How to Interview for your First Job

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Congratulations, you are now part of the world’s budding workforce! As a first-time applicant, you might feel some butterflies in your stomach prior to your first interview. This is completely normal; it is merely a matter of getting over the first-time jitters.

Want to impress your first prospective employer? Then here are some tips that can help you ace your first-ever job interview:

Come prepared.

Winning the battle (or your job interview) entails careful preparation. If you want to get hired, then you must come to the battlefield prepared. Before that dreaded schedule, make sure to do the following:

  • Learn more about the company. In this digital age, researching about a firm is as easy as searching it online. Brushing up your knowledge about the company can help you during the interview.
  • Research more about the job. What is the job you are applying for? What are the responsibilities that it entails? You need to know these fully before you step inside the interview room.
  • Stream some job interview videos. Want to know how to conduct yourself in an interview? There are many helpful how-to videos that you can watch online.
  • Practice the interview portion. Ask a family member or a friend to simulate the interview for you. Ask them for feedback and suggestions right after.

Be early for the interview.

Make a good impression on the interviewer by arriving earlier than the specified time. Not only will this give you the chance to navigate through the mazes en route to the location, this will show the interviewer that you are truly committed to the opportunity that he has given to you.

Demonstrate proper posture.

Do not slouch or hunch your shoulders. Keep your back straight, even if it is a little bit uncomfortable. Remember, the interview is just for a few minutes.

Establish eye contact.

Don’t be shy – look straight into the eyes of the interviewer. Avoid looking into other directions (specifically that of the ceiling or the floor.) Establishing eye contact shows that you are confident about yourself and your skills – even if you are just a new applicant.

Listen closely.

Your sweaty palms and palpitating heart might be distracting you, but do make sure to listen intently to what the interviewer has to say. If not, you might end up answering the question incorrectly. Do not be shy to say “Beg your pardon” if you do not understand some aspects of his questions.

Be calm and collected.

Your heart might be racing, but you don’t have to show it! During your interview, stay as calm and collected as possible. Flush out the negativity in your head and focus on what the interviewer has to say. If you feel overwhelmed, pause for a while and take a deep breath. Collect your thoughts before you respond once again.

Be confident.

You might be a newbie who does not know much about the industry – this is expected. But this does not mean that you should be negative about your lack of experience. Do not be afraid to exude some confidence. Believe in yourself! For sure, this optimism will transcend to the interviewer.

Be honest.

Are there any activities that might hinder you from accomplishing your job to the fullest of your potentials? Do not be afraid to tell it to the interviewer. However, make sure to tell him that you are willing to make adjustments in order to adhere to the company’s specified schedules.

Say thank you.

Don’t be in a hurry to storm out the door. Say thank you and offer a handshake to the interviewer. After all, he has given you a chance to showcase your potentials.

Your first job interview might be nerve-wracking – but you can overcome the obstacles by following these tips. Who knows? You might be hired on your first try!