7 Interview Tips for Students of Trade Schools in San Antonio
When you finish training at your trade school in San Antonio, you know that you are qualified and capable for a job in your field. The trick is conveying this to an employer. If you have never held a professional position before, interviews may seem daunting. To help you out, here are a few tips that students from all areas of study can use to build their confidence and improve their chances of nailing an interview.
1. Arrive Prepared
Employers want to see that you are interested in the job they have to offer. The best way to show your enthusiasm is by researching the company beforehand and tailoring your answers to the job specifications. Use the company website, Google searches, and common contacts to find out as much about the business as possible.
2. Make Your First Impression Count
Opinions are formed in the first few seconds of meeting someone, and favorable first impression of you could mean the difference between securing or losing out on a job. Dressing in smart clothes, arriving 10 minutes early, turning off your phone, and paying attention to body language (such as by smiling and making eye contact) all contribute to a positive first impression.
3. Be Ready to Tell Your Story
Most interviewers start by asking the interviewee about him- or herself. Use the opportunity to stand out, creating a unique response that allows your personality to shine through. Instead of summarizing your education, experience, and qualifications, tell a story about what influenced you to pursue the career and what about the job attracts you.
4. Prepare for Difficult Questions
One of the best ways to prepare for your interview is to plan for potential questions. Research what is likely to come up, use your knowledge of the job, and think about what questions you were asked in previous interviews. An especially formidable question is: What is your greatest weakness? Remember that here employers want to know how you overcome challenges, rather than what elements of the job you struggle with most.
5. Provide Detailed Answers
Go into as much detail as possible with your answers to show that you are a thoughtful and interesting person but still be concise. If you talk for too long, you will probably become repetitive and lose clarity.
6. Have a Conversation
There is no need to wait until the end of the interview to begin asking your own questions. If your queries fall naturally into the conversation, feel free to ask them. Listening just as much as you talk will turn you and the interviewer into equals, and can even result in the employer trying to sell you the job.
7. Send a Followup Email
Send an email of thanks no later than one day after your interview. This will ensure that the employer retains a favorable opinion of you. The best trade schools in San Antonio provide networking with prospective employers and prepare students for interviews. When choosing a school, give bonus points to any that offer job support after graduation.
