Hiring a new employee is a big deal, so many companies have candidates go through several rounds of interviews — especially for mid-and senior-level roles. If you know a job you’re vying for has this type of interview structure, you might think the first round isn’t a big deal, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Leading employment agencies in Las Vegas know first interviews are a make-or-break opportunity to get hired. If you fail to make a great first impression, you won’t be invited back, so here’s some advice to help you stand out from the crowd.
Five Tips to Shine in a First Interview
Research the Company
The interviewer will expect you to know a bit about the company — i.e., products and services, culture, any recent headlines — so conduct research beforehand. Carefully review the company website, blog and social media presence to learn as much as possible.
Prepare Responses to Common Interview Questions
You won’t know what questions you’ll be asked until you’re in the interview, but you can probably anticipate several common ones. Questions like “Why do you want to work here” and “Tell me about your greatest weakness” will likely be asked, so craft responses to them prior to the interview. Ask a friend or family member to hold a mock interview with you, so you can practice saying them out loud.
Dress to Impress
A job interview is definitely an occasion where having a polished look is a must. As a general rule, you should choose an outfit one level above the company’s standard dress code. For example, if it’s a business casual environment, you’ll want to arrive in business professional attire. Make sure you’re also properly groomed, as an unkept appearance sends the message you’re not that excited about the job.
Arrive Early
It should go without saying that being late to a job interview is a major don’t. If you’re not familiar with the area, take a practice run prior to the big day to figure out your route and scope out where to park. On interview day, leave early, so you have plenty of extra time if you run into traffic or have car trouble. If you arrive too soon, wait until 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to make your entrance.
Have a List of Questions Ready
A job interview is a two-way street, so candidates truly interested in the position are expected to ask questions. Coming up with substantial questions when you’re nervous can be a challenge, so prepare several in advance to have on hand if you can’t think of anything in the moment.
It’s Time to Get Your Dream Job
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