10 Tips for Preparing for Your First Job Interview

Instead of plainly attending an interview and anticipating what’s going to happen further or biting nails as you think of facing a potential employer, we have something for people like you. If you’re a fresh graduate and are aiming to make it big with your first job, read on to know the 10 tips and tricks that can put you through by helping you get your first job:

Know about the company

Does this not go without saying? Use your researching skills and get to know about the basic things like their vision, mission, values and functions. If possible also try to churn out some information about the not so basic things like their history, founder’s information, achievements and recent activities. This will give you an edge and let you be potentially presentable in the eyes of your employer.

Know about the job you’ve applied for

Thoroughly know about the nature of the job that you’re willing to take up and things like the responsibilities and skills required for it. When trying to show that you’re an apt fit for the role, prove your claims with instances, either from your past experience or your extemporaneous wisdom.

Confidence is the key

But overconfidence isn’t. Do not ever speak of your 6-digit salary expectations as you take off. Or do not try to speak of things you have no clue about. Be humble and truthful. Be eager to learn and it’ll always reap a good yield. On the contrary, even if you’re not confident, act so! Remember, confidence is a huge plus in order to get into the good books of your employer. Having said that, do not forget to maintain eye contact when speaking, and a formal handshake when leaving should also do a good job.

Take care of your Resume

If presenting it well is one thing, not lying about anything is another. Remember, lying can be terribly boomerang! Never underestimate the person sitting in front of you for he/she has seen thousands of such resumes in their career. Also, tailor your resume according to your most relevant skills needed for the job. If it’s a Digital Marketer’s role, do not include the Consolation prize you’ve won for Calligraphy in Class X under the achievements section. Just saying.

March ahead of the line

It’s always good to be professionally presentable in every possible way. For instance, get some business cards printed. Be creative yet keep it simple. This investment will either way benefit you in the longer run.

Practice to practice

You should know that you’ll be questioned. From the very obvious “Tell me about yourself” to “What would you do if…”, you should be ready with some answers or at least ideas. Rehearse the answers for the standard questions and watch the way you speak. Always remember to say please and thank you, and sorry, if necessary.

Take care of your Social Media presence

From LinkedIn to Facebook and Twitter, recruiters are watching you. Clean up your social media profiles by either hiding or deleting your embarrassing junk from it and let it rather flaunt your professional side in the best possible way online.

Dress like you mean it

Trust me, your body language, your dressing sense and also the way you walk and talk speak volumes about you. Everything mirrors your true self. Dress formally, preferably a white shirt and black pants. Do not let your clothes reflect the official palette of Asian Paints. Take care!

Reach before time

There is nothing wrong in being a half an hour early. Remember, your every move is watched and counted. Try to utilize that time to network with the people already working there or the ones who’ve just walked in like you. Or maybe be observant about the organizational culture and try to reflect a point or two in the interview. Just think ahead!

Remain calm, breathe

Anxiety is what ruins the well planned scene. Keep your cool and just breathe. Just to avoid unnecessary disturbances, turn off your mobile phone and focus on what’s happening around you. Also, just in case you stutter while speaking, take a pause and continue. Learn to keep up your smile. Keep it all in mind and you’ll surely take home that first job, I say! For more such interesting tips and tricks or for a life-changing first job in Digital Marketing, contact us for our Certificate Courses and training sessions right from the pioneers in the industry.