Research the company.
Obvious, I know, but worth repeating: Take notes. Come with
questions prepared. Be able to relay facts, figures and people
of importance in the company.
Be organized.
If you tell a hiring manager "Oh yes, I am soooo organized!",
but you forget copies of your writing samples you promised or
show up to the interview frazzled because you were almost late,
what kind of message does that send?
Bring multiple copies of your resume, references, and give
yourself "extra-extra" time to get there. I also suggest
bringing a portfolio of samples that demonstrate your previous
work experience. Class projects are perfectly acceptable.
Look professional.
It's better to err on the side of overdressed.
Career experts suggest conservative apparel
over a trendy outfit especially for more formal business
settings, such as suits, close-toed shoes and minimal makeup
and jewelry. Some fields, however, do allow for more creative
garb, but use your best judgment based on your line of work and
the individual organization.
Be Confident.
As a recent college grad, I struggled with this. And I doubt
I'm alone. Especially in this economy, grads are often
competing with people whose experience far outweighs ours. But,
we all have very valuable experience to contribute.
You just completed four years of intense learning, class
projects, internships, and university organizations. You have a
wide network at your fingertips, so use them. Some of my best
references and sources of contacts are university
professors.
Prepare answers ? ahead of time.
Interviewing really is a skill that is groomed with practice.
Have sample answers prepared to common interview questions.
Practice them in a mirror, or with a partner. Be able to
deliver well-thought out answers smoothly, concisely and with
professionalism.
I have been asked variations of all these in an
interview:
-
"Why did you choose this major or field?"
-
"Tell me about what you did in ____(insert college
course)."
-
"Describe a typical day at your job (or internship or
past work)."
-
"Tell me about a time you have you strived to improve
yourself."
-
"Tell me about a time you were presented a problem,
the action steps you took to resolve it, and the
final results."
-
"How do you handle conflict?"
-
"How well did you get along with past bosses/managers? Who
was your best boss? Your worst?"
-
"What do you know about this company?"
-
"Why should we hire you?"
-
"Give me an example of when you've worked in a team."
-
"Describe a leadership role you've had."
-
"How do you manage your time?"
-
"If you were me, why would you hire you? Why?"
-
"What have you learned from previous jobs."
Here are some great examples of questions and how to approach
them. Be sure to answer question completely, but don't over
answer.
At the end of your answer, don't be afraid to ask, "Did I
answer your question fully?" or "Would you like me to add
more?" Don't over answer and talk their ear off, but make sure
you do give them enough information. A mistake I sometimes made
in interviews was fumbling/rambling at the end of my answer
while I waited for their approval.
Studentbranding.com writer Nicole Anderson gives great advice
about approaching interview questions using the
STAR model.
Lastly, be able to answer the question "Why do you want to
work in this position?" Mention the company and the position in
your answer. And, always be sure to stress the value you can
provide to the company.
Author:
Cassie is a May 2009 University of Wisconsin-Madison Ag
Journalism graduate. She recently joined SPARK Advertising in
Neenah, Wis. as a full-time public relations specialist. Find
Cassie on Twitter, BrazenCareerist, and LinkedIn.
