12 Sep Tips for a successful Job interview
A job interview needs to be prepared, you just can’t improvise.
If you don’t know enough about the company, the job position, or how to sell yourself, then there’s little chance the recruiter will choose you.
Preparing an interview is already proof of your motivation, and surely it will be noticed on that very day! So here are some advice and tips for a successful job interview to follow and…good luck!
Learn about the company before the job interview
This is crucial in the preparation for the job interview. Gather as much information as you can about the company: its history, activities, its corporate culture, its challenges and workforce, the products it offers, its managers’ names, its future goals etc.
Following this advice, you’ll be able to show the recruiter that you are familiar with the company and explain what prompted your interest in the job offer you applied for.
Practical aspects
The first impression is very important so take your time to understand what to wear and what attitude to adopt.
Choosing the right outfit for a job interview is sometimes tricky. You must have a sober style, but know that it is good to adapt to the values conveyed by the company.
If these values are strict, choose a discreet and rather dark outfit. A trouser suit for women, a suit for men, dark in any case, and a light shirt will be welcomed.
If your job interview is for a more relaxed start-up, you can consider a slightly more smart casual outfit without being too crazy! When in doubt, always play the card of simplicity.
Simulating the job interview can help to correct some language problems or improve your gestures. For example, you can repeat aloud your answers in front of a mirror, record yourself or ask a friend to act as the recruiter.
The goal is to arrive at the interview with the certainty of what you want to say. Further, the more your speech is prepared, the less you will be stressed, the more you will be able to improvise and adapt to the interview.
Then, the least you can do is arrive on time. To avoid any delay, locate the places beforehand, and get there once before the interview day if you are afraid of getting lost. This will allow you to estimate the travel time and to be less stressed. If, despite everything, you have an unforeseen situation, phone your contact person to inform them of your delay.
Ideally do your best to arrive at the meeting place 10 minutes in advance.
Anticipate questions (and prepare answers in advance)
A job interview is a constructive exchange that allows the candidate, as the recruiter, to see if they are compatible or not. Therefore the procedure is very often similar from one interview to another.
There are some essential questions you can anticipate:
– “Tell me about yourself”
– “What are your shortcomings and qualities?”
– “What do you think you can bring to the company?”
– ‘Why should we choose you?’
At the end of the conversation, a good recruiter usually asks if you have any questions. Don’t be shy about asking: on the contrary, you’ll make a very good impression!
You can ask for more details about the company’s strategy, the team you will be joining or the compensation.
What to do at the end of the interview?
After speaking with the recruiter, be sure to ask them which will be the next steps: when the next interview will take place, when the decision will be made…
To end the conversation, you can thank the recruiter for their time, and to greet any other speakers who welcomed you when you arrived. A recruiter could ask about your attitude to the reception staff. The courtesy and respect you have shown will be a good sign of integration into your new team.
Now, all you have to do is go to the interview and get the job. Good luck!
And if you have any information to ask, send us an email: we are happy to assist you.