How to prepare for a job interview?

Expecting a job interview? Whether you are a recent graduate or want to change your job, it is important to prepare well for the interview.

The job interview is usually the second or third step in process of selecting candidates. Not every candidate gets an interview invitation. If you’re invited to the interview, give yourself a pat on the back - you are among the lucky ones who attracted a recruiter or future boss and was invited for a personal introduction. Your preparation is very important because an experienced recruiter or interviewing manager needs just a few seconds or minutes to decide whether you’re a suitable candidate for the position. For this reason, it is necessary to impress the interviewer.

What are the most frequently asked questions during the interview?

Of course, it depends on what kind of job or job you are applying for, but we can expect that some of these questions can be found for each interview.

• What type of work you are looking for?
• Why would you like to work for us?
• What do you expect from working here?
• Why did you leave your previous job?
• What were your job description and responsibilities at your last job?
• How was your typical work day?
• What do you see as your biggest contribution to the company?
• Why would you choose this position?
• How does your education correspond to the requirements of the position?
• What do you consider to be three of your positive qualities, and what are three that you want to change.
• What are your professional goals for the next 5 or 10 years?
• What is your experience in leadership?
• How do you envision your financial renumeration?
• When would you be able to start?

During the job interview and how to prepare for it?

The entire job interview can be divided into three basic parts. The first step is the preparation before the job interview. The second step is the day of the interview. The third and final step is the interview itself.

Preparation before the job interview

Find out as much information about the company as you can

Getting the maximum information about the company can be very useful for adapting your answers to their questions. Find out the exact name of the company, products, services, corporate policy and culture projects, financial situation, size and competition. To search for such information, use the company’s website, social networks, and databases of public institutions.

We recommend: The best information comes from people who work in the organization or know someone who worked for there. This information will help bring important points.

Find information about the person who will lead your job interview

Try to find out who will be with you to perform a job interview. For smaller companies it is likely to be one person - the owner or managing director. For larger companies that have their own personnel department, it would be somewhat complicated, but you may be able to find information about who the interviewer could be.

We recommend: Try to use Internet search engines to obtain such information. You might find previous experiences of job seekers.

The different questions asked by recruiters and future supervisors

It is important to note the differences between an interview that is conducted with a recruiter and that done by a potential boss. While the personnel manager is likely to ask basic questions (Why do you want to work in this position?, What about salary? When can you start?). Future bosses ask you for work specific experience, expertise or particular benefits for the company. They will also collect information about your motivation, skills, crisis management and integration into your team.

Questions that you need to know the answers to

Here are many common questions that HR or future superiors may ask during a job interview.

Job description

Knowledge of the specific job is a very important part of preparing for an interview. Find all information duties and requirements that are associated with the job. Try to think about how you fulfilled the requirements in previous positions.

Experience and references

Prepare yourself for the fact that interviewers may ask you questions that will be associated with your experience. They also may want proof of these skills and knowledge (work reference from a previous employer).

Do not be afraid to show your strengths. Often people are afraid to sell or highlight their strengths for interviews. Sell ​​your strengths, personality traits, qualifications, experience and professional success.

 We recommend: During the interview don’t be afraid to ask questions that are related to the job description and information about the company. You can prove to future employers that you are really interested in the job and in the company.

Interview in a foreign language

If you have your CV (resume) stated that you speak a foreign language, prepare for the possibility that a portion or the entire job interview will be conducted in the foreign language.

We recommend: Before the interview, prepare answers to frequently asked questions in the foreign language. Next, study the your resume and cover letter in that language. This will help you to quickly respond to the questions asked.

Preparing clothes for an interview

Appropriate and decent clothes for an interview can be a great way to show your interest in the position you are applying for. Your clothes should be decent, professional, clean, ironed and always one step more formal than how you normally dress.    We recommend: Trying out what you will wear to test whether it is comfortable for you and whether you feel confident in it. Clothing should match the position you are applying for. You cannot go wrong by dressing formally, and what you wear demonstrates your determination to fill the position.   5 Final Tips

At the end of the process of preparing for a job interview, we have five basic tips that will help you prepare for the job interview.

• Have the necessary documents ready (printed resume, cover letter, job evaluation, diplomas, documents and enough copies of these documents).
• Try to imagine aloud and answer frequently asked questions.
• Think of the interview as a meeting to present the best side of yourself.
• Go to bed on time, so you have energy in the morning and have enough time to get to the interview.
• Remember that the most important thing is the timely arriving on time.

