How to face the first job interview in a selection process

The first job interview is very important, since it is the first contact you will have with the company where you want work, and the phase in which the initial filter "face to face" of an organization is passed, in which discards are more numerous. In addition, perhaps it will also be when you will meet your future superior or supervisor and, therefore, it is essential to make a good impression.

If you have managed to be interviewed for the job, it means that you have already passed the first filter of the CV, that is, they have received your CV and it has fitted them with the job profile they are searching. In this way, it will be important to face the first interview correctly to confirm the skills and abilities that have interested them.

Next we will introduce you some recommendations to keep in mind the first time you face a job interview in a company, so that your execution is as adequate as possible, showing your strengths and adapting to the characteristics of the job we choose.

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How to go through the first job interview in a company?

It is important that when facing the first job interview you are clear about a series of questions, this means that it is recommended, to get a suitable first contact, take into account a series of aspects both before the interview and at the time of perform the.

Factors to consider before the interview

Given the importance of the first interview, since as mentioned it is the first contact with the company, It is essential that you carry out a previous preparation and keep in mind some factors that can help or benefit you at the time of carrying it out.

1. Practice the interview

As with any other action that you want to perform correctly, it will be very important to practice, rehearse, prior to conducting the interview, keep in mind what you want to convey, how you want to do it, what points you want to highlight, what skills and aptitudes you would like to show.

You can do this exercise alone, for example, in front of a mirror. This will allow you to practice what you want to say and observe your body expression or you can also use the role-playing technique playing, which consists of simulating the interview situation with the help of a family member or friend, acting as an interviewer and interviewed.

In this way you will be able to practice your way of answering the most recurring questions. This last technique also allows you to have feedback on your performance from someone else.

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2. Gather information about the person interviewing you

Know the name, as well as the job position of the person who will interview you, helps you show that you are prepared for this and allows you to create a closer first contact, not so impersonal.

If it is possible to access this information, do so and show that you have done it in a subtle way, something that you can easily do in the final phase of the interview, which is when you are expected to ask your questions about the job, the company, the supervisors, etc.

3. Information about the company

To show interest, it is good to have informed yourself, visiting, for example, the organization's website and knowing both the most basic data about how it operates and produces goods and services, as well as the values ​​of the company and the most general aspects of its work philosophy, and even on the competing companies you may have.

4. Details of your previous job

It is very likely that the interviewer will ask you about your previous job, what job you did, how was the company, how many years were you working, as well as the name of your previous boss and information about Contact.

It is important not to speak very badly or criticize in an unconstructive way the company where you worked, nor your boss, since this fact shows a bad attitude.

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5. Know your resume

The curriculum has been your cover letter to meet and select you; For this reason, it is essential to prepare what aspects you want to point out about it, what you want to emphasize. Don't think about bombarding yourself with information about yourself and your work past, since that would overshadow the really relevant aspects about your candidacy.

It also prepares possible doubts or questions that may be asked, since in many cases it is expected of you to formulate several to see to what extent you are interested in the position and you have informed yourself about the company.

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6. Collect information about the job you choose

Evidently, Knowing what functions and what work you are expected to do is essential so that the interview is fruitful and does not limit itself to answering questions with answers that are technically adequate.

In addition, it can help you prepare and select which skills and abilities of yours you want to highlight, trying to make these the most relevant and associated with the job you aspire to.

7. Confirm access to the interview site and control times

To avoid possible setbacks, it is important that you make sure where the interview will take place, what is the best way to get to the place and what day and time it is scheduled. It is recommended to arrive at least 5 minutes before, to be able to find the specific place where the interview will take place, to be able to relax before starting and make a good impression.

In this way, confirming all these variables in advance, this will also help you increase your safety and feel calmer to get to the place without problems.

8. Take care of the aesthetic

In the same way that we have already pointed out some aspects to take into account to make a good first impression, such as being informed of who is interviewing you, it will also be essential that the first physical contact is positive. It is recommended that you prepare in advance the clothes that you will wear in the interview, trying to be suitable for the job and for the company.

Remember that sometimes less is more; especially if you are very young, don't try to dress as something that is too far removed from who you really are. In most cases and jobs, you have to demonstrate professionalism, but without great pretense or desire to impress or attract attention.

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Factors to consider during the interview

The execution of the interview will be the decisive moment, key, to show that you have the skills and qualities to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job for which you choose. Next, we will mention aspects to take into account.

1. Be calm and show confidence

If you have followed the advice that we have given you in the previous section, you are ready to carry out a good interview; you know how to proceed, what you want to show about yourself, and you also know the company and your interviewer. Therefore, you have the majority of controlled variables, and when faced with what you cannot control, it is important to maintain a stoic attitude.

In many respects, if you are not going to be selected, it is most likely because that position is not really for you at the moment., not because you make small mistakes during the interview.

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2. Follow protocol on first contact

When you say hello, firmly shake the hand of the person interviewing you and, following the protocol in these cases, address him with sir or madam and his surname unless they tell you otherwise; In this way you will make a good impression, showing initiative and thus helping you feel a little calmer.

Once the greeting is made, wait for a seat to be offered to you and for the interviewer to proceed with the start of it.

3. Do not neglect verbal and body expression

The most important thing is to keep your back straight and not interrupt eye contact for many seconds; In this way, you show that your focus of attention is on the conversation with the person interviewing you.

It is also relevant to respect the turn to speak, letting the interviewer speak, not cutting him off, answering when he asks you and in an appropriate and concise way but without answering only with monosyllables.