Interviewing
Make a good first impression
You never get a second chance at a first impression so it’s critical that you make those first moments you interact with a hiring manager count. The way you say hello, your attitude, your posture, your attire; these are all things that hiring managers analyze when they first meet you to get a sense of what kind of intern you’ll be.
A best practice to follow is to dress business formal in any interview setting. However, do research the company before heading into that interview. Some industries are a little more casual, like a highly creative industry. You may consider a more business casual look, or something that showcases your personality a little more boldly. It’s always best to be overdressed than underdressed in any interview setting.
Do your research
One of the biggest mistakes someone can make is not doing any research about the company they want to interview with. Knowing at least the basic information about the company, like their mission statement, goals and values are an easy way to show your interest.
Send a thank you note
Sending a post-interview thank you note is a great way to let the interviewer know that you genuinely appreciate their time and shows that you are interested in joining their organization.
We recommend going one step further by including something personalized for each note rather than writing a uniform version that is sent to everyone. Take notes during your interview and jot down things that you talk about. You can then include that kind of information in your thank you note. This will not only help the interviewer remember you, but also show them that you were actively listening and that you were engaged in the conversation.
Negotiating
People negotiate every single day but when it comes to negotiating in the workplace, these situations can feel overwhelming.
The first step in any negotiation is to gather as much information as you can on the person with whom you are negotiating and the situation as a whole. Your goal is to know as much as possible before the negotiation begins. Come to the table ready with a few questions to ask your supervisor:
- “Are you happy with my work?”
- “Am I meeting the company’s expectations for my role?”
- “Do you think I’m being paid fairly for the work that I’m bringing to the company?”.
This can be a great starting point for a constructive discussion about your wages.
What is their “why?” What is yours? Understand both party’s needs, wants and perspectives and consider viable options that are more likely to result in success. As always; do your research and be familiar with industry standards.
Stay calm, cool and collected
Negotiation can be a stressful situation, but it’s important to keep a clear and open mind. Dress for success, strike a power pose before walking into the lobby and try to schedule a time when you know you’ll feel sharp.
Don’t:
Try not to let emotion hinder your efforts and remember that your relationship with the other party is part of your goal. Have an end goal in mind, but don’t dig your heels into your position. Focus on your interest instead, and keep other options in mind. This is called your BATNA, or your best alternative to a non-agreement. What is your best case scenario if you don’t achieve your loftiest goal?
