8 answers
Kendall
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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How do I improve my interview skills?
I am very excited to be starting college this fall but I realize that I might need to improve my interview skills before then if I decide to start any internships or jobs my first year. In past interviews, I have been very nervous and not had much confidence so I need help changing that.
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8 answers
Ce Ji
55
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Ce’s Answer
Hi Kendall, Congrats on starting college! It's great that you're getting ready for anything that comes your way. Feeling nervous before interviews is totally normal, especially when your heart starts racing. Try doing a "mock interview" with a friend. Record it on your phone and watch it later. You'll catch little things you might miss when you're nervous. Before the interview, take a few deep breaths and focus on having a real conversation instead of just being judged. Remember, interviewers are just people too! Also, have 3-5 short stories ready that show who you are. It's way better than memorizing answers.
Alecia Lally
Recruiter
7
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Alecia’s Answer
Hi Kendall! Interview jitters are completely normal and very common so don't be too hard on yourself! As a recruiter, I've had the opportunity to facilitate lots of interviews and here are my best tips:
1) Know your story - I'm sure you've spent a good amount of time on your resume (if not, Career Services can help!), and you can take your interview to the next step by being able to tell a story/example for the things listed on your resume. In other words, if you have a student organization listed on your resume, have 1-2 examples prepared of what you've done in that group, how you worked with others, some challenges you overcame, etc.
2) Practice! It feels weird, yes, but it helps. Practicing telling a story can help make it more concise and you become more confident in your words each time you say it.
3) Know what you want. As someone who's starting college, you may be thinking "well I don't know what I want", but before your interview, take some time to reflect about what it was about the job that interested you. A lot of interviewers like to ask that so it's good to have that answer tucked away in your back pocket.
4) Lean on friends/peers/faculty/etc. Don't be afraid to ask peers or mentors for advice. You can ask them their interview tips or even ask them what they think your strengths are so that you can focus on them in an interview.
Good luck - YOU GOT THIS!
1) Know your story - I'm sure you've spent a good amount of time on your resume (if not, Career Services can help!), and you can take your interview to the next step by being able to tell a story/example for the things listed on your resume. In other words, if you have a student organization listed on your resume, have 1-2 examples prepared of what you've done in that group, how you worked with others, some challenges you overcame, etc.
2) Practice! It feels weird, yes, but it helps. Practicing telling a story can help make it more concise and you become more confident in your words each time you say it.
3) Know what you want. As someone who's starting college, you may be thinking "well I don't know what I want", but before your interview, take some time to reflect about what it was about the job that interested you. A lot of interviewers like to ask that so it's good to have that answer tucked away in your back pocket.
4) Lean on friends/peers/faculty/etc. Don't be afraid to ask peers or mentors for advice. You can ask them their interview tips or even ask them what they think your strengths are so that you can focus on them in an interview.
Good luck - YOU GOT THIS!
Amy Puthumana
Associate
1
Answer
West Nyack, New York
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hi Kendall, congrats on starting college soon! When preparing for interviews, make sure to do your research in advance and then practice.
Research can look like reviewing the employer's webpage to understand the business mission and key values, looking into what is expected for the role or investigating emerging trends/tools in the industry.
For your interview, key questions to practice are:
1. Tell me about yourself: Communicate why you're interested in the role and any prior experience that may qualify you for the position.
2. What is your biggest strength?: Make sure to have tangible examples of how you've used your strengths for success in past projects, employment or extracurriculars. Review the Situation-Task-Action-Result (STAR) method for how to structure responses.
3. What is your biggest weakness?: For potential weaknesses, think about how you can work to improve your skillset and way of working to best mitigate that weakness. For example, if your biggest weakness is time management, think about what tools (ex. to-do lists, time-blocking, etc) can be implemented to help resolve this.
4. What makes you a unique candidate for this role?: Reflect on your personal story and experiences to identify what makes you the best fit for this position.
As you develop your answers, practice is key! Make sure your responses clearly answer the question at hand. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions too. Think about what you want to know and come prepared with questions to ask your interviewer.
When you start college, your school's career office will likely also have resources to learn more about interviewing skills and other areas of professional development. Make the most of your resources and don't be afraid to ask questions!
Research can look like reviewing the employer's webpage to understand the business mission and key values, looking into what is expected for the role or investigating emerging trends/tools in the industry.
For your interview, key questions to practice are:
1. Tell me about yourself: Communicate why you're interested in the role and any prior experience that may qualify you for the position.
2. What is your biggest strength?: Make sure to have tangible examples of how you've used your strengths for success in past projects, employment or extracurriculars. Review the Situation-Task-Action-Result (STAR) method for how to structure responses.
