Tag: interview

How to Answer: Tell Me About a Time You Failed

Although no one likes talking about a time they’ve failed, the truth is that everyone has experienced failure at some point in their lives. As Robert F. Kennedy famously said, “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” When employers ask this question during an interview for an internship or entry-level job, they’re interested in learning about your willingness to take risks and your ability to overcome challenges. In order to come up with an answer that shows that you’ve learned from your mistakes, you need to be able to demonstrate that you’ve successfully bounced back from failure and that you’ve learned important lessons along the way.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to be honest. No one is perfect, and even the most successful people have failed more times than they can count. Instead of aiming for perfection by saying that you’ve never made a mistake, focus on how you can turn a negative into a positive.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

Pick a real failure that you were able to learn from.

Think carefully about some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced during your life. Did they happen because you took a risk or tried something new? Or maybe you failed at something you’re normally very good at but circumstances got in the way. Whether your biggest failure was the Calculus test you didn’t pass in college or the track meet you lost in high school, the key to coming up with a great answer is to pick a situation where something went wrong but that something wasn’t catastrophic. This will make it easier to keep the story short and to focus on what you learned rather than how it felt to fail.

No matter what you choose, make sure you stay away from personal or overly emotional topics that don’t relate to the job at hand and could make the recruiter uncomfortable.

Outline the steps you took to overcome the challenge.

Once you’ve given some context for the situation and how it developed, outline the steps you took to get back on track. For example, if you’re talking about a test you failed, you can mention that you talked to your professor to get advice, then worked hard and went to office hours for extra help to make sure it didn’t happen again.

Pro Tip: Be detailed when outlining your approach. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not only proactive about problem-solving, but that you’re also able to think through the best ways to overcome a challenge.

Show how you were able to bounce back.

Finally, talk about what you learned. This is a great way to show the interviewer that you’re focused on personal and professional growth, and that you’re able to take even the most difficult situations and turn them into something positive. Most of all, you’ll be able to demonstrate that you’re resilient, a quality that employers always look for when screening candidates.

Say something like: “When I took Calculus my freshman year, I knew that I was in over my head. I’ve always been pretty good at math but the class was really challenging and I found myself falling behind. When I got my final grade and realized I had failed the class, I immediately went to talk to my professor and she helped me put together a plan for retaking the class and passing it. Over the course of the next semester, I went to office hours every week and asked a friend who was good at Calculus to help me with my homework. After struggling with that class, I realized that college was going to be much more challenging than high school, so I made sure to carefully look over the syllabus of every class I took and to set up meetings with professors to go through questions and ask for advice. I found that to be a great way of heading off potential problems and I managed to pass Calculus with flying colors the second time.”

Answering this question might seem challenging at first, but it can be a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you’re able to troubleshoot problems and to learn lessons that will serve you well in both your professional and personal lives.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Stand Out with Business Cards and find answers to common interview questions such as Would You Work Holidays and/or Weekends?

How to Answer: Would You Describe Yourself as a Leader or a Follower?

If you hear the question “Are you a leader or a follower?” during an interview for an internship or entry-level job, you can consider this question a “fit” question, meaning that the interviewer is trying to assess whether you’re a good cultural fit for the company, the team and the position you’re applying for.

Just like with any binary question, the interviewer wants to hear your response, followed by a reason for why you feel as though that response is true. As always, actions speak louder than words, so speaking about your past performance can always help make your answer even stronger.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your answer.

1. Start by explaining how you see yourself.

Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower? Mention this and explain why that’s the case. However, we recommend bringing up that you’re also capable of being the other type. The interviewer most likely wants to know that you’re capable of being both a leader and a follower, and that you can figure out the right time for each one based on the situation.

Say something like: “I tend to be the leader in most situations, though I can think of plenty of times when it was better for the group for me to follow along.”

2. Give an example (no more than 60 seconds) of a time when you took charge.

This can be a leadership position in a club, a leadership position in a group project, a time you started your own business, etc.

3. Then give a shorter example of a time when you followed instructions.

Your best bet would be to think of a time when you were not the “expert” in the group, but someone else was, so you followed along and learned from them. Make sure you’re honest in your entire answer since you want to ensure that you’re the right personality fit for the role!

