The Interview
As college students entering the workforce, many of us have little or no experience with formal interviews. There is immense pressure to put your best foot forward in an interview, as there should be, however, this can be daunting. Many of the errors that students often make in interviews could have easily been avoided, had they been well prepared.
They’ve seen your resume, they know your credentials, and now they want to know what you’d bring to the table in their company. First and foremost, have confidence; you’ve gotten this far. The employer expects you to be nervous, but do your best not to show it. Walk into that interview knowing what you have to offer, and why you’d be an asset to the team. Which brings me to my second point: do your research. Prior to the interview, you should learn everything you can about the company and have a strong explanation as to how the skills you have can translate to the work they’re doing. No matter what your major is, Marquette has given you the skills to be a profound writer, self-motivated learner, critical thinker, and a team player. In this highly competitive job market, these are exactly the qualities the employer is looking for.
The interview is your chance to sell yourself. Do not rely too heavily on your major as a reason to be hired. Yes, your “X” degree sounds impressive, however, it is more important that you can articulate how exactly the work you’ve done in school will help you in the real world. Naomi Pollek, the Assistant Director of Employer Relations at the Career Services Center, advises to students, “ do not underestimate the value of being involved as a student”. The clubs you’re involved in, the projects you’re a part of, and the people you choose to affiliate with all can give the employer reason to believe you’re a viable candidate for the position.
As you exchange information about yourself and the company with the employer, they will be looking to if you’re confident, honest, and eager to learn. If the employer asks a question you don’t know the answer to, do not freak out! It is okay to admit if you’re not sure about something and ask them to explain further.
With that, come prepared to ask your own questions about the job and the company. If you notice that the employer seems surprisingly laid back, be sure not to let your guard down. The employer needs to see you as a professional, and it is not appropriate to act casually. Likewise, do not dress casually! Although many companies have adopted a casual dress code, you are expected to dress professionally in the interview.
Truthfully, many people graduate and realize they did not get as involved as they should have, so your resume may or may not actually reflect your work ethic as a student. Nonetheless, you are desirable enough to be called in for an interview, and the employer has deemed you to be a worthwhile option. From the moment you shake their hand, spend the entirety of the interview proving them right.
