Looking for advice for my first job interview

[RUbensBeautY]

Hello,


I am in the process of graduating. Everything finished academically now, only need to wait for the ceremony to have the degrees handed over, finally!

I have applied for a couple of jobs that match my qualifications and got invited for an interview. I have done online research on HR pages about how to prepare, likely interview questions, asked the HR assistant what to bring along - obviously no documents yet, which makes sense, considering I don't have my most important ones yet anyways - but considering that this is the very first job interview of my life I am excited and would be happy to receive any advice more experienced people might have in this regard for a newbie.

What I have done so far:

- get exact information on when, where to go, who to ask for, what to bring along - obviously nothing but myself. Should I still take a copy of my CV, cover letter, language exams and such just in case?

- figure out attire

- practicing interview questions - out loud, which might sound silly, but since I could be interviewed in 3 different languages it seemed like a good idea. lol

- read up on the company's history, market and recent news - still working on this one but seemed like a good idea to be up to date just in case.

- make up my mind about financial expectations and compensatory package related questions

So, what else is there that I could do to be well prepared?

How does a job interview happen?

Thank you for reading along, your thought are most welcome and much appreciated!

 

[albertaboy]

You sound like you are on the right track, the thing I would also do is research on whatever company or organization you are being interviewed by. Also find info on whoever will be interviewing you if you can.

Try google.

 

[infinity706]

Well, considering my first interview, I, in reality, already had the job pending passing the drug test, it wasn't really much of an issue. I guess you're not going for a high turnover position, though.

In my case, I was just asked a few general questions and sent for a drug test.

 

[Tyr51]

Your first interview! How exciting!

You say you're in the process of graduating... if you mean from college, then you definately have prior experience. You've had to market yourself before.

Understand the culture of where you're applying. If they wear business suits, you do too. Generally dress for one position or so higher than you're interviewing for.

Bring multiple copies of your resume. Make sure they are on high quality paper.

Have a few high talking points about yourself. Be prepared with examples that show how you:
- have creatively problem solved in the past
- worked coaboratively to complete a project
- worked well under pressure
- delt successfully in a difficult situation or with challenging people
- have used your unique skill set to be a contributing member to a team
- have lead a team to a successful outcome


People are, above all, looking for someone they'd like to spend some time with over lunch. Seriously. If your qualifications are in order, being plesant, listening, having articulate answers, and showing that you will be a quick and easy fit into the team are going to do wonders. Above all, don't bad mouth anyone... not past teachers, past bosses, anything. Just be enthusiastic to join them, and confident that you belong there. That's a big "just", but acting does wonders.



And if you're jittery, eat a bananna before you go. It helps.

Also, 5 - 10 minutes early. Get there, stay in your car, and arrive at 7 minutes till. *nods*



Best of luck!

 

[smotherman]

Sounds like you have all the bases covered!

Just relax, you'll do fine!

1. Give a firm handshake

2. Always give eye contact

3. Talk about the company, ask questions! Employers will see this as being interested in the company.

Knock em dead!

Good luck!

 

[WhiteKnight326]

Honestly, the biggest thing is be yourself. Just be confident that you are the right person for the job! It shows and makes all the difference!

Aside from qualifications, interviewers are looking for genuine people. That's why it's an interview and not an online computerized questionnaire Just be comfortable, let yourself say quirky things that you do, and let them see that you are a good human being

Believe in yourself! You will knock them dead!

 

[SweetErika]

It sounds like you're on the right track and have been given excellent advice so far!

A few more things:

- Be nice to everyone you meet there. I'm sure this won't be an issue, but sometimes people are rude or make a bad impression on support/other staff and kill their chances of getting the job.

- If you can, have a friend ask you interview questions and critique you. Wear your interview attire and everything to this mock interview. Practicing the answers out loud, like you've been doing, is great, but sometimes we present body language or verbal tics that make us look bad without realizing it. Besides that, it's a confidence-booster to be grilled before it's crunch time...if you can handle your friend's toughest questions, you'll feel better about the real interview.

- I don't know what kinds of questions they ask over there, but here it's not unusual for interviewers to ask about best/worst traits, failures/situations you could have handled better, current events/news items and really difficult questions in an effort to test your creativity, problem-solving skills and grace under pressure. If there's a chance you'll be asked these types of questions, prepare for them. You can find lists of the problem-solving questions (like, "Why is a manhole cover round?" and "What's the population of your city, county, state and nation?") online.

- It's never a bad idea to go in with a list of questions about the company and job. Not compensatory/benefits stuff, but do have some good questions ready in case the interviewer asks if you have any (which is often asked to assess whether you're a thinker, go-getter, proactive, prepared, etc.). Remember that an interview is as much about YOU seeing if you want to work for them, as them seeing if they want you!

