Interviewing 202

So I thought that after writing a blog about resume and cover letter tips, the natural progression would be to write about interview tips! I’m sure some of you have already interviewed while others are still anxiously waiting, but hopefully these tips will give you some insight and will allow you to feel more confident going into the interview process!

My first piece of advice would be to know your resume inside out. The resume is what your interviewers use to develop questions to ask you, and they will likely ask you to draw examples from or discuss some of the things you have listed on your resume. This can include anything from work experiences, extracurricular activities that you have been involved in, and even group projects that you have done in school. Being able to speak knowledgeably and confidently about your achievements is key! But remember not to sound arrogant, as that can leave a sour taste in the interviewer’s mouth!

My next piece of advice would be to research common interview questions and start to think about how you would answer them. This is a tricky situation because you don’t want to sound rehearsed when you give your answers, but at the same time you want to be prepared. Just have an idea of the types of answers you would give to certain questions, and trust that on the day of the interview you will be able to mould your responses according to the specific questions you are being asked.

Finally, although it may sound cliché, the best piece of advice I got was to be myself. The interviewers are not there to make you feel nervous or to intimidate you – they are just trying to get a feel for what you’re like and if you will be a good fit at the firm. And this works to your benefit too; it’s like when you are deciding on a university to go to. You do your research and visit the campuses to decide where you would best fit in. Just be yourself, answer the questions honestly and truthfully, and try to stay calm! 

Best of luck in the upcoming weeks and please let me know if you have any questions!

Comments

[Payam Zareian]

Hello Nisha,

I have my interview tomorrow and wanted to thank you for your blog. After reading it, I feel much more confident going into my interview and hopefully will be able to get some sleep tonight.

Your time is appreciated,
Cheers
Payam Zareian

[Libby Cantwell]

Hi Payam,

Thank you so much for your kind message! I'm glad that I could have made you feel more at ease :) For sure try to get some sleep and just be yourself at the interview! Good luck to you!

Nisha