Did you know that a lack of smiles on the interview made 40% of interviewees lose the job offer? In fact, most of us are not aware of what to wear or how to dress for an interview. And what exactly can you do after an interview to crack the job? The thought of an interview can be quite scary especially for students or recent graduates with less experience. But, don’t worry. We have got it all covered for you! Read on to know the pro interview preparation tips for students who are seeking to be professionals and fresh graduates.
Prepping up for an interview can be nerve-racking. You’ll find yourself contemplating a myriad of thoughts; how to dress for an interview, what all to carry, how to communicate effectively, and most important of all, how to make sure you don’t mess up.
Following these interview preparation tips can help you land your dream job. Besides, we have also covered interview tips for students, graduates, or teens. So hang in there until the end!
According to the Jobvite 2017 Recruiting Funnel Benchmark Report, among 250 resumes only six are shortlisted of which only one candidate shall get the offer.
Therefore, you need to honor the fact that you have been selected and called in for an interview, and not get worked up about it.
We are here to tell you that you will do great. All you need to know about how to prepare for an interview is listed below. All you have to do now is check every box and stay calm.
5 Best Interview Preparation Tips & Things To Do Before An Interview
1. Stay Positively Focused On Your Goal: Getting the Job!
Firstly, having a positive mindset is an essential part of preparing for an interview. Please don’t deviate from it. Moreover, don’t let the jitters of the prospective interview distract you from getting the job that you’re, in effect interviewing for.
You’ll instantly feel more upbeat when you reiterate the fact that you are focusing on getting the job, not getting done with the interview.
Bob Proctor, author of ‘You Were Born Rich’, quotes, “the only limits in our life are those we impose on ourselves.”
Once you’ve ascertained that getting the job is your actual goal, you must stay positive. Besides, fearing a negative outcome or experience can jeopardize your chances of getting the job and even preparing for your interview.
Bonus Tip:
If you have time on your hands, try to sift through the book mentioned above.
2. The Punctuality Check
You must set up your alarm before the interview. Secondly, getting familiarised with the directions will help avoid last-minute glitches with the GPS or map.
Your tardy arrival might not only be bad for your reputation; it might get the interview postponed.
3. Research is Key While Preparing For An Interview
Reports suggest that 47% of interviewers wouldn’t offer the job to a candidate if they had little knowledge of the company.
Do your research, thoroughly and intelligently. Proper research will give you useful insights on how to communicate effectively, the work environment, and how to dress for your interview. Before you step inside that office, you should be confident about the following:
- The job position and description.
- The company or firm that is hiring you.
You can visit the company’s website, and social media handles to get an idea of what you’re getting into. Furthermore, reading a few articles and blogs concerning the position you are interviewing will work in your favor.
Remember, attaining all this knowledge will empower you during the interview. You will be in control of the conversation and won’t feel clueless about what’s going on.
Bonus Interview Preparation Tip:
You get extra brownie points if your potential boss is well-known in the field, and you exhibit subtle signs of knowing of’ him. It would be wise not to mention looking him or her up online, though.
4. Prepare a list of what to carry
We have prepared a list for you already, but you can add it to the list if necessary.
- Carrying extra copies of your resume is mandatory. Even if the interviewer has it on file already, it is always wise to have hard copies handy.
- If your job is creative or sales related, carry a summary of your work samples or portfolio.
- A bag/briefcase or professional portfolio for carrying everything else. You can choose from either of these three options based on your findings of the company’s work culture.
- A small, preferably plain and black notepad and pen. They don’t have to take up space in your briefcase or bag necessarily, but it’s always good to be able to make notes while the interviewer talks easily. The notes can be very useful and handy while following up with a thank-you email.
- Write all your questions down on your notepad.
- A reference list for emergencies. It is always smart to keep a list of references in case your interviewer asks for them. Make sure you have strong references.
- A fully charged phone.
Bonus Interview Tip For Students & Graduates:
In case you don’t have any past work experience, you can include former teachers who will vouch for your work ethic and diligence. If you have been a part of volunteering communities, you can consider adding their team leaders.
5. Dress Appropriately For The Job Interview
Did you know 55% of first impressions are determined by the way you dress?
How to dress for an interview? That’s a tough call, and we have for you -a few interview tips to follow and choose from.
- This is where your research on the company will pay off. The first thing you ought to understand is that every industry and even more so, every company has a different working culture.
You need to determine what kind of a company you’re going to be stepping into. It is better to do exhaustive research on this one if you feel you haven’t carried it out in this context, before even thinking of rummaging your closet.
Bonus Interview Preparation Tip:
Make use of social media networking handles like Facebook and Instagram to try and find pictures from company events that will give you a good idea of the dressing code.
Tips For Students & Freshers: How to Dress Like A Professional For An Interview?
Now that you’ve determined or at least understood the dressing culture, discern whether it is strictly corporate formal or at least business casual. It is vital to know how to properly dress for an interview.
