Job hunting is never fun, especially as a new college graduate. The job market is tough and you have little to no expereince which makes things even harder. You have to go into the process knowing that you won’t get every job you apply for and you will most likely end up with an entry level position. An entry level postition is fine and will help you work your way up in a company and learn along the way. You won’t just get your dream job, you have to pay your dues.

Landing your first interview out of college can be exciting but also intimidating and even scary. While for the most part you can know what to expect with the general questions, there is always the chance they throw something in there to catch you off guard.

Make sure you’re prepared for your interviews by following these helpful tips:

Practice Makes Perfect

Set up a mock interview with a professor or your parents. If you practice answering even the simple questions it will help you gain confidence and give you ideas on how to answer in the real thing.

Make Eye Contact

Always keep eye contact while you are speaking or being spoken too. This is not only a sign of respect but it also shows that you are mature enough to take the job and you mean business.

Your Body Language Matters

Interviewers can read your body language. Keep your head held high, face the person you are talking to and keep your chest and shoulders open. You should also be aware of what you are doing with your hands and arms during an interview. Some expression is okay but keep it under control. Also make sure you arent figiting.

Be Honest

If you don’t have expereince with something, be honest and say so. A good way to answer a question like that is to say that you would be happy to learn how to do something.

Brag a Little

When you have the chance, make sure to talk about your accomplishments. Whether it’s a project you did well on, a sports team where you were a leader, or your experience volunteering with an awesome company, it is okay to brag a little.

Smile, but be Serious

The interviwer is not just looking at your background and work expereicne, they are also looking at who you are as a person. They want to see if you would be a good fit for the company. Remember to take the interview seriously but you should smile.

Listen to the Questions

One of the worst things you can do in an interview is get off topic or not answer the questions they are asking. Listen to what they are asking and make sure to answer accordingly and appropriately.

Know Your Weakness

They will ask you what your weakness is. You want to say something good here that isn’t going to lose you the job. An answer like “Sometimes I am too honest,” or “I tend to hold myself to very high standards” are good. Be prepared to elaboarate how these weakness has gotten you in trouble in the past.

Do Your Research

Don’t go into your interview blind. Spend some time on the company website. Know thier misson statement, who runs the company, and check out their numbers. This will give you something to relate to while answering questions and the interviewer will appreciate it.

Ask Questions

You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. You should always have a few questions prepared to ask them either about the position or the company. If they answer it earlier, ask about the interviewers journey at the company and when they first started.

Remember to be thankful and follow up. Good luck in the job hunt! If you enjoyed this post, check out Hobbies That Look Great on Your Resume