Show Me How To: Interview Well

Iron your best button-down shirt and take an extra minute to comb your hair — it’s time to start looking for summer jobs. Whether you’re applying at a law firm or a local Hastings, preparing for an interview is always a bit stressful.

Here is a list of tips from career counselor Cassandra Chavez of UNM Career Services that can help you get that dream job you’ve been pining for.

Make things easy for the interviewer:
Know your résumé and your cover letter inside and out. Research the company you’re applying for before the interview so you appear as prepared as possible.

“It’s really important that you get their mission and values so that you can put yourself in their shoes, on their team — what you would do if you were working there,” Chavez said.

Only have classroom experience? No problem:
Don’t sweat it if your résumé is a bit on the short side. Draw upon specific experiences for your résumé and interview, whether it be from a past class or volunteer experience.

“You can put your classes you’ve taken that have given you experience for this position and bring those up. If someone asked me, ‘Have you ever done a group project or a team project? How did it go?’ I would say ‘In my Management 398 class, this was the project.’ Basically go into detail about the experience you do have,” she said.

First impressions count:
Remember, this is most likely the first time you’ve met your interviewer. Sit up straight, make eye contact and be confident.
“I would say the number one thing, for me personally, is to treat the interview like a first date, put your best foot forward while not lying,” she said. “Make sure that you can be relatable and you’re not overdoing it with any piece and I’m sure you’ll be OK. I would just say don’t act desperate and don’t act too cocky.”

When in doubt, focus on your positives:
Never short sight yourself. Remember, you’re amazing and deserve this job. Even when the discussion leads to something in which you might not have the most experience, focus on what you can provide for this potential employer.

“If someone asks for your strengths and weaknesses, with your weaknesses make sure it comes back to a positive,” she said.

‘Thanks’ is welcomed:
Whether you were interviewed by one person or a panel of many, post-interview “thank you’s” help build a relationship between you and a potential employer, Chavez said.

Don’t be afraid to get the name of your interviewer. Ask for the person’s card or speak to the receptionist afterword for a way to reach your interviewer.