Whether it’s aiming for a part-time job after school, or taking the next big step in one’s career, interviews happen frequently throughout life. Interviews may seem simple enough, but they can be the determining factor in jobs, promotions, and raises. Having good interviewing skills is what makes individuals stand out against their competitors, and can put them ahead in the race for a well-desired position. There are three important factors, or “mations”, a person needs to have to be successful in a job interview: presentation, information and cross-examination.
When the interviewee first walks into the room, the interviewer has already made a first impression based on their appearance. No, they’re not judging your attractiveness. They’re judging your professionalism or your “presentation”. Interviewers are looking for candidates that come into the interview cleaned up and inappropriate attire. Don’t come into the interview with unbrushed hair and stains on your clothes. Button-ups or blouses of non-eccentric colors are preferred. Slacks, knee-length skirts or suit pants are acceptable bottoms to wear and will make you appear more professional. Acceptable shoes can vary, but the most commonly worn are flats, close-toed heels, and dress shoes. Here’s a more detailed list of things to wear to an interview:
https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-to-wear-to-an-interview#
Looking the part is just the first step to a job interview. The next step to being successful in your interview actually happens before applying for the job. Foremost, it’s extremely important to have a well-crafted resume to bring to the interview. This is the information portion of the three “mations”. It should list all previous job experiences, education levels, and achievements. This information is extremely important to the interviewer, as it can determine a candidate’s compatibility with a position or job. It also makes a candidate stick out from the rest of the applicants, which is extremely beneficial when applying for internships. It is also important to know information regarding the job you’re applying for. Knowing details about the company and the people involved in the company makes you seem well-rehearsed and passionate for the interview. Here’s a link on how to craft an excellent resume by Francis Howell North’s Newspaper Advisor Aaron Manfull:
The final and arguably most important factor of a successful interview is the cross-examination. While the interviewer is going to have a variety of formulated questions for you, it’s important to come up with a list of questions you might have about the position, company, or internship you’re applying for. Asking questions like, “What are some benefits I can experience working in this position?”, “What are some requirements for this job that are not listed in the job description?”, or “If I were to change my availability in the future, would the company be able to work with that?” are great examples of questions that will provide you great insight on the position and company you’re applying for. Here’s an insightful list of questions to ask the person interviewing you:
https://hbr.org/2022/05/38-smart-questions-to-ask-in-a-job-interview
Interviews for jobs, promotions and learning opportunities in the workforce will come and go throughout life. But using the three “mations” will help ensure success in those interviews. Not everyone will get that after-school job or post-college internship they passionately want. But regardless of what jobs are not acquired or what promotions are passed on, interviewing skills are extremely valuable to have and will continue to serve you throughout life.
