A job interview is always exciting for a potential employee. After all, the employer can prepare well and as an employee you do not actually know in advance how the conversation will go. The employer is in control. That is why good preparation is also very important from the employee’s side.
Knowledge of the company
The preparation starts by immersing yourself in the company. View and read the company’s website carefully. The employer will undoubtedly ask you why you want to work at his company . Then it is important to show that you already have knowledge of the company. If there is little information on the internet, you can ask the company in advance to send an annual report or brochure. This immediately shows your interest in the company. If necessary, ask people who already work at the company to ask what the company culture is like. You can do this, for example, with friends who work there or with a former colleague of the company.
Get information about the job
Make sure you know exactly what the vacancy entails. If necessary, call for more information. Also prepare your answers to questions about your weaknesses and strengths for this position.
Sell yourself
Write down in advance what your strengths are, so that you present yourself well. Practice in advance so that you make a good and prepared impression. Please note that your strengths also match the requested requirements. There is little point in emphasizing that you are very technical when applying for an administrative position.
Prepare questions yourself
Of course, most potential employers will ask you all kinds of questions, but it makes a good impression if you also have questions yourself. For example, ask questions about the company and the position. It is advisable to ask, for example, about the team you will be working in and the degree of independence in the position. It is also good to ask for more details with general company information, so that you show that you are genuinely interested in the company. Feel free to bring your questionnaire with you to the job interview. This shows that you have prepared yourself well.
Role-play the job interview
You go to a job interview with confidence if you have already practiced. You can do this by role-playing with a friend or family member. Your conversation partner plays the person who will conduct the job interview. Present that person with a questionnaire containing frequently asked questions during a job interview and ask your interviewer to be critical and provide feedback if necessary. It is important that your conversation partner points out when you give a bad answer or leave an insecure or perhaps haughty impression. It is also important to introduce yourself in two minutes. Here you talk about your education(s), work experience, knowledge, skills and possibly your career wishes. Feel free to mention in your job interview that you suffer from a healthy dose of nerves. Almost every employer will understand that.
Other preparatory actions
- Leave on time so that you arrive on time. It is better to arrive too early than too late. That makes a very bad impression.
- Program the telephone number of the company you need to go to in your mobile phone, together with the name of your contact person. If something happens along the way (car breakdown) you can let us know.
- Make sure you know how to drive or which bus, train and metro to take. If you take public transport, take a train or bus earlier to ensure you are on time.
- Have the clothes you want to wear to the interview ready so you don’t have to stress about finding your clothes.
- If you want to take a portfolio or something else with you, it is important to also have this ready in a bag so that you do not forget to take it with you. Make sure you put it in sight so you don’t forget the bag!