27 answers
Ariana
Student
Lakeland, Florida
1
Question
Asked
2991 views
Tips for candidates new to the interviewing process
What are some tips or pointers for people who are looking for their first jobs(s).
How do I stand out while having no experience or professional qualifications?
#interviews #interview #interviewing-skills #professionalism #new-hires #
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27 answers
Tom Thomas
Appraisal
2
Answers
Highland Charter Township, Michigan
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Go into the interview with the right mindset: Be yourself, be genuine. Don’t worry, don’t overthink it. Being nervous is NORMAL. Know that the person conducting the interview may be just as nervous as YOU are. Know a little bit about the company (google them!). Tell them that your lack of experience is a GOOD thing; you’ll have no bad habits to break during training. Ask what happened to the person who did the job previously (why is there a job opening?). If you think that you ‘click’ with the job and the interviewer, and are interested in the job, be sure to ASK for the job. Tell them (joke) that you’ll be happy to call and CANCEL all of the remaining interviews!
Lucie dC
Product Manager
82
Answers
California, California
Updated
Lucie’s Answer
Outch, job interviews are tough! But the hardest part is really to actually get one in my opinion!
First of all dress for the job you want, without a tuxedo, dress the part.
Second, in my opinion what everyone looks into a good candidate/good interview is someone who is concise, doesn't lose his train of thoughts, to the point, good story teller, etc.
To stand out, despite the many answers you already got, I would say:
#1 Match job posting and resume
Highlight the different part of the job posting and match it to your resume. Use maybe a few different highlighters to really distinguish the different skillset required. This will be make it easier for you to speak about what has not been highlighted (because it will come up!)
#2 Look out for the obvious
Look for the obvious questions you will be asked: Experience, gap in resume, etc. Be prepared to respond to these questions with a well prepared answer. It might be a way for you to shine.
#3 Work on story telling
A good story needs to be down to the point and follow a path of development. Don't get lost into rabbit holes and other tangent, look into the narrative and make sure it is one where you stand out.
#4 Prepare and Practice make Perfect
There will be obvious questions about your resume, also, there will be the questions we are all expecting: Tell me about yourself, what are some of your qualities, what do you like about our company, why do you want to work here, etc.?
It will vary per the role and industry but all the questions you will have will be in some sort of the same flavor from one interview to the next.
Then rehearse, under the shower, in front of the mirror, with friends, family, etc. The more you repeat your stories the more they will come naturally and when a question you have not prepared for arise you should be more relaxed to answer.
Hope this helps,
Cheers
First of all dress for the job you want, without a tuxedo, dress the part.
Second, in my opinion what everyone looks into a good candidate/good interview is someone who is concise, doesn't lose his train of thoughts, to the point, good story teller, etc.
To stand out, despite the many answers you already got, I would say:
#1 Match job posting and resume
Highlight the different part of the job posting and match it to your resume. Use maybe a few different highlighters to really distinguish the different skillset required. This will be make it easier for you to speak about what has not been highlighted (because it will come up!)
#2 Look out for the obvious
Look for the obvious questions you will be asked: Experience, gap in resume, etc. Be prepared to respond to these questions with a well prepared answer. It might be a way for you to shine.
#3 Work on story telling
A good story needs to be down to the point and follow a path of development. Don't get lost into rabbit holes and other tangent, look into the narrative and make sure it is one where you stand out.
#4 Prepare and Practice make Perfect
There will be obvious questions about your resume, also, there will be the questions we are all expecting: Tell me about yourself, what are some of your qualities, what do you like about our company, why do you want to work here, etc.?
It will vary per the role and industry but all the questions you will have will be in some sort of the same flavor from one interview to the next.
Then rehearse, under the shower, in front of the mirror, with friends, family, etc. The more you repeat your stories the more they will come naturally and when a question you have not prepared for arise you should be more relaxed to answer.
