Last month, I talked about how to get the most out of your Summer, with the top suggestion being to get a job or an internship. Now that summer has begun, let’s talk about the interview process. When you have found a job or internship that interests you, applied for the position, and the employer sets up a date for you to come in for an interview, you’ll want to be ready for it. Most likely, you won’t be the only applicant they are interviewing and you’ll want to make an impression and stand out among the crowd.
Here are a few tips on what to do before, during, and after an interview:
- Dress to impress!
If you’re applying for a job in an office, it’s best to wear business attire. If you’re applying for a job in retail, business casual would probably be appropriate. As a rule of thumb, it’s better to over-dress than to under-impress. If you’re questioning your outfit, go with your gut and shoot for something more professional. - Research the company and position you’re applying for.
You’ll want to know everything you can about the company you’re interviewing with before you go to the interview. This shows that you’re proactive and interested in what they’re all about. You can utilize their website, Google, Wikipedia, or any other resources available to you. This also applies to the job description. Not only will you want to make sure it’s a position you’re interested in, but the interviewer will most likely ask you why you’re a good candidate for the position, so you’ll need to know what it’s all about. - Google “Commonly Asked Interview Questions”
There’s a lot of great information on the internet, and finding some commonly asked interview questions to practice ahead of time will help to build your confidence and make you feel more prepared. - Confidence is key!
You may feel nervous, but try to approach the interview with confidence. Keep your head up, smile, and maintain eye contact (but DON’T STARE cause that’s just weird). - Show continued interest.
When your interview is over, the employer may take some time to choose which candidate to go with, which means you still have the opportunity to stand out! Check in periodically by phone or email to let them know you’re still interested in the position. You can even send a thank you note by snail mail or deliver it in person. - Don’t get discouraged.
If you don’t get the position, stay positive! There are many other opportunities out there. If you’re persistent, it’s likely you’ll find something even better than you expected.
Luis Dominguez
Social Media Intern
1st Nor Cal Credit Union