14 Interview Tips For Freshers To Help You Get The Job

A fresher is a recent graduate from a college or university who is yet to gain work experience. Demonstrating their strengths and abilities during an interview can allow freshers to make a good impression on hiring managers and possibly lead to receiving job offers. Knowing how to attend a job interview as a fresher can help you be more confident and deliver well-prepared responses. In this article, we list 14 interview tips for freshers that may help you prepare for and be successful in an interview:

14 Interview Tips For Freshers

Here are some interview tips for freshers that can help improve your chances of getting a job:

1. Learn about the interviewers and organisation

Knowing who is interviewing you allows you to better understand the interviewer's role in the company and what the organisation does. Having this information may increase your confidence levels. For instance, you may be able to answer questions about the organisation, your work in the industry or why you wish to work with the company. Visit the company's website to read more about it and look for press releases and social media links on the website. This information helps you better understand the organisation's mission, vision and work culture.

Related: How To Prepare For A Job Interview

2. Use the company's product

Before the interview, consider using the company's product or service. This is a great way to learn what it offers customers by experiencing it yourself. If an interviewer asks about the product, you can then give a precise answer based on your direct involvement. Considering the features of the product and what customers think about it can give you more to discuss in the interview.

3. Ask for the interview format

All organisations have different methods of conducting a fresher's interview. While some interviewers ask questions about a candidate's educational credentials, other hiring managers may wish to know more about the candidate. Some hiring managers may not offer this information as standard, but requesting the interview format in advance can highlight your interest in the role and be beneficial in helping you prepare coherent and relevant responses. Hiring managers may ask questions about the role or ask you to solve a problem that reflects the routine tasks you may perform in the position.

Related: Top 16 Interview Questions And Answers

4. Prepare answers to some commonly asked interview questions

Preparing answers to questions that hiring managers ask is a great way to perform well during the interview. An interviewer may ask you to describe yourself, discuss your educational accomplishments, share your career goals or explain why you may be a suitable candidate for the position. Consider preparing a summary of your career or aspirations so that you can respond confidently. Here are some general questions interviewers may ask you:

• What motivated you to apply for this position in our organisation?

• Can you list some of your strengths and areas for improvement?

• Do your educational credentials align with this position?

• Can you share some qualities you think are important for this role?

• How do you motivate yourself to accomplish your career goals?

5. Examine the job description

A job description allows you to better understand a position. When you examine this description, you learn more about the responsibilities of the role and the work required. By utilising this information, you can better prepare interview answers that highlight your relevant background and skills to align them with the position. Once you have read the job description carefully, collate examples from your past work experiences that complement the requirements for the role. This way, you can better communicate to hiring managers why you are a suitable candidate for the position.

Related: How To Succeed In Your First Interview

6. Give answers using the situation, task, action and result (STAR) method

The STAR method is a technique that helps you prepare for behavioural interview questions. The situation is the challenge you experienced, the task is your role in that challenge, the action is the steps you took and the result is the outcome of the situation. Using the STAR method, you can prepare concise responses using real-life examples. With the help of this method, you can answer the interviewer's questions clearly and with specific facts by explaining how you have overcome challenges in the past.

7. Practise your interview responses

Practising is a great way to deliver interview responses with poise and confidence. Before you attend your interview, practise your answers aloud. Try repeating the answers to yourself or seeking the help of a friend or family member to listen to your responses. Consider using a mirror when rehearsing your answers, as this allows you to adjust your facial expressions and develop positive body language. When performing this exercise with friends and family, ask them to provide constructive feedback to help you improve your delivery.

Related: How To Crack A Job Interview

8. Prepare examples of your work

If you have internship experience and have mentioned it on your resume, interviewers may ask questions about the tasks you undertook in that position. This type of experience can also include any volunteer or community work you have completed. It can help you to explain your expertise more clearly, especially if you can relate your experience to the role. Discussing internship or volunteer experience can also allow you to mention your achievements to recruiters. A portfolio can include all of this, so make it compelling and list examples that show your talents and highlight your soft and hard skills.

9. Ask interviewers thoughtful questions

When you ask interviewers questions, it shows your interest in the role. With the right questions, you can better demonstrate your knowledge of the organisation and industry and your intention to excel in the new position. Asking questions also shows your attentiveness during the interview. This is also an excellent way to learn more about the job, so consider asking questions about the role, responsibilities, work environment, team duties or the career growth you may expect. Here are some questions you may ask a hiring manager:

• What are the routine responsibilities of this position?

• What are the qualities and skills required for this role?

• How does this organisation measure employee performance?

• In what way does the team collaborate with other departments?

• What are the most common challenges of this role?

Related: How To Answer: 'Why Do You Want This Job?' (With Examples)

10. Select your outfit the night before

Your appearance in interviews is important. You can ask the human resources manager about the dress code, but it is typical to wear smart attire for an interview. If the organisation does not specify a requirement and you are unsure of what to wear, research the company online to determine what its employees usually wear. Once you have selected your outfit, check the clothes for loose threads, stains, pet hair or holes. Make sure your entire appearance is well presented by cleaning your nails and polishing your shoes.

11. Organise your documents and arrive early

Carry two or three printed copies of your resume and other documents showing your educational qualifications and work experience. This includes awards, certifications or internship letters. Organise them neatly in a folder, so you can easily access them to show recruiters. You may also bring a notebook and pen to avoid taking notes on your phone. It is best to arrive early for your interview to ensure you are there on time. Check the directions to the location beforehand to ensure you know the way.

Related: 9 Common Mistakes To Avoid In An Interview

12. Be polite at all times

Before you meet your interviewers, you may interact with other staff members, such as the front desk staff and security personnel. Remain courteous and be respectful to everyone you meet, as some interviewers may ask for feedback from other staff members. This helps you to show your good manners and the ability to build relationships with different people. When discussing your internship, volunteer or work experiences, speak positively about your past supervisors and colleagues.

13. Remain positive, confident and authentic

Your authenticity in the interview may help employers understand you better. A smile and positive body language can help you feel relaxed when interacting with interviewers. If you experience anxiety, try taking deep and slow breaths. If a hiring manager offers a handshake, stand upright and greet them confidently. Being honest in your responses helps you avoid overstating your achievements and strengths.

Related: Addressing Your Weaknesses In An Interview

14. Ask about the next steps

After the interview, you may wish to ask the hiring manager what you can expect in the following week. This helps you to know more about additional requirements, such as another interview, an assignment or a reference request. Asking for a business card from each of your hiring managers may be prudent, as this allows you to send them a personalised thank-you email, regardless of the outcome.

Non-verbal communication is one of many tools that can help you make a good impression in interviews and in your professional life. However, candidate assessments should be based on skills and qualifications, and workplaces should strive to be inclusive and understanding of individual differences in communication styles.