As a 22-year-old college graduate, interviewing is a very serious thing to do. Whether it's over the phone or in person, interviewing is your chance to make your best impression on a job that can be your one and only or your start to something new. No matter how many times I go to interviews, practice and prepare; I am always nervous. I've been through multiple interviews and there are many different aspects that you need to focus on in order to succeed. Here they are:
1. Get a good nights sleep. No matter what time your interview is scheduled at, a good nights sleep will make you feel and look more alert. An interviewer will notice the bags under your eyes and the way you sit in the chair. When you feel more alert, you talk better, slower and your mind will be working faster; allowing you to answer questions appropriately.
2. Wake up early. Don't wake up only an hour before your interview. Don't push it. Because there is no way you'll be able to make it. You shouldn't rush to prepare yourself physically and mentally. Allow yourself at least two hours to shower, get ready, dressed and to the interview. You shouldn't be speeding to your interview and walk into the office in a sweat.
3. Eat a good meal. Never go into an interview on an empty stomach. No matter what time your interview is scheduled for, eat a solid and nutritional meal before hand. The worst thing is for the interviewer to hear your stomach singing the song of its people.
4. Study the company website. Know what you're walking into when you go for an interview. Don't walk in blind. Know the history of the company, what they do, who you are interviewing with; anything that you may find helpful in the interviewing process.
5. Have copies of your resume. Just because the phone call or email included only one person, doesn't mean there won't be more people involved in the interviewing process. Even if you think the interviewer has a copy of your resume, bring multiple copies in case of misplacement or they ask you to go over it with them. Don't blindly lead them through your resume.
6. Have questions prepared. No matter if this is your first interview or second follow-up interview; always have questions ready and prepared. All employers will ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview; you need to look engaged and interested about the job and questions will show your interest. Take time and focus on compiling well thought out questions.
7.) Respond with a thank you email- It is always important, no matter how the interview went, always email the interviewer that evening or next day thanking him or her for the opportunity.
No matter what stage of job hunting and interviewing you may be in, it is important to brush up on your interviewing skills because you never know if one simple interview will be between you and a dream job.
