Your First Job Interview

If you’re about to go on an interview for the first time, there are a few things you need to know beforehand. You may feel really nervous at the beginning, but the key to a successful experience is to practice interviewing ahead of time, prepare yourself for the interview, dress appropriately, and try to stay calm.

Sitting with a potential employer in a conference room as they ask you questions takes some getting used to. Well, for starters, you can write a great resume. It’s not like writing a dissertation, which requires a lot of effort. Luckily, you can buy professionally written dissertation online. But the same can’t be said about resumes, in which you need to write one yourself. You can’t just buy a resume like you can buy a dissertation for students online. A resume represents your background, accomplishments, and skills — no one else but only you can describe them better.

With all that said, here are some pro tips to crush your interview. These first job interview tips will make you feel more confident about yourself and increase the chances of getting the job.

Things to do Before the InterviewResearch the Company

You first need to take some time to research the company in order to understand how they operate. There’s plenty of company information available online. They may ask what you know about them. So, consider checking out the “Careers” and “About Us” pages of their website. Also, check out their social media pages to get an idea about the company’s current focus.

Learn About the Job

Dig out as much information as you can about the position you’re applying for. Ask them about the job, the process of interview, and the company. The more you know about the company and the job, the easier it’ll be to answer questions about why you might be a great fit for it.

Practice Interviewing

Search for commonly asked questions in interviews as well as the answers. Also, ask a friend or family member to ask you some questions so that you can practice your answers. This will help you practice your interviewing and make the process more comfortable for you. You can also record yourself on camera or look in the mirror as you speak. This will help you gauge your facial expressions and give you an idea of how the interviewer may see you.

Dress Appropriately

Pick simple and appropriate clothing for the position you’re interviewing for. If you aren’t sure about what to wear, consider asking a teacher or guidance counselor. Also, take a look at what to not wear on a first job interview. You can try the “Grandma” rule as it always works. If an elder in the family approves your outfit, then you know that you’ve made a good clothing choice.

Write a Resume

As mentioned earlier, a resume can make a good impression on the interviewer. You don’t necessarily need formal work experience to write a good resume. You can add informal experience, academic achievements, volunteering, and participation in clubs or sports. Consider bringing a copy of your resume along with a pen and paper so that you can take notes as well.

Get Directions and a Ride

This is an important part. If you think you’ll need a ride to the interview, make sure to line it up ahead of time. You must know where you’re going for the interview so that you don’t get lost and are either on time or even a few minutes early if possible.

Things to do During the Interview

• If you’re under 18 and the state requires teens to have working papers, make sure to bring them with you.
• Try to stay calm and collected. Staying cool will allow you to focus on the interviewer.
• If you feel confused, pause and take a deep breath to gather your thoughts and deliver slowly.
• Be confident in your abilities and skills when you’re talking to the interviewer. Keep in mind that this is your first job interview and you are not expected to have so much experience.
• Try to incorporate the things you know about the company into the conversation.
• Be as honest as you can. If you have activities that may conflict with your work schedule, make sure to tell the interviewer.
• Try to be more flexible. You might have some leeway in setting a schedule for work, but the more flexibility you have, the more likely they’re going to hire you.
• Eye contact is important. Make sure to have great eye contact with the interviewer and try to avoid distractions.
• Listen to them carefully and take notes.
• Have a question ready to ask when the interview is done.
• In the end, thank them for taking their time to interview you.

Things to do After the Interview

Finally, take some time to sit down after the interview and prepare your feedback and thoughts whilst they are fresh in your mind. This will allow you to make up your mind about the opportunity. Having clear notes from your first interview is a great way of ensuring that your second interview will be even better.

Also, send a thank you note via email to each person that interviewed you. This will remind them about how interested you are in the job.

Wrapping Up

There’s a lot to digest here. However, putting these first interview tips into action can help you get your foot in the door. Keep in mind that your first job interview is a rite of passage. The more job interviews you attend, the more comfortable and polished you can become.

With the right practice and preparation, your first job interview is sure to be a success. Knowing that you’re going to finish every interview in a way that inspires confidence and respect can be a great way of building self-confidence. If you can get this part right, your calm and assertive self will take charge at other moments naturally. Don’t forget; your last impressions count too.