So you’ve applied for a job, created the ideal CV and cover letter, and have been invited to an interview with an employer, fabulous! But how best to prepare for it? That’s where this article will come in handy. Follow our interview tips for students, and you’re sure to do well when you go for your interview.
Research the company
This is the first of our interview tips for students. This is the best way to prepare for an interview, you need to be able to know what the company does, and how it works. Interviewers will probably ask you what you know about the company and what they do, you don’t need to know everything about them, but make sure you know a little bit about them!
Look up common interview questions
This way, you can prepare yourself for the most obvious questions, and how to answer them. If you’re looking for questions and answers more specific to a role or company, try looking at reviews of companies and their interview processes on Glassdoor. It’s a great resource to help you with your interview planning.
Arrange a mock interview
You could arrange a mock interview with the careers service at your institution. Alternatively, friends and family could be a useful source of help and support, as long as you can take it seriously.
Look to the job description for clues
A job description is essentially an employer’s wishlist, look at the one for your role. What is the employer wanting from their ideal candidate? And how can you tailor your interview responses in order to meet their needs?
Fix up, look sharp
Dress for the interview, think about the kind of business your interview is at, and dress accordingly. This will come in handy if the invite to interview doesn’t specify a dress code, and will stop you from making a fashion faux-pas.
Where is it?
Make sure you know exactly where your interview is, and when. It will make things on the day a lot less stressful. If you do get a bit flustered on the day, try to appear calm, and politely ask a member of staff or someone at reception. Remember, they’ll have been in your shoes at one point, and will understand that interview nerves get the best of everyone at times!
Arrive 15 minutes early
In case you need to fill in any forms when you arrive. In some cases, an interviewer may start the interview a bit earlier, or there may be a last minute change of room. Also, you can always go to the toilet before your interview.
Take your time to think
You don’t have to answer a question straight away, you can have a few seconds to think about your answer, if you’re really struggling. Most interviews will understand that it can be quite a high pressure and sometimes scary situation. Obviously, if you’re sat in silence for long periods of time, things won’t go in your favour.
Slow down
Interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience, and when we’re nervous, people have a tendency to speak really fast. Try your best to speak naturally and clearly so that your interviewer can understand you, after all, good communication is essential in most jobs.
Questions, questions, questions
At the end, an interview will more than likely give you the opportunity to ask them some questions. It is absolutely essential that you have two or three questions prepared. Stay away from asking things about pay and money, as well as personal questions, as this is neither polite or professional.
Try and think of questions that allow for open answers. What is the team that I am working with like? Are there plenty of opportunities for ongoing training and development? Make sure you demonstrate that you want to excel in this role and help get the best out of the role and yourself. Do this, and you’re sure to impress.
Using these interview tips for students will help set you well on the way to a successful interview. Being able to show yourself at your best will help you get the job you really want.
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