Winning Job Interview Techniques for Recent College Grads
Dress For Success: It may seem an old adage, and it may seem common sense, but what you wear is part of a first impression, especially in a job interview. Whether you are attending a job interview for a business position or art teacher, you need to dress professionally. College grads tend to be more ‘casual Friday’ than ‘business as usual’ in style. That may be fine for everyday living as a recent college grad, but for a job interview, it is important to look your best. This includes the fit of your clothes. All college grads know money is in short supply, and as students, college students tend to skip the tailoring or hemming that goes with a sharp look. When it comes to a job interview, the clothes must be properly tailored. Again, first impressions cannot be taken back. Similarly, for the male college grads, be sure your hair is neat and orderly, no matter what style. Female college grads, be sure your hair is orderly as well, and it is probably best that your hair is not the main focus of your look. Ladies, keep make-up to a daytime look for a job interview.
Presentation: There’s no doubt about it, you are on display during a job interview, especially if you are a recent college grad. Prospective employers want to see if you have what it takes to make it in their business, and a job interview is how they find that out. They also want to know if you’re better than the 10 other college grads they just interviewed. Sure you have the look (thanks to the advice above), but how do you carry yourself, college grad? No more slouching over and strolling along at a leisurely pace. It’s time to hold your head high, walk with your back straight and as though you have a purpose. In fact, you do! Your purpose is to impress during the job interview. Be sure to match your stance and posture with a firm but not painful handshake. Female college grads, that goes for you too.
Speech: No doubt, job interviews involve a Q and A session with the prospective employer. Not only will the boss want to find out about you and your qualifications as a college grad during the job interview, he will want to hear how you sound answering the questions. You are, in fact, a college graduate. Always look your audience in the eye during the job interview, both when listening and when answering questions. With that said, you do not have to hold a solid stare for the entire time. Answer in complete sentences. If asked a simple yes or no question, elaborate your answer. Stick to the topic and whatever you do, do not use the “words” ‘um’ or ‘uh’. You will sound more like a college freshman than a college grad. At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for his time and offer another solid handshake.
Practice it all in the mirror until it’s time to go, and with one last glance in the mirror and you’re out the door!
