10 tips to ace your job interview
15 November 2013
Read by 2565 persons
Your CV and cover letter have caught the recruiters' attention. You have been invited for a job interview. This is a crucial step in the selection process. Prepare yourself properly. Maximize your chances by following StepStone's advice.
1. Choose appropriate attire
Carefully choose your outfit. Consider the position and company you are applying for. You will dress differently if you are interviewing at a law firm, an advertising agency or a construction company. Adapt your outfit to the company's 'style'. And be punctual!
2. Know who you will meet
Before entering your potential new employer's premises, take a look at your interview invitation and note the name of the person you are meeting. This way, you will be able to spontaneously give it to reception and greet the person by name with a firm handshake. You only get one chance to make a good first impression…
3. Be well-informed
There's a good chance the recruiter will ask what you know about their company. Research relevant information before the big day and answer this question positively. Align the information you have gathered with your profile to explain why you are the ideal candidate.
4. Review your documents
Know the content of your CV, cover letter, and the job offer. It may seem obvious, but too many candidates forget to reread these documents before a job interview.
5. Be spontaneous
Avoid literally reproducing what you have read in interview preparation books. It's very likely other candidates will have read them too. You need to stand out! It's better to be spontaneous and avoid clichés.
6. Be constructive
If you are asked for your opinion on the company, its website or anything else, be constructive. Don't openly criticize your potential employer. Keep in mind that you want them to hire you!
7. Don't complain or denigrate
Above all, don't denigrate your former employer or colleagues. Always stay positive. If HR asks why you want to change jobs, don't talk about personality clashes, for example. Instead, highlight your motivation and desire to take on new challenges.
8. Think about your strengths
You can't escape this one… The recruiter will ask what your strengths are. Your answer should be coherent and structured. Practice your answer before the interview and limit yourself to 3 or 4 strengths.
9. Carefully present your weaknesses
Another inevitable question: your weaknesses or flaws. Prepare for this in the same way as for your strengths and ensure balance. Don't mention 2 strengths and 4 weaknesses (or vice versa). For each weakness, try to end on a positive note. If you are disorganized, for example, specify that you always find your way around your clutter and that it doesn't prevent you from meeting deadlines.
10. Ask questions
Is curiosity a bad thing? Not if it's used wisely! In a job interview, you should be curious and ask questions, without appearing intrusive. At the end of the interview, ask a question about a point discussed during the conversation or about the position. However, avoid anything that could work against you. Asking about vacation days during a first interview is not a good idea…
Stepstone.lu
Posted on November 15, 2013.
1. Choose appropriate attire
Carefully choose your outfit. Consider the position and company you are applying for. You will dress differently if you are interviewing at a law firm, an advertising agency or a construction company. Adapt your outfit to the company's 'style'. And be punctual!
2. Know who you will meet
Before entering your potential new employer's premises, take a look at your interview invitation and note the name of the person you are meeting. This way, you will be able to spontaneously give it to reception and greet the person by name with a firm handshake. You only get one chance to make a good first impression…
3. Be well-informed
There's a good chance the recruiter will ask what you know about their company. Research relevant information before the big day and answer this question positively. Align the information you have gathered with your profile to explain why you are the ideal candidate.
4. Review your documents
Know the content of your CV, cover letter, and the job offer. It may seem obvious, but too many candidates forget to reread these documents before a job interview.
5. Be spontaneous
Avoid literally reproducing what you have read in interview preparation books. It's very likely other candidates will have read them too. You need to stand out! It's better to be spontaneous and avoid clichés.
6. Be constructive
If you are asked for your opinion on the company, its website or anything else, be constructive. Don't openly criticize your potential employer. Keep in mind that you want them to hire you!
7. Don't complain or denigrate
Above all, don't denigrate your former employer or colleagues. Always stay positive. If HR asks why you want to change jobs, don't talk about personality clashes, for example. Instead, highlight your motivation and desire to take on new challenges.
8. Think about your strengths
You can't escape this one… The recruiter will ask what your strengths are. Your answer should be coherent and structured. Practice your answer before the interview and limit yourself to 3 or 4 strengths.
9. Carefully present your weaknesses
Another inevitable question: your weaknesses or flaws. Prepare for this in the same way as for your strengths and ensure balance. Don't mention 2 strengths and 4 weaknesses (or vice versa). For each weakness, try to end on a positive note. If you are disorganized, for example, specify that you always find your way around your clutter and that it doesn't prevent you from meeting deadlines.
10. Ask questions
Is curiosity a bad thing? Not if it's used wisely! In a job interview, you should be curious and ask questions, without appearing intrusive. At the end of the interview, ask a question about a point discussed during the conversation or about the position. However, avoid anything that could work against you. Asking about vacation days during a first interview is not a good idea…
Stepstone.lu
Posted on November 15, 2013.
