So, the work you have been doing on your Jobzella Profile as a fresh graduate has paid off. You have got the call and you are asked to come for your first professional interview ever.
Now what?
Discover Jobzella’s cheat sheet to passing the interview.
The Call
Don’t ask too many questions. Typically, the person interviewing you isn’t the one calling you. An administrative assistant doesn’t really know all the job details. However, you are entitled to know the name of the company, the address, the date and time of the interview, the department in which you are working and the name of the person interviewing you. Write it all down.
Do Your Research
Google the company’s name. Learn about its industry, most important milestones, clients and achievements. Also search about the name of the person interviewing you. Find out more about where they went to college, their career path and their most important professional milestone. Stalking them on Facebook doesn’t count!
What to Wear
Do some groundwork, try to investigate the company culture when it comes to appearance. For an example, some companies apply a “Casual Chic” policy where jeans are allowed while other companies are applying “formal wear” policies. Dress accordingly so you don’t feel or look out of place.
Tips: for girls, regardless of the company culture, steer away from excessive makeup and bright headscarf colors. The more toned down, the better.
Your Timing Matters
Arrive at least 15 minutes earlier before the time of the interview. In case you get asked to fill out an application for Personnel, bring your own pen.
Watch Your Body Language but Not Too Much
Your body language shows how you are feeling about yourself and how you are feeling about the job. Walk straight with a smile on your face, Just don’t turn into Batman’s Joker. Be relaxed.
Ask Questions
All the Human Resources experts we asked all agree on one thing; they respect a candidate that asks questions about the company instead of acting like the interview is a test.
Negotiate your Salary
Remember when we said don’t lie about your salary? That also means, don’t avoid the salary question.
Don’t fear The Bombard Method
That is when the recruiter feels the need to ask you several quick questions one right after the other, this is usually to test the way your brain functions under stress. Take deep breaths and answer the questions and remember, saying I don’t know is much more respected than speculating about something you originally know nothing about.
What is in a “Job Title”?
For a fresh graduate, the word “Job Title” isn’t what your world should revolve around and it lowers your chance of actually getting the job. The Job Title doesn’t really matter when you are just starting out in your career, what should be more important for you is that the job fits your field of study and your real skills. From an HR perspective, the perfect candidate asks about the Job Description not the Job Title.
Ask to see the Contract
That is not rude, that is not un-professional. You are entitled to reading, understanding and signing the contract. If you go through it and there is something you don’t understand, do ask for elaboration. That is your right and don’t give up on it. Make sure your job description, salary and deliverable expectations are in the contract.
Being a fresh graduate in the job market feels a bit like being a deer in a jungle of lions, but don’t be afraid and withdrawn. Don’t fear failure and have faith in your education and your skills. But don’t forget, we all need to start somewhere. So Start Today!