The first step towards your dream job is taken when the date for the job interview has been set. To ensure that things continue to go well, we answer the most important questions about job interviews and give you a few valuable tips on how to prepare.
How should I dress for a job interview?
Which outfit is appropriate for a job interview depends, naturally, always on the company itself and the industry. If you are applying for a job at a bank or in a government agency, a classic pantsuit or suit is the right choice. Casual clothing is usually preferred at a modern agency or in creative professions.
You cannot go wrong with a smart blouse and cloth trousers or an elegant skirt. If in doubt, overdressed rather than underdressed is the motto! You should always make sure that your clothes are clean and neat and that they fit well so you feel comfortable at the interview. You have a better chance with these colors.
Tip: try to find out as much as possible about the company in advance, for instance, via social media channels. This will help you to assess whether the dress code is more casual or dressy.
What time should I arrive for the job interview?
Everyone knows that you should never be late for a job interview, but better a little too early. However, what is the appropriate time? Plan your journey generously to have enough buffer in case you get stuck in traffic or a train is cancelled. If arriving too early, take a half-hour break at a café or walk around the block.
Don’t arrive too early for the interview; after all, HR managers and supervisors usually have a lot to do and a tight schedule. They appreciate it if you stick to your schedule as closely as possible. About ten minutes before the appointment, report to the reception desk. This gives you time to go to the bathroom and collect yourself.
What is the best way to prepare for a job interview?
You should never go into an interview completely unprepared. Before the interview, find out as much as you can about the company. Look at the website carefully. Who is working there? Who are the important customers? Which goals does the company pursue?
Press releases and social media channels can also help you learn a lot. This way, you can demonstrate in the interview that you are seriously interested in the position and have already taken a close look at the company. In addition, think about a few questions for the interview in advance. You can find a list of suggestions here.
Things to keep in mind during an online job interview?
These days, it is becoming more common for job interviews to be conducted online, mainly via a video call with Zoom, Skype or Google Hangout. You should receive the link to dial into the meeting in advance. Be sure to find a quiet, undisturbed place with a stable internet connection where you can log in with your laptop (or smartphone if need be) for the video call.
Keep in mind that the other person will also see the background, so pick a place that looks neat, such as in front of a neutral wall or a tidy bookshelf. Apart from that, follow the same tips as for a normal job interview.
What should you say about the salary?
The salary question is, of course, the most interesting. Still, it is also the biggest challenge for many applicants in the interview. The interviewer often asks the salary question himself, for instance, by asking you directly what your salary expectations are. It is important to be prepared for this question. So find out in advance what the average salary is in the industry and calculate what salary you are aiming for.
Tip: It is better to set it slightly higher than too low. We have collected more tips on salary issues in interviews here. If the salary doesn’t come up, don’t hesitate to bring it up and ask directly, for example, by saying: “We haven’t talked about the salary yet…”
