by Leslie Linehan
Though the job market for college graduates is the best it has been in 15 years, it does not ensure that graduates can make it past a first interview without doing a little work.
As graduation approaches, seniors must be prepared as if they have taken a three-hour college course in interviewing, said David Small, assistant vice president of student services at the University of Houston.
"It was determined in a survey that 80 percent of the decision-making in the selection process occurs in the first interview," Small said.
It is important that graduates do the necessary research about the company they are interviewing with. When a job candidate goes to an interview prepared, it shows an interest in the company and provides a basis for discussion. Interviewers are looking for candidates to ask relevant questions.
"Companies look for preparation," said Denise Woodard, career counselor at UH Career Services. "Students must know about the company and do their homework."
"I expect for all the people I interview to have done something to learn about Exxon," said Starlet Agrella of Exxon recruiting. "With the Internet available, it's almost silly not to use that resource to find out something about a company you're interviewing with."
Graduates need to begin analyzing themselves and taking inventory before an interview. They need to look at their interests, strengths, weaknesses and career goals.
During an interview, job candidates will most likely be asked to talk about themselves in general and specific ways. If the inventory has been done, candidates will be able to speak clearly about their qualities.
"You really need to do that internal research," Agrella said. "If a question comes up that you didn't anticipate, you should know yourself well enough that you can think on your feet and come up with an intelligent response."
"Think about examples of strength, and that will help you tremendously," said Lauren Van Wambeck of Arthur Andersen human resources.
Developing informed questions is an essential part of interview preparation. Graduates should formulate questions in advance but must keep the tone of the questions conversational.
"If you don't have any questions, interviewers can assume that you are not interested," Small said.
Interviewers will ask questions about past experiences at work or at school. Graduates should be prepared for questions about how they handled difficult situations in the past, and should be able to elaborate.
"Short one-sentence answers will not cut it," Small said. "You have to become a storyteller. Set up the situation, explain what happened and what you derived from it."
No matter what, Agrella said, don't dry up. "The worst interview happens when, after a question, the candidate says, 'I can't think of anything,'" she said.
Nervousness is usually a big issue for graduates in their first interview with a company. Woodard said nervousness is one of the biggest complaints from companies recruiting on the UH campus.
"I know it sounds easier said than done, but try to be (as) relaxed as you can," advised Tom Halaska of Amoco recruiting.
"We try and tell students to be relaxed because they have something to offer that company, and should show it," Woodard said. "(One student) did a mock interview three times to make sure he got it right. By the third time, it was great and he went in for the interview and got the position."
The competition for the better jobs is still present, and graduates should prepare themselves for that competition. Only 25 percent of college graduates have a job by the time they receive their diplomas. The other 75 percent might want to engage in some research, self-inventory and practice before they go out into the job market.
For assistance in interview preparation, contact University Career Services in the Student Service Center at (713) 743-5100.