INTERVIEW TIPS AND TRICKS

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW

 

Step 1

  • Research the company

    Find as much information as you can about the company. Try using Google for the latest news, yearreports and make sure to visit their website. This shows your cunning as well as your enthusiasm and sincere interest. When you are going head to head with another candidate, this research may very well give you that competitive edge.

  • Understand your cv

    Know yourself, your strenghts, weaknesses and your past performances. You have to try to anticipate on the questions you will be asked during the interview. You can also prepare examples of when and where your strenghts and weaknesses have shown (are likely to show). These answers will always be asked for with competency bases interviews (usually led by the Human Resources department).

  • First impressions count

    You should always be dressed professionally for an interview so wear a suit, shirt, tie and polished shoes. This is your first opportunity to impress (no matter how informal you imagine the interview to be). In preparing for the interview you select your clothes and check them for stains or wrinkles. Just as much attention should be dedicated to personal hygiene. Also prevent using strong smelling scents and refrain from eating strong scenting food beforehand.

  • Arrive early

    Plan your route beforehand so that you have more than enough time to get to the interview. Be prepared for the worst (traffic, no parking spaces etc.). Your aim should be to arrive about 15 to 20 minutes early. If for some reason you are still arriving late, try to contact Career Result of the company immediately to inform them. Arriving early doesn't necessarily mean checking in at that time. A busy interviewer won't appreciate being interrupted half an hour before the planned interviewing time.

Step 2

  • Smile and give a firm handshake

    Even when there is a strong match in company culture and technical fit, it's always good to assert yourself as a real asset to work with. Always give a firm handshake when meeting interviewers. Also be sure to leave a good impression on the reception employee, maybe he/she is also expected to voice an oppinion. When an interviewer is uncertain about you it is common for them to check in with other people who you may have had contact with beforehand, such as the person at the reception.

  • Be repectful and polite

    It's important to treat everyone involved with your interview with respect and dignity, regardless of whether the person is a junior employee or the CTO. Everyone you meet will likely be a part in the decision to hire you or not.

  • Don't stray

    The most effective interviews are those where there is a interactive two-way conversation. Be sure to answer the questions concise and to the point, without straying too much. Every individual
    answer shouldn't be longer than 1 to 2 minutes.

  • Show enthusiasm

    First impressions are important. A firm handshake, a smile and a lot of eye contact are essential in forming trust. Every interviewer is different: your approach should be tailored to the personality or the interviewer. Speak with a clear and confident voice, even if you are in fact nervous.

  • Be prepared

    Bring a small map with extra copies of your cv and some paper to write notes on. Copies of certificated and references aren't important at this time and place, because you can always send them afterwards. You should also prepare questions to ask at the end of the interview. Having no questions at the end can come across as being uninterested.

  • Communicate concise and listen carefully

    Thoughtful and concise communication is key in a successful interview. Listen carefully to the interviewer and don't interrupt them. Also be sure to convey positive body language. Body language plays an important part during interviews. Be aware that crossing your arms or legs can be interpreted as a defensive pose. Try not to twiddle or make ticking noises as this may distract the interviewer.

    Listening is often forgotten by candidates who are too busy with selling themselves. Be sure to listen closely to the questions you are asked.

Step 3

  • Examples

    Nothing is more powerful than having a prepared answer to a question and giving examples with it. Make sure that your examples convey your capacities and traits well. Therefore, preparing the interview by coming up with potential questions and answers to these questions with examples is very important.

  • Answer the questions asked

    Stay relevant and don't haste your answers. Candidates often forget to answer the actual question. Be sure to understand what is being asked, especially when your interview is in a foreign language. Ask for repetition or more clarity if you don't understand the question well enough. Try to avoid using vague stories about your background, but do use examples of your past successes. Answer honoustly and remain positive throughout. If your answer contains a negative load, try to give a positive explanation for counterbalance

  • If you are truly interested in the job, say so!

    Many candidates forget to let the interviewer know how interested they are, at the end of the interview. If you are interested in the positiion it is crucial to say so. Don't be afraid to ask what the next step will be and whether they would like to know if you receive other joboffers in the meantime(this may in fact speed up the process).

  • Always be true and don't exaggerate, it will show eventually

    We have already stressed the importance of preparing and researching for the interview. This will make sure that little to no surprises will come up during conversation. However, if you are confronted with a difficult question and don't have an answer readily available, just say so and be honest about it. The interview is ment to get to know you and to indicate your merits.

  • Prepare questions

    Asking questions at the end of the interview can send a clear positive signal to the interviewer. Be sure to make your questions relevant and thoughtful.