MY FIRST JOB INTERVIEW st

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My first job interview!

My first job interview

You should be prepared if you are about to go to a job interview for the first time. It is normal to feel stressed but try to stay calm and remember that everybody has a first job interview in their life.

My recommendation is: do some preparations for the three moments of the interview: before, during and after. I'll also give you some specific tips that will help you succeed. Let’s start!

BEFORE

Research the company.

Have a look on their website and find out information about how they operate. You might be asked what you know about the business’ organization during the interview.

TIP:

Check out the "About Us" section and social media pages.

Learn as much as possible about the job.

Find out about the position you are applying for, as many details as possible. If you are asked: Why are you the best candidate for the position?, Why should we hire you? This information will be really helpful.

TIP:

Ask a friend or a family member that works in the same or similar position.

Write a CV

and familiarize yourself with it. Remember that if you don'’t have formal work experience to write in your CV, you can include informal experience: for example your participation in sport clubs, volunteering, looking after children…and don'’t lie! Lying on your CV is always a bad idea.

TIP:

Prepare a copy of your CV to bring to the interview.

Practice interviewing.

Review the top interview questions you'll most likely be asked at a job interview and prepare a response to each. This way, these questions will grow quite familiar to you. Review also the most common answers. You don't need to memorize an answer but, if you practice these common interview questions, you know what you'll be asked and have an idea of how you will respond.

TIP:

Practice out loud with a friend, somebody in your family… This advance preparation will help you feel more confident and less on the spot during the interview.

Dress appropriately.

First impressions count, so make sure you think about what you are going to wear. Choose an appropriate job interview outfit. Lay out your outfit the night before, clean, ironing…

TIP:

In doubt, choose to dress more formally.

Find out where you are going and how you are getting there, trying to arrive about 10 minutes in advance.

Make sure you know the route, information about the parking, entrances and any other circumstances that could affect your journey.

TIP:

Write the directions down in your cell phone so you can check them at any time.

DURING

Be on time!

Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early to the interview. The company will appreciate it but don't arrive too early and force you to sit nervously in a waiting area.

TIP:

If you'll be late, show that you are respectful of the interviewer's time. Call to say when you'll be arriving.

Be respectful to the interviewers

The interviewer watches your communication skills and your manners to predict whether you'll work well with others.

• Introduce yourself to the receptionist and to everyone you meet. Even the lowliest administrative worker may be asked his opinion about the impression you have made.
• Shake hands with everyone, using a firm handshake and make strong eye contact.
• Sit when you are asked to sit, not before.

TIP:

Thank the hiring manager for taking the time to meet with you, both, at the beginning and at the end of the interview process.

Good non-verbal behavior

• Keep eye contact with the interviewer.
• Make sure to always sit upright and be open with your body posture
• Look interested in all the questions the interviewer is asking you.
• Do not ask for refreshments or permission to smoke.
• Do not leave your cell phone on during the interview, or glance at it at all. Turn it completely off!

• Don’ t act nervous but, if you feel like that, don't apologize for being nervous.
• Arms: don'’t cross them.
• Your hands, don'’t hide them.
• Bring your shoulders back.
• Don’ t look at your watch. It might be perceived as an indication that you are bored, or in a hurry.

Remember: If you feel comfortable, you look comfortable.

TIP:

If you don’'t feel comfortable holding eye contact, you can try keep looking your partner in the eyebrows. At first, it will be much easier and they won’ t notice the difference. After that, gradually work your way up into full eye contact.

Speak with energy and provide true details

Listen carefully before answering: Make sure you know what your interviewer is asking you before you answer. Do not lie about anything in your interview!!! A company won't hire someone who lies. Don'’t speak in a monotone: Try to eliminate or reduce the number of times you say These phrases can be understood as you are not sure about what you want to say.

TIP:

Don'’t use angry tones!

AFTER

There are a few things you should do after an interview that could actually help you land the job.

(Even if you don’ t get the job)

• Ask for next steps and contact information.
• Get some distance, analyze how you did and how you felt about the company.
• Write down anything you want to remember. This will preserve a record of your responses for future reference.
• Send a brief thank you note to the interviewer.

And that's all!

I hope you like this guide, be prepared and:

Lots of good luck in your future job interviews!