With the academic year coming to a close, you have been job searching, whether it be for a summer internship or your first post-graduate position. Finally, your hard academic work is paying off and you’re being invited to interviews. Congratulations!
That said, for some people, going on interviews can be completely nerve-racking — and that’s completely natural. In light of that, and having been there ourselves, we’ve compiled a list of interview tips that are sure to help you feel more at ease and ultimately ready to ace that interview!
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Be confident. You have been invited in because you’ve already made a good impression on the company. You’re off to a great start. Do, however, remember the fine line between likable confidence and overconfidence.
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Dress professionally. Even if it’s casual Friday every day at that office, you will still want to look your best for the interview. Forbes offers some great tips here.
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Do your homework. Research the company that you will be interviewing with. The website is the best place to start and will offer a wealth of information. Begin at the “About Us” page, and then brush up on the company’s:
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mission, culture and values
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products and services
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recent news
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social media
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industry, competitors and what makes this company stand out
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Familiarize yourself with the most common interview questions and practice answering them. Also ask questions of your own. You can find examples by just Googling “common interview questions” and “examples of questions to ask during an interview.”
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Be prepared to discuss what you can bring to the table. Don’t just say, “I am an innovative thinker;” explain a situation in which you used innovative thinking to complete a task.
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Monitor your body language. The way we carry ourselves is so automatic that we don’t often think of the nonverbal signals we’re sending out. Even if you don’t feel totally confident, you can look like you are by:
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walking in tall with your head up
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sitting up straight during the interview
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maintaining eye contact without staring at your interviewer
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keeping your hands on your lap rather that continuously speaking with them or crossing your arms
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controlling your fidgeting
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Monitor your word choice and delivery. During an interview, it not only matters what you say, but also how you say it. Interviewers are looking to see how you express yourself as well as how you communicate with others; therefore, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar is important. It is also a good idea to brush up on the vernacular used in the industry for which you’re interviewing.
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Listen carefully to the questions your interviewer asks, then take a few seconds to gather your thoughts before you answer. You’ve done the prep work, so be sure not to blurt out the first thing that comes to your mind.
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Be positive and enthusiastic. (No further explanation necessary.)
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When the interview is over, say thank you and shake hands with your interviewer(s). After, send a follow-up note or e-mail. When composing the follow-up, Monster.com suggests:
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thanking the interviewer
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reiterating why you’re a good fit
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saying you’re looking forward to the next step
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With your academic background, working experience and these tips, you have exactly what it takes to do well in interviews. However, in case the interview doesn’t go well, it’s okay. Some professional relationships were not meant to be, and any interview you go on is great practice for the next.
For more information on careers, job postings and preparing for interviews, stop in to the Office of Career Services on campus. At Albertus Magnus, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Your dream career is out there. Now go get it!