Your first job interview can feel like a big deal—and it is. It’s your chance to make a great first impression, land your first job, and start building valuable experience. But it can also be nerve-wracking. What will they ask? What should you say? And what if you mess up?
Take a deep breath. You don’t need years of experience to do well in a first interview. You just need to prepare, show confidence, and bring a positive attitude.
In this article, we’ll go over first job interview tips, common questions, and even what to ask your interviewer—so you can walk in feeling confident and ready to impress.
How to prepare for your first job interview
What you need to impress a potential first employer is organization, a solid understanding of the company, and a clear idea of your strengths.
Research the company and the role
A common mistake first-time interviewees make is not knowing enough about the company they’re interviewing for. Employers want to see that you’ve taken the time to understand their business and the role you’re applying for.
Start with the basics:
- What does the company do? Read their website, especially the “About Us” page.
- What are their values? Many companies share their mission and culture online.
- What will you actually be doing? Look at the job description carefully and identify key responsibilities.
This research will help you answer questions like “Why do you want to work here?” or “What do you know about our company?” with confidence instead of scrambling for an answer on the spot.
For extra guidance, read this next: The Ultimate Guide to Researching a Company Pre-Interview
Identify your strengths—even without work experience
If you don’t have professional experience yet, don’t worry—you still have valuable skills.
“Think about your academic experience, individual or group projects you've worked on, presentations you've given, research reports you've written,” says Cassandra Spencer, a career coach at The Muse. “Think about examples from volunteer experience or involvement in clubs or community organizations. It's likely that, regardless of traditional work experience or not, you have relevant stories or examples that you can share to showcase transferable skills like collaboration, time management, attention to detail and so many more.”
For example:
- Did you lead a group project? That’s teamwork and leadership.
- Have you managed social media for a club? That’s marketing and communication.
- Helped organize an event? That’s planning and problem-solving.
- Babysat, tutored, or worked on a family business? That’s responsibility and customer service.
Review your resume and be ready to discuss it
Even if your resume is short, be prepared to talk about everything on it. If you included coursework, extracurriculars, or volunteer experience, think about how each one relates to the job.
For example, if you list “Captain of the Debate Team,” be ready to explain what you learned—maybe public speaking skills, critical thinking, or the ability to stay calm under pressure. Employers aren’t just looking for job titles; they want to know how your experiences translate into real skills.
“Identify key stories and examples from your experience and practice those stories using the STAR method,” Spencer says.
STAR stands for:
- Situation: What was happening?
- Task: What needed to be done?
- Action: What did you do?
- Result: What happened because of your actions?
For example, instead of saying “I’m good at problem-solving,” you could say: “During a school fundraiser, we ran out of supplies halfway through the event. I quickly found a nearby store, coordinated with a teacher to get funding, and restocked everything before guests noticed. Because of that, the event continued smoothly, and we raised our goal amount.”
This approach helps you show, rather than just tell, that you have the skills employers are looking for. “Practice, practice, practice your stories so that you feel comfortable and confident sharing them in an interview,” the career coach says.
Plan the logistics
The last thing you want is to feel rushed or flustered on interview day. Take a few minutes to sort out the details ahead of time.
- If it’s in person: Know the address, how long it takes to get there, where to park, or how to get there, in case you’re using public transport. Plan to arrive from 10 to 15 minutes early.
- If it’s virtual: Find a quiet, well-lit space, check your internet connection, and test your camera and microphone.
Don’t forget to have notes ready—jot down key points about the company, questions to ask, and reminders about what you want to mention.
Choose the right outfit
Your outfit should be appropriate for the job you’re applying for. A corporate office job will require different attire than a retail or restaurant position.
- For office jobs: Opt for business casual—a button-down shirt or blouse, slacks or a knee-length skirt, and closed-toe shoes. A blazer can add a polished touch.
- For retail, food service, or casual work environments: A neat polo or blouse with dark jeans or khakis can work well. Avoid overly casual items like flip-flops or ripped clothing.
- For virtual interviews: Even if you’re interviewing from home, dress professionally from head to toe. You never know if you’ll need to stand up!
Pro tip: If you’re unsure about the dress code, check the company’s website or social media for photos of employees, or ask the recruiter ahead of time. It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
For extra guidance, read this next: What to Wear to an Interview: Outfit Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Master common first job interview questions
Even if you’ve prepared well, hearing questions you weren’t expecting can throw you off—especially in your first job interview. Luckily, most interviews follow a similar structure, and you can practice your answers ahead of time to feel more confident.
Here’s how to tackle some of the most common first-time job interview questions:
1. “Tell me about yourself”
This question might seem simple, but it can be one of the trickiest to answer. Why? Because there’s no single right way to respond.
“Having a strong and confident answer can really set the tone for the interview,” Spencer says. “Think strategically about what information you want to share when answering this question.”
You don't have to tell your entire life story or go through every aspect of your resume. Instead, focus on sharing a little about who you are, what your experience is, and what you would bring to the specific role you're interviewing for.
Possible answer:
I’m a recent high school graduate who’s always been drawn to teamwork and customer service. I helped organize school events, which taught me how to work under pressure and communicate with different people. I’m excited about this opportunity because I enjoy helping others and problem-solving on the spot, which I know are important in this role.
This answer is short, focused, and directly connected to the job—which is exactly what hiring managers want to hear.
For extra guidance, read this next: How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview
2. “Why do you want this job?”
Interviewers ask this question to see if you’re genuinely interested in the role—or if you just applied to anything that was hiring. Practice your answer at home and show that you know what the company does, you see how your skills fit the role, and you’re excited about the opportunity.
