The job interview is probably the most important step you will take in your job search journey and will be the opportunity for you to show the employer why are you the best person for the job.
You won´t get a second chance to make a good first impression during the job interview, therefore it is important to prepare well. Interview preparation is key to success and below we will provide you with some useful tips.
DO
- Dress to impress. Make sure your clothes are clean, ironed and presentable
- Make eye contact, and begin with a strong handshake.
- Sit still, with your feet’s on the ground
- Let the interviewer speak
- Remember your CV details
- Make note of your questions
DON'T
- Arrive late for the interview
- Dress inappropriately
- Smoke before the interview
- Lie in your CV or when asked a question at interview
- Criticise your current or previous employer
- Don´t forget the name of your interviewee
- Don´t be confrontational
Click here for DO´s and DON´Ts:
If you sound professional and respectful during your interview, you can have a positive impact on your interviewer and this will possibly increase your chances to get the job.
Before you start, some tips:
Be on time!
You should know how long it takes to get to the interview and be there at least 10-15 minutes earlier. This shows you are well prepared and you get to show off some time management skills before they even meet you.
Before the interview
Turn off your phone
Sit straight and wait patiently
During the interview:
When you are called, shake hands and introduce yourself
Thank the employer/hiring manager for inviting you for the interview, it´s just good etiquette and costs nothing.
Enter the room with enthusiasm and smile. Don´t forget about eye contact!
Wait to be offered a seat, it´s a bad etiquette to take a seat before being asked to.
Be careful with your body language, slouching comes across as too casual and uninterested. Sit up straight both feet on the floor.
If you can´t say anything nice about someone, don´t say anything. Don´t criticise your current or previous employer.
Don´t be afraid to ask questions: it´s your turn to find more about the company. For example what is their management style, working atmosphere, promotion opportunities, etc. It´s recommendable to ask 2-3 questions to show them you are really interested in the position.
Leaving the interview:
Say again how interested you are in the job, thank them and shake hands again. Smile!
Do not turn the mobile phone on until you have left the building.
What to wear for a job interview:
When it comes to a job interview, first impressions are important and being able to dress accordingly will help you feel more confident. Although it might seem quite natural to on your best cloths, you need to bear in mind several additional factors. You should feel comfortable and confident; so wear cloths that make you feel that way.
Tips for women candidates
Clothing: make sure you wear a professional, clean and ironed shirt or blouse without a deep neckline. If you wear a skirt, be sure that the skirt is not too short. Don´t forget to put on tights or stockings under your skirt. Alternatively, wear trousers.
Colours: It depends on where you are going for the interview, but try not to mix too many colours and more than two different patterns.
Shoes: Don´t wear flip-flops or sandals. If you decide for a closed toe shoes, you´ll be on the safe side.
Jewellery: stay away from too much jewellery!
Make-up: Don´t overdo the make-up, keep it conservative and natural looking
Tattoos and piercings: cover them and remove facial piercings, at least for the interview.
Tips for male candidates
Clothing: wear clean, ironed long sleeve shirt and a clean jacket.
Colours: wear a shirt of a solid colour. Avoid loud colours and flashy ties.
Shoes: make sure they look clean and polished. Try to match the colour of the socks
Tattoos and piercings: cover them and remove facial piercings, at least for the interview.