Interview Questions

Planning ahead while you're still a student is one of the smartest things you can do to improve your chances of landing a job after graduation.

Here's a step-by-step strategy to make yourself stand out:

Focus on Relevant Skills

Employers care more about what you can do than just your degree.

Do this:

• Identify in-demand skills in your field (e.g., Excel, Python, Canva, writing, project management).
• Take free or low-cost online courses (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Google Certs).
• Build a portfolio or GitHub to showcase your work.

Gain Real-World Experience (Even Small)

Experience is what separates applicants - start building it early.

Options:

• Internships (paid or unpaid).
• Vacation work / Part-time jobs in relevant areas.
• Freelance work or gigs (try Fiverr, Upwork, or local clients).
• Volunteering for causes that use your skills (e.g., doing social media for a nonprofit).
• Pay attention to soft skills, for example working in retail can provide you with skills such as Communication, Customer Service, Team work, Computer literacy, Problem-Solving, Time Management, etc. These skills are often crucial for career success and are valuable in many different workplaces. 

Network Before You Need a Job

How to network as a student:

• Join university clubs, societies or professional organizations.
• Attend career expo (meet recruiters and professionals from various companies and industries).
• Attend events, webinars, or student conferences.
• Connect with alumni on LinkedIn – ask for 15-minute chats to learn about their work.
• Talk to professors and mentors—they often have industry connections.

Keep Your CV/Resume & LinkedIn Polished

CV/Resume tips:

• Focus on accomplishments, not just duties
• Include coursework, projects, leadership roles, or part-time work
• Use action verbs and quantify results when possible

LinkedIn tips:

• Add a friendly photo and headline
• List your skills, coursework, and experiences
• Share or comment on industry posts to stay active

Practice Interviewing & Communication

Strong interview skills can make or break your chances.

What to do:

• Use your university career center for mock interviews
• Practice common interview questions (e.g., “Tell me about yourself”)
• Learn the STAR method for behavioral questions (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

Choose Smart Academic Projects

Select projects, papers, or thesis topics that relate to real-world problems in your field. These can:

• Go on your CV / Résumé
• Be talked about in interviews
• Show employers your ability to apply knowledge

Stay Curious and Proactive

Employers love students who take initiative.

• Start a blog, YouTube channel, or small business
• Join competitions or hackathons
• Ask questions in class or seek extra mentorship