Tips For Your Perfect Interview

Finding an internship or a job is nothing less than stressful and time consuming. There are numerous steps that one has to take in order to find their perfect job, prepare for the interview, and then land the position. By following this tutorial, you will gain the confidence that you need to get that job you want. 

Script It

Whether you are applying for an internship or a job, an “interview script” will hold your hand through the whole interview process. In fact, I am living proof that this process works. A professor that I had last semester helped me to land my job for after college because she told me to follow these guidelines. If you prepare by following these rules, I am confident that you, too will be one hundred percent ready for any curveball question that you may be faced with.

Follow this guideline for your perfect interview script:

1. Connect:

Introduce yourself with eye contact and a firm handshake. Find a common ground between you and the interviewer to connect on more of a personal level. Do some research on their LinkedIn profile to see how you could relate to him or her.

For example: If you see on their profile that they studied abroad in Italy, and you did similarly, spark an opening conversation around the subject. Ask about his/her program and their experiences abroad. This will serve as a perfect icebreaker.

2. Deliver your value proposition:

State your class standing, the University that you attend, date of graduation, and degree that you will receive.

Then, state one or two of your key strengths and how it will benefit the position that you are applying for. After describing your strengths, tell the employer a brief story about your previous job, internship, or schoolwork in which you demonstrated these strengths.

3. Ask Questions

Make sure that you come prepared with questions. Not personal questions, but questions must be about the company. Ask about any goals that the company might have, or how they differentiate themselves from competition. Get creative and ask intelligent questions… This will impress your interviewer. If you do not come prepared with questions, employers will think that you did not do any research on the company and you are not serious about wanting the position.

4. Show your stuff

Bring any sort of material from previous work, or schoolwork that you can physically show your interviewer. Describe the work in which you did and how this work will help you benefit their company. Having proof of your capabilities will show them that you are hardworking and determined.

5. Nail the curveball

Your employer may ask you some questions that are meant to be “curveballs” or hard to answer. With that being said… be prepared for the worst! If you are applying for a fashion merchandising position but have never had experience in the fashion industry, they may ask: “Seeing that you have no real experience in the fashion industry, why should I hire you?” To answer a question like this start by saying: “I understand your concern that I may not have the background that you anticipated to fill this position, and others have had similar concern. When I started working at (insert company) I had no experience with making sales calls (or another task). But my hard work and dedication to learning how to master the sales call helped me to succeed. I know that my internal drive to succeed in the fashion industry will help me to perform in this position.”

6. Close

Thank the employer for their time, ask them what your next steps are, and when you should follow up. Upon leaving, don’t forget eye contact and a firm handshake. 

Practice Makes Perfect

The saying speaks for itself… practice truly does make perfect. Although your interview may not go word for word by the script, but you WILL be prepared to answer all interview questions confidently, punctually and intelligently if you have a grasp on the gist of the script. 

Dress To Impress

No matter the industry, dress your best. First impressions are lasting impressions, even if it is only a two second glance at your attire. Your safest bet is to invest in a suit. As you enter the real world, you will find much use for this purchase. Take a quick trip up to Kittery for a reasonable J. Crew Factory find. J. Crew’s suiting is affordable, trendy and timeless. And if pantsuits aren’t your thing, opt for a suit jacket with a pencil skirt. Chose a neutral colored suit that is easy to pair with different blouses or oxford dress shirts. And always remember to button up. This is the start to your professional careers, ladies… aim for classy over cleavage.

Keep It Fresh

To state the more obvious… Please remember to take a shower before your interview. Not only will it keep you smelling fresh, but it will substitute your need for a spritz or two of perfume. You do NOT want your first impression to be the headache that your interviewer got from your overpowering floral scent. You also don’t want your makeup to be a distraction. Therefore, I recommend that you refrain from excessive eye shadow and thick eyeliner. A simple look consisting of mascara and light bronzer will keep your face looking fresh, clean, and professional. 

Confidence is Key

Keep in your mindset that YOU are the best candidate for this position. YOU will perform to your best capabilities because YOU want it. Keep smiling. Being happy and maintaining a positive and confident mindset leads to your success. Whether you are walking into a school for an interview to be a Physical Education teacher, or you are walking through the front door of One Financial in downtown Boston, remember that YOU are great and YOU are going to land this job. Good luck, have fun, and be YOURSELF. 

Punctuality

Being on time for your interview yet another factor that contributes to your first impression. Please, please, PLEASE allot yourself enough time to arrive at your interviewing destination on time. In fact, aim to be fifteen or twenty minutes early. Being late will not only frustrate the interviewer, but it will also make you more anxious, stressed out and nervous than you already might be. Therefore, do yourself the favor and be on time. And one last note; don’t forget to bring multiple copies of your resume and cover letter. Remember that you may be faced with more than one interviewer, and each person should have a copy!