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Top 10 fundamentals for first-time job seekers

Some of the most successful people started off peeling stacks (and stacks) of potatoes, skinning chickens, washing dishes and clearing tables. They didn′t get disheartened by the work required, as they knew that it was just a stepping-stone onto bigger and better things. As a start, here are the top ten fundamentals that all recruiters want fresh grads to know:

- It′s never to early to start researching the company companies you want to work with and for the position you want. Do your background research regarding the company and the requirements for the position you want when you graduate (size, global presence, $ value, any recent news, follow them on social media, etc.). If possible, try and talk to someone who already works there; they will be able to give you a much more accurate picture on the company′s culture, work environment, etc. so that you have all the information required to make an informed decision.

- Have a professional resume and cover letter. Just ensure that both your resume and cover letter portray an accurate image of you and tell the story that you want them to tell (in the best possible way). Ensure the resume is crisp and highlights the points you want the recruiter to notice. Get second opinions when possible.

- Manage your social media effectively. Think of yourself as a brand and all your social media as advertising your "personal brand". Just as you are going to be researching the companies/employees where you are applying, they will be doing the same to you.Ensure there isn′t anything online that you aren′t comfortable sharing with a room full of strangers (aka employers). Where possible have restricted profile access or screen the information you share online. Ensure you have a LinkedIn profile. Even if you don′t have any prior work experience, try and highlight internships, leadership positions, how you ranked in your school and your technical skills.

- When you do manage to get an interview with the company/companies that you want, apart from ensuring that your background research on the company itself is updated and accurate, try and gather as much information about the recruiters and the selection criteria process as possible. This will be invaluable in ensuring that you appear well informed and are adequately prepared at the time of the interview.

- Practice, practice, practice. Practice mock interviews with a friend/mentor where they ask you potential interview questions, ranging from predictable ones like, "Tell us about yourself" or "Why do you think you are the right person for this job" to slightly unique ones like "What classes were your favorite and why" or "What′s your favorite website" or "Who′s your real life hero?" Try and make these mock interview sessions as realistic as possible with quiet locations, appropriate attire and timing the entire process.

- Prior to the interview day, get enough rest (it′s not time to celebrate yet). Ensure that you are relaxed and plan to get to the venue a minimum of 30-45 minutes prior to the scheduled time (always allowing for last minute emergencies). Lay out your attire and check that you have all required paperwork, directions to the location and extra copies of your resume handy.

- First impressions matter. When introducing yourself ensure you have the right attitude, smile and a firm handshake. Expect to be evaluated (on body language, grooming, confidence and effective communication skills). Don′t hand out your resume or give out all the personal details (place of birth, family background, etc., unless specifically asked).

- During the interview, be prepared with a few relevant questions when given the opportunity to ask them. Expect most interviews to last between 30 to 45 minutes and when possible try and touch upon your internship project or the various organizations that you might have worked for. Also, add the responsibilities you handled and some achievements you had over those roles. Remember to keep the answers brief, to the point and avoid winding answers. Be prepared for them to ask you to stay back longer to meet others in the company.

- Maintain eye contact always (depending upon the number of people in the panels). Prior to leaving, thank them for their time; ask them for their business card as well as the next steps in the interview process. Ensure that you are prompt and respectful in your follow up.

- As a summary, while the hiring criteria may vary depending on company, industry, etc., recruiters are typically looking for graduates who exhibit confidence (not over confidence). They are looking for consistency in your "personal brand". Do your communication skills, overall appearance, attitude and personality match your resume? They′re also asking themselves if you really want to work in their company or is it just one of the many open positions that you are applying for? Does your intellect and previous success record match what they envision for this role?

Siddharth Vaze

The author is managing partner, Image Dynamics India