If you’re anything like me when I was in my senior year of college, then you probably have spent a good amount of time worrying about what you’re going to do when graduation comes. You’ve spent 3 years thinking that you’d know exactly what you want to do and how you’re going to get there. Then all of a sudden something changes in that fourth year that automatically makes you question everything and realize that you actually have to go out there and find that thing that you’re going to do - and actually KNOW what you want to do. I mean, who knows anything, anyway?? It’s easy to worry about where you’re going to be in 5 years and feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders with whatever happens after you graduate. I have good news for you! Whatever happens next will prepare you for wherever you’re going later - all you have to do is be present with what is right in front of you and make the most of every opportunity.

I can’t give you the secret to knowing what your life holds after college, but I can help you with something that is right in front of you. Interviews. Interviewing is one of those things that can have you questioning am I likeable? Do I have an acceptable resumé? What if I don’t get this job? I’m pretty sure it is the most normal human reaction to have these questions, but the most important thing to remember is that everything will work out the way that it needs to. No matter what happens, you will learn and you will grow from your experiences. So this leads me to some things to remember when interviewing.

1) Be yourself. This may sound cliché, but it’s seriously true! You have a lot to bring to the table and you will end up selling yourself short by being the person you think the interviewers want.

2) Before you interview, get a notebook and write out goals and questions for yourself. Like what do you want to know about the company (i.e. culture, hardest/best part of working there, how the interviewers have grown while working there, etc.) and what do you want them to know about you? This will help solidify your thoughts so you don’t go blank!

3) Share the experiences on your resumé that have had the biggest impact on you. Sometimes the most meaningful experiences can be the smallest thing on a list of accomplishments!

4) Write down immediate thoughts. Right after your interview, write down your thoughts on how you feel about the company, what you like and don’t like, how you feel after, and any follow-up questions you might have. This will help tremendously in remembering your take-aways from the individual interviews. 

5) You are incredible and you can do it!

Lindsey Bender

Class 8 Fellow

Apptegy