Going for a job interview for the first time is a nervous thing to do. But don’t let the stress get to you. If you are on a job hunt for the first time then you will be thinking of a lot of things. If it is your first interview or the 50th, you will be stressed. The key to having a successful interview is that you should be dressed appropriately and stay calm.
Preparing for an interview means you are looking for the common questions that are asked in an interview. You try to give the best first impression with your appearance and confidence. You try to have a great knowledge about the company and its products you will be interviewed in.
Top Tips for Your First Job Interview
Learn Everything About the Company
Spend a few hours to learn about the company. You can use different sources to learn about the company. You can talk to your friends, google it, and read the current news releases. Some candidates fail to look deep into the details of the company. They overview the information for viva or interview. If you are looking more in-depth, then there are chances that you will be having a bigger picture of the company.
To get a sense of who the company is, then start reading the company’s blogs and social site pages. The tone of the company’s content will be giving you the volumes of the company. There are some individual employees’ blogs, which will help you to understand the work environment of the company.
Learn About the Job
When applying for a job, make sure that you are applying for the right job. Otherwise, you are not the best person for that job. Ask yourself that why you are the best person for this role in the company. If you know someone already from the company, then ask them about the interview process. The more you know about the job, the more you will be able to pass the first job interview and get a job.
If you are applying for sales and marketing, finance, accounts, engineering, QEC, etc. it is your job to know about the product before going for the interview. If you are hired for the job, your goal will be to create value for the customers that use that product and also for the company you are working in.
Different companies use different types of interview procedures. The main and important one is that it will be face to face. Some companies ask case questions or they give brain teasers. Some companies will ask a standard set of questions in an interview. They will try to see if you can cope up with them or you might have the leadership skills. You can sometimes ask HR ahead of time about the interview.
Anticipate the Interview Questions
Even if you are self-confident, spend a little time thinking about the accomplishments and skills you have gained during your graduation. The answers reflect your personality, passion, and skills from the interview. If you are creative and have management skills, tell them about your experiences.
The interviewers will ask you about your weaknesses. You have to give a foolproof answer that you struggled with something but now you are working on it to make it your strength. For example, if you have been weak at public speaking, tell them that you are working on public speaking skills. For the past few years, you have taken leadership roles and volunteered to run the meetings and to address a crowd.
You will be able to find a list of common questions from the internet but don’t write the full answers to the questions. Jot down or make bullet points to elaborate them at the interview. An interviewer will ask you that why are you interested to join us? You have to mention a couple of key points that make a great fit for you in this company. Tell them about their practices that motivate you for your career.
Do Mock Interviews
Before going for an interview, stand in front of a mirror and practice answers to the questions while looking at yourself. This preparation will help you to clarify the thoughts you have in your mind. This practice will make you comfortable and ready for an interview. Also, you can ask your friend for a mock interview.
For example, if an interviewer asks you that where do you see yourself in five years, you will be able to answer it more confidently than the first time.
Dress Up Accordingly and Professionally
Before going for an interview, make sure that you are picking up the right outfit. If the companies are having a business-casual or business dress code, then keep your look conservative and basic. If still, you are not having any idea that what to wear, then ask your friend or reference person to ask the dress code of the company. It will help you to dress accordingly.
You don’t want the first impression to be the bad one, then make sure that you are wearing a pressed, clean, and tailored outfit. Some people have a specific interview suit that they keep in their closet for years and dust it off when there is an interview. You don’t want to do this for your first interview.
There are some little things that you don’t think over them but the interviewer will notice. A proper haircut, trimmed beard, manicured fingernails, shining shoes, etc. Try to keep at least 5 copies of your resume. In any case, they ask for your resume at different spots, you should be ready to give your resume.
Preparing Resume
In your resume, mention your basic information, such as
- name, contact, address, e-mail address, etc.
- Add your qualifications and certifications.
- Mention your interests of fields.
- Mention the references if you have done internships or jobs before.
Your resume should not be loaded with text. Use bullet points or a one-word description of your skills and interests. This will help you to explain yourself to the interviewer who is holding your resume with bullet points. Prepare your backpack or briefcase to carry all of the required documents.
The briefcase or backpack should be large enough to carry all the essentials for an interview. Make sure that your bag or briefcase is clean, otherwise, it will create a bad impression on the interviewers.
Get Your Head in The Right Place
If you are having a technical interview, then prepare the jargons and methods from a book with sample questions. You can use a go-to phrase that will help you to fill the dead air in an interview room. It will also help you to stall and gather your thoughts. Before answering or saying you can say slowly that now that is a great question and I think would have to say …
Make sure that you are well aware of your body language and stance. The posture yours will be communicating your inner person, personality, confidence, knowledge, etc. Crossed legs and arms indicate that you are in your defensive mode.
Tips for Interview – Makes Sure You Get A Job
Preparing ahead of time will help you to gather your thoughts, skills, and experiences. You will be able to convey your interest in working for the company and the positive you have applied for. Don’t feel nervous before or during the interview, because it will take away your confidence. If you want the job, then you have to work for the interview to get it.