In the job interview, the recruiter tries to find out whether you, your qualities and motivation, as well as your professional aspirations, life situation, self-image and values, are a good fit for the position in question. On the other hand, the interview is also your chance to acquire essential information on the position and the employer.

How does the job interview progress?

Often in the beginning of the interview you’ll hear about the organisation, the position and its requirements. After this, the recruiter wants to know about you.

The first question often is: Tell me briefly about yourself. Prepare for this, think about how to explain your background in a clear and concise manner. Be prepared to elaborate on the elements of your CV. Check our tips for a perfect elevator pitch.

Be prepared to be interviewed in different languages. Often you are also asked to perform a work-related assignment. In the end of the interview, the interviewer often explains you the recruitment process and its schedule.

Prepare for the interview

• Put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes: why should he or she hire you?
• Think about situations where your qualities and approach have been critical. Telling a good story is always a good idea!
• Before the interview, acquire as much information on the applied positition and the employer as possible.
• Prepare a few questions to the employer as well. By asking questions, you’ll give a competent and motivated impression. At the same time you’ll find out whether the position corresponds to your expectations.
• Practice aloud to gain confidence.
• In the job interview
• Well prepared is half done. Focus on the dialogue and remember that it’s only natural to be nervous.
• Introduce yourself with confidence: first impression is crucial!
• Maintain eye contact and pay attention to all persons present.
• Answer politely and truthfully, as concretely as possible and always with sound reasoning.
• Don’t mind silence, it gives everybody time to think.
• Being nervous is acceptable.
• Acquire all the information needed to decide whether you want to accept the position if it’s offered to you. Also investigate the conditions of the potential employment contract.
• Find out what the next step in the recruitment process is.