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Preparing for an interview
As a student or new graduate, you aren’t likely to have faced an interview before and will have different preparation needs from experienced job hunters. Here are some steps to help you prepare for your interviews:
Know where you want to go.
Figure out exactly what you want to do. Be specific: Make a list of what you want AND what you don't want. If you're having trouble deciding on a direction, look at your past for clues: education, vacation, jobs, hobbies, clubs—all these can suggest possibilities. Without a firm career direction to talk about, you won’t succeed in your interview.
Know all you can about the organization.
First of all, recruiters will be impressed if you show some basic knowledge about their company: core industry, corporate personality, job openings, what they're like, fields they are involved in, etc. The more you know, the more you will have to talk about in an interview—and the more you can connect your own skills with that company's specific needs. Also, it will save the interviewer from wasting time telling you basic facts about the organization.
Know the routine of an interview.
Speak to friends or relatives who have had interviews and find out what interviews are like. Try role-playing some questions with a friend, or find a career adviser who can conduct a mock interview with you. Knowing what to expect will help you to relax and present your true self.
Make sure the interviewer will know all about you.
Some people don't think filling out an application form is very important. They give incomplete answers or refer the reader to other documents by way of an answer (e.g., "see resumé"). But they're only hurting themselves because they keep the interviewer from learning everything possible about their past achievements and interests. Take time to fill in the company's application form. If one isn't available, take a resumé along to the interview to save time.
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 Career development |
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