You have completed your studies and are now looking for your first job. You send applications to different companies and one of them invites you for an interview. Being your first interview, chances are that you might be nervous or scared.
Well, you should not let this kind of stress distract you. Your interviewer knows that this is your first interview and chances are that they have interviewed many first-time job seekers before.
Whether the interview takes place via video conferencing, by phone, or in person, it is important to note that your first conversation with an interviewer can make or break the chances of you getting the job.
Here are a few ways to prepare for your first job interview;
Learn About The Hiring Company
The first important thing to do is to learn about the hiring company and how it operates. You can find a lot of information about the company online - on its website, social media profiles, and other review sites.
This is because the interviewer might ask whether you know about the company or not. This information can be found on the about us page on their website. You can also look at the things to know about getting hired in fortune 500 companies.
If you are interviewing for a small company, you can get all the information you need on their website. You can also ask people who know or work with the company.
Understand the Role/Job
Which position are you interviewing for? Do you know what you will be dealing with and how you will be working? You should take some time to understand the position you applied for.
When doing this, try to figure out what makes you the best candidate for that position. If you know someone who works in the company, you can ask them about the role, how it operates, and who you will be working with.
You can also ask them about the company and its interview process. If you understand the role you are interviewing for, you will easily answer any questions thrown at you.
Your Body Language is Important
It does not matter whether you are interviewing on video or in person, your soft skills such as body language are very important. Your interviewer will be keen to see how you behave and carry yourself during the interview.
During the interview, ensure that you are either standing straight or seated well while at the same time looking the interviewer in the eye. You can smile when joining the video call or entering the room to create an impression of a confident and happy person.
Ensure that you have maintained a great posture and made eye contact when answering all questions. In addition, do not forget about hand gestures when you are speaking. However, this does not mean that you should widely wave your hands.
Practice Interviewing
This is one of the most important things to do when preparing for your first interview. You can look for some of the most common interview questions and then go through them with a family member or a friend.
This should be dictated by the industry you are interviewing for. For instance, if you are interviewing for the hospitality industry, then get interview questions for hospitality jobs online and discuss the answers with someone else.
Practicing with a person helps you discuss the answers and evaluate the good ones. It also helps with your body language, confidence, and calmness. Ensure that you give answers that can land you the job even when practicing.
Be Careful With Your Dressing
Your attire plays an important role when it comes to the first impression that your interviewer will have when they see you. You, therefore, should look for a simple and right attire that fits the role you are interviewing for.
Being your first interview, you might not be sure about the right attire for the interview. This is normal. You can consult an adult family member, a counselor, or even your teacher. These are people who have had experience in the job market and understand how it works.
Be Yourself
Finally, be yourself when going for the interview. Do not pretend to be someone else. In addition, make sure that you are answering all questions truthfully. You can take a few seconds to think about your answers to ensure that you are truthful.
Your first interview is an important milestone. It is one of the initial steps you need to take to build your career. You, therefore, need to make sure that you are well-prepared before the interview.
