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What is your best advice for first time interviews?
For first job
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4 answers
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Jackie,
My initial advice is this. Apply to some jobs you do not want, and use them, hopefully, for interview experience. And no, please don't feel bad about doing that. You don't want your very first interview to be with a job you are hoping like crazy to get!
Make sure you write down the date and time when they call you. Before the day of the interview, drive to the location and make sure you know where you are going. Dress appropriately. This varies according to the job. If you are applying to run errands at a law office is very different from applying to work at a tattoo parlor or video game store. If in doubt, err on the side of caution. (Or have a friend mystery shop the location to find out how the employees are dressed!) Hair, makeup, nails, shoes. All appropriate. No gum chewing. Have a pen. And maybe a small notepad or something to take notes on. Silence the phone. Be friendly and polite to everyone you meet.
The person doing the interview is supposed to be skilled in putting you at ease with small talk. It doesn't always work that way! So, just roll with it. A hand shake is still expected in many places. Make eye contact. Smile.
Hopefully you prepared for the interview and spent some time reading about the company on the website. Hopefully you somewhat thought about answers to some common questions:
1. Tell me about yourself - not an autobiography. Tell them your relevant experience as it relates to the position you are applying for.
2. Why should we hire you?
3. How would you handle an irate customer?
4. You see a co-worker take money from the register and put it in their pocket, what do you do?
5. Do you have reliable transportation?
Understand that your job, as an employee, is to help the company make or save money. Attention to detail, honesty, ethics, dependability, are all important. Feel free to mention school attendance record/awards. Teamwork - sports? Ability to work with someone you don't like. SAFETY. That's really big. An injured employee, or customer, is very expensive to the business. Ask a question or two when given the opportunity to do so. At the end, ask when they plan to make a decision, and, when you may contact them if you haven't heard from them? You don't want to call too soon, but, you do deserve an answer. Get a business card!
After the interview, send a thankyou note, text, email etc., thanking them for the interview, and try to mention something that stood out, that will then make them think about you!
Also, review the interview in your mind. What went well, what didn't. Questions you were not prepared for. Do NOT beat yourself up. A lot of what happens in interviews often depends on the chemistry of the two people. Sometimes it's there, sometimes not. The next interview will be different!
I've had great interviews, and horrible ones that I wanted to walk out of! Just try to stay positive, maintain eye contact, and smile.
I hope this helps - good luck to you!!
My initial advice is this. Apply to some jobs you do not want, and use them, hopefully, for interview experience. And no, please don't feel bad about doing that. You don't want your very first interview to be with a job you are hoping like crazy to get!
Make sure you write down the date and time when they call you. Before the day of the interview, drive to the location and make sure you know where you are going. Dress appropriately. This varies according to the job. If you are applying to run errands at a law office is very different from applying to work at a tattoo parlor or video game store. If in doubt, err on the side of caution. (Or have a friend mystery shop the location to find out how the employees are dressed!) Hair, makeup, nails, shoes. All appropriate. No gum chewing. Have a pen. And maybe a small notepad or something to take notes on. Silence the phone. Be friendly and polite to everyone you meet.
The person doing the interview is supposed to be skilled in putting you at ease with small talk. It doesn't always work that way! So, just roll with it. A hand shake is still expected in many places. Make eye contact. Smile.
Hopefully you prepared for the interview and spent some time reading about the company on the website. Hopefully you somewhat thought about answers to some common questions:
1. Tell me about yourself - not an autobiography. Tell them your relevant experience as it relates to the position you are applying for.
2. Why should we hire you?
3. How would you handle an irate customer?
4. You see a co-worker take money from the register and put it in their pocket, what do you do?
5. Do you have reliable transportation?
Understand that your job, as an employee, is to help the company make or save money. Attention to detail, honesty, ethics, dependability, are all important. Feel free to mention school attendance record/awards. Teamwork - sports? Ability to work with someone you don't like. SAFETY. That's really big. An injured employee, or customer, is very expensive to the business. Ask a question or two when given the opportunity to do so. At the end, ask when they plan to make a decision, and, when you may contact them if you haven't heard from them? You don't want to call too soon, but, you do deserve an answer. Get a business card!
After the interview, send a thankyou note, text, email etc., thanking them for the interview, and try to mention something that stood out, that will then make them think about you!
Also, review the interview in your mind. What went well, what didn't. Questions you were not prepared for. Do NOT beat yourself up. A lot of what happens in interviews often depends on the chemistry of the two people. Sometimes it's there, sometimes not. The next interview will be different!
I've had great interviews, and horrible ones that I wanted to walk out of! Just try to stay positive, maintain eye contact, and smile.
