Get The Job!

by Nicole

To all you December graduates out there who think…”Hey, I have a degree, they are going fight over me!” I have one piece of advice for you… “Get Over Yourself!” Word to the wise, you are going to have to work to get work.

It wasn’t too long ago when I was in your shoes, looking for that perfect job.  My first job interview landed me in Fayetteville, NC, an hour outside of Raleigh, knocking on doors trying to sell car wash coupons. I was led to believe that I was visiting “clients”, but after 10 minute of running around a neighborhood in a suit and heels in 100-degree weather, I was done. I had the company drop me off at the local mall and I called for back up; luckily my good friend left work to come pick me up. This leads me to my first point…research the company! Nothing looks worse that sitting in a job interview not knowing what the company is about, what they do, their background and history. You want to be able to ask questions showing that you have done your research; this is a good way to impress the boss!

It always kills me when applicants come to an interview unprepared, no writing samples, no resumes, and NO CLUE!

If you are unprepared in the interview, what does that say about your performance as an employee? Always bring along writing samples that demonstrate your best work. This does not mean your senior essay from college, since that is not what employers are looking for.  Try writing something that relates to the company, a press release on a recent award, or an article or column about the company’s president. Again, showing that you have done your homework will pay off BE ON TIME! I can’t stress this enough! The day before the interview go find the office, make sure you know where it is. This will eliminate the chances of you getting lost and being late.

The day of the interview, leave at least 30 minutes earlier than normal. If you get there too early, sit in your car and go over the points you want to make in the interview, It sounds crazy but practice makes perfect… well, close to it! You need to be walking in the door 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time.

I know the interview process can be intimidating and scary, and it is okay to be nervous, but employers want to see how you perform under pressure. Go into the interview with confidence but don’t be cocky, you never want to portray yourself as being above or too good for the position. Keep in mind that first impressions are vital, they can make or break you, and when introduced to the employer give a nice firm handshake, web to web. Make eye contact; this shows how confident and comfortable you are. Dress to impress! I am not saying you need a new Prada suit, but make sure you look your best. A black suit is essential for any graduate, male or female, it leaves you with the option to add color accessories like ties and shirts to show your personality. Ladies, don’t go overboard with jewelry, it is important to look your best but you don’t want too much of a distraction. I like to add one item to my outfit like a pin or scarf; it is important to stand out in a positive way!

During the interview try to relax and answer the questions as best as you can, and if you don’t know the answer, say you don’t know but you will find out and get back to them. There is nothing worse than a pageant answer like “World Peace.” If you don’t have clue…keep your mouth shut! Make sure to come prepared with questions, because yes, they are interviewing you, but you are also interviewing them. You need to know if this is going to be a job you are going to enjoy!

After the interview is over, make sure you thank everyone for their time. If you pass by other employees say hello to them; respect everyone in the office, they very well could be your new co-workers. Always remember to follow up with a thank you letter. This shows maturity; you might not get this job, but at least you made a good impression.

I think the best piece of advice I could give a college grad is the wisdom my sister, Tina, has given to me. If you are not happy doing what you are doing, no amount of money can ever replace that happiness. Life is too short not to love your work.  Don’t get stuck in a job you hate just because the company offers better benefits or more money. At the end of the day if you can come home and relax, knowing you enjoy what you do, you are wealthier than any person will ever be.

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