The first-round interview is your chance to make a strong impression and move closer to getting the job. Whether it’s a phone screening or a virtual meeting, this conversation sets the tone for your success. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare gives you an edge.
In this blog, we’ll outline what to expect, key strategies, and tips to help you stand out.
What to Expect in a First-Round Interview
A 1st round interview aims to evaluate if you meet the essential qualifications for the role. Employers use this stage to get a clearer picture of several key factors:
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Relevant skills and experience: employers will want to confirm that you have the right expertise and background for the job and that you can contribute meaningfully from day one.
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Cultural fit: Looking to see if your values, work style, and personality align with the company’s culture. This helps ensure you would thrive in their environment and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
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Enthusiasm for the role: Your level of interest and passion for the position can be a deciding factor. Employers want to know that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity and will be committed to the work.
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Communication skills: The ability to express yourself clearly and confidently is critical. Employers assess how well you can explain your experience, answer questions, and engage in a professional conversation. Strong communication shows you can collaborate effectively within the team.
In essence, this interview is designed to determine whether you meet the foundational requirements and if there’s potential for a deeper connection as the hiring process progresses.
Format of a First Interview
The first stage of interview can be conducted in several formats, depending on the company’s preferences and the logistics involved:
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Phone Calls: Typically used for initial screening, phone interviews will be brief conversations where a recruiter or hiring manager quickly assesses whether you meet the basic qualifications for the role. It’s a chance to discuss your resume and background before moving on to more detailed discussions.
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Video Calls: More common for remote or hybrid positions, video interviews allow for a deeper conversation. Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet are often used for these interviews, where you can engage in a more thorough discussion about your experience, skills, and how you align with the role. Video calls help employers evaluate not only your communication skills but also your ability to handle virtual work environments and will get to see what you look like.
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In-Person Meetings: While less common, in-person interviews are still an option, especially for local candidates. These allow for more personal interaction and give both you and the employer a chance to get a better sense of each other’s demeanour and fit. In-person meetings are often used for positions that require close teamwork or on-site work.
Each format of the interview process has its advantages and understanding which one you’ll be participating in can help you tailor your preparation accordingly.
Expert Tips to Follow
There are some easy-to-follow tips for nailing your upcoming interview, which will give you a better chance of making it to the second stage. Let’s explore these interview prep tips now.
1. Be Prepared to Answer Common Questions
Every interviewer, regardless of the industry, will ask certain key questions in some form. That’s why it’s essential to be prepared with strong responses no matter what field you’re aiming to enter. The good news? If you’re a strong candidate, crafting answers that impress should come naturally.
Some common questions you can expect include:
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Why are you interested in this role?
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What are your strengths?
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Why do you want to work at this company specifically?
When answering “Why do you want this role?”, be sure to cover two key point when you articulate you answers:
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Highlight why you’re an excellent fit for the position.
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Explain what you hope to gain from the role in the long run.
This approach demonstrates that you not only bring value to the company but also see it as a place where you can grow which will help make you look like an even more attractive candidate.
Employers are looking for candidates who view the role as a meaningful opportunity rather than just a paycheck.
2. Use the STAR Method for Behavioural Questions
Many 1st stage interviews include behavioural questions. Use the STAR method to almost like you are storytelling your experiences:
- Situation: Describe the context.
- Task: Explain the challenge.
- Action: Detail the steps you took.
- Result: Highlight the positive outcome.
An example of this could be:
Question: Can you tell me about a time you worked under a tight deadline?
Situation: In my previous role, I was part of a team working on a key client project when, a week before the deadline, the client changed their requirements.
Task: I was responsible for revising the project strategy to align with the new objectives within a limited time frame.
Action: I prioritised the most critical elements, worked closely with my team to adjust our plan, and organised regular check-ins to ensure we stayed on track.
Result: We delivered the revised project on time, the client was pleased with the final outcome, and our manager commended us for our flexibility and efficient teamwork.
This version keeps it focused on a professional work context and the UK style. Let me know if it works!
