Interview tips for new college graduates

Whether you’ve been searching for months or are heading to your first interview next week, follow these steps to put your best foot forward and get noticed by potential employers.

The successful shake

This may sound strange but those first few moments of an interview, before you even sit in your chair, are sometimes the most important. Make eye contact, introduce yourself clearly and shake hands with each interviewer with confidence. Do not delicately give your hand or powerfully shake their arm off. Meet hands, palm to palm, and shake once while making eye contact.

Practice, practice, practice

Before you begin interviewing, practice potential interview questions at home. Work hard at eliminating “umms” and any other phrases you may use with friends and family that are not widely recognized. You want to separate yourself from the image of a partying college student and show that you are ready to move forward into the next phase of life. Bob Riney, president and chief operating officer of Henry Ford Health System advises, “researching the mission of the company and coming across as having a passion for what they are doing is key.”

Perfect posture

You don’t have to spend your whole interview sitting stiff as a board in your chair, but sit up, maintain good posture and continue to make eye contact with each interviewer (if there is more than one). Even if the interview seems low-key do not get too comfortable, sitting back or rocking in your chair conveys body language that you are not serious about the job. Try not to let nerves get the best of you either. Make sure you are not frantically tapping a pen or bouncing one foot, distracting your audience from your fantastic answers to their questions.

Bring proof

Even though you have supplied your resume, cover letter and maybe even a sample of your portfolio bring it all with you. Invest in a small briefcase or professional-looking notebook and folder and have your materials on hand at all times. You never know when someone is going to ask to see something and coming prepared is the best way to solve that problem. Riney adds, “demonstrate flexibility and agility in your talents, schedule and what your interests are within the company.”