You have a job interview coming up and you’re wondering whether to spend the night getting ready or going to bed? We say go for preparation! It doesn’t have to take all night, and sleep is good too, but be sure to give the interview some time beforehand. You’ll be more relaxed and you’ll also increase your chances of standing out above the rest.
We’ve put together some tips on what to think about before the interview and what to focus on during your preparation.
What to wear?
It always depends on the type of company that will interview you. Choose a more conservative style of clothing for a corporation, such as long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt and elegant shoes. But you don’t necessarily have to wear a tie in this case either; you should consider a jacket.
On the other hand, if you’re going to a start-up, feel free to choose a more relaxed outfit, for example long trousers and a t-shirt. Always make sure the clothes are comfortable, you feel good in them, and don’t just think about the fact that the tie is too tight. If you’re uncertain about what clothing is expected at the company, don’t be afraid to ask beforehand.
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Does the interview start before you even pass the reception desk? Of course!
Or at least it should. Ideally, you should be able to fit the interview into your day. Make enough time, avoid things that could upset you or stress you out unnecessarily.
Find out beforehand how to get to the place in a leisurely manner, set aside time for the trip and get there early so you have time to get some rest.
Have the contact details of the recruiter or the person you discussed the interview with at hand to let them know in case of delays or other unforeseen events.
What specifically should be prepared for an interview?
- Find out information about the company, even some interesting facts.
- If possible, explore the company’s product or service and ideally try it out.
- If you know who will be interviewing you, check out their LinkedIn profiles. Knowing that you know at least a little bit about the people you’ll be talking to will put you at ease.
- Get clear on the direction you want to take not only within the company, but professionally in general, then ask if the company will let you do that.
- Prepare an introduction of yourself. Not just the kind where you repeat everything you’ve included in your CV, but also point out your professional achievements and boast about any successful projects.
The following can help you:
- If you haven’t already done so at the beginning of the interview, this is a good time to thank the company representatives for taking the time to interview you.
- Summarise your professional career, highlighting what you have enjoyed most and what you have learned.
- Emphasize the projects that have been successful and the technologies that you know.
- Describe in more detail what you are currently working on or have worked on recently.
- Describe what would be appealing to you in the future and which direction you would like to pursue.
Don’t forget to make eye contact throughout the interview and try to keep the conversation positive. If it becomes necessary to mention a problem, rather than describing it at length, just skip to the solution that fixed the problem.
Which questions can you expect to be asked in an interview?
- What is your weakness?
- What went wrong on the project / in your professional career and how did you deal with it?
- Why are you leaving or wanting to leave your previous employer?
- Why have you chosen our company?
- What attracted you to the position?
- What’s the first thing you will do after joining us?
- Can you tell us something surprising about yourself?
Ask questions too!
Be sure to ask about things you are interested in. On the one hand, you will show your interest in the position and the company, and on the other hand, you will get all the important information for the final assessment of the position.
What can you ask?
About the practical workings of the company. (What is the environment like, about the operation, where do the employees can go to eat…)
About the details of the position. (Who will attend to you initially, what will be your onboarding process like, what will your daily routine look like, what are the plans for the future…)
About the benefits offered by the company.
About finances and contract terms.
Do you need a work schedule other than Mon–Fri, 8 am to 5 pm? Don’t be afraid to discuss this topic.
Fingers crossed for all interviews and we wish you to keep calm and good luck!
If you’re not in the interview phase yet and you’re just about to send out your CV, here’s some advice on how to spruce it up.
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