Top Interview Tips for College Graduates: Hear it from a Former Columbia School Director

Interviews are often considered one of the most challenging aspects of anyone’s career journey. After investing years in attending college, graduating, and preparing yourself for the professional world, you’ll be asked to demonstrate your worth to managers who are complete strangers to your background, achievements, and aspirations.

Interviews are not easy to crack. In fact, studies have revealed that interview pass rates are often only around 50 to 60%. This pivotal moment when you’ll be asked to prove the sweat and determination behind your degree will be both anxiety-provoking and exciting, to say the least. The silver lining in this nerve-wracking process is that mastering a job interview is absolutely within your reach, provided you approach it with the right mindset and guidance!

Drawing from my experience as a former admissions committee member who has conducted countless college interviews, I'd like to share five invaluable tips that every college graduate should keep in mind when preparing for these crucial conversations.

Prove Your Interest

When you step into a job interview, it's essential to recognize that, if successful, your workplace will become a second home. You'll be working side by side with colleagues, collaborating with them daily, and investing a significant portion of your day in achieving shared goals.

Managers want to know why they should let you join their work family. It needs to be about more than just a paycheck; it's about demonstrating a sincere commitment to the company and its mission.

To convey this authentic interest, thorough research is key. I'm not talking about a quick glance at the company's mission statement; I'm suggesting diving much deeper.

Take the time to delve into the profiles of key managers and other prominent figures within the organization on platforms like LinkedIn. After all, 47% of recruiters have agreed to the statement that they at once reject a candidate who has little or no knowledge knowledge about the company that they are applying to. This demonstrates your commitment to understanding the people who drive the company and the culture it fosters.

Furthermore, make an effort to find distinctive contributions the company has made within its industry. Prove how these contributions resonate with you personally. When you can articulate not only what the company does but also why it matters to you, you'll demonstrate a level of engagement that hiring managers truly appreciate!

Don’t Let Your Lack of Experience Hold You Back

Hiring managers don't expect years of industry experience from you, but they do expect to witness your enthusiasm, hunger, and eagerness. While you may lack practical experience, you can still demonstrate your intelligence and a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive in the role you've applied for.

The ones at the top very well know that experience does not predict success. This is very well highlighted by Florida State University’s recent research which reviewed around 81 pieces of study to decipher the link between an employee’s work experience and the reflection of that experience in a new work environment. Needless to say, they found none.

Instead of fixating on what you haven't done yet, focus on showcasing the skills you possess that can make you an invaluable asset to the company.

Let your passion and eagerness shine through in your responses, conveying that you're not just looking for a job; you're genuinely excited to contribute to the company's success and grow alongside it. Your hunger to learn, adapt, and make a meaningful impact can be just as compelling to hiring managers as years of experience.

Walk the Walk

While it's pretty easy to just list your skills on your resume and move on, interviews are a different ballgame. You'll be expected to back up all those claims you made, so be ready for that!

Think about real-life situations where you put those skills to work. When were you an awesome team player? When did you come up with a clever solution to a problem? How about handling workplace conflicts?

Take a look at your resume and the job description, and brainstorm all the skills you might be asked to elaborate on during the interview.

Interview Your Interviewers

While the main purpose of your interview is for the manager to get to know you and what you bring to the table, it’s also a golden opportunity for you to learn more about the company and underscore your genuine interest. Never conclude an interview without asking a few thoughtful questions about the position or your prospective manager.

Asking good questions during the interview is known to promote positive dialogue. It allows both the applicant and the employer a chance to get to know each other. Asking questions during the interview can lead to two marvellous advantages:

• asking questions can help you gain essential feedback, which, in turn, can be effectively used in answering the next questions that follow
• questions highlight to the interviewer your level of competence, interest and intrigue.

Consider inquiring about specific initiatives or projects you've come across in your research, showing that you've done your homework and are keenly interested in the company's mission.

Ask about the key factors that lead to success in the role, demonstrating your commitment to excelling in the position. Engaging in this two-way conversation not only showcases your enthusiasm but also provides you with valuable insights into your potential future with the company.

Fake It Till You Make It

Afraid you’ll feel a bit out of your depth during your interview? It happens to the best of us. You might worry that you don't have all the answers, but here's the deal: you can't let it show. Confidence and competence are key. Take your time when responding to questions, and if you ever find yourself stuck, it's okay to hit the pause button.

Your interview isn't a race, and there's no need to panic. It's perfectly acceptable to request a moment to think through your answer, as long as you handle it calmly and professionally.

Final Thoughts

Remember, interview nerves are a common experience, shared by even the most seasoned professionals. The best way to conquer these nerves is through preparation.

Being well-prepared entails thorough research, having compelling examples to support your claims, and mastering the art of projecting confidence, even when you might not feel it.

By following these tips, you'll undoubtedly enhance your ability to navigate interviews with greater ease and self-assuredness. This will not only calm your interview nerves but will also significantly improve your odds of securing that dream job!