Facebook Pixel Image

First Job Interview? Here's What You Need To Know!

Friday, November 10, 2017


When you’re granted your first job interview, you’re likely to feel a little nervous. You’ll be going into a situation where first impressions really count. And, if it’s the job of your dreams, you’ll be more than a little worried about messing things up. 

The first thing to remember about interviews is that your interviewer won’t be looking to trip you up. It’s an opportunity to learn more about each other and find out if you have the right skills and personality to fit in well at this particular company. Try to relax and take some deep breaths if you feel yourself getting flustered. And remember that everyone is nervous in a job interview, not just those attending one for the first time. 

Here are some other top tips for success at your first job interview: 

Dress to Impress
What you wear to an interview will depend upon the type of job you’re going for. Turning up wearing a grey suit to a creative agency could send out as wrong a message as turning up in jeans to a bank. However, you should always err on the side of caution and opt for more rather than less formal. Wash and iron your clothes, fix your hair neatly and don’t over-do the perfume or the aftershave.

Brush up on Standard Interview Questions
Interviewers tend to include some standard questions when conducting an interview. Search online for the most common interview questions and prepare your answers. It may even help to practice giving your answers to a friend or relative who is willing to stand in as the interviewer. Answering the questions in real time will help you to hone your responses and communicate everything you want to say in the way you want to say it. 

Research the Company
At almost every job interview, the interviewers will ask what appeals to you about the job and the company. You need to have some specifics at hand. Research the company, their work culture and their latest projects to impress with your answer. 

Arrive On-Time
Punctuality is incredibly important to a first impression. Plan your journey to the interview venue and leave extra time for transport delays or getting lost. You should arrive in plenty of time to avoid having to rush and sitting through the interview feeling hot and bothered. 

Be Positive
Positivity and enthusiasm can take you a long way in an interview. Focus on your strengths, your abilities and your successes. And don’t talk negatively about any aspects of the job or any previous work or study experiences. 

Maintain Positive Body Language
Body language plays a big part in how you come across to new people. Try to maintain eye contact and avoid crossing your arms. This will help you to seem confident and open. Sit up straight, smile and give a firm handshake both when you meet your interviewers and when the interview comes to an end. 

Have Some Questions Ready
Most interviews end with the interviewer asking if you have any questions. If you feel all your questions have been answered over the course of the interview it’s ok to say so. However, it shows interest in the role and the company if you have some things to ask too. 

Hopefully your first interview will be a successful one. If you’re not so lucky, however, remember that you’ll have learnt lots of useful interview skills in the process. Ask for feedback if you don’t get the job and continue working on your interview skills to improve your chances next time round. 

About our guest blogger: Corinne Ledling is a businesswoman who’s very passionate about her job. She’s a Content Manager at Bizstats.co.uk and loves to share career tips and tricks.

Comments

No comments yet.

Leave a Comment

All comments are moderated and must be approved before they are visible. Thanks for dropping by!
Error...