Ready to learn how to prepare for an interview when you have little to no experience? These tips will have you acing it and being more prepared than others!
We all have dreams of conquering the world. We all want to advance in our corporate career and have a list of amazing accomplishments throughout our professional life.
However, we have to accept the fact that before we can achieve any of that, we have to start from the bottom and work our way up. This means going to job interviews until we land a job we want.
How To Prepare For An Interview When You Have Little to No Experience
You may be clueless about how to sell yourself properly in an interview without job experience, so we prepared some pointers to help you along the way.
What do you say in an interview if you have no experience?
If you have not tried working yet, it is normal to feel anxious when they ask you about your previous employment or experience. However, keep in mind that the key to getting the interviewer to listen to you intently is by being honest. Telling them about your personal accomplishments, professional goals and a couple of details that will show them who you are as a person and as a possible part of the team can help build your credibility and rapport with the interviewer.
How do you sell yourself in an interview with no experience?
Always remember that they are looking for a person with the skills to fit the position. If you have no employment experience, you can start by giving them a low down on internships, seminars, volunteer work, or other tasks that you have done in the past. Your interviewer will want to know the lessons you learned and the skills you have developed over time. Once they see that your skills, knowledge, and experience are suitable for the job, then you gain leverage over other candidates.
How can I impress the interviewer?
With the number of applicants vying for the same role, you have to be clear and focused on your goal to stand out. A good interviewer will be able to know if you truly understand the roles and responsibilities that come with the job that you are applying for. Learning about the company is a plus too, but more importantly, you have to show your interviewer that you can deliver and do things that will contribute to achieving the company’s goals and visions.
How do you answer “tell me about yourself” in an interview with no experience?
When you are asked about this, you can start by telling them about your current standing. Tell them about what you are doing and your plans for the future. Mention some of the things that you did in the past to get to where you are now. Tell them about the big achievements that you recently accomplished and how all of those experiences molded you into the perfect person for the job you are applying for now.
Tips To Prepare For Interview When You Have Little To No Experience
Waiting for the big day can be overwhelming so it is always good to do some preparation just in case the interviewer spills out a couple of tough questions and scenarios for you.
Sleep and Eat Well
It is always good to get a good night’s rest before your interview. When you get quality sleep at night, you will look and feel fresh the next day. If you are having a hard time sleeping the night before because of anxiety, try to engage in relaxing tasks such as listening to music, meditating, and some aromatherapy to make sleeping easier.
Once you get enough sleep, make sure to have a good meal to make sure you are in optimal condition. Feeling hungry and exhausted causes you to lose focus and concentration. It is harder to analyze and come up with precise and good answers with a growling stomach.
Play the Part
Set your mind to playing the role. Do a bit of meditation before the interview. It is important to talk and play the part. Mind your tone and be confident. These are factors that play a huge impact in creating that perfect first impression.
Dress Appropriately
Apart from the answers you give your interviewer, first impressions matter. Make sure to dress appropriately as this increases your charisma and credibility. Go for an outfit that exudes confidence and elegance. Going for bright colors and fancy details may not be the best choice for this type of occasion.
Learn About the Company
It is important to know all the details about the company you want to work for. Read about their history, milestones, and achievements. Know their mission and vision by heart and find out how you can incorporate your values, skills, and knowledge into it. This gives you plus points, especially when asked company-related questions during the interview.
Understand the Role
Knowing about the company is not enough. Understand the essence and scope of the job you are applying for. Get to know the demands of the role you are applying for and take note of the qualities you have that make you perfect for the job. Research on the responsibilities that come with the role and read about ways on how you can fulfill all of them as this can come up as one of the questions in the interview.
Be Clear With What You Can Deliver
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is not enough. You should be able to determine the company’s needs along with the results you can deliver. Determine specific ways that can make you a part of the solution and a catalyst for excellence. With these come expectations in terms of salary and how you see yourself on a long-term basis with the company.
Conclusion
Entering the world of the working class is not as easy as you think. In fact, it can be daunting especially if you lack or have no experience at all. But this should not distract you or discourage you from achieving your dreams. With a good mindset and proper preparation, you will be able to nail your interview even without much experience. By following the pointers mentioned above, you can easily pave your way into landing the job of your dreams.
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