3. What is your biggest weakness?: For potential weaknesses, think about how you can work to improve your skillset and way of working to best mitigate that weakness. For example, if your biggest weakness is time management, think about what tools (ex. to-do lists, time-blocking, etc) can be implemented to help resolve this.
4. What makes you a unique candidate for this role?: Reflect on your personal story and experiences to identify what makes you the best fit for this position.
As you develop your answers, practice is key! Make sure your responses clearly answer the question at hand. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions too. Think about what you want to know and come prepared with questions to ask your interviewer.
When you start college, your school's career office will likely also have resources to learn more about interviewing skills and other areas of professional development. Make the most of your resources and don't be afraid to ask questions!
Jessica Holland, CPA
Managing Director, CPA
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Kendall,
Congrats on starting this next step in life!
It is totally normal to be nervous for interviews. My biggest piece of advice is to PRACTICE! Practice makes progress.
I would take some time to prepare for some standard interview questions - things like, tell me about yourself, strengths/weaknesses, what you're looking for in a job/internship, why do you want this role, etc.
Start by creating an outline or some bullet points for these questions (using your resume as a guide) and practice speaking the answers out loud often. This will help you feel more comfortable with these basic questions, which usually come early on in an interview. Nailing these questions will help build your confidence and your flow to help you feel more at ease with any more specific questions that come later.
Good luck!
Congrats on starting this next step in life!
It is totally normal to be nervous for interviews. My biggest piece of advice is to PRACTICE! Practice makes progress.
I would take some time to prepare for some standard interview questions - things like, tell me about yourself, strengths/weaknesses, what you're looking for in a job/internship, why do you want this role, etc.
Start by creating an outline or some bullet points for these questions (using your resume as a guide) and practice speaking the answers out loud often. This will help you feel more comfortable with these basic questions, which usually come early on in an interview. Nailing these questions will help build your confidence and your flow to help you feel more at ease with any more specific questions that come later.
Good luck!
Melissa Cifuentes
3
Answers
Norwich, Connecticut
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Hey Kendall! It is amazing that you are thinking ahead and preparing for interviews. Employers don't expect to have freshman in college to have a ton of experience, so if you're worried that you haven't joined any clubs, that's okay (but definitely start thinking about it!). This is where you leverage your classwork. You will most likely have to work on a group project. If you're asked "What is most important to you when working in a team" - or something similar- you can reference your group project and how you made an impact. Think about any sort of experience you have had in high school, first year of college, or outside of school and come up with examples of ways that you can apply leadership, communication, teamwork skills, etc. in an interview.
Another question you will most likely get: Tell me about yourself. This question and your answer will most likely set the tone for the rest of the interview, so it's important to answer it to the best of your ability. Be authentic, tell your story, and be confident. I wrote this question and my answer on a piece of paper and read it out loud over and over again until I basically memorized it. I recommend doing this with some other sample questions.
Lastly, use the STAR method to answer each question:
Situation - the situation you had to deal with.
Task - the task you were given to do.
Action - the action you took.
Result - what happened as a result of your action and what you learned from the experience.
Again, I wrote down my answers to a whole set of sample questions, leveraged my prior academic and extracurricular experience, and used the STAR method. Best of luck!!
Another question you will most likely get: Tell me about yourself. This question and your answer will most likely set the tone for the rest of the interview, so it's important to answer it to the best of your ability. Be authentic, tell your story, and be confident. I wrote this question and my answer on a piece of paper and read it out loud over and over again until I basically memorized it. I recommend doing this with some other sample questions.
Lastly, use the STAR method to answer each question:
Situation - the situation you had to deal with.
Task - the task you were given to do.
Action - the action you took.
Result - what happened as a result of your action and what you learned from the experience.
Again, I wrote down my answers to a whole set of sample questions, leveraged my prior academic and extracurricular experience, and used the STAR method. Best of luck!!
Rachel Smith
Technical Skills Consultant
13
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hey Kendall!
You already have some great advice here. I agree with the general sentiment, interviews can be intimidating and it is normal to be a bit nervous!
There are already so many great pieces of advice here on practicing, looking up interview questions, looking up the company and doing research, etc. so I will speak toward a different element here.
Do things that make you feel the most yourself when preparing for an interview. Make a playlist of music that makes you feel calm and at peace while you are on the way or waiting for the interview. Pick out an "interview outfit" or if you have the ability, a couple options that you KNOW you just feel so good in. Choose shoes that you can comfortably walk in and that make you feel your best. Do not undersell the power of feeling good!
Arrive to the interview early- I am talking like 30 minutes- 1 hour early. You don't have to go in- you can sit in your car and jam out, review notes, or simply be waiting and ready in your desk chair.
Drink water/have water on hand.
Have a yummy, protein-filled snack and make sure you eat well leading up to your interview.
Bring mints! Take one to make your brain most alert 5-10 minutes before the interview starts.
