After four years of hard work and academic success, graduates are often nervous at the prospect of proving themselves worthy of a "real" job. Graduate interviews can involve presentations, group sessions and a day of work experience, all of which are arduous and stressful for those fresh out of college. Preparing for the opportunity is essential and will help lead to a successful interview.

Check Social Media Sites
Before applying for any jobs, make sure to remove from social networking sites anything that might impair your chance of getting hired. Increasingly, employers are checking sites such as Facebook and MySpace to find extra information about potential candidates. Make sure there are no rude comments about former employers, compromising photographs or unprofessional posts.

Know the Company
Research the company that is considering hiring you. Having prior knowledge will make you better able to answer questions. Mention some of the company's upcoming projects in your answers to show interest in working for the firm.

Look Professional
Do not dress in casual clothing. Jeans, T-shirts and flip-flops are not acceptable in an interview situation, and it is important to present yourself as a professional. Wear a clean suit that is clean, and be sure to be well groomed. According to The Site, you should dress for the job you want.

Arrive Early
Early arrival on interview day makes you seem professional and ready for the position. According to the Boston Globe, graduates should not complain about heavy traffic or how long the elevator took; it puts the candidate in a negative light before the interview has begun.

Know Your Strengths
Come to the interview having previously thought about your strengths, and make them clear to the interviewer. Often, employers ask about an applicant's weaknesses. If this happens, do not draw unnecessary attention to a weakness, but turn it into a positive attribute and explain how you have worked to improve on it.

Remain Professional
If the interviewing panel is friendly and the tone of the interview is casual, it is fine to relax a little. Remember it is still an interview, so remain professional at all times and do not make inappropriate comments.

Answer Questions Properly
In an interview, answer the questions fully. Do not give one-word answers that show little insight. A well thought-out answer is vital, so take a breath, think about the question, and take your time. Answering properly will give you an advantage over those candidates who did not take the time to prepare.

Follow Up
Once the interview is over, remember to make a follow-up phone call or write a thank-you letter to the employer and the panel. Mention something that happened in the interview, such as a specific question, so the interviewers remember who you are.