Landing a job these days is not the easiest task. Your resume can only speak so much for you. Interviews are a critical portion of the job hunt. That being said, here are a few tips to help you rock your first interview.
1. Dress for Success
Your clothes are the first impression a potential employer will have of you. So try to avoid anything too flashy. You want your abilities and assets to shine through. Make sure they remember YOU and not the bright yellow suit you wore.
2. Know the job you are applying for and answer questions accordingly.
Be sure to read up on the details of the job and keep in mind how your skills apply to the position you want. Try and gear your answers to demonstrate how your skill set applies. The questions are an opportunity fo you to showcase you what you can do. But also be yourself, an interview is a chance to let yourself shine too, not just how many words you can type a minute.
3. Be Prompt
ALWAYS show up AT LEAST fifteen minutes in advance. No one is impressed by the 'deer in the headlights' look as you come sprinting through the door with thirty seconds to spare. By arriving at least 15 minutes early you relay that you are taking this opportunity seriously. Plus this gives you a few minutes to acclimate to the atmosphere and take a few calming breaths to center yourself before you go in.
4. Stay on topic
While you want to try and slip in some impressive details about yourself you want to be sure to answer the question that was asked. This will show your ability to actively listen and follow directions