How to Ace the Interview at AIE
Most of communication is nonverbal.
Whether it’s for an interview to enroll at one of AIE’s programs, or a job interview, communication needs to be understood equally on both accounts. When you interview for a job or school, the most important thing with your overall bearing is to project confidence. The last thing you want to seem like is too confident or relaxed. This is a fine line to walk.
In general, you’ll want to project a more subdued side when you’re if you would prefer to err on the side of caution. This will be easier to add an impression of confidence than take away the first impression of being egotistical or self-absorbed.
According to Psychologist World, body language is 80% of communication, and 20% of all communication is verbal. Eye contact or gestures should be made naturally, not forcefully.
The interview isn’t as scary as it sounds.
Although no one expects you to walk out of an interview as the interviewer’s best friend, and “being nice” isn’t in the job description, but it’s important to be likeable.
Preparing for an interview shouldn’t be based off the same script you used in countless interviews before. This tactic will make you seem disinterested or distant. Instead of relying on this technique or keeping with the script, you need to show genuine interest.
Remember, it’s a lot easier to root for people we like, which is why we cheer on the plucky underdog hero in movies and smile when the bully jock gets knocked down a peg or two.
You want the interviewer to feel comfortable and recognize the company culture or college spirit in you. You might be able to easily envision yourself as part of the team, but do they see you as part of their team?
How will they remember you after the interview?
The some of the most important features of an interview are the follow-up questions and a follow-up e-mail. Your interviewer is probably someone who had to listen to people drone on about themselves not just all day, but all week.
Worst of all, if some people do try to communicate with the interviewer, it’s the typical questions that are often asked in vain, and rarely taken as an opportunity to get a closer look into the company you want to work for, or the college you want to study at: “What’s your favorite part about working here?”, “Can I work while attending AIE?” or “What is the culture like?”.
An interview is every bit as much about whether you should want to be part of the organization or college as it is for the organization or college to decide if you exceed their requirements. If you’re going to be spending a third of your week there (more during the inevitable crunch), it better be a place you won’t feel dead inside after a week of being there.
Most important of all: Never answer a question with just yes or no. Always follow up with a “why” – and that’s how to ace the interview whether it’s at AIE or at a potential internship or job.