Everyone has to interview at some point in our lives for a job so why not make the most of it and be prepared for it. A lot of young college students do not know how to interview because they never have, so here are some tips for how to nail your interview and leaving you feeling confident after!
Research
Make sure to research the company and who is going to be interviewing you so you can be well prepared. Blow them away with your knowledge.
Practice
Practice makes perfect every time. So keep trying until you feel confident. Even practice in front of a mirror I know it sounds silly, but every bit helps.
Make It Personal
Give them a reason to remember you, a small part, a unique story about you so they can look back and have something to remember you by aside from what is on a piece of paper. People want to work with people they feel like they can get coffee with, so make them feel like they can get coffee with you.
Ask Questions
It shows that you are interested in the job, whether they are weird questions or ones about the job, make sure to ask some.
Take Your Weakness and Turn Them Into Strengths
Not every weakness is a weakness, show them how you took one of your weakness or mistakes and grew from it or used learned from it or turned it into a strength.
Think Positive
Thinking negatively will get you down and then you won't feel confident and you should feel confident because you are amazing.
Close On A Positive Note
Shake hands, smile, make sure you end it on a positive, ending on a negative note is never a good thing.
Bring A Copy Of Your Resume
Make sure to be prepared and bring what you think you need to just in case, it never hurts to be prepared. This means samples of previous work you have done as well.
Be Prepared
Always, always, always be prepared. Practice and get all the information a head of time.
Plan Your Outfit Ahead Of Time
Make sure you are dressing appropriately for the type of interview you are going to and for the job you want. Dress for the job you want.
Write Thank You Notes
These leaves such a good impression and something to show your gratitude and leaves a mark. Handwritten are more meaningful, but these days everyone has their faces in their computers so send them an email!
Make Sure To Network
Even if you do not get the job you still have an amazing opportunity to network and you now know someone in the field you are interested in.
Be On Time
It never leaves a good impression being late. Make sure you are on time, even better be a few minutes early.
Follow Up (If Required)
If you haven't heard back in a reasonable amount of time follow up, it also shows you are interested.
Be Polite
Being polite can go such a long way, being respectful can make such a good impression.
Be Confident
If you don't feel confident in yourself and your abilities they will know. Being prepared and practicing can help you feel confident and confidence is always a good thing to have.
Also go in with an open mind as you never know what doors can be opened from this one interview!
