When it comes to thinking about some of our favorite things to do in life, the word ‘interview’ doesn’t exactly appear at the top of our list. This term probably doesn’t exist on that list at all. However, the concept of knowing how to prepare for and succeed in an interview is one of the most important things a College student, or anyone for that matter, should be able to accomplish. For many of us, it may seem like interviews are constantly being thrown at us or maybe even shoved down our throats.
So why do we go to interviews (besides the obvious)? Why do we take the time to find the perfect suit, perfect our resumes, and practice asking ourselves questions in the mirror at home? The whole point of going into an interview is not to stress out or cope with mass anxiety over one little hour of our time speaking with another human being. We all know interviews can be scary because we’re so worried about the people that will be interviewing us and whether or not they will like us. We have to remember that WE are the ones being interviewed. The people that are interviewing us are already interested in us! All we have to do is sell ourselves; we have to sell the strengths and characteristics we have that would better the company we want to work for or the position we are trying to achieve. These helpful tips below will not only help you realize that interviews aren’t as bad as they seem, but you will walk into that upcoming interview with a feeling of confidence.
Tip 1: Dress the Part!
Not only does dressing for success make you look professional and make the impression that yes, you do care about this interview, but it will make you feel 10 times more confident. “Look good, feel good.” People want to hire people that can clean up well and take responsibility. Why not take the responsibility of cleaning up well to make a lasting impression?
Tip 2: Be Yourself.
You should never go into an interview feeling like you have to pretend to be someone else. Does this mean talk about your crazy life on the weekends or share every single detail of your life? No. It’s okay to practice running through questions that you might be asked but in reality, you have no idea what you’re about to be asked. It could be anything from, “What motivates you in life?” to, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” We are never truly prepared for an interview so, I always go in with an open mind. I know myself and I know what I would do in certain situations. With that being said, just be honest and show your true self so that you don’t feel obligated to pretend to be someone you’re not. You’ll feel more comfortable instead of waiting around to hear, “What makes you a great attribute to our organization”, replying with, “Well, I’m responsible, organized, great with….wait, could you repeat the question?” when the question was actually, “What kinds of characteristics do YOU think would make a qualifying attribute to our organization?” It happens, just don’t let it happen to you.
Tip 3: Research the Organization/Position.
Researching the organization that you’re trying to become a part of is a great way to make conversation with the people that are interviewing you. Not only does it make for excellent conversation and help you learn more about the organization, but it truly impresses the people on the other side of the desk. They like knowing how interested you are in them, which is going to in turn, make them more interested in YOU.
Tip 4: SELL YOURSELF.
Literally. Up-talk yourself, and no I do not mean make up a bunch of impressive things that you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t got around to yet. This can relate to being yourself. Get to know the people that are interviewing you so that you become comfortable enough to talk about yourself and impress them with the things that you are proud of. Sure, they may have your resume listing all of the jobs you’ve held, the extracurricular activities you’ve been involved in, etc., but looking at a resume is like looking at a house. You have no idea what’s inside so, it’s your job to show them around and give them examples of things you’ve done that will especially stand out. Examples are great and make everything less-boring.
So, take it from someone who has had her fair-share of interviews but is of course, continually learning and trying to better herself. Get in that interview and show that you want this more than anything you’ve ever wanted in your whole life (whatever helps you get through that hour or 2). Oh, and I guess it would be important to tell you to arrive early, but I’m sure you already knew that. Happy interviewing!
