Boss Blog: Interview Checklist
Are you looking for internships and summer jobs and are already in the process of applying?
After submitting your applications, your next step will usually be an interview with one or several members of the company you applied to. In the current circumstances, these interviews will likely be online but there’s still a few things you can do to prepare and put your best foot forward. Today, Boss Blog is giving you a checklist to help you prepare for your next interview.
1. Do Your Research
It’s normal to send out many different applications when you’re looking for a job or internship without doing too much research about each company. However, when you get that call back for an interview, it’s time to learn as much as you can about the position you’re applying for and the company you would be working with. Always remember to re-read the job description to remind yourself of the kind of candidate they are looking for and browse through their website as well as any additional information they provided with the posting. Take notes if needed! Show up to the interview having done your research as if you were starting on the same day.
2. Schedule Properly
Plan ahead so you’re prepared on the day of your interview. Will it be in person or online? Make sure you understood correctly where the interview will take place and when (if it’s online, make sure you have the necessary apps installed). Also, clear about an hour from your schedule for the interview even if it’s only scheduled for 20 to 30 minutes. Give yourself enough time for delays or to chat with your interviewer before and after the interview. Having a simple conversation before or even after is a great way to connect with your potential future employer and show what you have that the other applicants don’t.
3. Dress to Impress
While you probably won’t need to dress business formal with a suit, you should plan to dress to impress. When you do your research about the company, you should get an idea of their culture. Do they have a more casual or traditional workplace culture? This will also depend on where the company is located and the industry it belongs to. In some industries, a blazer might be expected while in others, it’s enough to wear clean sneakers and dark jeans. If it’s an online interview, then a professional shirt and some pyjama pants will be enough! Get a little more inspiration from this Boss Blog article.
4. Review Your Skills
Before the interview, make sure to review the way that you have presented your resume. Think about what you learned from each of your previous experiences and from the challenges you faced that could be relevant to the position you’re applying for. It can be useful to search common interview questions and rehearse your answers but remember that every interviewer is different. You should try to have a clear idea of who you are as a worker and how you would fit in the company. How do you work within a team? How do you get organized? What skills have you developed in school or in previous jobs? How do you see yourself fitting into the organization? You have to sell yourself but try to stay authentic. Read more about how to market yourself in this other article.
5. Show Your Interest
While you need to show up to the interview prepared to answer any questions, be also prepared to ask questions. After you do your research of the company and the position, try to think of questions you could ask the interviewer, as they are very likely to ask you if you have any questions at the end of the interview. Don’t be afraid to be curious; ask your interviewer questions about the company, but also about them, such as what they like most and least about their position, and about your missions as a future employee (what specific tasks you’ll be responsible for day to day, etc.) Think of a few things you are genuinely curious about if you were to get the job that you can ask during your interview.