Say something like: “All of my friends tell me I’m the leader of our group since I’m always the one planning our group trips, the one who was President of all of her clubs in college and the one who tends to present after group projects. However, there are plenty of times I can think of when I’ve been a follower because it was best for the group. For example, I’ve never played softball before, so when my friends started a softball league (with me in it), I watched a few games and read a few articles, but I ultimately let my softball-pro friends take charge on where I should go, what the batting order should be and so on.”

By demonstrating that you can be both a leader and a follower, you’ll show the hiring manager that you’re a true team player and a cultural fit for any role. This is a great way to stand out from the crowd and help potential employers see your value.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 10 Tips for the Perfect Cover Letter  and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Travel?

How to Answer: How Have You Displayed Leadership?

No matter what your major or chosen career path, one of the most common questions you’ll encounter during a job interview is “How have you displayed leadership?” When employers ask this question, it’s because they want to learn more about your personality and how you approach challenges. More specifically, they want to know whether you can take initiative and lead effectively when the occasion calls for it.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when answering this question.

1. Talk about a time you took on a leadership role.

The best way to do this is by recalling a positive, concise example of a time that you displayed leadership and doing your best to paint a picture of the situation. For example, if you organized a charity fundraiser for your sorority and raised a lot of money, be sure to mention that.

Pro Tip: If you can’t think of a relevant example from a previous job or internship, use a personal experience such as a time when you displayed leadership while volunteering, pursuing hobbies, participating in clubs or sports or tackling an academic project.

2. Demonstrate that you’re a team player who is able to get things done.

No one wants a leader who will come in, take charge and then not actually execute. Sure, it’s important to have someone managing a project, but it’s also important to show that you were able to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. When outlining the steps you took to achieve your goal, be sure to talk about your ability to delegate tasks while also showing that you took on a fair number of tasks yourself. Going back to the charity event example, you can mention that you were able to keep everyone else organized while also tracking donations and figuring out the best way to draw attention to the event.

3. Highlight your accomplishments in a quantifiable way.

Anyone can come up with a ground-breaking idea, but not everyone can follow through with it. This is why it’s important wrap up your answer by showing how you worked to accomplish (and possibly exceed) your goal. If you can, talk about numbers. It’s easy to say that you made something a success with no real way to measure the outcome, but if you can prove that you were successful, for instance by showing that the event you planned raised over $50,000, that is a concrete example that your future employer can appreciate.

Say something like: “As president of my sorority, I was responsible for 80 chapter members. One of the biggest challenges was putting together our annual fundraiser for XYZ Charity, which hadn’t been all that successful in recent years. I organized dozens of members, created a spreadsheet to track donation progress and got several local celebrities to come to the event. In the end, the hard work paid off, and our chapter had the most successful year yet: We raised over $50,000 for the charity and won ‘Sorority of the Year’ on campus.”

By showing the employer that you’re able to take initiative and be a leader, you’ll be sure to impress them and get one step closer to landing the job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 10 Tips for the Perfect Cover Letter and find answers to other common interview questions such as What Are Your Strengths?

How to Answer: If I Asked Your Friends to Describe You, What Would They Say?

During an interview, hiring managers want to get a sense of who you are beyond your resume. The easiest way to do this is by asking questions designed to draw out your personality. One of these questions is, “If I asked your friends to describe you, what would they say?” This is a common question you may encounter during an interview for an internship or an entry-level job. When the interviewer asks this, it’s because they want to gauge how others perceive you, how self-aware you are and how you work with a team.

When preparing your answer to this question, you’ll want to highlight your positive personality traits and give concrete examples.

Pick a few of your best qualities.

There are many qualities that appeal to employers, including loyalty, hard work and leadership. When deciding what quality to highlight, make sure that it’s an accurate reflection of you and that you can back it up with examples how it has shaped your relationships with your friends.

Give specific examples of how you display them.

Are you the leader of the pack? Don’t be afraid to mention this. If you’re the go-to friend for making plans and executing them, this is definitely something you want to highlight to your future employer. Emphasize the leadership skills you possess and your experiences with being a leader.