The day of the interview

Now let’s talk about what to expect for the day of the interview.   Dress and check all your materials

You should have everything prepared from the previous day. Therefore, we recommend that you dress comfortably, and just check your documents. Remember to take the materials that are needed for the interview.

We recommend: Have copies of everything you so you can hand them to the interviewers.

Come trim and smart

For some, this point is a matter of course, but still worth mentioning. Personal hygiene and timely arrival may decide whether you get the job. Therefore, make sure you take care of your personal hygiene (cut nails, clean teeth, combed hair). For the person who will interview you, there is nothing worse than dealing with offensive body odor.

We recommend: Before the interview, take mints or use a breath freshener.

Come on time

This point we consider very important, and being late can significantly decide on the further course of the interview and your eventual employment. So be really precise, and come to the interview on time. The ideal time would be 10 minutes before the scheduled time of the interview. If you have never been too the company’s office, plan your trip the day before.

We recommend: Timely arrival can help you get an idea of ​​the corporate environment and help you become familiar with the corporate culture.

Be polite, as is appropriate

Your demeanor and body language can tell a lot to the interviewer about you. Experienced HR professionals and managers have the experience to detect your traits from your body movement.

From the moment you enter the room, try to be nice. Smile and be polite. Under no circumstance should you talk indecently (profanity is not acceptable).

Do not cross your hands, do not yawn, do not slouch or lean on your elbows. Don’t play with a pencil.

A handshake is more important than ever in this situation. Test your handshake with someone who you know will you tell you the truth (ideally a family member). Find the right balance for the push, which should be neither strong nor “dead fish”. A handshake should be especially robust and confident.

We recommend: If you can not concentrate and have a problem with unsteady hands, hold a ballpoint pen.

A few tips at the end

Even small details can decide. Men are advised, if required by the particular position, to wear a properly fitting suit and clean shoes, and carry a pen and necessary materials. Ladies are recommend to wear well-chosen clothes according to the specific position. For both, it is important to remember to dress professionally, ensure good personal hygiene, and have clean and comfortable clothes because how you dress says a lot about you to the interviewers.

Interview itself

  Before us is the last and most important part of your job interview. It can decide on your further career development.

Turn off your mobile phone

Mobile phones must be turned off during the interview or at least turn off the ringtone and vibration. Avoid the embarrassing situation of the phone ringing during the interview and having to apologize.   We recommend: Phone off completely.

Entering the room

Try to be natural and in no case do not try to pretend to be someone you are not. Be positive and smile. Remember that your handshake says a lot about you. Wait until you are invited to and then sit down.

Interview

Do not start a conversation, listen and do not interrupt any personal advisor or supervisor.

Control the movements of your body, use gestures (but don’t overdo it).

Try to express yourself clearly, understandably and not talk too quickly or slowly. Your answers must relate exclusively to professional careers.

Act naturally, and signify your interest and your strengths.  

What to avoid during an interview

Do not try to create a false impression of yourself. If the situation does not require it, do not use the technical details.

Do not avoid the answers. Do not criticize any people, colleagues or superiors.

Do not get ahead of conducting of the interview. The discussion must be lead by company representative.

We recommend: Never lie. Sooner or later it will come out, and you won’t be able to avoid unpleasant situations.  

Ask questions

If during the interview you did not answer the necessary questions that relate to the job, do not be afraid to ask.

• Will I receive training for this position?
• I am very interested in this position. Do you think that my experience is sufficient for obtaining the position?
• What is the culture of your company like?
• Who will be my direct supervisor?
• Will I have any subordinates? How many?
• What powers and duties does this position have?
• Is it possible for me to be part of the recruitment process in the event that it is necessary to adopt a new team member?
• What are the next steps of the selection process?
• What is the organizational structure of the department?
• What is the status of your company on the local, regional and world market?

  Conclusion of the interview   At the end of the interview be sure to thank your interviewer for the invitation. You may ask, what are the next steps in the selection process. Make sure to pleasantly say goodbye to all participants. 

We believe that the advice given here will help you to obtain the desired position. However, if you fail, do not be disappointed. For each interview have, you will improve your skills and be better prepared for the next one. Learn from your mistakes, and next time it will definitely work out.