As a student, you may not have had much experience with interviews, but there are certain things you can do. Consider some tips on how to make a great impression in a job interview as a student.
How to Make a Job Interview as a Student
What questions do recruiters ask when hiring graduates? How do you prepare if you are looking for jobs after graduation and don’t have any work experience?
The interview is another exam. To pass it successfully, you need to prepare. During the meeting, the employer wants to understand whether you are the right person for the position. The answer to this question depends not only on knowledge and experience. A person’s motivation is important, as well as the ability to fit in with the corporate culture. If you want to make a good impression on potential employers and demonstrate that you’re well-prepared for the job, here are some expert tips from the team of experienced eduboard.com writers.
Preparation: study the information about the company.
Building a dialogue will be easier if you clearly understand where you are going and why. Before the interview, be sure to have a look at the company’s Internet site and study publicly available information and reviews. At the interview, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge about the company and interest in it — such activity always disposes.
Look up the address of the company and the driving directions in advance to avoid being late for the first meeting.
Learn more about the company before applying for a vacancy as well. Think about what a job in the company will give you and whether it coincides with your plans: the possibility of part-time work, internships, or career prospects.
Also Read: 10 Best Online Tutoring Jobs For College Students
Learn the secrets to becoming totally immersed in an interview
The first interviews are always exciting. Due to confusion, you may forget to say something important. To avoid awkward silence, go over your resume before the meeting. You may even consider getting a cheap resume writing service to make sure your resume is up-to-date and impressive. It’s a good idea to have a few examples of projects or accomplishments ready to discuss as well.
Your goal is to rehearse your speech, to remember information about your experience and achievements. You will feel more confident and even with a lot of excitement, you will be able to answer important questions.
Speak calmly and clearly. Avoid parasite words and sounds (“uh,” “well,” “like,” “shorter,” etc.). Do not interrupt the speaker.
Things you may be asked about
About personality
Don’t give your entire biography when you’re asked to talk about yourself. Talk about what might be useful in the job. Think about what you can offer the employer now. What is your competitive advantage? Maybe you speak two foreign languages or have an internship abroad.
About experience
The question should not be embarrassing. Even students can have it. Think of any experience that corresponds to the vacancy: participation in the social activities of the institute, research projects, organization of student events, teamwork.
You can even mention the role of group leader if you, for example, are applying for a position where leadership qualities are valuable: an editor with a staff of remote copywriters, etc.
Applicants for the position of child psychologist or teacher can tell about the work of a camp counselor or an internship in a school. If you are a sales manager, tell how you worked as a part-time promoter; a secretary – how you helped the dean’s office or the admissions office during the summer vacations. You can spell out this experience in your cover letter. To write it best, use the best essay writing service Reddit users recommend. Here you will find the best cover letter writers who specialize in such topics.
Read Also: How to Answer the Question “Tell me About Yourself” in an Interview
Personal qualities
Lack of experience can make up for the lack of experience in young professionals with purposefulness, activity, willingness to develop and a fresh head, etc. This, too, is valuable to employers. Think about what qualities will be useful in a desirable position. For instance, if you want to work as an administrator, say you are proactive and attentive to detail.
If you want to work in HR or PR, say that you communicate freely with people, if you want to be a good economist or accountant – that you are assiduous and attentive.
About career goals and choice of employer
There is no right answer. It is worth preparing in advance. You need to start from the company (information about the company will help – read above), the position for which you apply, prospects and personal plans.
For example:
- You are applying to an international company with growth opportunities: “I am a future linguist-translator, and it is important for me to gain experience in a large international company, to communicate with native speakers, to work with a mentor who can give me the mastery of experience.
- You’re applying for an intern or assistant position: “I’m a law student. An internship in your company will allow me to expand my theoretical knowledge, get start-up experience. To prove myself in practice, to help the company achieve its goals. In the future I hope to become a part of your team of lawyers.
- You are going in the specialty you studied. Be prepared to discuss your thesis project (why you chose the topic, how you did the analytical work, whether you were able to achieve your goals, what difficulties you encountered, and whether you are satisfied with the result).
The interview is necessary not only for the employer, but also for you. Do not hesitate to ask questions: about the probationary period, work schedule, direct supervision, etc. This way you will demonstrate your interest in the vacancy and your serious intentions.
Read Also: 6 Tips on How to Create a Good LinkedIn Profile in 2023
How does a student talk about money with an employer?
Most hiring managers recommend postponing the salary question until the conversation’s second half. If you bring it up before discussing functionality, you are signaling that the job itself is not that important to you. And employers prefer to deal with professionals who are motivated by more than just money.
It is better not to name your salary expectations. A direct question can be answered with the common phrase “salary level is negotiable.” There are a few phrases that are not recommended. These are colloquial expressions like “What about money?” or “How much can you give?”
The topic of monetary remuneration is easiest to bring up, not in relation to yourself, but simply in relation to any professional applying for a position. The question might sound like, “I would like to know about the incentive system that is provided for the employee in this position.”
If the salary is much lower than expected, ask what else is included in the compensation package. Perhaps it will be supplemental health insurance, reimbursement for transportation costs or free lunches.
But there are two situations where it is appropriate to raise the question of salary immediately. The first is if the job does not require a discussion of functionality and does not require high qualifications (for example, handymen). The second situation is when there are vacancies for sales professionals. They are motivated to make money; their salary depends on the money raised. It is only natural to raise the question of money right at the beginning of the interview.
