What is a job interview ?

The job interview is an exchange that gives the candidate the opportunity to :

• To express themselves, to sell their know-how.
• To get to know the company and its needs, then understand what it can offer. It is the ultimate opportunity to convince people to get the job.

How to succeed in a job interview ?

If you have been able to get an appointment for an interview, it means that your application is interesting. This interview can be decisive for your recruitment. You must arm yourself with all the tips for a sucessful interview: win the recruiter trust by giving arguments that reassure him.

There is no a standard interview, and the job interview can be divided into several interviews. It is your entrance exam to the job, so prepare it with great care.

 I -  Some practical advice

Before the interview

• Find out as much as possible about the company to get to know it better;
• Get your resume under control;
• Dress appropriately, i.e. wear clothes that are suitable for the job;
• Take a notepad (paper) and writing materials;
• Make arrangements not to be late. Preferably be there 10-15 minutes before the appointment time;
• If you are nervous (fear), take some deep breaths.

During the interview

• After the usual greetings, introduce yourself (name and surname) to the person receiving you;
• Wait for the hand to be held out to you and for the person to invite you to sit down;
• Be yourself, remain natural and sincere;
• Listen carefully to avoid repeating questions;
• Be brief and precise in your answers;
• Avoid negative words that show doubt, worry, problems and difficulties (use "I");
• Justify your answers with concrete examples;
• Do not hesitate to ask questions about the company or the job;
• Do not talk about salary, working hours or benefits unless you are asked about them;
• Do not end the interview without knowing how you will be informed of the outcome of your application;
• Wait for the interviewer to end the interview.

After the interview

• Take stock of your interview, this will help you to improve; do you think you convinced the recruiter? if yes, why? If not, why not?
• Follow up, but without pestering the company if you do not have any information about the outcome of your application.

II - Some questions that often come up

About yourself

• Tell us about yourself (it is not a question of telling your life story, but of summarising your resume).
• What are your strong points?
• Tell us about an experience you had.
• What was the saddest experience of your life?
• How did you experience it?

About your education

• What were your favourite subjects?

• What were your least favourite subjects?

• Why did you interrupt your studies?

• Are you thinking of returning to study?

• Are you in a position to resume your studies?

• Do you speak any other languages?

About your work experience and your motivation for this job

• Where did you work?
• How did you feel?
• What do you know about our company?
• What attracts you to the job?
• Do you enjoy working in a team? Why do you like it?
• What are your achievements in your professional life?
• How do you see your professional career?
• Do you feel capable of taking on responsibilities?
• Do you have other situations in mind?
• What difficulties have you had in your professional career?

• When choosing a job, what are your most important criteria?

• What salary would you like to receive?

• Do you have any questions to ask?