Interview season is upon us, at least for future teachers and graduating seniors! With all of this going on, there are always so many questions floating around about what to wear, what to say, how your resume should look, and so many others. It is a super exciting time, but also super nerve-wracking! Here are a few tips to help you feel your best in any interview.
Dress the Part.Β This going without saying, but always dress for success. When you feel like you look good on the outside, it really does make you feel good on the inside. Ever go to a meeting/function not feeling like you are looking your best and it TOTALLY affects your mood?! Happens to me all the time. Avoid sudden self-consciousness by dressing your best. When future employersΒ are interviewing you, they really do size you up based on your first impression. That all starts with how you cary yourself.
What to wear.Β Now days, there are so many options. Slacks, skirt, dress, you name it.Β Wearing a knee length, solid colored pencil skirt is always a good call. This is an appropriate length and the tailored fit looks a lot more professional than something super flow-y. Pair it with the same colored blazer and now you mean business. I paired this outfit with one of my favorite LC Lauren Conrad crop tops to add some subtle lace to the outfit.
When it comes to shoes, heels are always my choice. They add length and instantly make you look professional. I decided to wear nude shoes just to continue my line. I am not the biggest fan of colored shoes when I am trying to add height and length to myself. By choosing a natural colored shoe, your legs look like they could go on for days. This is really a matter of preference though. Just make sure that the heel height isn’tΒ too tall. These are only 3-4 inches and do the job without making me look like I am trying too hard. You also want to make sure you can walk in them, not be nervous in them, and not stumble when you go up to shake the employer’s hand!
Be Confident.Β This is a no-brainer, but please exude some sort of confidence. People can tell right off the bat if someone is not confident in who they are. Practice having good posture, don’t stumble on stating your name, and have faith that God will place you where you belong. That right there is all the confidence you will need. Job interviews can be scary, but as long as you are confident in yourself, your abilities, and confident that the Lord has a plan for you, you will be FINE.
Don’t overpack your resume.Β A resume is just like a highlight reel or a quick snapshot into your talents. It is not the time to break out your essay writing skills or bring backΒ your memories of being in the talent show in fourth grade. Your resume should reflect your career goals and list (BRIEFLY) what you have been doing to reach those career goals. If you have no experience yet, just list things you have been doing that are remarkable in some capacity. Having your school experience, important activities and organizations, and work experience is needed, but you don’t need it to be fluffy and pretty. I feel like there is so much pressure to make this amazing resume, and yes they do matter, but your resume is just the beginning. The real test is the interview. There are a number of things that I did not include on my resume because it was starting to go over 3 pagesβ¦ don’t worry about that. Once you get the interview, then you can include other experiences you have had. The employer has already looked at your resume (and social media) prior to your interview with them, so tell them about EXTRA things you have done with your life instead of only the things listed on your interview. Show that you are multifaceted.
Don’t get discouraged.Β Easier said than done, but never lose hope. Some places you interview at are the perfect fit, some won’t be. Some interviews you have you will feel like you nailed it and would fit right in at the place, yet the employer doesn’t see the match. Don’t let that bring you down. Trust in God’s plan for you and keep moving forward. You will find the place that you belong, it just might take some persistence and patience.
I hope these tips helped. What tips do you have for interviews?
