Going to a job interview is never stress-free, especially if it’s your first one. I don’t want to scare you, but it’s sometimes so hard to find the right words and react to unexpected questions immediately. But who wants to look unprofessional and shy in the eyes of an interviewer? After all, your career and self-esteem are at stake. Fortunately, remembering a few vital points will make you better prepared and more confident.

1. Research Your Role in Detail

As soon as you are invited to the interview, take a very close look at the job opening again. It’s worth making sure you are well aware of all the job requirements and other details. Some indicated skills or qualifications might scare you and make you doubtful about your capabilities, but once you learn at least basic information about these skills, it will change a lot.

2. Don’t Be Late

It is actually possible to ruin your first impression before you start talking at all. By being late for the interview, you are unlikely to impress anyone. No matter whether you’ve been delayed by the traffic jam or some other circumstances, you’d better take all the obstacles into account and arrive earlier. In addition, you might find it difficult to talk if you arrive just in time and feel breathless. There are thus countless reasons to arrive earlier.

3. Look Prepared

Taking a few optional items with you will make you look serious about this job. Take a copy of your CV, a paper with some references, notes and a list of questions. Even if these items are not required and you have already sent some of them to your interviewer, having their printed version will help you a lot. You might even take some role-related books you’ve read in case the interviewer wants to have a look at what theoretical knowledge you have.

4. Ask Questions

Asking questions will not make you look foolish. On the contrary, the interviewer will see you are not shy to ask when something is unclear. And some points will always be unclear when someone fills new positions. Employers are more interested in people who tend to clarify things, even if they have to ask twice. Don't be afraid to ask questions about certain skills or job requirements you have at least smallest doubts about.

5. Be Active

Even though you might feel a bit shaky, demonstrate as much confidence as you can. Shake hands with your interviewer and look him/her in the eye when talking. Give full answers instead of simply Yes/No, provide examples where you see they might be relevant. Support your answers with some observations, personal experience, and strong facts. But remember that being active never means interrupting.

6. Read Between the Lines

Behavioral analysis is getting more and more popular at job interviews. It means you will be expected to not just answer questions related to the role but also find hidden sense is some things that have been said. Your psychological qualities are frequently highly-important for your potential employers and they train HR managers to apply various tactics to you. Sometimes you might have a feeling that you are asked things that are not related to your role at all. Don't let it confuse you. Stay calm and answer in a friendly manner without a surprising look on your face

7. Be Yourself

Don’t try to sound too intelligent by repeating complex phrases from the book or even entire sentences. Speak in a simple language that shows your understanding of the topic instead of your memorizing skills. Remember that you are interviewed by a human, just like you and you don’t need to sound like a robot. In the same way, don’t invent things to sound perfect. If you are asked about certain skills you don’t have, explain that you haven’t managed to master them yet but show your interest in them, put them down in the notes for further study.

8. Presentable Clothes

A lot of interviewers will make the first impression about you judging by your clothes. Try not to look too casual. There is a statement saying that ‘It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed’. The best way is to choose dress code that fits the company image. If you are not sure, you’d better choose an official style and take a tie with you. A wristwatch might also be a good detail to put on.

9. Show Your Potential

Even if you are tired and stressed, always show your willingness to study and not to stop on what you already know. If you are a candidate with little or no experience, you will be expected to learn non-stop. If you have some bright self-study examples, you might give them as a proof that you are capable of learning things independently and quickly.

10. Take It Easier

Yes, you count a lot on this interview and you are scared to death when you think of a chance that you might be not accepted. But you shouldn’t be. You have to understand that even if they have their reasons to hire a different candidate, you can try yourself at as many companies as you wish. Every interview is a good chance to practice.

Conclusion

You won't get rid of your concerns and fears – this is how the human brain works. But at least you can get very close to feeling at ease during your interview. Just remember why you want this job and what interviewers expect to see in you – confidence, willingness to learn, creativity and finally skills. Hopefully, you will get hired soon by following these 10 vital tips. Good luck with your career.