Many college students worry about scoring a summer internship or job after college. A huge part of their fear surrounds the interview process. What should I wear? What should I say? These are just some of the questions whizzing through many college students’ heads. I’m here to offer some advice and helpful tips to help you have a successful interview!
I compete in pageants and have spent many months preparing for the 10-minute private interview that is a component of the Miss America Organization pageants. From this experience, I have learned that practice really does make perfect. Make a list of some of the most common interview questions that an employer may ask and practice answering these questions. By preparing, you will appear calm, cool and collected when those questions come up in the interview room. Be sure to visit the company’s website to study their history and mission statement as well.
The first impression is a very crucial moment in the interview process. You get one chance at a first impression, so give it your all. For pageants, I prepared what I would say and act the moment I stepped into the interview room and met the judges. Be confident and have good eye contact. Have a firm handshake ready to go as well.
Glamour covered the topic of interviews and first impressions in its April issue. Instead of having the typical note from the editor-in-chief at the beginning of the magazine, the editor, Cindi Leive, decided to do a piece called “Six Reasons I Should Hire You.” This honest and personal look at directly what an employer is looking for in potential candidates has extremely helpful information. What made her list? Ask the employer directly for the job. It shows you’ve got guts. Never talk negatively about any past or current employers. Instead, tell the person interviewing you what you learned during your time at that job. The advice that stuck with me the most was that you should always look put together. She stresses that appearances really do matter in the interview.
One of the greatest resources I have recently discovered for information on all things interview related is the book, “Work Hard, No Pay.” The Intern Queen, Lauren Berger, wrote this book to help college students ace their phone, Skype and in person interviews to land internships and jobs. I also had the chance to hear her speak on this subject at UW a few weeks ago. She really stressed the importance of keeping in touch with your professional contacts. She recommends contact them, with just a short simple email, three times a year.
I wish you the best of luck on all of your upcoming interviews! Follow these tips and I’m sure you’ll make a lasting impression.
