10 tips to crack an interview as a fresher

So, you have finally received a call for your first job interview! Your first job interview can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Irrespective of whether it is the one where you are fresh out of college or reclaiming your career after a break. Cracking the interview is a great headstart to your professional world. The hiring process has changed dramatically in the 2000s, particularly after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.??

The interview process is no longer limited to only a few rounds of physical interviews. Interviewers may use any medium today – video call, video messages, text – to streamline the hiring process. Nevertheless, whether you have been asked to do a virtual interview or meet the recruiters in person, you should solely aim at getting that job on the first attempt. And the key to this is cracking your interview. Let’s see how.??

A job interview is a great opportunity to highlight why you are suitable for the job. The way you conduct yourself, how you talk about your skills, how you defend your weaknesses, and how you portray yourself as a potential asset to the company can open the doors to your desired career path. Here are a few practical tips and strategies to help you navigate your first interview confidently.??

10 Practical Tips for a Successful First Interview??

1- Know Yourself and the Company?

?Before you step into the interview room, it is important to reflect on who you are. Take time to know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Further, research the company thoroughly and reflect on why you chose to send in your application there. Get a good understanding of the company’s values, mission, and recent achievements and how they align with your achievements and career goals. Lastly, be ready to discuss your education, experiences, skills and how they align with the job position.??

2- Craft Your Elevator Pitch?

Introduce yourself briefly by sharing the most compelling highlights about yourself. The interviewers should know why you are suitable for the position. So, only share the most relevant information about your background and key skills. You should use the first couple of minutes of your interview to pitch yourself as a valuable proposition to the company.??

3- Dress Professionally and Arrive Early?

The first impression matters the most, so arrive at least 15 minutes before your interview. If you are attending an online interview, be online at least 5 mins before the call starts. It makes sense to invest some time to ensure that you look confident and presentable. Choose an appropriate attire for the interview. Make sure to wear clean and well-pressed formal clothes, have neat and tidy footwear, and well-groomed hair. For instance, it is a good idea to avoid bold prints and choose solid colors in a comfortable fabric.??

4- Showcase Your Soft Skills?

Employers often seek candidates who have a good combination of professional skills and desirable traits. Work on your communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.??

For instance, if you are being interviewed for the job role of a web designer, your professional degree is not the only thing that counts. You must also essentially have strong attention to detail and communication skills to collaborate across teams and get the work done on time.??

5- Answering Common Interview Questions?

Be prepared to answer standard interview questions concisely. Answers to questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” “Why should we hire you?” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” should be brief but thoughtful. A useful tip is to use the STAR method. Review the Situation and Task at hand and plan the Action keeping the Result in mind accordingly.??

6- Addressing Lack of Experience??

As a fresher, it is obvious that you might not have a lot of professional experience. Be honest about such instances. However, the key is to show willingness to learn and adapt quickly. It is important to show a genuine interest in grasping any related skills or experiences. Your pursuit to quickly pick up new concepts will always be taken into account by interviewers. Employers appreciate candidates who are honest about their capabilities.?

7- Showcase Your Achievements?

Now, it is perfectly understood that as a fresher, you might not have much to share in terms of professional achievements. However, be sure to share about your academic accomplishments and previous internships that you may have completed. For example, if you are interviewing for an event management role, your work as a college/university annual festival volunteer could throw light on your people management skills. Measurable results can help your interviewer understand the impact you can make.?

8- Be Mindful of Non-Verbal Communication?

It is important to be confident in your interview room, whether it is physically sitting across from an interviewer or attending a virtual call. However, there is a fine line between being confident and coming across as overly assertive. Your body language, facial expressions, and the tone of your voice are non-verbal signals that can leave a lasting impression on others. Be sure to leave a favorable one. The whole idea is to be a confident and approachable person, not someone who threatens others with one’s assertive presence.??

9- Ask Thoughtful Questions?

Employers often ask candidates if they have any questions. As a fresher, you should use this opportunity to ask questions about the specific responsibilities of the role, team dynamics, and the company culture. This helps interviewers evaluate you as a potential employee. Demonstrating interest in the company shows your enthusiasm for the workplace, which could become a crucial part of your professional life.?

10- Follow Up with a Thank-You Email?

Always send a thank-you email to the interviewers expressing appreciation for the opportunity. Use this chance to reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention key points from the interview that highlight your suitability for the role. This not only shows gratitude but also keeps you in the interviewer's mind.?

Conclusion: Confidence, Preparation, and Authenticity?

Cracking your first interview shouldn’t be a nerve-wracking event. A combination of confidence, thorough preparation and honesty will help you go a long way. Understand your skills and evaluate how they align with the position you have applied for. At the interview, showcase your abilities clearly. Communicate confidently but politely and ask questions that reflect your enthusiasm to pursue the opportunity with authenticity and gratitude. With the right mindset and preparation, you can confidently navigate your first interview and take that crucial step toward building a successful career.