By: Sarah Henderson
If you’re like me, interviews make you very nervous, and might just be the most dreadful part of the hiring process. First, remember that it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous—most people do. Plus, it means that you care about the position you’re interviewing for. But to make the whole process a little easier, here are some tips for before, during, and after an interview!
Before the interview:
Before your interview begins, it is important to give yourself enough time to prepare. Researching the company, such as what products or services they provide, the history of their founding, and their values, is helpful for preparing possible questions to ask and showing the interviewer that you have knowledge about the company. I also find it helpful to review common interview questions and tailor them to fit the position I am applying for (i.e. “Why do you want to work here?” or “What makes you a good fit for this position?”). If you think you need more help, you can make an appointment with a Career Coach at the Chase Career Center to perfect your responses, or go through some sample questions with a friend. I also like to refamiliarize myself with the details of the position to make sure I don’t ask any questions that have already been answered in the job description and to know what to expect overall. Doing this makes me feel much more secure and prepared, but if I am still nervous about the interview, I do my best to stay calm and clear my mind. Sometimes I find that it’s best to do something relaxing, like listening to music and taking a walk. In the few minutes right before the interview begins, I usually review my notes but definitely avoid frantically doing more research. Also, don’t forget to choose an outfit in advance that will make you feel confident and professional, and make sure you have the correct time and location for the interview.
During the interview:
During the interview, I always try to make sure to stay present. Sometimes, my nerves will distract me or I will overthink my answers, which prevents me from listening to the interviewer and focusing on answering the current question. Be confident in your answers as well—sometimes if an interviewer asks you a difficult question, the most important thing they are looking for is how you answer it, not what your actual answer is. One of the best methods for answering interview questions, mainly behavioral questions, is the STAR method. Also, remember that interviews can be conversational; they don’t have to be intimidating or something to be afraid of. Towards the end of the interview when you are asked if you have any questions, be sure to ask a few! It shows that you are interested in learning more about the position. To ensure that your questions are unique and interesting, prepare a few beforehand that you may already be wondering about, and ask any questions that come up during the interview. Not only will this impress the interviewer, but it will help you decide if you want the position!
After the interview:
First and foremost, give yourself a reward! When I know that after an interview I’m going to be able to do something I enjoy, it can be very motivating and it gives me something to look forward to. You deserve to relax after a possibly-stressful interview. Another thing I like to do is take note of what I did well during the interview and what I think I should improve on, since I’m still trying to improve my own interview skills. Don’t dwell on it if it doesn't go as well as you had hoped or be discouraged from trying again; if nothing else, it was an opportunity to practice and know how to improve in the future. Doing this, along with noting certain questions that you want to prepare a better answer for next time, will also help if you get another interview at the same company. Many people also send thank you notes after interviews as another way to stand out!
Most importantly, remember to be yourself, and don’t be afraid to brag a little and show off your skills! Good luck to everyone with your interviews in the future, you’ll be amazing!