How to Prepare for Your First Job Interview After College

Getting your first job as a new grad can be tough. There are so many applicants that you need to set yourself apart from to stand out, which is why a well-crafted resume might not cut it in getting that first position. Instead, potential employers will ask you to complete a challenge or test that shows them what you can bring to the table. These tests are called job interviews because the hiring process is broken into several mini-interviews where different specialists present you with challenges and see how much you know about their field, general knowledge and if their company would be able to understand how the interviewers want to hear from you, know what they’re looking for in an answer, and say what they want to hear. Answer all of their questions with the right answers and you’re in! You just have to try your hardest to understand what they’re looking for and present yourself as the perfect fit for those requirements.

Don’t be nervous, be prepared

Being nervous while in a job interview is normal and expected. The hiring manager will likely understand if you’re a little nervous, but if you don’t know the ins and outs of the job and company or have basic questions prepared, it’ll show and make you look unprepared. Get all the information you can about the company, the position, and any questions you have about the interview process. Look into the most common interview questions for your desired role and begin crafting answers for those questions so that you’re never caught off guard. After a few interviews, you’ll realize that most of the questions are going to be identical to a few specialized questions that are specific to the company or role's needs. Nail the questions you prepare for, but think on your feet for the ones that are meant to be creative. Try to relate those answers to the needs of the role as if they ask you how would you manage your day with little to no supervision, and the job role says that project management is a crucial component of the role then consider having a plan in place to bring to the interviewer.

Come with a portfolio

A portfolio is a visual way of showing everything you have done, can do, and why you’re the perfect person for the job. It doesn’t have to be fancy; you can use a notebook or a PowerPoint presentation to show off your work, skills, and knowledge related to the job. Bring samples of your work to show the hiring manager how you can solve problems and provide solutions. If you’re applying for an engineering position, bring along an invention or project you’ve worked on. If you’re applying for an art job, bring along a portfolio that shows your designs, sketches, and creations. If you can’t bring work, make sure to have a digital copy available so that the hiring manager can review it after the interview.

Show that you know your stuff

The interviewers will have their own tests designed to separate the good candidates from the rest. You might have to solve a math problem, solve a logic puzzle, or talk about a current event. Regardless of what the interviewers throw at you, you show that you’re a smart worker by solving their problems quickly, accurately, and confidently.

Be creative and show how you think

An interview isn’t just a conversation between two people. It’s a challenge between you and the hiring managers testing to see if you’re the best person for the job. If you’re asked to solve a math problem or a logic puzzle, take a moment to think about the problem and solve it in your head before putting pencil to paper. The interviewers want to know that you can work independently and that you can solve problems quickly. Instead of just solving the problem, show how you came up with the solution and why you chose that path to solving it.

Be yourself and ask questions

The interview is your chance to show the hiring managers what you want to do, what you want to achieve, and why you’re the best person for the job. Bring your personality to the table, show your knowledge, and then ask questions. You might wonder what to ask an interviewer after they ask you questions, but you shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions of them as well. Employers want to know that you’re invested in the job, so don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify things or even tell them a bit about yourself.

Conclusion

Your first job interview after college is going to be different than any other job interview you’ve had throughout your life. You can’t rely on your resume or even the interview to get the job. Instead, you need to prove yourself through challenges that show your knowledge and skills, as well as your ability to solve problems. Remember these tips when you head into your next job interview, and you’ll walk away with the job offer.

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