What Job Interviewers Look for in Recent Grads

Job interviewers look at recent college grads in basically practical ways. The questions are: Will this young person fit in with our company's structure, work requirements and come up with the necessary skills? Does this candidate have the potential to become a definite asset to us? The answers to those basic questions may be found in a series of qualities the applicant should bring to the job interview.

1. Is there a solid academic record? This doesn't mean just good grades. The interviewer will look at the types of courses and major studies the applicant has completed. A major in 19th Century English poets may not make much of an impression on the interviewer at a computer manufacturing company.

2. Did the candidate acquire special skills while a college student that will fit in with the job? Were there courses in advanced math, physics or electronics that may impress that same interviewer who's looking for a sharp, computer-literate applicant.

3. Did the candidate go beyond the classroom to gain experience? A student who wrote news and scripts and appeared on camera at the campus TV station would be of interest to the management of a local or network TV station.

3. Did the student balance classroom and studies with other on-campus activities? A graduate who participated in organized sports and significant social activities may be considered a more well-rounded person and better candidate for a job by a prospective employer.

4. Did the candidate participate in community activities? Did it involve a summer of volunteering at a camp for inner-city kids? Or did the student volunteer regularly at a hospital or nursing home? These types of activities also contribute to making the applicant a more well-rounded candidate for a job.

5. Is this candidate's personality making a favorable impression on the job interviewer? Is there an energetic, positive attitude and ability to answer questions quickly and with good grammar? How does the candidate look? Is the graduate dressed ready to enter the business world or for slouching around the campus or attending a rock concert?

What employers look for in recent college grads are the qualifications and personal accomplishments needed to compete for and to take on jobs in the real world.