Say something like: “My college friends would say that I’m the leader of the group, the life of the party and the caretaker. I’m always planning trips for us, including vacations to places we’ve never been before. Last summer, we decided to take a trip to Costa Rica and we were excited about it but didn’t know where to begin. I offered to research flights and hotels and managed to find us a great deal in a nice location. Once we got there, I made sure to look for fun places for us to go out and checked in to see how everyone was doing throughout the trip. We had a great time.”

Pro Tip: Keep your answer focused and concise. Now is not the time to reminisce about every experience you’ve had with your friends. Make sure you keep the conversation relevant to the position you’re interviewing for.

By talking about a great quality that your friends would praise, you’ll show the interviewer that you’re a team player and an asset to the organization.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Turn Down a Job Offer and find answers to common interview questions such as If You Could Invest in One Stock, Which Stock Would it Be?

How to Answer: Would You Work Holidays And/Or Weekends?

There are several questions you might encounter during an interview for an internship or entry-level job. One question you’re likely to come across, particularly if you work in the hospitality or retail industries, is “Would you work holidays and/or weekends?”

Why do employers ask this? It’s to gauge your flexibility and your ability to juggle work and other commitments. In some cases, your answer can directly affect whether you’re hired for a position.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare your answer.

1. Be realistic about your time.

If the employer is looking for someone who can be available 24/7, and you know that just isn’t feasible for you, be honest from the start rather than having that miscommunication later. It’s much easier to take on more work later than to scale back after you’ve agreed to perform the job.

Say something like: “I have no problem with working on holidays or weekends as long as I can set my schedule as far in advance as possible.”

Pro Tip: Don’t give more detail than necessary. If your grandma has already asked for your help executing Thanksgiving this year, that’s wonderful, but your future employer doesn’t need to know.

2. Know your limits.

Remember that the employer has needs too, one of which is the confidence that a candidate can fulfill all of a job’s requirements—time commitments being one of them. Still, most employers will work with you around legitimate concerns and/or scheduling issues if they feel as though you are the best person for the job and you’re straightforward with them about your scheduling needs from the start.

Say something like: “Unfortunately, because of my family commitments, I can’t commit to working every holiday, but I could definitely give up some when the company needs it.”

By demonstrating flexibility and commitment to the position, you’ll impress the interviewer and get one step closer to landing the job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How Much Should I be Paid at an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About an Accomplishment That You’re Most Proud Of.

How to Dress for a Job Interview for a Waiter/Waitress Job

Although you may think of casual attire or a uniform when you think of a waiter or waitress job, preparing for an interview in the food service industry is still a formal process. Like with any job, you may be able to dress more casually once you’ve been hired, but while you’re still in the interviewing stages it’s important to be as professional as possible.

1. Pick a conservative outfit that that reflects your personal style

You’ll want to dress conservatively, even if you’re interviewing for a casual restaurant. For men, this means clean, wrinkle-free khakis or slacks with a nice button down shirt. For women, it means nice pants or a skirt and a blouse or casual dress. Stick with neutrals if possible but do add personality to your outfit with a colorful but tasteful tie or scarf. It’s important to remember that appearance does matter, especially when you’re interviewing for client-facing positions.

2. Make sure you’re comfortable

An interview for a restaurant job can often be more like an audition rather than a typical job interview. You may be expected to show off your waiter/waitress skills, or the manner in which you would potentially serve customers if hired. Not only will you have to explain your skills and job history as with most interviews for part-time jobs, internships, or entry-level jobs, but a potential employer may want to see you in action. With that in mind, it’s important to ensure that your outfit isn’t too tight or uncomfortable and that you can move around easily while wearing it.

3. Wear the right shoes

You know you’ll be doing a lot of talking, walking, lifting, even potentially reaching over tables to retrieve items or clean tables, so think smart when it comes to your footwear. Although you won’t typically be doing as much as usual on the day of the interview, the possibility does exist. Wear sensible, fashionable shoes. Avoid anything that may hinder your appearance, such as sandals, sneakers or heels that are difficult to walk in.

