A first job, or even a change of job, is usually a watershed moment in a person's life. It's a known fact that for a job we need an interesting CV, experience, education degree, and even sometimes valuable courses and certifications. But let's assume that somehow we've already made it through the first stage of recruitment and the crucial moment comes - the job interview. This is basically where the most stressful stage in the whole process begins. How do you do it to perform at your best? How to prepare for possible questions? How to dress, how to behave? If you too are facing a job interview and don't know how to prepare for it, or simply want to educate yourself for the future, this article is for you. Get to know some useful interview tips and tricks to get your dream job!
How to generally perform well at a job interview?
It's a known fact that no one will give you a recipe for such a well-conducted interview that the employer will immediately give you a contract to sign, but there are a few useful interview tips and tricks that will certainly make the interviewer look at you much better.
- Be there on time. There is no more insulting thing to another person than being late. It just shows that you are not taking the situation seriously. Be preferably ahead of time so that you have a chance to sit down and cool off before just going into the interview.
- Don't make up lies. If the person interviewing you starts asking questions you weren't ready for, don't make up. Answer honestly, and perhaps even ignorance made up for with honesty will come off better?
- Don’t be scared to ask the questions yourself. If you want to show extra interest, prepare yourself some questions that are not too difficult and not too obtrusive - your future boss or supervisor will appreciate it!
- Have something to take notes on. It is possible that during the meeting you will be given some instructions or information that it would be better to note down rather than try to remember.
- Don't be shy about stress. If you feel stressed, don't try to pretend to be calm or overly relaxed. Nerves are a human thing, you certainly won't be seen any worse because of it!
- Listen carefully to the person who is interviewing you. Try to show interest and follow the conversation, and even make eye contact. Looking at the wall and muttering under your breath can only make the other person angry.
- Use nice language. Keep your expressions grammatically nice and free of vulgarities.
- Body language! This is an important element. Sit up straight, do not avoid eye contact and do not be tense. This also contributes to a good impression.
- Don't ask about earnings. It is the interviewer who will inform you of how much you will be getting, don't be overbearing and don't be pushy.
- Remember to be friendly and polite. Say hello, goodbye and thank you as you should. Personal culture is an important factor in how others will perceive you
What to wear for a job interview?
Let’s start from the very basics. Human beings are visual by nature. This means, more or less, that the interviewer’s first impression will absolutely be based on your appearance. In this context, however, it will not be your beauty, but styling - chosen appropriately for the seriousness of the occasion. The way you dress is essential in the interview etiquette!
Let's get down to specifics, then. We should dress neatly and as elegantly as possible for a job interview. However, it does not have to be the level of elegance as for a wedding or other lofty occasion. Consider semi elegant or business casual, i.e. elegant trousers and shirt for men instead of a suit, and elegant trousers and, for example, a jumper for women. If the female gender chooses to bare their legs, tights are an important part of the outfit. Also remember not to wear a lot of jewelry, or the ones that cause "technical problems" in the form of loud noises at the slightest movement, or easily attach to your clothes, hair, etc.
It goes without saying to take care of hygiene - to smell nice, have clean nails and hair that is not greasy. As for make-up, if you feel the need to retouch imperfections, yes, let's do it, as well as delicately highlighting your assets in the form of painting your eyelashes, but don't overdo it, so your make-up doesn't look like it's for a New Year's Eve party.
Should you get to know the company before getting a job?
The answer is, of course, yes! You should know basically everything there is possible to know about the company you are recruiting for. So this is the range of activities that the company deals with, perhaps its goals, missions and visions for the near future. Also familiarize yourself with news about the company, its website and social media profiles. Under no circumstances, ask basic questions about the company's activities of the person who will be recruiting you! You will only show ignorance and lack of interest, which could effectively end your adventure with the company.
How to prepare for possible interview questions?
It is of for sure impossible to prepare for all the questions a recruiter will ask you, but there is a set of basic questions that come up at almost every job interview. These will include, for example:
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why did you choose this particular company?
- What are your interests and passions?
- Where do you see yourself in the next X years?
- Your experience in the profession, described in more detail than in your CV, and many, many others.
Remember that you are not obliged to answer all questions. Some of them may, of course, seem too personal or uncomfortable for you, so by all means, don't be afraid to simply ask the next question. It may also be that you will not be asked any questions, but preparing for the interview in advance will save you unnecessary stress and help boost your confidence. If you want to learn more, check the list of the most common job interview questions and answers!
