Mila Haase

Talented International

Congratulations! You have been invited to an interview for a job you have always dreamed of. The first step has already been taken. But as much as you are looking forward to the interview, you feel panic taking control of your body and uncertainty taking over. What should I wear? What should I say? How should I behave? What will they ask me?

Don’t panic – we’ve got you!

Here are 6 tips to follow to be perfectly prepared and impress in the interview.

Most job interviews follow a system with different phases:

 

1. Small talk
2. Getting to know each other
3. Introducing yourself
4. Enquiries
5. Conclusion

 

 

In order to go through all these stages successfully, you must first prepare yourself so that you do not have to think about the answers you want to give in the interview.

Do some research.

Find out some facts about the history and development of the company. Although I assume you already know a lot about the company you have applied to because you are very impressed with them and want to work for them, it is always good to go into detail. What is their history? What is the mentality like? How many employees does it have? Where is the company located? What skills are needed and what can I offer? What is the dress code? Also do some research on the employer and the people who will be attending the interview. To do this, you can simply ask who will be there and search for them on LinkedIn, for example. You might find common interests or hobbies. That would be great for the first phase – Small talk.

 

 

 

Self-presentation.

Prepare a short but effective presentation of yourself, but do not repeat your CV again. You have already read it, so now is your chance to impress them with your personality and convince them that you are the right candidate for the job.

You can follow this formula: I am – I can – I will. First say who you are and what you do, then mention the unique skills and experience you bring. Complete the sentence by explaining how you will profitably use these skills and experiences to add value.

 

 

 

Take notes.

Use your notes in the interview as well. The myth that bringing notes will leave a bad impression is nonsense. Rather, it shows that you are motivated and committed. You can also take notes during the interview. However, avoid just staring at your notes all the time. Speak freely and use them only as a memory aid or to write down important information.

 

 

 

Bring your application with you.

Know your own application documents and take them with you even if your interviewer did not bring them! Nothing is more embarrassing than if you cannot answer questions about your personal data correctly. You can assume that your interviewer has also checked your CV and cover letter and prepared for the interview. Don’t mix up your different professional stations and don’t contradict yourself in what you have written in your CV and what you say.

 

 

 

Prepare answers.

Think about answers you can give to common questions asked in an interview. This will help you avoid silence between the questions and your answers.

 

Frequently questions asked:

• Tell me something about you.
• Why do you think we should hire you?
• Why do you want this job?
• What are your strengths & weaknesses?

 

 

Prepare some queries.

When you get the chance to ask your questions, use it! By asking questions, you show your thorough preparation. And a great side effect is that you get to know the company even better.

 

Possible queries:

• What do you expect from the perfect candidate for that position?
• What skills do you need?
• How would you describe your corporate culture?
• When can I expect your decision?

 

 

Follow our tips and the next interview will be much better than the last.

Good luck!

Sources:

Jochen Mai, Vorstellungsgespräch Vorbereitung: 10 Tipps für 5 Phasen, 27.07.2022

 

 

Thomas DUPORT

thomas.duport@talentedint.com

Talent Sales Account Manager

Talented International – Artificial Intelligence Recruiting

Barcelona – Berlin – Dublin – Paris

Phone : +33 1 84 88 97 97

 

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