Prepare for a job interview

Read up on the organisation and current developments in the industry. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from the organisation and its culture. Also read the organisation's website and check social media and other online information. It's also always a good idea to check out your interviewer's LinkedIn profile. You can use this knowledge when answering questions during your interview.

Questions often asked during a job interview:

• Why do you want to work at this company?
• What appeals to you about this position?
• What makes you suitable for this position?
• What are your strengths? And your areas for improvement?
• How would you describe yourself?
• How would others describe you? As a person and as a colleague? What do they appreciate in you?
• Where do you see yourself in five years' time?

Questions are also often asked about how you deal with certain situations. You can prepare these questions by thinking of situations (in your side job, circle of friends, board, study) that show you have certain competences.

• What shows that you are a good team player?
• How do you handle stress situations?
• Describe a problem you encountered and how you solved it.

Practise answering according to the STARR method (Situation, Task, Approach, Result, Reflection): describe the situation, explain what your task was, what activities you undertook and what the final result was.

A good interview comes from both sides. In an interview, you not only give the company you are applying to a picture of your capabilities, but you can also see if the organisation and the position fit what you are looking for. It is important to think about what you want to know beforehand. Think of some questions about the job you are applying for and the company you are applying to. For example:

• What are the priorities of this position in the coming months?
• How is the team composed? Have there been any major changes in the team or organisation recently?
• What are the opportunities for training and advancement?
• What do you think is the main reason employees like working here?
• What is the most valued character trait within the company?

Please note: in the job interview, do not ask about terms of employment like salary, length of contract, days off, travel allowance, pension, etc. Only when you want to move forward together is this a topic. Leave room for your interviewers to start talking about this; usually this is not until in a second interview.

The clothes you put on will depend on the type of organisation: informal or formal? But whatever type of organisation it is, it is always important that you look cared for: clean & ironed clothes, polished shoes, groomed hairdo, etc.

Do your best to make the best possible impression, but stay true to yourself. People quickly catch on when you pretend to be something other than what you really are. And when you do not know something or do not have an immediate answer to a question, state it honestly. Openness and honesty are still most appreciated.