I have decades of experience as a professional interviewer, but, I’ll be authentic, it’s hard to determine whether a new graduate can successfully perform a certain job. That’s because, generally, they haven’t actually “done” the job they’ve been studying for in college.
However, it is possible to assess qualifications and the likelihood of doing well in the workplace.
I’d like to share with you some of what I look for in a job candidate who is fresh out of school. Your first job interview will be here before you know it, and the time to prepare is long before you walk in the door. Here are some things that will help you make a good impression:
Grades. They matter! Good grades show discipline; they indicate how well you retain the information you’ve been studying. On a résumé that likely isn’t very long yet, your GPA is going to stand out. Make sure it’s as high as possible.
Leadership roles. Grades aren’t everything. What leadership roles did you hold in school? Student government? Band? Fraternity or sorority? How did you perform? Were you given multiple leadership responsibilities in any one organization? That proves you knew what you were doing and you were good at it. For me, this is a big indicator of future success.
Work while in school. I like to see work experience in your chosen field—internships, summer work, etc. I’m also impressed by students who have held part-time jobs such as a server in a restaurant, a coach or tutor or work at some sort of side business. Those students who worked to pay for part or all of their education often show responsibility beyond their years.
Diversification. What did you study outside your major? What classes did you take simply because you wanted to expand your knowledge or your horizons? I know a recent graduate who majored in communications and minored in poverty studies. Which part of her education do you think made her stand out from the crowd and land a really good job?
Attitude. While it’s hard to quantify attitude, I’m always on the lookout for a positive one. A positive attitude gets you noticed; it’s memorable. People like to work with those who have a generally positive outlook.
What I really want to know is this: Are you willing to do what it takes to be successful in the job you are seeking? Are you simply looking for a paycheck, or do you want a real opportunity that is dressed in hard work?
When I see the C+ student who took four or five years to graduate and didn’t have any leadership roles or much academic and community involvement, I see someone who probably enjoyed themselves very much while in school. I don’t see much reason to recommend that person for a job.
Before I get too preachy, let me tell you that I was a C+ student with very little leadership experience in college. However, I worked at a tobacco store to help pay for my education, and that showed some resourcefulness and responsibility.
The result was that I interviewed with 24 different companies and received only one offer. I found myself with an entry-level sales job paying a low salary during a recession. There was the opportunity to make some commission, but I was the one carrying most of the risk. You see, there was little reason for anyone to risk very much money on me.
So today I challenge you to create a demand for yourself.
If you have only average grades with an unimpressive day-to-day, hit the reset button. Do it now! Become involved in some type of organization; seek out a leadership role. Figure out how you can do an internship or even volunteer in the field of your particular major. If you’re about to graduate, focus on what sets you apart. Then use my tips to better present yourself.
Determine what you have that will make companies want to come to you.
Do this, and you’ll do what you do better.