Spring is here, and this means midterms, Spring Break (almost) and warmer weather (but mostly rain jackets).
But more importantly, Spring means interview season!!! This means whipping out your favorite uncomfortable business attire, and pretending like you don't really want to stay in college forever.
This semester, I have been to a grand total of six interviews for various summer internships and leadership positions, and I have decided to pass on my wisdom to all of my fans.
This is not Forbes, and I am by no means an expert or have had much success (as of yet), but are my own personal tips and tricks that no one ever told me:
1.Get there early, but not TOO early
Obviously, you want to be there at least fifteen minutes early, and you should give yourself plenty of time to factor in traffic.
However, you don’t want to show up an hour early (as I have done) and sit in the parking lot psyching yourself out for too long. This will give you too much time to think about all the things that could possibly go wrong.
2. Wear something comfortable
You want to look sharp and professional, but if you’re worried about tugging down on your skirt or tripping in your heels, it’ll only add unnecessary stress.
I stick with pants and flat ballet shoes. Also as an added tip, if you’re a sweater like me, don’t wear something that can show pit stains because you will get nervous and you will sweat.
3. Read the interviewer’s tone and body language and match it
Not every interviewer wants to be extremely formal, which surprised me. Some want a more relaxed, informal back and forth conversation, unlike the stereotypical question and answer format that I always pictured.
If they tell a joke, make jokes; if they like talking about sports, talk about sports. Be flexible.
4. Have prepared stories and examples to the questions that they always ask
You’ve probably heard this one before, but I can now say first hand that it is a very good idea.
They will probably ask you something along the lines of “Tell me about a time you overcame adversity,” or “Tell me about yourself” or “Why are you a good fit for this position.”
Taking the time to really think out some good answers to those questions really makes a difference once you’re in there. Don't be afraid to practice saying them out loud.
5. Don’t be scared of group interviews
I thought it would be competitive and awkward to have to answer the same question as everyone else, but I have found that they are actually a lot more natural.
It’s less intimidating to be with your peers and gives you a chance to think through some of your answers while other people are talking.
6. Know that every single interviewer wants to impress you as much you want to impress him
Interviewing is like a first date. Both parties involved are going to put the absolute best versions of themselves out there. The interviewer wants you to feel comfortable and wants you to want this opportunity more than anything else by the end of it. It’s a mind game.
At the end of the interview, they are going to tell you they’ll call soon. Spoiler alert: just like after any first date, they might not call you, no matter what they say.
7. Stalk your interviewer on LinkedIn
This is a fun one and should come easily to all my millennials out there.
You’re going to want to stalk them on social media to think of some talking points if there’s a lull in the conversation or overlaps in interests. LinkedIn stalking is better than Facebook stalking, in my opinion.
You can see their interests, hobbies, where’ve they worked, where they went to school, and a professional picture of them, all in one convenient location.
On the same note, make sure your LinkedIn Profile is up to date because they're probably doing the same for you.
8. Don’t go out the night before, even if you’re going to drink “just a little”
This may seem like an obvious one, but I’m going to say it anyway. This is not like going to class hungover. Don’t do it. I will neither confirm nor deny that I have made this mistake, but I’ll say it again. Do. Not. Do. It.
9. Do your homework on the company/organization
Know what they do, their history, and what exactly the positions entail. The interviewer wants to know that you want THIS specific job, at this specific company, not just any internship, and showing that you have done research on what the company does shows real interest.
10. Ask the right type of questions
You shouldn’t be asking about anything you can google about the company later, which goes back to #9.
You should be asking about the company culture, specific tasks required for this job, and other things that only an experienced employee there would know.
Make sure you have a few prepared questions because it’s going to be really awkward if at the end, you don’t ask anything. Again, they want to know that you are curious and that you care.
11. Figure out how to differentiate yourself from other candidates
Everyone is going to say they’re a hard worker, that they love x & y about this position, and that they are good at working in teams.
Ask yourself what is unique about you that would be a strength for this position, both professionally and personally.
Everyone has their own story. Most importantly, tell them things that are NOT on your resume, but that make you memorable.
12. Send a follow-up email
This can also separate you from other candidates. My mom has always drilled me about the importance of a good thank you note, and it really does make a difference.
It shows that you care, and when the selection team is deciding between two similar candidates, they’re going to choose the one that made that little extra effort.
