Do's and dont's for a job interview

Do’s

1.       Research the company

Make sure you know what the position you are applying for entails and what the company does exactly. To test this, you can always try to explain it to a friend. This way you will find out if you really understand it well. Additionally, you can look up the person who will be conducting the interview on LinkedIn beforehand, so you also know their position and can respond accordingly.Zorg dat je weet wat de functie inhoudt waarvoor je solliciteert en wat het bedrijf precies doet. Om dit te testen kun je altijd proberen dit aan een vriend of vriendin uit te leggen. Zo kom je erachter of je het écht goed begrijpt. Daarnaast kan je de persoon die de sollicitatie afneemt van te voren opzoeken op LinkedIn, zo weet je ook zijn/haar functie en kan je hier op inspelen.

2.       Prepare your story well

During an interview, you will always have to introduce yourself. You can prepare this well. The person in front of you wants to get to know you, so talk about your education, work experience, achievements, trainings and courses, and your hobbies. Here you can prepare a nice order and important things you want to highlight in advance.

3.       Be prepared for tough questions

You do not know exactly what questions you will be asked. But prepare for questions like; what are your weaknesses and strengths and give an example of a difficult situation you have solved. Make sure you do not exaggerate and be honest, but try to phrase it in a positive way. Sometimes it can happen that you just don't know. Then talk about a similar situation that showcases your skills.

4.       Good appearance

During an interview, you want to present yourself as well as possible. Looking well-groomed can contribute to this. You do not have to pull out a two-piece suit, but ensure a professional appearance. Avoid too short shirts and holes in your pants.

5.       Prepare your own questions

In addition to answering questions, it is also important to ask questions yourself. Think of questions about the tasks you will perform, the composition of the team, and for example about working from home. This way, you ensure that you are also well informed after the interview.

When you write down your questions in bullet points and take them to the interview, you ensure that you can actively listen. In addition, you do not forget any important questions.

6.       Salary indication

Often in an interview, you will be asked what you would like to earn. Make sure you have researched this beforehand. So that your expectations and those of the potential employer are clear.

Don’ts

In addition to tips for your job interview, there are also a number of things you want to try to avoid.

· Arriving late.

· Arriving more than fifteen minutes early. Are you too early? Take another walk or get a coffee.

· Smoking before the interview. The smell of cigarette smoke can be distracting during the interview. Try to postpone it until after your interview.

· Interrupting your conversation partner.

· Adopting a non-active posture. Try to sit with an open posture in front of your conversation partner. Upright in the chair and not too much with your arms crossed.

· Having difficulty naming positive skills/qualities about yourself.

· Using too much perfume or aftershave.

· Posting private photos on public social media.