The first interview after graduation is the first step in your career. And it is good if you take this step firmly and confidently. But to do so, you need to prepare responsibly. You must be honest with the employer, but not so much that you admit that you used to buy essays online. You have to study the field in which you will have to fight, and you have to impress with your professional skills, personal qualities, and the ability to present it all.
We have made a list of the main things you need to take care of to ensure everything goes smoothly at the first interview.
1. Follow the dress code
From the first look, the opinion about you as a person and a specialist begins to form. And that first look happens the moment you enter the office. Do not miss this chance because it is the appearance that can leave an unpleasant trail that will spoil the overall opinion. Many companies do not have a dress code, but others do, and it is an integral part of the corporate culture. In any case, turn off the protest, turn off the fashionista and turn on the business person. You do not need to dress like you’re going to the president’s reception; casual business style is enough. You have to fit the place you came to. Your outfit should be neat, discreet, and comfortable. Girls should not apply too bright and provocative makeup, as well as not go crazy with perfume.
2. Read about the company
It is essential to capture the spirit of the company. The employer should see you as part of their big family. Research about the place you are going for the interview. The history of the company, corporate culture, traditions, philosophy, working principles, market position. You can use this information to answer the typical question, “Why do you want to work for us?” Besides, this knowledge can help you demonstrate how you can be helpful for this company and what innovations you can bring.
3. Create an image of an employee and tune into it
In order for an employer to see you as a professional, you must form that image, first and foremost, in yourself. Who are you? What can you do? What do you want? Ask yourself these questions.
Talk about who you are now and what work tasks you know how to do. Describe your past experiences at school or part-time jobs as a teen, and be sure to share your plans, perspectives, and work ambitions. Gather all your willpower and recreate the image of a confident forward-looking graduate interested in building a successful and being effective.
4. Prepare for the questions
The interview format is a standard procedure, and the questions you will be asked are no secret. Don’t be lazy to read HR materials, ask people you know who have experience with job interviews, and make yourself a list of the questions you’ll be asked. Then carefully prepare thoughtful, truthful answers to those questions. And this part of the preparation is the most important.
It is your answers that ensure a positive interview outcome. If you prepare them in advance, you can avoid awkward moments, unnecessary nerves, embarrassment, confused thoughts, and inarticulate phrases. After all, in extreme situations, not everyone can properly turn their thoughts into a coherent speech.
Here are the most common questions at a job interview:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why have you chosen our company?
- What do you know about our company?
- What do you expect from the job?
- Where do you see yourself in a couple of years?
The prepared answers to these questions are your main weapon on the way to victory.
5. Don’t use certain phrases
Anything you say at a job interview can be used against you. Not because the person doing the interview wants to overwhelm you with difficult questions deliberately. It’s nothing personal; they have a mission to find the perfect person for a vacant position in their company. So think about what you say and how it will be perceived. Don’t talk too much, don’t get distracted by talking about how you traveled or how you like animals.
Also, don’t ask personal questions, and under no circumstances should you speak ill of your previous supervisors or professors. If you have had difficulties during your studies, do not talk about them either.
