First Interview Tips for Newbies

Your first job interview can be a stressful event, whether you're interviewing for a student job on campus or a professional position in your industry. Although it's impossible to eliminate all of your nerves and worries, advance preparation can help create a sense of calm. Arriving informed, comfortable and confident sets you up for a successful first interview.

Research

As soon as you receive an invitation for a job interview, start researching the company. Read through the website, check out the employee Facebook page and follow the company's social media accounts. Set up a Google alert for the business name, and search for old news articles. Don't limit your research to simply taking in information; look for patterns, connections and cause-and-effect relationships. The better you understand an industry and a particular company's role in that industry, the easier it is to form smart, thoughtful answers during the interview.

Practice Out Loud

When you're nervous, answering tough questions without stuttering or struggling to find the right words can be difficult. If you've never answered an interview question out loud, the problem can be even worse. Get used to speaking about yourself by holding a practice job interview. Print out a list of common questions, such as "What is your biggest weakness?", and have a friend read the questions to you. Answer as if you were talking to the employer, and make an effort to eliminate pauses and filler words. This process can be awkward at first, but it helps you overcome the initial discomfort that comes with speaking about yourself out loud.

Choose Appropriate Clothing

The clothing you choose for a first interview can have a significant impact on your comfort level and concentration. Avoid feeling out of place by choosing clothing that is slightly more formal than the office's standard attire. If you don't know what employees usually wear, scope out the company's social media accounts to find photos. This strategy ensures that you look presentable and professional and prevents you from looking like you don't belong. Select clothes that are comfortable, flattering and fitted well so that you don't need to worry about tugging at your shirt or adjusting a too-tight waistband during the job interview. Make an effort to look professional during any interview type, whether it's in person or via video chat.

Allow Extra Time

The day of the job interview, schedule at least an extra hour of lead time; start getting ready earlier, leave the house earlier and plan to arrive earlier than you think you need to. Locate the company and the office, and then take the extra time to relax and focus. Although an hour may seem like an unnecessarily large buffer, it allows peace of mind for the unexpected, such as unusual traffic, spilled coffee, a flat tire, a delayed train or incorrect directions. With the additional time, you can read through your notes, sit with a cup of coffee and observe the professionals around you. When the interview time comes, you can walk through the door without rushing or panicking.

The right preparation can dramatically reduce the stress surrounding a job interview. When you feel knowledgeable and calm, you can tackle almost any question with grace and professionalism.

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