress professionally even if you know the company is a casual work environment. Limit the piercings and tattoos just for the first impression until you know what their policies are.
6. Ask Questions: Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer. Typically, an interviewer will want to engage you so be prepared. The interview is just like a business meeting, you are aloud to ask as many questions as you want. Think of it this way, they want you to be apart of their team, but you have to want to be too.
7. Write a thank-you note: Before you leave the interview make sure to get a business card. After the interview make sure to send a handwritten note thanking them for their time. Not a lot of people write thank-you notes so this will create a positive impression.
These tips will help you prepare for the interview along with keeping you stress free while in the interview. If you follow these helpful tips you will create a positive impression in your future employers minds.
Just remember to stay positive and enter any interview with a smile because a first impression can go a thousand miles. Good luck in your future endeavors.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at RIT chapter.