Job interview : our tips for a successful preparation

Our experience teaches us that there are only two ways to present oneself for an interview: there is the winning way and the losing way. But how do we figure out which of the two roads we have chosen? Simple! The interview is like a challenge, and challenges can only be won with hard training. The preparation for the job interview should therefore not be underestimated.

Articles by Adecco luxembourg

Preparation for a job interview

Interviews put the candidate in front of a recruiter who will try through various questions to understand if the person is the right one to fill the open position. Given the importance of this phase, you will now ask yourself how to prepare for an interview in the best way.

Preparing for a job interview is fundamental and will have a strong impact on the final result. The keys to do it in the best way are:

Reply to the interview convocation email : writing the answer is relatively simple. Here are our tips: be formal, get straight to the point by confirming the appointment and repeating the time and date in the e-mail, ask for confirmation of receipt of the e-mail and complete the e-mail appropriately by demonstrating flexibility and writing phrases such as "do not hesitate to contact me for any further information ".
Collect detailed information about the company : visiting the company's website, social accounts and looking for useful information (including the type of clothing that you will have to have at the interview).
Learn about your interviewer : If you know the name of the person who is going to lead the interview you can visit his LinkedIn profile.
Take advantages of your network : If you know someone in this company or in the sector, take the initiative to meet for a chat. Social networks can be very useful for this purpose.
Review the Job description, your cover letter and your CV once again before the interview.
Give importance to how you present yourself : there are no general rules, but ensure to be in line with the position and style of the company for which you apply (a creative position is different from an office position).

Get ready for the interview with your winning answers

Here are the questions which are commonly considered the most difficult in a job interview. The goal is to turn these critical points into opportunities for you.

1. Why did you leave your last job / Why do you want to quit your current job?

Whatever the motivation is, give a plausible and truthful and above all positive explanation during the interview. Show that you are friendly, and you are a teamwork player. Leave everything negative at home. Be brief, do not dwell on conversations that could raise doubts. Share your desire to take on a more challenging challenge, emphasizing why you want to work at the company you are applying to by linking your choice to achieving your goals.

2. How do you react to criticism?

Be assertive. Answer that you are simply human, and that you expect to make mistakes but also learn. Give an example of how you managed to accept constructive criticism and to work on it.

3. Where does your motivation come from?

Remind of your work ethic, personal vision and your goals. It’s better not to mention factors like money or prestige. Share with the interlocutor your needs and the goals you have set for yourself: always connect motivational levers to these two elements.

4. Are you applying to other companies?

The question allows you to show that you are desidered by other companies. Demonstrate a selectivity in the choice of positions you are applying to.

5. What do you have that other candidates don't have?

This is the ideal opportunity to talk about your greatest strengths and achievements. No need to brag, but don't be shy to promote yourself. Answer with confidence and honesty. Don't forget that many of these features can also be verified during the interview.

6. Are there aspects of the position that do not attract you?

Summarize with the interlocutor the main points of the Job Description. Focus on the ones that attract you the least and consider right away how to deal with them, considering the positive aspects you will emphasize.

7. Are you comfortable receiving orders from your superiors?

The answer should highlight your ability to work in a team. Bring an example of your work in the past to reinforce this statement.

8. Tell us about a mistake you made and the lesson you learned.

Answer this question honestly, but avoid mentioning embarrassing or too personal episodes.

9. What kind of salary do you expect?

How much would you like to earn? Make sure you have studied the market standard. It is not necessary to indicate a precise figure, but feel free to state that you expect at least the minimum, or more, based on your qualifications.

10. Do you have any questions?

Responding "no" denotes lack of interest, so keep at least one question ready, relative to the position or company. Answering by a question is sometimes the best answer. Show that you are actively involved in the interview. At the end, always ask when you will get a feedback and what will be the next step in the selection process.

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Congratulations, you’ve been invited to a job interview. Everything is in place - your CV is up to date, your experience matches the job perfectly, and you’re interview-ready. But there’s one area you should focus on to stand out from the competition – soft skills.