The following is a guest post by Patricia Garza.
No matter how extroverted and confident in your abilities you are, interviews probably still make you feel uneasy. Most recent college graduates (and job seekers in general) dread going to interviews. Having to wow an interviewer is undeniably nerve-wracking. One interview mistake can often, but not always, cost you the job.
In this uncertain job market, you probably want to take full advantage of every interview opportunity you can get. Fortunately, there are simple, important things you can do to better your chances of acing an interview. Here are four reminders to help you on your brief and harrowing journey in the interview hot seat:
1. Check your posture
Remember, first impressions are everything when you’re looking for a job. Something as simple as your posture can be what determines whether or not an interviewer thinks highly of you. If you habitually slouch, make sure you put forth some extra effort to sit up straight during your interview. And be conscious of your body language in general. Things like excessive hand gesturing and lack of eye contact can be off-putting to many interviewers.
2. Express your interest
It’s easy to tense up during an interview and just go through the motions of answering questions. Unfortunately, many inexperienced interviewees end up seeming a bit robotic or stoic, which doesn’t exactly make interviewers want to hire them. So, let your interviewer know you’re interested in the job and eager to work for the company. Tell him or her exactly why you’d be a good fit for the position, and try to sound as enthusiastic as possible when you’re answering questions. Oh, and smile!
3. Come prepared with questions
This is a very common mistake among novice interviewees. They spend a lot of time preparing to answer common interview questions, but they forget to prepare their own questions for their interviewer. Write up a list of five or six questions you want to ask about the company before the interview. At the end of the interview, your interviewer should ask you if you have any questions. Refer to your list of questions at this point, and ask two or three of them. Doing so will help you appear interested in the job, intelligent, and organized.
4. Avoid rushing through the experience
You will be able to answer questions most thoughtfully if you take your time answering them. Really think about what you’re being asked. If you’re asked a particularly tricky question, ask your interviewer if you can have a few moments to think about it. They won’t think this is weird, and they’ll actually probably appreciate your careful consideration of their question. Keep in mind that blurting out the first thing that comes into your head because you feel under pressure is not a good idea, and slow yourself down if you notice you’re rushing through the interview.
So, prepare for your interview well, consider the tips above, and believe in yourself. As a recent college graduate, you have unique experience and valuable job skills to offer. You deserve the job of your dreams, and you’ll find it sooner than you think!
What other tips have worked for you? Share with us in the comments below!
About the Author:
Patricia Garza is a freelancer and blogger who primarily writes about regionally accredited online colleges and how the students who graduate from them can best find jobs. When she’s not writing, Patricia likes to spend time with her kids, discuss current events, and paint. Please feel free to leave your comments and questions below. Patricia appreciates your feedback.
