Here are 5 things to keep in mind before your first real job interview.

As a recent grad, your focus should be finding your dream career. How confident are you in your interview skills?

You’ve finished with school and are prepared to enter the “real” world by starting your first job. You’ve done the hard work of sending out resumes and getting an interview. How can I maximise my chances of getting offered the position after the interview?

1. Dress appropriately. No midriff shirts, low-cut blouses, or sandals, as you are headed to the office and not the beach. Although purchasing a suit is not required, it is essential to seem professional. If you’re applying for a job at a conservative office, such as an accounting business, you shouldn’t wear concert attire. If you are applying for a work in retail, you have a bit more flexibility. Rather of listing acceptable and unacceptable attire, I would advise you to dress as if you were meeting one of the most important persons in the world, because you are.

2. Ensure that you are well-groomed. Don’t come across as careless with your appearance, like you stumbled out of bed and didn’t bother to brush your teeth or shower. In the eyes of the HR manager, unkempt hair, filthy fingernails, and a strong body odour are automatic deal-breakers. Employees who don’t take personal hygiene seriously send the wrong message to clients.

3. Watch how you project yourself. A confident first impression begins with a solid handshake as the interview gets underway. Keep your cool, make eye contact, and pay close attention during the interview. Inquire deeply and pay close attention to the responses you receive. Before responding to the interviewer’s questions, give some thought to what you want to say.

4. Interview preparation is key.. You may find out who the company’s clients are and what they sell by checking out their website, which every company now has. This will demonstrate to the interviewer that you have taken the time and effort to learn as much as possible about the organisation and the position you are applying for.

5. Participate actively in the interview. People who were obviously just waiting for the bus showed up to their interviews. They didn’t probe for clarification or ask any questions; instead, they just listened, and I had my doubts about how much they were actually taking in. Be positive, curious, and engaged throughout the interview. I asked a potential hire if she was still interested in the job after I described all the work that would be expected of her. She just said, “I can do the job,” in response. She didn’t respond to my inquiry, gave off a disinterested vibe, and ultimately was passed over for the position. You need to show enthusiasm for the position during the interview; otherwise, you won’t bring that enthusiasm with you to the workplace.

Make a good impression on the interviewer by demonstrating that you are enthusiastic about the position, qualified, and committed to doing your very best work. Even if you aren’t the most qualified applicant, you might still get the job if you’re the most impressive one. Have fun!