Interview Preparation Guide For Undergrads: Tips To Nail Your First Job Interview
Are you a young college graduate who just started your first job search? Does attending an interview make you so nervous that you want to hide under the covers? We’ve got the best tips to help you sail through interviews like a pro.
Remember that the interviewer’s job is to find their ideal candidate – so they’re on your side. They want you to do well. Whether it’s your first or tenth interview, the proper preparation can give you the confidence to handle it well.
In this article, we share the best interview tips for college students to help you secure your first role:
Before The Interview
- Spend some time researching the company. Check the company’s website and social media pages to know more about the company – its core values, missions, flagship products, and services. Use LinkedIn and news sites to read up on the latest information from the company.
- Reading the company’s blog and Facebook pages can help you understand the voice and tone of the company.
- Dress professionally. If you don’t have any formal wear, it’s time to invest in some grown-up clothing. Research the dress code of the company you’re interviewing for and dress accordingly. For example, banks and legal firms require candidates to wear suits, while startups have a more casual dress code.
- Even if the interview is online via Zoom, dress appropriately, just like you would do for a regular in-person interview. It’s a good idea to avoid strong patterns that could be distracting on video.
- For online interviews, test your internet connectivity and do a trial run of the video-calling app to avoid any technical glitches during the interview. Check the speakers and camera and adjust the camera angle to point directly at your face.
- Research potential questions that the interviewer might ask you. Use sites like Glassdoor and Indeed to research the company and know more about their interview process.
- Carry a hard copy of your resume. Make sure that your resume is professional and up-to-date, and formatted correctly.
- Prepare a classic elevator pitch introducing yourself, your special skills, and other accomplishments. Practice this pitch in front of a mirror or work with a friend or parent to get more comfortable.
During The Interview
- Address the interviewer by their last name and use any appropriate honorifics like Dr.
- Focus on your body language – stand up straight, walk tall and maintain good posture.
- Keep the background professional and clutter-free in a virtual interview. Avoid eating or drinking anything during the interview as it can make you appear unprofessional.
- Tell the truth and do not overpromise. Make good eye contact and avoid oversharing too much personal information. Keep the conversation professional, focusing on what you bring to the workplace.
After The Interview
Send a short thank-you email thanking the interviewer for their time and patience. Keep it short, sincere, and grammatically correct.
Wrapping Up
Attending an interview as a recent grad can be overwhelming if this is your first time appearing for an interview. Work up your confidence and give it your best! And, even if you don’t secure the job, remember it’s not the end of the line – there are several other opportunities.
If you require help with your college coursework, you can consider hiring online class takers. At Take Your Class, we connect you with professional class-takers who complete your assignments on your behalf, helping you boost your GPA.
Give our team a call and ask, “Can I pay someone to do my online class?” After understanding your requirements and timeline, we’ll connect you with the right experts. So, what are you waiting for? Boost your college grades and start interviewing for the best roles in the field immediately after you graduate.
