BY KENDRA DICKINSON, Ellen Hill, Lauren Evans, & Patricia Ratcliff
Whether you want to go to graduate school or to get a job, an interview is almost certainly going to be part of the process. An interview is an opportunity to present yourself in the best possible light and show why you will be an asset to the school or business. Preparation will help ease your nerves and will show the employer or program that you are qualified for the position. Here are some steps that you can take to prepare for your interview:
1) Examine the job description
Knowing exactly what employers are looking for can help you think of the kinds of questions that may be asked during the interview, and help you to frame your skills within the context of the position.
2) Consider why you are interviewing and your qualifications for the position
Knowing what you want the job and how your skills match the requirements will prepare your to explain to future employers why you are a good fit for the position.
3) Research the company and the position
Knowing more about the company you are applying to work for will not only help put you at ease during the interview, but it will allow you to anticipate the kinds of questions that the interviewer may ask, and prepare your own thoughtful questions to ask about the company.
4) Review and practice common interview questions
- Read through a list of common interview questions.Don’t memorize your answers but do have a plan for how to answer them.
- Practice answering out loud with a friend or family member. Ask a teacher or guidance counselor if they know of any resources or would be willing to do a mock interview with you. Many colleges have career offices where trained professionals can help you practice for an interview and provide helpful feedback.
5) Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers
Many interviewers will ask interviewees if they have any questions about the company or the position. Preparing thoughtful question ahead of time and asking them during the interview will not only help you get even more information about the position and the company, but will also show future employers that you have researched the company and are invested succeeding.
6) Consider what to wear to your interview
What you wear to your interview can depend on the industry and the type of position you are applying for. For many positions, business casual attire is appropriate, but for some positions you may need to wear formal business attire.
- For helpful hints about what to where to you interview: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/what-to-wear-to-an-interview
- Ohio State offers a Career Closet throughout the year where students can browse through donated clothes, shoes, handbags, belts, and ties to find professional attire for free.
- Many thrift stores [Goodwill, Plato’s Closet, Salvation Army] offer gently used business apparel for a relatively inexpensive price
7) Print copies of your resume
In this day and age, most employers will ask for digital copies of your resume. Still, it is a good idea to have a few hard copies on hand to show that you are prepared and organized, and so that your resume is on hand during the interview.
8) Prepare your travel arrangements
In order to avoid stress before arriving at your interview, considering what method of transportation you are going to use, how long it will take, and if there is anything that could potentially cause you to be late. Be sure to look up the location in advance, plan how you are going to get there, and make sure to leave early in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
9) Sell yourself!
For many people, selling themselves can be a challenge. However, remember that the goal of the interview is for you to highlight your skills to future employers! To prepare for the interview, make note of particular skills and achievements that relate to the position you are applying for, and mention them in the interview. It is important that you accurately and positively highlight your past experiences, skills and achievements! You got this!
For more tips on preparing for your interview: