Tips for your first job interview

Emotional management is very important to prevent nerves. One recommendation is to practise in front of a mirror

Submitting a resume is only the beginning of a selection process consisting of a series of tests that, if lucky, will lead the candidate to a personal interview. This final stage will be an opportunity to prove that you have the right skills and abilities for the job. “You have to be prepared for this appointment. You must know about the company, know what it does, its corporate culture“, explains Isabel Iglesias, an expert in Human Resources and selection processes.

It is important to consider the place, time, and the name of the person who will be interviewing you. In some cases, the location of the interview is not at the company. Try to get there about fifteen minutes early to avoid being late. Iglesias believes in candidates taking an active role. “They can also ask their interviewer questions. Then, whoever is on the other side of the table knows that you know something about the company”.

First impressions are very important, and nonverbal signals sometimes matter more than verbal signals. It is about smiling confidently, shaking hands firmly, and making eye contact. In addition to being happy, projecting energy and enthusiasm for being there are ways of showing that you would like to belong to the company. “The criteria for evaluating a candidate are based on motivation, skills and competencies”, says Iglesias.

– Clothing

Try to adapt your style to that of the company. Clothes convey your personality. The recruiter can also advise you about the usual dress code. Keep in mind that you must feel comfortable in the outfit you are wearing.

– Questions

Interviewers will ask you questions about your education, professional experience, and skills with a view to assessing whether you are the right person for the job. Certain questions are frequently asked by the people in charge of selection processes. One could be to ask you about your strengths or weaknesses. Consequently, it would be advisable to prepare some possible answers to these questions. Go over them, again and again, to remember them more easily.

– Emotional management

Most of the time, questions make candidates nervous. It is important to practice and manage your emotions. “If it makes you feel more comfortable, rehearse the way you express yourself while looking in a mirror. This will enable you to observe your verbal, nonverbal and paraverbal language (tone and rhythm)”, says the expert. These expressions must include “the six basic emotions” (fear, surprise, joy, anger, sadness and disgust).