Acing the Interview as a New Job Seeker

January 19, 2018

Job interviews are high-pressure, even for the most experienced job seekers. For those who are new to the professional workforce, the experience can be even more stressful. Whether you are a recent graduate, have recently changed career paths or have been out of the workforce for a while, here are four interview tips to help you highlight your qualifications and impress your next potential employer.

Do your research. Before the big day, learn as much as you can about the organization and what the job will entail. If a job description has been provided, review it thoroughly and consider how it coincides with your skill set.
Display Confidence. Even if you have limited experience, confidence can go a long way. Training, a flexible personality and educational achievements can make a big impression, so don’t be afraid to discuss them.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions. If there is a question or concept that you don’t understand, it’s okay to ask for clarification. Better to ask than to invite a misunderstanding during an interview.
Consider all of your experience. When you lack job experience, it can be difficult to express why you’d be the best fit for a job. Remember that interviewers were in this spot once as well. Play up your strengths by getting creative. Volunteer service, campus or civic organization leadership and internships all develop desirable skill sets, so put some thought into what you’ve accomplished and how this will benefit your future employer.

Ultimately, employers want to hire employees that fit within their organizational culture and who will excel in their position. This may not necessarily be the candidate with the most experience, so don’t psyche yourself out. Prepare yourself and showcase who you are and where you want to go. Contact us for more helpful job interviewing tips for new job seekers. Based on this article, we recommend you read: 5 Smart Questions to Ask During Your Job Interview, The Tough Job Interview Questions Everyone Should Be Prepared For, and Tips For Talking About Your Previous Job During the Interview.

NEXTAFF is a temporary staffing agency devoted to our clients and candidates throughout the United States. For more interview tips and ideas, contact us. We are always hiring, so if you or someone you know is looking for work, check out our job board below and apply today!