Interview Prep for New Grads

The stakes are high during job interviews, especially when you're a college student who is about to compete for your first job -- the one that could launch your career.

It's no wonder you'll be nervous. But you can minimize your anxiety and put yourself in a position to win the job by preparing for your interviews thoroughly. Here's how:

Research the Company/Organization in Depth

Fairly or unfairly, your interviewer will expect you to know quite a bit about his organization. So at a minimum, browse the organization's Web site, read as many of its marketing materials as you can, and look for articles about the organization in major periodicals or industry trade journals. If you can, dig even deeper by talking to some of the company's current employees.

Identify What You Have to Sell

What are the top three skills or experiences you can offer to the employer that other applicants can't? Identify them before the interview, and then determine how you'll communicate them to the interviewer.