By: John Glover (MBA)

With sweaty palms, you straighten your back and take a deep breath. It is your first interview out of college and you think you’re well prepared. Question after question, your confidence begins to waver. Every word you trip over slowly but surely chips away at your chances to land the job. With a final handshake, you walk out with your head hung low because your performance simply did not reflect the kind of employee you know you can be.

For many young professionals entering the workforce – especially those fresh out of university – the job application process is incredibly daunting. Many are specifically struggling to perfect their interviewing skills. Interview after interview, these young professionals are showing employers that they tend to be underprepared, easily overwhelmed, and misguided in their effort to highlight their achievements and alignment with company needs. It seems like plenty of them are recognizing that bright eyes, a fresh degree, and high ambitions are not enough to land a job in today’s market.

A significant issue presenting itself is the disconnect between academic experiences and workplace expectations. Students can acquire internships and work during their time in college, however, it is not obligatory. So, a good amount of recent graduates will enter the workforce without tangible work experience to show. 

The academic setting is not the same as the real world. Oftentimes, college can feel like a bubble – a community of similar people striving for the same thing: their degree. However, excelling in school does not mean you will thrive in the real world. Many of the skills required in the workforce can only be attained through experience; something that cannot be taught in a classroom.

But, don’t lose faith just yet. There is a way to better your interviewing skills without having to fail your way through the process. A.J. Mizes, CEO & Founder of The Human Reach shared 3 tips to help you feel confident and ready to take on your next interview.

Prepare Impactful Questions

Don’t just jot down generic questions; create a list of thoughtful, impactful ones that show you’ve done your homework. These should go beyond the basics—ask about the company’s future plans, team dynamics, or challenges they are facing. Not only will this demonstrate your genuine interest and preparation, but it also positions you as someone who is forward-thinking and eager to contribute. Having these questions ready will ensure you’re never caught off guard and will make you memorable in the interviewer’s eyes.

Let the Interviewer Take the Lead

Allow the interviewer to guide the flow of the conversation to show that you’re adaptable, attentive, and respectful of their process. Start by listening carefully to their questions and cues, and resist the urge to interrupt or dominate the conversation. When you give them space to lead, you can better understand their priorities and areas of interest, allowing you to tailor your responses accordingly. This approach not only demonstrates your strong listening skills but also makes it easier for you to align your answers with what they care about most. 

Anchor Your Answers with Strong Results

When responding to questions, it’s beneficial to include measurable outcomes that demonstrate your impact. Instead of just describing your actions, highlight the results, such as “I improved team productivity by 20% over three months” or “This contributed to a 15% decrease in customer complaints, which enhanced satisfaction scores.” This approach not only indicates a results-oriented mindset but also helps interviewers see the potential value you can bring to their organization. Keep in mind that hiring managers appreciate candidates who can deliver measurable results, so ensure your responses clearly convey how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles.

Navigating the interview process can be draining and overwhelming, however, these tips seek to ease your mind just a bit. At the end of the day, a little bit of failure does not mean success cannot exist. The two tend to coexist in harmony. For young professionals, a dash of patience can go a long way. With these three tips, we hope it takes you straight into your new office

Published By: Aize Perez