How to Prepare :
Getting ready for your first job interview is a very exciting thing you have submitted your application and now you have been invited to meet with potential employers this is a big opportunity and proper preparation can increase your chances of success whether you’re applying for your first job after college or school or is your career change knowing what to expect and how to prepare is essential in this guide I will walk you to everything you need to know.
Research the company
Before Walking into an interview it’s essential to understand the company to which you have applied to this search shows the employed that you are a very genuine and interested individual for this role and have taken the time to learn about this business.
Companies mission and vision
Starting with visiting the company website most companies have their About section on their website where they mention their mission vision core value And history this is very important because during the interview you may ask why you want to work here understanding Their value will help you explain how you personal value allows with their needs.
Understanding Products and services:
you should also familiarize yourself with the company’s project, services, or product. Understanding their offerings and customer base will help you tailor your response to the interviewer’s question. Research what they offer and how they stand out in the market. The same goes for any company in any industry whether it is a manufacturing piece or service paid or it is any product base
Understanding job description :
The job description is a very important document for interview preparation. It tells you exactly what an employer is looking for. Breaking down your job description can highlight key qualifications and responsibilities your employer needs
Highlight key skills and experience :
Looking for a specific qualification or skill set that is mentioned in the job description, for example, proficiency in any certain language or software or required some specific education background or industry experience. Be prepared to discuss how you match this requirement.
Align Your Experience with Job Requirements
Going through the job description, think about your experience and how you relate to the position. For example, if a job requires excellent communication skills and you have mentioned any customer service experience, be ready to describe how your past work has prepared you for this particular job role.
Prepare for common interview questions:
After all, every interview is almost different from the other, but some questions are asked frequently. Preparing all these common questions will give you confidence and help you to stand out.
Some common questions asked are :
| Question 01 : | Tell Me About Yourself |
| Question 02 : | Tell Me About why you want to work with us? |
| Question 03 : | Tell Me About your strengths and weaknesses? |
Prepare Questions for the Interviewer :
An interview is not just only your opportunity to sell yourself but also a great opportunity to learn more about the company and the rules. By asking questions you show the employer that you are engaged and very serious about the opportunity Below I am offering some thoughtful questions you can ask to interviewer
| Question 01 | What are the most important qualities you’re looking for in a candidate? |
| Question 02 | How would you describe the company culture? |
| Question 03 | What does success look like in this position? |
| Question 04 | Can you tell me about the team I would be working with? |
| Question 05 | What are the opportunities for professional development? |
Plan Your Outfit:
Outfits always play a significant role in presenting yourself. The outfit you choose should match the company’s dress code if there is one. If there is no such dress code mentioned it’s always safer to dress slightly more formally than casual
Be on time and be prepared :
Arriving early for your interview shows that you are responsible as well and respectful of the interview time always aim to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
Know the location :
Always plan your roots and consider if any potential delays are there if your interview is virtual please test your technology ahead of time.
Bring necessary documents :
Always bring a copy of your resume and a list of references and other materials the interviewer might ask for. If your interview is scheduled Virtually make sure your Internet connection, webcam, and microphone work properly.
Follow Up After the Interview :
After the interview, it’s very important to follow up by sending a thanks email within 24 hours showing your gratitude and professionalism in your thanks note briefly recap why you are excited about the role and mention something specific you discussed during the interview cost, for example, “Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today I enjoyed learning more about the marketing team and how you company value creativity and innovation I am an excited about the possibilities to contribute to your team and helping to drive the companies growth”
Stay Positive and Confident :
Always remember it’s very normal to feel nervous before an interview. The key is to stay calm and focused. Be confident in your experience and skill, and please do not be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role.
Some Tips for Success :
I have mentioned some tips below which may help you.
- Be ready for behavior based questions.
- Show your enthusiasm
- Be ready for skill testing
- Research about the interview format
- Always be honest about experience
- Always mind your body language
- Know the salary range/budget of company
- Always practice active listening
- Stay calm
Some popular job portals are:
I have mentioned some job portals which may help you to find your very first job
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- Monster
Conclusion
Remember it’s very normal to feel nervous before an interview, with the right preparation you will succeed. I have discussed more about handling nervousness in interview in my post “How to Handle Nerves Before an Interview“
Good luck!
Write by : @mrmjaz
