Most interview nerves come from uncertainty, not from the questions. Preparing the practical things the night before removes most of the fear.
Know the route and the time it takes, including how long you will wait for a taxi. Aim to arrive fifteen minutes early, not more, because arriving an hour early is awkward for everyone.
Know three things about the company and be able to say them in a sentence each.
Prepare two questions to ask them. Asking nothing at the end reads as not interested. Good ones: what does a normal day look like, and what would success look like in the first three months.
The interviewer asks: do you have any questions for us?
What happens: It is the most common answer and it ends the interview flat. Even when it is true, it reads as someone who has not thought about the job.
What happens: It shows you are picturing yourself doing the work, and it gives you real information about whether you want it.
What should I wear?
Slightly smarter than the job requires, clean and comfortable. You do not need new clothes or a suit. A neat shirt and clean shoes is enough for almost any entry-level interview, and interviewers notice effort rather than expense.
What if I cannot afford the taxi fare to get there?
Ask if a phone or video interview is possible for the first round. Many employers now offer this and will not think less of you for asking. If you must travel, ask the employer whether they reimburse travel, because some do, particularly larger companies.
I get very nervous and my mind goes blank
That is common and interviewers see it constantly. Two things help: write your three examples on paper and read them on the way, and if you blank, say "May I take a moment to think about that?" Interviewers respect it, and a short silence is far better than a rushed answer.
Before you move on
- Check the route and how long it takes
- Learn three facts about the company
- Write down two questions to ask them
Check what you know
3 questions. Have a look at what this lesson asks.
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