Job interview:
Tips for standing out

Was your application a complete success, and you have now been invited to a face-to-face interview? Congratulations! Even if you have already been to many interviews, each interview has its own new challenges. As is often the case in life, thorough preparation for your interview is half the battle. We have outlined some interview tips below so that you can maximise your chance of landing your dream job!

Tips for interviews: preparation

Recruiters like self-confidence. Nervousness and uncertainty just won’t cut it. The best way to boost your self-confidence in interviews and stand out from other applicants is preparing properly.

Our tips for preparing for your interview:

Research the company. Get some information about the team you would be working in, the industry, the company’s image and its products, its culture and the company philosophy. The company website should be your main source of information.
Put together the right outfit for your interview in advance.
Prepare for frequently asked questions.
Factor in extra time for your journy. This will eliminate any stress in the event that your train is delayed or you get stuck in traffic.
Think about the documents you will need beforehand. This will ensure that you have enough time to obtain any missing documents and arrive for your interview well prepared.
Being nervous before an interview is normal. Just make sure that your nerves don’t prevent you from putting your best foot forward in your self-presentation. There are lots of different methods that can calm your nerves, such as breathing techniques or meditation.

Typical questions in an interview

There are a few typical interview questions that recruiters are almost certain to ask you. We recommend preparing answers to these questions. This will increase the chance of landing your dream job and make you much more confident in the interview. Prepare answers to these questions before each interview:

1

Could you please briefly introduce yourself?

2

What do you already know about our company?

3

Why did you apply for this job?

4

What are your strengths and weaknesses ?

5

What previous experience of yours do you think is relevant to this position?

6

How do you resolve conflicts?

7

Where do you think you will be in five years?

8

What motivates you?

It is also customary for recruiters to ask tricky questions in your interview in an attempt to draw you out of your shell. Respond in a confident manner and don't let yourself become rattled.

Practical tips during the interview

Interviews tend to have certain conventions and things in common. Having some tips for the interview in the back of your head helps you to feel more confident and appear more self-assured.

7 tips you can always use:

Honesty and authenticity are essential in an interview. Always be truthful and stand by any gaps in your CV. Recruiters often immediately pick up on inconsistencies and are very observant if something doesn’t add up.
Listen carefully, but don’t let your interviewer do all the talking. Asking questions is permitted, and shows your interest. Radiate positive energy, take care to display open body language and make it clear that you enjoy meeting new people.
Always make sure that you are punctual. Neither too late nor too early. If you are delayed, let your interviewer know in plenty of time.
Put yourself in the recruiter's shoes: What questions will they ask? Are you right for the company? Do you have the necessary skills and qualifications? Do you have the necessary motivation? Give the recruiter answers and reasons to hire you

When you are presenting yourself, don't simply list the different jobs in your CV. By outlining your professional career, make it clear that you are continuously moving forward in your specialist area and have developed your expertise.
Towards the end of the interview, it is time to ask well thought-out questions. Do not waste this opportunity. Show the recruiter that you are interested in the company and the position.
The issue of salary is also an integral part of your interview. Let the recruiter take the lead and answer the question about your desired salary with a salary range. Base your answer on salary comparison statistics and show that you are willing to compromise. But don’t be scared to negotiate and confidently show your worth.

8 possible questions for the employer

Applicants are always asked if they have any questions at the end of the interview. Take this opportunity. Asking questions shows the interviewer that you are familiar with the job description and are seriously interested in the company. Some example questions you can ask include:

What challenges can I expect?
How big is the team and/or department that I will be working in?
Which departments/employees will I be working with?
Which projects are coming up in the department?

Which strategic targets is the company pursuing over the next few years?
What is required of me that isn’t already stated in the job advertisement?
How is the onboarding process organised?
Are there any regular meetings with employees?

What happens after the interview? Tips for you

Did you smash the interview? Now it's time to wait for a response. But how long should you wait? Or have you already been given verbal confirmation that you have got the job, and now it's up to you to decide? We will give you tips on how to proceed after the interview.

If you haven’t heard back from the company by the agreed date, wait for another three to four days. If you still haven’t heard anything, call the company yourself and ask. It pays to be proactive!
Has the company left it up to you to decide whether or not you want the job, but you couldn’t decide within the agreed timeframe? We recommend asking the company for a little more time. A maximum of four days should be sufficient (remember – the competition never sleeps).
Did you receive an offer straight after the interview? We recommend not accepting straight away. Talk with people around you about what the new job would entail. At least sleep on it before making any decisions.