Áine Cai, 10 May 2017
‘Job interviews are a piece of cake’
Understandably, plenty of recent grads are terrified over the prospect of applying for gigs and lining up job interviews. It’s a stressful process, especially if you’ve never done it before.
But sugarcoating reality and telling grads not to fret over job applications is not a good option.
“Job interviews are generally terrifying,” says Nicholas Wyman, CEO of the Institute for Workplace Skills and Development and author of “Job U: How to Find Wealth and Success by Developing the Skills Companies Actually Need.” “Practice makes perfect. Preparation is the key to a successful interview.”
Instead of giving empty reassurances, well-meaning friends and relatives can help grads by offering to practice the art of interviewing with them. And recent grads should channel their worry into studying up and thoroughly preparing for every interview.
“Practice with a family member or a friend to get comfortable with your responses,” Wyman says. “Become an expert. Read industry magazines, online news and blogs to keep up with developments in your field of interest. Knowing the latest trends will help set you apart from other candidates in an interview.”
‘College prepared you for everything’
This well-meaning attempt to boost a recent grad’s confidence can really backfire. Just because you have a diploma doesn’t mean you’re necessarily ready to go out and conquer the world. In fact, grads who lack work experience still have a lot to learn as they enter the workforce.
“Many college graduates are finishing their educations lacking in both practical work experience as well as in the soft skills needed to land a job, be part of and work on a team, and navigate the day to day rigors of a modern workplace,” Wyman says.
So, where can you learn these elusive skills?
“They can be learned in one place — a workplace,” Wyman says. “Get a job, preferably in your area of interest and start learning, and practicing, the skills employers need.”
Read up on more of the worst pieces of career advice – full article here:
http://www.businessinsider.com/worst-advice-for-new-grads-2017-5//?r=AU&IR=T#go-back-to-school-1
Photo: Flickr/Samuel Mann
