Preparing for Interviews
Being prepared for the interview is the number-one way to calm your nerves. The employer has seen your resume and cover letter and is interested enough to want to meet you - you’ve already made the first cut. Remember that the interviewer is trying to find out if you are a good fit for the position and the company. Give him or her reasons to say ‘yes’!
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Research - find out everything you can about the organization. The interviewer will be able to tell if you’ve done your homework. The more you know, the more interested and motivated you will appear.
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Network - if you got the interview through networking, use that to make a personal connection with the interviewer.
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Resume and cover letter - if you’ve gotten the interview, chances are the employer has already seen your resume but you need to bring a copy of them with you to the interview.
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List of skills - before the interview, make a list of your skills and abilities. These are what will make you an asset to your future employer; use the list to put yourself in a positive frame of mind and help you "sell" yourself to the interviewer. Your portfolio is a great starting point for this list, since it sums up your experience and interests.
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Practice - the Career Services field consultant assigned to your college can conduct a mock interview. Another way to practice is to videotape a mock interview with a friend. Watch the tape to see how you appear to an interviewer. Although this can be uncomfortable, it’s a great way to test your ability to answer common interview questions and get prompt feedback on your body language and speech patterns.
