I hate interviews.
The premise of “sit here and impress me” has simply never worked well for me. The moment I am expected to be the most impressive version of myself is always replaced by all kinds of awkwardness and strangeness that seem to only come out when I am seated on one side of a table with only my resume to protect me.
Don’t get me started on the awkward handshake (can’t we just fist bump?) or the, “So, how are you doing today?” (I’m fantastic, I love being questioned about my life and pretending I know what I’m doing). I am so afraid of blanking out or saying the wrong thing that, well, I usually end up doing just that.
As I get ready for another round of interviews later on this semester, I’m collecting new tips for interviewing. We all know the basic strong handshake and winning smile combination, but I desperately need some additional help. My number one idea? Write out the “perfect” answers to the typical questions I know I can expect ahead of time like the tried and true, “Why do you want to work here?” or the clichéd, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
We all know those questions are coming. Instead of hoping the perfect answer just pops into my head this time around, I want to have a good idea of what I’ll be saying before I am put on the spot.
I have also picked out the top three activities that showcase what I am really about, and plan on focusing on those three things in my interview. I don’t want to sound so involved to the point that I am stretched too thin, but I also want to ensure that they know I am an active student on campus. Plus, everything just sounds better in threes.
How to relieve all that inevitable stress? For me, it’s all about feeling confident, and that means a power outfit. Even if I am just stealing my roommate’s clothes, a new outfit (crisp and business-appropriate, of course!) is key for an easy confidence boost. I also get a sense of confidence just from holding a Starbucks, so go ahead and splurge on a little caffeinated delight (just hold off on the espresso).
Next, always be on time. Actually, plan on being early — appearing 10 or 15 minutes is not only expected, but having a few minutes to take a breath, get used to the environment and remember what it is that I really want to say is crucial.
Once I’ve finally made it, sitting down to start the interview is always a tense moment. Curling my toes — which actually activates a pressure point in your feet — is an easy way to relieve a bit of the built-up fear, while also helping me to focus.
I also have to pay attention to my body position — picture someone who has their arms crossed as they perch on the edge of their chair compared to someone taking up the full chair, seated straight up with arms out and expressive? I think we all know whom we would rather hire.
The perfect interview is priceless, yet it rarely happens. An awkward silence might fall over the table, or the interviewer may ask what your hobbies are and “chocolate” may be the only thing that pops into your head (hey, it happens), but interviewing is a necessary evil we all have to deal with.
I can’t even pretend to have interviewing skills, but I do have some tips: make sure you do the research, make sure you look your best, and ultimately be prepared to talk about yourself and convince everyone in the room that you deserve to be there.
