Interviewing can be one of the most intimidating and nerve-wracking parts of a job search, especially if you are a graduate looking for your first professional job out of university. To enhance your chances of acing a job interview and landing your dream job, see some of the tips below!
Phone Screening
Phone screening is a good way for recruiters to quickly check your communication skills, clear up any confusion about your application, and get a good understanding of your career history during the early stages of the recruitment process. Some recruiters may contact you in advance to set up a call, but others might give you an impromptu call instead. Impromptu phone interviews might be daunting since they’re unexpected and there’s no way to prepare for one. However, it’s important to remember that phone screenings are just the first step in a recruiter getting to know a candidate. When you do get a call from a recruiter, try to find somewhere quiet to speak. A phone screening should only last 5-15 minutes, but if you can’t speak at the time of the call, ask if they can call you back at a later time. Try to sound enthusiastic about the role and answer questions truthfully. If they called you and you were unable to pick up or missed it, you should call them back as soon as you can. After you have answered all of their questions, make sure to ask what the next steps are.
Preparing for an Interview
Preparing for an interview is essential to making a good first impression.
Do a lot of research on the company. Make sure to check their website and social media pages. Remember to also read the job description thoroughly and look at the responsibilities usually held by someone in that role. If it’s a new industry you’re unfamiliar with, you should do some research on it and learn as much as you can before the interview.
Think about your career history and any other big achievements that you might want to highlight during the interview. It’s good to refresh your memory so that you can have a variety of things to talk about.
Practice answering questions. You can have a friend pretend to be a recruiter. However, make sure that your answers during the interview do not sound too rehearsed as this may come off as disingenuous.
Video Interviews
Video or online interviews are great for both recruiters and candidates as they can be a way to save time and speed up the recruitment process. First, you should familiarize yourself with the platform that the company uses. Common platforms for online interviews are Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Although you are not meeting the interviewer in person, it’s also good to set up early and look professional. Before starting, make sure you find a quiet place with a good internet connection and wear professional attire.
Some companies might ask you to submit a recorded video instead of doing a live interview through platforms such as myInterview, VidCruiter, or HireFlix. The good thing about pre-recorded video interviews is that you can redo any videos you’re unhappy with.
During the Interview
The time has finally arrived for your interview! An in-person interview can be great for candidates as it allows them to get a feel for the company culture and work environment.
Many graduates entering the workforce for the first time may feel unsure about what to wear to their first interview. Remember, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. If you don’t have a suit, you can never go wrong with a simple, ironed button-up shirt and pants or a skirt. Make sure not to wear anything too casual like shorts, sneakers, or short skirts.
Always arrive early! It’s better to arrive thirty minutes early than ten minutes late. If you have some time to spare, have a coffee and spend some time preparing yourself. If you are unfamiliar with the area or have never been to the office before, make sure you check how to get there beforehand. Arriving early can also help you if there are any unexpected delays in public transport or if you are unsure how to get to the office.
During the interview, try to seem friendly. Body language can be important in making a good impression. Recruiters are looking for people with great communication skills who are confident in their abilities. However, try not to seem overconfident and instead show that you are enthusiastic and eager to learn. Answer all of their questions honestly rather than embellishing or lying. Recruiters can usually tell if someone is exaggerating, and it might come back to bite you later on. At the end of the interview, make sure you ask them a few questions. This shows that you are interested in the role. Some good questions to ask are:
What are some of the traits and skills that the successful candidate should have for this role?
What would a normal day look like in this company?
Some companies may want to interview you multiple times, which might be nerve-wracking and time-consuming, but this also means you have more opportunities to meet people within the company and get a strong understanding of the company culture, which will help you decide whether the company is the right fit for you.
Technical Interviews
Technical interviews are common for roles in engineering, technology, or science. They are useful in assessing a candidate’s technical abilities and knowledge, as well as soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. An employer might give you an online test or a coding exercise. Alternatively, they might ask you a number of technical questions during an in-person interview.
Before going into a technical interview, make sure to prepare as much as you can. You can do this by reviewing some of the coursework and material you have learned at university or by reviewing past projects you have worked on.
During an in-person interview, don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions as this will help you get a stronger understanding of the scenario and show that you can analyze a situation. When answering a question, don’t get caught up in finding the correct answer. It might be better to think out loud, talk through the process with the interviewer, and offer multiple approaches.
After the Interview
Waiting for a response is one of the most dreaded parts of the recruitment process. After the interview, you can follow up with the interviewer by sending them an email thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in the role.
If you hear back and you’re successful, then congratulations! Your hard work has paid off and you can look forward to an exciting new opportunity where you can develop your skills and learn new ones.
However, if you are unsuccessful, try not to be too disappointed. Feel proud that you were able to make it so far. If you have interviewed with a company, you’ve already had the opportunity to make some great contacts. Ask the recruiter for some feedback and try to learn something from the experience that you can use for future interviews.
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