Since I opened my business in 2011 I’ve interviewed hundreds if not thousands of students for in person and virtual interviews. I’ve seen every possible scenario from a well dress, prepared applicant to an applicant that shows up late wearing sweats. How you show up and present yourself in an interview can make or break the entire process.
- Show Up Early: For in person show up 10-15 min early in case you run into traffic and for a virtual one show up at least 5-10 min early. If you show up late for an interview it gives the impression you will do that on the job. As my late Uncle Sandy always said: “early is on time and on time is late”.
- Dress to Impress: How you present yourself in an interview can make or break the entire process. I always say dress to impress. Gentlemen wear a suit if you have one preferably with a tie, ladies something of the same equivalent: dress, blouse with a. skirt, pant suit etc. If you are like a lot of students and have limited resources stores like Burlington Coat factory offer great discounts. For virtual interviews look great from the waste up at least, but I find dressing the same for in person gives confidence. ABSOLUTELY NO jeans, sneakers, gym clothes, sweats, or anything similar. Its almost an immediate no if you show up like this. Have some respect for yourself and the interviewer and go over the top, even on a virtual interview.
- Come Prepared: Know the company and position that you are applying for. It shows you respect the opportunity and are knowledgeable. Come with questions you have about the job, but don’t bring up pay until the interviewer does. Have a pen and paper so you can take notes if needed. Most importantly have a proper resume with you even if you don’t have a lot of job experience. There are many sites you can go that you can plug info into and they can format a perfect resume: limit to one page as most interviewers take less than 5-10 seconds to look at it.
- Proper body language: I’ve run too many interviews where people show up and give me a dead fish handshake; Speaking to the ladies out there, teaching my daughter how to give a good handshake will be one of the first things I do as she gets older (she’s only 9 months old lol). Look people in the eye (not a stare down) and squeeze firmly; it leaves such a good impression. During the interview also sit up straight, pull your shoulders back. Don’t give off the too school for look vibe; it shows you don’t care. Lastly just focus and pay attention; you never know when they may ask a question and don’t want to be caught off guard. Now on a virtual interview these are even more important but in a different way: have the camera pointed at your face in a well lit room (ring lights help). I can’t count how many interviews I ran when the camera was pointed at the ceiling or the person was laying down in a bed. Presenting yourself on camera is even more important because you loose a lot of non-verbal queues.
- Great power intro: Script out a powerful introduction of yourself: Who you are, where you came from, where you want to go, and most importantly how can this position can further your dreams and aspirations. I teach this in sales all the time to have a great power intro and build rapport with your customers. Same applies for interviews. Don’t focus on your lack of experience, focus on your strengths and how they can help the both of you.
Being a great interviewee can help you get the job/internship of your dreams so take the extra steps and go above and beyond for the interview process and have the confidence that you deserve what you are applying for. I wish you the best of luck and don't be afraid to DM me if have questions. Always here to help
