Graduates’ biggest interview mistakes

So you got an interview! First of all, well done, you are one of the select few to be interviewed. Now how to turn the offer of an interview into a job offer? Follow my handy tips and you will have a better chance of success.

•  Showing an understanding of the job: Knowledge is the key here. Look up your interviewer on LinkedIn. Read through the job description, news reports, research the industry, and the company and its competitors. Can you formulate an answer to ‘why do you want this job?’ or ‘what do you know about our company?’ I have found http://www.wikijob.co.uk/ an extremely useful tool as it allows previous graduates to inform others about their interview experiences.
•  Using ‘we’ instead of ‘I’: A recruiter will ask you competency-based questions. ‘Tell me of a time when you worked well in a team’. It is essential that you answer this question using ‘I’. The recruiter wants to know what you can bring to the role. Use the STAR method here. (A good website to show you how to this  http://careerweb.leeds.ac.uk/info/20/applications/216/star_method). Another point is to make your examples fit with the type organisation or role you are going for. There is no point talking about how you managed a large team if you want to work for a small family run business! 
•  Not knowing why you want the job: Passion is the key here. Yes, an organisation is looking for a person with the right skills, but skills can be learnt and improved. An organisation wants someone who has passion for the job, who will be eager to learn and who will give 110%. Passion can be shown through knowledge.
• Do you have any question? : When going to an interview have three insightful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. DO NOT include questions revolving around remuneration and holiday! Here are some questions I have found to be positive:

o   Are there opportunities to travel?

o   Have you always worked for the company? (people always like to talk about themselves)

o   Are there good opportunities for progression within the company?

o   What did you think of the recent ... (story)….in the news?

•   Follow up: This can be the most nerve-racking part of the process! Send the interviewer a post-interview thank you note for their time and for any feedback. This is an excellent way to be remembered by the recruiter.