With the economy in turmoil, many MBA graduates are finding the job search tough going. To give readers some insight into the strategies they’re pursuing and the difficulties they face, BusinessWeek has recruited four out-of-work MBAs to write about their experiences for a new feature called “The Hunt” that will appear periodically on the Getting In blog. Comments, as always, are welcome.
By Grant Garcia
A first interview is the only chance to make a favorable impression on a potential employer. Employers know within just a few minutes whether a candidate is going to be a fit for the firm, so it’s essential to arrive prepared. With the job market in peril for both undergraduate and MBA job hunters, students must differentiate themselves beyond the basics now more than ever. If you’re lucky enough to have an interview it’s important to do everything possible to set yourself up for success. Research, preparation, and presentation are just a few ways to stand out from the competition.
This probably goes without saying, but performing extensive due diligence on the firm before the interview is almost mandatory in today’s job market. Information is readily available online for every firm in any industry, which can be used to your advantage. I make sure to always research the structure, organization, and culture of a firm, its recent successes (or failures), and prepare questions based on my findings. I also research the directors or associates who will be conducting the interview and try to find connections to my network if possible. This could include schools, clubs, or areas of interest that we both share. This shows the interviewer that I have a sincere interest in joining their firm and understand exactly what they do and how they do it. I have found that the easiest way to eliminate yourself from the applicant pool is to not fully understand what the firm does, how it functions, or misunderstand the role you are applying to. Applicants who understand the firm and can speak intelligently about how it operates have an advantage during the initial few minutes when a first impression is formed.