Whether it’s for that summer internship or that real world, big girl job, interviewing skills are one of the most important tools that us ladies can have in our toolbox.
So here’s a list of what you need to know and do before the interview so you can show them that confident, smart and awesome woman you are:
1. Dress to the nines.
We all know that beauty is only skin deep, but that doesn’t mean you can slack when it comes to meeting your future employer. You don’t need to be a picture perfect model, just don’t distract from your beaming personality with a sloppy shirt or messy make-up.
2. Take hand holding to a whole nother level.
As college students, we aren’t as accustomed to shaking hands in our everyday lives as business professional women are. You don’t want something as silly as a little hand hold to make you come off as unconfident. Take their hand, and shake it like a polaroid picture….not really….just get a firm grasp, and shake it like a normal human, look them in the eyes and say ‘Nice to meet you _____.”
3. Know your elevator pitch.
Your interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself.” Two natural responses occur: 1) Blank stare and internal freak-out, or 2) word vomit starting with your first day of kindergarten and ending at the moment you walked into the office. Ladies, we don’t want this to happen. Nail that 30-second spiel that encompasses why you want the job and why you’re perfect for the job. Give them the basics, your qualifications and specialties. Be prepared for the questions that will follow.
4. Get those examples ready.
There’s almost a 100 % chance that you’ll get situational questions. While they seem to be easy, it is easy to freeze under pressure. Check out example questions like these and take time to think about 2 or 3 examples for each situation. Draw from your classes, internships, campus jobs, clubs and athletics. Be able to communicate concisely 1) the situation you were in 2) the task you were assigned 3) the action you took to accomplish your goals, 4) the results you achieved.
5. Ask your own questions!
Being curious about the interviewer and company shows your interest. Think about your questions thoroughly before hand and write them down in your notebook so you don’t blank when the time comes. Don’t ask obvious questions; make sure you’ve done your research and that they know it. This is also your time to make sure the employer is right for you! Get what you need from them to make sure it’s the right fit.
6. Say thank you!
Send a thank you email. It’s that simple. And don’t be afraid to connect on LinkedIn!
Good luck, Bobcats! You got this.