6 Tips for Your First Job Interview

We know that interviewing for a job you really want or need can be a stressful experience, especially if it's your very first job interview. Because our professional services were built by recruiters, we also know the most important ways to prepare for an interview and present yourself to a hiring manager.

Below are some basic tips from the career consultants at ResumeSpice to help you put your best foot forward in the interview – and get both feet in the door with the company.

1. Prepare

Hiring managers want to hire people who know, care, and are passionate about what the company does. Do your research on the company's products or services. Check to see if the organization has issued any press releases lately, and reread the job description to ensure you understand the position fully and can speak confidently about your ability to perform each required task.

2. Dress to Impress

The day-to-day work attire at the company may be casual, but you want to dress professionally for your interview. Doing so will show the hiring manger that you're serious about the job, and it will help you leave a positive first impression.

3. Be on Time

No one likes to be kept waiting, least of all someone who could be deciding whether or not you'll receive an offer. Check in for your interview 15 minutes before your scheduled time unless instructed otherwise.

4. Be Yourself

Up to this point, the hiring manager has only seen your professional skill set on a piece of paper. The interview is an opportunity to show the hiring manager who you are and that you'll fit in with the corporate culture.

Remember why you applied for this specific position and speak to that during the interview. While doing your research, pinpoint a few different things that genuinely interested you about the position or the company so that when they come up, you can have a genuine dialogue about them.

5. Ask Questions

Just like researching the company, asking questions will show a hiring manager that you're truly interested in the position and that you want to understand more about how you'll fit into the role and how you'll serve the organization. Write down a list of questions that are important to you and bring them with you to the interview for reference.

6. Follow Up

After your interview, be sure to send a thank-you email within 24 hours to thank the recruiter and the hiring manager for their time and consideration. Keep it brief but thoughtful. You can also send a handwritten thank-you in the mail after you send your email.

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Interviewing for a job can be stressful, but these six pointers should help you face the challenge head on.

A version of this article originally appeared on ResumeSpice.

Savannah Ober is a resume expert at ResumeSpice.