Acing A Job Interview As A College Student
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Jobs have been increasingly harder to come by especially for a recent college student. The United State’s job market is and has been in a slump for the past several years. Unemployment levels are increasing which means your chances of scoring a job, especially after college is decreasing. As a recent college graduate, time is of the essence as you will most likely have debts and loans that will need to be paid back sooner rather than later. Upon receiving a time and date for an interview there are several tips you can follow that will help make you stand out and have a successful meeting with your potential employer.

Tip #1 Watch what you are wearing. Dressing appropriately is an immediate notification of the seriousness and professionalism you are showing to your potential employer. You may have heard the phrase “Dress for the job you want” and this is all too important for the initial interview. Wearing dress pants and a dress shirt if you are a male, and a skirt and blouse if you are a female are great starts. If you are applying for a job in the field of transportation, construction, mechanics, or something of that nature this is not very applicable. Also avoiding excessive jewelry and perfume or cologne is suggested.

Tip #2 Go to the interview alone. You are an adult, and an educated one at that. There is no reason for someone else such a friend, relative, or sibling to go with you. You are applying for the job and no one else.

Tip #3 Watch how fast you talk during the interview. On that same note, try to pace the speed of the conversation. Don’t talk too much, but answer the questions directly and elaborate when you need to. You can only say so much about where you went to college or what your family is like.

Tip #4 Arrive to the interview early. Roughly half an hour is a good start. You may be filling out paperwork or signing documents before your scheduled meeting. Arriving early ensures you have time to do this, whether they told you about it or not.

Tip #5 Turn off your cell phone or other device prior to your interview. There isn’t much more distracting than a ringing or vibrating phone during an interview.

Tip #6 Be enthusiastic! Make sure the employer knows just how interested you are in the position and what an asset you can be for the company.

Tip #7 Be yourself. Try to remain calm and look into the person’s eyes. Most likely you will be interviewed by someone who has been a part of the interview process for a while and will see past lies, anxiousness, and nervousness. Be yourself and they will appreciate it.

None of these tips will guarantee you get the job. But all of them will increase your chances and should help you get the job you want. Even if you don’t get the job, look at every interview process as a learning experience and learn from it.

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