4 Easy Job Interview Tips

It’s college graduation season and according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) employers are finally picking up the pace of hiring for new graduates. NACE identified the top attributes that employers are seeking in applicants, including (though certainly not limited to):

• Communication skills (written)
• Analytical/quantitative skills
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to work in a team
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills (verbal)
• Initiative
• Detail-oriented
• Computer skills
• Leadership

Obviously, you need to stress these attributes both in your resume and during the all-important interview. About that interview…there are concrete ways to improve your interviewing skills. You will find that the more you do it, the better you will get, but here are some tips to make the process a smoother one:

1) Research before you interview: learn everything you can about the company, the competition and the industry. To do this, you should not only review the company’s website, but you should also utilize your (and your parents’) network to find people you know at the company who can provide additional information.  Check out the company’s LinkedIn and Facebook pages, review their latest ad campaigns, establish Google alerts as soon as you learn of an interview so you can start to get updates. If you know the name of the interviewer, do a quick check on him or her (again, social media can be helpful here) and try to find common ground (school, interests).

2) Practice interviewing: Stand in front of mirror, or better yet, have a friend of your parents conduct a mock interview. You are not trying to memorize a script, but attempting to get comfortable telling stories about yourself that can bring to light why the company should hire you. Don’t forget to make eye contact and also try to perfect a firm, but not painful, handshake.

3) Prepare Smart Questions: When the interview is over and you are asked, “So, do you have any questions for me?”, DO NOT SAY NO! Prepare at least three questions that show that you are interested in the position and in the person conducting the interview. Remember that people really like to talk about themselves and while the interview is a chance for the company’s rep to get to know you, it also a chance for you to learn more about the person, the job and the company. Here are a few options:

• Tell me about your career path…how did you get to the position you are in?
• What’s your favorite part of your job?
• What part of the company is showing the most growth?
• What paths for growth does this position offer?
• Based on what we discussed, where do you see me fitting in?
• What do you think differentiates your culture from your competitors’?

4) Finish Strong and Follow up: Conclude the interview with enthusiasm and interest in the position. Before you leave, ask the interviewer what the next steps and timeline are. Email a thank you note less than 24 hours after the interview and try to make the note specific to the conversation you had. Remind the interviewer why you are excellent candidate and how much you would like to continue the conversation. This may be a little old school, but I also recommend sending a neatly hand-written thank you note soon after the interview…to people of a certain generation (like me!), a note via snail mail is a wonderful touch.