Job interview: tips for strong preparation

Congratulations on your interview invitation! This is your chance to present yourself and make a lasting impression on the employer. Good preparation is essential to show that you are the ideal candidate for the position. Here are some professional tips to help you prepare as well as possible and walk into the interview with confidence. With these guidelines, you'll be well prepared and ready to succeed. Good luck!

Research the company thoroughly

An essential part of your preparation is getting to know the company thoroughly. Take the time to explore its website, check its social media presence and read any recent newsletters. If you know who will be interviewing you, it's a good idea to look them up on LinkedIn. This in-depth research gives you better insight into the company culture, values and recent developments, so you can ask targeted questions during the interview and make a strong impression.

Review the job description

Read the job description thoroughly once more. This document sets out what the employer is looking for in a candidate. Pay attention to the job requirements and the competencies mentioned. Take the time to absorb this information and understand how your own skills and experience match it. It's important to be familiar with the company's expectations, as they form the basis for the questions you may be asked in the interview.

Prepare your story thoroughly

A job interview is largely about you: employers want a deeper understanding of who you are and what you have to offer. This means you need to be well prepared for questions about your education, work experience, achievements, training, hobbies and other relevant aspects of your life.

It's essential to have a clear, structured story about yourself that you want to get across in the interview. Take the time to put your story into words and perhaps write it down, or practise it with a friend. That way you'll be well prepared and able to present yourself confidently, without too much hesitation or awkward silences.

Identify your strengths

Your skills and competencies will certainly come up during the interview. Reflect on your previous work experience and identify what you were good at. Think about the areas where you often received compliments and how you worked effectively as part of a team.

It's also useful to make a list of your strengths (and weaknesses), so you can fall back on it during the interview. If you're not sure what your skills are, consider asking friends and family for feedback. Their perspective can offer valuable insight into your strengths and qualities.

Choose the right outfit

Whatever type of company you are applying to, a professional appearance always matters. The clothes you wear send a message about your personality and set the tone for a strong first impression. Make sure your outfit suits the company's culture and dress code. Choose neat, presentable clothing that underlines your professionalism and commitment to the role.

Important questions to ask during your interview

Make sure you ask questions of your own during the interview. This not only shows your interest in the role and the company, but also that you have thought carefully about your future position. Here are some example questions you could ask:

• What are the next steps after this interview?
• What does the team I would be working in look like?
• Which projects or tasks have the highest priority in the coming months?
• Can you give examples of what people in this role before me have done?
• What do you personally find the most rewarding aspect of working at this company?

By asking these questions, you show that you are actively engaged in the application process and keen to learn more about the role and the organization.

Preparing for salary negotiations

Your interviewer may well ask about your expected salary. This is especially likely if the vacancy doesn't give a specific salary indication, or only mentions a "competitive salary". It's therefore wise to always be prepared for this question. Take some time to think about what you would like to earn and what a suitable salary for the role would be.

Stay positive about others

An important rule is to only make positive comments about others. Even when asked how you deal with difficult people, focus on the situation and stick to the facts. Stay constructive about your collaboration with others, so you leave a reliable impression with integrity.

Job interview pitfalls

Here are some things to avoid during a job interview, so you leave a positive impression on the company you are applying to:

• Arriving late for the interview: make sure you arrive in good time, to show respect for your interviewer's time and give yourself the chance to prepare calmly.
• A weak handshake: give a firm, confident handshake when greeting, to show professionalism and self-confidence.
• Slouching in your chair: sit up straight and show interest and engagement during the interview, to convey an active and professional attitude.
• Interrupting your interviewer: listen carefully to what your interviewer has to say and wait your turn to respond, to keep the conversation respectful.
• Having no good reason or motivation to work there: make sure you can explain clearly why you are interested in the role and the company, to show your motivation and commitment.
• Being unable to back up your skills: prepare concrete examples and situations that illustrate your skills and experience, to support your suitability for the role.
• Not giving a relevant answer to a question: be well prepared and make sure your answers address the question asked, to show your competence and focus during the interview.

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