Greetings, Nerdify fans! Imagine that you’ve been working on your resume for several hours, then sent it to different companies in the hoping to get an invitation for the interview. Finally, it happened, but you started panicking, as you don’t know what to do and how to behave.

Don’t be afraid! Follow Nerdify recommendations that will help you cope with stress and pass the interview successfully.

Before the interview:

1. Pick proper clothes

Good clothes open all doors. So try not to contradict the corporate style. Perhaps in the organization, they prefer to dress in casual. Then don’t stand out and don’t come in an office suit. Just from the doorway, you will be perceived as a stranger. Conversely, in areas where every employee must wear a suit, jeans and a sweater will look weird. Anyway, the clothes should be clean, ironed and neutral.

2. Explore the company

Most companies have websites where you can find all the information: from the history and the founders to the mission and contacts. Spend an hour or two on this site for a deeper study of the organization. Find out what qualities and skills the company values in employees and whether you have them. Knowledge is power, but it also shows that you are serious about it and you care about which company to work in.

3. Review your resume

You think that you already know your resume throughout and across but read it again, thinking about the possible questions of the employer. Try to correlate your answers with the position you are applying for.

4. Write an elevator pitch

Еlevator pitch is a short 30-second presentation of yourself, answering questions: ‘who are you?’, ‘what can you offer?’, ‘what contribution can you make to the company?’. It’s always difficult to write about your strengths and benefits, but you have to learn how to sell yourself as a professional.

5. Make a repetition

Invite a friend or family member to have a mini-interview with you. Tell them your elevator pitch. Ask them to ask you some typical questions, and you give them the best answers. You can also ask them for the feedback. Rehearsal interview allows you to get used to this process so that you feel comfortable and confident in a real interview.

6. Prepare questions on important topics

As you gather information about the company, write down the questions that arise. On some questions, you can find answers in the process of studying the company. The rest you can ask the interviewer. Don’t forget that the interview is primarily a dialogue. Moreover, interesting and reasonable questions characterize the applicant positively.

7. Prepare answers to typical questions

A good improvisation is a rehearsed improvisation. Prepare answers to potential questions whenever possible. Definitely, you will not define all the questions that you will be asked. And yet it does not prevent you from getting ready. Look at the lists of typical questions in the interview. Think about your answers. Most often, the interviewer will ask you the text of your resume: your last job, why you quit, etc.

Pronounce the prepared phrases aloud. Not everyone has an innate oratorical talent, so you should develop this skill at every opportunity. Especially before the interview.

During the interview: 

1. Follow the posture

Sit straight, spread your shoulders, don’t bring your head down. Nothing in your behavior should say that you are a lazy student. You are not a lazy student and you don’t want the interviewer to accept you for who you really are not. So, don’t slouch!

2. Maintain eye contact

By maintaining eye contact with the interviewer, you demonstrate your sincerity and confidence.

3. Do not apologize for lack of experience

Instead, emphasize your education, skills, and strengths.

4. Answer questions honestly

Never lie. Even if some of the interviewer’s questions make you uncomfortable, don’t lie and never change the subject. You have to tell the truth, only the truth and nothing but the truth. This is what is appreciated the most at Nerdify.

5. Omit some details

No one needs to know the details of your background. The more you explain these or those situations, the more you create an impression of yourself as an exculpatory and protective person. As it was mentioned before, don’t lie, speak about the facts but omit the details. Hold confession for your therapy session.

6. Use a professional language

Even if the interviewer is being rude, don’t follow his example. Maintain a professional level, refraining from the tartness, inappropriate jokes. As a student, you can’t boast of extensive experience, but you are able to show your ambitions, fresh and new look and readiness to work.

After the interview:

Send a thank you note by e-mail to your interviewer within 24 hours after the end of the interview. Thank him for the time and confirm your interest in this work. The letter shouldn’t be too long and make sure that it doesn’t contain grammatical errors.

You are still a beginner in the labor market and it will be difficult for you to pass the interview right away. Hever, these recommendations from Nerdify will help you prepare for all the pitfalls that may meet you on the way to getting a job.

Good luck!

