Knowledge is the key to finding a first job says CollegeJournal.com

Even in an improving economy, finding a first job isnít always easy for recent college graduates, says CollegeJournal.com, The Wall Street Journalís guide for career-minded college students. To nab an offer, candidates need to be extraordinarily well prepared for interviews.



ìIt isnít enough to arrive promptly and be properly dressed at interviews,î says Tony Lee, publisher, CollegeJournal.com. ìTo really stand out, candidates need to do their homework and demonstrate specific knowledge of a company and its particular industry.î

Basic information about organizations is easy to come byóthrough the Internet, in campus information sessions and through company literature provided to the campus career center. In addition to knowing basic facts about an employer, interviewees should be armed with current news about the organization and be able to discuss industry issues.

ìDuring an interview, employers expect candidates to demonstrate interest in the organization and to show that theyíve taken some initiative,î Mr. Lee says. ìCandidates should be prepared to ask relevant and creative questions about the company and its industry, not questions that could be answered by merely reviewing the companyís Web site.î

CollegeJournal.com offers these tips for preparing for an interview:

Study the employerís Web site before an interview.

Review the companyís annual reports and press releases.

Read any in-depth profiles and business directories that have detailed background on the company and its competitors.

Get up to speed on industry news by reading trade journals and industry Web sites.

Talk to employees at the company or people who are working in that industry.

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