Who doesn’t dream of the perfect job? One where we feel good, like our team and can grow in an atmosphere of respect and trust. What can you do to get a job like that? The first step is to present yourself well at the interview. Here are 10 tips that will help you.
1. Research the company
What is a recruiter’s nightmare? A candidate who doesn’t remember which position they applied for and doesn’t know what the company does. Luckily, we live in great times: all it takes is a few minutes on the company’s website, and you can even do it on your way to the interview. Keep a list of the job ads you apply for, so you can check the details when you need to. Who knows, maybe while researching the company you’ll come up with a brilliant idea for improvement that will impress the CEO?
2. Prepare answers to the most likely questions
The good news is that most interview questions are predictable. You can expect questions such as:
- What is your experience?
- What exactly did you do in your previous role?
- Why do you want to change jobs?
- What do you expect from this job?
- What are your salary expectations?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What was your relationship with your previous manager?
- Where do you see yourself professionally in a few years?
- What did you do during your studies, both professionally and in student organisations?
- Tell me about a failure and how you dealt with it.
- What successes are you proud of?
- How would you handle a situation in which… (think of difficult situations typical for your industry, such as a demanding client or a late payment from a contractor).
Be honest about your skills. If your CV says you speak English at B2 level, but when asked to switch to English you say you need time to prepare, it may make the recruiter question your honesty.
3. Prepare a story about yourself
Everyone has a story, and so do you. Instead of using clichés, create an engaging story that shows the path that led you to where you are today. Show your transformation, the difficulties you faced and the crises you overcame. Talking about your failures can be an asset, especially if you show what you learned and how you changed the way you work. It will help you stand out from the crowd.
4. Dress appropriately
Choose an outfit that is neat and slightly more formal than what employees of the company wear every day. Make sure your clothes are clean and ironed, and avoid anything see-through, very short or with a deep neckline. Prepare your outfit the day before, so you don’t have to worry about it in the morning. That way, you’ll make a good first impression, which is impossible to undo.
5. Prepare for an online interview
More and more first interviews take place online. Test your camera, microphone and internet connection in advance, choose a quiet place with good lighting and a tidy background, and look into the camera when you speak, not at your own image.
6. Arrive a little early
A safe buffer is about 20 minutes. In many companies, you have to go through reception, sign in and get a visitor badge. You may also want to freshen up or collect your thoughts. It’s better to take a short walk outside the building than to rush into the meeting out of breath, apologising for the traffic. Companies often have a limited number of meeting rooms, so if you’re very late, you may lose your slot. Several people may have rearranged their schedules to meet you, and when there’s a lot of competition, every detail counts.
7. Maintain eye contact with everyone
How can you tell that someone is confident and experienced in working with people? They maintain eye contact, but with everyone present at the meeting. If three people are interviewing you, give each of them some attention and look at all of them from time to time. I know, it’s hard when you’re stressed, but it’s worth the effort. How would you feel if, at a social event, someone ignored you and spoke only to one person for an hour? Probably left out. Rise to the occasion and show what you can do.
8. Stay patient and calm
The recruiter may ask about something that’s already in your CV, or the same questions may come up again at the next stage. Don’t get irritated or say things like “as I said before” or “it’s in my CV, didn’t you read it?” Remember that your CV is just a teaser. A good recruiter can learn a lot from how you talk about a topic. Go to the interview with an open and curious mindset. The people on the other side have their own worries and challenges, just like you. An interview is a chance not only to show your skills and experience, but also to find out whether the company is right for you.
9. Prepare your own questions
At the end of most interviews, you’ll hear: “Do you have any questions for us?” It’s worth having two or three ready, for example about what a typical day looks like, how success in the role is measured or what the team is like. Good questions show that you’re genuinely interested and help you decide whether this is the right place for you.
10. Don’t ghost the recruiter
Ghosting, or disappearing without warning, doesn’t only happen in dating. Looking for a job is a dynamic process: you may get another offer sooner or simply change your mind. If you can’t attend the interview, send the recruiter an email or text. It shows class and respect. This company may not be your priority right now, but you never know whether you’ll want to work there in the future or meet the same people at business events. It’s a shame to risk being blacklisted when letting someone know takes only a few seconds.
Summary
To present yourself well in an interview, prepare thoroughly, be yourself and treat the conversation as a two-way meeting. Research the company, practise your answers and your story, take care of your appearance and arrive on time. Good luck!
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Author:
Hi, I’m Magda Kern. I’m a psychologist, the top 11 public speaking coach worldwide, a lecturer, working for companies from the Fortune 500 list, a business trainer with 12 years of experience, a TEDx coach, and an ex-vocalist based in Switzerland. I help people prepare and deliver unforgettable presentations and deal with stress.