How to Nail the First Interview

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Job hunting, alone, can be grueling for millennials, but then there’s the interviewing process. Interviewing can cause a lot of worrying and unnecessary stress. However, with the right tools and a bit of confidence, it doesn’t have to be—here are some tips on how to nail that first interview.

First, make sure that your résumé is updated. Nothing is worse than applying to jobs and getting called in for an interview with a résumé that hasn’t been updated in several years. Make sure that everything is accurate. And regardless of whether or not the company you’re interviewing with already has a copy of your résumé, bring a few extra copies just in case.

Another thing you’ll definitely want to do is make sure you get all of the details of the interview. Do some research on the company or organization that you want to be a part of. Get the name of the person that you’ll be meeting with and what they do. Visit the site of the interview and plan your travel arrangements accordingly. Be sure to have the correct time, date, and address as well. You should also arrive fifteen to twenty minutes before the actual interview.

Dress to impress! Nothing says that you’re interested in a job more than looking the part. Gentlemen, an ironed shirt and tie can go a long way. And ladies, don’t be afraid of prints—they help to show off your personality. Remember to groom yourself for the job you want, not the job you have.

“So, tell me a little about yourself.” When the interviewer says this, it’s not an invitation for you to tell your life story. Practice something before the interview so that you’re not sitting there twiddling your thumbs. If all else fails, just remember KISS—Keep It Simple, Sweetheart. Tell them where you went to college and what you studied. Explain what you’re passionate about and why you think you’re a good fit for the position.

Next, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Yes, interviews can be intimidating and pressure-filled, but they don’t have to be. Ask questions about what the day-to-day responsibilities would be or what they enjoy most about working for the company. Don’t ask what the pay will be or when lunch time is.
After the interview, it’s always a great idea to send an email to the person who interviewed you. Thank them for the interview and give them your contact information again. If you don’t hear back from your interviewer within a week or so, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t want to hire you. A lot of the time, people are just busy and forget to reach out. Therefore, it’s vital that you send a follow-up email to check in and see if they need anymore information from you.