How to Prepare for Your First Job Interview After College

Preparation is key to acing the interview. Follow these pointers to make sure you're ready for the big day.

By Peter Vogt, Monster contributor

It's time for one more lesson, graduate: How to prepare for your first job interview after college. The best way to ace your interview is to make sure you’re prepared. Follow these new grad interview tips to get ready for the big day.

Research the Company/Organization in Depth

Your interviewer will expect you to know quite a bit about his organization. So at a minimum, browse the organization's website, read as many of its marketing materials as you can, and look for articles about the organization in major periodicals or industry trade journals. You can dig even deeper by talking to some of the company's current employees.

Identify What You Have to Offer

What are the top three skills or experiences you can offer the employer that other applicants can't? Identify them before the interview, and then determine how you'll communicate them to the prospective employer when answering interview questions.

Prepare Examples

Anyone can make claims in job interviews; far fewer people back them up. Think about some actual stories you can tell from previous experience to support your statements. Consider developing a career portfolio and using it as a presentation prop during the interview.

Develop Intelligent Questions

A key part of how to prepare for your first job interview after college involves not only having smart answers but also smart questions. That's because at some point during your interview, you'll be asked whether you have any questions. Although you'll probably just want to get the whole thing over with, don't. Definitely ask questions. This demonstrates your level of interest in the job, so develop a few ahead of time, and jot some down during the interview.

Develop Your Close

Successful salespeople know how to effectively close meetings with clients to win sales. Similarly, you need to learn how to close the interview to win the job—if you want it, that is. Don't leave the table without finding out next steps.

Practice

At most campus career centers, you can sign up to do a mock interview with a career counselor. Take advantage of this 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 may have to take a preemployment test. Or you'll end up interviewing with more than one person. Be prepared for these possibilities and more.

Get Primped

Make sure you look your very best for the interview. So buy a professional interview suit or two and be sure you look the part.

Know Where You're Going—Literally

You cannot be late for interviews—period. 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, plan to bring several copies. Do not, however, take anyone with you. You're on your own for this one.

Have a Successful Job Search

Knowing how to prepare for your first job interview after college can take some of the edge off. Could you use some more tips to help you get ready for showtime? Check out Monster's grad site for interview tips, career advice, and job search info. Get ready to go to work.