As the semester goes on, more and more of us are beginning to start the search for jobs. One of the most important parts of applying for a job will be the interview. These can seem terrifying and daunting, so I will be discussing some tips for how to feel confident when you go in to the interview.

One of the biggest tips I have is to utilize the Career Center we have on campus. This resource is not utilized enough and can be the difference between landing the job or not. They offer help with creating and refining your resume and cover letters. They can also do a mock-interview with you in order to help you prepare for the real interview. There is an entire page on their website on how to prepare for an interview and how they can help you make a great first impression. Check out this information at: http://careercenter.tamu.edu/Resources/Interviewing/Interviewing-Tips.

Most of my tips come from my own personal experiences, having been interviewed for several internships and positions throughout my life. One of the key things that I have learned while interviewing is to be confident - in yourself, your abilities, and your answers. Don’t be cocky but maintaining a strong sense of yourself and what your goals are is key. When you first walk into the interview, shake all of your interviewer’s hands and introduce yourself. I also always finish with shaking their hands again and thanking them for their consideration and time. Bringing in a resume with you for them to have is also wise. Make sure that you read exactly what the job description had so that you can tailor your answers to what they are looking for.

When going in to the interview, make sure that you have prepared for the possible questions that you might be asked and have thought out your answer. Memorizing an answer for questions doesn’t always come off well, as a lot of times something that you have memorized seems to have lost the passion and emotion that comes from speaking from your heart. Preparing questions to ask about the company, such as how the interviewer got to where they are, what they would change about their career path, or what advice they have are a great way to end an interview. Also asking questions about if there is an opportunity for advancement in the company is a great way to gauge whether or not it is a good opportunity for you. After the interview is over, an easy way to stand out from the crowd is to send an email thanking them for their time and reminding them of your interest in the position.