Whether it’s for college, or an internship, or simply a part-time summer job, doing well in an interview says a lot about your capabilities as a future employee or student. Interviewers are judging more than your intellectual abilities, so they want to know what you’re like off the paper. Having spent the last few months interviewing with various medical schools, I’ve compiled a list of what I think are the 5 key things to remember when preparing for an interview.
1. Do your homework.
When walking into an interview, you should be prepared. What is the school’s mission? What is the role you are interviewing for? Do you know everything there is to know about that role? Out of a large pool of applicants, you are chosen to go in for an interview – think of it as an opportunity, not a right. Make sure to spend time getting to know the company, as I’m sure they will do for you. Have a list of questions that you can ask, to let the interviewer know you are truly interested. It is crucial that the interviewer feels that you are truly interested in the position. Why are you and the school and/or company the perfect match? Do the research to answer this question before going in.
2. Develop a better understanding of yourself.
An interview is an opportunity to truly market you. You are a salesperson for yourself and your achievements. If you aren’t able to articulate your qualifications and positive attributes, the interviewer won’t be able to either. Stand in front of a mirror and answer questions like “tell me about yourself”. While your answers should not be memorized, they should be well thought out. Take some time to read over your resume or application essays. Develop a list of strengths and weaknesses – and relate them to specific anecdotes. Just like it is important to spend time gaining a better understanding of the interviewing agency, it is equally as important to spend time understanding yourself. Why do you want the position? What experiences will make you the perfect fit? How will you deal with stressful situations? Though all of these seem like common interview questions, it is important to take some time to articulate the answers.
3. Dress to impress.
This one is a bit obvious, but interviewees often overestimate their ability to dress the part to an interview. The key is to seem poised, professional, and well groomed. Interview attire can vary depending on the position you are seeking, but aim on the side of being over-dressed. Ladies, don’t forget about fixing chipped nail polish, taming the hair, and wearing stockings if necessary. Men, shave that beard, comb the hair, avoid colored socks, and put on a decent (emphasis on decent) tie as necessary.
4. Confidence is key.
One thing that has helped me get through the interview process is: remember you look a lot more intimidating to others in that suit than you think. Don’t be afraid of the others in the applicant pool – you are invited to the interview because you are just as, or more qualified than the others at the interview. The interviewer isn’t trying to scare you off; he or she is simply trying to gain a better insight into your character. Maintain a confident attitude, but avoid the over confident demeanor.
5. Behave: Appreciative, Respectful, and Thankful
Leaving the interview, you should seem genuinely thankful for the opportunity. In fact don’t just seem it, say it. Thank the interviewer and anyone else that helped you that day before you leave. Once you leave, wait until the next morning and send a thank-you note to your interviewer – email is usually the most convenient method. Though this isn’t a make or break for receiving the position, it is simply a nice gesture and can’t hurt your chances. There are various templates available online for interview thank you notes, but be sure to add something specific in the note (possibly something you two may have discussed in the interview) so that it is not generic and more personal. Again, obtaining an interview is an incredible opportunity – make sure they know you’re aware of this.
Victory Step Education Team
