Interviewing for Young Professionals
Entering the work force in a difficult recession is not an easy task facing young people today. The constant worries of high unemployment, inflation, and bleak job forecast, may discourage young adults from seeking employment today. however, even with a highly competitive pool of applicants, young people have an ability to succeed with the right game plan going into an interview. This plan requires patience, energy, and a desire to separate yourself from the rest of the field in a stressful job market.
Prior to entering into any interview, it is important to gain as much knowledge about your potential employer. Once you realize that an interview is close, make sure you go to their website and understand exactly what the company does and how it got created. As a former recruiter in a staffing firm, employers love applicants that did research about the history of the company prior to the interview. You would be surprised how smoothly the interview can go once the hiring supervisor knows you did the work and shows how serious you are about the job.
Secondly, its critical to ask the right questions. In many interviews, the hiring representative takes a moment to switch places and have the applicant ask the questions. This segment of the interview can make or break your chances of getting the job. Many people ask too many questions about money, benefits, and vacation time, all bad questions to ask in the interview. Rather than ask questions about monetary compensation, employers want to answer questions pertaining to career paths and growth. It looks better for the applicant to ask questions about growth in the company, as it shows the employer you are committed for the long term.
Appearance is an important factor that leads to success or failure in an interview. Young professionals looking for employment should come dressed to impressed. Gentleman should wear a three-piece suit, and neatly shaved. Ladies should dress professional and not wear anything tight or inappropriate for the job. Also, young ladies should wear light make-up in an interview, you are there to get a job, look the part, be that young business professional.
Lastly, always tell the truth in an interview and do not lie about your background. Many employers conduct background checks on applicants. The more upfront you are about your past, the better you will look. Young professionals should also have their professional and/or educational references available at the time of the interview. Take it from somebody who was in the industry, they will check references. Also, make sure the references can be reached. You would be surprised how many times people give references that can not be found.
Positive feedback from your references can impact the likelihood of advancing in the job screening process, and even can score that job. If you follow these tips, the interview process may lead to a bright career in a respectable company
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