Your first interview can feel like stepping into the unknown. You want to make a good impression, but you’re unsure what to expect or how to prepare. The good news? With a bit of guidance, you can walk in feeling confident, prepared, and ready to shine.
This guide, brought to you by Intellectica, is designed to help students and recent graduates navigate their first interviews with clarity and confidence. We’ll walk you through:
- The typical structure of an interview
- How to prepare effectively
- Common questions and how to answer them
- General tips to help you stand out
🔍 Understanding the Interview Process
Most entry-level interviews follow a fairly standard structure. Knowing what’s coming can reduce nerves and help you stay composed throughout the conversation.
Typical Interview Stages
- Introduction
A bit of small talk to warm up, followed by your elevator pitch—a short summary of who you are.
| See our blogpost “Your Elevator Pitch: How to Introduce Yourself with Clarity and Impact” for a helpful breakdown. |
- Background Questions
These focus on your education, past experiences, and career goals.
- Role-Specific Questions
Assess your understanding of the job and your motivation for applying.
- Behavioral Questions
Usually framed as “Tell me about a time when…”, these questions explore how you respond to real-world scenarios.
- Your Questions
A chance for you to ask insightful questions about the company and role.
- Closing
The interviewer outlines next steps and timelines.
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🛠️ How to Prepare for the Interview
Preparation builds confidence and separates you from the crowd. Here’s how to get ready in the days before your interview:
1. Research the Company and the Role
- Learn the company’s mission, values, and culture—and how they align with your own.
- Check for recent news or achievements to understand their current priorities.
- Highlight keywords from the job description and reflect on how your skills match.
2. Understand the Industry
- Get a grasp on the basics of the industry the company operates in.
- Familiarize yourself with any major trends or challenges shaping the sector.
3. Know Your CV Inside and Out
- Be prepared to walk through your resume and explain any point in detail.
- Come ready with examples from internships, class projects, or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills.
💬 Practice makes Prepared
There are a few interview questions you’re almost guaranteed to hear. Practice answering them aloud, using real examples, and paying attention to your tone and body language.
💡 Use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—for structured responses. | See our blogpost “The STAR Method: Tell Compelling Stories That Get You Hired” for more information.
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Common Questions and How to Tackle Them
- Tell me about yourself.
A short, 60–90 second intro: your academic background, interests, and what draws you to the role.
- Why do you want to work here?
Connect your personal values and goals with the company’s mission and the opportunity offered.
- What are your strengths?
Share 2–3 strengths that match the role, and support each with a real-life example.
- What are your areas for imporvement?
Be honest but constructive. Highlight a genuine area for growth and explain what you’re doing to improve.
- Describe a challenge you overcame.
Use the STAR method to tell a concise, focused story with a positive outcome.
- Tell me about a team experience.
Emphasize collaboration, communication, and results.
Example: “During my final-year capstone project, I led our team’s research phase. Our strategy increased the client’s customer engagement by 30%, and we won Best Project of the semester.”
- Why should we hire you?
Sum up your skills, passion, and culture fit in a confident, concise answer.
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✅ Final Interview Tips
These tips might seem small, but they have a big impact on how you’re perceived:
1. Plan Your Appearance
- Dress professionally and in line with the company’s culture.
- Make sure you’re well-groomed and look put-together.
2. Pre-Interview Essentials Checklist
- ✅ Confirm the time, date, and location (or virtual link).
- ✅ Test your tech setup if it’s a video interview.
- ✅ Bring a printed copy of your CV.
- ✅ Take a notebook and pen.
- ✅ Have your ID ready, if needed for security or identification.
Additional Tips
- Stay positive – don’t criticize past employers or professors.
- Take your time — it’s okay to pause and think before answering.
- Be curious—ask questions at the end.
- Follow up – send a short thank-you email within 24 hours, showing appreciation and continued interest.
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🚀 Your Journey Starts Now
No one expects perfection in your first interview—what matters is showing up prepared, confident, and curious. Remember, interviewers want to see the real you and understand how you’ll contribute to their team.
At Intellectica, we believe in empowering young professionals to own their growth. With practice and preparation, you’re not just preparing for one interview—you’re building the foundation for a successful career.
Good luck—your professional journey is just beginning!
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About Intellectica
Intellectica is a group of international finance industry experts providing outsourced finance department, financial advisory and recruitment services.
Contact
Intellectica
17 Solons Str, Athens 106 71, Greece
T: (+30) 210 338 8581
E: contact@intellecticagroup.com