Hope this helps,
Cheers
Drew Stokes
Engineering Manager
2
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Drew’s Answer
Your biggest asset as someone who is new to the job market is your potential for growth. Help the individual you are interviewing with understand who you are, why you are interested in the position, and how you intend to help the business grow and improve. Make sure to ask any questions you might have and don't be afraid to ask for details. As a hiring manager, I'm most interested in seeing that candidates are engaged and motivated.
Tom Thomas
Appraisal
2
Answers
Highland Charter Township, Michigan
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Go into the interview with the right mindset: Be yourself, be genuine. Don’t worry, don’t overthink it. Being nervous is NORMAL. Know that the person conducting the interview may be just as nervous as YOU are. Know a little bit about the company (google them!). Tell them that your lack of experience is a GOOD thing; you’ll have no bad habits to break during training. Ask what happened to the person who did the job previously (why is there a job opening?). If you think that you ‘click’ with the job and the interviewer, and are interested in the job, be sure to ASK for the job. Tell them (joke) that you’ll be happy to call and CANCEL all of the remaining interviews!
Gary Willard, MBA
Product Owner, Cloud Technology Engineering Professional
6
Answers
Grand Haven, Michigan
Updated
Gary’s Answer
There is a lot of good advice here for you. Sarah's response was very thorough and helpful. Confidence is your best friend in an interview. The nerves come in because you're asking someone to give you something you don't have - an opportunity to trust you with a job they have available. Confidence comes from being comfortable with something. To begin with, being on time will reduce the chance you'll be on edge during the conversation. Confidence in an interview comes from talking about something you know well. You would have no issues if someone were interviewing you about your first pet, or about your parents or about your best friend. You know these things very well; well enough to talk about it without referencing your pad of paper. When you're interviewing for a job, you need to be able to translate your capabilities and experiences into the tasks related to the job. You can talk to family members and friends to help you create a list of things a business would be impressed with that you've done (work-wise, leadership-wise, teamwork-wise).
If you can find a friend or co-worker of a parent who is a manager, you can see if they would volunteer to do a mock interview with you. It's better to choose someone you're not familiar with so you get some of the nervousness. As others here have noted, doing volunteer work will also give you experiences you can talk about confidently in an interview.
Be prepared for unexpected questions. Some managers like to see how you respond with unexpected questions (thinking on your feet), so they'll ask you to respond to something like "if you could be any animal, what would you be and why?". The one that will always get you will be "why should I choose you over everyone else that I'm interviewing" or it's close cousin, "what do you have that the other candidates don't have that would make me choose you". They're asking you to judge other people and put yourself above them. You just need to be confident and prepared with the top quality that you feel you have and that you are confident about. You don't have to relate that quality to anyone else applying for the job. You can confidently say, "my teachers say I'm the most trustworthy and hardworking student that they've seen".
If you can find a friend or co-worker of a parent who is a manager, you can see if they would volunteer to do a mock interview with you. It's better to choose someone you're not familiar with so you get some of the nervousness. As others here have noted, doing volunteer work will also give you experiences you can talk about confidently in an interview.
Be prepared for unexpected questions. Some managers like to see how you respond with unexpected questions (thinking on your feet), so they'll ask you to respond to something like "if you could be any animal, what would you be and why?". The one that will always get you will be "why should I choose you over everyone else that I'm interviewing" or it's close cousin, "what do you have that the other candidates don't have that would make me choose you". They're asking you to judge other people and put yourself above them. You just need to be confident and prepared with the top quality that you feel you have and that you are confident about. You don't have to relate that quality to anyone else applying for the job. You can confidently say, "my teachers say I'm the most trustworthy and hardworking student that they've seen".
Amanda Andino
Team Leader of Training
3
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Focus on the skills that you bring to the table that are not something you have listed in experience. There are so many "soft skills" out there that are extremely important for employers. Focus on the things that you have done that show your communication skills, motivation, drive and willingness to learn. Be CONFIDENT! There are amazing things that you bring to the table, make sure you know that and believe that going into the interview!
