So you’re having your first job interview in a few days and you’re nervous about what to say or do. The first step is to research the company so that you can answer any questions that the interviewer asks. You should also think about why you are interested in the position. Is this position a good fit for your overall career goals? Think about how your previous experiences and current skill set will improve the company. Practice the interview with friends to give yourself an idea of what to expect during the interview. Here are more ways to ace your first job interview with confidence.
1. Review The Job Description Carefully
The interviewer will ask you a few questions about your ability to fulfill the duties listed in the job description, so it’s wise to review the job description carefully in order to understand what your duties will be if you’re hired. As you look at each of the duties in the job description, think about how your previous work experiences match what the hiring manager is looking for in future employees. If the job description requires you to travel a few days out of the week, you should ask yourself if you’re able to do this. If you’ll be required to manage teams of employees for projects, think about how you can transfer your previous skills to the new position.
2. Have A List Of Questions For The Interviewers
Another thing you should do is have questions for the interviewers. When you ask the interviewer questions, you show that you’re interested in the position and that you want to learn more about the company that may hire you. Some good questions for the interviewer are:
- Could you explain in detail what each of the job duties entails on a day-to-day basis?
- What challenges are you facing in your current role and how would this position help overcome them?
- What are the biggest challenges I might face in this position?
- How would you describe the company’s values and culture?
- What are the company’s goals for future growth and how will this position assist in accomplishing them?
- How do you measure the success of a person in this position?
3. Plan Your Interview Outfit Ahead Of Time
Don’t wait until the night before the interview to decide on the right outfit for the interview. Instead, you should plan your outfit at least a week ahead of time. Research the company’s dress code to get an idea of what you should wear. It is better to dress slightly more formal than to dress too casual for an interview. Iron and hang up your outfit the night before so that you won’t be rushed on the day of the interview. More companies adopt business casual attire so this is a safe option. Business casual attire often includes:
- Dark-colored trousers
- Blazers
- Long skirts
- Button-down shirts
- Heels or flats
- Oxford shoes
- Cardigans
- Neckties
- Polo sweaters
4. Maintain Confident Body Language
Body language says a lot about how confident you are, and this matters during job interviews. Make eye contact with the interviewer regularly and give firm handshakes. Avoid overly nervous gestures such as tapping the table or moving your legs constantly. Smile throughout the interview and sit upright in your chair as you talk with the interviewer. When you maintain confident body language, you’ll succeed in the interview.
5. Review Your Resume Before The Interview
It’s also a good idea to review your resume before the interview. The interviewer will refer to your resume to ask questions about your previous work experiences, and you want to be able to answer questions about your resume without needing to pause. Focus on the most significant accomplishments on your resume and emphasize these things during the interview.
Job interviews make many people nervous so you’re not alone. When you utilize these helpful tips, you can survive your first job interview and even if you don’t get the position, you can learn from that experience to do better in future interviews.