1. Research the organization before the interview
Before an interview you should research the organization. No need to spend hours in the Restricted Section at Hogwarts; simply find out what its mission is, who the key staff members are, who its audience is, etc. This shows you are willing to put forth the effort and are interested in the organization. After your research, think of something the organization is doing well. For example, âthe companyâs presence on social media is great, however I could help increase awareness on Twitter.â Then discuss how your experience would accomplish this task. If you want to take it to the next level, you could look into the challenges the organization faces and brain storm possible improvements.
2. Dress the part
First impressions are a big deal, it can negatively or positively affect the way in which a person views you. You should always appear put together, whether the dress code is casual, business casual, or business professional. Old-fashioned dress robes are likely not appropriate.
If possible, it is a good idea to get a sense of the dress code and the general atmosphere of the organization. By observing what the employees are wearing and how they are behaving will give you an idea of how to present yourself in the interview. If you canât physically visit the facility, try visiting its website or social media sites to see pictures of the staff.
3. Be confident
No Felix Felicis needed here! âConfidence is keyâ is a common phrase with good reason. After researching the organization and dressing for the occasion, you should be ready for anything the interviewer throws at you. You should remain calm, confident, and collected throughout the interview. If you appear too shy or desperate, they may not consider you for the internship/job. Be careful of overdoing your expressed confidence; too much confidence can be mistaken for arrogance. The perfect balance of confidence, respect, and enthusiasm is the way to go.
4. Avoid excessive hand gestures
Hand gestures are a great addition to conversations, however can be problematic. If you are excessive about it, it can be distracting. You do not want to draw attention to anything that could be considered a negative trait. This might be difficult for some people who constantly talk with their hands. When you become aware that you are doing it, it becomes easier to manage. The best way to control your unruly hands would be to gently clasp your hands in your lap and only use hand gestures when necessary. If that doesnât work, you could always try an Imperius Curse to control your hands.
5. At the end, ask questions
Almost every interview ends with âDo you have any questions?â from the interviewer. It can be difficult to think of any questions if you havenât thought about it beforehand. If youâre anything like Hermione, youâll already have a list of questions ready. After having done your research of the organization, think of questions you would like to ask. Questions like âWhat is a typical day of work like?â or âWhat does success look like in this role?â are great examples. This is a great way to show your interest in the job and could set you apart from other interviewees. The right question could blow away the interviewer and put you at the top of their list.
If you follow these tips you should have a successful interview and earn yourself a round of applause.
