Rules and Interview Tips for New College Graduates

by | LEADERSHIP, STRATEGY, TWO MINUTES WITH TROY

It’s that time of year when new college graduates will be interviewing for jobs. I’ve interviewed and hired hundreds of college grads in the last 25 years and here are a few things I’ve learned…

Top 5 rules for college graduates:

  1. Be proud of your piece of paper, but don’t be arrogant about it.
  2. If you think you are the smartest guy in the room, then you are in the wrong room. Surround yourself w/smarter people that you.
  3. If you want to get there faster, work longer.
  4. Young and intelligent doesn’t trump age and wisdom.
  5. The party is over. Get out there and get a job.

Top 6 interview tips for college grads:

  1. Know your resume by heart. Nobody EVER has a bad resume – know yours by heart so when asked you can tell the story with authenticity and believability that you are who your resume says you are.
  2. Dress for who you want to be, not who you are, no matter what job you are going for.
  3. Know who you’re talking to and the business they are in. Don’t waste time asking interviewer about the business or what they do. You should know that before you get into the conversation.
  4. Don’t oversell yourself, if you think you’re the smartest guy in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
  5. Help the conversation along. Expect the interviewer has read nothing and knows nothing about you, and that he will be tired of asking the same questions. Help the conversation along and make it easy for him to get to know you quickly.
  6. Thank you. Always follow the meeting with a thank you note / email / call.