How to survive your first job interview

Mortgage, taxes, jobs, car payments, balancing checkbooks, monthly payments, debit or credit, and interviews. YIKES. In all honesty, I don’t really know what the majority of those words mean or what they entail. In the words of Kimmy Schmidt “Being an adult is too hard. In my next life, I’m going to come back as a baby.” If anyone has found any guides/suggestions for any of the following topics please share.

I recently went on my first job interview for a company that will remain unnamed. Frankly, I’m not sure if it was an entire scam, but I did gain some valuable interviewing skills that I would like to pass on to my readers.

Look up things about the company/job position ahead of time

Since I had no idea what the company was, or what they did, it led me to the impossible-a Google search. I read some interesting articles about whether or not it was a scam, and I was completely thrown off and concerned. So I knew what questions I would ask in my interview about my concerns with the company.

Dress to impress

When dressing for an interview you should learn about the position and office atmosphere and dress to blend in. For example, if you are interviewing for a job in the restaurant industry you can keep it pretty casual based on the restaurant. Or if you are interviewing for a company, like I was, think about one keyword: BLAZERS. I have one black blazer that I use constantly to spruce up professional wear. I suggest that everyone should have one blazer within their wardrobe.

Bring your resume

You should have your resume printed and in hand when you walk into the establishment, even if they already have a copy of it. After you introduce yourself to who will be interviewing you hand over that piece of paper with pride and a smile on your face.

Be 10 minutes early

Always plan to be at least 10 minutes early for an interview. It proves that you are punctual and that you would be for your job. If they have any paperwork that they want you to fill out this is a perfect time to do so.

Ask questions 

Aha, that Google search came in handy from before. Usually, at the end of the interview they will ask if you have any questions and here is where you should ask. Questions make you look more interested in the job position, and I’m sure your interviewer would be very impressed.

Keep profanity out of the interviewing equation

Don’t fucking curse. I have the mouth of an honorary sailor, and I had to bite my tough if I had the urge to curse. Interviews are just not the place to express your passionate dialect, even if it seems laid back. Just don’t do it.

Stay calm and be yourself

An interview is just the employer’s opportunity to get to know you. So you should be yourself. Try your best to stay calm and collected. Interviews are also their opportunity to see if you are a good match for the company. So talk yourself up, and stay cool.

Follow-up the interview with a mailed personal “Thank you” note

This is necessary for all interviews, but I think it is just a nice way to thank the employer for their time and to set you apart from your competition. In our generation, letter writing is a lost art. So when your employer receives your letter they will think it is a very thoughtful gesture and remember you when it comes time to hire.

Examples of the interview questions I was asked (just for practice): 

1. What are some of your past work experience?
2. How did you hear about the position?
3. Do you work well in a team setting?
4. Why do you want to work at _______?
5. Describe yourself in three words.
6. What sets you aside from other applicants?
7. What are your top two biggest weaknesses?
8. How are you with customers?
9. What were you least satisfied with, at your previous job?
10. Discuss your resume.

Good luck and happy job hunting!