Planning
An interview is a business meeting, not a confrontation. Candidates should focus on his or her distinctive skills and experiences to reduce anxiety caused by trying to anticipate what the interviewer is looking for. After all, nervousness is caused by uncertainty. Here are a few additional suggestions to minimize anxiety and make your interviewing experience the best it can be:
- Assess Your Skills
Take an inventory of your experiences from jobs, charitable activities, clubs, athletics – anything important to you throughout your life. Can you think of at least one skill you developed from the activity or experience? Think about the experiences that have had a profound effect on you, not what you think looks best on your resume. Think about how you have used that skill in various situations. Try this for about a half dozen experiences or activities and see how easy and impactful your list becomes! Do not be afraid to understand and talk about your weaknesses – everyone has them. This simple exercise is the most important advice you will ever get.
- Review Your Resume
Make sure that your resume is mistake-free, just as clients expect of our work. Make sure the spelling and grammar is correct. Is it complete and truly reflecting the facts you want to communicate to the interviewer?
- Dress For Success
Know your audience and avoid making personal statements with jewelry, hair product, and other accessories. Be comfortable, but wear a suit and no, it need not be exclusively gray or black.
- Be Timely
Do not be late and if you are, apologize. Things happen that are not in your control, but plan to be early. And relax!
- Practice Makes Perfect
If your campus has a mock interview program, participate in it. Every interviewer is different, so multiple practice interviews will help you to become comfortable with the unexpected. Also, friends are a handy resource to practice with. Let them ask the questions and try to express yourself freely.
- Research The Employer
We are hiring a talent, not someone who knows the most about us. However, you do need to understand who the employer is and what services and career paths are available. Visit websites and talk to alumni, faculty and other professionals in the business world.
