Helpful Tips for the First Interview

If you've earned an interview for a job position, congratulations! Interviews can be stressful, but they're also a great opportunity to showcase your accomplishments and personality. The purpose of a job interview is to sell yourself as a candidate and to learn more about the job and company. 

Increase your chances of earning a second interview or a job offer by knowing how to prepare for and act during a first job interview.

Preparing for the Interview

Don't go to an interview without preparing. Make sure you've researched the company if you aren't familiar with it, and brainstorm some questions you could ask the interviewer. 

For example, you could ask what kinds of responsibilities you would have, how employees are given feedback, or what the working environment is like. Don't ask questions that are answered on the company's website or in other materials. 

If you know someone who works there, ask them what they think of the company. Make sure you have a general sense of how long the company has existed, what products or services it sells, and how many employees it has. 

In addition, practice answering common interview questions by yourself, with friends or family, or with experts from your university's career services office. If possible, record your answers and watch out for nervous gestures or slang. 

Common interview questions include "Tell us about yourself," "What are your strengths and weaknesses?", "Where would you like to be in five years?" and "What makes you qualified for this position?" Rehearse answers, but don't try to memorize them. You want to sound natural during the interview.

Executing a Job Interview

Dress professionally to make a good impression, even if you're interviewing for a job that allows casual clothing. Dressing nicely shows your professionalism and is respectful. 

For example, men should wear a conservative suit, while women can wear a suit or a dressy, conservative skirt. Don't wear jeans, khakis, T-shirts, sandals, low-cut tops, or other provocative clothing. Plan out your outfit the night before or earlier, and make sure your clothes are clean and pressed.

Plan to get to the job interview at least 15 minutes early, and leave extra time if you're going to an unfamiliar location or if the parking might be difficult. Bring copies of your resume and references with you. 

Don't smoke right before the interview, and make sure you're not wearing too much perfume or cologne. Don't chew gum. If you feel nervous, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself why you're qualified for the job.

Be friendly but professional during the job interview. Shake hands when you greet the interviewer and be prepared for some small talk at the beginning of the interview. Answer questions politely and courteously, and don't be afraid to pause to collect your thoughts before answering complex questions. 

Be honest in your responses, and listen carefully to the questions to make sure you know what the interviewer is asking. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills, whenever possible, instead of just making claims about yourself. 

For example, instead of stating that you are a hard worker, talk about a project in a past job or internship during which you worked hard and got results. 

Be prepared to answer questions about any inconsistencies in your resume, such as a year in which you didn't work or a drastic career change. Use proper English in your responses, and avoid slang, profanity, or colloquialisms. 

Don't ask questions about the salary or benefits during the first interview. You can ask these questions at a later interview or when you get a job offer. In addition, don't ask questions that reflect poorly on you as a candidate, such as "How hard do employees have to work?" 

However, you should ask when the company plans to make a hiring decision if they don't tell you. Keep a positive and professional attitude throughout the interview, even if you think the interview is going poorly. Thank the interviewer at the end of the interview.

Following Up After the Job Interview

Send a brief “thank you note,” by mail or email, immediately after the interview. Thank the interviewer for her time and restate your interest in the position. You can also briefly restate your best qualifications or answer a question you didn't fully answer during the interview. 

Call or email the company after the indicated period if they haven't gotten in touch with you. In addition, spend time reflecting on how you think you performed in the interview. Write down any questions that were difficult to answer and practice them before your next interview.

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