It’s really exciting when you’re finally about to enter the job market after graduating. This feeling cannot be expressed in words. Yet the pressure that we have to get a good job is what matters most.
If you are already in the pipeline of an ongoing interview – then hearty congratulations!!. You are well ahead of the competition. It’s time for you to focus on the major interview preparation steps to get into your dream company or your dream job.
In this blog, we will focus on the 8 interview preparation tips for the person who is getting prepared for an interview for the very first time. Being nervous is ok, as it’s your first time, but these tips will help you get through and give me more confidence. Act Smart, Let’s start to ace your very first interview!!
1. Research on the Company
One of the common question asked at any interview is: What do you know about our company? You must be well-prepared for this question. If you can’t answer it, it suggests either
- You do not seem to be interested in joining the company
- How you do not prepare yourself beforehand for a situation.
Never let this happen. Do your research on the company for your interview preparation. But will just going through the company website help with knowing what the company does? No, go through the website to understand the company’s vision, and mission. But going through the articles or news regarding the company, and any third-party videos, also mainly check the company’s social media profiles(like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter) to know how active they are, as the world is all about digital footprint.
Through all this research, you will find out the type of communication they follow, and current projects, you can pick up things that match your experience and do your interview preparation well.
Also read: Become an Early Engineer: The Ultimate Guide to Launch Your Tech Career
2. Practice Common Interview Questions
Make sure to write down some of the interview preparation questions and answers. Based on the role you have applied at the company, find out the commonly asked questions and write down answers based on your skillsets. Now to get more sophisticated answers, you can make use of AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, etc to get professional answers.
If you have any gaps in your resume or about why you left your previous organization, be ready to answer these kinds of interview preparation questions as well. Apart from just preparing your answers for the question based on the job role, be prepared for basic interview questions like:
- Tell me about yourself.?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- How did you handle a complex situation?
- Tell me about your major accomplishments.?
- Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses.?
Many questions like this can be asked, Use the STAR method to answer the questions, be it based on your job role or basic questions.
3. Dress Professionally
The next step in interview preparation is dressing professionally, as it creates a positive first impression, which is crucial. Select a kind of outfit that matches well with the organization, and always dress up one step above the company’s dress code. Check out the company’s photos on social media platforms or check with your recruiter as well, what to wear. This step is crucial for interview preparation. The most important thing is that you should look clean, smart, decent, and professional
Tip for boys: Do not wear a suit at any company for an interview, as it seems too loud or too corporate at first.
Tip for girls: Keep the accessories at a minimum.
4. Be Punctual
Always be on time for an interview. Aim to arrive at the location 15-20 minutes early. This allows you to settle in, feel comfortable, and demonstrate good etiquette. Being on time or early is an essential part of interview preparation.
Avoid last-minute decisions on what to wear, keep it ready the night before. Keep your resume printed and all your documents ready and arranged well, if asked for by the recruiter. Have a book and a pen with you. If all these are done in advance by you, it shows the level of your interview preparation in time management.
5. Make Good Impression At First
The above two aspects add up to make a good first impression, which is punctuality and being well-dressed. As this is your first interview, it is really important to make a good impression. You are already 50% done with creating a good impression with the above two aspects, the other 50% in the hands of the first conversation you make with the interviewer. This is a very crucial aspect of your interview preparation. Follow these Do’s and Dont’s:
Do’s:
1. Be Warm and Courteous: Give a firm handshake if appropriate and greet the interviewer warmly.
2. Be polite and maintain professionalism with him/her. The most important is to keep EYE contact always.
3. Be Prepared: With correct interview preparation you will be able to present yourself confidently.
4. Fresh breath: Use chewing gum to keep your breath fresh.
Dont’s:
1. Do not smoke or eat just before going for the interview.
2. Do not give an impression that shows you are uninterested in the position.
Also read: Interview Questions page
6. Be Yourself
While not everyone emphasizes this point, being yourself is what makes you unique and helps you stand out in an interview. During your interview preparation, always focus on being yourself. Be genuine while giving ht interview. Even if you try to pretend to be someone else during the interview, the interviewer can figure it out as they have that experience.
Make sure to have complete confidence in who you are and let your individuality shine here. Your interview preparation process does not stop here, wait! There are a few more pointers to cover
7. Have References added
As part of your interview preparation, add a list of references to your resume. References act as a recommendation for you, which talk about your personality(academically and social achivements). You can take references from:
- Your lecturers
- Family and friends
- Current employers of the company you are interviewing at. This shows you are active in networking and are proactive.
Proper interview preparation would also include informed and willing references to support an effective application.
8. Be Ready to Ask Relevant Questions
As part of your interview preparations, always be prepared to ask questions that are useful for you. Asking questions after you have completed the interview shows how well-researched, interested, and serious you are taking this interview.
Say, for example, if the interviewer has covered all the points you wanted to know in the interview, try to frame 1 or 2 questions based on the conversations made to show interest and engagement. Never say “no questions†or “no doubtsâ€. Some of the sample questions you can ask.
As part of your preparation, asking meaningful questions shows that you have done research, are curious, and are serious about the position. Even if the interviewer has covered all the points you need to know, asking questions shows interest and engagement.
To be better prepared, write out a list days in advance and be willing to add others during the discussion. Some sample good questions to ask would be:
- What is the next 6-month goal for a new hire?
- On what metrics my performance will be evaluated?
- Please explain the culture of this company.?
- What is the process of the performance review at the company like?
Apart from preparing answers, crafting insightful questions is key for good interview preparation.
Interview Kickstart for Early Engineering Course
To stay ahead in your interview preparations, join Interview Kickstart’s Early Engineering Course. This course focuses on fresh graduates who are interested in getting placed at top FAANG companies, we help them with expert-led sessions, mock interviews, help them how to answer questions using the STAR method, etc.
Enroll with Interview Kickstart and get placed at your first job, especially at the top FAANG company with confidence and expertise.
FAQs: Common Interview Preparation Concerns
1. How can I stay calm during the interview?
Effective interview preparation, such as deep breathing and focusing on your goals will aid in reducing stress and help to stay calm
2. What should I do if I don’t knowow the answer to a question?
Dont panic! Stay calm and acknowledge that you don’t know. Show willingness to learn.
3. How early should I arrive for the interview?
Arrive 15-20 minutes early to settle in and review your notes. This shows punctuality and respect.
4. What if I forget to ask questions during the interview?
If you forget, follow up with a polite email asking your questions and showing your interest in the role.
5. How should I follow up after the interview?
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Express appreciation for the opportunity, recap a key discussion point, and reaffirm your interest in the position.
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1. Cloud Engineer Interview Questions – Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced
2. How to Prepare for Tesla Interview in 2 Months: Prep Tips and Interview Questions
3. Top Software Testing Interview Questions Asked in Tech Interviews
4. Top 25+ OOPS Interview Questions for Experienced Programmers
5. Database Management System (DBMS) MCQs for IT Specialists