Sarah Robinson
Recruiter
20
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hope these tips help:
Pre Interview Tips:
Research the role- preparation is key!
Understand the function the role sits within.
Know who is in the current team and reach out.
Know who you are going to meet.
Treat interviews as if you are external.
Every day is an interview at Cisco- be aware/learn how you are perceived in the business.
Ask recruiters for previous feedback received on any prior applications.
Seek out coaching support prior to interview.
Practice answering questions- film yourself to see your facial expressions/body language.
Dress professionally.
During the Interview:
Be on-time.
If the interview is via TP or WebEx, join prior to the meeting time and turn on camera on for WebEx.
Switch off your mobile phone!
Bring a notebook to take notes.
Bring your resume for reference (and as a spare).
LISTEN and respond to the questions being asked.
Stick to the topic, stay on track.
Consider your answers.
Show personality.
Be aware of your body language.
Have questions prepared.
After the Interview:
Thank the interviewer/panel for their time.
Follow up with a thank you email, and further information if requested/offered.
Call the recruiter to share feedback.
Discuss next steps.
Be patient in the process.
Talent Connection process- encourage you to advise your manager but not necessary until you are informed as the finalist candidate.
Common mistakes:
Don’t speak negatively about yourself, colleagues, managers, employers, roles etc.
Frame your answers positively.
Be aware of your personal hygiene.
Don’t talk about salary.
Failing to prepare. Approach a job interview the way you would a test.
Failing to research your interviewer.
Wearing the wrong outfit.
Not being punctual.
Using your mobile.
Asking questions with obvious answers.
Getting too personal
Sample questions:
Why are you applying for this role?
What do you know about the business/role?
Why do you think you would be a good fit for the role?
What can you bring to this role?
What are your strengths?
What’s an example of a development area for you?
What have you learnt from your previous mistakes?
How do you handle constructive feedback?
What are your activities and interests outside of work?
What motivates you to do your best work?
How do you handle conflict within your team?
Pre Interview Tips:
Research the role- preparation is key!
Understand the function the role sits within.
Know who is in the current team and reach out.
Know who you are going to meet.
Treat interviews as if you are external.
Every day is an interview at Cisco- be aware/learn how you are perceived in the business.
Ask recruiters for previous feedback received on any prior applications.
Seek out coaching support prior to interview.
Practice answering questions- film yourself to see your facial expressions/body language.
Dress professionally.
During the Interview:
Be on-time.
If the interview is via TP or WebEx, join prior to the meeting time and turn on camera on for WebEx.
Switch off your mobile phone!
Bring a notebook to take notes.
Bring your resume for reference (and as a spare).
LISTEN and respond to the questions being asked.
Stick to the topic, stay on track.
Consider your answers.
Show personality.
Be aware of your body language.
Have questions prepared.
After the Interview:
Thank the interviewer/panel for their time.
Follow up with a thank you email, and further information if requested/offered.
Call the recruiter to share feedback.
Discuss next steps.
Be patient in the process.
Talent Connection process- encourage you to advise your manager but not necessary until you are informed as the finalist candidate.
Common mistakes:
Don’t speak negatively about yourself, colleagues, managers, employers, roles etc.
Frame your answers positively.
Be aware of your personal hygiene.
Don’t talk about salary.
Failing to prepare. Approach a job interview the way you would a test.
Failing to research your interviewer.
Wearing the wrong outfit.
Not being punctual.
Using your mobile.
Asking questions with obvious answers.
Getting too personal
Sample questions:
Why are you applying for this role?
What do you know about the business/role?
Why do you think you would be a good fit for the role?
What can you bring to this role?
What are your strengths?
What’s an example of a development area for you?
What have you learnt from your previous mistakes?
How do you handle constructive feedback?
What are your activities and interests outside of work?
What motivates you to do your best work?
How do you handle conflict within your team?
