Job Interview Tips for Fresh Graduates

As soon as a potential employer calls for an interview, most new graduates immediately search the Internet for tips on how to perform well at a job interview. Instead, we’ve done the searching for you and compiled a list of tips that could potentially save you hours of online research.

First Things First.

You need to be aware that the marketplace is very competitive. Even though you may be a new graduate, it doesn’t mean the interviewer will overlook it if you were unprepared for the interview.

Before the Interview.

Do your homework! Make sure you know your resume well. Do not make things up, such as responsibilities you didn’t have or projects you didn’t do. Also do not exaggerate about what you have done.

If you’ve updated your resume recently, make sure you have several fresh copies with you.

If you are contacted for an interview, it means that you’re a potential fit for the job. Research the company well and review the job description. Know the list of responsibilities you might assume as well as the skills required for the position.

Be Professional.

In an interview, you need to dress, look, and speak professionally. Wearing a t-shirt and jeans to an interview is a big NO. Invest a little bit of time to put together a dark-colored business suit (for men) and a jacket and matching pants or knee-length skirt (for ladies). Make sure you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing.

Next – the shoes. Make sure you don’t wear sneakers, tennis shoes, sandals, or any open-toed shoes. A pair of well-polished leather shoes or heels will do.

Ladies – this is for you.

Although the interview is a formal meeting, you don’t need to over-accessorize. Also do not wear a lot of makeup, giving the impression that you were going to a party and got lost on the way…

That’s about all for the interview dress code.

During the Interview – Body Posture Tips

• Start your interview by greeting the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake.
• Make sure you maintain eye contact at all times.
• Do not squirm around in your chair or fiddle with your fingers.
• If you’ve missed something the interviewer said, do not stare blankly! Ask the interviewer to repeat it.

During the interview – Responding to Questions

• Know the, “Tell me about yourself” part really well. It is a classic, frequently-used interview opener.
• When asked follow-up questions, do not answer with short sentences. Try to elaborate by giving examples. This is what the interviewer wants to hear.
• Do not beat around the bush. Giving an introductory sentence is okay, but don’t wander off to another topic.
• Do not be self-centric when responding to questions. Give the interviewer an idea of how you would be able to contribute to the company rather than just promoting yourself.
• You’ll often get the question, “Do you have any questions for us?” Have at least a question or two in mind. It shows interest in the company and what it has to offer.

After the interview – What’s next?

Finally, thank the interviewer for his/her time. Also thank the receptionist or anyone who assisted you. You could even send a small thank you note by email.

This list of tips is not comprehensive; however we regularly post articles about job interviews. Stay tuned!

Resuming Writing Tips for Fresh Graduates

So, you’ve just graduated out of college and you’re worried about what to put on your resume. Guess what? We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you out! Within an hour to two, you can put together a well-written resume. Be confident that you can stand out even if you do not have any previous employment experience.

First, make sure you put your full name, address, phone number (mobile & home number would be great) and email address that you regularly check. Double check these credentials because you might sometimes miss a letter or type in a 1 instead of a 2.

Next, write your objective. Do not be afraid to write an objective. We’re not asking you to narrow it down all the way to “Marketing Coordinator within a multi-national FMCG firm based in UAE.” Just show the potential employers that you have a sense of direction of where you want to be. Indicate your field of interest and your target entry-level position title or responsibilities.

Once you’re done with your objective, move on to your education. When writing your education details, do not forget to mention (clearly) your University name, years at University, major and concentration (if applicable). That’s not all. You need to also mention the relevant courses that match your objective along with a few key projects you might have done within your field of interest. Be ready to discuss these if asked about them in an interview!

Internships come next. Internships indicate that you took initiative and weren’t afraid to tap into real-life work experience. Jot down what you have learned from this experience and what you’ve achieved. You could also add relevant skills acquired.

In addition to the three listed resume parts, you might want to include a section for your volunteer work experience or one for personal information (hobbies and interests). This gives a sense of your character and personality.

Moreover, you could also choose to add a few references (ex: a professor at the University, your previous Manager at your internship company). Do make sure that these people are aware you’re giving in their details.

Finally, as a fresh graduate, you need to keep your resume length limited to one page to one page and a half as a maximum.

This is about it, college graduates! Take an hour or two to think about your resume and make sure to double check the CV’s spelling and punctuation.

We regularly post resume writing tips. Come back soon!

For more information, contact us at: marketing@searchpatharabia.com.

Interview No-shows

Interview no-shows are truly frustrating for both companies and recruitment agencies. Many candidates do not show-up to an interview not knowing that this action could have an impact on upcoming jobs.

When a candidate does not show up to an interview and fails to provide a reason for this no-show, the candidate would no longer be considered for other positions by the recruitment agency or company he/she has let down.

If the candidate got cold feet, changed his/her mind about the job or had a sudden pressing matter, the candidate could simply take a few seconds to cancel the interview (by phone or email). The candidate does not need to provide a dramatic reason, however this thoughtful action would keep the candidate on good terms with the recruiter.

In the Middle East specifically, the network of recruiters and employers is very tight. Staying in good contact with them is thus essential. In conclusion, your interview gives a sense of who you are.

More Resume Writing Tips!

1) Customize your resume’s objective. Use titles that match the job for which you are applying.

2) Be Specific. Often times, resumes are written in the following manner: “managed client accounts successfully.” Most of the times, the recruiter would wonder: what does the candidate mean by successfully and how many clients were there? Two? Ten? One hundred? It makes a big difference.

3) Take a step back. Although a resume is not a piece of poetry, you need to put a lot of time into it. Pick your words carefully. Do not say “I did this…” when you can say ” I executed, conducted, managed…”

4) Emphasize your core skills. Do make sure you read the job description thoroughly (at least twice) and then highlight the skills and competencies that you have and that are also required for the job for which you are applying.

For more information, please contact us at marketing@searchpatharabia.com.