Finding a job when you’re also balancing classes and trying to have a social life on the side is a bit challenging.
However, it is not impossible and can be a great experience when you become an integral part of the workforce.
So, if you’re looking for a job, you have to be ready for interviews. After all, in many cases, you only get one chance.
Plus, interviews are stressful, and you have to be able to stand out from the multitude of candidates fighting for the same position.
To reduce the stress and feel more comfortable in your own skin during interviews, here are a few tips you can use:
1. Look Through Lists of Common Interview Questions for Specific Roles
You may be applying for the position of assistant manager, but it doesn’t hurt to check out the requirements for connected positions as well.
Plus, it’s a good idea to browse lists of common questions candidates have to answer when applying to these positions.
For instance, if you apply for a job in the product management department, you should also go through some Product Manager interview questions.
Even if you don’t get asked those questions, it will give you a better understanding of how the team works and what’s expected of each team member.
Also, you’ll see that the skills required for a stellar Product Manager are leadership, analytical thinking, and the ability to communicate with other departments.
So, if you want to follow this career path, you already know what to work on.
2. Learn How to Sell Your Skills
Why are you applying for that specific job? What sets you apart from the rest of the candidates? Which of your skills better fit the job requirements?
Before applying for a job, take a few minutes and make a list of the top five skills and qualities you consider will help you shine.
If you have past experience in the field, it adds to your value as a candidate, but it’s not always necessary.
As a college student, you can use the skills and tools you learned in class. For instance, students that have or are studying for accounting degrees have a set of skills that are valuable for most companies out there.
So, even if you are not going to get an accountant job, you still have the skills for positions involving numbers, data, filing, and more.
3. Practice Your Answers
One way to feel less anxious before the interview is through practice. And yes, this involves actually practicing with another person who will play the role of the interviewer.
This other person can be a friend, a family member, an acquaintance, or someone from your local career center.
The idea is to give them a list of common questions (see point #1) for the position you are applying for and have them ask those questions based on your replies.
Try to get as close to the atmosphere of a job interview as possible and ask the “interviewer” to provide you with feedback.
4. Add to Your List of Skills
Now that you know what employers are looking for and where the career path you’ve chosen may lead, it’s a good time to work on adding to your skill set.
For instance, if you want to get into a management position, it helps to learn how to write a motivational essay, but you also need analytical and people skills.
On the other hand, if you’re interested in a career in finance, your skills should include analytical thinking, pattern identification capabilities, and knowledge of various digital tools.
Wrap Up
The best way to get better at something is through practice.
With job interviews, you can do mock interviews with the help of friends and family, but you will also have real-time practice with each experience.
Learn from every interview (especially the ones you don’t get) and work to improve. You’ll soon become more confident, and you’ll be able to impress your interviewers!
