8 Dumb Interview Mistakes New Grads Make
In a recent CareerBuilder poll, more than 3,000 hiring managers and HR professionals were asked to identify the biggest mistakes new college graduates make during the application and interview process. Based on the percentage of respondents who gave each answer, these are the top 8 dumbass moves among new grads (not to mention a few other age groups…ahem).
Don’t make the same job interview mistakes many college graduates make, learn from this list, make notes, and prepare yourself!
1. Acting bored or cocky (69%)This sounds familiar. We had someone interviewing at Pongo recently who seemed pretty good, but two or three people used the word “cocky” to describe the person’s attitude. (Our managers, like those at many companies, solicit opinions from everybody who comes in contact with a job candidate, not just those in the interview room – hint, hint.) If you’re a new grad, it’s important to realize that you may have been the coolest kid on campus a few months ago, but today you’re an unproven beginner. A positive, respectful attitude is one way to set yourself apart. Confident = good. Cocky = bad.
2. Not dressing appropriately (65%)
Your interview attire, like your attitude, says a lot about whether you’re serious about proving yourself, or just think you’re entitled to the job because you’re you. Your clothing should be clean, pressed, and modest. As they say in middle school, no visible boxers, bellies, or boobs.
3. Coming to the interview with no knowledge of the company (59%)
There’s no excuse for not researching an organization that’s considering hiring you. They have a web site; use it to learn what they do, who they are, what they specialize in. Google the executives’ names (after all, they’ll be Googling you; see #8, below). Continue reading …New Grad Life is the only blog solely dedicated to providing free resources to recent college graduates or soon-to-be grads for topics such as job hunting, resume/interview help, networking tips, money management, and more.
