One of life’s memories that is likely to last a lifetime is the first interview. Nothing can completely prepare a person for every question that might be asked, or every awkward circumstance that could arise. The best a person can do is be prepared for an interview by adhering to a few basic tips that have proven useful in most interviews settings, according to TheBestNursingSchools.net.
1. Dress for success: As simple as it sounds, you would be surprised how poorly people present themselves to prospective employers with regard to their attire. You will have one opportunity to make a first impression. Your resume and experience won’t matter if you don’t look the part. Dress professionally and appropriately for the job for which you are applying. All things being equal, employers will opt for the candidate who presented themselves professionally.
2. Make a pleasant first impression by smiling when introduced and making eye contact: The interviewer will decide whether he likes you within the first minute of the interview. Being cordial and likeable is as important as being qualified. A firm handshake that falls short of being uncomfortable is recommended. If you follow step number one at this point in the process you’ve established a foundation for a successful interview
3. Prepare for the interview by thoroughly researching the company or organization: The government job website advises job seekers to find out as much as possible by studying all available written material about the position or company. The more you learn about special challenges being faced and how you can meet those challenges, the better.
The Internet provides a valuable source for finding basic information that any person being interviewed will be expected to know. Discussing the position with former employees or other personnel whenever possible is also a great way to prepare for a first interview. While being properly versed about a company’s background is expected and will secure goodwill from a company’s representatives, being unprepared is most certainly one of the worst failings of many new job seekers.
4. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member: There are many lists of typical questions that many interviewers ask. Practice answering those questions. Rehearsals build confidence and also keep your memory fresh about relevant facts and details that you want to relate in an interview.
Often interviewers will run through a list of general type interview questions. For example, you can be sure the interviewer will ask you about your previous employment, salary expectations, and why you may have left a previous job. You may be asked, why should we hire you? You must know the answers to these questions before they are asked. That’s one area where rehearsing with a friend or family member will pay off.
5. Be Yourself and and Be Confident: So many people get into an interview environment and try to create a new identity and a new personality in order to impress a prospective employer. You are not going to be able to shape yourself into something that you’re not in a job interview. It’s best to be yourself and be comfortable with who you are. Confidence in yourself speaks volumes in an interview setting. Don’t be afraid to be who you are
6. Arrive for the interview ahead of time: Planning on being early is a good way to prevent being late. Parking problems or getting lost are always a possible concern the first time you go to a new place. All the interviewer will remember is that you were late. You do not want to begin a first interview with excuses about why you were late. If you get there early, don’t go in. Review your questions before going in at about five minutes before the interview.
7. Avoid short answers to interview questions: The best way to answer questions is directly, but be prepared to follow up with examples to illustrate your point. You must take advantage of the opportunity to establish a relationship with your future employer. You do that with a willingness to talk about problems you have solved in the past, or how you would deal with specific situations when presented. Remember, you are trying to answer questions to separate yourself from a lengthy list of candidates. You must be able to articulate an answer that distances your self from the field. Use every question as an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to solve problems and issues.
8. Thank the interviewer for the interview as you leave: At some point your interview will end and it’s important for you to show appreciation for the opportunity to interview for a position. This is also a time for you to make a last impression that will provoke a follow-up interview. Cordially thank the person or persons that were a part of the interview process. This also includes a personalized note to those individuals. You could include small details of what transpired during the interview to remind them of who you are. Essentially, you have been on a sales job during your interview. You were selling yourself and you can take this time to close the sale.
Resources
- http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/firstjobinterview.htm
- http://www.govtjob.net/Interview%20Tips.htm
- http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2007/04/04/answering-the-unanswerable-tips-for-that-first-interview/
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