Interview Tips

So as some of my followers may already know, I had an interview with an alumnus from Brown University that I believe went very well and that I will finally get a decision in these few upcoming weeks. With that in mind, I found that when it comes to interviews people (including myself) aren't as well prepared as they would hope they are. I had to spent the entire day before trying to mentally and emotionally prepare myself for one of the biggest interviews I've had to date and (with the help of some experience relatives) I was able to go into my interview feeling as if I had done all I could to prepare.

So, in light of this discovery, I decided to give you guys just a few basic tips. They may be small, but they'll go a LONG way.

1. When meeting your interviewer say "Hello" not "Hi" or "Hey". You want to seem professional and prepared and a nice, clear "Hello" will start you on the right foot.
2. Give a firm handshake. I had particular trouble with this one, but the best way to think about it is to grab your interviewers hand as firmly as you would grasp a slightly heavy textbook. Not too firm that you'll break their hand, but not so light that they'll think you have no self-confidence.
3. SIT UP STRAIGHT! That means shoulders back, for girls you should have your feet tucked in behind each other (DON'T CROSS YOUR LEGS OVER THE KNEE), and for both girls and guys try your best not to fidget. Which means don't shake your leg, incessantly touch your hair or face, and don't shift in your seat too much.
4. Eye Contact!! Eye Contact!! Eye Contact!! You don't want your interviewer to think that you are easily distracted and don't have the common courtesy to look them in the eye when you speak to them, so even when they aren't looking at you keep your eyes on them! 
5. Ask questions!! Try to come prepared with a set of go-to-questions (I try to go with at least five..) that way when they ask you the infamous, "Do you have any questions for me?" You can say, yes and then just go from there.
6. Last, but certainly not least, when you say your goodbyes be sure to give yet another firm handshake and tell the THANK YOU! You want to be respectful and it's a good indicator of good manners if you thank them for taking the time to consider you for a position, scholarship, college, etc. So show them your gratitude and tell them you appreciate them letting you speak. 

Though these aren't all the do's and don'ts of interviewing, if you go in with at least these six guidelines in mind you'll have a fighting chance at achieving whatever it is you hope to achieve! If you have any further questions or comments feel free to comment on this post.