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
The most important tip is to network; make as many friends as you can related to your field. Reach out to those people you felt comfortable around and shared good chemistry with. If you make a connection with someone in the company, the pressure to perform perfectly in the interview won't be as high.
Interviewers know it's difficult to really know a person during an interview, so they are usually scanning for basic interpersonal skills. Show that you can work well with others, motivate yourself, and push through stressful situations calmly and efficiently. Try to have four or five stories about yourself from the past and try to redirect questions toward these stories during the interview. Make sure to choose instances from your past that highlight your positive qualities, including your ability to learn from or perform during difficult situations.
Interviewers know it's difficult to really know a person during an interview, so they are usually scanning for basic interpersonal skills. Show that you can work well with others, motivate yourself, and push through stressful situations calmly and efficiently. Try to have four or five stories about yourself from the past and try to redirect questions toward these stories during the interview. Make sure to choose instances from your past that highlight your positive qualities, including your ability to learn from or perform during difficult situations.
★ Scott Raether ★彡 Career Marketing Advisor ★彡 CPCC - CPRW
Career Coach and Resume Writer
6
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
★ Scott’s Answer
Sometimes it isn't always about your experience and qualifications. If you have made it to the interview stage then you are on the right track. Companies are looking for someone that can fit into their culture. Can you be a good part of their team. They can teach you the duties of the position. So the key is to do research on the company before the interview. Look at their social media pages. Use what you find to ask relevant questions. Show interest in the company and relate that to your own experiences. Dress properly, go in with a nice handshake, show confidence, continue eye contact, lean forward a bit, and show engagement. Think to yourself "You got this". Good luck and let me know if you have any further questions.
Jessica Bennet
Field services specialist
4
Answers
Carrollton, Texas
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Experience isn’t always everything. I think the best thing to do is research the job you are interviewing for and think of questions to ask the interviewer that will help you better understand if that job is the one for you. This will also show the interviewing your interest and set you apart from other candidates. My other piece of advice would be to practice! Run through practice interview questions with your family or friends and make sure you are comfortable answering a variety of interview questions. There are an array of interview prep tools online as well.
John Bleakney, PMP
Co-op Faculty at Northeastern University Graduate College of Engineering
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi, Ariana,
Be positive and confident during the interview. Make sure that you can relate your answers directly to the job and/or company. If this is your first job, let the employer know that you are dependable, teachable, and a team player. A great attitude and the soft skills that I mentioned above will go a long way. When I hired employees, these were the skills that I was looking for. Good luck!
Jennifer Aho
Property Manager
30
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
A few tips :
1. Research the company, ask a question about something you read.
2. Be willing to explain and describe your eagerness for the job even if you dont have a lot of experience.
3. Ask questions about their expectations of you if you hired
4. Be punctual for the interview :)
1. Research the company, ask a question about something you read.
2. Be willing to explain and describe your eagerness for the job even if you dont have a lot of experience.
3. Ask questions about their expectations of you if you hired
4. Be punctual for the interview :)
Poonam Kherde
Executive at CRB Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
38
Answers
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Poonam’s Answer
Here are the best interview tips for freshers:
1. DO NOT FAKE IN YOUR RESUME:
Lying can backfire on you! The individual sitting before you has adequate experience of interviews and can without much of a stretch know when you are faking it. So, keep it genuine and just write in your CV, what you have really accomplished. Else, more often than not, you would be in a soup.
2. TAKE IT EASY:
More than whatever else, the anxiety hampers most interviews. Just before going into the interview room, take a couple of deep breaths and unwind your nerves. It for sure, makes a difference!
3. BE CONFIDENT:
for more tips: face to face interview tips
Practice answering behavioral interview questions.
Tim Gastin
Martha Mezei
Account Executive
1
Answer
Kennesaw, Georgia
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Showing your potential and using any extra curricular activities that you were in to reference accomplishments can be helpful.
