Interviewing for a college internship or new job can be nerve racking, especially when it's your first time. Preparation is a MUST, and for that we turn to our long time friend and Chief Talent Maniac at Talent Maniacs, Bill Murray. Bill offers 7 critical actions to help set students up for interview success.
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1. Become Comfortable At Public Speaking
Get in Toastmaster's Club or a public speaking class at least 6 months before students start looking for a position. Become extremely comfortable communicating with anyone on any topic.
2. Update Your LinkedIn Profile Before You Start Your job Search
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3. Know the Company Before You Interview
Make sure that the company you are interviewing with is one of which you want to be a part. Use Linkedin to review the company as well as the interviewer's profile, Google Search to look over the company's website and review newsworthy events, and Glassdoor to see what others think and feel about working for the company.
4. Dress Appropriately
First impressions are incredibly important. Make sure to select an outfit slightly above what the company culture supports and NEVER dress less than business casual.
5. Make Copies Of Your Resume
While most hiring managers and recruiters should already have a copy of your resume, you should print and be ready to provide one just in case.
6. Know Your Interview Answers
Make sure you are ready to respond to typical interview questions. Practice positive and professional responses and use an Internal Locus Of Control (focusing on your willingness to go the distance to get things done), not an External Locus Of Control (focusing on others as the issue for you not getting something done).
7. Have Questions To Ask When The Interview Is Over
Avoid YES & NO questions and don't stump the interviewer with inquiries so broad that they are difficult to answer. Instead, work to build rapport and leave the interviewer with a good impression. Be prepared to ask focused and open-ended questions. Here are nine questions students might ask:
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Can you tell me more about the day to day responsibilities of this job?
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What do you think are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?
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What are you expectations for this role during the first 30 days, 60 days, one year?
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Can you describe the culture of the company?
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Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?
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What are the biggest opportunities facing the company/department right now?
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What are the biggest challenges facing the company/department right now?
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What do you like best about working for this company?
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What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
Benjamin Franklin once said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." The above critical action steps will help college students formulate a plan for success as they get ready to interview their way into the working world.
More about Bill Murray:
Bill has over 2.5 decades of experience in developing people through learning, training, development and coaching. From start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, CEO & GM to entrepreneur, Bill is a champion of creating great cultures for people to thrive in by doing what they love in an environment that fosters growth and personal expansion. As a leader in Talent Acquisition and Talent Development, Bill has trained over 150 companies, 1,000 locations and interviewed over 10,000 people.