What To Wear On A Interview
1. Dress
It is advisable, for men and women, to wear a crisp and well-fitted suit in a solid color such as black, grey, or navy blue. Women can alternate with pencil skirts but need to make sure it looks professional.
2. Shoes
Men should wear the conservative and classic Oxford to eschew a corporate fashion faux pas’ and women should stick to their classic black or nude pumps.
3. Accessories
You can also accessorize with a basic watch, in a neutral color, on your left wrist but that’s about the only accessory you should be carrying apart from your briefcase. It applies to both men and women.
4. Briefcase/Bag
Carrying a briefcase is your best bet. However, women can carry a plain everyday messenger bag.
Business Casual
A business casual attire will ultimately depend on your findings as every company has its own set of norms.
- Signs You Are Being Disrespected At Work
- Reasons Why Gender Pay Gap May Exist And How To Deal With It?
Interview Dress Code For Male
Men should stick to polo shirts and loafers and steer clear from sandals or accessorizing.
Dress Code For Women
Women should also follow the same rule about accessorizing and will find it in their best interest to stay away from denim.
You should bear in mind that even after exhaustive preparations, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Make sure you also don’t let small and temporary glitches ruin your potential job offer.
5 Things To Consider Before Taking A Job
- Salary and compensation
- Work-life balance
- Career growth opportunities
- Company culture and values
- Location or commute distance
3 Things That Matter The Most to Millennial Candidates
- Retirement benefits
- Work culture
- Growth opportunities
Bonus Interview Preparation Tips For Students & Freshers
If you have freshly graduated from college or university, attempting an interview can be a very thrilling experience. Here are some basic yet effective tips every graduate or candidate with less interview experience must know.
10 Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions – Pro Interview Preparation Tip
It is essential to prepare ahead of what interview questions you might be asked based on your experience and job role. Below are some of the frequently asked interview questions for students of freshers who have started their journey in the workplace.
- Can you tell me something about yourself?
- Why should we hire you?
- What do you know about the company?
- What are your professional strengths?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- How would your boss or co-workers describe you shortly?
- Why is there a gap in your career?
- What are your salary requirements?
- How do you handle conflict with your teammates?
- Where do you see yourself in the next 2 or 5 years?
How To Prepare For Interview Questions?
Once you know what are the potential interview questions you might face, prepare your answers for them.
By preparing and practicing the answers for the plausible interview questions, you can feel confident and provide affirmative answers to the panel.
Here is the step by step interview tips for students on how to prepare for questions:
- Collect the potential interview questions you might be asked
- Write down or prepare for the answers you can provide for these interview questions
- Highlight relevant experiences from your school/college to add provide evidence
- Face a camera or mirror and try to answer them fluently
- Review how you spoke and improve if needed
- Take feedback from a friend or colleague who has more experience
What To Do After An Interview?
In conclusion, these tips will surely help you to get your dream job. Additionally, there are three things that you must certainly do post your interview.
1. Analyze
Firstly, analyze how your interview went. Take a few minutes and write down what questions were asked.
Furthermore, write down your responses too and make points of things that you forgot to mention. Also, make points of things that could go better.
2. Inform
Secondly, inform your references about how the interview went. Call up all the people who you have chosen as references and inform them they will be contacted by the interviewer. Additionally, speak to them about the position that you have interviewed for.
Also, emphasize the characteristics and points that you would like them to tell the interviewer.
3. Follow-Up
Lastly, follow up. For many, they receive the call back within a day or two. However, for others, it may take some time.
Therefore, it is recommended that you call your recruiter or HR; follow up with them and ask for an update. If you are uncomfortable calling, you can also drop an email and ask for an update.
Do you know any more interview tips for students, fresh graduates, and professionals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Key Take-Aways On Interview Preparation Tips
- Focus on getting the job which is your ultimate goal and stay positive. Besides, fearing a negative outcome can jeopardize your interview and reduce your chances of getting the job.
- So stay calm and composed before and during the interview.
- Be on or before time. Being punctual to a job interview is the most important tip you must religiously follow.
- Maintain good body language, make eye contact, and smile gently with the interviewer.
What To Do Before The Interview?
- Never skip researching about the company you are interviewing for.
- Prepare for the above-mentioned interview questions and come up with a good answer.
- Spend some time and prepare on what to dress for your interview.
Essentials To Carry For The Day
- Carry essential things like your resume/ CV, names of your references, a briefcase, and a notepad, water, etc to meet the needs during the day.
- A special interview tip for graduates or students – Carrying references from your school or college professors can put a good impression and help you stand out.
What To Do After The Interview?
- First, analyze how the interview went and note down things you could improve for upcoming interviews. Things like communication skills, presence of mind, etc matter the most when comes to cracking the job interview.
- Call up your references and inform them about the potential call they would receive.
- Follow up with the recruiter or HR after a few working days, with a good email highlighting if they would like to proceed further with you.
- Think about your expected salary and how you can negotiate it. Here’s the useful article you must check out – how to negotiate salary like a pro. Read on!
