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So your student life is over; no more weekday lie-ins, endless fancy dress nights out, rocking up to uni in your favorite comfy joggers, and no more long holidays. It’s time to enter the real world and put all those all-nighters in the library to good use and get yourself a job.
Getting a job straight after university can be difficult and competing with the other thousands of graduates can seem rather daunting. But, with the right interview tips, you’ll ace your first job interview and before you know it, you’ll be employed in a heartbeat.
Get Prepared
Get clued up. Take the time to research the company before your interview so that you know exactly what they offer. This doesn’t just mean taking a look at the company’s “about us” section on their website. Research further afield, see if they have, for example, been in anything news-related, whether they have implemented any new strategies or recently been allocated an award. Also, look at what your job role will include and demonstrate how you can fill these attributes if you were to work for the company. The more clued up you are about the company shows your dedication and that you are passionate about getting the job.
Getting a job straight after university can be difficult and competing with the other thousands of graduates can seem rather daunting. But, with the right interview tips, you’ll ace your first job interview and before you know it, you’ll be employed.Click To TweetPractice. Prepare and practice possible questions that might be asked in the interview whether this is professional job interview training or just rehearsing a few questions with your family or friends a few days before the interview. Preparation will help you to avoid the embarrassment and panic of not being able to answer any questions, putting you more at ease. So think outside the box to establish some potential questions that might be asked. Remember that if you’re ever asked the typical interview question of “what are some of your weaknesses?” answer it with a positive spin on it so that your employability isn’t jeopardized in any way.
From building your college experience to the job search to landing a job, Career Coach Kristin Shopp helps the college student navigate the job search process and set themselves up for professional success. To the point yet filled with helpful tips and up to date knowledge of the college job market, this book is sure to give the job seeker a competitive edge.
When it comes to the end of the interview, employers normally ask whether you have any questions. All too often, graduates just say “no”, when it is the perfect opportunity to show how much you’re interested in working there. Be genuine and ask “what is it they like about the company?” or “what can you expect to be doing on a daily basis in the job role?”
Be on time
It is essential that you arrive at your interview on time. If you turn up late, you have immediately given the interviewees reason to not employ you by showing them that you have poor time management. Make sure you plan your journey beforehand, knowing exactly where it is, how to get there and how long it takes. If you’re getting there by public transport, which isn’t always the most reliable method, or if your journey is delayed for some reason, make sure you have a contact number on hand to explain your delay so that they understand your situation.
Looking the part
Wearing the right clothes. Turning up to university in joggers and a hoody might have been acceptable, but it certainly isn’t in the working world. Make sure you look presentable, professional, and smart. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one. Take the time to go shopping and get an interview outfit and understand what type of business you are interviewing for. If it’s a creative job role, then it is likely that employers will want you to express some of your creativity through your clothing. Alternatively, if it’s a very corporate job role then professional workwear such as a suit or smart dress is likely to be a better option. If you look the part, you’ll feel the part, increasing your employability.
Get plenty of sleep. The last thing you want is to get to your interview looking tired and worn out or even worse get caught yawning during the interview. Make sure you’re fresh-faced and ready to tackle any of those dreaded questions.
Attitude
Walk into the interview with confidence. Believe in yourself that you have all the skills required for the job as the last thing an employee wants is someone that questions themselves and already doesn’t think they are good enough for the job. At the same time, you don’t want to come across as a “know it all”, so make sure you get the balance right.
Have a smile on your face. If you approach the interview with a smile on your face, the employers will immediately know that you are enthusiastic about the job and actually want to be there. At the end of the day, these people are going to be working with you, so show off the positive attributes of your personality.
Suly Rieman has helped thousands of new college graduates effectively prepare for their job search. She has an unwavering passion for helping college students be fully prepared with effective job search documents and interviews.
