Lacking professionalism
Agreed this is your first job, but that doesn’t absolve you from doing your homework and prepping yourself adequately before the interview. If you want to create an impression on the interviewing panel members, study well about their Company, its objectives and the management. Sell yourself keeping in mind the Company’s mission and highlight your primary strengths that would help to add value to their business. Chart out your ‘if I am hired’ proposition and make them believe that you are the right candidate for the position.
Not keeping track of your achievements
Being humble is important but this is not the avenue to project that quality. It is important here to blow your own trumpet to attract attention towards you. Situations are common but achievements are unique. Make a list of all the awards, achievements and accolades you have garnered until date, however big or small, it may be. Recollect a particular situation, what you did and quantify the outcome or result. This method of thinking and presenting your resume falls in line with the competency-based interview style of questioning and will help you make an even better impression. Nothing in this category is insignificant, and your future employers need to know how good you are and that investing in you would be a profitable proposition for them. Being confident is the key here and do not shy away from highlighting all the feathers in your cap.
Lacking job-related skills
Nowadays, companies seek people who are specialists and not generalists. Learn about the industry-specific skills requirements and invest in training yourself for this. On a broader perspective, acquaint yourself with most of the skills required in a particular industry but master the one you would like to pursue as a career. This would give you an added advantage and help in positioning yourself much better.
Lacking experience through a job or internship
Nothing sells like experience. That is the bottom line in the job-seeking market. Having some sort of professional work experience before entering the work force arena would be an added advantage for you. If this means having to wait at tables or be an across-the-counter sales person or being a freelancer, go ahead and grab the opportunity. Try finding full/part-time jobs while completing your education. Project these experiences as bullet points in your resume and you have got yourself a sure shot eye-catcher.
Not getting the first impression right
Last but not the least, look the part. Save the causal jeans and T-shirt style for weekends. Now that you are keen to join the professional workforce, dress right. Get yourself some well-fitted corporate wear and groom yourself properly before any interview. Nothing puts an interviewer off more than a sloppy looking candidate. In this case, the first impression might end up creating a lasting one.
So put your best foot forward, follow these pointers, and you are ready to attack and find your dream job.
