When browsing through the Nicholls course bulletin, a student will find Interview Skills 101 is not a listed course. With the career plans held by many graduating Nicholls students this spring, they may be wishing it was. Even with all the skills learned over studious college years, a successful interview is the first stepping-stone to a secure future.
Kristie Tauzin of the Nicholls Career Services Center shared some of her knowledge on tips for a successful interview.
“Be prepared. The best thing to do is not to walk in blind,” Tauzin said.
There are several ways of preparing for an interview long before it happens.
Background research on the company’s Web site, for example, can prepare a person for questions like, “Why do you want to work here?” and “What do you know about our company?”
Practicing for the interview before it occurs can better prepare people for the questions they will be asked so that they will be ready with a good answer. Rehearsing with a friend or a tape recorder can help to remember answers to key questions without hesitating.
Behavioral interviews are becoming more frequent. They are interviews meant to predict future performance based on past performance. Be ready to answer questions with detailed responses which include examples of past work experiences.
Being on time for the interview is essential to make a good first impression. This means being ten to fifteen minutes early just in case of some unexpected hold up.
It is important to highlight strengths and weaknesses. This can be tricky, but it is manageable. Appearing to have no weaknesses will seem arrogant.
Also, making eye contact is a suggestion many people are familiar with. If uncomfortable making eye contact, look at the person’s forehead instead.
Looking interested also lets the interviewer see a capability to focus. It does not look good to be caught off-guard or look bored.
“Answer questions honestly, and make them brief, simple and to the point,” Tauzin said.
It is also important to ask questions! Listen to what the interviewer is saying throughout the interview. The interviewer will notice attentiveness.
How to dress for an interview is important as well. It will add to what makes an important first impression.
Men’s interview attire includes wearing a solid-colored suit coordinated with a long-sleeved shirt and a tie. To put forth a professional appearance, it helps to have a neat, maintained hairstyle and little or no jewelry.
Women’s interview attire is generally a suit with either pants or a skirt. Keep in mind the skirt should be long enough to sit down comfortably. A professional appearance can also be achieved with a neatly-kept hairstyle and limited jewelry, as it can be for men.
“You need to be dressed as professionally as possible,” Tauzin said. “Stay away from anything flashy and overstated.”
After the interview has ended, be sure to shake hands and state looking forward to hearing from the interviewer. Within 24 hours, send a thank you letter. Both of these factors exhibit simple traits of common courtesy.
Standing out in an interview is a way to make connections that will be beneficial to finding employment in new places of greater opportunity later.
