This past week I took a somewhat terrifying leap into the adult world and went on my first somewhat professional job interview. While of course I'd been on interviews for high school jobs in fast food or retail stores, this interview was different. Interviewing for a job in a professional environment, even if it's just for a summer job, is much more nerve wracking than jobs you may have interviewed for in the past. Here are five tips to make this "adult life" task a little less daunting.
1. Know where you're going
This is an especially important tip if you're interview is at a place that you're unfamiliar with. Do some research on the area you're going to ahead of time and plan out the best route to get you there on time. If it's a place you've never been to before it can also help to do a practice run a day or two before.
2. Pick an outfit you feel confident in
While it is always important to dress professionally, it is also important that you find a professional outfit that you feel confident in. When you feel confident you're able to put yourself out there and behave more confidently. Go out and pick a new outfit for your interview so you can put your best foot forward!
3. Get an early start
On the day of your interview, make sure that you give yourself enough time to get ready and get to the interview site on time. You don't want to spend your time before your interview frazzled and rushing. It always sets a good impression to show up to your interview in a punctual manner. When you have enough time to get yourself ready you give yourself the time to do your very best.
4. Be polite but be yourself
It is always important to behave in a polite and professional manner during your interview but it is also important to answer questions honestly and let your interviewer get to know you. They will obviously ask you a good amount of profession related questions but they may also ask some others to get to know your personality. Take a deep breath before answering and let your true self shine through.
5. Send a thank you email
This is a tip I actually learned from a professor in one of my classes. She explained how she had once been selected for a job after she was the only person to send a thank you email after her interview. Despite being neck and neck with the other candidates, this one act of gratitude is what put her in the lead. Showing your interviewer that you value the time they took to speak with you can give you an extra edge against your components. If you're not sure what to write, there are many samples on Google!
