Girls Guide On Getting The Perfect Job: Before, During, & After Success Tips
Before Applying
Read the job/internship description
Research the organization or company offering the job; Come up with a question or 2 about the position or organization
Revise resume to highlight skills required or preferred in job description and that align with the mission or core values of the organization
Before the Interview
Re-read the job/internship description
Practice a 1-minute summary of your understanding of the job – what are your core responsibilities? This will be part of your opening response
Practice a 1-minute summary of your reasons for wanting this job/internship – why are you a good fit for this position? This will be part of your closing response
Research common interview questions for the role
Practice answering the sample questions using your resume and the job description as a guide (each response should highlight your understanding of the job description, as well as your knowledge of how your skills and experience are a good fit)
If you know who will be interviewing you, research their role(s) in the organization and try to find a picture and bio
Pack a pen/pencil and small notebook to take notes
Try on your outfit and make sure it fits properly and is clean. Clothing should at least be business casual – you won’t go wrong being more formal as a sign of respect
no jeans, no flip-flops, no spaghetti straps, no bellies, breasts, or behinds showing (no underwear showing), no micro minis, no shorts
Travel to the interview location using the same mode of transportation you will use on the interview date, and at around the same time of your interview; Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early
During the Interview
If water is offered, accept – you may get nervous later
Pull out your pen/pencil and notebook
During introductions, jot down name(s) of interviewer(s) in order introduced – you may get nervous later
In your opening response, thank the interviewer(s) for the opportunity to interview for the position
Take 2-3 seconds prior to answering each question to think about how to fully respond. If needed, jot down key words/phrases from the question in your notebook as a reminder during answering
In your responses, show enthusiasm for the job/internship AND the organization’s mission or major function
If asked if you have any questions, ask the questions you created during your early research
In your closing response, thank the interviewer(s) for the opportunity to interview for the position
After the Interview
Reflect on the interview – What questions did you answer well? What would you change?
Write a thank you email to the interviewer(s) including a brief (3-4 sentence maximum) reminder of why you are interested in the position and why you are excited about the organization
About the Author
