Interviewing: How to Nail Your First Post-Grad Opportunity
Successful Job Interviews Go Beyond the First Impression
You've just landed your first interview after graduation, now you need to concentrate on what that resume looks like. Reviewing your resume and digital portfolio is always advisable when applying for a position. Your resume should contain your experience, skills, achievements, course projects, internships, and certifications. Adding a cover letter will enhance your application by emphasizing your qualifications for the role.
Before The Job Interview
To prepare for an interview, research the company as soon as you have a date set. Get to know their work, research, products, and services. Glassdoor and Indeed are excellent resources for discovering a company's culture. Take the time to review the job description in detail and match your previous experience with the requirements. Next, check out their website and social media channels for inspiration to coordinate your interview outfit. As a final step, you may wish to practice your interview with a friend or member of your family so that you have a better understanding of what to expect.
QUESTIONS TO EXPECT DURING THE INTERVIEW
What are your goals?
How would you describe your strengths and weaknesses?
What makes you want to work for this company?
What makes you the right candidate for this position?
During the Job Interview
It is a good idea to arrive at your interview approximately 15 to 20 minutes early. If you're going for a virtual interview, ensure your computer is updated, charged, and connected 15 to 20 minutes before you start. At the beginning of an interview, it is imperative to remember names during introductions. If you repeat someone's name after they've said it, you're more likely to remember it. Making eye contact with the person you speak with is effective. Observe your body language to ensure your posture isn't slouched. Consider taking notes and reviewing them after the interview if you're comfortable doing so. In the case of toxic work environments, keep the details of past experiences brief and steer clear of negative information. However, you should emphasize the skills and accomplishments you have gained from your past work experiences. Finally, ensure that you prepare interview questions based on the research you have conducted so that you appear to be the ideal candidate for the position. To help you prepare, here are some questions to ask.
QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD BE ASKING IN AN INTERVIEW
To be successful in this position, what attributes are required?
What is the onboarding process like for your company?
What would you like to see someone in this position accomplish in the first 30, 60, and 90 days of employment?
How long have you been with this company? What’s your favorite part about working here?
Are there any current goals that the company is striving to achieve?
Can you tell me anything about the team I will be working with?
What is the next step in the interview process?
After the job interview
The best way to stand out is to send a handwritten or electronic thank you note! Check out this post-interview thank you template created by Career Contessa.
Email Subject Line: Thank You From [NAME]! | [JOB TITLE] Interview Candidate
Dear [NAME],
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me about the [JOB TITLE] position and for giving me additional insight into the responsibilities and day-to-day duties involved.
Our conversation today only increased my interest in the role. I would be thrilled to use my [SKILLS YOU DISCUSSED DURING INTERVIEW] to benefit [COMPANY NAME] and your goals, including the work you're doing on [SPECIFIC PROJECT OR WORK DISCUSSED IN INTERVIEW].
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have additional questions for me! I look forward to having another conversation with you soon.
Best regards,
[NAME]
[CONTACT INFO]
The following is a contributed article by Rhonisha Ridgeway, MAKERS Women & Built By Girls Social Media Coordinator.
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