Interviewing Strategies
by Amanda Fornecker
Interviews are nerve-wracking. And chances are, you've been to one before if you've ever held a job or applied to school. But I'm sure you'll need to go to more in the future. What should you look for in an interview and how can you ensure that you get the most out of it? Half the battle is getting the interview, itself. Follow these steps for successful interviewing strategies:
Research.
Be sure to research the company or school before you leave your house. All companies and schools these days have a website so just do a quick Google search and take a look at who they are and what they do. Mission statements always give a good feel and sometimes they have quotes from current students or employees. Even if you've dreamed of this place since you were five, there's no harm in extra preparation. And speaking of Google, you may want to do a quick search of your own name just to ensure that there's nothing incriminating about your online persona.
Wardrobe.
Not to sound like a total girl, but what do you plan on wearing to said interview? Sure -- if it's a phone interview, you can wear your PJs in ease. But if you're going to meet someone in person, choosing to go the professional route and wear a neat suit will never lead you astray. A suit should be a staple of your closet. You should have something that fits you properly and will give a sharp impression to your potential employer/school. I'm not saying go spend a large sum of money on this suit, but just make sure that you have a jacket that matches the pants/skirt and a pressed shirt. Dress to impress.
Mentally Prepare.
This is probably one of the most important interviewing strategies. Give yourself a pep talk beforehand. Tell yourself you are the best person for the job and that you deserve it. If you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect anyone else to believe in you? Be confident, but not to the extent of conceited. You can do it. And if it helps, call a good friend/someone you trust to give you a talk to build up your confidence a bit more.
What to Bring.
It's always a good idea to have an extra copy or two of your resume on hand. The employer usually will have this but it's good preparation to have your resume just in case. If you have a portfolio of some kind (writing or art samples, etc.) be sure to bring it with you. It's also a good idea to have this in a professional-looking binder or something that shows you've put time into preparation and organization. Also, many places will ask for references at the interview. It would be beneficial to have a reference sheet with two or three contacts who can vouch for your character. Keep everything neat -- it's best not to fold sheets (especially your resume) -- carry them in a folder.
Final Thoughts.
Leave those nerves at home! Remember, you're just having a conversation with another person. They want to know more about you. When they ask you if you have any questions, it's usually better not to ask about salary or vacation. That will be taken care of once you get the job offer. If it's for a school, you can ask them to clarify something about the curriculum, but don't ask what the coursework entails because that will just prove that you weren't prepared. Do make sure to ask when you can expect to hear and for jobs, how many people they are interviewing.
I always like to ask the interviewer how they got into their current position. It shows that you take an interest in them and it also gives you a sense of this person's path. How did they get there? It's a great conversation starter. Just try to keep the conversation flowing and be yourself. These interviewing strategies along with your stellar background will guarantee that you ace the interview. Oh, and don't forget the thank you note the day after! If you ask them for their business card, it'll make it easier to contact them. Thank them for taking the time out of their busy schedule to talk to you. It's the polite thing to do and brings your name to their attention once again. Good luck!
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Amanda Fornecker is a staff writer at The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.
Research.
Be sure to research the company or school before you leave your house. All companies and schools these days have a website so just do a quick Google search and take a look at who they are and what they do. Mission statements always give a good feel and sometimes they have quotes from current students or employees. Even if you've dreamed of this place since you were five, there's no harm in extra preparation. And speaking of Google, you may want to do a quick search of your own name just to ensure that there's nothing incriminating about your online persona.
Wardrobe.
Not to sound like a total girl, but what do you plan on wearing to said interview? Sure -- if it's a phone interview, you can wear your PJs in ease. But if you're going to meet someone in person, choosing to go the professional route and wear a neat suit will never lead you astray. A suit should be a staple of your closet. You should have something that fits you properly and will give a sharp impression to your potential employer/school. I'm not saying go spend a large sum of money on this suit, but just make sure that you have a jacket that matches the pants/skirt and a pressed shirt. Dress to impress.
Mentally Prepare.
This is probably one of the most important interviewing strategies. Give yourself a pep talk beforehand. Tell yourself you are the best person for the job and that you deserve it. If you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect anyone else to believe in you? Be confident, but not to the extent of conceited. You can do it. And if it helps, call a good friend/someone you trust to give you a talk to build up your confidence a bit more.
What to Bring.
It's always a good idea to have an extra copy or two of your resume on hand. The employer usually will have this but it's good preparation to have your resume just in case. If you have a portfolio of some kind (writing or art samples, etc.) be sure to bring it with you. It's also a good idea to have this in a professional-looking binder or something that shows you've put time into preparation and organization. Also, many places will ask for references at the interview. It would be beneficial to have a reference sheet with two or three contacts who can vouch for your character. Keep everything neat -- it's best not to fold sheets (especially your resume) -- carry them in a folder.
Final Thoughts.
Leave those nerves at home! Remember, you're just having a conversation with another person. They want to know more about you. When they ask you if you have any questions, it's usually better not to ask about salary or vacation. That will be taken care of once you get the job offer. If it's for a school, you can ask them to clarify something about the curriculum, but don't ask what the coursework entails because that will just prove that you weren't prepared. Do make sure to ask when you can expect to hear and for jobs, how many people they are interviewing.
I always like to ask the interviewer how they got into their current position. It shows that you take an interest in them and it also gives you a sense of this person's path. How did they get there? It's a great conversation starter. Just try to keep the conversation flowing and be yourself. These interviewing strategies along with your stellar background will guarantee that you ace the interview. Oh, and don't forget the thank you note the day after! If you ask them for their business card, it'll make it easier to contact them. Thank them for taking the time out of their busy schedule to talk to you. It's the polite thing to do and brings your name to their attention once again. Good luck!
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Amanda Fornecker is a staff writer at The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.
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