We all know how interviews can be nerve wracking, especially if you’re a graduate interviewing for their first job. However, there are always ways to prepare to make you feel more at ease.
- ALWAYS research the industry and company beforehand.
Frankly speaking, KNOW your audience. There are a multitude of ways to prepare for this.
Talk to your contacts and visit the company website as well as other social media platforms. Check out their publications and any personal employee blogs regarding the company. The bottom line is, do you research. There is no such thing as too much research.
- Review common interview questions.
Common questions include: “Why do you want this job?”, “What sets you apart from other candidates?”, “Tell me about yourself” and so forth.
Make sure you know your resume like the back of your hand but also prepare other things to talk about such as hobbies or other activities you do!
- Make a list of questions that you would like to ask during the interview.
This may seem like a free for all but tread carefully. Ask business related questions, but avoid topics such as salary, vacation days, and other benefits. When topics like these come up, it makes it hard to not seem like you are excited for the job solely for the benefits presented.
Examples of good questions would be: “What are some of the challenges in this position?”, “What do you feel it is going to take to be successful in this position?” and so on.
- Quantify, quantify and quantify!
When you are giving the rundown of yourself in response to the typical introduce yourself or tell me about yourself, make sure you describe the activities you carried out with percentages or specific numbers.
Remember, the more specific the better.
- Speak the right body language.
Remember to dress appropriately and make eye contact during the interview. Do not forget a firm handshake and introduce yourself as well as a firm handshake to thank the interviewers for their time.
Have good posture, speak clearly and don’t wear cologne or perfume!
Finally, the most important tip of all is to just relax, be yourself and be confident. If you think you had a bad interview, don’t give up. You can call or send an email to the interviewer letting him or her know that you did a poor job of communicating and why you think you are a good fit for the job. Reiterate everything you have to offer and state that you would like an opportunity to contribute. Although it depends on the company, if you don’t try, your chances are exactly 0.
Good luck and ace all those interviews!