I still remember how scared I was while preparing for my first job interview. I could feel my heart racing at the very thought of it. I rehearsed my answers for days ahead, mainly because I was worried that I would just stumble on my words. Sometimes I had anxiety dreams that I overslept and consequently did not make it to the interview at all. Up to date, I feel a little stressed, when my students are called for their first interview.

Prepare for your First Interview – Here’s how!

We understand, that preparing for the first interview can make anybody nervous but with the right mindset and a few key strategies, you can set yourself up for success. Whether you’re applying for your dream job or just looking to improve your interview skills for your first interview, there are a few steps you can take to make sure you’re fully prepared and confident on the big day. Let’s get into it:

Before the first interview

Prepare a personalized resume

The first and foremost step that is important if you want to crack your first interview is to prepare a resume that is specific to the job that you are applying for. This is one thing that will help you to grab the attention of the recruiters. Make sure it complies with the requirements of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This system is used by employers for the initial shortlisting of candidates for an interview. An ATS searches your resume for certain keywords and specific formatting; therefore, regardless of the fact that you may meet all the mandatory requirements of a job, your resume is likely to be ignored if it was not properly formatted.

Research Research Research

After you are called for your first interview, the first thing you have to do is study the position on the job description and the company. To begin with, practice going to the company’s official page and paying attention to the “About Us” section. You will get everything in this section right from the company’s beliefs to practices, policies, and past experiences that will make you aware of the company’s priorities.

Second, a Google search using your actual job title plus the name of the company, for instance , ‘Accounting Assistant at XYZ Corporation’ helps one get independent reviews mostly by past employees that will prepare one on existing complaints, management, and possible hardships. Usually, it is possible to use some popular Internet resources for it, such as Glassdoor or LinkedIn, respectively. If the above-mentioned employee reviews are not readily available, stand down a notch and get an understanding of the basics of the job description.

Mastering the Basics : Study your core subjects

After having planned your overall approach, having researched the company as well as the specific job, then study your core topics. For instance, if you are getting ready for an interview for an Accounting Assistant position you will make sure that you go through all your accounting books carefully. This will enable you to fully master the basics of the subject matter and, in the process, be in a position to answer any question that may be specific to the subject matter when you are being interviewed.

To follow, there are a great number of resources that are accessible either on the web or in the physical world. Written material from a course, a tutorial, or an article can give a lot of information, but nothing is comparable to the sensation of turning the pages of a good book. Real books, in addition to containing set information, also enable one to underline and bookmark important sections.

This preparation will not only prepare you for the possibility of getting questions about your interest and experience in the subject but also make sure that in case you get them you are well prepared to answer them. When you have mastered your subjects, then you stand a better chance of creating the kind of impression you want in your first interview.

Interview rehearsals

A mock interview is one of the best ways to prepare for the real thing since it seeks to imitate a real situation. They enable you to prepare for different interview situations since they make you visualize the different phases that you are likely to come across. Forcing an interview candidate to practice with a stranger or a professional interviewer may be intimidating, which may be counterproductive; hence, inviting friends to conduct these practice sessions ensures that the interviewee is relaxed and gets to practice effectively.

During the first interview

How you dress up matters

When you first get to a company, there are usually initial impressions regarding your candidacy from the hiring managers in the first few seconds of meeting you.
If you think that the best way to dress for an interview is to wear a suit and tie, then think again. Wearing too much can make people think that you are not familiar with the company’s culture and the job description. For instance, a tech startup may prefer casual dressing, freedom, and comfort to the conventional formality at the workplace.

Knowing the dress code of the company before the interview is very helpful to be in line with the company’s culture. This way, you also prove that you value their culture and also make yourself comfortable and confident during the interview.

Arrive Early to Impress

Arriving early conveys sincerity and genuine interest in the position. It shows that you are proactive and committed, qualities that employers appreciate. Interviewers often notice these subtle signals; being early sets a positive tone for the interaction and can make a lasting impression. “Follow our 10 mins rule”

Be confident

When you are about to go into the room, free your mind and avoid any actions that will affect your confidence, such as biting nails, shaking legs, or touching hands. Rather, take on a confident body language—stand up straight, have your shoulders back, and make sure to make eye contact.

A big smile will help you build the necessary rapport with your interviewers and make a good first impression. It’s used to show welcome and approachability, so it can be used to create a good mood and atmosphere. Also, provide a firm handshake, as this is powerful and professional.

The message to be communicated is simple: you are confident in your abilities and also confident in who you are. Thus, by concentrating on your body language, you will be able to leave a lasting impression in your interview.

Maintain correct body language

Then the major areas of focus during an interview are Hand Movements & posture using hand gestures to emphasize points can make your communication more dynamic and engaging. And Sitting up straight with open, relaxed body language.

Here are a few tips:

• Smile and greet every person on the interview board.
• Avoid sweaty palms and feeble handshakes.
• Maintain eye contact and always put a slight smile on your face.
• Sit up straight, but relaxed. Avoid looking like a robot by making your body stiff.

After the first interview

The Power of a Polite Farewell

Expressing gratitude at the end of an interview is just as important as the initial greetings. This final impression can leave a lasting impact on your interviewers, reinforcing your professionalism and politeness.

The follow-up

Interviewing is very important, but equally as important, is the follow-up process that they have after the interview. The creation of two or three lines of a thank-you note or an email, which must be delivered within 24 hours after the interview, shows the employer that you are interested in the particular vacancy. So, don’t hesitate to do that.

The Final Takeaway

However, it is equally important to note that success or failure in the job interview depends not just on the tips mentioned above; there are also factors beyond your control. You may have the skills and qualifications, but it’s possible that another candidate could be more suited for the position that the company needs at the moment. So, even if you cannot crack it in your very first attempt, don’t lose hope.

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”

Albert Einstein

First Interview – FAQs