With graduation a week away, many students started their job hunt months ago. But there are those who are still unsure of job security and how exactly they are going to start paying their student loans in six months. If you are still in the process of searching and interviewing with potential employers, here are a few interview tips you may find helpful.
1. Research the company before the interview.
2. Review your resume and be sure you can talk about every item on it.
3. Arrive early.
4. Turn off your cell phone; do not just silence it.
5. Bring a folder or attaché that has a pen, paper, additional copies of your resume and a list of references.
6. Be kind and courteous to everyone you come in contact with.
7. During the interview, maintain eye contact and do not slouch; practice active listening.
8. If the opportunity is given, always ask a question or two. This allows you to control a portion of the interview. Do not forget, you are interviewing them as well. You need to know that this job or company is a good fit for you.
9. At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for the opportunity and mail or email a thank-you note within 24 hours.
Mike Wood, associate professor of education, listed several valuable interview tips for education majors:
1. Appearance counts. When you look good, you feel good. Make sure you look groomed and neat. How you are dressed so you will be perceived; how you are perceived so you will be treated.
2. Your clothes and accessories should be conservative and neutral, rather than wild and loud. Your clothes are your packaging and should not take attention away from the product.
3. Nonverbal communication sometimes conveys a stronger message than verbal communication. When you slouch, whether sitting or standing, you’re saying volumes about you and your confidence level. Sit up straight — like your mother always told you to. When you stand, make yourself as tall as possible: shoulders back and head held high. Get your hair out of your face so they can see your eyes and facial expressions.
4. Eye contact and smiles can indicate a confident and upbeat attitude. You will notice that many job postings ask for enthusiasm and energy. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate your social and interpersonal skills as well as your excitement about the opportunity for which you’re interviewing.
5. The handshake sends a strong tactile message. Whether your hands are hot and sweaty or cold and clammy, you can try some tricks to control the temperature. To cool your hands, try running cold water on the insides of your wrists. Use hot water if your hands are cool. If you have particularly sweaty hands, try using a deodorant gel (antiperspirant) as a lotion.
6. Your voice and the volume of your speech convey a strong impression. Whether the interview’s over the phone or face-to-face, you should speak with enthusiasm and energy. Use a firm voice to demonstrate your confidence.
7. Your vocabulary reveals your communication skills and ability to interact with people, especially ones you’ve not met before. The words you choose will say something about you, as well as your knowledge of the industry. It is important to use “their” words and talk “their” talk.
8. No facial piercings for male/female. No piercings for males. Tattoos must be covered. We are professionals and should appear as such.
Dr. Bryan Burks, dean of the College of Business Administration, also said that students should carry themselves with confidence. Although a student may be understandably nervous, they need to show the interviewer that they are mature, responsible and confident in their abilities.
“This confidence comes from proper research of the company, prepared questions for the interviewer and an understanding of the situation,” Burks said. “They need to figure out how to stand out from the crowd of other individuals who are interviewing for the same position. This confidence also comes from prayer for guidance. God must be a part of this entire process.”
