How To Prepare for a First Professional Job Interview

Many college students work during high school and college to help defray expenses, pay for school or to have extra spending money. Most of these jobs are designed for unskilled labor and do not require a college degree. As a result, students often wind up with jobs flipping burgers, fitting shoes, waitressing or playing receptionist to while going to school. Although a job interview is involved, it is nothing like the process facing students seeking their first professional job. These positions tend to pay more and, there fore, the potential employers expect more of the applicants and interviewees for positions.

The most important thing by far is prepare for the interviewing process. Once the job applications have been filled out and submitted with resumes attached, the student or graduate may receive responses for job interviews with potential employers. Job applicants should walk into an interview fully prepared to dazzle their would-be employers and flatten the stiff competition.

Homework

For those who think homework ended with the last semester of college, think again. Employers want to hire people that are interested in their companies and know about their company history. Interviewees should do as much research as possible to learn about the industry and the company. This will make for more intelligent conversation during the interview and lay firm groundwork for potential employment. At the very least, find out how long the company has been in business, what they do and where they are based.

Dress
What to wear matters. No matter how laid back the student is, casual clothing for a professional job is not a good idea during the interview process. Unless the industry requires special outdoor uniforms or clothing, professional dress is still the norm for lining up a first job. Depending on the industry, a three-piece suit may not be necessary, but jeans and shorts are not the right outfit to wear as the first impression. Dress pants with a coat and tie for young men and a skirt suit, pantsuit or dress are all safe options for young women. Interview clothes are considered by some graduating college students to be far down on their list of things to spend money on; however, it should be considered an investment, not a matter of going clothes shopping. Students can use coupons online to find discounts on appropriate clothing at local department stores. They may not only need to find clothes to wear to the interview, but also shoes and accessories. For example, flip-flops are not appropriate to wear in the interview process unless the candidate is expected to walk on the beach. Instead, dress shoes or pumps should be worn to coordinate the outfit.

Interview Day
The job candidate should do a few things in the days before the interview to be prepared on interview day itself. For example, individuals should bring a copy of their resume with them. Especially in times of paperless offices, potential employers may not have a copy of it handy. Find out where the interview will be held and scout out the location a day or two beforehand if it is within a reasonable driving distance. This will prevent problems like getting lost or going to the wrong place when it matters. Look for primary and secondary parking spaces. Avoid being late. Cell phones and other electronic gadgets should be turned off upon arrival at the building, or at least reduced to vibrate or silent mode.

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