Interview tips I've learned along the way

As I’m getting ready to graduate in August, I’ve come to realize that there is one thing I should be working on, and that’s how to make a great first impression.  I’ll be interviewing for jobs soon and during an interview, the first impression is everything. You’ve got to make that first impression last. As I'm preparing to graduate I've already been to a few interviews and have learned so much. Here are a few tips for the recent grad or anyone in the job market!

Go to the interview dressed professionally- That means business attire! I always wear a pencil skirt or slacks with a collared shirt and a blazer. If I was a guy, I would wear slacks with a long sleeve collared shirt and a tie. It's always better to be over dressed, than under dressed in the case of an interview.

During the interview- Take a deep breath and speak at the pace that the interviewer is speaking at. You want to be on the same page with them, so don’t speak too fast, but don’t speak too slow either. Speaking too fast is easy to do when you're nervous. The best thing you can do is to be aware of this which will help you slow down. If you think you're talking too fast, you probably are!

Sell yourself- A Job interview is the time and place to sell! Answer your question in a way that always tie back into how you can benefit the company. Remember: “features tell and benefits sell.” Also, make sure to do a ton of research on the company before the interview process. You don’t want to be stuck when they ask you, “So tell me what you know about our company.”

Don’t be nervous!- I know it is easier said than done. You may believe that the company is interviewing you and that you need an unforgettable answer to every question, but take a look around and realize that you’re also interviewing the company. You want to make sure that this is truly a company you will be happy working for.

Any questions?- Always ask questions at the end of the interview. When you don’t have any questions, it gets interpreted as, “she doesn’t have much interest in the company.” This may not be the best time to start asking about benefits and salary. However, do ask about what they are looking for from the position they are seeking to hire and if opportunities of moving up within the company is feasible. It's a good idea to go in to the interview with 2 or 3 questions to ask so you're prepared with they ask "Do you have any questions?". If questions come up during the interview, don't be afraid to ask, especially if it's a clarifying question.

Last but not least, keep in mind:

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door"

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