How to pass the first interview – 8 easy tips from experts
the first interview generally makes a lot of people feel their heartbeats accelerate at the mere thought of it. It’s quite normal to feel somewhat jittery before the interview but can be fruitful if you prepare well and keep some important aspects in mind which would later contribute a lot towards making your First Interview a success.
Let us know in detail what preparations should be made for a successful interview, how to talk and how to maintain your confidence.
Preparation before the interview: The first step to victory
Do research about the company
Before the interview, gather complete information about the company where you are going for a job.
- What is the name of the company, what work does it do
- Go to their website and read the mission, vision and values
- Know their recent projects or achievements
- Also see what responsibilities are there in the post you are going for
Why is it important?
When you mention things related to the company in the interview, the other person understands that you are serious and you have worked hard.
Practice common questions
Some questions are asked almost every time in the interview, such as:
- Tell me about yourself
- What did you learn from your past experience
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself after 5 years?
Do think through their answers to these questions and practice them by speaking aloud.
Use the STAR Method
If you are sharing an experience, then follow the STAR method:
- S – Situation: What happened
- T – Task: What was your responsibility
- A – Action: What did you do
- R – Result: What was its effect
Example:
“Once in college, a member of our group project fell ill (S). I had to take responsibility for him as well (T). I managed my time and completed his report (A). Due to which our project got an A+ grade (R).”
Keep questions ready to ask the interviewer
Don’t think that the company is interviewing you only. You can also know about the company.
You can ask:
- What are the growth opportunities in the company
- How many people will be in my team
- How is the training system
This shows that you are interested in the job.
Keep clothes and essentials ready
Dressing sense matters
- Men: Formal shirt-pants, shiny shoes, clean shave or well-trimmed beard
- Women: Cotton kurta or western formal, light makeup, no open hair
Keep essentials with you
- 2-3 copies of resume
- Pen and notebook
- Any ID proof
- List of questions you have prepared
On the day of the interview – Behave confidently
Arrive on time
Always reach the interview venue 10–15 minutes early. Arriving late makes a bad impression.
First impressions are the last
- Smile
- Look into the eyes
- Shake hands (firm but not forcefully)
- Say “Good morning/Namaste”
Be attentive and honest in the conversation
Listen carefully and answer after thinking
Don’t try to answer immediately after hearing the question. Think, then speak.
Pay attention to body language
- Sit straight
- Shoulders should not be hunched
- Don’t touch your hair repeatedly or swing on the chair
- Slight hand gestures are fine, don’t overdo it
Answer honestly
If you don’t know something, say – “I haven’t learned it yet, but I can learn it soon.”
This shows your honesty and desire to learn.
What to do after the interview is over?
Say thank you
When the interview is over, smile and say thank you – “Thank you for your time, it was a pleasure meeting you.”
Send a thank you email
Within 24 hours, send a short email saying:
- Thank you for your time
- Mention a special conversation
- Reiterate your interest in this role
Don’t underestimate yourself – stay confident
Everyone gives their first interview at some point. Failing to land a job from the very first attempt isn’t bad. However, the way to get there involves learning and believing in self. Success will come.
Summary: Expert Tips for First Interview
| Tip Number | Summary of Tips |
|---|---|
| 1 | Research the company thoroughly |
| 2 | Practice interview questions |
| 3 | Prepare questions to ask the interviewer |
| 4 | Dress professionally and bring the necessary items |
| 5 | Arrive on time and have a positive attitude |
| 6 | Answer using the STAR method and pay attention to body language |
| 7 | Say thank you and send a follow-up email |
| 8 | Be confident and be genuine |
Final Thoughts
Keeping all these tips for the interview would multiply the odds of success. An interview is never merely a question-answer session but a chance to prove.
So, buckle up- go with confidence and take this confident step towards your dream job!
Gaurav Tagore is a forward-thinking Director known for his impactful work in the education media space. He leads content that helps students make informed academic and career decisions while offering a window into real campus experiences. With a strong focus on clarity and relevance, Gaurav continues to be a trusted voice for student communities across the country.