Finally- bring a physical thank you note and fill it out prior to leaving the interview space. If your interview is virtual, write an email thank you note, send it to recruiter and ask them to pass it along. Thank you's go a LONG way.
Write down positive affirmations if that is helpful to you! Think about all the ways you DO deserve a seat at the table.
You already have some great advice here. I agree with the general sentiment, interviews can be intimidating and it is normal to be a bit nervous!
There are already so many great pieces of advice here on practicing, looking up interview questions, looking up the company and doing research, etc. so I will speak toward a different element here.
Do things that make you feel the most yourself when preparing for an interview. Make a playlist of music that makes you feel calm and at peace while you are on the way or waiting for the interview. Pick out an "interview outfit" or if you have the ability, a couple options that you KNOW you just feel so good in. Choose shoes that you can comfortably walk in and that make you feel your best. Do not undersell the power of feeling good!
Arrive to the interview early- I am talking like 30 minutes- 1 hour early. You don't have to go in- you can sit in your car and jam out, review notes, or simply be waiting and ready in your desk chair.
Drink water/have water on hand.
Have a yummy, protein-filled snack and make sure you eat well leading up to your interview.
Bring mints! Take one to make your brain most alert 5-10 minutes before the interview starts.
Finally- bring a physical thank you note and fill it out prior to leaving the interview space. If your interview is virtual, write an email thank you note, send it to recruiter and ask them to pass it along. Thank you's go a LONG way.
Write down positive affirmations if that is helpful to you! Think about all the ways you DO deserve a seat at the table.
Emily Reeves
Certified nursing assistant
7
Answers
Methuen, Massachusetts
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi Kendall,
I suggest creating a list of possible interview questions and writing down responses. For example, a question that you may be asked is "give me an example of a time that you were faced with a conflict and how did you overcome it?" You could write a few personal experiences related to the question so that you will have a response to the question when asked. I recommend jotting down bullet points, rather than long responses to questions, so that your answers do not feel rehearsed. You can also research the company you are applying for so that you are prepared for questions that they may ask about the position such as "why do you want to work here?" or "why do you think you would be a good fit for this job?"
I also suggest doing practice interviews with someone you feel comfortable with so that you will feel more prepared and less nervous during the actual interview.
Lastly, something that has helped me during interviews in the past is to remind myself that I am also interviewing them in a way. I want to know if this company and position is a good fit for me. This alleviates some pressure.
I hope this helps!
I suggest creating a list of possible interview questions and writing down responses. For example, a question that you may be asked is "give me an example of a time that you were faced with a conflict and how did you overcome it?" You could write a few personal experiences related to the question so that you will have a response to the question when asked. I recommend jotting down bullet points, rather than long responses to questions, so that your answers do not feel rehearsed. You can also research the company you are applying for so that you are prepared for questions that they may ask about the position such as "why do you want to work here?" or "why do you think you would be a good fit for this job?"
I also suggest doing practice interviews with someone you feel comfortable with so that you will feel more prepared and less nervous during the actual interview.
Lastly, something that has helped me during interviews in the past is to remind myself that I am also interviewing them in a way. I want to know if this company and position is a good fit for me. This alleviates some pressure.
I hope this helps!
Rithika Aluvala
Student
16
Answers
Sanford, Florida
Updated
Rithika’s Answer
Hi! It is understandable to be nervous for interviews! I have a couple tips to help prepare for them.
My first suggestion is to record yourself talking or practice in a mirror. This can help you point out things you may not want present during the interview, such as fidgeting with hands, repetition of certain words such as "um" and "uhh", and other body language that you may not want. Once you see yourself doing it, you can make a mental note to work on stopping.
My second suggestion is to look up interview questions. This can help you understand what will be asked so you can create a template for your responses beforehand. This will make it easier during the interview because you will know what you want to say.
My third suggestion is to look the company up and identify its goals/mission statement on their website. This can help you understand what is important to them and through your responses, you can make sure you convey you share the same goals.
Its perfectly normal to get nervous about interviews, I think the confidence comes when you know what you are going to say and you feel good about it.
Good Luck!
My first suggestion is to record yourself talking or practice in a mirror. This can help you point out things you may not want present during the interview, such as fidgeting with hands, repetition of certain words such as "um" and "uhh", and other body language that you may not want. Once you see yourself doing it, you can make a mental note to work on stopping.
My second suggestion is to look up interview questions. This can help you understand what will be asked so you can create a template for your responses beforehand. This will make it easier during the interview because you will know what you want to say.
My third suggestion is to look the company up and identify its goals/mission statement on their website. This can help you understand what is important to them and through your responses, you can make sure you convey you share the same goals.
Its perfectly normal to get nervous about interviews, I think the confidence comes when you know what you are going to say and you feel good about it.
Good Luck!