Something inside of us decides to tense up when we realize we have an interview to go through. Maybe it is an interview for your sorority, an internship, an officer position you are running for, or maybe it is even for your first “Big Kid” job. Whatever it is, there is no reason to stress.
I have gone through my fair share of interviews, and not all of them were successful. I have had interviews from high school, for lifelong dreams, for internships, and for college. I have learned so much from each and every single one that I have been through. I want to share with you a few tips and tricks for keeping calm and staying cool so that you will without a doubt, rock your next interview.
Prior to the interview, have some bullet points in mind.
If you are interviewing for a club, know about the club and what they do. If it is for a company, come prepared and know what the heart of the company is about. Including statistics and facts is a good way to be remembered. Fun bullet points that show you have done your homework on the company or project that you are interviewing for, will totally set you apart from the rest.
Check your social media.
I should not have to include this one, but I am going to because some people simply don’t get it. We live in the world of social media; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. ANYONE can have access to your content and what you post, even things that have been deleted can still be accessed. Although it should already be appropriate and there should be NO questionable pictures or captions on your page, clean that stuff up!
General rule: If your grandma wouldn’t want to see it or read it, neither does your possible future employer.
Just in case your grandma is a rebel or likes to live on the edge, then if your pastor, preacher, minister, priest, etc. would not want to see it or read it, you should clean it up immediately. Always keep social media PG and always keep in mind that whatever you post will be out there in cyberspace for forever. Be smart and post things that you know are appropriate as well as acceptable.
Dress for success.
Wear something professional and sharp that makes you feel great! When you dress your best, you’ll do your best! Dress in professional wear that makes you feel confident! Remember, you got this!
Know how you would want to introduce yourself.
As soon as you walk in, if you just sit down and assume they know you, this could come off as cocky, arrogant or nervous. Assume that they do not know you and tell them who you are (unless you are told otherwise prior to the interview). Introducing yourself and starting the conversation allows them to see how personable you are.
Practice hand shaking.
It sounds silly I know, but no matter what kind of interview I am in, I shake the interviewer’s hands as soon as I walk into the room and right before I walk out of the room and I am finished with the interview. I am a big believer in the power of a handshake and simply being relatable.
Never, and I mean NEVER, assume you have an interview from the get go.
Being confident is one thing but being egotistical is another. ALWAYS assume that you are fighting for the position you are interviewing for. This will help you really explain, even show, why you are best fit for the job. Your passion will override your doubt and the interviewers will realize that you would do a fantastic job of putting your heart into the company and representing their brand. Remember, you're selling yourself.
Discussing strengths/weaknesses as well as accomplishments/moments of failure.
I have always been told that when you are asked about your strengths and weaknesses, always start with your weaknesses and end on your strengths. Whatever you do, you always want to end on a positive note. But fun fact, weaknesses are not all that bad! They are a part of who you are as a human being so let the interviewers know how your weaknesses can even serve as an asset to their program.
I always feel so awkward when talking about myself. Be confident when discussing your accomplishments. Let them know just how qualified you are and how much experience you have. When discussing moments that you failed or were discouraged, talk about how this helped you out in the end and discuss how this experience changed you.
Maybe you don’t have an answer to a question right away.
That’s fine! Sit/stand there confidently, take a second to think, and collect your thoughts. It is so easy to spit out an answer under pressure, but it is best to evaluate the question at hand rather than make yourself look spastic. If you need some thinking time to a question you don’t have the answer to immediately, say things like, “That is a great question.” Or “I really appreciate that question.” This takes the place of saying phrases such as “hmmmmm” or “I really don’t know.”
Think about possible questions.
Have a rough idea of how you would answer questions such as, “Tell me about yourself”, “Why should we choose you?...What is it that sets you a part from the rest?...What do you appreciate most about our company/organization?” Having a short idea of how you would answer these questions in real life will better prepare you for the unexpected.
Never lie.
I cannot think of one example of a time that lying would benefit you in an interview. A) It is wrong.
B) It is so easy to know who is being honest and truthful verses someone who is adding extra “fluff” to their spiel.
Never ever lie while in an interview. You’ll make yourself look worse by lying than simply not knowing the answer.
In conclusion of your interview, ask the panel questions.
Ask them questions such as, “What do you enjoy about working with this company?...What is your advice on being successful in this role?...How do you measure success in this organization/club?” and lastly, my personal favorite, “I appreciate having the opportunity to speak with each of you today. As this interview comes to a close, is there anything I can clarify for you that may be preventing you from choosing me for this role?”
AND mic drop.
No matter the outcome, have faith in the process and the plan that is meant for you. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Those interviews that I thought I failed at during some points of my life were doors that were shut for a reason. If some of the things that I thought I was meant for would have gone as planned, I never would have had some of the other incredible and amazing opportunities later on. Have faith in yourself and believe in what you are capable of doing. It is just an interview and things will work out how they are supposed to! Best of luck!