-If you don't know the answer to something, you can always say something like, "I'm not quite positive about that at the moment, but I'd love to do some research and get back to you on it."

- Take a few breaths and moments to collect your thoughts before answering questions. A lot of candidates just start talking and make themselves look bad because they don't do this and are afraid of silence.

- You might read up on body language a bit. Smiling, eye contact, mirroring the interviewer, etc., can go a long way in sending the right message and getting them on your side.

Relax, be confident, go in thinking you're interviewing them, and you'll do great!

 

[PowerLifter84]

Basically reiterating what others have said:

The most important thing to remember which is sometimes the hardest, is to relax and be yourself. Do not bullshit any answers as any interviewer who is halfway decent at his job will see right through it. Do not immediately give an answer after they ask a question unless you for sure know it. This will reduce the 'um', 'uh', 'hrmm' and leave you looking bad.

Do you know anyone who works from the company? If so, see what questions they were asked so that it'll give you a heads up on what might come at you. practice giving your answers 100s of times so that when you're in a real situation, there is no way you'll forget because it is embedded.

Always make eye contact, talk in a confident voice, COME OFF CONFIDENT, use a firm hand shake and you will be fine. Often times I have looked around the office to find clues as to what hobby they might participate in and ask questions about that. You will have to judge how the interview is going and their personality because some people do not dig that, but it has worked for me on a few occasions.

Good luck.

 

[Chicklet]

- get exact information on when, where to go, who to ask for, what to bring along - obviously nothing but myself. Should I still take a copy of my CV, cover letter, language exams and such just in case?

Bring everything. Bring extra copies of your resume, in case the person interviewing you doesn't have one in front of them, and in case there's more than one person conducting the interview. It's also great to have a copy of the same resume for yourself, so you can reference it with them.

 

[no seatbelt]

my best advice regarding a job interview for a recent graduate is to USE YOUR AGE. you're young, you're energetic, ready to be molded into whatever they need you to be. one thing i've found that interviewers have been turned off by (especially when i was younger) was that i was too much of a fresh face. but then i began to use that to my advantage by pointing out the good things about my young age. it got me the job i have today and i love it. it's not necessary, but it helps.

 

[subwannabe]

All excellent advice and you seem pretty well prepared for your very first interview. I would second the idea of a mock interview using a friend or relative to ask questions. I have seen people try to prepare by themselves and then when that first question comes it's, "Ah, well, ah, um". More than likely you will be asked at least one question which will catch you off guard. I have interviewed many and you wouldn't believe some of the questions I have asked. I have never believed in the same ole same ole blah blah blah interview questions. I want to hire a person, not a computer. I already have a computer. Doing your homework on the company is definetly a good idea and definetly be yourself, not interviewing in a way that you think they are expecting (that same old blah, blah, blah). Show them that you are an individual and a real person - not just a computer generated interviewee.

Some other I think great advice that I don't think has been adressed:

1. If you like the company, the job, and the interview and you want the job - TELL THEM! Say something enthusiastic like, "I'm very excited about this opportunity and I really believe I can be a big asset to you and the company! I would truly love to have this job and I'm very much looking forward to hearing back from you. Thank you so much for giving me this chance.". You wouldn't believe how many people I have interviewed and at the end they never said they wanted the job!
2. Handshake. It is absolutely amazing how many people either have a weak handshake or try to break every bone in your hand while doing it. I would say only about 33% of people actually have a good firm handshake.

Good luck and definetly let us know how it goes!

OOPS, almost forgot #3. You could take a gamble and wear the outfit in your avatar. About 25% of the people would hire you on the spot!

 

[sirsemega]

My advice along with everyone else's is if you want to stand out, know something about the company you are applying for. That can come out as a question or as answer when they ask you why you want to work for them.

For example:
Why do you want to work for us?
Answer:
Your mission statement, quote a portion of the mission statement, really spoke to me on what I am looking for in an organization. Or talk about something that is a bit obscure that only insiders or someone really SERIOUS about getting the job would have researched.

In answer form you can show that you know your stuff by asking them something specific about an issue they had and whether it has been resolved.

Most interviewers eat this up, you are already showing that you are "one of them" and you understand them. Plus you show that you have done your homework about this company and job and you are serious!

 

[RUbensBeautY]

Honestly, the biggest thing is be yourself. Just be confident that you are the right person for the job! It shows and makes all the difference!

Aside from qualifications, interviewers are looking for genuine people. That's why it's an interview and not an online computerized questionnaire Just be comfortable, let yourself say quirky things that you do, and let them see that you are a good human being

Believe in yourself! You will knock them dead!

