Student Blog

Again, congratulations for landing an interview! If you haven’t, make sure to start off with checking out interview preparation tips here.

Let’s look at the interview as a great learning opportunity to practice your presentation, build confidence, and gain more experience for your next interviews. With that in mind, let’s give our best effort to really seize the chance. Below are some points to take into consideration during and after your interview to ensure a professional first impression.

During the interview
【If you are attending a online interview】

1.Keep good posture

Compared with sitting on the floor, sitting on a chair will be more comfortable to maintain a good sitting position. Siting up with your back straight and opened shoulders is a great sign to show the recruiter that you are confident. For eye contact, I suggest looking at the camera when you speak and looking at the interviewer when they are speaking!

Siting up with your back straight and opened shoulders is a great sign to show the recruiter that you are confident

2.Avoid referring to your notes, unless…

…you really want to. If you ever have to do so, maybe choose a time when the interviewer is looking sideways or taking notes. Avoid reading off script. You might think the interview can’t tell, but actually it becomes obvious, especially if you wear glasses.

【If you are attending a phone interview】

1.Pay attention to your tone

Here’s a small tip. Stand up and smile when you talk; it makes you sound more upbeat. You may want to think twice before cracking a joke, since there may be misunderstanding when we don’t get to see the other party’s reaction. Therefore, I recommend going straight into the topic to keep your answers clear and concise.

2.Show that you are listening actively

When the interviewer explains something that takes longer than usual, to let them know that you are listening, respond with “uhm hmm” or “yes” to signal to them that you are paying attention to what they are saying. You may also want to take some notes if it’s important information.

After the interview

1.Send a thank-you email

It’s a great idea to send a follow-up email after the interview to express how you appreciated the opportunity. Consider mentioning some interesting topics discussed during the interview, what you were able to learn from their insights, and re-emphasize how you can make a positive contribution to the organization.

2.Persistence makes a difference

Getting no reply can feel rough. But I know this fact for sure: it’s not something about you that is not right, but it’s you in that specific position. So, don’t let yourself be your own worst critic. Moreover, companies are often selecting from a very competitive group of candidates with strong profiles. Be proud of yourself that you made it as far as you did.

Best of luck job hunting!

We at SPA wish you the best of luck in your job hunting. Thank you for reading.

Click here for a list of articles on Career.

Ha Phan Ngoc DOAN

Hi! I’m Ha, class of 2021FA, majoring in IRPS (International Relations and Peace Studies). On campus, I was a Resident Assistant, Teaching Assistant, APU Student Ambassador and Student Staff at APU Library. I can’t wait to share with you all my experience as a SPA member!