Getting an interview for a potential internship or full-time position can be an exciting but anxious time in the life of a college student or young professional. Interviews pose the opportunity for people you've never met to asses whether or not they believe that you should work for their company, and that can be a very stressful thing (but it doesn't have to be).
Interviews are a time to showcase your individual strengths, talents and qualifications to a potential employer. Whether you are preparing for your first interview or consider yourself an interview pro there are some things that can take your interview skills to the next level and help you stand out amongst a large pool of candidates.
Research the Company
Take advantage of the Internet and search the company name. Spending time before an interview familiarizing yourself with a potential employer not only makes you look more impressive but it also helps you in the long run if you do end up getting the internship/job because you already know things about the company.
Bring Your Resume
Even if you've already sent an electronic copy of it with the employment application, make sure to bring several copies of your updated resume to the interview to distribute to the person (or in many cases, multiple people) who are sitting in.
Arrive Early
As a potential intern or employee you don't want your first impression to be that of lateness. Make sure you arrive 20-30 minutes early to an interview to prove that you are willing to go the extra mile for the position. Planning on arriving early will also make up for anything unexpected that happens on the way (like traffic that could make you late).
Look Professional
This interview could be the only chance you have to impress this particular company so make sure that you look presentable and tidy. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have (this goes back to researching the company and knowing exactly what people in this field should be wearing).
Sell Yourself
You know yourself better than anyone else does and now it is your job to make the interviewers see your strengths and why you would be an ideal candidate for their internship/job opening.
Be Positive
Make sure to smile and show your interviewers your true personality. Be friendly and engage with the interviewer.
Speak Thoughtfully
Choose your words carefully, speak slowly and try to avoid verbal ticks (like saying "like" and "um" repeatedly when you don't know what else to say).
Don't Be Scared to Think Before Responding to Questions
Instead of blurting out the first response that comes to your mind, take a breath and really think about the best way to answer the question. Giving yourself a second to collect your thoughts and create meaningful answers will go a long way.
Ask Questions
If you are given the opportunity, have a few questions that you can ask your potential employer such as "If I am the selected candidate, what would be my first assignment?" or "What type of orientation or training will be offered to the selected candidate?" Asking questions is a great way to be engaged in an interview and will prove to the interviewer that you are serious about the position.
Ask About the Next Step in the Process
Before you leave the interview, make sure to ask what the next step in the hiring process will be, companies are usually straight forward about their hiring processes and are more than willing to fill you in on what to expect next.
Send Thank You Notes
After an interview, make sure to send thank you notes no more than 24 hours after you are finished interviewing. Taking the time to thank the people that interviewed you for their time and consideration goes a long way.
Don't Stop Interviewing
Just because you got an interview with one company doesn't necessarily mean that you will end up interning/working there so don't sell yourself short. Apply to other companies to ensure that you are getting your name out there to as many places as possible.
