How to Prep for an Interview
It’s that time of year… time to get involved! Hopefully, you’ve found a couple of clubs you’re interested in and want to apply. It can be pretty nerve-racking doing this experience for the first time- let me help calm some of those nerves. Almost all clubs will want you to apply and interview, but what does that look like?
Here are some helpful tips:
Know Your Resume
You would think this is obvious, but sometimes it’s easy to forget what you wrote down if you don’t review it. Make sure you know every part you’ve written and you can talk about it with confidence.
Use keywords to help you standout. Usually they are looking for certain target words to see if you align with what their club/organization promotes. For example:
Initiative
Problem-solving
Collaboration
Leader
Organized
Created
It also should have a natural flow. Sometimes the big fancy words aren’t helping- they’re overtaking what you’re trying to get across. Keep it intellectual but still simple.
My final and most important bit? Be authentic! That’s what will draw someone in more than anything else. They don’t want to see Jane Smith 2.0, they want character and personality.
Here are some example resumes to give you ideas:
5 Quick Tips to Help
1. Don’t Repeat the Question
A big no-no. It looks like you’re just buying time because you have no idea what to say. Plus, everyone in the room hears the question, it’s odd to repeat it immediately.
2. Breathe Instead of Saying “Um”
I really struggle with this. Specifically, the word “like”. I’m sure you have a filler word that you regularly use even if you don’t realize it. Sit in front of the mirror and practice answering questions. Every time you want to say one of those you pause and take a small breath instead. You’ll see it’s not noticeable, and fills the need for wanting to say “um” instead.
3. STAR Method
Situation: First bring up the situation you were in. Set the scene, they weren’t there so they need the important details.
Task: What were you doing? Why were you doing it? Why does it matter in helping you answer their question?
Action: What did you do? Focus on your role in helping the process, not others. Remember, they want to get to know you!
Result: Circle back to the question. Explain why the outcome was good (or bad and how you grew from it).
4. It’s Not Awkward to Gather Thoughts First
Rushing straight into an answer immediately shows you’re nervous. Stop for a second and think about what you want to say. That makes you seem way more calm and confident.
5. Smile, Don’t Fidget
Of course interviewing is nerve-racking, who doesn’t want to leave a great impression? Remember tapping your leg or moving your hands doesn’t show confidence, but smiling does. Practice in the mirror naturally smiling while you talk and keep your hands clasped together to help calm nerves without it being obvious.
Outfit
Planning the outfit can be pretty stressful. There is a certain expectation that clubs and orgs will expect to see from you. What I have learned is to always keep it simple. Straight hair, pin it back, natural makeup. The goal is for your words to draw them in, not the outfit. That being said, a loud or overly casual outfit can be a distraction, even if everything else is perfect.
If the dress is professional I usually stick with pants and a blazer. Neutral colors like black or navy blue are my go-tos, they’re always timeless. If you’re doing black and want to have a little fun with the top underneath, you could wear your school’s color!
The shoes are totally up to you, I just make sure they are close-toed. Kitten heels, flats, or your tall ones- any will work. Pick the most comfortable pair, I really wouldn’t overthink this step.
Even when I am told to dress business-casual, I still end up keeping a lot of the same pieces. I just swap any heel for a flat and a blazer for a blouse or sweater. You definitely can personalize this look more towards your style, I just wouldn’t do anything low cut or over the top. The outfit should elevate you, not take away from them paying attention to what you are saying.
