Preparing for interview

* Gathering information

Read the job details carefully: what does it say? Can you refer to it by highlighting certain elements from your CV during the interview? Have a look at the company’s website. Has it been in the media recently? Also have a look at some extra information about recent developments in the sector or market in which the company is active. Maybe you know someone who works or used to work at the company?

* Know your CV and cover letter’s content

Having to look at your CV all the time during the interview is not very convincing. Do you still know at what time you worked at which company? If you make mistakes about this during the interview, it may look like you changed your CV. Also, bring your CV for the interview. It shows preparation, and it can be used as an outline for the conversation about your experiences. Prepare your motivation very well: why are you interested in this job, this company or this sector?

* Know the job content

No such bad thing as a candidate who goes to an interview not knowing exactly anymore which job he or she is being interviewed for. Expect the following question during the interview: “Can you tell me something more about the position for which you are being interviewed today?”

* Know your contact person’s name, and put down the phone number in case something happens on the way.

* Practice yourself in the most common interview questions!

* Think of a couple of questions you can ask the employer.

What would you like to know more about the company, the job, potential for growth… By asking the right questions during the interview you can show you have some knowledge about the position, the job, the sector.

* Think about your salary expectations before you go to the interview

* Dress suitably

Take into account how you want to convey yourself, and how you expect the company culture will be. In some companies jeans is not done. Do you expect the interviewer to wear a suit & tie? Best to do this yourself too. For some positions it is also more common to dress up, like for managerial positions or sales representatives. When you’re not sure, better be ‘overdressed’ than ‘underdressed’.