Done with the job fairs? On to the next step: Interviews!

You may have recently attended a job fair or applied to your dream job or may just be shopping around for another experience. Whatever the case may be, you aren’t done yet. You still have one more step until you can transition into that next position. Interviewing gives you the chance to finally put your money where your mouth is. In other words, it’s time for the employer to get to know you as more than just what your resume says.

So how do you properly prepare for an interview? Like many situations, preparing just means practice.

Step one: Research! Get to know who you could potentially be working with.

• Review their company website
• Catch up on their most recent updates through social media
• Memorize key words and statements from your research
• Possibly learn about the individual who plans to interview you *It always helps to establish a relationship

Step two: Prepare your best game day outfit.

• Dress the part in business professional
•  Review the Career Services site to know what exactly that means
• Here is a visual aid if you don’t want to search too hard

Step three: Practice your demeanor.

• Practice your handshake: firm, but not too firm
• Sit upright and maintain an appropriate amount of eye contact
• Try your best not to fidget or touch your face/hair
•  One tip I always stuck to was making sure my hands are grabbing the hand rests so I know I’m not making distractions

Step four: Figure out what you want to reply to a series of expected questions.

Employers almost often ask these questions - make sure you have a basic response to each of them.  

• “Tell me about yourself.”
•  “Why do you think you would make a good candidate for this job?”
• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
•  “Name one time where something didn’t work out the way you expected it to and how did you handle it?”
• “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”

Ensure your responses reflect your skills and that you can back up all of your claims with evidence, such as a past experience.

Step five: PRACTICE.

• Combine all of these steps and practice your interviewing; do it with your parents, your friends, your mentors, your co-workers, anyone!
• Too shy to do talk to someone else? Try practicing in a mirror or videotaping yourself. In any scenario, practice the words you expect to be saying.
• Practice in a Mock Interview through Career Services or using Interview Stream.

For more interviewing tips, visit the Career Services website for links to more resources, tips and advice. 

Good Luck!

Written by Olivia Brescia, Peer Career Advisor