Looking for a job? You have responded to a job offer and have been invited for a job interview. This means that your CV has caught the attention of a potential employer. In the next step, it will be both your and the employer’s goal to determine whether you are the right candidate for the job.

In order to succeed in an interview, it is important to prepare ahead of time. Get as much information about the job as possible. If a recruitment agency has arranged a job interview for you, ask them for as much information about the job as possible. Go to the company’s website and try to find as much information about the company as possible. You need to show that you understand what’s important to the company, what their vision, plans and ambitions are, and that you are seriously interested in working for them.

Never be late for an interview! The ideal time to arrive for an interview is 10 minutes before it starts. Dress appropriately and comfortably. Be natural and calm.
Your goal is to have an answer ready for every question you are asked. Prepare answers in advance to questions you think they are likely to be interested in. Keep your answers short and positive. It is important that you provide examples of your experience. If you talk about your experiences at a previous job, speak in the nominative singular (“I”), not “we”. A potential employer is interested in you, not the whole team. Never speak negatively about a previous employer or colleagues, don’t criticise them even if you think otherwise. Allow plenty of time for answers and let the person finish speaking, don’t jump in.

If you are interviewing through a recruitment agency, ask about working hours, working environment, team, career development opportunities, remuneration, benefits. If you are interviewing directly with the company for which you are applying, it is preferable to ask these questions in the second round.

At the end of the interview you should know:

  • What exactly is the job description of the position?
  • What access does the company have to employees?
  • How long will the selection process take, how many rounds will it have?
  • When is the scheduled start time?
  • When will you find out the result of the interview?
  • Are there any additional documents to be supplied?

If by chance you fail, don’t hang your head. Try to move forward, improve your qualities and enrich them with more. Ask the employer for feedback to get an objective view of your abilities, skills, experience, demeanour and overall personality. We wish you good luck!