There is no part of the job search process more nerve wracking than the actual interview. Looking for an open position, it can be fun to imagine what it would be like to work at different companies. Filling out an application or writing a cover letter, may be a little tedious, but you’re in control and get to decide when you’re done. The job interview, on the other hand, requires you to walk into a room, sit down with someone you likely just met and tell them all about yourself in hopes they will give you an opportunity. Talk about pressure.
But here’s the thing: A job interview does not have to be scary. A little research, some practice and following a few key tips will go a long way. After all, a job interview is about helping the person hiring get to know you, and no one knows your story better than you do.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to make the process a little easier:
Before the interview:
- Do some research: You’ve applied to the company and landed an interview, but before you walk in the door you will want to get a better understanding of the company, its history, and the products or services it sells. If you know who you will be interviewing with, try to learn a little about them. How long have they been with the company? Where did they go to school? Do you have shared interests?
- Plan questions of your own: Yes, an interview is about you answering questions, but it is also your chance to learn more about the company. What things matter to you in a job? Are you going to need some schedule flexibility to accommodate school? What is it like to work for the company? What kind of work environment can you expect? What does the interviewer like or not like about the company? What opportunities are there to advance? These are all questions you can ask to help you understand if you want to join a business.
- Make sure you know where you’re going: Especially if you’re interviewing at a big company, it can be tricky to find your way around an unfamiliar building. You might be given instructions on where to go, but if not, it’s a good idea to ask for clarification. At the very least, look up the location online and plan your route in advance.
- Dress the part: Depending on the job you’re applying for, it may not be necessary to dress in formal business attire, but you should certainly dress better than you would on a typical day of school.
During the interview:
- Show up early: You never know what might happen on the way to your interview, you could get a flat tire or get stuck in traffic, which is why you should plan to arrive to your interview early. It will give you a chance to collect yourself and focus before sitting down for the interview. There’s also a chance your interviewer will be ready for you early, potentially giving you more time to tell your story and learn about the company.
- Be yourself: There are plenty of cliché interview questions. Where do you want to be in five years? What’s your greatest weakness? You should prepare to answer these questions and others, but it is more important that your answers are authentic than it is for you to give answers you think the interviewer wants to hear.
- Ask questions: Wanting to know more about the company not only shows you’re interested in the job, but it will also help you learn whether it is a place you want to work. Better to find out it’s not a good fit in the interview process than realizing it after a few weeks on the job.
- Identify next steps: Ask the interviewer what the next steps in the process will be so you know what to expect. There may be additional rounds of interviews, skill tests, background checks, reference checks or maybe just waiting for other candidates to have their interview.
After the interview:
- Follow up: You could send a handwritten note, an email or make a phone call, but you should absolutely follow up with the person you interviewed with to thank them for their time. If you can, mention specific things from your interview. Try to reach out within 24 hours of completing the interview. If you haven’t heard any update after a week and a half to two weeks, it is acceptable to ask about where the company is in the hiring process.
- Accept the job: If all goes well, your interview process will end with a job offer. If you’ve done your research, you’ll know what the job should pay in your region. Depending on the offer, it is OK to negotiate for better pay and benefits, especially if you know what the position pays elsewhere and what your experience is worth. Hopefully, the process ends with you starting a new job.