10 tips for a successful job interview

2019-12-10

1. Adapt outfit: When choosing your outfit, be aware of what kind of company you have applied for: Are jeans and t-shirt or a dress shirt okay, or should it be a suit?

2. Be on time: You should always plan with a little more time for the commute than you actually need. Arriving late could leave the impression that the appointment is not a priority to you.

3. Be positive: Go into the conversation optimistically and try not to think too much about a possible negative outcome. Your positive attitude and good mood will be noticed.

4. Be prepared: Be prepared for the interviewer to ask in depth questions about your background and any gaps in your CV. Think in advance about what you want to say, so that you don't have long conversation pauses while considering what to answer. In addition, it is good to know beforehand what you would like to emphasize, in line with the requirements for the position.

5. Know yourself: It is important to know your strengths and weaknesses. Questions may relate to critical situations and how you have dealt with as well as what you have learnt from them. Which project could have gone better or which difficulties did you have with customers and how did you resolve them at the time? How do you deal with disappointment and mistakes? 

6. Be informed: A good preparation for an interview does not only include learning everything about the job, but also about the company. Which products does the company manufacture, which markets and customers does it serve? If you can shine with in-depth knowledge when asked, this not only signals interest, but also that you are committed to things that you tackle.

7. Ask questions: At the end of an interview at the latest, you will be given the opportunity to discuss any unanswered questions you may have. This is where it pays to think about questions or things that might be important to you in advance. For example, on the size and structure of the team and how the training will be carried out.

8. Be professional: Expressing dissatisfaction with the former or current employer in the interview can seem rather petty and unpleasant. If criticism is mentioned, then you should limit yourself to content-related or structural points. It is better to concentrate on why you are enthusiastic about the job offered and why you applied for it.

9. Be attentive: Talk about yourself. Questions should be answered directly and with as much information as necessary, but don't get into too much detail. Give the interviewer the opportunity to follow up on things you've said. Listen attentively when your interviewer talks, so you have the opportunity to mention important topics or stages from your CV at the appropriate time during the conversation.

10. Be relaxed: In all the preparation and interview stress, don't forget that the job interview is for both of you. Not only you present yourself, the company also introduces itself and has an interest in recruiting you. It is a conversation in which both parties get the opportunity to get to know each other. Even if being tense is sometimes unavoidable, in the end it is never as bad as you might think.