That actually sounds very very similar to my dad's advice. Interesting.

Great pieces of advice everyone. Thank you! I am taking notes and incorporating several of your ideas.

Being myself and letting genuineness shine through is high on my list.

Preparing questions about the position is one that makes lots of sense to me.

Also thinking of examples from the past that reflect some of my non-academic skills and personality traits that are desirable for the position sounds helpful.

I also loved the one that encouraged to express your interest in getting and wanting the job at the end of the interview.

 

[WhiteKnight326]

I also loved the one that encouraged to express your interest in getting and wanting the job at the end of the interview.

Yeah, but that can make you sound desparate, and there are few things worse than coming off as desparate in an interview

You don't need this job... you will live without it and most likely be very happy about it. The job would be nice, that's all. Putting too much pressure on yourself or the situation will only 1) stress you out unecessarily and 2) put you in a position of weakness; if you were interviewing for a position and someone told you "oh, i would do anything for this! please please please!" I highly doubt you would consider them, even if they say they are qualified (but who knows if they made that up since they're so desparate )

I'm sticking with relax and be yourself! Really, it's just a conversation. Be interested in what you're interested in; ask questions you want to know about. Be real and true. Because if you're not, not only are you cheating yourself, but if they hire the fake you, I don't think you'll be happy with that job! It's like meeting someone for the first time in a relationship... if you make all sorts of small talk and try to be someone you're not, that's a no win scenario... you may either turn them off and never know what they would think since you were never really yourself, or maybe they DO like the person you're trying/pretending to be; you're not that fake person Oops! So I insist, just be your wonderful self If they don't fall in love with you, their loss It will be good practice for the one you're meant to get! YOU don't know where you are meant to end up, and jobs are no exception. Let yourself be true, relaxed, and open, and you will wind up where you're meant to be I promise

 

[SweetErika]

I also loved the one that encouraged to express your interest in getting and wanting the job at the end of the interview.

I don't know what's generally acceptable there, but here it's never a bad idea to write a thank you note within a few days of the interview, thanking them for the opportunity and telling them how much you enjoyed meeting them, learning more about the company, and excited you are about the job, company and hearing back from them. Be genuine and address them by name, of course.

If it's a competitive position or market, it might be the one thing that sets you apart and keeps you in their memory for this, or even future jobs (sometimes managers and HR people tag the files of those they think could work for other positions). Here, it shows you have good manners, are interested and on top of things, which is pretty much the opposite of many candidates, and youngsters especially.

 

[SweetErika]

Yeah, but that can make you sound desparate, and there are few things worse than coming off as desparate in an interview

You don't need this job... you will live without it and most likely be very happy about it. The job would be nice, that's all. Putting too much pressure on yourself or the situation will only 1) stress you out unecessarily and 2) put you in a position of weakness; if you were interviewing for a position and someone told you "oh, i would do anything for this! please please please!" I highly doubt you would consider them, even if they say they are qualified (but who knows if they made that up since they're so desparate )

I'm sticking with relax and be yourself! Really, it's just a conversation. Be interested in what you're interested in; ask questions you want to know about. Be real and true. Because if you're not, not only are you cheating yourself, but if they hire the fake you, I don't think you'll be happy with that job! It's like meeting someone for the first time in a relationship... if you make all sorts of small talk and try to be someone you're not, that's a no win scenario... you may either turn them off and never know what they would think since you were never really yourself, or maybe they DO like the person you're trying/pretending to be; you're not that fake person Oops! So I insist, just be your wonderful self If they don't fall in love with you, their loss It will be good practice for the one you're meant to get! YOU don't know where you are meant to end up, and jobs are no exception. Let yourself be true, relaxed, and open, and you will wind up where you're meant to be I promise

Yes, very good advice. It's all about being and appearing confident, interested and sincere. If you seem desperate, they're going to wonder why, just like you'd wonder what might be wrong with a date if they seem desperate or fake. Excluding new grads, that's why it's always best to apply for a job when you already have one, instead of when you're "currently in between opportunities" and not to arrive more than 10 minutes early for an interview, as it's likely to give the impression you're desperate and don't have anything better to do with your time.

 

[WhiteKnight326]

Yes, very good advice. It's all about being and appearing confident, interested and sincere. If you seem desperate, they're going to wonder why, just like you'd wonder what might be wrong with a date if they seem desperate or fake. Excluding new grads, that's why it's always best to apply for a job when you already have one, instead of when you're "currently in between opportunities" and not to arrive more than 10 minutes early for an interview, as it's likely to give the impression you're desperate and don't have anything better to do with your time.

Thank you And I agree as well!

