If you’re a prospective student, you might be wondering about some tips and tricks for interviews—whether for jobs or college admissions. I’m assuming some of you reading this have already had a few college interviews, so this isn’t necessarily about that. Instead, this post is about job interviews! Specifically, those for part-time jobs, including the ones you might encounter while at Amherst. During your time here, you may run into job interviews here and there, especially if you plan to work on campus. As a first-year student, I’ve been through a few myself, and I want to share my personal guide on how to prepare for and succeed in them. I used these very tricks to land my awesome job as a blogger for Amherst College Admissions, where I get to write about my experiences and give advice to prospective students. On top of that, I have other on-campus jobs, so I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to interviews.
General Tips for Job Interviews
Whether you’re applying for an on-campus position, a local part-time job, or even a summer opportunity, interviews can feel nerve-wracking. But with the right preparation, you can go in with confidence. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Do Your Research
Know the position: Even if it’s a simple part-time job, read the job description carefully. Understand what skills they are looking for.
Know the employer: If it’s an on-campus job, learn which office or department is hiring. If it’s an off-campus role, check out the company’s website or social media.
Prepare a few talking points: If they ask, “Why do you want this job?” you should have an answer ready.
Practice Common Interview Questions
Even for part-time jobs, employers often ask:
“Tell me about yourself.” → Keep it brief! Highlight your interests, skills, and how they relate to the job.
“Why do you want this job?” → Be specific. Mention skills you want to develop or how it fits your schedule.
“Tell me about a time you handled a challenge.” → Use a real-life example from school, volunteering, or past work experience. (THIS IS ONE I SEE CONSTANTLY)
Show Confidence (Even if You’re Nervous!)
It’s totally normal to feel anxious before an interview, but try to breathe and speak clearly.
Don’t rush through your answers—take a second to think if needed.
Remember: They call/email you for an interview because they’re interested in you!
Dress Appropriately
On-campus jobs usually don’t require formal wear, but you should still look put-together.
A nice sweater or blouse with clean jeans or slacks is a safe choice for most jobs.
If it’s an office job, consider business casual (button-up shirt, dress pants, or a neat dress).
Be Ready to Talk About Your Availability
Many campus jobs are flexible, but supervisors still need to know your schedule.
Have a general idea of when you’re free before the interview.
If you have extracurricular commitments, be upfront about them!
Ask Your Own Questions
At the end of the interview, they’ll probably ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” Take advantage of this! It shows you’re interested and thinking ahead. Some good questions include:
• “What does a typical day in this job look like?”
• “What qualities make someone successful in this role?”
Follow Up with a Thank-You Email
• This isn’t always expected for part-time jobs, but sending a quick thank-you email can leave a great impression.
• Here is an example
“Hi [interviewer’s name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [name] position. I really enjoyed learning more about the role and am excited about the opportunity to contribute. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!”
Bonus: My Personal Experience with Interviews at Amherst
When I first started applying for jobs on campus, I was nervous about the interview process. But once I got the hang of it, I realized that most interviewers just want to see if you’re reliable, responsible, and willing to learn.
Here’s how I personally landed my job as a blogger for Amherst College Admissions:
1. I researched the role—I read through previous blog posts to understand the writing style they were looking for.
2. I prepared my answers—I thought about why I wanted the job and how I could contribute.
3. I was honest and enthusiastic—I shared my love for writing and my excitement about helping prospective students.
4. I followed up—I sent a polite thank-you email after the interview.
I’ve used similar strategies to get other jobs on campus, and I can honestly say that the key is to be prepared, be yourself, and show enthusiasm!
Final Thoughts
Interviews don’t have to be scary. With a little preparation and confidence, you can make a great impression and land the job you want—whether it’s on campus or beyond.
If you’re a first-year like me, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Many campus jobs understand that students are still learning, so they aren’t expecting perfection—they just want dedicated and reliable workers.
I hope these tips help you in your next interview. Good luck, and go get that job!