April showers bring May flowers. What do May flowers bring?…you know, besides Pilgrims…Graduations.
So get ready, dears. It’s job-hunting season. Even if you aren’t jump-starting your professional life after school (maybe you’re just looking for a change), here are a few tips on navigating the world of interviews…much like the Pilgrims. Only we hope not with as much scurvy.
Do Your Homework – Yes, we know. You’re out of school. Homework shouldn’t be in your vocab anymore. But it is, if you want to land a job. Before the interview, do basic research into the company: key players, products or services, recent news. Start with the company’s website, and go from there, using trusted online research sources only. While we’re at it, might we mention that you should do your research on your own history…so that you aren’t blanking on your past job when you’re asked to fill out any forms.
Practice Makes Perfect – No, this isn’t a violin lesson. But “you’ve got the job” could be music to your ears if you take a few minutes beforehand and practice how you’ll answer common interview questions (What are your strengths? Weakness? Where will you be in five years?).
Dress the Part – In a world where casual Fridays sometime extended into the rest of the workweek (Track Suit Tuesdays?), it’s important to remember you still need to dress to impress for potential employers. Don a suit or a nice professional outfit, and you’ll be flip-flopping down Easy Street toward an aced interview.
Magic Minutes – You’re late to everything. Break out of routine, just this once, and arrive 15 minutes early. Not 30 minutes. Not five minutes. Fifteen. This is the perfect number shown to make you seem eager but not crazy insane eager.
First Impression – Sure, you’re greeted by the receptionist, but your first impression to the company has already started. Be kind to ev-er-y-one. You never know who has the boss’s ear.
Eager Beaver – We’ve just covered how to not seem overly eager when you arrive. Now let’s keep that calm, cool, collected self throughout, shall we? Let the interviewer ask you the questions. Let them talk about the company. Let them talk about their dog. Just let them talk. Then you can answer.
Good luck, grads! You can do it. Soon, everything will be coming up roses. With or without all that rain.
