5 Tips to Prepare for that First ‘Real’ Job Interview
You're prepared for your first "real" job now that you've completed your education in high school or college. Your first interview has been scheduled after you sent out your resumes. How can you ace the interview to increase your chances of getting the job offer?
1. Put on business attire.
You're heading to work, not the beach, so no low-cut blouses, flip-flops, or shirts that expose your midriff. Buying a suit is not required, but it is very important to look professional. Don't dress like you're heading to a concert if you're trying to land a job in a conservative office, like an accounting firm. You have a little more leeway if you are applying for a retail job.
Instead of listing them, I would advise you to dress as though you were going to meet one of the most significant individuals in your life—because you are! and is not appropriate!
2. Ensure your appearance is presentable. Don't appear as though you didn't even bother to practice basic personal hygiene when you got out of bed. Nothing like unwashed hair, filthy fingernails, or body odor will prompt the HR Manager to end the interview sooner. Being an employee means that you will represent the company, and no client wants to deal with someone who is disheveled.
3. Pay attention to your nonverbal cues. Starting the interview with a firm handshake demonstrates your confidence. Keep your gaze open, remain at ease, and be to the interviewer's questions. Pose queries and pay close attention to the responses you receive. Consider your responses before responding to the interviewer's questions; don't digress and stay on topic.
4. Arrive at the interview ready. Do some preliminary research on the company. These days, all businesses have websites where you can find out about their services and clientele. This demonstrates to the interviewer your interest in the position and your initiative to learn as much as you can about the business.
5. Show up for the interview. During our interviews, some of the candidates pretended to be waiting for a bus. They just listened to me without really asking questions, and I wasn't sure if they were paying attention. Engage, ask questions, and show enthusiasm. in the conversation. I asked one candidate if this sounded like something she would be interested in after outlining all the responsibilities of the role. She seemed uninterested in answering my question, and she was not hired. You won't be motivated at work if you can't be enthusiastic during the interview.
You want to make a good first impression by showing the interviewer that you are eager to work hard and that you will give it your all. Even if you are not the most qualified applicant, you may still be hired because of your exceptional performance. Best of luck!