You never get a second chance to make a first impression! Your resume may have gotten your foot in the door but now it’s your chance to truly impress and separate yourself from the other candidates.

While there are always exceptions to the rule, understand that the primary goal of a first-round interview is to validate your qualifications and evaluate the cultural fit/match.

PREPARATION is key!

Regardless of interview method (telephone, video conference, in-person, etc.) the research and preparation you do beforehand will ultimately make or break the outcome.

DO YOUR RESEARCH!

Look up the company, review their history, go through their website, understand the interviewer’s profile and role in the firm. Educate yourself as much as possible so you can confidently answer important questions like “What do you know about our company?” and “Why do you want to work here?”.

PRACTICE YOUR PITCH

“Tell me about yourself” is something you should always be prepared to answer. While on the surface this may appear easy, it’s actually an area many people struggle with when interviewing. Practice! Prepare and practice a clear concise “pitch” on yourself which highlight some the important and relevant aspects of your experience and personality. The more you practice, the smoother and more confident your delivery will come across. Try to avoid accidental rambling or long-windedness and be conscious that your communication skills, including body language, are being assessed as you speak.

KNOW YOUR DIFFERENTIATORS

What makes you stand out compared to other applicants? What truly separates you from the rest of those in consideration? These answers should be real, sincere, and as relevant to the position and company as possible.

While these are only a few of the many first-round interview tips to ultimately take into account, they are extremely valuable and will help you nail that first round!