Do your research on the company and their products or services to help ask questions during your interview shows that you did some pre-work and are prepared. Be curious and stay engaged to show your interest in the company. Research glass door for helpful tips. Ask for next steps.
Do your research on the company and their products or services to help ask questions during your interview shows that you did some pre-work and are prepared. Be curious and stay engaged to show your interest in the company. Research glass door for helpful tips. Ask for next steps.
Adam Heugh
Medical Bill Reciew
24
Answers
Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Hey Ariana!
This is an excellent question!
When interviewing for your first job and having no professional experience, it can be very intimidating. However, you can remember that high school and college were like jobs. By attending school you had a lot of responsibility and you were on a schedule.
Make sure you do your research on the company that you are going to interview for. Then, when you are asked specific questions, you can relate them back to the company and the experience that YOU have.
For example, if you are asked how you function in a team, you can possibly reference to the study groups or group assignments that you had while in school. Give examples of how you worked with others or took the lead in a group. This can and will demonstrate how you function in a team.
Remember, everything that you have done has given you some form of experience. While you may not have direct experience in a field that you are applying, you can definitely relate your past experience to what is being asked.
You also want to make sure you come across as someone who will fit in and whom a potential employer would want to invest.
This is an excellent question!
When interviewing for your first job and having no professional experience, it can be very intimidating. However, you can remember that high school and college were like jobs. By attending school you had a lot of responsibility and you were on a schedule.
Make sure you do your research on the company that you are going to interview for. Then, when you are asked specific questions, you can relate them back to the company and the experience that YOU have.
For example, if you are asked how you function in a team, you can possibly reference to the study groups or group assignments that you had while in school. Give examples of how you worked with others or took the lead in a group. This can and will demonstrate how you function in a team.
Remember, everything that you have done has given you some form of experience. While you may not have direct experience in a field that you are applying, you can definitely relate your past experience to what is being asked.
You also want to make sure you come across as someone who will fit in and whom a potential employer would want to invest.
Kathy Iscra
Credit Risk Manager
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Kathy’s Answer
For starters, it is good to come up with a target list of companies that are in an industry you are interested in pursuing. The list should include companies where you might know someone employed for that company or companies that have employed alumni from the school you are currently attending or recently graduated from. A key to success is making a connection with someone at the company you are interested in so that person can help reach a higher manager or the manager in charge of the job position you are interest in to get an in-person interview. Leaning on any resources or connections your school can provide and/or attending any industry associations or job fairs to make connections is also critical. Making connections with people behind the companies is the best way to get to the point of an in-person interview. Before and after an in-person interview, stay in touch until you achieve you goal of getting an in-person interview, a follow-up interview or a decision on hiring for the job you are interested in. Your follow-ups might include some information on relevant achievements since you last talked. Employers are interested in people who continue to grow. Thoughtful persistence on following up is key. Sending in applications over the internet does not typically yield the best results given the volume of applications employers receive. Connections matter the most.
As far as standing out goes, get feedback on your resume from school resources and professors tied to the industry or industries you are interested in to ensure the resume format is acceptable and that the content included is appropriate. Once an interview is secured, be sure to have your arms around the job description and background on the company so you can come prepared to answer and ask questions.
As far as standing out goes, get feedback on your resume from school resources and professors tied to the industry or industries you are interested in to ensure the resume format is acceptable and that the content included is appropriate. Once an interview is secured, be sure to have your arms around the job description and background on the company so you can come prepared to answer and ask questions.
Fiona Meow
Legal Counsel
123
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Fiona’s Answer
Do you have any volunteering experience? Any special interests, skills, achievements from these? Usually interviewers like someone who is passionate about something, preferably something that is unique.
Are your grades outstanding?
Describe your key traits. Usually terms like motivated, keen to learn, love challenges, persistent are good to include as characteristics
Are your grades outstanding?
Describe your key traits. Usually terms like motivated, keen to learn, love challenges, persistent are good to include as characteristics