Top Job Interview Tips for College Seniors

You are told when you are younger that you need to4. According to Lewis Bryan of  SellState Capital
go college to get a good job. Well, times haveRealty, “be prepared to share your own (couple of
changed and just getting a college degree does meanthem) business experience and if you do not have any,
you are going to land a job after graduation.  In factbe prepared to share any life experience that would
there is a good chance that you won’t land a jobhelp the interviewer understand how you confront
after college for at least 6 months to a year. Collegeobstacle and how you handle yourself under pressure.
seniors need to be able to stand out in front ofBe honest in your answers and be yourself. Do not try
potential employers.  Although most colleges do haveto be someone you are not.”
career advisors available for their students, colleges5. “Make sure you firmly shake the hand of the
don’t teach students how to interview for a job ininterviewer and look them in the eye when you
the real world.  Thanks to Global Jobs Networkintroduce yourself at the start of the interview.”
Group from LinkedIn, several members provided realAccording to Gary Trebels of IFC Credit Corporation,
world top job interview tips for graduating college“make sure you firmly shake the hand of the
seniors. See what some of them said.interviewer and look them in the eye when you
1.  Wear a well-fitted suit so that both males andintroduce yourself at the start of the interview. A
females feel confident going into an interview.flimsy handshake to me is weak and lacks confidence.
According to Monica Brooks of Brooks Consulting,First impressions are made in the first minute to thirty
“my experience with new or soon-to-be grads isseconds and they are very hard to change. Why start
that their wardrobes are horrible. Dress For Successoff at a disadvantage when you can make such a
isn't kidding, nor should it be taken lightly. Unpressed orfavorable first impression within that first minute? My
ill-fitting, or old or worn-out or out of style clothesmother, who was a secretary to CEO's, drilled this into
couldn't possibly enforce self-confidence. “my head since I was 10 years old, and I am very
2. “Practice, practice, practice! Find a friend andthankful that she did.”
have a mock interview.” According to Sonia6. “Before the interview ends, and after you have
Garrido of Sulzer, It is really helpful especially becausedecided if you want the job, in a polite way, ask for the
you can sort of plan out the answers you can give tojob?” According to Paul Balutis of A#1 Southport,
certain questions. Also, it makes you feel a little more“So many people never close the opportunity at
comfortable when you are in the real interview andhand. You do not have to be too direct, just ask how
you won't be as nervous. Have your friend be criticalyou did, what's the next step, and oh by the way, I am
about your answers and your overall presentation.”more interested in the position than I was before this
3. According to Dana Bigman of the Casablanca Faninterview! This will separate you from the pack, this will
Company, “learn as much as possible about themake you stand out, and it may get you to step 2!”
company in advance and subtly weave thatEveryone of the interview tips provided is needed to
knowledge into your responses and questions. Also besucceed in a job interview. The most important job
sure to focus on what you can do for them (help theminterview tip that you can use is just being yourself in a
be profitable, solve a problem, etc.), not what they canjob interview. People are going to hire you because of
do for you (a good starting salary, benefits, advancedwho you are and what you have to offer.
education, etc.)”