How to Nail Your Next Interview
It’s that daunting time of year where internship and job hunt season is upon us. Your endless scrolling through LinkedIn, Handshake, and Indeed has paid off– congrats, you’ve landed yourself an interview! Your application stood out amongst dozens or even hundreds of other applicants, and now it’s crunch time. How are YOU planning on leaving a lasting impression?
1. Ready your research
Before exploring other aspects of the interviewing process, let’s start with a strong foundation: research. Company websites and Glassdoor are gold mines for helpful information like mission statements, goals, and community and corporate initiatives. When you are educated and well-versed in company culture and industry trends, it shows your interest in the organization. Research thoughtfully and thoroughly, and when you can, tie back a personal experience to the goals of the company– it shows how you can be an asset.
Additionally, if you know who is going to be your interviewer beforehand, see if they are on LinkedIn or other professional websites. Find a way that you can make a meaningful connection with them; there could be a better chance that they remember you.
2. Become a master storyteller
Interviewing is rooted within storytelling. You’ve probably heard the typical interview questions like “Tell me about a time when…” where you are tasked to explain a situation, how you handled it, and describe the outcome. At the Career Center, we teach students to answer these types of questions using the S.T.A.R. Method:
S: Situation
T: Task
A: Action
R: Result & Reflection
When answering interview questions using the S.T.A.R. Method, think about your potential answers beforehand. Was there a time when you took the lead for a group project? Or maybe, was there a time when you felt like you failed in the workplace? It is important to reflect on these experiences and remember what you learned. Be sure to show your growth as a result of these situations.
Result/Reflection is arguably the most important piece of this method as questions like these are indicators of how you handle situations in the workplace.
The format of this answering style can seem awkward at first, but with practice, it will sound more natural. Practice in front of a mirror or have a roommate ask you questions so that you feel more comfortable answering.
A visual aid of the S.T.A.R. Method. Image sourced from The Balance: Careers.
3. Dress to impress (even if it’s virtual)
Building a professional wardrobe can seem like an impossible task, especially with a college budget. The best tip that I have ever gotten was to check out local thrift stores for more affordable alternatives. College town thrift stores have a surplus of affordable button-ups, slacks, and blouses to choose from. There are many places to look for outfit inspiration for interviewing (Pinterest and Google) and when in doubt, it’s always safe to over-dress. Try to stay neutral but remember, there are always ways you can express yourself.
There could be a chance that your interview will be over a digital platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, and if that’s the case, you’re in luck– dressing from the waist up! But remember your outfit choice if you have to stand up for some reason…
4. Come curious
Questions show that you are engaged in the conversation and are interested in learning more about company culture. Some questions may be answered during the interview, so come prepared with extra.
Question examples:
What do you feel like your company is missing?
What gets you most excited about the company’s future?
Are there any opportunities for advancement or professional development?
Check out this link for other question examples.
5. Go one step further
The hardest part is over, and your interview is done. Now it’s time to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration in the format of a thank you. When writing a thank you, it’s always nice to call back to your conversation. By including this in your note, it reminds the interviewer of what you talked about and shows your attentiveness during the conversation. A personalized thank you is a polite gesture and will not go unnoticed. If you want to take it a step further, add the interviewer on LinkedIn with a personalized note as well. Remember: be persistent but not annoying.
At the end of the day, it is important to remember that you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. Be sure to remain true to yourself during the session and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also, Google is your best friend. Any question you have most likely has been answered, no matter how dumb you may think it is. You got this. Best of luck in your interviewing season and I hope you enjoyed my favorite interviewing tips and tricks!
P.S. Check out the Career Center’s interviewing tips for more helpful suggestions!
About MacKenzie
MacKenzie Payton is a senior pursuing a degree in Advertising and Public Relations with minor in Psychology. This is her second year with GrandPR, where she serves as an Account Associate after previously working as a Design Associate. She currently works as a Career Connector at the GVSU Career Center and after graduation aspires to work in the film and television industry creating marketing materials.