Hey there, pal! Without a doubt, you have many questions about college life! It reminds you of an ocean full of unknown and probably dangerous species. But no worries, cuz Nerdify is here to help!

Making it through your freshman year at college is like stepping on a way of the warrior – the secret is to learn how to fight for your rights as you learn, analyze, interact, become organized, and start to think strategically. No, the real trick is to have fun no matter what! Here are some helpful tips to guide you through the first year of college life without too much trouble, stress, and anxiety.  

Getting Organized Is the Key!

You have read it right – you have to become organized no matter what as it is one of the most important skills that you should have in order to survive through college. It does not matter what your strong and weak sides are because you have to work on other issues. They are time management, learning all the due dates for important diverse events, keeping track of available funds, and so on. We have it summed up for you, so you know what parts of your life have to be under control:

1. Use organizers, smartphone applications or a big calendar on your wall to keep track of all the critical deadlines. It should not only be about college but about anything that is important in your life. Even birthdays, invitations, financial matters, family gatherings, and scheduled meetings with college professors.

2. Organize each task from the urgent to less urgent and less difficult to most difficult assignments. This allows you to manage your time and physical strength by starting with the most important tasks first while knowing what tasks can be easily completed to help you feel satisfied.

3. Create a budget for yourself, consult with your friends and family, so you can get a word of advice and see how you can feel financially secure.

Become a Jedi of Social Interaction.

You have to work really hard on your personality and place in the society as you enter college. It is not really difficult to become a Jedi of social interaction! No matter how complicated your studies may be, your strong social skills, charisma, warm smile or a friendly pat on the back will always do much more than you can imagine! So, what exactly has to be done?  Okay, just follow this list:

1. Do not miss meetings with your professors. There are special scheduled hours that all professors have, so take advantage of each opportunity and speak of what makes you feel concerned.  

2. Meet your academic adviser. This person is really important for your success and college progress, so getting to know him or her and becoming friends is critical. In case something does not work, remember that you can always ask for another academic adviser.

3. As a part of social interaction, get involved in all things campus: student organizations, clubs, voluntary work, all kinds of fraternities, if you would like. Start a band or become a part of a college sports team. You will not only make new friends and learn some amazing skills but will eventually feel connected and at home.

4. Build a network of friends, meet new people, and do not be afraid of taking mentoring roles to support and help other people.

Building a Bridge Between Studies and Times of Leisure.

One of the worst challenges a college warrior faces is fighting for the girl or a guy he or she has a crush on. No, seriously, it is quite an issue! Just be yourself and speak of your feelings! Unfortunately, romance is not the only problem you will face at college.

Okay, now another challenge is finding a right balance between the studies and times of leisure. Out of all things, find a cozy and calm place where you can study and concentrate. Next, study course syllabus more than twice and see when and what are your due dates, so you can plan that party without damaging your academic progress. College life is always balancing between your social life and study-related events, so the best thing you can do is make it 50/50. You have to study hard, so you can party hard!

As you strive for good grades, do not forget to use all the available study resources on campus. If there are learning labs and tutors, make sure that you use their help even if you think that you do not need it. After all, they have a purpose to be here… and that purpose is YOU! Still, if you do not think that it is an option, try to become a part of study groups, so you and your friends can schedule the same time for studies and leisure. This way you can find some peace and stop feeling like letting someone down!

Battle of Priorities

We are sure that you have heard it all before, but we will say it again that college life, especially the freshman year, is a battle of priorities where important things should come first. Okay, but what is important and how to understand what is really important? Yes, studying is necessary, but unlike most guides, we want to tell you that taking some time for yourself is just as important as academia! If you feel totally stressed, no high grades will be of any good. Even if it is your favorite television show, writing a journal, playing guitar or just riding a bicycle through the park, it is just as important!

All you have to do is to take full responsibility for what you choose and work on your priorities. Try to take one step at a time as you study and make a list of what tasks are closer to the deadline, what college assignments should be done as soon as possible to stop making your life a mess. Yet, at the same time, always ask yourself about what will make you feel best of all even in the middle of a Jedi battle with another complex subject!  

Just remember that even if doing things the last minute before the lessons start could work in high school, it may not work in college. So, it is much safer to stick to deadlines and prioritize your time and resources. In other words, do not take shortcuts and do not cut corners as you progress. Do not cheat because it is your life. It surely deserves the best you can give!

