Interview Tips

You know what job you like to go for and you agreed your departure window with your manager. Here are some best practice tips on how to apply.

You are invited for an interview. This could be a face to face interview or a telephone interview. The tips below refer to a face to face interview, but equally apply to a telephone interview. Although the interviewer may not be able to see you, your posture could have an influence on how you come across. Therefore, sitting up straight and 'smiling' on the telephone may help you to focus and to communicate a more powerful message.

Gather relevant information before the interview

Find out more about the organization or department through various channels. This will make a favorable impression as it shows you are really interested. It may also prompt you to ask certain questions during your interview. See also what you can find out about the interviewer. What is the position of the interviewer in the organization and what is his/ her role in the selection process?

Focus before the interview on what you want people need to know about you

Prepare yourself to talk comfortably and to the point about your own background.
Read again the Job-profile, your application letter and CV. Anticipate you may be asked to present yourself in a couple of sentences right at the start of the interview. Also anticipate questions related to your strengths and weaknesses. Make sure you can back-up the things you are saying about yourself with examples. And be prepared for the obvious question: "why are you interested in this job?"

Remember that the first impression is important

If you have an interview, make sure you are dressed appropriately for the occasion, i.e. normal business attire. Introduce yourself properly according to the etiquette of the country, in many cases by giving a firm hand (but don’t squeeze the hand of the interviewer!). Don’t talk too quickly and speak with a clear voice.

Be aware of your body language

Your body language may say more than your spoken words. Watch you facial expressions, posture and gestures. Be aware that interviewers look for consistency in what you say and what you show.

Be authentic in your answers

Always speak the truth, also when you are asked about moments in your life or career that for some reason have not turned out well. However don’t speak negatively about past employers or managers. Show the interviewer some of the real you by giving answers that are not textbook answers but instead reflect who you really are and what you are made of.

Ensure you understand the basic elements of the process

Make sure the following elements are clear to you and well understood:
the job-requirements and responsibilities
where the position fits in the organization
the selection and decision making process related to the vacancy

Make sure your most important questions are being addressed

Often the interviewer will give you an opportunity to ask some questions. Always use this opportunity, either to get an answer to things that are still not clear, or to demonstrate how 'tuned in' you are with respect to the organization.