Coping with a job interview

The job interview is a highlight in the job search process. The purpose of it is to get a job, so you should know “sell” your application to the company demonstrating your skills, knowledge, skills and experience are the best to fill the vacancy.

The context of the interview is clearly different when it occurs after a reply to an advertisement, or after submission of an application. In the first case, the context in which the interview is marked by competition develops, and it must not only show the coach that you fit perfectly with the needs of the company, but you do better than the other candidates.

On the other hand, when the interview is convened following a spontaneous application, the relationship is much more egalitarian, marked by an exchange of information, because if the interviewer has set an appointment because he has drawn attention to the quality of your candidacy.

Structure of an interview

Whatever type of interview used, the interviewer will assess a number of specific areas, focusing more on one or the other depending on the activity and the position for requiring a new person. Review: Before going to the interview will be interesting you’ve reviewed the data and details contained in your resume, in order to respond freely to questions you they arise during the interview.

First evaluation:

The development of it will likely include an initial assessment of your knowledge, checking your academic itinerary, why your choice and your level of satisfaction and your plans for future study, if any.

Career:

Following issues your career so far addressed, practices that you were able to make contracts you’ve been having, the roles you’ve played, etc. Try to talk about specific results rather than limit yourself to describe your work experience.

Motivation:

Also during the interview / the partner / company is try to predict your potential return on it, valuing your level of motivation. Sometimes a good motivation can correct deficiencies of training or experience.

Assessment:

Finally, to close the interview, make sure you ask for a self-assessment, to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, with the intention to establish your level of knowledge and personal satisfaction, your sincerity, security level and confidence in yourself.

Preparing the interview

It is important that you go to the interview with clear ideas about your career goals, so you know explain the basics of your choice, why have you chosen to apply for a position in that company and not another, why you want to develop your career in a SME or a large company, or for example, why habiéndote trained as a lawyer, you want to devote to the company and not to the free exercise of the profession. The companies appreciate very much the fact that you go about your activities, its directors, products and brands, its competitors or its clients, which can prepare by gathering information in print, online or requesting information directly from the company itself.

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FAQ

We indicate below some of the most common questions in the selection processes of companies. A large number of them are open, in which case you will have to answer orderly and precise, always thinking highlight the qualities that best match the job offered.

• How did you hear about us?
• What do you know about our company and what aspects would like to hear further?
• Why do you want to work with us?
• What do you expect from this job?
• Why did you choose this sector to develop your career?
• What do you think can bring you professionally?
• What can it give us?
• What salary you want to receive?
• Would you be willing to travel or move elsewhere?
• What are your professional medium / long term goals?
• Do you prefer working in teams or individually? Why?
• What is for you the most important thing for a job?
• Tell me about your career
• Do you plan to continue studying?
• How is defended in English / French?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What is your best quality and your worst fault?
• What have been your successes or more outstanding achievements?
• How do you spend your free time?
• What awaits you in life?
• Have a question?
• The questions that you make the interviewer should be related in any way with the company and the vacancy. Often questions formules be more important for the interviewer that he does you.

Useful Tips

Make sure the place and time of the interview, as well as the name of your interviewer;
Be punctual. If for some compelling reason you know you’ll be late, just tell it immediately to the person who will interview;
Watch your clothing and personal hygiene. Dress properly according to your personality, but without being too casual or extravagant;
It takes two or three copies of your CV. and make sure you can justify all elements thereof.

During the interview:

Say hello to the person you will interview with your name, looking into his eyes, and squeezing his hand;
Gives an image of naturalness and confidence in yourself to go to the office of the interviewer. Adopt a relaxed posture, without exaggeration;
Watch your nonverbal communication. Try not show shyness, tension, nervousness, aggressiveness, impatience or concerns;
Refrain from smoking if you’re a smoker and you offer;
Keep your attention at all times. An apparent disinterest at some point in the interview can be associated to the workplace and even the company itself;
Convince your partner your qualities and show your interest and enthusiasm for working in your company;
Remember that in the first interview, the most important is the job you want to access, not the salary or holidays and leave.