3. Make a Strong First Impression
First impressions happen fast, so make them count. It has been found, according to Indeed that interviewers typically form an opinion about a candidate within the first 7 minutes of the interview. This is why it is important to start with a friendly greeting and a genuine smile. It even comes through in your voice on calls. Keep your introduction natural and confident, making sure it’s short but engaging. Good eye contact and open body language help you come across as approachable, and showing real interest in the conversation makes a lasting impact.
We also know that employers often turn to your LinkedIn profile to get a sense of who you are before they even meet you, so it’s important to keep it updated and polished. Your profile is like your online professional introduction, it’s where you can show off your skills, experiences, and accomplishments in a way that complements your resume.
4. Show You Have Done Your Research
This links to making a good first impression. if you can research the company you are potentially joining, it will give you a great first impression and allow you to answer questions earlier. Do your research in the following 3 areas:
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Understand the company’s background and operations.
Make sure you’re familiar with what the company does and how it came to be. Look into its origins, major milestones, acquisitions, and both its biggest successes and setbacks. Having this knowledge on hand will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also ensure you’re not caught off guard by any company-related discussions. -
Get to know your potential role.
Understanding how the company operates is important, but knowing how you would contribute is just as crucial. Carefully review the job description, then take it a step further by researching insights about the position within the company. Interview preparation could include industry-specific expectations or perspectives from current and former employees. The more you learn about the role, the better you can showcase your strengths, fit, and career goals. -
Stay updated on recent company news.
Has the company been in the headlines lately? Stay informed about recent developments, whether it’s a major achievement, a new initiative, or a shift in leadership or a change in company culture. While you’ll want to steer clear of sensitive topics like controversies or PR missteps, demonstrating that you’re aware of the company’s current landscape shows initiative and engagement.
How do you prove you’ve done your homework? Let your research shape your responses. Don’t be afraid to say something like, “In my research, I came across…” to reference key findings. You’re not expected to be a lifelong expert on the company, just someone who is prepared, proactive, and ready to contribute. Even having the confidence to ask questions shows your enthusiasm for wanting to join the company.
5. Don’t Forget to Follow Up Afterward
Initial interviews often involve multiple candidates being evaluated for the same role. To make a lasting impression, send a timely and well-crafted follow-up email. Use it as an opportunity to briefly reinforce your key skills, highlight why you’re a strong match for the position, and express your continued enthusiasm for the opportunity. Additionally, take a moment to thank the interviewers for their time and let them know you look forward to the next steps in the process.
How Mexa Solutions Can Help
Mexa Solutions is here to help you become a standout applicant with expert guidance and coaching. We’ll work with you to refine your resume, perfect your personal pitch, and prepare you for both common and role-specific interview questions. Our team provides tailored feedback to boost your confidence, enhance your communication skills, and fine-tune your body language.
We also offer valuable insights into company expectations, industry trends, and the types of questions you may face. The goal is to help you craft responses that truly reflect what employers are looking for. With Mexa Solutions by your side, you’ll walk into your interview feeling fully prepared, confident, and ready to make a strong first impression.
Nail Those first round interviews today!
To wrap it up, acing your first-round interview comes down to being prepared, confident, and true to yourself. Take the time to learn about the company, practice your answers, and show up looking your best. It’s all about making a genuine connection with the interviewer and proving you’re the right fit for the role. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be one step closer to moving on to the next stage of the process.
FAQ’s
What is The Most Important Thing to Remember During The First-round Interview?
The most important thing to remember is that preparation is key. You should thoroughly understand the company, the role, and the industry. Don’t forget to research the company’s culture, values, and any recent news. Additionally, be ready to talk about your achievements, as candidates who provide specific examples often stand out more than those who offer vague answers
How Much Research is Needed?
While you don’t need to be an expert, it’s important to do enough research to understand the company’s values, products, services, and recent news. Researching the role and understanding the industry can also help you answer questions more effectively. Candidates who demonstrate that they’ve done their homework tend to make a stronger impression.
What should I do if I Haven’t Prepared Well Enough?
If you feel underprepared, stay calm and be honest. It’s better to acknowledge that you’re still learning about certain aspects rather than pretending to know something you don’t. Then, try to focus on your key strengths and what you can bring to the table. Follow up with additional research afterward and update your preparation for future rounds to show you can work hard.
