7 Graduate Interview Tips to Help You Nail the Job

Congratulations, you've just graduated and landed an interview for your dream job! Now what? Getting a great job after graduation can be tough. The competition is fierce, so you need to make sure that you stand out from the crowd. We know how nerve-wracking it feels to prepare for an interview - especially if you're new to this, but don't worry, we are here to help. 

In this blog post by Catherine Forrest, she gives you seven tips that will help you nail the job interview and get the position that you want!

7 Graduate Interview Tips

1. Do Your Research

It is important that you research the company before your interview. This will not only show that you are interested in the company, but it will also give you a better understanding of what they do and what their values are. You can find this information on their website or by doing a quick Google search.

2. Dress for Success

First impressions are everything, so make sure that you dress for success! Wear clothing that is professional and appropriate for the position that you are interviewing for. Avoid wearing anything that is too revealing or flashy.

3. Arrive Early

Arriving early for your interview shows that you are punctual and that you value their time. Try to arrive at least 15 minutes early so that you have time to collect your thoughts and relax before the interview begins.

4. Prepare for Questions

Practice common questions that are typically asked during interviews. This will help you feel more prepared and less nervous when it comes time to answer them.

One of the most common questions that you will be asked in an interview is “Tell me about yourself.” You may know yourself better than anyone, but it can be tough to break it down into a simple answer. Therefore, it is important to take the time to prepare for it. Think about what your strengths are and how they relate to the position that you are applying for. Oftentimes, this question is used as an icebreaker, so use it as an opportunity to shine!

Another common question that you may be asked is “What are your weaknesses?” This question can be difficult to answer but it's important, to be honest. Think about a weakness that you have and how you are working to improve it. For example, if you are not the best at public speaking, you could say that you practised honing your skills while giving presentations at school, and while it doesn't come naturally, you know that you are capable of doing it well.

Lastly, you may be asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” This is where you can mention that you're a recent graduate and looking to gain experience in your field. You can also talk about how you are looking to grow within the company and how you see yourself in a leadership role down the line. Be sure to mention any internships or similar courses you've taken relating to the job you're applying to.

5. Ask Questions

Asking questions shows that you are interested in the company and the position. Prepare a few questions to ask during the interview, such as “What does a typical day look like in this position?” or “What are the company's values?”

By asking questions, you are also giving yourself an opportunity to learn more about the company and the position. This will help you decide if it is the right fit for you.

6. Be Confident

It is important to remember that you are qualified for the position that you are interviewing for. Be confident in your abilities and believe in yourself!

7. Listen Carefully

Make sure that you are listening carefully to the questions that are being asked and answer them accordingly. This will show that you are paying attention and that you are interested in the position. If you are unsure of what was asked, be sure to ask for clarification.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you will be sure to impress your interviewer and land the job!

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This article was written in collaboration with Catherine Forrest. Catherine is a Recruitment Business Manager here at SF Recruitment with over 15 Years in the Industry. Alongside her day-to-day work, she is currently studying for her CIPD Level 5. She is passionate about relationship building and helping people find a career they love.