Whether your upcoming interview is virtual or in-person, you should always be prepared! Being prepared will help you to succeed during the interview process as well as help you to feel more confident about yourself along the way.
- Conduct Research
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Always, always, always research the company or the organization that you will be interviewing with! By learning about the company’s mission statement, goals, values, and statistical facts, you can understand what may be asked of you during the interview. You can also show off your knowledge when responding to questions and making conversation. Employers love to see that you are excited about their organization, and by sharing your knowledge of it, you can prove your dedication to the employer. Doing a bit of research on the company’s current successes, issues, and other happenings is also important as you can become familiar with the company’s most relevant updates.
- Prepare a Script
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Practice your elevator pitch! During almost any interview, you will be asked to tell the interviewer about yourself. An elevator pitch is the perfect way to respond to this question as an elevator pitch encapsulates who you are and where you are going. Prepare to discuss your educational background, relevant experiences, and where you see yourself in about five to ten years. In addition, prior to an interview, you should always have questions prepared for the interviewer. Employers want to see that you are curious about and invested in the position that you are applying for. In addition, it can be helpful to brainstorm some conversation-starters. Perhaps you can congratulate the company on a recent success!
- Develop Your Resume/Portfolio
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You should always be ready to share your resume and examples of your work with a potential employer. Before entering an interview, you should take the time to shape your resume and ensure that it fits the position that you are interviewing for. By using bullet points and key terms from the job description to relate your experiences to the position, you can exemplify your readiness for the role.
In addition, prepare your portfolio. Whether you prepare physical or digital copies of your work (as well as business cards or a form of contact information), be prepared to share what you can do. Know your resume and portfolio inside-out and be ready to tell a story about each experience that you have.
- Establish Your Setting
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If your interview is going to be in-person, you may want to consider visiting the environment that your interview will take place in. If the interview is going to be in a location that you are not familiar with, you can practice driving to the location to ensure that you can find it and that you can determine how long it will take you to arrive on time. If your interview will be virtual, or even over the phone, ensure that you have a quiet place to conduct the interview. Prepare professional, minimalistic attire and your background, which should include minimal activity and white space so that the focus is on you.
- Build Your Confidence
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Confidence is key during an interview. By telling yourself affirmations and assuring yourself that you are capable of success, you will feel prepared for your interview. Practice public speaking and answering questions in the mirror or with a friend to become more comfortable with yourself and your experiences. The more prepared you are, the more comfortable and confident you will feel.
Gaining professional experience in the workplace is important, whether it is through a job, an internship, a volunteer position, or a project! By putting your best foot forward and preparing for your interview, you can totally ace it! You’ve got this!