Learning how to dress for an interview is an experience in and of itself. Although it might sound a bit intimidating if you’re never interviewed for a waiter or waitress position before, by following these tips you’ll be sure to start the interview off on the right foot and impress the hiring manager.

Next, learn more about succeeding in your new job such as 5 Things You Must Do to Prepare for Your Video Interview and find out about common interview questions such as What Are Your Salary Expectations?

How to Answer: Tell Me About a Time You Went Above and Beyond the Requirements for a Project

One of the more common interview questions you’ll get during an interview for an internship or entry-level job is: “Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond.” This interview question is industry and role-agnostic and the purpose of it is to understand whether you are the type of person to overachieve and reach for the stars, or whether you are the type of person who does exactly as they’re told, without ever questioning what you can do better.

Luckily, you can practice your answer to this question ahead of time, so here are some things to think about as you formulate your answer:

Think about a project where your original goal had been very clear.

Now explain the original goal in a clear and concise way. It’s important that you give an example where the interviewer can understand what was expected of you, before you try to ‘wow’ him with your story.

Discuss the opportunity you observed that made you think that going “above and beyond” would be beneficial.

For example, if you were given a goal to “eat a pie of pizza”, then eating two pizzas would not be beneficial toward accomplishing your goal. However, if you were given a goal to interview 3 people who ate pizza, but instead interviewed an entire restaurant, then you have a larger sample size, which can help you evaluate the survey outcomes more accurately.

Describe exactly how you went above and beyond the requirements.

It’s important to make sure that you’re using an example that shows YOU as the driver of ambition, and that you weren’t just following someone else’s over-achieving ways.

Explain the outcome.

Finally, explain the outcome, and why going ‘above and beyond’ was the right thing to do.

Extra points if you’re able to include a humble comment along the lines of: “When I’m passionate about something, I tend to be the type of person who goes above and beyond to get something done.”

Say something like: “In my summer internship in the strategy department at Pizzeria Dos, I was asked to find out what customers thought of our new white tablecloths (we had just switched from red tablecloths). I was told to ask 10 customers in total by stopping them on their way out of the restaurant. Instead, with my boss’s permission, I decided to add a small questionnaire to the checks of every customer who came in for the next 2 days. This way, I could reach more people in a scalable way, without bothering those who were in a hurry to get out. I printed the questionnaires on small pieces of paper, so the entire study cost no more than $10 in supplies. I then collected all 50 of the completed evaluations and learned that people hated the white tablecloths because they could see the stains from their dripping cheese too easily. I’m happy that I could deliver 500% of the number of opinions my boss wanted, and that I was able to do it without bothering customers and still getting an unbiased opinion.”

By answering this question with a specific example, you’ll be able to show the interviewer that you’re ready to go above and beyond your assigned duties and to be a team player for the company. This is a great way to show how motivated you are, and to stand out among the pool of other candidates.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 7 Phone Interview Tips That Will Land You a Second Interview and find answers to common interview questions such as What Motivates You?

How to Answer: Why do You Want to Leave Your Current Role or Internship?

“Why do you want to leave your current role or internship?” is never an easy question to navigate during a job interview. However, it is a common interview question that will likely be asked at many interviews for both internships and entry-level jobs.

So why do recruiters ask this question? They are curious to know your reason and want to make sure that you won’t have the same reason to leave the position for which you are interviewing. How an interviewee answers this questions also says a lot about how they handle people and difficult situations; being able to answer well does involve a certain level of maturity.

Here are different reasons why you may wish to leave your current position and how to address them positively and professionally in an interview.

You dislike your current job and/or boss.

If your reason for wanting to leave is because of an uncomfortable work environment or a pesky manager that you just don’t see eye to eye with, provide the interviewer with this information in a polite, professional way.

Say something like: “Throughout my time in this role, I’ve realized that my team lead and I were headed in different directions. Though it was a difficult decision to make, I feel ready for a new challenge.”

After stating your reasons, try to bring the conversation back to something positive and remind the interviewer why you’re interested in the new job you’re interviewing for.

