The National Association of Colleges and Employers projects that more than 1.8 million students will graduate from college this year alone and that employers plan to hire 8.3 percent more new college graduates from the Class of 2015 for their U.S. operations than they did from the Class of 2014.
Kendra Bissonette, HR Recruitment Specialist from Dedham-based Insight Performance, offers some guidance on how the new grad can best be prepared for the crucial first interview.
1) Take yourself seriously: Interviews are not just casual conversations; they set the tone for your potential job and future career. If you do not take yourself seriously in an interview, how can an employer expect that you will take your job seriously?
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2) Always be prepared: Do your homework on the company as well as the position to which you are applying. Don’t forget to bring all materials necessary such as a resume, a list of references, or a letter of recommendation to the interview. If the interview is on the phone, be sure that you are in a quiet place with no distractions.
3) Use resources wisely: Most colleges have a career center that students can utilize. Take advantage of everything they have to offer, whether it is helping with resume writing or conducting a mock interview so you can practice. These are invaluable resources. Colleges and Universities want to help place their grads in top-notch companies as it strengthens their alumni network and helps attract new students.
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4) Practice makes perfect: Have someone ask you various interview questions to help prepare you to answer any type of question that is thrown your way. Try to focus on the “Behavioral” and “Personal Downfall” questions. For example; “What do you consider to be your biggest weakness?” or “Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it?” These curveball questions tend to be the hardest to answer on the spot, so take some time to think them over! Be prepared with specific examples of work you’ve done in the past.
5) Be Professional: First impressions are critical so you want to dress for the interview like you already have the job. Be confident but not cocky. This interview may be one of your first, but it probably won’t be one of your last, so use the opportunity to help yourself improve your interviewing skills.
