How to thrive in your first interview? 

Here are 18 useful tips and tricks to help you:

Before the interview

  1. Do some research about the company : What is their core business? How many people are working there? Who are their customers? – You can do that by checking their LinkedIn page, their company website, the news,…
  2. Review the job description to understand their research – Identify the tasks and requirements that match with your qualifications
  3. Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview (between 5 and 10 questions) – This shows your interest in the company and the job position
  4. Dress appropriately
  5. Make sure to arrive ahead of time ( +/- 10 min before the interview) – If it is online, check your internet connection and your access to the meeting beforehand
  6. Turn off your phone to avoid being disturbed
  7. Prepare items that you will carry with you such as a notepad, pen, etc.
  8. Print a few copies of your resume to carry with you to the interview

During the interview 

  1. Remember that you are the interviewee – Listen carefully and answer the questions the best you can (avoid rebounding on every question with a new question)
  2. It is important to motivate your answers to the interviewer’s questions – Abstain from answering with a simple “yes” or “no”
  3. But don’t get lost in your answers either – Try to remain clear by going to the point and making some links with your previous experiences
  4. Always be very professional with appropriate language and body language
  5. Avoid mentioning your salary expectations (except if they ask for it)
  6. When the interviewer laughs, it is usually a good sign, so show your interpersonal skills as well
  7. Do not underestimate yourself – You got it!
  8. Once the interviewer is done questioning you, it is your chance to ask the questions you have prepared – We will write a second article on the type of questions to ask

After the interview

  1. Thank them for their time and don’t hesitate to ask what the next steps will be
  2. Think about sending them a short email to confirm your motivation and interest for the job position

During a first interview, one of the most important things is their first impression, as you will not have a second chance to make a good one! Therefore, it is important to be well prepared for this interview, not only out of respect for the recruiters and the company you are applying to, but also to give yourself the best chances of getting to the next steps.

That is why, at Stark Recruitment, we will always make sure that you are all set by sending a useful preparation email and by calling you to help you succeed this interview.

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