8 Tips to Help Ace Your First Job Interview After College

When you’re freshly out of college chances are you want to find a job as soon as possible. You need to make money and start supporting yourself, or perhaps you just want to finally do what you’ve been learning to do during your college years. But the challenge is far from over. You need to look for available job positions and also attend an interview. 

Interviews should be taken seriously if you want to improve your chances of getting hired. Unfortunately, too many applicants end up not getting anywhere with the interview. You certainly don’t want to be in the same situation.

Fear not, because we have 8 tips that will help you ace your first job interview after graduating from college.

1. Use the STAR Method to Practice

Why not practice for a little bit before you attend that scheduled job interview? It can show you what aspects you should be working on and allow you to fix them. 

Practice makes it better, and with the STAR method, you can easily ace that interview. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Record yourself answering questions and analyze how you respond and your body language. 

You will have to think about times when you used specific skills in the past and tell stories based on the STAR method.

2. Provide Examples of Your Skills 

A good strategy that would help make a better impression and show that you are qualified for the job is tying your answers to your skills and past accomplishments. How have your skills helped you in your career up to this point? Believe it or not, this aspect can say a lot about you. 

Not only that, but you should also show a willingness to improve your skills and even achieve a wide range of skills that you can use simultaneously in your new position. 

Laura Thomas, Recruitment Consultant for Gravitas said, “I tend to personalise the advice I give to the professionals I work with, on how to improve their chances of being hired, including things like having your references/testimonials ready up front with your CV. However, the main thing I’ve been advising recently is to focus on upskilling or multiskilling.

3. Show Up on Time

You wouldn’t really make a good impression if you were late to your interview, right? It tells the recruiters that you might even be late showing up to work. Your interviewer may not consider you anymore if you are not on time. Ideally, you should show up 15 minutes earlier. 

4. Do Some Company Research

Don’t go to your interview unprepared. If you want to give yourself a little confidence boost before the big day, do some research on the company you’re applying for and their interviewers. Doing so can help you prepare for your interview and have less of an issue answering your questions. 

Use any resource you can, including social media posts and the firm’s website.

5. Dress Accordingly

Dressing too casually for your interview can have devastating effects. Imagine showing up in shorts and slippers – do you think it shows you’re qualified for the position? You should always look for the ideal outfit to wear. It gives off the impression of seriousness. 

To make this work in your favor, ask the hiring manager how people usually dress at this company during the screening interview. It will give you an idea about what clothing style you should wear. 

6. Be Respectful to Everyone

Showing respect to everyone you encounter can do wonders. This means you shouldn’t just be nice to your interviewer but also to everyone else, such as the security personnel, people in the parking lot, and so on. Believe it or not, the potential employer may ask for their opinions, and your respect will surely influence them positively.

7. Refrain from Speaking Badly About Your Former Job

if your experience with your last job was unpleasant, you may be tempted to speak about it, but refrain from doing so. Businesses want to hire individuals who can easily overcome struggles and solve problems, so don’t complain about your previous employer – it would make a bad impression.

8. Make Sure Your Resume and Cover Letter Are Ready

Polish your resume before going to your interview. You can research how to write a cover letter and resume to perfect them. Also, find out if you’re going to be interviewed by a panel or one person. Bring multiple cover letters and resumes if you have a panel interview. 

Final Thoughts

Perfecting your first job interview increases your chances of getting the job. Practice questions and answers, show up early, be respectful, and learn as much as possible about the company. By following these tips, you will certainly see better results.