Looking for a summer job is only half the battle; the other half is acing the interview and getting the job you want.
If you are one of the lucky ones who get to return for an interview, then here are some tips that will help you create a good first impression.
Do Some Research
If you want to impress the prospective employer or interviewer, then you have to do some research about the company first. If you can, know some names of their top people such as the president of the company, vice-president, CEO, the name of the interviewer etc. If you do not know his or her name, it will not hurt to call them up and ask prior to the date of your interview.
In addition to these, it will also be a big plus if you know the values of the company, the types of services or products that they are offering, the company’s vision and mission, company’s profile and short history, etc. Most employers tend to ask applicants what they know of the company, and applicants who know something about the company convey sincerity and genuine interest in the position.
Practice, Practice, Practice
It is very important that you practice answering interview questions with a friend prior to the day of your interview. This way, you will get to develop your listening and speaking skills. If you do not know the usual questions asked during job interviews, then you can go online and look for typical job interview Q&As that most interviewers ask. These Q&As can not only help you prepare your answers but also help you describe and highlight your strengths and skills in relation to the job you are applying for.
Look Like a Professional
Look for an interview attire that will make you look like a professional. It should be neat, pressed, and tidy. Make sure you look appropriate for the type of company that you will be interviewing with.
Act Like a Professional
If you are going to be interviewed at, say for example, 9 am, then be there on time. In fact, it is advisable to arrive at least 10 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment. This way, you have some time left to look for the interview room and compose yourself before the interview proper.
In conjunction with this, be polite, courteous, and well-mannered. Always answer with a smile and maintain eye contact when you are talking with the interview. How you act toward the interviewer can make an impression, be it good or bad.
Stay Calm
It will not do you any good if you start panicking the moment the interviewer asks you questions. If you feel like you are about to panic, breathe deeply, count one to ten, and try to relax and maintain your composure.
Be Confident
Job interviews can be quite harrowing, but you can hide your nervousness by acting confident and positive. When you are answering questions about your accomplishments, skills, and strengths, be sure to match them to the position you are applying for. This is a good way of showing the interviewer that you have what they need in an employee.
When the job interview is over, do not forget to thank the interviewer.