2008 Woodie Awards
Preparation is Key to Preventing Interview Jitters
Holly Dare
Issue date: 11/9/05 Section: News
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Sooner or later in every job quest, you get lucky and someone wants to meet you. And then, the nerves hit: Will they like me? Will they think I'm qualified? What will I wear? Where will I park?
Those are all valid fears and there are several things you can do to alleviate them and make your interview more successful.
"Students often don't realize how important that initial impression is," said Hanna Pettersson director of the Cooperative Education Program at Valley College.
Pettersson offers classes in interviewing skills open to all students five times a semester. To make a good impression, she recommends the basics: smile, look them in the eye and offer a firm handshake.
Dress code is also a factor in the first impression. It's vital to know something about the place where you are interviewing. Do they expect formal business attire or is it casual? If you aren't sure, ask when setting up the interview.
"One of the best things about the seminar was learning how to do background research on a company," said Luz Lua, an accounting major. "I know this seminar will help me get a job in the future."
Piercings and tattoos also need to be taken into consideration. Do your piercings inhibit the way you speak? Would they be distracting in a business setting? If so, it would be a good idea to remove them before the interview and even during work hours if you get the job.
"Individuals have every right to wear piercings and tattoos but you have to realize, it may affect the job you get," says Pettersson. "However, if you're going for a job at a video store, they may work to your benefit."
In addition to knowing about the dress code, it is a good idea to find out what the company does and where they are located. Research the business on the Internet. Drive to the location the day before and have a plan about where to park. Don't risk being late.
Another good idea is to have a friend rehearse with you. Have them ask you questions about your skills, education and even about the company. The idea is not to sound well rehearsed but to feel comfortable with someone scrutinizing you.
Those are all valid fears and there are several things you can do to alleviate them and make your interview more successful.
"Students often don't realize how important that initial impression is," said Hanna Pettersson director of the Cooperative Education Program at Valley College.
Pettersson offers classes in interviewing skills open to all students five times a semester. To make a good impression, she recommends the basics: smile, look them in the eye and offer a firm handshake.
Dress code is also a factor in the first impression. It's vital to know something about the place where you are interviewing. Do they expect formal business attire or is it casual? If you aren't sure, ask when setting up the interview.
"One of the best things about the seminar was learning how to do background research on a company," said Luz Lua, an accounting major. "I know this seminar will help me get a job in the future."
Piercings and tattoos also need to be taken into consideration. Do your piercings inhibit the way you speak? Would they be distracting in a business setting? If so, it would be a good idea to remove them before the interview and even during work hours if you get the job.
"Individuals have every right to wear piercings and tattoos but you have to realize, it may affect the job you get," says Pettersson. "However, if you're going for a job at a video store, they may work to your benefit."
In addition to knowing about the dress code, it is a good idea to find out what the company does and where they are located. Research the business on the Internet. Drive to the location the day before and have a plan about where to park. Don't risk being late.
Another good idea is to have a friend rehearse with you. Have them ask you questions about your skills, education and even about the company. The idea is not to sound well rehearsed but to feel comfortable with someone scrutinizing you.
