Tips for First Job Interview - What you should know?

Begin to learn all you can before your first job interview. Take cues from the mistakes and shortcomings of others and follow golden rules to avoid losing a treasure.

The first job interview is where many fresh graduates learn the dos and don’ts of a job interview but they always end up losing this first job. 

“We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing; others judge us by what we have done”

H. W. Long Fellow

You should know that 65% of the decision of your interviewers is formed in the first 4 minutes of your interview.

That’s why, it’s probably good to have attended other interviews (for small jobs) – to learn how to adequately prepare and increase your confidence level - before facing your first job interview questions.

As a fresh graduate in your first job interview, you are advised to:

·  Be more assertive – stand up for yourself, be confident but do not be rude

·  Listen carefully to every instruction and follow them to the letter during interviews

·  Always be prepared for a phone interview

·  Be prepared for aptitude tests

·  Always carry the evidences of your qualifications to job interviews

Golden Rules

·  Always carefully research the job requirements before the day of the interview. Know the various departments and their separate roles

·  What do you want the interviewer to know about you? Talk about your achievements (proudly but not arrogantly) or you character traits (adaptability, tenacity…)

· Spend little or no time talking about your disadvantages or weaknesses. At worst, quickly input how you already overcoming your weakness

Remember to

Show confidence: The interview is no place for shyness. Too much modesty can make you appear introverted or lacking confidence. 

Before the interview, make a list of your accomplishments both personally and professionally; practice talking about them. Have a friend listen to your answers as you practice. This will help prevent you from crossing the line between justifiable pride and boasting. 

Speak clearly & show enthusiasm: Smile and maintain eye contact. Sit forward in your chair. Avoid speaking in a monotone and be positive in your responses. 

Monitor Your Internal System: Be careful in what you eat and drink in the 24 hours before the interview. 

Choose your words carefully: Remember to pause if you need some time to think. Feel free to say “let me take a moment to think about it." This demonstrates that you think before you speak.

One good question you can ask at the end of the interview is “when am I expected to resume duties if successful?”  

Do not forget to say thank you at the end