Ace Your Job Interview: A First-Timers Guide
If you’ve got your first interview locked in and have no idea where to start, you’ve found the right place to do just that!
Ace Your Job Interview: A First-Timers Guide
Preparing for your first job interview can be just a tad (note: very) nerve-wracking, but with the right approach, you can walk into the room with confidence… and hopefully out with a job offer!
If you’re about to walk into your first interview – or login to Zoom – here are our best tips:
#1 Research the Company
Before your interview, take the time to learn everything you can about the company. Understanding its mission, values, and culture will help you tweak your responses and show that you are genuinely interested in the role. You can do this by:
- • Visiting the Company Website: Start by going through the company’s official website. Look for information about their history, mission statement, and recent news.
- • Check Social Media: Follow the company on social media to get an idea of their culture and what’s going on at the company (it makes for a really easy thing to drop into the interview conversation – for example: “I saw the other day you were all at a company offsite!”).
- • Read Reviews: Look for employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor to understand what it’s like to work there (and anything that you might want to ask a follow-up question about!).
#2 Make Sure You Understand the Job Description
Make sure you fully understand the job you are applying for. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills in the job description and think about how your experiences align with them. Paper? Meet Highlighter.
- • Identify Keywords: Note the key skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description and be prepared to discuss how you meet these criteria.
- • Prepare Examples: Think of specific examples from your school, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work that show your interviewer all of your relevant skills and experiences.
#3 Practise Common Interview Questions
Practising common interview questions can help you feel more prepared and less anxious (Google has a great free tool to help you with that!). Need a place to start? Here are some typical questions you might encounter:
- • Tell me about yourself: Put together a brief, engaging summary of your background, focusing on your education and relevant experiences.
- • Why do you want to work here?: Explain what attracted you to the company and how the role aligns with your career goals.
- • What are your strengths and weaknesses?: Highlight your strengths with examples, and discuss a weakness and how you are working to improve it.
#4 Make Sure You Dress Appropriately (While Still Being Authentic To What Makes You, You!)
First impressions matter, so choose an outfit that is appropriate for the interview that you feel also represents you. This can sometimes feel like a bit of a balancing act, but you’ll always feel a lot less nervous in an interview setting when you’re feeling comfortable (which can start with what you’re wearing!). Our best advice? When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
PS – A really good way to have a look at a company’s general work attire is through their social media, as it shows the employees in the workplace!
#5 Make Sure You Don’t Forget Anything Important To Bring Along With You!
Being prepared with the right materials can make a positive impression on your interviewer.
- • Copies of Your Resume: If you’re meeting in person, it can be a good thing to have a copy of your resume on hand (or portfolio!), and if you’re doing the interview online, have a copy ready to email through or share a link to just in case.
- • A Notepad and Pen: Not only is it great for yourself to take some notes, but it also shows the interviewer that you are prepared and serious about the opportunity.
- • A List of Questions: Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer about the company and the role for after the interview (A handy list can be found on our Instagram!)
#6 Practise Good Body Language
Non-verbal communication can be just as important as what you say (if not more important!). Practise good body language to show confidence and professionalism. Things like:
- • Eye Contact: Try as hard as you can to keep eye contact – it shows that you are engaged and confident. [If you’re online, that means looking at the camera!]
- • Posture: Sit up straight and avoid fidgeting – this helps you look attentive and composed.
#7 Make Sure You Follow Up After the Interview!
Sending a thank-you note after the interview can help you stand out and reinforce your interest in the role.
- • Send an Email: Within 24 hours of the interview, send a brief email thanking the interviewer for their time and confirming your interest in the position.
- • Personalise It: Mention something specific that you discussed during the interview to make your note more memorable. For example: “I loved hearing more about the company’s commitment to career progression for their junior staff”.
Remember, every interview is a learning experience (and mistakes happen!), so take the time to reflect on each one and continually improve the way you approach them. Good luck!