A first job interview is a very stressful moment in life for many. But does it always have to be this way? Is it as terrible as everyone says? For some, the very thought of going through the recruitment process makes them nauseous. Young people who are just starting their work and have to go through the first interview have a particularly hard time. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do before you go for an interview, and believe me they will definitely make you feel better and not feel so stressed. Through these ways, you will be able to find a dream job, university, or Erasmus+ internship.
1. Do research before a first job interview
Before the first conversation, it is always worth checking what communication channels the company uses. Check out your interviewer’s webpage and social media. What kind of products are selling or providing services.
You do not need to know all the products, but it is worth knowing in which sector a given company operates and what competitors it has.
2. Prepare for common interview questions.
Take the job interview a bit like an exam. There are some questions to expect, so go ahead and try to answer them. These may seem easy to you, but believe me, sometimes stress can make them very difficult for you.
For instance, you can expect on your first job interview questions like:
- Talk about your CV and previous job experience
- What is your biggest achievement in life?
- Why do you want to work with us?
- How do you see yourself in the future?
- Do you like team working?
- What are some skills that you are proud of?
- Tell us about a bad job experience you had and how you solved it
- What are some skills that you want to improve?
- How can this job experience help you?
3. Check your CV and Cover letter
Firstly, go through your CV and cover letter again; in the job interview, you will usually get asked to explain your previous career and study experiences.
Many people forget to update their CVs. It is important to remember what was written on your CV before each interview. It is also worth addressing your cover letter to a specific company and how you would be able to help it. This always has a plus, it means you don’t randomly send your CV and cover letter to every company.
Hint!
Never lie to or exaggerate your accomplishments. Experienced recruiters will easily notice if you lied about it on your CV. All they have to do is ask you for details, if you were actually responsible for a given project, you will probably be able to talk for a few minutes. However, if you only answer very broadly, recruiters may think you lied on your resume.
4. Sell Yourself
Most people are very uncomfortable with this idea, but presenting yourself accurately and positively doesn’t have to feel like a sale.
It’s especially hard to present yourself if this is your first job interview and we haven’t had any before. At this point, it is worth considering what our strengths are, how they can be used and you can propose them to the company.
It is not worth being modest when interviewing for a job, if you achieved high academic achievements during your studies, mention it! Show that you have the right mindset and want to gain your first professional experience under the supervision of this company.
There are many programs available to help you take your first steps in the job market.
Erasmus + Internship is a great start to getting your first professional experience that will significantly improve your CV.
