Getting Ready for Your First Interview?

After the long search and application, finally your resume stood out and you got an invitation for a job interview. Congratulations! It means that you have already set one foot on the door to your dream job. But don’t celebrate that much yet, you still have to prove that what was written on your resume is true. Whatever made your application noticeable should stay true when you get to meet them in person. Come to that first interview prepared and ready to impress them. Here are some tips on how to get ready for your first interview:

1) Research on the company.
It’s good to know the company that you’re applying to first. Understand their mission and be familiar with their core values. Knowing what they are doing and who their clients are is a plus. The interviewer would notice that you are indeed interested in joining their company and you value their company. If you could research on your interviewer, that would be an advantage as well.

2) Review your resume.
Relive your greatest achievements in your past projects and the greatest challenges that you have faced and managed to overcome. Since you will be interviewed be prepared to answer questions regarding your past.

3) Look forward.
Aside from reliving the past, you also have to come to your interview with a vision. Interviewers would want to know what your personal goals are and if your goals are aligned to the company’s goals. They want to know if you can contribute to the success of the company.

4) Dress for success.
Make sure that you dress professionally and neatly during the interview. Prepare your clothes the night before and make sure it’s crisp and clean. Wearing something great boosts your confidence.
5) Put your best face forward.
Look neat and clean from head to toe. The little things matter when you are in a job interview. Basically, you are selling yourself to the company, so you should look attractive and worthy of a job offer. This is not just about your talent or skills, your attitude and personality matters as well. So, make sure to carry yourself well and observe your non-verbal cues.

6) Be on time.
Being on time for a job interview gives you an advantage as you have enough time to retouch and relax prior the interview. It also adds to your professionalism. Being late gives you stress and makes you lose some brownie points. It also mirrors how you would be as an employee with potential attendance issues in the future.

7) Prepare to ask.
After the interview, you are given the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare relevant questions for your interviewer. Make them specific questions that would show that you are really interested in the job and in the company.

There you have it, 7 tips to get you ready for your first interview. As the saying goes: There’s always a first time. But for job interviews, make sure this first time will not be your last time. Leave a good impression, an impression that will welcome you to your dream job and start your career rolling. So, for now take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.
Reshali Balasubramaniamr
Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at Jobpal and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.