First Job Interview Tips for Gen Z & Entry-Level Job Seekers

When you’re looking for work, it’s rarely easy to get your foot in the door. For recent grads and other first-time job seekers, securing an entry-level position in today’s job market can be particularly challenging. When you do land a job interview, it’s incredibly important to stand out in a good way. But how can you do that if you have no job experience?

Between dealing with stereotypes about Gen Z’s work ethic and trying to convince employers to give beginners a chance, it’s no surprise that many Gen Zers feel unprepared when walking into an entry-level job interview. Here are some practical first-job interview tips to help you ace your interviews and secure that coveted entry-level position.

What’s Gen Z Up Against?

Let’s look at some takeaways from iHire’s recent research report, “Gen Z in the Workforce: Decoding a New Generation of Job Seekers.”

Our survey showed that 34.4% of Gen Zers believe potential employers’ negative stereotypes about their generation will adversely impact their job searches or career advancements. Additionally, 30.4% of those polled felt interviewing was among the most common job search challenges Gen Z faced. 

Another important theme among Gen Z applicants: Their soft skills need work. Resoundingly, 58.3% of employers surveyed believed Gen Z job seekers should polish their interviewing skills. 

Practical First Job Interview Tips for Gen Z Job Seekers

With those stats in mind, here are some helpful hints for recent grads and first-time job seekers to ace those entry-level job interviews.

1. Know What to Say in an Interview With No Experience

This might be the most daunting part of preparing for an entry-level interview. If you don’t have experience in the field, how will you answer when the interviewer asks you about your experience?

Believe it or not, even if you don’t have the professional background the employer is looking for, you’ve likely gained other skills, perhaps through school, past jobs in other industries, or volunteer work, that you can apply to this job. These are called transferable skills, and they include such abilities as:

• Communication
• Conflict resolution
• Organization
• Customer service
• Clerical skills
• Management skills
• Public speaking
• Handling financial transactions

In addition to these skills, you can mention any courses you’ve completed that relate to the position, any hobbies or activities relevant to the field, and any pertinent quantifiable achievements.

2. Make a Great First Impression

The first time you encounter someone, you form a mental image of that person, which tends to stick with you regardless of how well it represents the individual overall. That’s why it’s critical to make a great first impression in your job interview. There are a lot of factors to consider:

• Arrive early: Punctuality and preparedness go a long way. That said, don’t show up too early; 10 minutes is plenty.
• Dress appropriately: It’s important to know how to dress for an entry-level job interview. Always dress professionally, but not too professionally – find out what the workplace dress code is and go one notch higher.
• Behave professionally: This should go without saying, but it can’t hurt to mention it. Don’t chew gum during your interview. Practice good posture. Smile, be gracious, and show respect from the moment you walk in the door.
• Stay focused on the interviewer: Active listening is an excellent soft skill to display during your interview. Distractions can ruin an interview, so silence your phone, and don’t even think about answering a call or a text message. If you’re wearing earbuds, take them out before walking in.

3. Understand the Nuances Between In-Person and Virtual Interviews

Over the past few years, the hiring process has evolved significantly. Many hiring managers now conduct job interviews remotely, while others continue to interview candidates in person. Understanding the nuances and pros and cons between the two interview methods can help job seekers navigate these differences.

In-Person Interviews

• Nonverbal communication is easier to interpret
• Interviewer can witness your interpersonal skills
• Building rapport is easier
• Higher risk of bias
• Travel concerns and risk of delays

Virtual Interviews

• Candidates can attend from anywhere
• More scheduling flexibility
• Often less pressure
• Higher risk of distractions
• Technological issues

4. Prepare for Your Interview

Should you prepare for your job interview? Emphatically, yes. Being prepared can help make that great first impression. There are several things you should do in advance:

• Practice your responses to common interview questions
• Research the employer
• Know your interviewer’s name and title
• Watch this on-demand webinar to learn how to promote yourself during an interview effectively 

5. Stand Out by Asking Questions

A job interview is a two-way street. Asking your interviewer questions shows your genuine interest in the position. While you shouldn’t ask about salary during the interview, we’ve prepared a list of 24 good questions to ask your interviewer.

Some example questions include:

• What attributes would the ideal candidate for this position possess?
• What does a typical day look like?
• How would you describe your company’s culture?
• What do you enjoy most about working here?
• What are the next steps in the interviewing process?
• When should I expect to hear from you?

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6. Be Ready for Common Entry-Level Interview Questions

Not knowing what you’ll likely be asked can make an interview feel like an ambush. By having an idea of how to answer some common entry-level interview questions, you’ll feel much more prepared.

Tell Me About Yourself.

This often comes up at the beginning of the interview and sets the tone. Prepare a brief response summarizing your education, skills, achievements, and professional goals. You can also detail your qualifications for the job and how you can positively impact the organization.

What Are Your Biggest Strengths and Weaknesses?

Interviewers want to determine how your abilities align with the job requirements. When they ask about your strengths and weaknesses, honesty and self-awareness are important – yes, even about your weaknesses. Tell them about an actual weakness that you are working to overcome.

Describe a Difficult Situation You Encountered and How You Handled It.

Even if you’ve never had a job, don’t appear to lack emotional intelligence by telling the interviewer you’ve never failed. Your response should discuss a difficult situation you experienced, whether at school, a volunteer opportunity, or an extracurricular activity, as well as what you learned from it.

Why Should We Hire You?

This is not a trick question; it’s a way for your interviewer to find out what sets you apart from the other applicants. Think of your answer to this question like a highlight reel. Summarize your skills, experience, and best qualities, and explain how they make you the best candidate for the job.

Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?

Interviewers want to know about your professional goals and how well they would fit into the company. When answering this question, be prepared to show how your career aspirations and the job in question align. Be honest and realistic with your answers, but don’t get overly specific about time frames or job titles. Focus on your desire to learn, grow, and broaden your skill set.

Conquering Entry-Level Job Interviews

Job interviews don’t have to be scary, even for first-time job seekers. Being well-prepared for your interview can go a long way toward boosting your confidence and, therefore, your chances of landing that prized entry-level position. 

No matter what job search phase you’re in, we can help. iHire’s Resource Center for Job Seekers provides a wealth of knowledge about interviews, resumes, and other career-related topics.