Landing your first job as a graduate seems to be difficult in South Africa due to the high unemployment rate. Many graduates face challenges with getting new jobs while others tend to give on applying. The transition from graduating to getting a job is overwhelming for some graduates. Preparing yourself for the real world can be difficult and as a graduate you must be ready for your interview.
Applying and getting response sometimes gives graduates the energy that they will soon a job and forgetting that they still need to be interviewed.
Here’s how a newly graduate can prepare for their interview and land their first role.
Research About The Company:
When you receuve an invitation for an interview, ensure that you do your research about the company. This is not just going through the company’s website and read the “About Us” page, it is beyond that.
As a graduate, you have to prove to the board that you know what you talking about and that involves research.
- Firsly you have to understand what is their products, services and who are their competitors. Understand what the company is about in order to stand out during your interview.
- Know the company’s culture so you can also be able to fit in. Check out their social media posts to see if they are corporate and formal or just casual. Attend your interview accordingly to their culture to show that you are the perfect fit for them.
- Be prepared for the question “Why Us” and answer them according to what they have achieved and what has inspired you to join their company.
Master the “Tell us about yourself”
In most interviews, the opening question is “tell us about yourself” and you must be prepared for it. Ensure that you fumble this question as it reveals to the board how prepare you are for the interview.
For this question, use the past-present-future model.
- Present: Tell the board about your recent qualificatiin and what you are currenty focusing on.
- Past: Mention projects you have handled, internships, and skills you have acquired.
- Future: Explain to the board why the role aligns with your career goals.
Understand the “STAR” Method:
Most interviews as questions and want you to answer according to the “STAR” method. As a graduate you have to prepere for such questions and be able to answer accordingly.
The meaning of “STAR” method and how to answer:
Question: ” tell us about the time you managed to resolve a conflict with your group members”
- (S) Situation: You have to be able to set a scene for the board to understand.
- (T) Task: What was the challenge or the goal
- (A) Action: What did you do to resolve the matter or conflict specifically.
- (R) Results: Explain what happened after or what you have achieved.
Wear accordingly for your interview:
It is always good to wear properly when attending an interview. Wear formally to avoid any disappointments from the board, it is better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed as said.
Either you are preparing for an online interview or in-person, always dress formally:
- For in-person: Ensure you look good and youe clothes are ironed.
- For online-interview: Ensure your lighting is good and also your background looks neutral. Be in a quiet place to avoid background noises and also wear formally to look professional.
Ask Questions:
During an interview, it is good to ask question as it is a two-way street. It helps with interacting with the board and also builds confidence during the interview. Ensure that you ask insightful questions, it shows that you did your research and you are serious about your career.
- “Ask about the culture of the company and how they manage to achieve their daily goals.”
- “How does the company assist newly graduates with mentorship.”
- “What is expected as a graduate for the role after few months.”