If you're graduating and looking for your first job, you may have all the right intentions when it comes to what you say and do in interviews. But employers look for more than just what candidates say; they look for evidence that they’ll be able to contribute on the job.
Here are few of those things new graduates might be doing right, but could use a bit of tweaking.
1. A Job is a Learning Opportunity
What they do right:
New graduates say they're excited about learning. Employers appreciate the fact that new graduates are open, willing and eager to learn.
Where they go wrong:
They often ONLY talk about the fact that they're excited about learning and that the reason they want to work for a company is the learning experience. They seem to overlook an important point: employers don’t hired new graduates to teach them the business or trade. They hire candidates who solve problems. Be prepared to explain how you'll do that.
2. I <3 Social Media
What they do right:
New graduates are excited about and participate in social media and technology—an area in which many companies need help.
Where they go wrong:
They don't know when to turn turn off technology. Many keep their phones on during interviews and will even take a phone call. They respond to questions as if they are dealing with technology instead of a live human, by giving one-word or one-sentence responses, talking super fast or not elaborating when the interviewer is trying to engage them in a conversation.
3. Just Give Me A Chance
What they do right:
New graduates can be confident and certain they have a lot to offer an organization if only someone would give them a chance.
Where they go wrong:
They don't do a good job of talking about themselves, explaining what kind of person they are, what their skills are and how they've used them in school projects or other areas of life to help the employer see their potential. They also don't seem to understand the job they're going after and how their skills and interest in this field will justify them getting a paycheck.
Making these few adjustments to how you approach the interview could make all the difference in whether you get the job or not. Try it and see what happens!
Andrea Kay is a career consultant and syndicated columnist who has helped tens of thousands of people find new jobs and take charge of their careers. She is the author of six books including the newly released THIS IS HOW TO GET YOUR NEXT JOB. She’s been interviewed in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Forbes, Money, Kiplinger Personal Finance, Redbook, and on radio and TV across the U.S.
