{"id":232638,"date":"2019-11-04T13:01:11","date_gmt":"2019-11-04T21:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/?p=232638"},"modified":"2022-10-07T15:01:41","modified_gmt":"2022-10-07T22:01:41","slug":"first-job-interview-prep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/lifestyle\/first-job-interview-prep\/","title":{"rendered":"Interviewing for Your First Job? Here’s How to Nail It, According to a LinkedIn Career Expert"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Image via @thefloralaw<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looking for your first \u201creal\u201d job\u2014sorry, getting paid by your parents for doing chores doesn\u2019t count\u2014is exciting. It firmly places you into the ranks of adulthood and everything that comes with it (Responsibilities! Regular paychecks! Endless meetings!). But before you can settle into your newfound career<\/a>, you have to actually land the job first–and that means nailing your first job interview. <\/span>Although a procrastinate-and-cram strategy likely worked for most of your school exams or papers, first job interviews take careful preparation and practice. From body language to key answers you should have in your back pocket, here are 12 job interview prep tips from LinkedIn Career Expert <\/span>Blair Decembrele<\/span><\/a> to help you make a good impression<\/a> and ace that meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Research ahead of time.<\/h2>\n

Researching a company ahead of time involves more than Googling their name and reading the about section of their website. Decembrele advises you to \u201clearn as much as you can about the company before the first interview. The most successful candidates research a company in advance to learn about its business culture and interests. Start by studying the employer\u2019s Company Page on LinkedIn, and then search for other recent news and information about the company.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Clean up your digital footprint.<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s true what they say about not getting a second chance to make a first impression, and that applies to your digital life<\/a> as well. Says Decembrele, \u201cFirst impressions happen even before you step foot in the door, and the impression you make online is just as important as the one you make in person. Interviewers may eliminate candidates because of inappropriate social media profiles or photos, so be sure your online presence matches the in-person impression you want to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Spotlight your skills.<\/h2>\n

Even if you don\u2019t have much prior work experience, think about the skills you\u2019ve learned through other projects, or temporary or volunteer work, that could be applicable to the job you\u2019re applying for. Most candidates won\u2019t be a 100 percent match for a job description on paper anyway, so think about what can set you apart. \u201cMore than 85 percent of employers say that skills will be increasingly more important for hiring in the future world of work, so be sure to showcase what you\u2019ve learned in your career,\u201d says Decembrele. You can also validate your skills on your LinkedIn profile with LinkedIn Skill Assessments<\/a>\u2014according to Decembrele and LinkedIn, early results show that when candidates complete Skill Assessments, they are 30 percent more likely to get hired.<\/p>\n

4. Be punctual.<\/h2>\n

It should go without saying, but punctuality is very important. Your interviewers have taken time out of their day to meet with you, so the least you can do is be respectful and show up on time. \u201cBetter yet,\u201d says Decembrele, \u201carrive early to show your eagerness for the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

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5. Dress professionally.<\/h2>\n

With the exception of certain industries, most companies don\u2019t adhere to a strict dress code, but you don\u2019t want to show up way over- or underdressed. Decembrele’s job interview prep suggestion: Look at the company\u2019s LinkedIn page or social media platforms to get a sense of the culture. When in doubt, ask. \u201cIf you have a connection at the company, ask for advice to get a sense of how formal or informal the office might be. You can also ask how employees dress; since half of interviewers say they\u2019ve eliminated a candidate because of unprofessional attire, dressing the part is key,\u201d says Decembrele. (And you can shop no-fail job interview essentials here<\/a>!)<\/p>\n

6. Use strong body language.<\/h2>\n

You may have heard that doing a \u201cpower pose\u201d can make you feel more confident<\/a>, and regardless if you believe it, body language is important for nonverbal communication and to connect with other people. Decembrele\u2019s tips include:<\/p>\n