College Student Job Interview Tips
If you’re presently in college or university and will be graduating soon or if you're looking for a job to help pay the bills, here's some helpful college student job interview tips:
If you're anxious about interviewing for your first post-college job, you’re normal. In fact, if you’re not nervous, and your dad doesn’t own the company, better check your pulse.
Any time you interview for a job, you are in a “one down” position, because the interviewer has the power to give or withhold the job (or at least the next step in the process of getting the job). Being “one down” naturally makes us anxious, and the best way to deal with the anxiety is to level the playing field.
This article will give college and university students interview tips for preparing for an interview, for the interview itself, and for following up after an interview. These particular techniques are intended to bring you from that “one down” position to a position that is more equal.
Preparing for an Interview
1.Gather information. Learn as much as possible about the company and position you are applying for. Do your research, and then find someone who works there, and talk to him. Hint: If you don’t know anybody who works there, check with your college’s alumnae association.
2.Practice. Go to mock interviews. Get as much practice interviewing as you can. Hint: Whether you get the job or not, this is one more opportunity to practice your interviewing skills in a real-life setting. That’s the least you can get out of this. You can’t lose!
3.Dress appropriately. That means conservative business dress. It doesn’t matter what the working dress code is for the company, dress conservatively for the interview. Hint: While you’re putting on a good, effective antiperspirant, rub some on the palms of your hands, too, and they won’t be sweaty for that all-important handshake.
The Interview
1.When the interviewer greets you, make eye contact (what color are his/her eyes?), introduce yourself, and shake hands.
2.The first five minutes are the most important. Establish contact with the interviewer and present yourself. You want to project confidence, assertiveness and a positive attitude. Your attitude is the most important thing you bring to the job.
3.Ask questions. In particular, ask the interviewer to tell you about the company, the position and the kind of person they are looking for.
4.Show, don’t tell. Give examples of how you have dealt with a particular problem; don’t just tell her.
5.If appropriate, offer samples of your work.
6.At the close of the interview, ask what the next step is and when you can expect to hear from him.
Following up after an Interview
1.Write a thank-you letter to the interviewer. Emphasize positive things about the interview, but don’t explain or elaborate on your interview answers.
2.If you haven’t heard from the interviewer by the time you expected to, call and ask if he has made a decision about the job. Don’t harass and annoy the interviewer, but do follow-up at appropriate times until you know if you did or did not get the job.
3.If you do not get the job, call the interviewer and politely ask for his feedback. Don’t ask why you didn’t get the job; instead, ask how you can improve your interview skills.
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