College is all about preparing for your first job: getting internships, being involved, volunteering, etc. But, doing all those things still doesn't mean you get the job.
1. You have to have a killer resume.
Did you know on average your resume will be looked at for six seconds? If you have a really great, eye-catching one maybe 23 seconds. So how do you make your resume stand out is the real question.
2. Tailor your resume to whatever position you are applying for.
List things that they want to see. How does one do this? Scan through the job description and pull out words they used, "customer service, detail oriented, independent," then use those words in your resume. "I have incredible customer service skills. I pay attention to details. I thrive in an independent work environment.
3. Use your reference list to your advantage.
Don't just write down three people that you worked with and be done with it. Write the people down, then call them up and prepare them to be your reference. "I wrote you down as a reference, I thought you could talk about how good I am at _______." This way they are prepared for the call, and they will say exactly what the company you are applying to wants to hear.
4. Dress for success.
Shower, no matter how hard that may be, wear clothes that fit well and overall look well groomed. While personality is important, your first impression of a person is very visual, and you wouldn't want that to affect the rest of the interview
5. You're not the only one being interviewed.
You're interviewing them. Ask them questions, they want you to. It shows you looked into the company, you came prepared and are genuinely interested. I once knew someone who would not ask someone back unless they asked a question during the interview.
6. Be honest.
Don't try to BS your way through an interview, they can tell and no one wants that kind of person at their company
7. Be prepared to answer some of the standard questions.
"Tell me about yourself. Tell me about a recent success you've had. Tell me about a failure you've experienced. What's one thing you're proud of? Something you're not proud of?" All very standard questions, but your response tells a lot about you. So, don't go in totally unprepared, think about your answers to these questions and what they say about you.
8. Make eye contact.
Shake their hand when you meet your interviewer, look them in the eyes and be confident. Eye contact shows you are engaged and confident and leaves a great impression with your interviewer. Your interview is a time to form a relationship with this person. How are you going to form a relationship without looking this person in the eye?
9. Send a thank you note/email after the interview.
Your interview went great, you connected, now what? Show them you appreciate the time you spent together and that you are still interested in the position by sending a thank you card. It doesn't have to be long, three sentences will do, but putting the time and effort into a card shows a lot.
Now you wait, you did all you can do and hopefully you get the job! What's the worst that could happen? You don't get it? But don't think you just lost out on a bunch of time, you gained valuable experience in the interview area. Reflect on what you think went well, and what you think didn't and next time do better in those areas.
Be confident and go tear it up in the work world!
