It's an interview, not a keg party

By Scott Reeves

updated 6:07 p.m. ET June 1, 2006

NEW YORK - Some June graduates sit down for a job interview as if they were dressed for a keg party, while others look awkward and stiff in their first set of off-the-rack "professional" clothes.

Relax, kids. Employers don't expect you to hit a home run your first few times up. Most recognize that you're young and inexperienced. Hiring managers look for smarts, confidence and the ability to handle yourself well in high-pressure situations.

You don't have to be perfect, but you must be serious about the job and knowledgeable about the company. It's also a good idea to dress appropriately (see: "Dress For Success").

"Always have a question ready when the interviewer asks, 'Do you have any questions?' at the end of the interview," says Scott W. Simmons, vice president of Crist Associates, an executive placement agency in Chicago. "A good question shows that you've researched the company and the sector. If you say that you have no questions, you'll be perceived as passive and uninterested in the job."

7 HELPFUL INTERVIEW TIPS Click the links below for more information. Always be prompt Dress appropriately Make eye contact Pay attention to small details Turn off your cell phone Breaking news Work samples Source: Forbes.com

For example, you might ask about major competitors or how the company differentiates itself from the competition. Specific questions then will flow from the conversation, and if you do it right, you'll make a good impression (see: "Acing The Job Interview").

Landing the interview starts with a solid cover letter and a killer resume. A good cover letter tweaks the hiring manager's interest and gets your material reviewed. It's addressed to a specific person, explains why you're writing, briefly details your qualifications for the job and directs the reader to your attached resume. Be sure to thank the person for taking the time to review your material (see: "Uncovering Cover Letters").

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to cover letters. You must personalize each letter and peg it to the job on offer. Cranking up your Dell, H-P or Apple and e-mailing the same letter in response to a ton of ads will result in nothing but rejection letters — assuming you get any response at all.

Introduce yourself to the company in the cover letter. Presentation and tone count — addressing it to the wrong person or misspelling the person's name will knock you out of the box. Keep the letter formal without sounding like a dainty Victorian or a pretentious twit.

An effective resume should begin with a professional summary of three to eight sentences highlighting your strengths, experience and education (see: "Writing A Killer Resume"). Think of your resume as an advertisement for yourself. It's intended to make you stand out from the hundreds of others applying for the job. A chronological listing of your experience achieves nothing. Instead, avoid the mundane by highlighting major accomplishments, including internships.

Don't mix personal and professional aspects of your life. Never include marital status or religious or political affiliation on your resume. Don't try to be clever — keep your resume straight and to the point. Don't exaggerate your accomplishments or claim to have done things you haven't. Avoid cutesy fonts and stick to white or off-white paper (see: "The Truth About Lies").

When you land an interview, remember this basic point: You're being sized up the minute you step into the office. So be quick-witted, don't let your guard down and never snap or snarl at the receptionist.

Your pitch should be simple and direct: This is what I can do for you (see: "Seven Deadly Interview Flubs").

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