When Things Just Won’t Work…

Trust us, we all have been in situations when things just won’t work and you feel like it is the end of the world! It is perfectly normal because you are in a different environment, you are away from home, so there come anxiety and homesickness among other things. Even if you always wanted to get away from home, college is not always what you have expected. There are three basic rules that you should remember to help you overcome sadness, stress, anxiety, and this feeling when you just do not want to be in college any longer.

1. Stay on campus as much as you can, so the more time you spend on campus, the more you will feel at home and as a part of a community. Join social and cultural events that take place to get your mind away. Try to be creative, have fun, joke around, and inspire people because, trust us, they feel bad too even if they do not show it!

2. Be ready to feel stressed, tired, and overwhelmed. Just know that you are not the only one feeling this way. Do not feel pressured to make hasty decisions about chosen career or a major. Give it some time, try to learn and see what it is. It is not a race that you have to win. Hence, see what you really enjoy, but take time to learn it inside out, talk to professors and other students before you make a turn.

3. Seek professional help when and IF you feel that you need it. It is perfectly normal. The colleges have counseling and health centers, so if you are not feeling well, you should let professionals know. Depression, bullying, feeling isolated, harassment or any conflicts should be reported, as you do not have to face these challenges alone.

We hope that all these little tricks and tips will help you to get through the freshman year at college. Be determined, take advantage of your social network of friends, voluntary work, and the special skills you definitely have. Have fun as you learn, give some time for yourself and remember that it is your life that you can control. You are already a warrior who is winning the first battle because you have what it takes!

Do not forget that you are studying to help yourself feel good about life and do not let any stress ruin it, just contact Nerdify for help any time.

Nerdify is hearing bells ringing around the country again as students go back to schools and colleges.

This can be an exciting time of year, but sometimes a stressful and overwhelming one too. That’s why our Personal Nerds have compiled some awesome tips for heading back to your studies stress-free!

And don’t forget, if you need extra support, Nerdify is always standing by and only a message away!

1. Have your timetable and agenda ready!

Nothing will put a downer on your first day back at a college like turning up and having no idea where you’re supposed to go and at what time a certain class starts. Homework, lessons, extra activities and different events can be quite overwhelming so make sure you have a timetable that’s regularly updated and properly plans your activities. Managing your time is critical to your happiness and academic success! By the way, you can ask Nerdify folks to remind you about important stuff like homework, exams, workshops.

2. Be prepared with the right supplies and books.

If your school or college doesn’t supply enough of the right materials (let’s face it, do they ever?) then make sure you’re well-equipped for your first day back. Having the right supplies can not only help you to be more prepared and organized but stationary is also fun! Well, we think so at least. Also, nobody likes the person in their class who is always asking to borrow a pen!

3. Focus on the academic tasks first!

Everyone can slip into procrastination mode and sometimes prioritize their social activities and hobbies over their studies. But this can have stressful repercussions if we allow it to happen too often, especially in the first few weeks of term when getting ahead and staying ahead is important. Remember, if you need extra help so you can spend more time on fun activities then Nerdify is standing by to help you out with any of your tasks and assignments!

4. Write down your academic goals for the term or year.

As with everything in life, it’s so important to set yourself tangible goals and milestones. We all need something to strive towards, otherwise, it can often feel like our endless work has no real destination or result. Writing down your goals will allow you to properly manage your time and plan your strategy for reaching them. To do lists have been proven to be a powerful driving, motivating force!

5. Learn what type of learner you are!

If you have high expectations for yourself during this academic term (and why shouldn’t you!) it could be really important for you to work out what kind of learner you are. And we don’t mean whether you’re a slow learner or a fast one, or anything like that. But how do you better learn? What’s your process? Maybe you’re more auditory and need music and speeches. Perhaps you’re more of a visual learner that needs pictures and writing or maybe you’re vocal and need to talk about subjects and write notes to better retain the information.

And there we have it: 5 top tips from our Personal Nerds on how to get the most out of your first days and weeks back at school. Don’t forget to drop us a message if you need extra advice or support!