Interviewing for a new job and entering into the workforce for the first time can be a daunting process, especially for college students.
As you begin to search for jobs after graduation, it’s important that you take time to be well prepared. Doing so will give you a better chance of landing the job and impressing your potential employer.
Here are five helpful ways you can prepare for an interview after college.
Research the employer.
Many applicants make the mistake of only researching what the employer will ask and forget to research the company itself.
Research the history of the brand or organization and look into the company’s mission. Make sure you know why the company exists and familiarize yourself with its audience. Consider researching the organization’s reputation through websites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor that share honest reviews from previous employees’ experiences. By looking into the company’s mission, values, and reputation, you can have healthy expectations about the position before the interview.
Review the job listing.
Before considering an interview, thoroughly read the listing for the job that you’re applying for. Doing so will help you know how your education and experience can fit into that role.
The job listing will help you determine if you qualify for the position and if it’s the right fit for your skill set. Listings typically include the position’s minimum education requirements, qualifications, and any preferred experience. They will also list the location and expectations of the job so you can know if the position is right for you. Reviewing the description can also help you come up with questions for the interviewer about the position and your qualifications.
Rehearse the interview.
Even though you might not know what questions you will be asked during the interview, it is important to prepare your potential responses.
The interviewer is going to ask you about your experience and try to get to know you better. Ensure that your answers are professional and accurate. Questions like “What was your favorite job experience?” or “How were you involved at college?” may seem like basic questions, but rehearsing your answers will ensure you’re confident and prepared. Consider getting feedback from family and friends on your answers, too. You want to secure the position while remaining true to yourself.
Update your resume.
One important detail that can make or break your interview is your resume. This simple piece of paper can set you apart from other candidates or demonstrate a lack of preparation.
Before any interview, be sure to update your resume with your most recent and relevant experience. Read over it carefully to make sure there are no formatting errors or grammatical mistakes. Try to find a mentor or professor who can give it a second look and provide you with helpful feedback on what experiences, skills or achievements to include.
Prepare questions for the interviewer.
One of the best ways to stand out to an interviewer is by having questions for them. This shows your interest in not only the position but the goals and mission of the organization.
Some questions you could ask include, “What would you like me to accomplish in the first 90 days?” “What are the most immediate projects I would be working on?” and “Who will I work closely with and how would you like me to assist them?” You’ll want to leave the interview knowing everything you can about what your potential job could look like — and doing so will give you a unique inside view of the company and your position.
Interviews are notoriously nerve-racking situations, but they don’t have to be. By taking the proper steps to prepare, you can feel confident and stand out amongst many other job applicants. Be sure to pray for God’s will and favor over the outcome. Then, be at peace and let Him take care of the rest.