So tell me about yourself…All interviews seem to start the same way, but they don’t have to end the same way. Internship/Job Search season is upon us once again, so check out these easy tips on how to stand out as you go through the interview process:
- Have a fun story about yourself that relates to why you chose the company or position you are applying for.
The whole point of an interview is for you to get to know a company and for them to get to know you. Stay professional, but let your personality shine through.
- Have two strengths you are comfortable speaking about (same goes for weaknesses!).
A strengths and weaknesses question is bound to come up in an interview. Be prepared to talk about yourself in a positive way and relate your examples to the position you’re applying for. Not only will this help you relax for the interview, but it’s a great life skill to have no matter what field you’re going into.
- Have engaging questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview.
Most interviewers will leave time at the end of an interview for questions, and nothing is worse than awkward silence at this point. This is your time to ask for candid information about a company and get to know you’re the culture of your potential employer. Come prepared with 3-5 questions, ones you can’t find the answer to on the company website. Click here for some question tips.
- Be up to date on current issues and be ready to talk about them.
This might sound a little strange, but you never know what you’ll be asked in an interview. Especially if you are going into an industry like finance or public policy, make sure you are reading the news frequently and can articulate how market trends may affect your future employer. Personally, I like the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. Not only will this help for an interview, but it can help to improve your global awareness.
- Be able to talk about what you’re learning about in school and how it relates to the position you’re applying for.
We’re in college for a reason, but I know sometimes it feels like what we are reading can’t possibly apply to the real world. But you’d be surprised that yes, even Cultural Heritage has connections in the workforce!
Interviewing can seem intimidating. You know you’re being scrutinized and that they’ll be talking about your performance afterwards. With these tips, you’ll walk out of your next interview feeling confident in your abilities, knowing you expressed yourself best!