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Graduation season has come to an end, which can only mean one thing: It’s hunting season. Job hunting season. And those jobs are out there for you, liberal arts majors! For the first time, four-year college degree holders compose more of the workforce than high school grads do.
Now, the job search can be a daunting, stressful time, especially if it’s your first time going through the rigorous job interviews that have come to be expected as part of the hiring process. Interviews might seem scary, but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here are some tips to help you successfully navigate any job interview and land that entry-level position over all the hundreds of other qualified college graduates vying for it.
- Be punctual! In fact, arrive fifteen minutes early so you can puncture as many things as possible.
- Don’t eat any candy from the office candy bowl. It’s always better to bring your own bowl of candy.
- Do your research! Why would someone hire you if you don’t know anything about their company? That’s why you should always follow the interviewer up to a week beforehand.
- Remember to dress for the job you want! That’s why you should come dressed as the Mother of Dragons from Game of Thrones.
- Be ready for the “what is your greatest weakness?” question by not letting them ask it. If they start to bring it up, stop them at whatever cost.
- Eye contact, eye contact, eye contact. Pro tip: Double up on valuable eye contact time by somehow looking your interviewer in both eyes at the same time.
- Grow a backbone. If you don’t already have a backbone, grow one in advance.
- Tell them you wrote Jaws. They’re bound to be impressed if they think you wrote the 1975 blockbuster hit that skyrocketed Steven Spielberg to fame.
- Show the interviewer you’ve got a sense of humor by literally always laughing.
- Say thanks! Remember: Your behavior after the interview is just as important as your behavior during the interview. Show your interviewer you appreciated their time by sending them a personalized “Thank You” car.
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Maggie Smith (@THEJudiDench) is a Chicago-based writer and improviser. She performs with The Second City Training Center's music improv house ensemble Infinite Sundaes, Sunday nights at 8pm.