Possible answer:
I’ve always been interested in fashion and love helping people, so working at your clothing store seems like a great fit. I also noticed that you focus on sustainability, which is important to me. I’d love to be part of a team that helps customers find styles they love while supporting an ethical brand.
Even if you’re applying to a job that isn’t your dream career, find something about the role or company that genuinely interests you—whether it’s learning customer service skills, working on a team, or getting experience in a certain industry.
For extra guidance, read this next: What to Say When Your Interviewer Asks “Why Do You Want This Job?
3. “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
This question might feel like a trap, but it’s really about self-awareness. Employers want to know if you can recognize your strengths and improve on your weaknesses.
Pick one or two strengths that are relevant to the job and back them up with an example. For weaknesses, choose something real (but not a dealbreaker for the job) and explain how you’re working on it.
Possible answer:
One of my strengths is adaptability. In school, I balanced multiple extracurriculars while keeping up with my classes, which taught me how to prioritize and stay organized. I think that skill would help me in a fast-paced job like this.”
I used to struggle with public speaking, which made class presentations nerve-wracking. But I’ve been working on it by volunteering to lead group discussions, and I recently presented a project to my whole class with confidence. I know I still have room to improve, but I’m actively working on it.
The key is to be honest without making yourself look unqualified—and show that you’re willing to improve.
For extra guidance, read this next: What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? 40+ Examples for Job Interviews
4. “Describe a time you handled a challenge”
Employers want to know how you handle problems, and since this is your first job, they’ll understand if your example comes from school, sports, or personal experiences. What matters is how you solved it—so focus on your actions and what you learned. This is where the STAR method comes in handy.
Possible answer:
During a group project, a teammate stopped responding right before our deadline, leaving us short on work. I took the initiative to reassign tasks, making sure everyone could handle the extra workload. We managed to finish on time, and our teacher praised us for working together under pressure. That experience taught me how to stay calm and find solutions, which I know will help in a fast-paced job.
For extra guidance, read this next: How to Answer “What Is the Biggest Challenge You’ve Faced?” in an Interview
What questions to ask in the first job interview
A job interview isn’t just about answering questions—it’s also your chance to ask them.
“Show the interviewers that you have an understanding of the job and that you've done a little research on the company by asking thoughtful questions that can clarify the job description,” Spencer says.
Try to get additional information about the company and its goals or mission, and even more insights about what the expectations of the role are.
Here are some strong questions that will leave a great impression:
What does a typical day look like in this role?
This helps you understand what your daily responsibilities will be beyond what’s in the job description.
What skills are most important for success in this position?
This question shows you’re thinking ahead and want to succeed in the job.
What will the training or onboarding process look like for someone coming into this role?
For your first job, it’s important to know how much guidance you’ll receive. Asking this signals that you’re proactive about learning.
What is your favorite thing about working for [Company Name]?
This question gives you a glimpse into the company culture and what employees appreciate most.
Are there opportunities for growth or learning in this role?
Even if this is your first job, showing interest in professional growth tells the employer you’re motivated and thinking about the future.
Questions to avoid in a first job interview
While most questions are fair game, there are a few you’ll want to steer clear of:
- Anything you could have easily looked up
For example, “What does this company do?” Employers expect you to have done your homework before the interview. If you ask something that’s clearly on their website, it can make you seem unprepared.
- Questions about salary or benefits (too soon)
For example, “How much does this job pay?” While salary is an important topic, it’s best to wait until you receive an offer before bringing it up—especially in a first interview.
- Anything too personal or off-topic
For example, “Do you monitor employee social media accounts?” Keep your questions professional and relevant to the role and company.
Tips for making a strong impression during the interview
You’ve done your research, practiced your answers, and picked out some great questions to ask. Now, it’s time for the actual interview.
First job interviews can feel intimidating, but the way you present yourself—through your body language, confidence, and how you handle unexpected questions—can make a huge difference. Here’s how to leave a strong impression and boost your chances of landing the job.
Use your body language wisely
Your words matter in an interview, but so does how you say them. Your body language can signal confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism—or the opposite.
For instance, looking at the interviewer when they’re speaking—and when you respond—shows engagement and confidence. If you're in a virtual interview, look at the camera instead of your own screen to mimic in-person eye contact.
Additionally, sit up straight and avoid fidgeting. Good posture makes you look confident and interested. Avoid slouching, crossing your arms, or playing with your hair or clothes. You should also nod occasionally to show you’re listening and use subtle hand gestures to make you seem more engaged when answering questions.
And don’t forget to smile! You don’t need to grin the entire time, but a genuine smile can make you seem approachable and excited about the opportunity.
Read this next: 8 Body Language Tips for Your Next Job Interview
Stay confident
Feeling nervous before an interview for a first job is totally normal. The key is to channel that energy into confidence. Instead of thinking, “I’m not experienced enough for this job,” tell yourself, “I have valuable skills to offer, and I’m ready to learn.”
Taking a few slow, deep breaths before the interview can calm your nerves and help you stay focused. That’s also useful if you’re caught off guard by a question you weren’t expecting. A short pause can make your answer sound more thoughtful. If you’re confused, it’s OK to ask for clarification. For example: “That’s a great question. Are you asking about a specific situation, or would you like a general example?”
And remember: It’s fine to not know the answer. In this case, stay composed and say something like: “That’s an interesting question. I don’t have experience with that specifically, but I’d love to learn more about it.”
What’s next? Follow up like a pro
A strong interview doesn’t end when you leave the room—or log off the call. Sending a thoughtful follow-up email can reinforce your interest and help you stand out. Want to know what to say? Here’s how to write a thank-you email after an interview (with samples!).
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