How to prepare for an interview
The final stage in the job application process is the interview with the employer. If your application attracts the employer’s attention, you will be invited to an interview, where the employer will evaluate how suitable you are for the job, and you will have the chance to present yourself in more detail.
How can you prepare before the interview?
Like any activity, an interview requires preparation to ensure the best possible performance. But what can you do in this regard?
Research the organization/ company/ institution, the activities they carry out, the values they have, as well as the position you applied for. Most likely, you already analyzed these aspects once when you prepared your CV and cover letter. You will need to go through the information again before the interview, go into more detail, and think about how your answers could integrate the information obtained and what skills and experiences are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Think in advance about the questions and answers you could provide during the interview. Although it is not guaranteed that a specific question will be asked during the interview, there are still some common questions or types of information that are often requested in such situations. It is important to think ahead about what questions you might be asked and how you could answer them, to ensure you do not omit relevant information, but also to feel more prepared and confident. At the same time, be careful not to get stuck on the answers you have prepared. The answers are a base of information, but what is relevant from them will vary from case to case.
Frequently asked interview questions
Questions about the employer/role: Why do you want to work with us? What are your expectations for the job? Why do you fit the company/organization?
Questions about yourself: What do you do in your free time? What are your qualities? What motivates you? What are your weaknesses? (be sure to mention how you improve them)
Questions about past experience: What challenges have you faced in your experience so far? How did you overcome them? What did you learn from them? Why did you leave your previous job? What is your most important achievement?
Questions to ask the employer at the end – Tips
You can use these questions as a chance to learn about the organization/company or your future role. Examples of questions could be: “What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?”, “How do you think the organization/company will change in the coming years?”, “What is the usual career path for someone in this position?”, “What professional training opportunities exist?”, “How would you describe the company’s organizational culture?”
Use the information you have already obtained in your research of the employer to formulate your questions.
Think of concrete examples you can provide from your professional, educational, and personal experiences. It is important that your answers are not vague or generic. Concrete examples are the best way to personalize your answers and stand out from other interviewees.
At the end of the interview, you will usually be asked if you have any questions for the employer. It is important to ask at least one question, as it shows that you are interested in the position and the future job. To be prepared, think in advance about a series of questions you could ask.
Get used in advance to the atmosphere during the interview and the type of attitude you will need to have. Simulate different types of interviews on your own and practice your answers in front of a mirror. Ask a friend or acquaintance to play the role of the employer and behave exactly as you would during the interview.
How should you behave during the interview?
You have prepared for the interview and the long-awaited day has arrived. No matter how prepared you are, the most important thing is how you behave during the interview itself: how you answer, gestures, social etiquette.
Be punctual. It is recommended to arrive 10-15 minutes before the interview.
Wear appropriate attire. You can adapt the exact outfit depending on the company/organization, but usually a formal outfit is necessary. Before attending the interview, research the dress code of the industry in which the company or organization operates.
Listen carefully. Listen to the questions fully and ask for clarification if any aspect is unclear.
Be adaptable. Adjust your behavior and responses according to the context, the questions asked, and the behavior or attitude of the interviewers.
Be professional. Your behavior is as important as the answers you give. Use appropriate, formal language, maintain eye contact with the interviewer, and adopt an enthusiastic but not excessive attitude. If the interview is with multiple interviewers, make sure to maintain eye contact with all of them and not look only at one person. At the end of the interview, thank the interviewers for their time.
Be confident. Nonverbal language (gestures, posture) and a confident attitude contribute to a positive impression and increase the chances of success. Avoid nervous gestures or tics, and maintain eye contact and straight posture.
Do not criticize former colleagues or employers. You may be asked why you chose to leave your previous job. Regardless of the circumstances of your departure, adopt a diplomatic attitude in your answer. |
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Video interviews
It is possible that the interview is conducted online via a video conferencing platform instead of in person. In such cases, you must prepare accordingly, and below are some specific tips:
Check your internet connection, as well as the proper functioning of your computer, microphone, and video conferencing platform before starting the interview. In case of technical problems, contact the interviewer as soon as possible to inform them and reschedule.
It is recommended to connect to the interview from a quiet, distraction-free environment. Find a quiet, well-lit room without noise or distracting background elements.
Even if the interview is online, make sure you are dressed professionally and have proper posture.
During the interview, maintain eye contact with the camera. As much as possible, do not look around or away from the camera, as this could create the impression that you are using external sources and create a negative image.
Avoid using artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, like ChatGPT, to generate answers during the interview. In most cases, the interviewer will notice this and interpret it as unprofessional behavior, which undermines the credibility of the interview.
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