This post can be applied to both internship and job interviews. Let’s say you got the interview (yay), but what now? Here are a few tips to make an impression:
1. Always arrive overdressed. I don’t care if the office is located on a farm, you still show up in a blazer and a dress, or a blazer and slacks. This also includes proper heels, not the ones you tend to wear to clubs.
2. Bring copies of your résumé in a portfolio. You never know if there will be an extra person sitting in on your interview and having your résumé on hand shows them your reliability and professionalism.
3. Clip up your hair, wear a headband or put it up. Girls tend to play with their hair when they’re nervous. Taking away that distraction well help you to look more mature and confident.
4. Don’t try to be trendy. You may have the cutest bright-colored blazer, but let’s save that for once you have the position. Dress in black, white or neutral colors. This will help you look a little more professional and you’ll be taken seriously.
5. Start and end the conversation with “thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to meet with me, I really appreciate it”.
6. Pause between questions to ponder on your answer. If you are quick to answer you may not convey what you really mean and words could be twisted. Taking a minute to think shows the interviewer that you are looking for the best answer, and they’ll appreciate that.
7. Send a follow-up thank you card, and if you don’t have an address you may send an email. Thank them for taking the time to meet with you and say how much you enjoyed meeting them. This shows sincerity and will leave a lasting impression.
Good luck!
