Interview Like a Pro: A Guide to Landing Your First Job Before Graduation

Are you ready to land your first post-graduation job, but unsure how to start the process while you're still in school? Finishing up your degree and landing a job at the same time might sound like a juggling act, but it’s more achievable than you think!  

With some thoughtful preparation and a few key strategies, you can ace your job interviews, impress potential employers and dive into the world of the fully employed—even before you graduate. The best part? You don’t have to go it alone.  

Take advantage of your university’s resources—like Herzing’s Career Services—and follow this guide on how to get ahead of the competition, nail your interview and secure a role that launches your career ahead of graduation day. 

1. Start Preparing Early  

Polish Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile 
Even if your work experience is limited, remember that you have many valuable skills from internships, class projects and campus organizations. You can make these shine on your resume. Also, start now to update your LinkedIn profile, as many employers will check it out after reviewing your resume. 

Herzing’s Career Development Services has resources to support you, including access to talented career advisors and the resume evaluation tool through Canvas for students and Career Connect for graduates.  

Research Companies and Network 
Start researching companies you’re interested in early. Networking can also help you learn more about different industries and meet people working in your target field while you are still in school. Students can attend campus job fairs, connect with alumni on LinkedIn, or explore their school’s job boards. 

2. Be Intentional 

Avoid using generic applications when applying for your first post-graduation role. Using a polished resume will put you a level ahead of the competition. Put time into researching each job and customize your resume and cover letter for each position. Even though you may not have your degree or advanced direct work experience yet, you can highlight achievements, skills, and experiences relevant to the job you’re applying for. 

3. Practice Interviewing 

Some interview questions are predictable. “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work here?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” will most likely come up. Prepare concise, confident answers in advance. 

For more complex behavioral interview questions, think back to your coursework or internships and use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your responses: 

• Situation: Explain the context.
• Task: Explain your role in the situation or challenge.
• Action: Describe your specific actions.
• Result: Share the results of your actions 

Try answering questions out loud, either by yourself, with friends or in a mock interview through Herzing’s Interview Training Simulator. Herzing’s career advisors can also offer valuable feedback and help you adjust your tone, body language and content to make a strong impression as an entry-level candidate.  

4. Tackle Challenging Interview Questions 

As a student still working toward your degree, you may be asked some intimidating questions regarding your experience. Don’t panic! Focus on accentuating the experience you do have and details about your transferable skills like problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. 

Here are examples of two potentially daunting questions and how to tackle them: 

“Are you qualified for this job?” 

• Emphasize any relevant skills or experiences.
• Show enthusiasm for learning and growing in the role.
• A sample answer could be: “While I’m just starting my career, I’ve built a strong foundation through my coursework and internships. I have practical experience in [related tasks], and I’m excited to apply these skills in a real-world setting. I’m also a fast learner and eager to continue developing with your team.”

“Tell me about your experience doing [xyz].” 

• If you’re asked about an experience you don’t have, be honest, but pivot to something relevant.
• For example, say you’re asked about managing projects, but you haven’t officially led one. Think of academic projects or volunteer work where you took the lead or went beyond what was expected.
• You might say: “During a group project in my class, I noticed we were struggling to stay organized, so I created a shared timeline to track our progress and set deadlines. This helped everyone stay on track, and we completed the project early. I’m confident I can apply the same organizational skills and proactive mindset to larger projects in this role.”

5. Show Your Potential 

Employers know you’re still learning, so enthusiasm can go a long way. Show that you’re excited about the opportunity and motivated to take on challenges. Companies appreciate fresh perspectives, so communicate your eagerness to contribute new ideas. 

Going into the interview, prepare a few thoughtful questions about the company, the position, and the team culture. Good questions might include: 

• “What does success look like in this role?”
• “How would you describe the team’s dynamic?”
• “Are there opportunities for growth within this role or department?”

These questions not only show that you’re seriously considering how you’d fit into the company, but they also provide you with insight into whether the position is right for you or not. 

6. Follow Up with a Thank You Note 

You’d be surprised how little things like a post-interview note can stay with a hiring professional. After the interview, send a brief, personalized thank you email. Mention a specific detail from your conversation to make it memorable and reaffirm your excitement for the role. 

Herzing’s Career Resources 

Interviewing for your first job post-graduation is exciting and nerve-wracking but remember—employers expect entry-level candidates to be new to the field, so skills and abilities beyond specific job requirements can carry more weight. By showing up prepared, emphasizing your willingness to learn and showcasing your unique skills and experiences, you can leave a strong impression and take the stage on graduation day knowing you’ve got a head start in your career and are ready to get to work on day one.