Being a college student can be difficult amid today’s rising costs. You have to consider everything from the cost of tuition and textbooks to housing and groceries.
Consequently, taking out a loan is often the only option for many. As a result, total student loan debt in the US is estimated at $1.75 trillion — and it grows six times faster than the national economy.
To get ahead of these loans, you may have decided to get a job. If it’s your first time doing so, the interview may be one aspect you’re having trouble preparing for. For this, we list a few tips that may come in handy.
Job Interview Tips for Aspiring Working Students
Prepare your resume
You need to prove that you’re the best candidate for the job. So though you’ll already be required to submit a resume or CV, be sure to curate it properly. Highlight the skills and qualities you possess that are most relevant to the position.
If you’re applying to be a student researcher, you don’t need to mention your graphic design skills — but you may want to note your attention to detail.
Ready your answers
Some common questions can be found across job interviews, so prepare for them in advance.
Being asked about your greatest strengths and weaknesses allows you to highlight your skills while showing you’re responsive to constructive criticism.
“Tell me about yourself” lets you discuss why your past work experience and career goals make you the perfect candidate. You may also be asked what you know about the company, so read up on them beforehand.
Follow etiquette
First impressions stick, so skills education platform GCF recommends putting your best foot forward.
Be punctual, but don’t arrive earlier than 15 minutes beforehand. Put your phone on silent and try not to use any devices during the interview. Speak respectfully but confidently to your interviewers.
Addressing their questions briefly and directly can help add an air of professionalism to your answers.
Set your boundaries
Be upfront with your interviewer about your commitments at school. Otherwise, you may end up taking on more than you can handle. This can do more than impact your output and negatively affect your potential employer.
Your studies and well-being can also take a hit. The fact that you got an interview means a company is willing to take you on despite your studies, so don’t hesitate to be honest about your schedule.
Ask your questions
However, all this may not be enough to help you stand out. That’s why career specialists LHH recommends asking questions at the end of the interview.
To learn about company culture, ask how much the interviewer enjoys working there. Asking them to define success for the winning applicant can tell you more about the job you’re applying for.
These questions help you come across as having a genuine interest in the company.
Keep in touch
Be sure you have the interviewer’s contact information so you can email a thank you note afterward.
Express your excitement about the possibility of working with them, reference key details from the interview that stuck out to you, and briefly go over why you’ll make a good fit for the position.
Doing so will emphasize your interest in the position and increase your chances of getting the job.
It can be difficult to find work, and we’ve previously discussed that this can be attributed to low performance at job interviews.
Hopefully, this guide provides some helpful tips to help you overcome this challenge and jumpstart your career.