Here’s the one thing not to say when in this type of situation: Avoid, at all costs (especially during a job interview) badmouthing your current company and/or manager. There are sure-fire ways to say you’re not pleased in your current position or with your current manager, without actually saying it. While it might feel good to get your feelings off of your chest, save it for a friend or family member, as it’s definitely not going to land you a job.

You’ve professionally outgrown your current role.

There’s nothing more frustrating than having to get up every single day to go to a job that you’re just not that into. There are ways that you can try to turn a job you hate into a job you love, but if that’s no longer an option, here’s how you can position yourself.

Say something like: “I have achieved everything that I can achieve in my current role and feel that in order to keep grow during this early stage of my career, it’s time to move on to a new company with more room for growth. I’ve decided to pursue a position where I can learn more about this industry and benefit from strong leaders. I know that this company places a lot of emphasis on mentorship so the opportunity to learn and contribute is something I’m really excited about.”

If your reason for moving on has to do with the fact that you’re currently working in an internship or part-time role and you would like a full-time position, you can tweak this answer to fit your experience.

Say something like: “I’ve enjoyed learning about the retail industry throughout my time with my current employer. For the past three months, I’ve been the number one salesperson on the floor and this has made me realize that I’m ready for a new challenge and a full-time opportunity.”

Try to avoid making comments such as, “I’m bored in my current position.” This kind of talk comes off negatively, and may make the interviewer question if you’ll lose interest in the role and move on quickly. Remember that an employer wants to know that you are loyal and responsible, and that you will not leave after a couple of months when the job is no longer new and exciting.

You want to earn the market rate for your position and industry.

If your current position as a college student or recent grad is volunteer, providing an honest reason (you need a paid position) won’t be perceived negatively by the employer.

However, students and recent grads who are paid the market rate for their work should be careful about saying they are leaving for more money. Employers know that you’re looking to improve on both a personal and professional level and that includes a financially sufficient role. Adding something positive about the potential new employer in your response to the interview question is a great way to highlight your interest in the company while also being honest about your job search.

Say something like: “I’m currently in a volunteer position at a similar firm, and my goal is to find a role that not only challenges me professionally but also compensates me appropriately financially.”

Whatever your reasoning for looking for a new job, be sure that you present yourself in a positive manner during the job interview. No employer wants to employ someone who may potentially bring a toxic attitude to work. Interviews can be stressful, as your career history is being examined under a microscope and you have a limited amount of time to convince your potential employer that you’re the best fit for the job. Remember that with effort and some practice beforehand, you can walk away from the job interview with confidence and a favorable phone call in your future.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get a Job in Sustainability and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are Your Hobbies?

6 Do’s and Don’ts of Video Interviews

The hiring process is becoming more and more technologically advanced, and nowadays, it’s not uncommon to be part of a video interview instead of interviewing at an actual office, as it saves money, allows hiring managers to differentiate candidates more quickly, and allows companies to interview more people in a shorter amount of time.

A lot of questions come up when it comes to video interviews: What does one even look like, and how is it different from an in-person interview?

Lucky for you, recruiters at Aramark, a food service, facilities, and uniform services provider, are here to give you the lowdown on the do’s and don’ts of rocking any video interview you find yourself doing.

What’s a Video Interview?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of video interviews, it’s important to understand the two types of video interviews you can encounter.

The first is a video conference, where you’ll have a live interview session with someone (or multiple people) from a company. The second is a pre-recorded online interview, where your responses will be recorded, and someone will review them later to decide whether or not to move you further in the hiring process.

Now onto the do’s and don’ts…

DO Research the Company Beforehand

Think a video interview means you can skip the preparation and google or look up something on the fly because you’re not in the room with your interviewer? Think again. You’re still seen by recruiters when you’re on the video call (they can even hear you typing!), and they’ll immediately know if you’re not paying attention or came to the interview unprepared.

Research everything you can about the opportunity before your interview, including the company, the position, the position’s responsibilities, and your potential boss(es) and/or co-workers.

DO Be Strategic About Where You Have Your Interview

You can’t hold your video interview anywhere; it actually takes a lot of planning to make sure that you’ve found the perfect place.

