Career Conversation: 11 Interview Tips for New Grads

Every successful interview begins with preparation. These tips and questions will provide you with a foundation upon which you can plan your interview approach. While every interview is different and expectations vary across industries, the below explores fundamental best practices.

• Start the interview process before the interview. Research the organisation, potential interviewers, and potential colleagues. Start with the company website and LinkedIn.
• Recruit a friend or mentor for a practice interview. Provide them with information on the company and position, as well as a list of interview questions. In addition, ask them to pose their own questions so you have the opportunity to answer unrehearsed questions.
• Think about where your skills and experiences do not match-up with the advertised position. What concerns might the interviewer have about your capabilities or cultural fit? Have answers prepared ahead of time.
• Arrive to the interview on time. Sounds simple but many fail to do this. Establish logistics for getting to the interview one or two days beforehand. If you are taking public transit know the timetable and have a back-up plan if something goes wrong. If you are driving, plan ahead for parking and take traffic patterns into consideration. Have a contact number in hand you can call in case you are running late or get lost.
• During the interview, establish a connection with the interviewer. Engage with him or her to determine if personality and leadership styles are a good match.
• Sell yourself. Have three or four reasons why you are the perfect fit for the position. Give examples to demonstrate each of those reasons.
• Frame everything you say positively, even if asked negatively ("What did you like least about your previous position?"). Instead of stating “I didn’t like” try using “The main challenge of my previous position was ___”. If asked about weaknesses, instead of stating an obvious positive as a weakness (“I am too much of a perfectionist”) discuss skill areas you would like to develop and strengthen.
• Be honest about your skills, interests and expectations. You don't want to talk your way into the wrong position.
• Be prepared for unexpected questions or questions you would prefer not to answer. If difficult questions are asked, make sure your responses are not defensive. Be straightforward and concise.
• Prepare several good questions to ask the interviewer. Pay close attention to what the interviewer says about the position and the work environment during the interview. Tailor some of your questions to statements made by the interviewer.
• And finally, if you really want the position, communicate this to the interviewer and explain why. Make sure they know that if the job was offered, you would seriously consider acceptance.