You think you really know yourself until you’re standing in front of someone in a shirt and tie and they insist you “tell them about yourself.” Suddenly your mind goes blank, and you realize you are the world’s least interesting person. Then comes the vague interrogation with questions like: What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses? What does it mean to be successful to you? Name a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation at work and describe how you overcame it. Convincing someone you are the best option for a job is no easy task. But there are ways to make the process a little less painless and a little more rewarding.

Have a game plan. Yes, there is somewhat of a strategy to answering questions in a way that presents you in the best light possible.

The STAR technique can be used with just about any and every behavioral question thrown your way, and most employers ask behavioral questions. This way, they get to see what kind of person you are — if you’re proactive or reactive, if you can think on your feet, a leader or a follower, etc.

Using the STAR technique, you essentially describe the situation or task you were in with thorough detail for clear understanding of the interviewer. Make sure it’s from a particular situation from the past that best relates to the question; the more general, the less memorable you are to the employer, and you appear ill-prepared. Then, explain the action you took in this situation, keeping the focus on yourself. Don’t focus on what your group accomplished. Paint the picture of your own accomplishments, illustrating why you would be an asset to the company. And then finish by giving the results of the situation; here, you spell out what happened and what was learned from the situation.

Find a common ground between modest and arrogant. This interview is about you after all.

“I think students sometimes make the mistake of begging for a job; they appear desperate,” said Alex Brinkman, senior in Engineering. “Yes the company can offer you a lot, but you have to remember to represent yourself in a way that shows you’re an asset to the company as well, that you’re useful.”

This is the time you have to ask questions about the company or even the interviewer him or herself. Don’t be afraid to be conversational; while it’s necessary to be polite, it’s just as important to show your personality. This can be done by finding common ground with your interviewer; show him or her who you really are, even outside of work and school.

Show curiosity and interest. Enthusiasm shows the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the company, as well as the fact that you believe in yourself. This goes for anyone you may talk to while visiting a company; anyone you come in contact with could be instrumental in the decision of whether or not they want to employ you. While on site at an interview, it’s possible that you may be taken to lunch where you will be with potential employers in a more casual setting. Remember that they are always watching you. If you are put in a situation where you’re unsure of what could be offensive to the company, always refer to those around you before you act. You never know what’s going on on the inside, or what’s being evaluated.

Brinkman also recommends going to career fairs as early as freshman year, not only for practice purposes, but also to make contacts. He said not only has he recognized employers from various companies just by simply going back each semester and talking to them for five minutes, but they remember him as well. Taking opportunities to network as often as possible never hurt anybody. You can’t be memorable if you don’t care enough to show up and meet people in the first place.

So before you go to your next interview, take a deep breath, relax, don’t be afraid to be prideful in your accomplishments. You’ve worked hard for a reason. Also, don’t forget to smile.

_Meghan is a sophomore in Media._