Find a private space where you can chat without distractions (for instance, if you’re on a campus, reserve a small study room in the library), and make sure the wall behind you is presentable with no objects, posters, or photos in the background. If there are people who could disturb you (like roommates playing loud music in your house), give them the heads up to keep it down.

Additionally, check your internet connection and ability to sign onto the platform where your interview will be hosted. The last thing you want to deal with is spotty wifi or a failed login while you’re trying to tell a recruiter why you want to work for his or her company.

DO Maintain Your Professionalism

Just because you’re not having your interview in a physical office space doesn’t mean you can slack on your professionalism.

Aramark’s recruiters have noticed that often students will start off speaking and acting professionally and will then start using slang and losing enthusiasm as the interview goes on. Regardless of the type of company you’re interviewing for, remember that you’re speaking to professionals, not friends.

And while you might be tempted, don’t just dress appropriately from the waist up. There’s a fair chance you may need to stand up or move, and you don’t want your interviewers to see your “Game of Thrones” pajama bottoms mixed with your best button-down shirt and blazer.

DON’T Read Off of Your Computer Screen

Because you’re in a video interview, you may think it’s okay to write out answers to potential interview questions or map out other responses on your screen for reference. Stay away from this!

Instead, it’s all about preparing and practicing your answers beforehand so that they sound natural when you’re in your interview. Work on responses to behavior-based questions (“Describe a time when…” or “What would you do in a situation where…”) instead of trying to guess what you’ll specifically be asked.

DON’T Be Afraid to Ask Your Interviewer to Repeat the Question

Didn’t understand what a recruiter just asked you? It’s okay to pause and ask, “Can you please repeat that?” Or, if you’re in a live video conference, ask the interviewer to rephrase or clarify the part of the question that’s confusing you. It’s better to ask than to not answer the question (or to answer the wrong question).

DON’T Forget to Be Personable

Two of the biggest things students forget to do during video interviews, according to Aramark’s recruiters? Smile and make eye contact. When you’re talking to a screen, it may be more difficult to pick up on social cues or think about your own. While you don’t have to be grinning from ear to ear and staring wide-eyed at the screen throughout the entire interview, you also don’t want to seem robotic.
Above all, let your personality shine throughout the interview, even if it’s not face-to-face.

Video interviews definitely don’t have to be intimidating or scary. Just like any other interview, come in prepared, look polished, and act professionally. There’s no way a recruiter will be able to say no.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Be a Team Player and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

7 First-Round Interview Tips That Will Help Land You A Second Interview

Securing the first-round interview is a major accomplishment in your job search process: It means that you did something right when it comes to the preparation process. Your resume was on-point, your experience is on-track, and your cover letter was well-written. But now it’s time to show them even more about yourself.

A first-round interview is usually done over the phone or by video call. It’s a screen that you have to pass in order to be truly considered for the job. It has its own set of precautions and best practices that should be acknowledged in order to make sure that you’re putting your best foot forward.

Here are seven interview tips for snagging that second-round spot.

1. Have answers prepared for the three most common interview questions.

They’re not all going to be this easy.

There are certain questions that every interviewer will ask in one form or another, so you have to be ready to answer them regardless of which field you’re trying to enter. The good news is, if you’re a great candidate for the job, coming up with an answer that will impress your interviewer should be easy.

These questions are:

  • Why are you interested in this role?
  • What are your strengths?
  •  Why do you want to work at this company in particular?

You should always answer “Why do you want this role?” with the following two points:

  1. Talk about why you’ll be a great fit for the position.
  2. Explain what you think you can get out of the position in the long-term.

This way you’re showing that not only do you have something to offer the company but also that the company has something to offer you (which makes you an even better investment on their part).

Most employers want to know that the person they’re hiring is looking for a productive relationship—not just a way to make money.

As for strengths, be sure to pick your top three strengths most relevant to the position and have concrete examples of when you displayed them in the past—even if that means bringing an example from class or an extracurricular rather than a past job or internship. And be honest here—misrepresenting yourself will only hurt your chances of giving a quality example.

The last question will rely heavily on your research around the company’s mission, culture, and how those relate to your personal goals. For example, you could say something like, “Because I want to be in leadership in the long-run, I think your company, which offers a ton of management training, would be a great fit for me.”

2. Show them that you’ve done your research.

Just be sure to do it before the interview.

There are three things you really need to learn about before your interview:

  1. Learn about the company’s business and history. You should know what the business does (obviously) and how it started. Make note of things like acquisitions, major turning points, and the biggest wins (and losses) in its history. This kind of information can come in handy and—more important—is not something you want to be caught off-guard without.
  2. Learn about your potential role. Understanding the business means understanding what you would add to the business. Thoroughly read the job description. After that, search the name of the role plus the name of the company to get more example-based definitions of the position. This will greatly inform your answers in regards to strengths, fit, and what you hope to gain.
  3. Check the news. When’s the last time the company made the news? You probably won’t want to bring up any scandals or PR disasters. But showing them that you not only keep abreast of current affairs but also have an eye on the company is a great opportunity to shine.

How are you going to show them you’ve done the work? Let the research inform your answers. It’s okay to be explicit and say, “For example, in my research, I learned…” They don’t expect you to be a lifelong expert on the company, just someone who can do their homework when they’re called upon.

3. Show enthusiasm and gratitude throughout the interview.

Let ’em know that you care!

Already by applying, you’ve shown some interest in the position. However, to prove to the interviewer that this isn’t “just another job” to you, make sure to sound engaged, enthusiastic, and grateful for the interviewer’s time and consideration. This is especially important over the phone, where your interviewer’s only impression of your attitude is the sound of your voice.

Even if you’re nervous, you should answer the phone with a cheery, “Hi, this is ____.” rather than just a “Hey!” or “Hello.” Listen closely to what the interviewer says, thank them for their time, and be sure you’re showing your excitement with passionate answers. Don’t worry too much about being cheesy—it’s certainly better than the opposite!

4. For phone interviews, make sure you’re in a quiet place with a strong signal.

Believe us, it never sounds as charming in an interview.

Find yourself a room in the library, your home, or a school building that will give you the privacy and resources you need to successfully complete the interview. You want to avoid taking any calls outside, in coffee shops, other public places, or anywhere where you might be asked to move in the middle of your interview.

This means you should carefully plan ahead. Ask your roommate to clear out for that window of time, book a room in the library in advance, or tell your family that you’ll be in y room taking a call at x o’clock.

You’ll also want to have your laptop ready (with internet access) to take quick notes, reference any documents they might want to send you, or open any links they might pass along. Sometimes you’ll even be asked to complete a quiz or exercise during the call, so make sure you’re ready for anything.

5. Have a notepad and printed version of your resume in front of you.

Jot down quick talking points you want to hit later… but always look attentive, like so.

This is especially important if they’ve sent you documents to look at on the computer or have asked you to follow a link. You can’t always use your computer to take notes and you don’t want to miss something important. Plus, if your first-round interview IS in person, then using a computer to take notes is out of the question (unless they instruct you to).

6. For video calls, dress professionally and work in a clean setting.

Just make sure you have somewhere to sit up straight…

When you’re on a video call, there’s a limited visual element that you have to be aware of. Make sure the room you’re in is clean and nothing too distracting is in the image. You should also dress like you would for an in-person interview.

Take down any distracting or controversial posters/wall art and make sure your internet connection is strong enough to properly conduct a video call. You might need to work off a school computer or Wi-Fi network to make this happen—so, once again, plan ahead.

7. Don’t forget to follow up.

I just wanted to say, “Thanks… and here are three reasons why I’m perfect for the job, partner!”

First round interviews usually mean many candidates being screened for the same position. Following up with a well-worded, prompt email briefly reminding the interviewers of your skills, why you would be a great fit, and your interest in the position will help you stand out. Also, be sure to thank them again for their time and tell them you’re looking forward to further discussing the opportunity.

By following these steps, you’re on the road to landing your dream job. Remember that even if you don’t get this particular position, you’ll just be better prepared for the next interview. Getting through an interview is in and of itself an accomplishment.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Negotiate a Job Offer and find answers to common interview questions such as What Motivates You? right here on the WayUp Guide.