6 Tips to Nailing Your First Job Interview

Know the Company. Spend time reading about the company in news and pouring over their website. Know their business and how you want to fit in. You don’t want to be in an interview with General Electric and have the interviewer tell you they make airplane engines. You should know this. If you are going for a business position read the company’s latest financial statements. Showing you are knowledgeable about their operation is a sure fire way to impress a recruiter. Have Some Answers. You don’t know what questions to expect, but you can make predictions. The internet is full of example interview questions – you have no excuses anymore. Take the time to prepare answers and practice saying them out loud. Even if you don’t get the exact same questions, you’ll have a framework and the confidence to provide intelligent answers. Practice Makes Perfect. Even if it’s not your dream job go to the interview after practice. It will help you rehearse for that important job interview. Take the opportunity to build your interviewing skills. (Tip: If you don’t have any interviews before the “big one” practice with friends or family. You know smart people – they can help. Run through questions, get feedback and nail down your routine.) STAR. No, this isn’t an opportunity for you to rock out in the interview. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Results. Interviewers will throw out questions like, “Tell me about a time you worked in a group and had to show leadership skills to achieve a deadline?” That’s a tough question to answer on the spot. But before you start sweating and saying “um” take a deep breath and use the STAR method. Describe a real situation that occurred. You led a project in your Accounting class with the kid who snored in class – you know this! Talk about the situation, what you were expected to accomplish, what actions you took and how it resulted in an A grade. Have a Conversation. Don’t let the interview be one-sided! Remember, the recruiter isn’t just looking at your answers, but how well you might fit with the organization. It’s not a police investigation, so be personable! Don’t let the questions lead the conversation, but rather keep a casual flow with the interview. Having awkward silences between questions and answers is not what you want to be remembered for. Ask Questions. This interview is an opportunity for you to learn more about the company and your potential role. Write down some questions about things you’re curious about. Don’t be shy to speak up, especially when asked. Asking intelligent questions shows the Interviewer you are engaged, curious and a critical thinker. I’ve had co-worker’s who interview tell me that when they ask “do you have any questions?” is when the real interview beings. Be Professional. Wear a business suit. Arrive on time. Shake hands and smile. Don’t talk about the keg stand you did last weekend. You’re trying to become a professional, so act like one. Ends