I hope this helps - good luck to you!!
Updated
Lesly’s Answer
Hey there! It's absolutely fantastic that you're preparing for your first interview! Remember, you've got this! Here are some valuable tips to help you shine like a star during the interview:
1. Be honest and authentic - you're amazing the way you are!
2. Listen attentively to the interviewer - it shows your engagement and interest.
3. Speak respectfully and gratefully about your teachers, friends, employers, and university. They've played a role in your journey.
4. Take care of your grammar - clear and proper language can make a huge difference.
5. Don't be nervous about personal questions. They're simply trying to get to know the real you.
6. Be patient about discussing salary and benefits. Trust the interviewer to bring them up when the time is right.
7. Lastly, end the interview with your brightest positivity and enthusiasm. Show them how excited you are about the opportunity!
We believe in you, and now it's time for you to believe in yourself! Go and ace that interview! Good luck!
1. Be honest and authentic - you're amazing the way you are!
2. Listen attentively to the interviewer - it shows your engagement and interest.
3. Speak respectfully and gratefully about your teachers, friends, employers, and university. They've played a role in your journey.
4. Take care of your grammar - clear and proper language can make a huge difference.
5. Don't be nervous about personal questions. They're simply trying to get to know the real you.
6. Be patient about discussing salary and benefits. Trust the interviewer to bring them up when the time is right.
7. Lastly, end the interview with your brightest positivity and enthusiasm. Show them how excited you are about the opportunity!
We believe in you, and now it's time for you to believe in yourself! Go and ace that interview! Good luck!
Updated
Nikita’s Answer
Hi Jackie, everyone who has already answered has given great advice. One thing to also keep in mind is that interviewers often ask situational questions, or questions they would like examples for. For example, tell me about a time where you had a disagreement with a coworker/team-mate or tell me about a time you made an error in work or on a project. They are typically looking to see if you are truthful (you don't have to talk about major issues, but don't say, "Oh, I've never made a mistake before) and want to understand your conflict resolution process and problem-solving skills.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Jackie,
Here's some practical advice for acing your first interview:
1. Do Your Homework: Prior to the interview, invest time in understanding the company and the role you're applying for. Prepare responses for typical interview questions, focusing on your experience, strengths, and areas for improvement.
2. Dress Smartly: Opt for professional clothing that resonates with the company's culture. Remember, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
3. Be Punctual: Aim to reach the interview venue at least 10-15 minutes early. This reflects your respect for the interviewer's time and your commitment.
4. Highlight Your Strengths: Use the interview as a platform to showcase your skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Be sure to provide concrete examples.
5. Engage with the Interviewer: Have a set of thoughtful questions ready about the company's culture, team, or upcoming projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role.
6. Exude Confidence and Positivity: Maintain steady eye contact, give a firm handshake, and articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity.
7. Post-Interview Follow-up: After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and to reaffirm your interest in the role.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
1. Harvard Business Review (hbr.org): This source provides valuable insights on job interviews, including preparation techniques, communication skills, and follow-up tactics.
2. The Balance Careers (thebalancecareers.com): This website offers comprehensive guides on job interviews for beginners, discussing aspects like dress code, common questions, and post-interview etiquette.
3. Indeed Career Guide (indeed.com/career-advice): This guide offers reliable advice for first-time job seekers, with tips on how to excel in interviews and make a positive impression.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Here's some practical advice for acing your first interview:
1. Do Your Homework: Prior to the interview, invest time in understanding the company and the role you're applying for. Prepare responses for typical interview questions, focusing on your experience, strengths, and areas for improvement.
2. Dress Smartly: Opt for professional clothing that resonates with the company's culture. Remember, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
3. Be Punctual: Aim to reach the interview venue at least 10-15 minutes early. This reflects your respect for the interviewer's time and your commitment.
4. Highlight Your Strengths: Use the interview as a platform to showcase your skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Be sure to provide concrete examples.
5. Engage with the Interviewer: Have a set of thoughtful questions ready about the company's culture, team, or upcoming projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role.
6. Exude Confidence and Positivity: Maintain steady eye contact, give a firm handshake, and articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity.
7. Post-Interview Follow-up: After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and to reaffirm your interest in the role.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
1. Harvard Business Review (hbr.org): This source provides valuable insights on job interviews, including preparation techniques, communication skills, and follow-up tactics.
2. The Balance Careers (thebalancecareers.com): This website offers comprehensive guides on job interviews for beginners, discussing aspects like dress code, common questions, and post-interview etiquette.
3. Indeed Career Guide (indeed.com/career-advice): This guide offers reliable advice for first-time job seekers, with tips on how to excel in interviews and make a positive impression.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.