To get a job, you must go through the job interview process. If you’re a first time job seeker, the idea of having to interview may be a bit intimidating. That’s where it pays to equip yourself with knowledge. Here are 10 tips to help prepare you for that first job interview.
1. Look the part. You must look like someone the employer can see in the position. As far as dress goes, this isn’t the time for jeans, a casual shirt, or chewing gum. It’s also not the time to try out a new hair style or deck yourself out in multiple earrings. You want simple, understated garments that have a profession look. A job interview is the time to dress better than your everyday street clothes, because that first impression can make or break the deal.
2. Do your research. Learn everything you can about the company or business. You want to be knowledgeable when asked questions relating to the business or the employer’s vision. When you know about the business, it sets you apart from other less-informed job seekers. It says you already have interest in what interests the boss.
3. Practice possible answers. If you can find a friend to role play the interviewer, he or she can pose possible questions for which you can practice answers. Typical topics or questions may be ones such as these:
-Why do you want to work for this company?
-What are you strengths and weaknesses?
-Why should I hire you?
-Tell me about yourself.
-Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
4. Be early. Arrive 10-15 minutes before the job interview. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake, a smile, and eye-to-eye contact. Do your best to show professional enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
5. Clarify your job objective. It’s a good idea to know where you’re heading, so you’ll know when you get there. Know what your skills are and what you’re worth. You can be “open” about the pay rate, but have a rate in mind. If you’re unskilled, you probably shouldn’t expect more than minimum wage. But if you’re seeking your first professional job, don’t undersell yourself.
6. Be courteous. Use formal vocabulary and proper grammar. Furthermore, nobody likes a bragger. Although you want to sell yourself and promote your skills, you need to do it in a way that doesn’t come off as bragging. It turns people off. So does being critical of others. These are two ways to blow the job interview and lock yourself out of a job opportunity.
7. Carry a spare resume. An entry level job may not require a resume, but if you produce one, it moves you miles ahead of the crowd. And if you have previously sent a resume to the employer, carrying a spare may prove to be helpful, in case he or she has misplaced or forgotten it.
8. Carry a notepad. You’re going to learn information during the job interview that you’ll want to write down. You may need to jot down names, dates, or directions. Carrying a notepad makes you look professional and prepared, and ensures you don’t forget important job-related information.
9. Think yourself employed. If you see yourself in the job and respond in a way that makes the employer see you in the job, chances are, you’ll get that job. You need the right mindset. Think success to see success.
10. Remember to say thank you. Remember to thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. In addition, follow-up the job interview with a pleasant thank you note, reminding him or her of your strong interest in the job.
With these 10 tips, you can approach your first job interview with a lot more confidence.
