Every college student’s worst nightmare is the idea of entering the real world—a.k.a., having to get an actual adult job. I recently went through this harrowing experience while interviewing for an EMT position near my school. I ended up getting the job, but only after having put quite a bit of thought into it! So, here are some general tips from my experience that may prove helpful to you in your next job search, whether you’re going for EMT or anything else!
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Practice answering interview questions.
This is the single most helpful way to prepare! If you go into your interview armed with some basic talking points, you’ll be able to impress your interviewer with thoughtful, complex answers to their questions instead of having to come up with something in the moment. As a bonus, it makes you appear more well-spoken and confident! You can easily look up general interview questions online, as well as questions that are specific to the job you’re applying for. Many websites offer insight into what kinds of answers employers are looking for; for instance, Glassdoor.com often includes used interview questions in their company reviews. Here are the three big questions I was asked:
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Tell me about yourself?
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What are your strengths and weaknesses?
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How much do you know about our company?
Go through some practice questions on your own, and then ask a friend or advisor to do a mock interview with you. It’s awkward at first, but you’ll be able to get a better feel for what the interview will be like and what points you need to work on when you’re able to get feedback. Extra points for putting on your interview outfit, just to get in the zone!
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It’s better to overdress!
I was very stressed out about what I should wear for my interview, and I ended up settling on a full suit. It felt like it was too much, especially when I walked in and my interviewers were all wearing their EMT uniforms; however, it made me look older, more professional, and more serious about the job. It’s better to look a little silly by looking too nice, as under-dressing could give them the impression that you’re unprofessional or not that interested in the job. Again, if you’re unsure, it’s always helpful to look up the general dress expectations specific to your field. Here’s a list of what I wore if you’re looking for a point of reference:
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A nice blazer and matching dress pants
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A plain, white top
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Clean, black, high-heeled boots
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Minimal jewelry
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A professional-looking purse
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Research the company.
The “What do you know about our company?” question is common and often catches people off guard. It was extremely valuable for me to do a quick review of the company website, just to get some general information about their values, mission, expectations, etc. Pick a couple of specific facts about them to remember and bring up, as this will show that you actually put some thought into choosing to apply for a position with them specifically, as opposed to another company. You can also use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your interest by asking them a question about something you read; I, for example, asked about the agency’s community outreach programs.
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Prepare some questions for the interviewer.
There comes a time at the end of every interview where they ask the key question: “Do you have any questions?” Most people, myself included, are inclined to say “No,” whether it’s because we’re too nervous to come up with a question, or we simply want the stressful interview to be over with. However, asking a question or two is a surefire way to impress your interviewer with your thoughtfulness, as well as your seriousness about working for them. These can be relatively simple questions, like “What can I expect the hours to be like?”, or they can be a little deeper, such as “How would you describe the work environment here?” Have a few prepared, and you can go with the one that feels the most right in the moment.
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Be confident!
It’s easy to get caught up in the nerves that come with interviewing for a job that’s important to you. But remember, you earned the chance to interview, and what you have to offer is valuable! This is a time for you to show yourself off and be your true, impressive self. Eye contact is key, as well as being confident in your responses to questions. When I listed “being quiet” as a weakness, my interviewer actually ended up complimenting me on my confident presence and strong eye contact while I spoke! A little confidence in yourself can go a long way.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well prepared for your next big interview! Remember above all to be yourself—you’ve got this!