What to do when you have a job interview?
1. Prepare yourself well
Thoroughly read the job profile and think why you, according to the content, would be the perfect candidate for this job. It is perfectly fine to prepare this for yourself on paper. You can bring your notes to the interview, this will show the employer that you have done your homework.
It is important to have a good look at the company. During an interview they regularly ask why you would like to company X in special. Study the website and their products and determine why you want to be part of company X.
Use social media. If you know who you will have the interview with, have a look at their LinkedIn profile and check what they have been doing the past few years. Especially in a specialized market it is not unusual to have common contacts. Feel free to get in contact with those contacts, to get an idea of the person with who you will be having the interview.
Prepare questions that you would like to ask. For example:
- What are the working hours
- How is the team I might become a part of
- What are the options when it comes to education or personal development
- At what level is the job scaled
- Are there opportunities to grow in this role
Do not immediately start with your requirements, but ask for the conditions of the job. Also feel free to ask a manager who has been working for company X for a while, why he likes to work there.
If you want to change jobs, expect the question why you would like to leave. ‘I just want something else’ or ‘my manager and I are on a different page’ are not good answers. Make sure you prepare this question well. The reason might be because of your home situation, travel time or ambition.
2. Have a good rest
Interviewing for a job asks a lot of concentration. Make sure that you go to bed on time so you are well rested at your interview.
3. Clothing
Within the financial markets it is customary to show up at your interview smartly dressed. Put on a suit and a nice tie. Make sure your shoes are polished and your shirt is ironed. If you don’t have a suit, don’t panic, just wear a shirt, jacket and a nice pair of trousers. If you are a woman, just wear a suit, a nice pair of trousers or a skirt with a blouse. Wear something you feel comfortable in, but in no circumstance a jeans or sneakers.
4. Be on time
Needless to say, but unfortunately a lot of candidates show up late or way too early. Take into account the delay you may have in the traffic of with public transport. It is better to be too early and take a coffee around the corner, then being late. Arriving 10 minutes before the interview is normally accepted. This gives the receptionist the time to inform the manager, so he or she can pick you up on time.
5. Nervous
Being nervous before the start of an interview is perfectly normal. If you are really nervous, then say so at the beginning of the interview so the manager can take this into account. Do not underestimate that you are there for a new job. Getting this job might be of a great importance to you, but try to give a calm impression. A good preparation ensures recognition and more focus on the content during the interview. Not only does your potential employer wants to have a good impression of you, you also want to know were you might be working.
6. Do not talk negative
It is very important to never talk negative about your last/current employer or colleagues. It adds nothing to your interview, it is all about the job you are looking for now. Everyone has coped with reorganization or negative influence in his or her job. Focus on the future, the job and your ambitions. Tell them what you are looking for and what your motivation is for this role!
7. End of the interview
Don’t hesitate to ask the manager what he thought of the interview. It is difficult to estimate what the others think of you. Also ask when you can expect feedback.
8. The most important
Stay true to yourself! You can always pretend to be someone else, but in the end you do not win anything with that. It is all about finding the right job in the right environment that fits you. If you enjoy going to work, you will achieve more without putting extra effort in it. There is one aspect in the interview which you can’t control: the personal click you have with the persons interviewing you. Be clear about your ambitions and why you would like to have this job.
We wish you the best of luck in your interview!