So you want to have some tips for a successful job interview.
First off, congratulations! After countless amounts of applications for jobs, the sleepless nights of having no money on the table, and the hungry lunches only to be appeased by ramen noodles. You finally got a request to interview. Though, there’s a slight problem. How do you even ace the interview to be a standout candidate? I mean, the last thing you’d want to do is…not get the job, right? Thankfully, you’ve stumbled into the right place. I’m here to give you some useful advice without wasting time.
Though, what qualifies me to give you help? Well to be quite frank, I haven’t interviewed people myself, or attended hundreds of job interviews. What I do have is the ability to scavenge the internet and summarize professionals’ advice.
So if you’re a high school/college student or just a regular working citizen of society, these interview tips should help prepare you immensely, and of course, land that job. So let’s. Get. Started.
The More Obvious Job Interview Prep Ideas
Dress and Look Well
Whatever you do, DO NOT, pull up to your job interview with some homeless-looking clothes. Gentlemen, please stay far away from athletic shorts, shirts that say something along the lines of “I Paused My Game To Be Here”, unkempt hair, and slides. Ladies, don’t wear yoga pants, crop tops, or sandals from the nail salon. If you’re still not sure of what to wear, search formal/semi-formal attire on the internet, and base your clothes off of those. If you have nothing of the sort in your wardrobe, take money out of the piggy bank and hit up the closest Goodwill. Shower, lotion, comb that beautiful hair, and please, PLEASE, brush your teeth.
Arrive On Time For The Interview
I’m going to assume if you made it this far in life, you’ve been on a date (Sorry to those who haven’t). Imagine this, you have planned the time to meet with the potential lover of your life at 5 pm. According to your buddies, this person is someone to look forward to meeting. Checking your watch, it’s now 5:30 pm.
Now you’ve lost some interest, and have become frustrated or disappointed. The date arrives a minute later, but it seems you might have to move on to the next candidate. Being late is rude, and an insult to another person’s time. After all, time is money. Don’t be late, if anything arrives 15-20 minutes earlier.
Basics of Human Interaction
It has been frequently said in scientific research that you have the first couple of seconds to make a good impression on someone new (Don’t quote me on this haha). Within these seconds, a person is assessing your trustworthiness and likeability. Be upbeat, and show that you have life in that body. Though you shouldn’t stray from your true self too much, just be fun to be around.
Have good eye contact and an awesome handshake. Do NOT forget to smile. Smiling is probably one of the most formidable aspects to use during an interview. It makes you more positive, and confident and even improves your mood.
Less Obvious Interview Tips
Don’t Make It A Job Interview
Make it seem like a conversation. Interviews are boring and stressful, conversations are laid back and engaging. Pretend like you are catching up with an old friend that you haven’t seen in forever. You’re there to get to know the company, and the company wants to get to know you. Don’t be dry either, use stories and descriptive explanations. Give off the vibes that you’re already a part of the crew.
Research Relevant Topics
Take a deep dive into the company that’ll be interviewing you. Check out who their CEO is, the history behind the foundation, the services provided, and who their competitors are. Take a personality test, and jot down your strengths and weaknesses, along with your working style. Figure out what’s expected in the position you will be working in, along with the likely day-to-day activities. Take a look into the industry the company is a part of. Trust me guys and girls, being prepared is so worth it. I mean you already took a step to come here, so why not take some more?
Bring Some Items To the Interview
If you ever played video games, you know how useful items can be. So why not bring things with you to the interview? For example, bring your laptop and have a slideshow at the ready. A PowerPoint presentation on what you’ve done, learned, and how you’ve applied them. Or if you think that’s overkill, simply bring a notebook and a pen. Jot down things during the interview, and even have pre-written notes to look at if you are in trouble. Doing this could make you stand out, and being prepared will give you an advantage over others.
Bonus Job Interview Tips
Alright time to fan the hammer. Or for my non-Americans, LIGHTNING ROUND!
- Don’t reveal too much about yourself. Like the politics you support, or you’re current financial situation/desperation.
- Send a thank you email within 24-48 hours of the interview.
- Prepare for behavioral, technical, or even case interviews depending on the job role.
- Be honest and don’t oversell yourself.
- Listen to a hype song in the car before you step out (my favorite).
Conquer That Interview
Hopefully, you found this information useful. I know I did when I was scanning all over the internet. Some of this you might know already, but I’m sure there are some good tidbits. Just make sure to relax and be confident in your abilities. The worst thing that can happen is that you don’t land the internship and your post-college career is over before it even starts. Guess it’s off to fast food/retail my friend.
I’m just kidding.
Now go use these tips ace that job interview.
