How to succeed in an interview for your summer job
Have you landed your first interview for the summer job 2026? Here are NITO's five tips before, during and after the interview.
The exam period is approaching, but many of NITO's student members are already looking for next year's summer job. You have updated your CV, written the application text and perhaps even made use of NITO's CV and application evaluation. Now you have been summoned to an interview – how should you prepare?
Whether it's your first job interview, or you've been through the process before: Here are NITO's five tips on how to be well prepared – and increase your chances of landing the job.
1. Don't sit alone and prepare
Even if you've never been to an interview before, the more you practice, the easier it will be. Make a plan for the interview, and feel free to practice with someone who knows you well. Practice talking calmly and positively about yourself – it makes you feel more confident. You can also get input from a sparring partner that you may not have thought of yourself, which can help reduce the nervousness of the day itself.
2. Prepare for the workplace and role
Read up on what the employer does and go through the job advertisement thoroughly. Feel free to print it out so that you can use it as a starting point for your preparations. Remember that the advertisement text often disappears when the application deadline expires. Think about how your experiences and qualities fit into what they are looking for. Also, make a note of any questions you want to ask at the end of the interview.
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3. Know your strengths
Prepare to answer "Who am I?", "What can I do?", and "What do I want?". Even if you don't have relevant work experience, you can use concrete examples from studies, part-time jobs or leisure and student organisations to show who you are. It is also a good idea to have examples of the role you take in collaboration, and how you function when you work independently. At the same time, be aware of what you should not bring up on your own initiative – for example, conflict situations – it can make the employer sceptical.
4. Make a good first impression – all the way
The interview starts as soon as you walk in the door of the employer. Be polite to everyone you meet, give a firm handshake, make eye contact and smile. Be positive and conscious in the way you act – from the reception to the interview round.
5. Use NITO before signing the contract
After having been through the interview process and received a job offer, you as a member can submit the contract to the NITO lawyers' agreement check. Then you will receive concrete feedback on whether there are conditions you should raise with your employer – which can give you better conditions or a greater financial gain.
Extra good benefits for students
- Only NOK 350 for membership for the entire study period
- Free insurance for the duration of your studies
- Advice and support for career start
