10 Steps To Take To Nail Your Next Interview For Sure
Start writing a post
Career Development

10 Steps To Take To Nail Your Next Interview For Sure

Interviews can be intimidating, but do not fret.

160
10 Steps To Take To Nail Your Next Interview For Sure

The past few months, I have gone on a lot of interviews for veterinary school. Over the process, I have developed a list of recommendations that I have for everyone going on an interview, whether it be for a job, continuing education, or even an officer position in a club.

1. Find out the style of the interview

When most people think of an interview, they picture sitting across a desk from one other person and basically being interrogated. However, interview styles are quickly diversifying. For example, in addition to the "traditional" interview, you can also have a panel interview or an MMI (multiple mini interview). Preparing for the correct style of interview will give you a greater chance at success.

2. Try on your interview outfit ahead of time

Obviously, a suit is not as comfortable as sweatpants or pajamas. Despite that, you want to be as comfortable as possible during your interview. Try on your entire interview outfit (yes, even the shoes) to make sure that you will be able to survive comfortably for X-number of hours.

3. Schedule a mock interview (or two or three or four or seven)

If you are like past me, you may think that mock interviews sound super awkward. While they may be a little awkward at first, they are so, so valuable. Mock interviews are like exposure therapy — you become more "numb" to the interview feeling to calm the butterflies a bit for when you have a real interview. Make sure to treat the mock interview like a real interview because that is how you will more likely act during your actual interview.

4. Do not memorize answers

It is so tempting to memorize answers for every potential question and to just recite them off when asked. I mean, it eliminates awkward silences, right? However, having totally memorized answers will just have you sounding like a robot. You should definitely prepare some points that you would like to discuss, but do not memorize a script as if you are auditioning for a movie role. More casual is key.

5. Research where you are interviewing

Whether you are interviewing for a job or for continuing education, put in some time and research prior to your interview. You want to make sure to tie in why that company or school would be a good fit for you and why you would be a good fit for that company or school. Additionally, at the end of an interview, your interviewer is going to ask if you have any questions for them. You need to always have questions for them — always! Come up with a list of at least four questions for them.

6. Eat before your interview

I do not care if you are not a "breakfast person." Eat something. You do not want your stomach growling during your interview and you do not want to start feeling tingly or faint. Food is fuel, use it.

7. Body language is key.

Yes, there is a correct way to sit. Have good posture. Do not rest your elbows on the table. Keep your feet flat on the floor or, if you want to cross, cross only at the ankles. Maintain good eye contact (nothing is more off-putting than talking to someone who is staring at their feet or off into the great unknown).

8. Have a personality, duhh

When it comes to interviews, most people tend to become very rigid. Do not do that. It is OK to laugh and to make little jokes and to talk with your normal style (in a professional manner, of course). How are they supposed to love you if you are just like everyone else?

9. Practice your handshake

There is an ideal amount of firmness. Do not break their hand, but also do not be like a dead fish.

10. Send a follow-up note

Within the next two to four days, send a thank you note. You get bonus points if it is a handwritten note because they are just more personal. However, email is also totally fine and greatly appreciated. Make sure to tie something in from your conversation into the note, to bring their memory back to you and your conversation.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59052
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38136
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959624
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196474
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments