Whether it’s your first time applying for a job or your sixth, pre-interview nerves are inevitable. Here are a few of my tricks along with some from my friends, fellow students and educators.
Before you submit an application or any resume, it is smart to have another set of eyes read it over. The MU Career Center, located in the Student Success Center on Lowry Mall, has multiple resources that can greatly improve your application. Their website is also an easy way to view sample resumes, cover letters, informational videos, and much more.
The Career Center team can do consultations in person, review documents and assist in interview preparation. On the bottom floor of the Student Success Center, there is a professional headshot selfie studio. You can visit any weekday to have your photo taken for social media or applications. The Career Center is especially helpful if you have never applied to a professional organization or job before and have little experience in these areas.
Prior to the actual interview, take some time to familiarize yourself with the organization or company you are interviewing at. Although you most likely have done this already if you are applying, it is never a bad idea to refresh your memory. You might be asked why you chose to apply or how you fit into what the organization values.
This leads to the next way to prepare for what is most expected in an interview — the daunting, puzzling, unpredictable questions. A quick search online can prepare you for possible questions an interviewer may ask you. You don’t want to be tongue-tied when they ask, “Tell me about yourself.”
Other than surface-level questions, take time to reflect on challenges you have faced in past work experience or leadership roles and how you overcame them. Think back on times you had to problem-solve. There are so many questions an interviewer may ask you, and if you aren’t asked the ones you prepare for, taking time to reflect and compose yourself before the interview will give you an idea of how to answer similar questions. Practice will only help.
Are you trying to find business formal attire, only to realize you don’t own anything professional? Maybe you are required to wear black and gold for a Mizzou-affiliated organization. Whatever the case is, if you do not have the right clothing for your interview, there is no need to panic. First ask around — you might have some friends you can borrow a piece or two from. If they do not have what you need, Truman’s Closet, located in the Hitt Street Parking Structure on the Elm Street entrance, has rentable formal and casual clothing anyone with a university ID can borrow for interviews.
As you head to your interview, make sure to focus on your excitement or curiosity over any negative emotions. Overly stressing about the interview will not help calm your nerves. Listen to your favorite hype songs, eat a good meal, have some caffeine and freshen up in your best attire.
For ladies, wear comfortable, yet classy shoes. You don’t want to end up with blistered heels. You might end up wearing the shoes for a while, so the more comfortable and put-together you feel, the more confident you will be when the time of the interview arrives.
Do not try to pretend you aren’t nervous; instead, use your nerves to give yourself energy. You can use those nerves to show your enthusiasm for what you are applying for. Avoid getting too in your head.
Maybe you are someone who doesn’t have many nerves beforehand, but after the interview you overthink and worry you said the wrong thing. Overall, my most important advice is to not stress about what you can’t change. As long as you did the best you could, whatever happens, happens. There is no shame in trying again and again until you get where you want to be. Don’t be discouraged, but instead use the experience in your future interview and application endeavors.
Edited by Abby Stetina, astetina@themaneater.com
