Well done! You’ve landed your first job interview. Now comes the time to show your personality, experience, and potential. Whether it’s face-to-face or a video call, these first job interview tips will help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to make a lasting impression.
1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Did you know that
76%
of hiring managers say good preparation is the key to performing well in an interview?
How to prepare for your first interview:
·
Study the job description and highlight how your skills match what they’re asking for.
·
Review your CV so you can confidently explain your experience.
·
Dress professionally (even for video calls).
·
Test your video setup ahead of time to avoid tech issues.
·
Practice answers using AI or mock interview tools to build confidence.
Preparation helps you stay calm and shows employers that you’re serious about the opportunity. Strong preparation is one of the most reliable tips for your first interview, it sets the tone for everything that follows.
2. Know the Company
Employers expect you to do more than just glance at their website. Doing effective research is one of the best ways to feel confident in your first interview and make a genuine impression.
Here’s where to look:
·
The company’s LinkedIn page for updates and employee posts
·
Instagram and TikTok for behind-the-scenes content or company culture
·
Glassdoor for honest insights from employees
·
Google News for press releases or new projects
Show you’ve done your homework by referencing something you’ve seen online, such as a new product launch or recent achievement.
3. Research Is Key, Especially on Social Media
Modern interviews go beyond traditional preparation. Doing social media research for job interviews can help you find common ground and tailor your answers.
Try this approach:
·
Follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram or TikTok to learn about new projects and culture.
·
Look up your interviewers on LinkedIn to see their role, background and interests.
·
Check online reviews on Glassdoor or Google to understand the company’s reputation.
·
Use AI tools to summarise recent news and company insights.
Mentioning relevant updates or achievements during your interview shows you’re engaged, informed and genuinely interested in the organisation. These are all keyways to impress in your first interview.
4. Listen and Engage
Active listening helps you build rapport. Interviews are conversations, not interrogations. Focus fully on each question before answering, ask follow-up questions to show engagement, mirror the interviewer’s tone and energy, and take short pauses to think rather than rush your answers. If the interview is virtual, maintain eye contact by looking at your camera instead of your screen.
Practicing these habits is one of the best ways to feel confident in your first interview.
5. Show Interest, Not Desperation
Enthusiasm is great, but desperation isn’t. Be confident about what you bring to the table and why this role is right for you. To show genuine interest, highlight your relevant experience and transferable skills, explain why the company’s goals align with your career ambitions, and ask smart questions, like: “How does your team use technology to stay connected?” or “What are your main goals for the next 12 months?”
These are smart questions to ask in your first job interview, showing curiosity and professionalism.
6. Show Gratitude and Follow Up
A polite thank-you still goes a long way.
75%
of candidates who follow up after an interview
stand out
to hiring managers.
At the end of your interview:
· Thank the interviewer for their time
· Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role
· Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours
You can also connect with the company or interviewer on LinkedIn (if appropriate) to stay visible. If you’re wondering what to do after your first interview, showing gratitude and staying in touch is one of the simplest ways to leave a positive impression.
7. Give Yourself a Break
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember, you were invited for a reason. The company already sees potential in you. To ease your nerves, plan your route or log in early to avoid stress, take a few deep breaths before you start, keep notes nearby for reference during virtual interviews, and remind yourself it’s a two-way process; you’re interviewing them too. Confidence grows with preparation, so trust your work and let your personality shine.
Your first job interview is your opportunity to show who you are and how you can add value. By following these first job interview tips, using social media research, and preparing with today’s tools, you’ll be ready to impress any employer.
The
V7 Recruitment team
is here to guide you at every step of your career journey.
