Interview Tips for Recent College Graduates: 2020 Edition
Congratulations! Your resume has surpassed the hundreds of applications that a company receives every day. Now it’s time to seal the deal in the interview, but do you even know where to begin? Here are some tips to help you stand out from the crowd and ace that interview!
- Research the company
There is so much information online about companies these days. You should take the time to not only understand what the company does, but to also look over any recent press releases and marketing materials. Working this information into your interview conversation is going to be much more meaningful than someone who just regurgitates the basic facts.
- Ask Meaningful Questions
Use the information that you gained by doing research on the company, to formulate meaningful questions. Asking well thought out questions not only shows the interviewer that you are prepared, but it also shows that you interested in the company and the role. Here are some example questions you can ask:
- What does success look like in this position?
- How does this position fit into the company’s long-term plans?
- What do you enjoy most about working at this company?
- What gets you most excited about the company’s future?
- Practice
Interviewing can be challenging, especially if you haven’t interviewed before. Take the time to review common interview questions and how you would respond. Don’t be afraid to practice your responses out loud, too. By practicing out loud, it will not only allow you to become more comfortable in job interviews, but also more confident!
- Be Interested in the Opportunity at Hand
Employers understand that you are not looking to stay in an entry-level position for your entire career; they know you have an ultimate end goal, which probably isn’t the position you are currently interviewing for. With that being said, you still have to show the interviewer why you are excited for the current position at hand and why this position will help further your skills for future endeavors. You can do this by keeping your answers focused and tailored to the role that you are interviewing for.
- Trust your recruiter
We want you to get the job, but most importantly we want you to be successful! Don’t be afraid to be honest with your recruiter about long-term career goals, salary expectations, other interview processes, etc. When we have all the necessary information, it makes it easier for us to represent you and ultimately, get you the best offer!
As new graduates flood the job market, it’s important to set yourself up for success. By utilizing the above tips, you can show companies why you stand out from the crowd and why you would be such a valuable asset to the company!
