Your first job interview can be an intimidating thought. However, if you know some basic guidelines on job interviewing, such as what information your interviewer is looking for, what questions to ask, and good answers to job interview questions, your first interview can be a snap. Here are some tips for what to do before, during, and after your first interview.
Before the interview
First, research the company. Regardless if your interview is for McDonald's, Starbucks, or a political canvasing company, researching the local branch is one of the best things you can do to prepare for your first interview, and any interview to come. What McDonald's is doing in New York could be completely different from what McDonald's is doing in the Midwest. Did you know that McDonald's is a franchise opportunity business? Learn what the local franchise activities are. Most franchises participate in the local community.
Next, look up common interview questions, and come up with good answers to give during your interview.
Some common first interview questions:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want to work here?
- What can you offer the company?
- What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?
- What is an accomplishment you're proud of?
- What activities do you pursue in school?
(See Related Articles at the bottom of this story for tips on answering job interview questions.)
The job interview is not only a way for a potential employer to get to know you, but it's also a way for them to test you. No employer wants to pay a person who doesn't care about the job, so to give the best job interview, you need to demonstrate that you're willing to put effort into the company, whether it's a banking firm or a fast food chain.
Another important thing is to practice. Before you go to an actual job interview, go through a mock interview with a parent, school counselor or teacher. Have them ask you basic interview questions, act the same way you would in the real interview, and practice phrasing your answers so they're clear and concise. Afterward, your mock interviewer can give you feedback on improving your interview skills -- feedback your real interviewer won't give you.
How to dress for a job interview
Regardless of the company, business attire is best, or as close to it as you can get. Men, wear a button-up shirt, tie, slacks and sport coat, and nice shoes. Women, a skirt suit or pant suit and nice shoes. Stick to dark, neutral, cool colors like black, gray or navy. Even if you never dress conservatively in "real life," it earns you big points during a job interview to demonstrate that you can appear professional. Click here for tips about dressing well on a low budget.
During the job interview
It's a good idea to arrive about 10 minutes early, in case your interviewer finishes what they were doing early. First, introduce yourself with a short, confident handshake. Smile and make eye contact. If you do this upon meeting your interviewer, you've already made a good first impression, and the rest of the interview will be much easier.
During the interview, sit with a professional, attentive demeanor that tells the interviewer you are listening. Even if you know within the first 60 seconds that this is not the job you want, be polite and listen to the interviewer. He or she may say something that changes your mind.
Keep your ears open for things the interviewer says that hint at needs they have that you can fill. Do they count out the cash register at the end of the day? Perhaps you're good at math. Does it get hectic at certain times of the day? Maybe you're a good multitasker. Anything you can point out about yourself that is useful to them is one more reason for them to hire you over someone else.
Some quick Dos and Don'ts: Don't lean on the table, fidget with your hands, or try to act cocky or overconfident during the interview. These things send negative signals that employers pick up on. Do make eye contact, think about what you are going to say before you say it, and know what you're interested in hearing about the job. Ask a question or two about the company, to find out more and to show you're interested. Click here to see some good questions to ask at an interview. Answer their questions the way you practiced, and at the end of the interview, thank your interviewer for their time.
One last step you can take that will guarantee you leave the interview in a positive light is to plan the next step of the hiring process then and there. Ask when they'd like to schedule your second interview, or if they aren't doing second interviews, ask when you should expect to hear from them. Arranging the next step of the process establishes you as a responsible go-getter, and gives you a working plan of how to proceed. This is far better than the passive, wait-and-see approach.
After the interview
After the job interview, you may want to send a thank-you letter to your interviewer by e-mail or standard mail. Write a brief (a few sentences) letter thanking them for the opportunity, pointing out one or two further reasons why you are the right choice for their position, and saying you look forward to working there. This letter is more important for more "professional" companies, where a higher level of formality is expected, than it is for food service or retail positions -- but it doesn't hurt in either case.
If you are not interested in the job, simply let them know that you appreciated the chance to meet them, but you feel the job is not the right opportunity for you at this time.
If you follow these basic guidelines, you can ace your first interview, and almost any interview to come. Good luck.
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