Being Able To Interview Well Is An Important And Foundational Career Skill
Whether you’re applying to a college or for a job, you will likely have to do an interview. However, for many teenagers, having a one-on-one conversation with a stranger feels like something out of a horror movie. As daunting as an interview may initially be, there are many ways to make sure that you are ultimately successful. If you don’t feel confident in your interviewing abilities, here are a few things to help you build a stronger sense of this foundation career skill…
Come to an interview properly prepared.
A great way to make yourself feel more confident in an interview setting is to come prepared. Depending on the type of interview, this can mean a lot of different things. For any interview, you will definitely want to have a copy of your updated resume in hand. You may also want to research the company or university for which you are interviewing, or even glance at your interviewer’s LinkedIn profile, to come up with some strong conversation-starters.
Make sure you practice before the interview.
While you will be thrown a curveball every once in a while, most interviews for jobs and colleges consist of fairly generic questions. Be sure to research online for the most current forms of common questions, and then consider a few well-formed answers, before the actual interview takes place. This is especially useful for open-ended questions like, “Tell me about yourself…”
Think about body language before you attend an interview.
An interview is the perfect time for a “fake it ‘till you make it” attitude. Even if you are nervous, try to exude confidence by sitting with good posture. Avoid closing yourself off by crossing your arms over your chest. And, above all else, remember to smile!
Early is on time… when it comes to interviews.
If the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it is that life is inherently unpredictable. When you’re planning your day around an interview, be sure to build in a significant buffer to make sure you can get there on time. There’s nothing worse than arriving late and flustered! This means factoring in things like traffic delays, the potential for getting lost on your way there, and even time once you arrive to compose yourself.
Remember to ask your own questions during an interview.
Although it may not always feel like it, interviews and interrogations are completely different… or, at least, they should be. An interview should feel like a two-way street, in which you can also learn more about the company or school by asking your own questions at the appropriate moments in time. Asking questions, as an “interview attendee,” is also a great way to show an interviewer that you are proactive and would add value to their campus or workplace.
Another article with related a content focus is How To Prepare For Future Jobs In High School, so be sure to check that out.
You may also enjoy reading 3 Tips To Ace Your Next Job Interview!
Also, see the latest tips on Balancing Work And High School, from a Stride Career Prep Success Coach.
To learn more about Stride Career Prep Success Coaching for teens and how it prepares them for life after high school through career exploration or college readiness, visit this site: https://www.k12.com/career-and-college-prep/career-prep/offerings-curriculum-and-services/career-coaching/
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