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Interview Preparation for New Grads

Practice

At most campus career centers, you can sign up to do a mock interview with a career counselor. Take advantage of this helpful service so you can get a sense of what an interview situation is like. You can pinpoint specific questions you’ll be asked and work through your responses.

Be Ready for Surprises

It’s possible you’ll be taken out to lunch or dinner as part of the interview, or you’ll have to take a preemployment test, or you’ll end up interviewing with more than one person. Be prepared.

Get Primped

You need to look your very best for the interview. So get your hair cut and styled, and buy a professional outfit or two.

Know Where You’re Going — Literally

You cannot be late for interviews — period. So get good directions to the company ahead of time, and if you can, practice traveling to the site.

Rest Up

Get a good night’s sleep before your interview so you’ll be as physically, psychologically and emotionally ready for it as possible.

Plan to Bring Your Resume to the Interview

In fact, bring several copies. Do not, however, take anyone with you. You’re on your own for this one.

Make Peace with Mistakes

Your interview won’t go perfectly. You’ll struggle with some questions, and you may forget to make some important points. Accept this ahead of time, and you’ll take some of the pressure off yourself so you’ll make fewer mistakes and omissions during the actual interview.

This article originally appeared on Monster.com.

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