Think of it as a first date! lol

Seriously Just be your beautiful self and make them fall in love with you!

 

[bhg08054]

There was an article recently in the local newspaper about bad things people have been doing during interviews lately. Things the article said NOT TO DO:

• Do not take a call on your cell phone during the interview
• Do not bring your lunch with you and eat it during the interview
• Do not be rude to the interviewer
• Do not curse, or use foul language

The sad part is that this was not a joke, that people have been doing this!

 

[WhiteKnight326]

There was an article recently in the local newspaper about bad things people have been doing during interviews lately. Things the article said NOT TO DO:

• Do not take a call on your cell phone during the interview
• Do not bring your lunch with you and eat it during the interview
• Do not be rude to the interviewer
• Do not curse, or use foul language

The sad part is that this was not a joke, that people have been doing this!

LOL

 

[subwannabe]

It is important to be genuine. The advice I gave about saying you wanted the job at the end of the interview only applied to instances where after the interview you actually really wanted the job and were enthused about it. If you are just saying it to say it then you are probably better off not saying it. You do have options and you don't have to settle for the wrong job right now. Having given many interviews though I stand by my advice of expressing your feelings at the end of wanting the job if you truly do want the job. I feel confindent enough in my abilities that I can tell who is sincere and who is giving me a bunch of BS and are just desperate.

Oh, one more piece of advice:

There are bad interviewers out there and it can be difficult to overcome a bad interviewer and turn the interview into a "good" interview in these cases. I have never done it successfully to the best of my knowledge on interviews that I have had with bad interviewers. Sometimes you have to just throw up your arms and admit it wasn't in the cards. You can also have a bad day yourself. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't let these things depress you enough to effect upcoming interviews.

 

[WhiteKnight326]

Good luck Ruby!!!!! We all know you'll be great! Just be yourself and the right place will hire you

Sending lots of good vibes

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Job interviews are bull shit. I've done a gozillion of them in 50 years.

The bottomline is the interview is a trap to get you to reveal whatever they cant legally ask.

Maybe you'll reveal your chronic disability or the night you spent in jail or your appetite for liquor. They want to know how many little kids you have so they can estimate how much time you'll miss from work. People get nervous and blurt out all kinds of personal information.

This is the purpose of an interview.

But its a double-bladed sword. You get to interview them, too. They wont answer any of your questions, but observe how they do things. Notice if the interview starts an hour late, pay attention to how employees are treated, etc. If no one offers to show you around the site, they likely have shit they dont want you to see before youre hired.

 

[RUbensBeautY]

Phew

Been there done it, now I am back to share with you what a good experience my first time had been.

People were friendly and helpful in general. I didn't feel like anyone had fallen in love me. Honestly, I didn't even feel liked in particular but I felt respected and I think that was the impression I had been after, so I am content. The interview lasted about 50 mins and they scheduled a psychology test of 2.5 hours for me afterwards - on second thought of the HR lady so that I needn't have to make an extra trip for it again - I've been interviewed a couple hours drive away from my current location. The test was fun and quite entertaining! I was very curious about the results and felt them to be quite accurate as well. All in all, it was a positive experience for me and well worth feeling drained at the end of the day.

I have been informed about their selection process being a four round deal. And of course I may or may not proceed, who knows. But I am so glad that I went in there armed with all the experiences and information you have pointed out to me. Knowledge is power and I could sure use the bit of extra confidence it added. Thank you so much!

 

[SweetErika]

I'm glad it went so well for you, Ruby!

No matter what happens with this interview, now that you've been through one, you'll have a better idea about what to expect and more confidence in future interviews.

Good luck in getting a job you'll really love!

 

[wehstar]

Couple of points for you for your next one or anyone else in the same boat.

- Until you've had a good number of interviews (well probably at any stage to be honest) a practice or mock interview is always a great idea. At my university at least, the careers department offered a service where they would set up a mock interview and film it for you.

- An interview is a two way process. The any questions at the end bit isn't entirely a test by the interviewer to see how interested and inquisitive you are. Believe it or not it is in fact an opportunity for you! Don't leave your questions to the end unnecessarily too, if it comes up, ask when appropriate. Just remember that the recruiter will be expecting to be asking at least 75% of the questions. Some of the more organised candidates I have interviewed have come in with a list of questions, then at the end check their sheet to see if all their preprepared queries have been answered - if they have I sometimes feel good as it suggests that as the interviewer I've done a good explaining job to them.

- If you know it's going to be a 2 round interview see if you can work out if it will be the same person involved in both rounds. If so, make sure to keep a good answer or two as spare so (s)he sees something new the next time around. If not, be damn sure you give all your best answers this time around!