So you've figured out, more or less what you want to do and where opportunities are. Now; you have been called for an interview. Here are five steps for interview success for students and graduates:1. Prepare, prepare, prepare.
Thoroughly research each employer you pursue. It is not enough just to show up for interviews and hope for best.
Take time to research and understand company and person who is giving interview. Students should approach their answers from perspective of person who is doing hiring. What would that person be looking for if roles were reversed? Job seekers need to plan their responses so they cover key information about what they can bring to job, and then rehearse out loud until they feel confident.
2. Attitude makes a difference.
The key element to successful interviewing is not your experience, your grades, what classes you took, your extracurricular activities, or any of other basic necessities. Those skills are what got you interview. The key element to successful interviewing can be summed up in one word: attitude. If you want to rise above others with better experience, better grades, or better anything, you will need to work on developing a highly positive work attitude.
Your attitude determines whether you will "make cut" or be discarded. Remember, there are plenty of competitors with ability to do almost any given job-- especially at entry level. The way most employers differentiate at entry level is by candidates' attitudes toward job.
You can teach a new employee many things, but attitude is not one of them. Many employers are willing to teach skills to new employees if they come through door with a positive, energetic "can do" attitude.
3. Ask right questions.
Ask about position, job responsibilities and company values.
4. Dress for success.
Before interview, student job seeker should find out company's dress code and dress a level up from that. It's better to be overdressed than under-dressed.