If you are a recent college graduate, chances are that if you haven't already you will soon turn your attention to looking for a job. Getting a job has never been easy, but with the economy slowing it has gotten much harder.
All is not lost though. With careful preparation, you can land the job you want.
Ralph Ferrone, author of "Don't Blow the Interview," stresses that by simply knowing what to expect and how to react, your success at interviewing will be significantly enhanced. Consider these tips he offers on how not to blow the interview:
* Know yourself. When choosing a career path, assess your likes/dislikes and experiences. Ask yourself: Where will you fit in best -- a large, medium or small company? Will you relocate? If you are unsure of what you want, secure "temp" jobs and sample different businesses.
* Know what an interviewer looks for and establish a strategy that allows you to present yourself with impact. Remember, you are a "new product" that is being introduced to the marketplace. Your goal is to stand out from other applicants, and that begins with packaging and marketing yourself.
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* Make your cover letter and resume appealing. They should be visibly attractive, concise, well-written and void of errors.E-mail addresses and voicemail messages should be mature. Also "references upon request" should appear at the bottom of your resume (never the actual names).
* Be proactive in the interview. Interviewers will evaluate you on physical appearance, body language, verbal skills, confidence level, reasoning and logic. Make sure you radiate confidence and enthusiasm.
