Useful interview tips

Searching for a job is a difficult and often soul-destroying process. However, by following some general guidelines and paying the necessary attention to all the details during the search, you have the opportunity to choose the right job and the ideal employer. Before the interview

• It is important to do good research about the company. Gather information about its history, its objective and its culture.
• Do some revision by re-reading the description and basic requirements of the position in order to prepare corresponding examples indicating your qualifications and experience.
• Find out the name of the interviewer and seek information about their professional background.
• Prepare a list of people you have worked with and to whom the company could turn for recommendations, as it is very likely that you will be asked to produce such a list.
• Write down any questions you may have about the position to ask the interviewer.
• Recognize the strengths and weaknesses of your character. Show how you have developed your skills and how you have used them successfully in your work. Also, indicate the ways in which you have improved your weaknesses. The courage to admit your shortcomings is always appreciated.
• It will be good to have set clear goals. The potential employer may ask you about your long-term and short-term career goals.
• Take care of your appearance. Having already researched the company, you should customize your outfit according to its dress code. If you are not sure about the dress code, you should make sure that the clothes you choose are clean, without tears and not too casual.
• Make sure you are punctual. It is important to arrive at the premises 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time of the interview. However, if for some exceptional reason you realize that you are going to be late, you must absolutely notify the interviewer in time, before the appointment, to let them know that you are going to be late and apologize for the delay.
• Turn off your cell phone. Even the sound of vibration during the interview can make a negative impression.

During the interview

• The interview begins with your entry into the company’s offices. How you speak to the secretary, how you walk, whether you are polite; your entire behavior is observed.
• Once you meet the interviewer, make sure you make eye contact and combine it with a steady handshake.
• Upon entering the room, allow the interviewer to indicate where you will be sitting.
• During the interview, make sure you stay focused so that you understand the questions they will ask you. However, if you are not sure about a question, it is better to ask for clarifications than to answer vaguely.
• In your answers, pay attention to your expressions, use professional language and avoid any reference to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation that may raise issues of discrimination.
• Focus on body language. Sit up straight, slightly tilting forward (sign of interest) and focus on your potential employer.
• Make sure your answers are balanced, while exuding confidence, professionalism and humility.
• Avoid negative descriptions of your previous employer even if you had an unpleasant experience. Respond diplomatically and focus on the positives you have gained.
• Show interest by asking questions about the nature of the job, the company or development prospects.
• If you do not have any questions for the interviewer but you feel that you did not answer a question as well as you would like, you can go back to it and rephrase your answer.
• Make sure you are aware of the range of wages in the market for the industry you represent, so that you can negotiate in the event of an offer from your employer.
• Be yourself, keep calm and be honest in your answers. Mention your personal qualities and values and indicate how they match the position and the culture of the company.
• Before you leave, get informed about the next steps as well as the time frames of the selection process.
• As you leave, do not forget to thank the interviewer with a firm handshake for offering you the opportunity to meet.

After the interview

• Send a thank you email to the interviewer for the opportunity for an interview and for taking the time to meet with you.
• Make a list of what went well during the interview and what needs to be improved so that you can correct it in a future interview.
• If you do not receive any response within the time they told you they would notify you, do not hesitate to approach the interviewer discreetly to find out if there is any progress.