Preparation Tips for Your Initial Job Interview
Few things are more stressful during a job search than the initial interview. While it can be nerve-racking to think about your first direct interaction with a company, it does not have to be!
With some preparation and applying the following simple tips, you can ace your interview and be one step closer to successfully landing the role you’ve always wanted!
STEP ONE: Research and planning ahead
Research the role and company
Learn as much as possible about the company and role you are applying for! The more you can understand a company's mission and culture and your potential role in their goals, the more prepared you will be to have quality conversations with the interviewer. This will help you approach the interview from a place of confidence and enthusiasm.
Prep for common questions
There are always certain interview questions you can expect during most interviews.
Can you tell me about yourself?
How do you deal with pressure and tight deadlines?
How do you prioritize multiple projects?
Since these questions are likely to come up, prepare and practice your answers! When you get more comfortable with your answers, what you say will exude professionalism and confidence, putting you at ease with the interview process!
Prepare questions to ask
Curiosity goes a long way during an interview. As you research a company or role, think about questions that you can ask to help you better understand if you and the company are a right fit for each other. Asking the right questions shows interest in the company, which can help build rapport with the interviewer!
STEP TWO: Set yourself up for success
Dress to impress
Bringing your best professional attire to an interview sets the right first impression for your potential employer. When you look your best, you feel best, bringing your full potential to the table! Pick out your outfit the night before to make it an easy decision and start your morning off on the right foot!
This even applies when the interview is held virtually. Show that you care enough about the role to look your best, even if all the interviewer sees is your head and shoulders on video!
Test your tech ahead of time
The last thing you want is to disrupt an interview due to issues with technology. Keep your phone, laptop, tablet, and/or any electronic device fully charged and have a stable internet connection if the interview is virtual. By being proactive about your tech prep, you can ensure the interview will run more smoothly.
Have your resume on hand and a notebook ready
When you bring a resume and a notebook to an interview, you set the tone for a high-quality professional conversation. Having an extra copy of your resume shows preparedness for work, allowing the interviewer and you to be on the same page discussing your career, regardless of location.
Keeping a notebook on hand shows a desire to learn and a genuine interest in the company, which any interviewer will appreciate!
Be in the right headspace
The most valuable thing you can do before an interview is to check in with yourself! Your mindset is critical to your career success. Before an interview, make yourself feel calm, cool, and collected, using whatever works for you.
Give yourself a pep talk, have a warm-up ritual, recite your favorite affirmations, grab a coffee. Find what works for you and present with confidence!
STEP THREE: Ace the interview
Be on time
This one goes without saying. Be ready for the interview 5-10 minutes before the interview’s scheduled start time. Being prompt, or especially being late, can make or break an entire interview, no matter how qualified or prepared you might be.
Show enthusiasm and gratitude in communication
It's not just what you say, but how you say it that matters most. Thanking the interviewer for their questions and time while sharing your career experiences with joy and confidence makes you a more attractive candidate. When you shine confidently, you leave a lasting impression, not because of what you shared, but how your enthusiasm made the interviewer feel.
Highlight your accomplishments
Don't be afraid to show pride in your achievements! Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or PAR (Problem, Action, Result) methods, you can use storytelling to transform the interview into a memorable and engaging experience for everyone while standing out as a top candidate for the position!
Follow-up
After the interview, send a follow-up email to thank the company and the interviewer for their time. Showing gratitude can go a long way in fostering professional bonds that could lead to another interview and a potential new career!
Ready to interview? Let’s help you practice.
Now that you know how to ace any interview, it's time to put your skills to good use with a little practice.
Join our talent community and submit a video resume with us to connect to your next great career opportunity! You’ll get to try out your new interviewing skills right away and FM Talent will connect you with any career opportunities that fit your skills and career goals.
Stay connected with us! Follow FM Talent for more career tips!
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
