You did it; you’ve earned your college degree and are ready to hit the job market. Whether you went to an online university or spent four years on a traditional campus, you’ve soaked up all the knowledge you can consider yourself a perfect candidate for jobs in your field. Even if your suit is clean and your resume is error-free there is still something left to be done…prepare for some tough questions:
1. Have you experienced teamwork in your background? Chances are you have, even if it’s not obvious to you at first. Have you played sports? Participated in a study group? Even experiences in a large family can be valuable lessons in pulling together if you spin it correctly. If you were a team captain or showed any particular leadership, make sure that you mention it.
2. How did your last job come to a close? If you’ve left a job on bad terms, be honest, but don’t vent about former employers. Explain that there wasn’t room for personal growth or that the corporate culture wasn’t a good match for you, but keep your conversation positive about the future.
3. Where do you want to be in five years? Keep your response strictly professional. While you may envision becoming a parent or moving to a new city down the road, the person in front of you likely wants to know if you plan on digging in and learning their business. Discuss your plans for growing in various areas or managing projects that relate to the job you are interviewing for.
4. What are your salary requirements? This subject should always be introduced by the interviewer, not you. Do your homework and know what people in various regions make for similar positions that you are going for. Make sure that you communicate that you are flexible, but competitive in your expectations. Another thing to remember is that benefits such as 401k, insurance and education reimbursement could go a long way toward filling in the gap of a slightly lower salary.
Know as much about the company as you can possibly find out and then spend time on packaging yourself in the event of difficult questions. Put your best foot forward and exude confidence (even if you have to fake it at first) and you should do just fine as you leave college life behind and enter the work force.
Alan Greene is an educational counselor in New Jersey. He specializes in helping adults review their online education options and select online colleges which meet their needs.