Do well at the job interview

The job interview is obviously a crucial step in the recruitment process, where the employer has a chance to talk to you and assess whether you are right for the job. However, it is also a crucial opportunity for you to shine and convince the employer that you are the best candidate.

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Practise the job interview in advance

This page contains the following advice

Be authentic, be yourself
How do I prepare for a job interview?
Which questions could I be asked at the job interview?
Which questions could I be asked at the job interview?
How to behave during the interview
And finally – when you get to the second interview

Be authentic, be yourself

A good first interview is all about being well prepared, communicating clearly and showing your interest and enthusiasm for the job. It is important to research the company and the position thoroughly before the interview so that you have some idea of their values and needs – then you can prepare relevant questions.

Practise describing your professional skills and personal strengths clearly and concisely, indicating how they are relevant to the job. It is also important that you are authentic and honest. It is important to act naturally and introduce yourself properly so that the employer can assess whether you will fit in with the team and corporate culture. It is also important to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and show that you are willing to learn and grow.

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Are you a good listener?

A successful job interview requires good communication skills and, most importantly, good listening skills. It is important that you listen carefully to the employer's questions and answer them clearly and concisely. Remember to ask relevant questions and show your future employer that you have a real interest in the job during the interview.

Generally speaking, the interview is about putting your best foot forward, being well prepared and communicating clearly and honestly. By doing this, you improve your chances of being invited to a second job interview and maybe even landing the job of your dreams.

How do I prepare for a job interview?

Preparing for the job interview can help reduce nervousness and increase your chances of impressing the employer. Here are some steps you can take to prepare yourself.


Learn everything you can about the company, its products and services, its mission and its values. Read their website, social media and news to get an idea of the corporate culture and any recent updates.
Read the job advert again and try to figure out precisely what the employer is looking for in a candidate. Make a list of requirements and qualifications and think about how your skills and experience coincide with them.
Think of questions the employer might ask you and prepare your answers out loud. It may help you to think up specific examples and give you confidence to answer clearly and concisely.
Plan your route to the interview and make sure you arrive a little early so that you have time to calm down for a few minutes before the interview. Allow yourself time to relax and collect your thoughts before going into the interview. If you are running late, you are well advised to call or write in good time to let the interviewer know that you are stuck in traffic or otherwise detained.
Be relaxed and be yourself. Act naturally and be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. It is important to have good situational awareness and demonstrate that you know when it is OK to joke about a given topic.
In general, your preparation should have given you a good understanding of the company and the job. Practise your answers and you will be more confident of your skills and experience. If you are well prepared, you improve your chances of impressing the employer and landing the job you’ve always dreamed of.

Which questions could I be asked at the job interview?

We have listed examples of questions you might be asked at a job interview and give you some pointers as to what to look out for. The list is just a guideline to give you a little peace of mind. Bear in mind that you can never prepare for everything, and there should be no need. You do need to stay calm and allow the conversation to flow naturally. Here are some of the questions employers typically ask at job interviews.


This question often opens the interview and gives you an opportunity to briefly introduce yourself. It is important to be specific and focus on experience and skills that are relevant to the job.
This question gives you an opportunity to highlight the skills and experience that coincide well with the job description. It is important that you are specific and give examples of how you have made good use of your skills in the past.
Here, the employer wants to learn more about your personal qualities. It is important to be honest and emphasise the strengths that can benefit the company. When it comes to weaknesses, it is important to choose a real weakness and, at the same time, impress upon the interviewer that you are willing to learn and improve yourself.
This question gives the employer an idea of your career goals and whether you fit in well with the company's long-term plans. It is important to be realistic and demonstrate that you have a plan to achieve your goals.
Here you need to prove that you can handle conflicts in a professional way. It is important to show that you can communicate clearly and listen to others, and that you are willing to find a solution that is satisfactory for all parties.
In general, it is important to be honest and precise when giving answers and to provide specific examples that show how you have tackled similar situations in the past. You should also make sure you have done your research into the company and the position and show that you are interested and well prepared.

Which questions should I ask at a job interview?

When you ask good questions during the interview, you show that you have a real interest in the job and the company. The answers to your questions should give you a better understanding of the company and the job – and they may help you to decide if the job is right for you. And that is equally important.

Do not be afraid to ask questions specific to your situation that can help you make an informed decision. Write down your questions and make sure you get answers during the interview.

Here are some examples of good questions to ask:

  • How would you describe the culture and working environment at the workplace?
  • What do you expect of the successful candidate?
  • What are the biggest challenges facing the company at the moment, and how can I, in this role, help to tackle them?
  • What are the biggest opportunities for the company at the moment, and how can I, in this role, help to capitalise on them?
  • What are the typical career development opportunities in the company?
  • How would you describe the leadership and communication styles within the company?
  • How would you describe the flexibility in this job?
  • How would you describe the team I would be joining?
  • What training and development opportunities does the company offer?


How to behave during the interview

During the conversation, it is not just what you say that is important. Your body language, tone of voice and other factors also affect how the employer perceives you. Here are some tips on how to approach the job interview.


Maintain eye contact, sit upright and avoid folding your arms. An attentive approach shows that you are engaged and interested in the conversation. Listen carefully to what the employer says and show that you understand by nodding or asking relevant questions.
Avoid speaking too fast or mumbling. Be positive and show your enthusiasm for the job and the company. All of this helps to create a good impression. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and avoid trying to appear as something you are not.
Dress in accordance with the company's dress code and show that you take the interview seriously. Switch off your phone and avoid being distracted by things around you. Always end the conversation by thanking the employer for their time and interest in you.
Follow these tips to create a positive impression during the interview and increase your chances of impressing the employer. Be yourself and be confident, as this demonstrates enthusiasm and interest in the job.

And finally – when you get to the second interview

If you are invited to a second interview, it means that the employer is very interested in you and wishes to get to know you better. A second interview is a good thing but it may also be a little overwhelming. Here are some tips on what to expect and how to prepare for a second interview.


In a second interview, you may meet several people, including your potential manager or other department heads. Be prepared to introduce yourself and your background briefly and concisely.
As mentioned earlier, it is important to ask questions during the job interview. In a second interview, you may ask even more specific questions about the job and the company. You will have learned more about the company at the first interview and may wish to clarify certain issues.
Make sure your body language is positive. Maintain eye contact. Maintain a pleasant tone of voice and thank the employer for their time and interest.
You may realise after the first or second interview that the job is not right for you after all. The best thing to do is to report back to the company honestly, as this too makes a good impression. Honesty is the best policy. There’s no need to set the ball rolling only to drop out without warning.

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