Whether you’re applying to college or a job, at one point or another, you will have to do an interview. However, for many teenagers, having a one-on-one conversation with a stranger feels like something out of a horror movie. As daunting as an interview may be, there are tons of ways to make sure you are successful. If you don’t feel confident in your interviewing abilities, here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Come prepared!
A great way to make yourself feel more confident in an interview setting is to come prepared. Depending on the type of interview, this can mean a lot of different things. For any interview, you definitely want to have a copy of your updated resume in hand. You may also want to research the company or university for which you are interviewing, or even glance at your interviewer’s LinkedIn profile to come up with conversation starters.
2. Practice beforehand!
While you will be thrown a curveball every once in a while, most interviews for jobs and college consist of fairly generic questions. Think of a few strong answers beforehand in case your mind goes blank in the moment! This is especially useful for open-ended questions like “Tell me about yourself.”
3. Think about body language!
An interview is the perfect time for a fake it ‘till you make it attitude. Even if you are nervous, try to exude confidence by sitting with good posture! Avoid closing yourself off by crossing your arms over your chest. And, above all, remember to smile!
4. Early is on time.
If the coronavirus pandemic has taught me anything, it is that life is unpredictable. When you’re planning your day around an interview, be sure to build a significant buffer to make sure you can get there on time. There’s nothing worst than arriving late and flustered!
5. Remember to ask questions.
Although it may not always feel like it, interviews and interrogations are different! An interview should feel like a two-way street, in which you can also learn more about the company or school. Asking questions is also a great way to show an interviewer that you are proactive and would add value to their campus or workplace.
