Spring Break
Use perfect manners for a perfect interview
Liz Connelly
Issue date: 3/25/09 Section: Focus
Sitting down with an executive from a company during an interview for an internship may be one of the most nerve racking things students go through in college - that is of course, until the interviews for the real jobs begin. To make the nail biting experience a little less stressful, here are a few things that are good to know when prepping for and going through the interviewing process.
Look your best
When it comes to interviewing, your presentation starts with the way you present yourself. This means your hair should be brushed and in place, and you should look showered and well put together. Your apparel should fulfill the requirements of what is referred to as business casual. This term can seem very broad and confusing to people; however, it is always better to dress more "business than casual."
"I hate the word business casual," said Sara Nader, a 6th-semester marketing major. "I feel like it's a really vague description of what you should wear, so I always dress professionally in a blazer and black pants."
Another important tip is to make sure your makeup and nail polish are not too flashy. You are interviewing for a professional position, not going out on the town with your friends. Your perfume should be subtle as well. You do not want your interviewer to remember you for your strong scent or vibrant nail color; you want him or her to remember you for what you have to offer as an employee. If you are confident and comfortable with your appearance, it will show in the interview.
Do your research
Although you are interviewing for a job that you have never worked at before, it is important to know about the company you are applying to. The internship is set up so the company can get to know you, you as the interviewee should know what you are applying for.
According to the Career Services Web site, some background information you should familiarize yourself with is, "Products or services, markets or clients served, competitors, history, size, scope, location, and well known employees."
Although you will receive further information about the company and your position during the interview, you are expected to have done your homework and have a general idea of what you are getting yourself into.
Come prepared
While you are being interviewed you are going to be given a lot of information. To make sure you remember everything, and to show your interviewer that you are taking your position seriously it is important to bring a pen and paper and take notes on the information you are given. Also, bringing extra resumes and business cards is always a good idea.
"I always bring a notepad and pen to interviews," said Gretchen Burhans, a 6th-semester accounting major. "I also write down questions to ask in the notepad, this way I won't forget to ask them during the interview."
Look your best
When it comes to interviewing, your presentation starts with the way you present yourself. This means your hair should be brushed and in place, and you should look showered and well put together. Your apparel should fulfill the requirements of what is referred to as business casual. This term can seem very broad and confusing to people; however, it is always better to dress more "business than casual."
"I hate the word business casual," said Sara Nader, a 6th-semester marketing major. "I feel like it's a really vague description of what you should wear, so I always dress professionally in a blazer and black pants."
Another important tip is to make sure your makeup and nail polish are not too flashy. You are interviewing for a professional position, not going out on the town with your friends. Your perfume should be subtle as well. You do not want your interviewer to remember you for your strong scent or vibrant nail color; you want him or her to remember you for what you have to offer as an employee. If you are confident and comfortable with your appearance, it will show in the interview.
Do your research
Although you are interviewing for a job that you have never worked at before, it is important to know about the company you are applying to. The internship is set up so the company can get to know you, you as the interviewee should know what you are applying for.
According to the Career Services Web site, some background information you should familiarize yourself with is, "Products or services, markets or clients served, competitors, history, size, scope, location, and well known employees."
Although you will receive further information about the company and your position during the interview, you are expected to have done your homework and have a general idea of what you are getting yourself into.
Come prepared
While you are being interviewed you are going to be given a lot of information. To make sure you remember everything, and to show your interviewer that you are taking your position seriously it is important to bring a pen and paper and take notes on the information you are given. Also, bringing extra resumes and business cards is always a good idea.
"I always bring a notepad and pen to interviews," said Gretchen Burhans, a 6th-semester accounting major. "I also write down questions to ask in the notepad, this way I won't forget to ask them during the interview."
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