How to Prepare for an Interview

Harmin Patel, Secretary
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Interviews are a very important, yet confusing to navigate, part of many people's lives. It’s an opportunity to show the company, school, or program you are applying to your personality and what motivates you. However, making sure to prepare well for an interview to assure that you can connect with the interviewer and not be flabbergasted with questions is important.

Preparing for Interview Tips:

1. Research program - Be sure to research thoroughly whatever position you are applying to. It is crucial that you understand the values of the place you are applying to and information surrounding the position and program. Researching can also help during questions as you can connect your own experiences directly to the mission and values of the position you are interviewing for.

2. Practice and Prepare with Someone - Go through common practice questions that you think the interview may ask such as “Tell me about yourself,” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses.” Answer these questions with someone else like a friend or family member so you’d be able to practice things such as maintaining good eye contact, good volume, and tone inflection as you speak.

3. Showcase your personality - Be genuine and interested during the interview. Showcase your true self and connect with the interviewer just like you would with anybody else. Maintain a good energy level and positive attitude which will leave a lasting good impression on your interviewer.

4. Practice and Prepare - Being nervous before a presentation or speech is normal. The best way to combat the anxiety that encompasses a presentation is to make sure that you are well-prepared. Making sure you understand your material well can help to calm nerves. Make sure to go over your presentation multiple times in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or in front of a small group. As you become familiar with your speech, you will be able to deliver it more clearly and confidently.

5. Connect with the interviewer - Showcase interest in conversing and learning about the interviewer. It’s okay to ask questions to the interviewer to learn more about them and see their perspective. If you find something similar between you and the interviewer, try to connect and build off of that.

Overall, interviewing can be stressful. However, preparing properly and practicing well before the interview can allow you to express your personality and connect with the interviewer in ways that can put you in the best place to get the position you want. 

- Harmin Patel, Secretary