Job interview

The most important advice on preparing for a job interview is to pretend that you already have the job. Picture it as clearly as you can: what would you be wearing? How would you introduce yourself? What should you already know, and what would you want to know? What would be the first thing that you would do in your new role?

• Research the organisation, the job and the industry. What are the specifics of the situation? Are you familiar enough with the annual report, the website, the organisational chart, the competitors and the current landscape to have a conversation about these matters? This element is where you can really stand out and show your motivation.
• Think about what you are curious to know and try to seek out the answers in written sources or from a competitor.
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. This yields a more equitable and more pleasant conversation.
• Find out with whom you will be conducting your interview. Learn about their careers and background. LinkedIn is one possible source for this.
• Go over your CV and cover letter again. Which of your experiences fit the vacancy? What would you bring to the workplace, as a colleague and as an individual?

There are certain questions you are likely to hear in any job interview. In order to prepare thoroughly for an interview, it is a good idea to formulate answers to these questions and think about what other questions you can expect to be asked. Write down your answers on paper, but do not memorise them: the point is to have thought about what you want to say. The wording will come naturally once you are in the interview.

• Can you tell us something about yourself?
  • While there are many possible answers, be sure to share something about yourself as a person, not just about your studies and prior work experience.
• What do you know about our organisation?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• What do you think this job entails?
• What do you like about the position?
• Why did you need more time to graduate?
  • The employer is interested in hearing the reasons behind your decisions. They are not criticising you.
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• What do you find annoying to deal with? When did you encounter this and how did you resolve it?
• Can you name something you are proud of?
• Why are you the best candidate for the job?
• Why did you choose your degree programme?
• What were positive/less positive aspects of your work in the past?
• Do you have any good ideas/plans for our organisation?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
  • The employer wants to get an idea of your ambitions; they want to see that you have clear goals in mind for yourself. This does not need to actually happen, but it is good to think about it.
• Do you ever experience conflict? What kind of conflicts have you run into lately?
• Which elements are absolutely essential in a job for you to enjoy the work?
• Do you have any questions?

• Ask people you know to help you practise introducing yourself, shaking hands and making a good first impression. Ask for feedback as well.
• Make sure your clothing and appearance are neat and appropriate. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
• It is normal to feel a bit nervous. In fact, this will probably make your presentation even better. Assume that the person interviewing you will do their best to put you at ease.
• Make sure you know exactly where to be and how to get there. It is customary to arrive five to ten minutes before the scheduled time.
• Prepare in advance so there is nothing left to do on the day before your interview. Relax, do something fun and get to bed on time.

No matter how well prepared you are, you will be asked questions that you did not expect. This situation is normal. You can take your time to think about an answer on the spot. And if you do not know something, do not worry. Indicate that you are just taking a moment to answer and see what comes to mind. In many such cases, your intuition will be more useful than a purely rational answer, so try to stay calm and take your time.

If you do not understand a question during the interview or cannot quite figure out what the interviewer wants to know, ask for clarification. ‘I'm not sure what you are asking; could you be more specific?’ is a legitimate response.

Think beforehand about what you definitely want to have said before the interview is over. This way, you will be less dependent on the questions that you receive, and you will have already formulated a common theme in the answers that you give.