Many university students will be looking for a summer job around this time. While plenty of final year university students are in the middle of finding a job or an internship for after university.
All in all, we are all always looking for jobs. And once we get to that infamous interview stage, it’s important to prepare correctly.
The interview can make or break your chances of getting the job, so it’s important that it is done right.
Researching the company
Researching the company is really important. Research the company’s values, the clients and their history. It is likely that the company interviewing you will ask you what you know about them and the work they do. You can also learn what the company works on and whether it is the right environment for you.
Prepare questions to ask during the interview
Asking the interviewer questions is a great way to show you care and that you are interested in the job. It proves you are interested in the company and are eager to learn more.
You can consider questions like:
‘What do you enjoy most about working at the company?’
‘What is the company culture like?’
‘Is there an opportunity for growth in this role?’
There are many more you could ask. This is a short list to get you started.
Prepare questions you might be asked
Getting jobs is all about preparation. The interview is about you, after all. Therefore you need be prepared for what you might be asked in the interview. Plus making sure you are prepare will mean that you will be less stressed before the interview. Think of questions such as:
‘What are your strengths?’
‘What are your weaknesses?’
‘How have you overcome a challenge?’
These are all questions that someone might ask you. And, while interviews can be stressful if you aren’t prepared, if you have prepared and are confident then you should ace it.
Have a mock interview
Grab a parent or a friend and ask them to help you practice the interview. Pretending someone is doing your interview and making you practice giving you pointers can really help your confidence.
It is also really helpful to recite your interview notes out loud before the interview with someone you know.
Read More: Pros and Cons Of Writing A Dissertation
Sleep well
While many interviews are online nowadays, at least during first round, it is important to get a good night’s sleep beforehand. If this is a job you really want, you have to set a good impression when you first walk in or when the video starts.
Wherever the interview is, don’t let the interviewer see you yawn.
Find a quiet spot
Online assessments through platforms such as HireVue, or interviews on Zoom or Teams have become the norm nowadays. Therefore make sure you are in spot where you won’t be disturbed. And if you live with other people then make sure you let them know what is happening before you hop on your call.
You don’t want to have to apologise for the noise in the background it’s not really professional. Also it doesn’t help you concentrate and you have to be really focused and not have any distractions.
Don’t do your interview in a coffee shop.
Good internet
It goes without saying but try to find a spot with a good internet. You don’t want to have to repeat yourself a million times nor do you want the call to kick you out and then have to fight your way back in.
Talk about awkward.
Be yourself
An interview is always about getting to know you better, the real person, not just the CV or the cover letter you wrote. Therefore it is important that you show your true self and be confident. Do your best.
And if it doesn’t work out at least it’s good practice. After you’ve done a couple, it starts become easier.