Much of the success during and after a job interview lies in the preparation. Being well informed about the assignment and the company behind it, and having thought through for yourself the answers to any questions, gives you a great advantage and a good chance of success. Here we have summarized our top 5 tips on how to prepare for an interview.

Tip #1 – Read about the company and the assignment
To understand the company behind the assignment, it is a good idea to do some extra reading. This can include learning more about their products or services, the history of the company and their goals and visions for the future.

Reading the assignment again before the interview will help you understand both the employer and the type of person they are looking for.

If you are well-informed about the assignment and familiar with the company, you will be able to ask relevant questions that indicate that you are genuinely interested in your future employer. Be sure to prepare and write down any questions that come up as you read.

Tip #2 – Think through answers to common interview questions
Of course, you cannot know exactly which questions will be asked during an interview, but there are some that are asked more frequently than others. Think through your answers to the questions and try to memorize them as best you can.

• Tell us about yourself.
• How are you as a person?
• What positive qualities do you have?
• What qualities do you have that can be improved?
• Why should we hire you?

Tip #3 – Be on time
It’s a simple but important tip! Take a bus or train earlier than usual, making sure to leave on time so you don’t get stressed out if there is no parking nearby. A rule of thumb is to be on site at about 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

If you are stuck in traffic or delayed for other reasons, it is a good idea to call and let the recruiter  know.

Tip #4 – Think about the details
Many small streams become one big river, as the saying goes. Double-checking that all the “little things” are in place can be a good idea. Turn off the sound and vibration of your phone, get rid of the takeaway cup from the coffee you bought on your way to the interview, put your CV and portfolio in a folder so you can easily find what you need.

Before the interview, you may also want to review your LinkedIn profile to make sure it is up to date with your recent experiences.

Tip #5 – It’s OK to be nervous
Being nervous is perfectly natural and often the recruiter understands this. It’s a sign that you want to perform well and can give you an extra boost when it is time for the interview.

Remember – you have been invited to the interview because the company is interested in you and your skills.

3 extra tips for the digital interview

Tip #1 – Keep track of your wifi connection and technical equipment
Make sure your internet connection is good and stable. There’s nothing worse than a frozen image and stuttering sound. Test the webcam, microphone and speaker before the interview. If you can, you may want to make a test call to make sure everything is working properly.

Tip #2 – Be aware of your surroundings and stay focused.
Choose a location that has good light and minimal noise and other distractions. Make sure your background is neutral without too many things that can steal your attention.

If you are at home during the interview, it is good to inform the people you live with so that you are not disturbed and can conduct the interview in a quiet environment. Turn off the TV and any music, and turn off the sound and vibration on your phone.

Tip #3 – Dress for success
Try to find out if the company has a dress code. If so, choose clothes that match this. If you are unsure of the dress code, dress according to industry standards and remember that it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Most importantly, think of your digital interview as a “regular” interview!

Are you ready yet?

We hope that the tips above will be of great use and that at the next interview you can face the recruiter well prepared with a little less nervousness in your body. Good luck!

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