You've polished your resume, tailored your cover letter, and landed your first job interview. The excitement is real, but so are the nerves. Don't worry! This guide has practical tips and insider advice to help you shine. Get ready to turn those jitters into confidence and land that dream job.

Before the interview, ask yourself, "What makes me unique?" and "What value can I bring to this company?" Knowing your strengths and what you want in your career will boost your confidence and help you answer interview questions well.

Take a free personality test on 16Personalities.com to better understand your strengths and weaknesses. This can help you determine your work style and potential career paths.

Study the company's mission, values, and products to understand its culture and show your interest. Check recent news and press releases to learn about its projects and achievements. You can go through the company’s website and social media accounts, such as their LinkedIn page. You can also do research in job portals like JobStreet and Kalibrr, which offer business reviews and employee testimonials.

Carefully consider the required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities of the role you’re applying for. Even if you're a first-time job seeker, think about how your experiences and achievements in school or part-time work match the role’s requirements. Prepare examples of how you've used those skills in these settings to show your value during the interview.

• Why should we hire you? This question allows you to highlight your strengths, skills, and experiences directly related to the role and explain how you can add value to the team and contribute to the company's goals.

 

• Why do you want to work at our company? / Why did you choose this company? Mention specific aspects of the company's mission, values, and culture that appeal to you. For instance, you can cite their innovative products, commitment to social responsibility, or positive work environment. 

 

• Why did you apply for this job? Explain how the position aligns with your career goals and interests. Discuss the specific responsibilities or challenges that excite you about the role and highlight how your skills make you a strong fit for the position.

 

• What are your strengths and weaknesses? Focus on key strengths and provide examples of how you can use them to succeed. When discussing weaknesses, be transparent but emphasize your efforts to improve and learn.

Rehearse your answers with a friend, family member, or career counselor for valuable feedback. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Choose an outfit that's professional and matches the company's culture. Unsure about the dress code? It’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. A well-groomed appearance with neat hair and nails shows you're serious about the opportunity and makes a positive first impression.

To make things more convenient, use your Globe Rewards vouchers on the GlobeOne app to shop for work essentials on Zalora.

Use Google Maps or Waze to determine the best route and estimated travel time. Then, book your ride for your in-person interview with GrabCar and aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to get a buffer for traffic or unexpected delays. This also allows you to relax and collect your thoughts before the interview. Arriving early also demonstrates your punctuality and respect for the interviewer's time.

Pro tip: Make sure you have enough mobile data to navigate seamlessly and stay connected. Consider a Globe postpaid plan or prepaid promos for reliable internet access, so you’re never lost or out of touch.  

At the interview, focus on making a positive impression. Smile warmly, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. Speak clearly, maintain a good posture, and be enthusiastic. Remember, your body language and tone of voice can be just as important as your words in showing the interviewer that you're excited about the opportunity. 

Watch videos on non-verbal communication or job interview etiquette to improve your bearing. They offer valuable tips for making a lasting impression.

Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions and consider your answers before speaking. Ask for clarification if needed to show you're engaged and want to understand their perspective. Online resources from Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube can help you improve this soft skill.

Even without formal work experience, you can still highlight your skills and potential. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to share examples from school projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities where you demonstrated relevant skills. This shows you can apply your abilities and achieve results in different contexts.

Here are some sample questions and the reasons why you should ask them:

• Can you describe a typical day in this role? This helps you understand the daily responsibilities and expectations of the position.

 

• What opportunities are there for growth within the company? Asking this shows your eagerness to learn and grow in your career, which is an asset to any employer.

 

• How would you describe the company culture and work environment? This question helps you assess whether the company's values and work style align with your own, ensuring a good fit for you and the employer.

 

• What are the next steps in the interview process? This shows your interest in moving forward and gives you a timeline for when you can expect to hear back.

Within 24 hours of your interview, send a personalized email to everyone you spoke with. Thank them for their time while also reaffirming your interest in the position. You can find many templates online for writing thank-you emails. A well-written note leaves a lasting impression and sets you apart from other candidates. 

If you're still waiting to hear back within a week or two, send a polite follow-up email. Inquire about your application status and express your continued interest. This shows initiative and keeps you on the hiring manager's radar.

Regardless of the outcome, take time to reflect on your interview. What went well? What could you improve on? Each interview is a learning experience, so use it to identify areas for growth and develop your skills further.

Remember, the screening process doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking experience. Prepare thoroughly with these tips, and make sure you have GFiber Unli Plan or GFiber Prepaid at home to access all the resources you need to ace your job interview. Then, go and confidently showcase your skills to land your dream role!