First Time Job Hunter – Interview Tips
Blog Editor’s Note: We hired a few recent college graduates in 2010. Our new colleagues nailed their job interviews with us – so we asked one to offer interview tips for the first time job seeker – please add any additional tips in “comments.”
You’re fresh out of college and haven’t even finished reading over your degree (you don’t understand Latin, anyway) when it dawns on you; the job hunt is on the horizon and with it comes the inevitable interview process. But don’t sweat it! The interview process is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the companies you’ve applied at and figure out your own career orientation. Here are some tips to make the most of the interview process.
Remember the 4 Ps:
1. Preparation
You got the call to come in for an interview. Congrats! The problem is you know nothing about the company. Now is the time to research. What does the company do? What are its goals? How was it founded? Is it local or national? These answers will help focus your responses during the interview. Print out some fresh copies of your (carefully proofread) résumé and plan to carry them in a professional notebook. Bring a nice pen to take notes during the interview. Write down some questions you may have about the company or the role. Plan your outfit the night before. It’s also a good idea to know how to get to the interview location beforehand. Print out directions and take a test drive to the interview site. Account for weather and traffic conditions on the day of the interview.
2. Presentation
You only get one shot to make a first impression. With that in mind, leave your worn dress pants and scuffed shoes at home. Dress professionally and groom conservatively. Cover any tattoos and remove any visible piercings (ladies can leave in earrings). Do not chew gum. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the interview is scheduled; any earlier and you display a lack of consideration for your interviewer’s time. Turn off your cell phone when you arrive at the interview site. When meeting your interviewer, stand up, make eye contact, smile genuinely, and greet them with a nice, firm handshake.
3. Professionalism
You’re in the hot seat. Keep cool! The interviewer wants to meet you, so act naturally and be yourself. Make eye contact but avoid staring. Be engaged in the conversation but more importantly, be engaging. Speak slowly and deliberately. Avoid any “umms” or “uhhs” in speech. Likewise, avoid using big words that would make you seem like a show off. When asked a question, pause and consider it carefully before answering it. Don’t just blurt out a prefabricated response. Towards the end of the interview, raise the questions you prepared about the role and the company. What is the company culture like? Does the company offer any benefits? Ask the interviewer what he or she likes and dislikes about working at the company. At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer and ask for his or her card. Be sure to shake the interviewer’s hand again before leaving.
4. Post-interview
Review the notes you took during the interview and consider how this job would fit in with your career plans. Even if the job doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, it’s always a good idea to send a follow-up thank you e-mail to your interviewer. Thank them for taking the time to meet with you and, if you’re interested in the job, ask what the next steps in the hiring process are. Be patient when waiting for a response from your interviewer. Wait at least 5-7 days before following up again. Being proactive is a good quality but being a pest is a definite turn off.
Keep these tips in mind as you go about the interview process. With the most important fifth P, practice, you’ll be a pro at interviews in no time! Good luck!
