Job Interviews

So, today I went to my first job interview this morning at 10 a.m. Honestly, I thought it was going to suck, but in reality, it was not half bad. Anybody knows that job interviews are never any fun, but they do give you a chance to figure out if you are still interested in working for the company. After the job interview I was in, I did not feel confident that I should be working here. I did not think it was the best fit for me as a person and as a student. The interview gives the interviewer an opportunity to see if you are truly the right candidate for the job.

This job interview was somewhat nice because I was not being interviewed by an adult. I was being interviewed by fellow University of Minnesota students. The job interview was for the Minnesota Daily, the largest student-run newspaper in the country. I sat in a conference room and answered about ten to fifteen minutes worth of questions. Then, I had to take a forty-five minute writing test, which was not all that difficult. When I finished the interview, I thought I did an okay job being it was my very first job interview in my life. I learned a lot about what to expect during interviews, and even if I do not get the job, I see the interview as a positive experience that will lead me to more opportunities, paths, and jobs down the road.

In the tough economy, it is important to learn good, quality interview skills that you can take with you to any job opening because the interview is usually the only face-to-face time you have with an employer. Interviews are informational. There are two main goals to accomplish in an interview. The first goal is to sell your skills,strengths, and abilities in an enthusiastic, positive way to show the interviewer you are the top candidate for the job. The second goal is to ask questions about the organization and the work environment to see if you are still interested in working for the company after the interview is over.

Interviews can be scary and nerve-racking. A good idea is to turn your nerves into energy and excitement. There are so many basics to interviewing like a firm hand shake, maintaining eye contact, dressing appropriately, listening carefully, speaking clearly, and being honest. The best way to prepare for an interview is to rehearse and practice. Visit your career center at your school, and they will probably be more than welcome to sit down with you, and maybe even sit with you through a mock interview. Go over possible questions that the interviewer might ask and come up with potential answers to those questions. Research the company/organization before the interview to make sure you are still interested in the job and to see what the specific qualifications for the job are.

What do you bring to an interview? Typically, you bring a pen, a notebook, a folder, copies of resumes, contact information for references, a smile, and a positive attitude. If you are truly excited about the position, show it to the employer. Overall, the best way to prepare is to rehearse, but do not over rehearse because the purpose of the interview is for the interviewer to get to know the real you. So, do not lie, but do not undersell your skills. You have a lot to offer. If an employer asks about your weaknesses, briefly describe them and then tell the employer what you are doing to improve your weaknesses. Interviewers want to know if you are capable of handling the responsibilities of the position.

In conclusion, an interview is an exchange of information. As an interviewee, it is your chance to get to know and understand the basic functions of the company. The interview may be your final way of making an impression before the interviewer makes a decision. You have to stand out from the pack, but you have to be yourself.