Interviews can be the most stressful part of the graduate recruitment cycle. By this point you have already mentally and emotionally invested in the position. While the odds are usually against you – most recruiters interview more than one candidate per position – the prize is worth the strain on your nerves.
With this in mind we have put together a handy guide to the common mistakes made at graduate job interviews, and highlighted the pitfalls.
The calm before
For anyone who is getting pre-interview nerves, there are a number of steps you can take in order to keep occupied, and give yourself a better chance at the same time.
You definitely shouldn’t worry about the interview slot you’ve been given. You might think the first person in will be forgotten, or that the interviewers will be fatigued by the time they get to the last person. Recruiters don’t see it that way. They will only book as many interviews as they can conduct comfortably, and will take detailed notes on your performance.
It is, of course, important to do your research. This is where our Employer Insights come in handy. These neat guides are put together as if a top flight candidate had done all the research they needed to do in order to get a job. Even if the company you are interested in hasn’t been covered yet, you may get a good idea about their competitors.
Here’s a tip; if you want the job, act like it. There are some horror stories out there about candidates who have confidentially told people in the elevator that they didn’t want the job, only to find out that that person was their interviewer. Or candidates who aired their gripes on a publicly accessible twitter feed. If you don’t really want the job, don’t waste everyone’s time applying for it.
Then you get to pick your outfit! Interviewers will look at how you interpret ‘smart dress’, and will be judging whether they would be able to put you in front of their clients. It is also worth thinking about what will make you comfortable. If it’s going to be a hot day, you probably shouldn’t wear a heavy jacket. Of course answering phone calls during your interview, in fact having your phone on at all, is just not worth it.
So, tell us a bit about yourself...
The good news is that interviewers are generally on your side. They understand that you are nervous, particularly in an interview for your first job. Think carefully about what the interview proper is likely to involve. If you have a good idea which questions are likely to come up, you will be more relaxed and comfortable when they do.
For example, most interviews will kick off with something like ‘Tell us about yourself’, or ‘Can you sum up your CV for us?’ This is both an opportunity for you to settle into the interview, and for them to remind themselves about your CV highlights.
Listen to the whole question. This is very important, as many candidates who want to appear smart and switched on will interrupt, and potentially miss the point. Wait for them to stop talking, and let yourself consider your response a little more.
Expect questions about yourself and your skills. We’ve already gone into depth about the hardest questions you’re likely to be asked, and how to give your answers. Don’t panic if you get a question you haven’t prepared. Just relax, take a second, and think carefully. Then be honest.
Another important consideration is to match yourself to the role. Most graduate positions will involve some amount of mundane or administrative work. If you have relevant experience, don’t shy away from mentioning it. It may not be the most exciting stuff, but showing your willingness to engage with routine tasks could be the clincher.
Interviews are a two-way process
What many graduate job hunters don’t realise is that job interviews are as much about you interviewing the company as them interviewing you. Ask an interesting question and you will definitely get an employer’s attention. It shows that you have thought about the company and how it operates, and the job is more than just a job to you.
However, there are some questions which should not be brought up at an interview. Asking about salaries or annual leave is a definite no-no. Any candidate could ask you these questions, so you shouldn’t. More than that, they give the impression money and time off are the only things that interest you in this job. If you are offered the position you can ask about these before you make a commitment.
After the storm
Give yourself something to do immediately after the interview. Whenever I’m going to be in a nerve-racking situation I like to buy a Snickers Duo. I eat half before, and leave half for afterwards. It means I have something to look forward to afterwards, even if everything goes horribly wrong. It worked a fortnight ago when I passed my driving test – just saying’.
Source: Targetjobs.co.uk, Thursday 19th July 2012
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