New Grads - Beat The Job Competition

Winning your new job takes more than just arriving on time
- after all, that's obviously expected. But, what else are
employers expecting from you when you arrive for your
interview? Here are four tips you'll want to keep in mind
for interview success:

Tip 1: Employers will assume that you have done a good
amount of research on their company. When they ask you
what you know about them, you'll get off to a good start by
being able to discuss several pertinent points about the
Company. To do this you must be sure your research
includes:

* What the company's mission is
* Sales and revenue (if public)
* What their growth rate has been
* Major products and services
* Who their competitors are
* Key management team
* Latest news on the company
* Clients, suppliers
* Company structure & culture

Employers want to know that you are interested in working
for them and that you have the curiosity and energy to plan
ahead for your meetings. This research technique will also
help you come up with smart questions to ask your
interviewer when they offer to answer any questions you may
have. P.S. Always have questions!

Tip 2: Employers expect you to be able to discuss your
strengths, give examples of your strengths in action and
tell how your strengths will benefit them. In addition to
your academic performance and experience (internships,
etc., if applicable) a few other areas assessed during an
interview are:

* Team work - how will you work and interact with others
* Self knowledge - a realistic assessment of who you are
* Personality - how will you fit into their culture
* Image - how you present yourself as well as your overall
appearance
* Work ethic - reliability, integrity
* Confidence - ability to openly discuss goals and
accomplishments

Tip 3: Employers expect you to tell them "What's In It For
Them" if they hire you. Gone are the days when you ask the
employer why they think you should work for them. Be ready
with 3 top reasons you are a good choice for the employer.

Tip 4: Employers will expect you to be able to provide
them with some self-disclosure so they can get to know you
better. You should be prepared to answer questions around:

* Weaknesses (and never use something lame like - "I just
tend to work too hard" that's a real eye roller)
* Your problem solving abilities
* Extra curricular activities
* Community involvement and/or volunteer services
* Why you chose your career field and information about
your long term career goals

Remember, employers want top talent and you must be able to
articulate your value and the benefit you will bring to an
organization. If you prepare in advance you will bring
confidence, enthusiasm and a positive attitude with you and
it will show. So, turn your interview into a success story
by preparing ahead. Get ready to beat the competition!


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About the Author
Robin Ogden is a founder of FiredUP Careers, a career
coaching company focusing on career products and services
for professionals who wish to stay aligned with their
careers, achieve success and truly dig what they do. For
more information about FiredUP Careers and to receive our
FREE 'career death traps' report, visit
http://www.firedupcareers.com