4 Interview Tips for Recent Grads

4 Interview Tips for Recent GradsYouve spent countless hours updating and refining your resume. Youve written the perfect, keyhundertprozentig-optimized cover letter. Now you sit back and wait for the calls to start coming in, right? Not so fast. One more thing stands in the way of you and the perfect job? The interview. But do you even know where to begin when it comes to preparing for an interview? Lets break down a few four tips designed to help recent grads gain an inside edge. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) 1. Practice Makes PerfectGoing into an interview blind is a recipe for disaster. Even if you skate through without any major catastrophes, its still a missed opportunity. Rather than winging it, take time in advance to research frequently asked questions in your area, and to prepare a rough outline of your response.Avoid writing down answers word for word this can result in a canned delivery. Instead, jot down key ideas and con cepts. Then, enlist a family member or friend to practice with you.If possible, record your practice sessions. Understanding how you look and sound during the interview can help you take corrective action, if necessary.2. Do Your ResearchIn an era in which data is literally at your fingertips, the rules have changed when it comes to understanding an organization. Its no longer considered merely advantageous to demonstrate knowledge of a company and its mission, products and services. Its a necessity. In short, theres no quicker way to tell employers that you simply dont care than by walking into an interview without this easily obtainable information.Working this knowledge into the conversation can take some skill after all, the goal is not the simple regurgitation of facts but the results can have significant payoffs in demonstrating your capacity to make a contribution.3. Be Prepared to Be SpecificCompetency-based questions are increasingly popular with hiring managers. Why? Bec ause any candidate can lay claim to desirable skills, talent and experience on a resume. Of more importance to todays employers? The demonstrated ability to use these attributes in meaningful ways.Expect to be asked to share examples of times when youve exemplified time management, problem solving, and other sought-after soft skills. Be prepared to respond with detailed examples which serve as concrete evidence of these competencies.4. Have Questions of Your OwnToo many interviewees respond to the interviewers question of, Do you have any questions for me? with the unsatisfying response of, No, I think Im good.Interviews work both ways not only is the interview an opportunity for the employer to get a better sense of a potential candidate, but its also an opportunity for you to get a better sense of potential employers. Dont waste it. Instead, go into the interview with a list of questions which can help you further understand what its like to work for the company and/or if the job is a good fit. Asking smart, tailored questions also helps you stand out to hiring managers.With countless candidates looking to land the best jobs, its essential for new grads to position themselves for success. Rather than thinking of the interview process as an afterthought, leverage it into an opportunity to show employers why youre the right one for the position.