Your first real job interview is often a nerve-wracking experience. Even if you’ve interviewed for a summer job or part-time position to make some money while going to school in the past, the experience of interviewing for a job or internship more directly related to your major probably has a different feel to it. There’s a good possibility that this time there’s more on the line; maybe you really want this one and the competition for the spot is much higher. Or maybe you’ve never had a job and this is all new. Whatever the case, here are some tips I picked up from friends, family, and most importantly my campus career resource center that I found helped me through my recent first big interview:
1. Read or listen closely to any information the company or your interviewer gives you ahead of time and heed their advice
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but if you’ve never had a formal interview before, you may not be aware that the person who is in contact with you to set up the interview ahead of time will sometimes give you direct information on what the interview will be like. In the case of my interview, my interviewer sent me an e-mail with links that she “suggested” I take a look at with information on the company and also told me exactly what style of questioning would be used to measure my competence for the position. Be sure to look out for any of these hints from your company’s contact before your interview and apply it to your preparation. Not only will it help you know what to expect, but it will also show the company that you’re able to take direction.
2. Research the company, position, and interviewer prior to your interview
This one is so important for a formal job interview. Not only will your interviewer expect you to know some general knowledge about the position you want, but it’s also a good idea to have some basic info. on what the company stands for, its goals, it’s client base, etc. It can also help you affirm that this is somewhere you want to work as well if you like what you’ve learned and find it’s something you want to be a part of. If the opportunity presents itself, showing some of that new knowledge off will show your interviewer that you’re truly interested in the company and taking the potential position seriously.
3. Review your resume
You can think of your resume as a guide to your experience and qualifications for both you and the interviewer. Look it over a few times before the day of your interview and ask yourself, “What skills have I learned and what specific past experiences have prepared me for this position?” You’re sure to be asked a question that centers on this and the interviewer will want to hear more concerning what they’ve already learned from the paper version of you.
4. Consider your own questions for the company
One thing that my support system had to constantly remind me of was that an interview is not a one sided interrogation. Your potential employer expects you to ask questions too! If you find yourself wondering some things about the company or position that eluded you in your research, write them down and bring them to the interview with you. There will be a time at the beginning or end when your interviewer invites you to ask them any questions you might have.
5. Dress to Impress (and feel your best)
We’ve all heard that you need to dress nicely when you attend an interview. That being said, finding a balance between something professional and something you’re comfortable in will be the key to both looking and feeling your best. It’s better to be overdressed rather than the opposite. A modest, clean looking suit (ladies, this could mean a jacket and pants set or mid-length skirt) is probably your safest bet. However try to find something within those guidelines that makes you feel good too! The happier you are with your outfit choice, the less worried about it you’ll be in the interview itself. A happier you is a more confident you!
And finally,
6. Relax
If the position is truly a good fit for you, you already have everything you need. All you need to do now is go into your interview with confidence ready to show it to your potential employers. They want you to do well so that they can add an excellent employee to their team. They want you to be the right candidate. Just go in and do your best to show them that you are.
At the very least you’ll gain a new skill to add to your arsenal: how to handle an interview. At the best: you’ll receive an offer.
