How Should You Prepare for an Interview

You graduated from a good school. You prepared your CV carefully. You applied to vacancies that seemed right — and the expected day came. You received a positive reply.

The first interview, especially with HR, matters a great deal. Going prepared puts you one step ahead of other candidates.

Preparation stage

There are five steps to watch while preparing for an interview:

Step 1: Know yourself well. Make sure every detail on your CV belongs to you. Having an answer ready for every possible question helps you stand out.

Step 2: Know your CV well. Over time you may forget what you wrote — that is natural. Read it at least once before you go.

Step 3: Know the company well. Do not look only at the website. Read forum comments, social media and whatever appears in search — then filter it through your own judgement. Answer company questions in that light.

Step 4: Know your interviewer. With a name you can research the person easily — LinkedIn shows experience and education.

Step 5: Know the questions you want to ask. When the floor is yours at the end, have questions ready from what you truly wondered after your research.

WHAT DO THESE FIVE STEPS GIVE YOU?

Knowing yourself builds confidence. Whether you are a graduate with only internships or someone with five years experience, BEING AWARE OF YOUR VALUE is what most sets you apart. Even though the employer is choosing you, remember that from application to accepting an offer you are also choosing the employer.

Any line on your CV may bring a question — hobbies included. Team sports may impress employers, but do not write them if they are not real. Write the sport you truly care about — watching football or playing it, for example.

Knowing the company and interviewer helps with how you dress and where you can open conversation.

If the interview is only one-way Q&A, it is harder to leave an impression. When you ask questions, listen to an employee view of the company and learn about conditions and benefits, you look motivated — and that puts you ahead.

If you follow these five steps and also fit the profile sought, you increase your chances.

Good luck already.

Stay with love.