After finishing university, the task that follows and you will have to repeat -on some occasions- is to look for a job. Therefore, it is important to prepare to make the best impression in your first interview.
To get to the job interview, surely you have already presented your resume, which must be attractive, concise and not exceed two pages. This support also helps you to know what work, academic or knowledge aspects you want to highlight.
In case it is of interest to the company, they can give you preliminary interview, which is basically a phone call or video call in which they can inform you about conditions, a second appointment or salaries.
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Inform yourself well before attending
Now, in the interview it is important to find out about the company and position to which you are being called to apply. Find out about the company, the area of work and how you could perform in the position. These are things you may be asked.
“Be clear about your profile and professional purpose, for this, think of examples of your experience that show that you have particular qualities and prepare anecdotes of those situations,” advises Cristina Herrera, director of Talenti.
Get to know yourself and highlight your greatest virtues
On the other hand, be prepared to answer questions related to your way of being, strengths and weaknesses. In this section you can also be asked about your soft skills; Teamwork, communication and flexibility are some of the most demanded in the labor market.
Although you can prepare answers to possible questions, it is not about adopting a “script”. The recruiter also wants you to be honest, fluent, authentic and specific in your intervention.
How to express yourself in a job interview
Herrera emphasizes that the way you speak is vital during a job interview. You should always speak in the first person, for example: “I did”, “I participated”, “I supported”. Avoid dichotomous answers, i.e., “yes” or “no”.
“You have to know that interviews usually last between45 minutes and an hour. This time should be used by highlighting personal posture, experiences of academic success, sports and among others, “says Esperanza Alarcón, psychologist and manager of Competent Action.
A practical exercise is to “make a written list of the top 10 situations that demonstrate your abilities and character. By keeping this in mind, at the time of the interview it will give you a sense of real power to your tone of voice, content and body language, “recommends Alarcón.
How to dress for the interview
If the interview is done in person, try to know the dress code of the company or your position, but always try to present yourself with a clean and tidy appearance.
In case the interview is virtual, you should also take care of your personal image. Don’t show up half-dressed or in your pajamas.
What to do with nerves?
Many people resort to relaxation techniques or a pre-trial to master the nerves. However, the first job interview is a completely new and challenging situation for the candidate that can develop in many ways, so it is normal to be afraid and uncertain.
Are virtual interviews easier?
If you are summoned through a video call to a job interview, nerves can decrease, since you do not have to deal with mobilization and transportation problems, setbacks and the intimidating figure of the interviewer.
Even so, other aspects such as connectivity, environment, distractors and good devices must be taken into account so that the interview is carried out without interruptions.
Finally, Herrán provided a series of questions that recent graduates usually face and that can help you in your preparation:
- Why did you decide to study your career?
- What expectations do you have of the job?
- Describe a situation where you had to learn to do different things. How did you feel and what did you have to do?
- Describe a situation in which you had to work as a team. What was your contribution and what results did you get?
- How do you visualize yourself in two or three years?
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- What don’t you like about the way you are?
- Why are you interested in this position and why do you think you can fill it?