Attending your first job interview can definitely be nerve-wracking. However, it’s important that you get through it in a positive way. Of course, you want to pass the interview so you can get on the next step of the hiring process, and ultimately, to be hired.
There are actually ways to nail your first job interview and increase your chances of being invited to the next step or better yet, of being hired. Fortunately, they’re quite easy and not as daunting as you might think. Without further ado, here are the five ways to make a good impression and nail that first job interview.
1. Research the company that invited you for an interview
One of the most important steps in preparing for a job interview is to learn as much as you can about the company you’re interviewing with. Get yourself up-to-date with the latest news and developments surrounding the company. You should also know what the company does and how it does it. It’s also necessary that you know who are in position — who owns and leads the company, as well as the team you will likely end up in when you get hired.
You should also familiarize yourself with the products or services offered by the company. Try to find out who their top clients are and who are their target market.
When it becomes apparent that you’ve done research on the company, the interviewer will deduce that you care enough for the position and the company.
2. Know the requirements of the position you’re about to be interviewed for
Before you even send an application to a job posting, you should already have an idea of what you could be getting yourself into. If you got invited for a listing you didn’t apply for, take the time to learn about the position. Furthermore, if you got invited for a job you applied for, you should review the listing.
The interviewer will surely ask questions specifically related to the position, so you better know what and how to answer.
3. Showcase your skills through concrete examples
Sure, the interviewer wants to know that you are hardworking, easy to train, and proactive. However, you should be able to prove it with more than simple words. Provide examples of how your top qualities were put into action, probably in a previous job or while doing a project at school or university, if you’re a fresh graduate.
4. Build rapport with the interviewer
Your personality and attitude can be as important as your technical skills and knowledge. It’s necessary to have a pleasing personality. You should show that you are comfortable talking with the interviewer, and you should also make the interviewer feel comfortable talking to you. How do you do this? Smile genuinely.
5. Make eye contact
While smiling and talking, make sure you make eye contact. The ability to hold eye contact can be attributed to one’s sincerity, honesty, and confidence. Furthermore, the eyes also express things that words cannot.
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Photo by Rachel Danner on Unsplash
