Preparing for an Interview

How to Ace Your First Job Interview

Getting your college degree takes a lot of hard work and determination. After years of focus and dedication to your field of study, it really pays to make sure you are overly prepared when it comes to your first official job interview.

Whether you’re still in college or recently graduated, the key to acing your first job interview is preparation. Make sure you are ready for the big day by reviewing the following tips and giving yourself plenty of time to prepare.

Research the Company or Organization Ahead of Time

Arrive at your interview having done your research not only on the company itself but also on the job description. Learn all you can including company history, competitors, recent news and any potential problems they may be facing. Develop some thoughtful, intelligent questions for the interviewer in advance to showcase your knowledge when and if the Interviewer asks if you have any questions. This is a great opportunity to show that you’ve done more research than other applicants.

If you know specifically who you are interviewing with, do some research to gain an understanding about their background and visit their linked in profile for further insight.

Be on Time
It is important to plan to arrive early for your first job interview. Arriving late reflects negatively on your personality and work ethic. Don’t just plan to get there a few minutes early, but instead arrive around 20 minutes ahead of time. This will give you the chance to sit quietly, collect your thoughts and allow yourself to be calm and focused when the time comes. Take this time to go over your qualities and strengths and any questions you might have.
 
Showing up late for a job interview reflects negatively on your personality and work ethic. Being late for your scheduled interview can be an indication that you don't pay attention to important details
 
Dress to Impress
First impressions go a long way, so look your absolute best! Be sure to consider what is appropriate for the specific job you are interviewing for. An expensive suit is a great choice when interviewing with a financial institution but it may not be the right choice if you seek employment with a nonprofit.
 
Leave a lasting impression by thinking outside the box and adding a unique accessory or showing off an interesting or eclectic style that shows off your personality.

Practice Answering Common Questions and Prepare Questions of Your Own
Be sure you can easily answer standard questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why should we hire you?” Make sure to practice these in advance and give answers that will help prove why you are the perfect fit for this job and company. Do a rehearsal/practice interview with someone, like me! I am here to help.

Be confident in Yourself, but not Over-Confident
Employers like to hire people who are confident in themselves and their abilities. When discussing the job share your skills and strengths that the job requires. This is a chance for you to sell yourself and your ‘brand’ and showing confidence during your interview is an absolute must. While it is important to talk up your abilities and point out what you can do for the company, make sure you do not come off as arrogant. Do your best to keep a humble air about yourself as you explain all of the reasons that you are the perfect candidate for the job. Balance is key.

Bring Your Printed Resume
While you can assume that the interviewer has a copy of your resume, it is always a good idea to show up prepared with hard copies you can hand out in person. If you have references, work samples, transcripts or other information that may be helpful, be sure to have printed copies of those as well. It is better to be over prepared that under prepared!

Highlight What Makes You Unique
Make sure you are able to easily articulate what makes you special. Highlighting your differences is a great way to be sure you weill be remembered after the interview. Tell them something interesting that you've accomplished, espcially if you can make it relevant to the job you are applying for. Remember to show off your unique character traits and skills and how this makes you stand out from the rest.

Focus on What You Can Do To Bring Value
As part of your interview preparation, make a list of your personal traits and ways in which you can add value to this specific employer or the team/department that you are hoping to become a part of. It's great to explain what you are capable of, but demonstrating this by showing them how you have actually used your skills in the real world to make a difference at your college, in your community or within your network speaks volumes. If possible, give them something tangible that you have accomplished to show them that you can also do it for them.

Follow Up
Make sure that you get contact information for each and every person that you meet with. Sending a thank you email to them afterwards to thank them for their time is always recommended. Also mention in the email that this you look forward to hearing from them and are excited about the possibility of joining the company.

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Always Stay Positive Throughout the Interview

Even if you feel this is not the right role for you, other opportunities may come up in the future.

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