Before the Interview: Three Steps to Prepare

By Chase Pattison on April 23, 2012

The job (or internship) interview has become one of those unavoidable rites of passage that every college student, at some point, must undergo.  Though the prospect of interviewing can be nerve-wracking, understand that this is normal.  When you receive an invitation to interview, take advantage of any nervous energy by using it to direct your preparation.

Much of the purpose of an interview is helping employers get to know the person they are potentially hiring.  That being said, the first step in preparing for an interview is to know yourself.  Be ready to talk about your career goals, your skills and experiences, and why you are interested in the position.  While you don’t need to write out answers to every hypothetical question you can think of, it is a good idea to formulate a benefit statement, or a brief (45-60 second) answer to the sometimes-frightening inquiry “Tell me about yourself.”  Mention educational background, related experiences, and extracurricular activities.  At the end, bring the focus back to the company.  In other words, tell them why you – based on the background and experiences you have just related – would be the ideal candidate for the position.

Secondly, know the organization.  Being able to converse intelligently about the company or school makes a great impression.  So, do your research!  With the internet as a resource, there is little you can’t find out about a company by combing their website or social networking page.  Especially be on the lookout for mission statements, specific job descriptions, and products or services that the organization offers.

Finally, making a list can help make your preparation seem more concrete.  First, separate a piece of paper into two columns.  Title the first column “Skills or qualities that X organization is looking for” and the other “My experiences.”  Use the organization’s job description to fill in the first column.  For example, a company might describe their ideal candidate as someone who is adaptable.  In the second column, jot down specific instances where you have demonstrated the skills or qualities listed in the first column.  Using the same example, make a note of a time when you adapted well to a situation.  Again, there is no need to write out an entire response and memorize it.  This exercise is more aimed at helping you formulate concrete examples that will impress an interviewer.

Adequately preparing for an interview will make the real thing that much easier.  So when you get the call to be invited to an interview, take a moment to revel in your achievement – you deserve it! But then, sit down and prepare.  You’ll thank yourself later.

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