Finding a job can be challenging when you're in college, especially
when you are balancing classes, schoolwork, extracurricular activities,
and your social life. It can be tricky even finding time to schedule
interviews, so once you have an interview secured, it's important to
make the best of it.
Plan ahead, so you're prepared to interview on short notice. It will be much less stressful than trying to get ready just before the interview, especially if you need to line up appropriate attire and juggle your schedule to get to the interview.
Here are some tips for interviewing when you're in college.
When scheduling your interview, make sure you have enough time to get to and from your interview if you have classes that day. If you're coming right from class, mention that to your interviewer. If necessary, it may be a good idea to ask your professor if you can leave a few minutes early in order to get to your interview on time.
2. Make sure you have the interviewer's contact information on hand.
Although it's important to give yourself enough travel time, in a college environment it's not unlikely to encounter unforeseen obstacles-maybe class runs late, a professor wants to talk to you, or a test runs over the allocates time. If something beyond your control happens and you find that you're running late, it's good to have your interviewer's contact information on hand so you can notify them.
3. Dress appropriately for your interview, even if it means planning ahead.
So you have an 8 AM class and on an ordinary day, you might roll out of bed and head to class in your pajamas. But if you have a 10 AM interview, make sure to plan accordingly. Even if it means wearing your interview clothes to class, make sure you look professional and put together for your interview. If you have to go to your interview straight from class with your backpack, a nice outfit will balance that out.
4. Bring a copy of your resume and cover letter to the interview.
Bringing a print-out of your resume and cover letter is a great move. It doesn't hurt to have extra copies because you may be interviewing with more than one person. Bring a list of references to share with the interviewer upon request. Also, consider bringing a copy of your transcript as well if you're interviewing for an academic-related position.
5. Turn your phone on silent.
Even if you get away with texting in class, your interview isn't a place to sneak in a few texts. Also, if your phone is constantly beeping or ringing during your interview, it creates a very distracting environment and reflects poorly on you. So, make it a priority to turn your phone on silent and stow it away in your bag or pocket during your interview.
6. Don't walk in with your earphones in and your music playing.
Although you might be dying to catch the end of your favorite song, put your device away before you walk into your interview.
7. Don't bring food to the interview.
Plan ahead and grab a snack before or after your interview, because it isn't professional to eat during your interview. This applies to drinks, too-even if you're running on two hours of sleep, finish (or throw out) your coffee before your interview.
8. Don't bring friends.
You should go to your interview alone, so don't bring your friends, or your boyfriend or girlfriend. If your parents are around, don't bring them either. If someone gives you a ride to the interview site, have them wait in the car or go and grab a coffee. Review these tips for what - and what not - to bring to an interview.
9. Remember to be polite, professional, and attentive during your interview.
No matter how tired you may be, make an effort to greet your interviewer kindly, and be active and engaged during the interview process. Be outgoing and positive, even if you feel crappy. Here's how to introduce yourself and start the interview off on a positive note. Take the time to learn as much as you can about the job and the employer, and be ready to sell yourself to the hiring manager.
10. Know your availability before you come to the interview.
Employers know that college students have busy schedules, so it's important to have an idea of your availability, such as how many hours per week you can work, if you can work weekends, and if you will be available during summer semesters or breaks. If you can, bring a copy of your class schedule or write up when you're available so you're not scrambling to remember during your interview.
11, Be upfront about your availability.
On a similar note, once you know when it's feasible for you to work, be honest with your employer. You don't want to end up taking on too many hours than you can handle, inconveniencing both yourself and your employer. Be sure to be honest with your interviewer about when you can work, and if your availability isn't the right fit for the employer, it's better to know that as soon as possible so you can look for other positions.
12. Email a thank you note after the interview.
Although you should thank your interviewer in person for taking the time to interview you, it's a great idea to send a thank you email as well. As well as being good manners, taking the time to follow up reiterates your interest in the position.
Plan ahead, so you're prepared to interview on short notice. It will be much less stressful than trying to get ready just before the interview, especially if you need to line up appropriate attire and juggle your schedule to get to the interview.
Here are some tips for interviewing when you're in college.
Top Job Interview Tips for College Students
1. Plan ahead when you schedule your interview.When scheduling your interview, make sure you have enough time to get to and from your interview if you have classes that day. If you're coming right from class, mention that to your interviewer. If necessary, it may be a good idea to ask your professor if you can leave a few minutes early in order to get to your interview on time.
2. Make sure you have the interviewer's contact information on hand.
Although it's important to give yourself enough travel time, in a college environment it's not unlikely to encounter unforeseen obstacles-maybe class runs late, a professor wants to talk to you, or a test runs over the allocates time. If something beyond your control happens and you find that you're running late, it's good to have your interviewer's contact information on hand so you can notify them.
3. Dress appropriately for your interview, even if it means planning ahead.
So you have an 8 AM class and on an ordinary day, you might roll out of bed and head to class in your pajamas. But if you have a 10 AM interview, make sure to plan accordingly. Even if it means wearing your interview clothes to class, make sure you look professional and put together for your interview. If you have to go to your interview straight from class with your backpack, a nice outfit will balance that out.
4. Bring a copy of your resume and cover letter to the interview.
Bringing a print-out of your resume and cover letter is a great move. It doesn't hurt to have extra copies because you may be interviewing with more than one person. Bring a list of references to share with the interviewer upon request. Also, consider bringing a copy of your transcript as well if you're interviewing for an academic-related position.
5. Turn your phone on silent.
Even if you get away with texting in class, your interview isn't a place to sneak in a few texts. Also, if your phone is constantly beeping or ringing during your interview, it creates a very distracting environment and reflects poorly on you. So, make it a priority to turn your phone on silent and stow it away in your bag or pocket during your interview.
6. Don't walk in with your earphones in and your music playing.
Although you might be dying to catch the end of your favorite song, put your device away before you walk into your interview.
7. Don't bring food to the interview.
Plan ahead and grab a snack before or after your interview, because it isn't professional to eat during your interview. This applies to drinks, too-even if you're running on two hours of sleep, finish (or throw out) your coffee before your interview.
8. Don't bring friends.
You should go to your interview alone, so don't bring your friends, or your boyfriend or girlfriend. If your parents are around, don't bring them either. If someone gives you a ride to the interview site, have them wait in the car or go and grab a coffee. Review these tips for what - and what not - to bring to an interview.
9. Remember to be polite, professional, and attentive during your interview.
No matter how tired you may be, make an effort to greet your interviewer kindly, and be active and engaged during the interview process. Be outgoing and positive, even if you feel crappy. Here's how to introduce yourself and start the interview off on a positive note. Take the time to learn as much as you can about the job and the employer, and be ready to sell yourself to the hiring manager.
10. Know your availability before you come to the interview.
Employers know that college students have busy schedules, so it's important to have an idea of your availability, such as how many hours per week you can work, if you can work weekends, and if you will be available during summer semesters or breaks. If you can, bring a copy of your class schedule or write up when you're available so you're not scrambling to remember during your interview.
11, Be upfront about your availability.
On a similar note, once you know when it's feasible for you to work, be honest with your employer. You don't want to end up taking on too many hours than you can handle, inconveniencing both yourself and your employer. Be sure to be honest with your interviewer about when you can work, and if your availability isn't the right fit for the employer, it's better to know that as soon as possible so you can look for other positions.
12. Email a thank you note after the interview.
Although you should thank your interviewer in person for taking the time to interview you, it's a great idea to send a thank you email as well. As well as being good manners, taking the time to follow up reiterates your interest in the position.
