By Joie N. Marhefka
Summer is an exciting time for many of our students, as they are graduating and starting new jobs. Our students at Penn State New Kensington typically graduate in August, but some students graduate in May. Therefore, it seems like a good time to talk about topics related to getting a job. I’d like to share some interview tips that I discuss in my classes. Hopefully these suggestions will be helpful for recent graduates as well as for anyone looking for a new position.
Before the interview, it is important to prepare. Research the company and the position. This may help you to answer questions and will make it evident that you are really interested in the job.
Take a look at your resume and the job description. Make sure that you are able to talk about everything on your resume and think about ways to connect your experience to the requirements of the position. Bring a list of references – preferably including previous supervisors or professors – to the interview. Ask people if they are willing to be a reference before including them on the list. I find it frustrating when I get caught off guard by a call or email saying that a former student has listed me as a reference, and I had no idea that they were even looking for a job. Also, if you are like me and not good at interviews, I’d recommend practicing some common interview questions. Tons of these can be found by a simple Google search. I’d also advise making a list of questions that you might want to ask during the interview. Finally, if the interview is in-person, make sure that you know where you are going. If it’s in an unfamiliar location, it might be worth driving there ahead of time so that you don’t get lost.
For the interview itself, be sure to arrive on time – but not too early. Personally, I leave early in case there is traffic but will look for a coffee shop or someplace nearby to hang out if I arrive early. I aim to get to the interview about 10 minutes before it starts, but not earlier, as the people who will be conducting the interview are likely busy with other things. If the interview is virtual, make sure to find a location where you will not be distracted. Consider using a plain background or blurring your background for an interview on Teams/Zoom/etc.
During the interview, give examples to support your answers. Think of things that you’ve done in school, previous jobs, volunteer work or clubs that support answers to questions. If previous jobs don’t seem relevant, consider connecting soft skills that are relevant to both positions, such as communication, customer service and teamwork. When answering questions, be yourself. It is best to be authentic rather than trying to convince the interviewer that you are something you are not. Focus on what makes you a good fit for the job. If you are asked, “Tell me about yourself,” the interviewer most likely does not want to hear your life story. Focus on things you’ve done that make you a good candidate for the position. If you don’t hear a question or don’t fully understand it, it is OK to ask the interviewer to repeat the question or to provide clarification. It is also fine to take a minute to think about a question before answering. Finally, ask questions. This will make you appear more interested in the job. If you don’t come up with any questions during the interview, have some questions prepared ahead of time. And make sure to ask things about the job – not just about pay and benefits.
After the interview, follow up with a thank you note. This is a good opportunity to reaffirm interest in the position. This note could be handwritten or an email.
Good luck to all of the recent graduates and to anyone else who is interviewing!
