Preparing for the Very First Interview: Crucial Recommendations for Students
As a student, you may be lacking some job interview skills because you have not had the opportunity to be interviewed. But if you nail it with the right preparation, you can land that job.
Table of Contents
Research the job
The job interview is one of the most critical components of the job search process. It’s your opportunity to sell yourself to the employer. A student interview can also happen on the college campus. You need to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the job. But before you can do that, you need to research the job, the interviewer, the organization, and the industry. When you’re preparing for a job interview, it’s important to start by taking a close look at the job itself. Also, find out as much as you can about the person who will be conducting it. The better you understand the job and the interviewer, the better equipped you’ll be to sell yourself during the interview.
In addition to researching specific jobs and interviewers, it can also be helpful to learn more about the organization as well as the industry trends. It will better equip you to demonstrate why you’re a good fit for their team. By understanding more about the big picture, you will be able to position yourself as an expert.
To gain expertise, the student needs to set aside time to read about the industry. Peruse as many essays and research papers as possible about the field. You may find reading materials about it in your campus library. For course assignments and class homework, take advantage of the useful academic writing tools on EduBirdie. They can help you with the perfect essay examples for all your writing projects. This way, you can look for a job while pursuing an education.
Make an impression
Interview tips and tricks are important to make a good interview. The five most important tips are to arrive early, dress for success, be positive, ask thoughtful questions, and mirror the interviewer. By following these simple tips, you can make a great first impression during your next interview.
Arriving a few minutes earlier than your interview time is a good way to ensure that you’re not flustered and rushed when meeting your interviewer. The initial impressions matter, so it’s important to dress professionally. This doesn’t mean that you must wear a suit or tails, but you should avoid anything too casual or revealing.
Maintaining eye contact and displaying positive body language shows that you’re engaged and confident in the interview process. Also, inquire about your interviewer’s experience with the company or their thoughts on the role. It shows that you’re thinking critically about the position and the organization.
Mirror the cadence of the interviewer without copying them. This means tailoring your speech to align with them. It will put them at ease and make them feel comfortable. This way, you are immediately building a rapport with the interviewer. Also, be conscious of their style; otherwise, it can be a turnoff.
Create a portfolio
When students are job-hunting, they often ask what to bring to a job interview. The best thing to bring to an interview is a portfolio of the work. Students should start working on their portfolios as early as possible, so they can have them ready to go when the time comes. With a little effort and planning, a portfolio can be a valuable tool in the job-interview process.
A portfolio is a great way to prepare for a job interview because it allows you to showcase your accomplishments and skills professionally. It can be a great conversation starter during an interview. By taking the time to create a well-rounded portfolio, you will be able to make a strong impression during your job interview.
When creating a portfolio, be sure to include a cover letter, resume, and samples of your work. You should also consider including performance evaluations and letters of recommendation. If you have an online presence, be sure to include links to your blog or website.
A portfolio helps to show potential employers that the student has taken the time to prepare for things in advance and is organized. It also demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively and sell yourself. Teachers, engineers, journalists, designers, and many professionals show off their work this way.
Commonly asked questions
One of the best tips for a good interview is to prepare answers to commonly asked questions. This will help you feel more confident during the interview. Also, it will give you a chance to think about your responses and make sure that you are conveying the information that you want to get across.
Some common things that you should be prepared to answer include your strengths and your weaknesses. You should also be prepared to answer why you are interested in this position and what you can bring to the company. Tie the answers tightly with your career goals in the industry.
There is no right answer to any of these questions. But taking the time to prepare thoughtful responses will show that you are serious about the opportunity. It will create an impression that you have considered what you can contribute. The interviewer will appreciate this effort, and it may give you an edge over the other candidates.
Do follow up
Following up with the hiring manager after the job interview is one of the good interview tips. This shows that you’re interested in the position and that you’re grateful for the opportunity to interview. And if the interview was not successful, ask for advice for an interview so that you can improve next time.
If you have a contact name and an email address, you can send an email. You can also connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn if it is appropriate. If you don’t have a specific contact name, you can reach out to the human resources department or the hiring manager.
There are a few different ways to follow up, and the best approach depends on the situation. Whichever method you choose, be sure to keep your follow-up professional and brief. Reiterate your interest in the position, thank the interviewer for their time, and mention any qualifications or skills that make you a good fit for the job.
Conclusion
Being a student or a recent grad in the job market can be unnerving. But preparing for the interview and polishing your skills can go a long way in making you confident. Your interviewer can then sense your confidence intuitively. Even if you fail in the job interview, view it as a practice session upon which you can improve.
Sarah is an accomplished educator, researcher and author in the field of testing and assessment. She has worked with various educational institutions and organisations to develop innovative evaluation methods and enhance student learning. Sarah has published numerous articles and books on assessment and learning. Her passion for promoting equity and fairness in the education system fuels her commitment to sharing insights and best practices with educators and policymakers around the world.
