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You've submitted your application, and now it's time for the first interview. Feeling nervous? Don't worry, it's completely normal to feel that way. That's why we're here to provide you with some essential tips for your first interview.
An interview is an opportunity to showcase your potential and personality to the company. Proper preparation can help you feel comfortable, confident, and make a lasting impression on the interviewer. In this article, we will guide you through some valuable tips specifically for your first interview, which mainly focuses on getting to know you, your background, and your personality.
Remember, you only have one chance to make a good first impression.
1. Research the company:
Before the interview, take the time to research the company and its culture. Visit their website and social media accounts to gain insights into their values, mission, and history. Familiarizing yourself with specific details about the company will help you stand out and demonstrate your relevance and knowledge when answering the interviewer's questions. In addition to social media, try conducting a Google search on the company and see if you can find any interesting articles about them. This research will also assist you in answering the inevitable question of why you want to work for this particular company.
2. Prepare for common first interview questions:
Be prepared with well-thought-out answers to common interview questions. It's important to strike the right balance between being personal and professional. Avoid sharing too many personal details, or discussing politics, religion, or personal beliefs unless they are directly related to the role you are applying for.
When answering questions, be concise and relevant. Instead of giving generic answers, reflect on your skills and experiences to stand out. For example, when asked about your weaknesses, don't respond with "I don't really know my weaknesses" or "I'm a perfectionist." Such answers are commonly used and don't provide meaningful insights. Instead, delve into details and transform your weakness into a strength. For instance, you could say, "I tend to be impatient because I'm highly results-oriented.
However, I've realized the value of patience and have been actively working on improving it. This demonstrates my dedication to achieving positive outcomes." Remember, there are no inherently good or bad answers. Interviewers can usually detect insincerity, so it's essential, to be honest and true to yourself.
3. Dress appropriately:
Dress according to the company's dress code and culture. Understanding the company's values and atmosphere will help you make the right impression. Dressing appropriately showcases your professionalism and attention to detail. For more insights on this topic, you can read a previous article by my colleague Marine Langlais, Recruitment Manager France & International Senior Talent Acquisition - Corporate, FMCG & Retail - France & Belgium "How to dress for an interview in luxury".
4. Relax:
Maintaining a calm and confident demeanor is crucial. We understand that it can be challenging, especially for the first interview with your dream company. However, it's important to remain relaxed. You can find specific tips on this topic in the blog article "Sophrology: How to reduce stress before an interview" written by our colleague Alexandra Defawe, Team Leader, France.
5. Be punctual:
Arrive at least 10–15 minutes early for the interview to avoid any last-minute rush. Being punctual demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and respect for the interviewer's time.
6. Bring a copy of your resume:
Carry hard copies of your resume, portfolio, or any other relevant documents in case the interviewer requires them. Many candidates overlook this step, but it showcases your professionalism and preparedness.
7. Pay attention to body language:
During the interview, maintain good eye contact, sit up straight, and avoid crossing your arms. Smiling and being friendly while maintaining a professional tone can make a positive impression on the interviewer.
8. Prepare questions to ask:
Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer towards the end of the interview. Many candidates neglect to ask questions, but this is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your interest and curiosity about the company. Avoid asking questions that can be easily found online, such as the number of employees. Instead, ask questions like, "Could you describe the dynamics of the team I would be working with?" or "What specific skills are crucial for success in this role?" It's also important to be mindful of timing and avoid asking questions that are better suited for later stages of the interview process.
Sum-up of tips for the first interview prep
The first interview can be nerve-wracking, but it's also an opportunity for you to shine. By researching the company, preparing your answers in advance, dressing appropriately, being punctual, bringing copies of your resume, using appropriate body language, and asking insightful questions at the end, you can present your best self.
Remember, you've got this! We hope these tips will help you excel in your first interview.
Looking for a new professional adventure? Have a look at our available offers here.
Good luck!
If you want more tips, follow us on our social networks: LUXE TALENT on Instagram, LUXE TALENT on LinkedIn, or in our academy RETAIL ACADEMY on Instagram, RETAIL ACADEMY on LinkedIn.
