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 With this statistic and other positive employment projections in the
news, the job market for new college graduates appears to be the
best it’s been since the start of the Great Recession.
But even with this increase in potential jobs, how do new college
graduates ensure they are properly prepared for their first big
interview? Here we offer some practical tips for new graduates to
help them enter the workforce by being polished, professional and
ready to outclass the competition.
Refining your interpersonal skills:
Two of the most important communications skills to help make a
lasting first impression are also the easiest -- eye contact and
firm handshakes. Because of the constant need to stay in touch, a
majority of younger people grew up continuously monitoring their
mobile devices. Even in formal settings, it’s amazing to watch so
many people looking at their phones instead of having face-to-face
conversations.
But not being able to make solid eye contact with a potential
employer sends a message that can be interpreted as boredom,
disinterest and a lack of trust on behalf of a potential candidate.
The same is true of a limp handshake.
Conversely, a firm handshake implies confidence, collaboration and a
willingness to get down to work. In every interview, college
graduates should master these basic interpersonal skills that say
you are the right man or woman for the job.
Digital footprint:
With more employers routinely checking out the online presence of a
potential job candidate, a digital footprint can come back to haunt
someone more than ever. That’s why serious graduates need to think
twice before posting that picture of winning a beer pong
championship on social media.
Whether it’s removing any potential image challenging pictures and
inflammatory posts or whether it’s simply changing your account
settings to private, college graduates need to think of themselves
as a brand and always present the best image on all social
platforms.
The social interview:
More and more companies are conducting interviews at lunches,
dinners or in other off-site locales. But be aware that these
seemingly less formal interviews are often used as a barometer to
observe how a job candidate handles his or herself in a social
setting.
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This is where elbows should never meet white tablecloths, where
closed mouth chewing will be noted, and where a mobile phone should
never be seen or heard. Also, make sure you never make this most
common dining faux pas -- snagging the roll of a dining partner.
Always remember BMW -- your BREAD is on the left, your MEAL is in
the middle and your WATER is on the right.
Personalized correspondence:
Recently a colleague told a story of a job prospect sending an
interview query about an open position. The candidate noted how,
after exhaustive research into their company, he realized he was the
perfect fit for them. The only problem? The query letter was
addressed to one of the prospect's main competitors, indicating a
multiple cut and paste approach in creating a “personal” cover
letter.
Graduates, be warned. Take the time to tailor your correspondence to
the company where you truly feel you’d like to be employed. And
ensure your correspondence is grammatically correct and properly
proofed.
Thank you cards:
Whether you are thanking your grandmother for the graduation check
or sending a note of gratitude to a potential employer for a recent
job interview, take the time to say thanks in a handwritten and
timely card. It will impress!
(Pamela Eyring is the owner and president of The Protocol School of
Washington®, the global leader in international protocol, business
etiquette and cross-cultural awareness training. With offices in
Washington, D.C. and Dubai, the school was founded in 1988 and is
the only U.S. educational institution of its kind accredited by the
Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET.org).
For more information, visit www.psow.edu.)
(Editing by Michael Roddy)
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
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