There’s an abundance of opportunities in the state, all from various industries, and job openings are only increasing in Maine amidst the setbacks caused by the pandemic. For example, there’s a lot of growth potential in the food, aquaculture, and biosciences industries within the state. With that said, now is a great opportunity to start applying to companies.
Of course, job interviews are always nerve-racking, especially if it’s your first—but we’re here to help! Below are a couple of tips to keep in mind before and on the big day:
Get to know the company
Since you expressed your interest in the company by applying for a position, you should know what you’re getting into. Familiarize yourself with the company’s history, objectives, products, and services. If they have a social media page, go through it and see what they’ve been up to recently. You may also be asked specifics about the company, what you think about them, and how you heard of them. Being knowledgeable about the company shows that you’re sincerely interested in working with them and that you came prepared.
Practice answering interview questions
Usually, the first thing the interviewer will ask you is to talk about yourself, and it’s best to have an answer ready. Advice from The New York Times suggests focusing on career-oriented answers. Introduce yourself once again, and talk about your past experiences, qualifications, and problem-solving skills related to the position you’re applying for.
Additionally, you will likely be asked about your strengths and weaknesses. For this, prepare an answer that includes your technical skills specific to the application, as well as your soft skills. Doing so will let the interviewer know you’re more than fit for the position.
Prepare to elaborate on your resume
Despite the fact that you created your own resume, make sure to go over it again before the interview. There is a high chance that you will be asked about your resume’s content. After all, a single page isn’t enough to tell the recruiter about your credentials. Evaluate your education and past experiences, and keep in mind each of the highlights and accomplishments you’ve gained. You may be asked what you learned in a particular internship, or which experience was the most interesting for you.
Dress decently and appropriately
Your outfit will make an impression as it’s the first thing your interviewer will see before you even speak. Dress in clothes that have a decent fit and ensures your comfort. Your hair should be neat, so style it in a way that does not cover your face. Prepare your clothes at least a day before the interview to check that they have no stains or wrinkles. Collared shirts, blouses, slacks, skirts, and blazers are always a good choice.
Don’t forget to ask questions
Always have a few questions ready to ask before the interview ends. This expresses your genuine interest in the company or the position. It’s also an opportunity for you to clarify anything about the job. Recruitment experts LHH have listed interview questions you should never forget to ask. For example, ask how they see the company evolving over the next few years. This shows your long-term interest in being a part of their team.
Another question to ask is what they enjoy the most about working for the company. This gives you a look inside the company culture, and it will give you an idea of the benefits and events they have. Before leaving, don’t forget to express your gratitude to the interviewer for their time.
Interview skills take some time to perfect, but starting early will give you an advantage. Make sure to stay calm and prepare answers to possible questions, and before you know it, you’d have landed a job already.
If you need help navigating your first job, we at Destination Occupation have all the resources you need.
Article specially written for destinationoccupation.com by Alina Turner