Before you use our guide, study the list of the candidates’ “seven deadly sins”, and try to avoid them by all means:
The “Seven Deadly Sins” of the Candidate
> inadequate clothing
> mobile phone turned on and ringing
> lack of manners
> excessive or laconic talking
> demanding attitude
> lack of basic knowledge about the company, job, work offer
> unpunctuality
Taking the advice provided below will surely minimise the risk of failure and allow us to begin the job interview on partnership terms.
Good luck!
1. Gather information about the company
Knowledge about the company indicates that you are interested in the organisation you wish to work for. While considering the sending of an application for an interesting job, you will use this knowledge for the first time. The industry, business profile, mission and values represented by the company are elements particularly requiring your focus. The recruiter, inquiring about your motivation and interest in the job offer, will be sure to ask you about it.
2. Gather information about the job
In order to obtain facts about the job, it is often enough to read a well-formulated advertisement. To supplement your information, you might want to browse through similar job offers from competitors. This kind of knowledge will surely impress the recruiter and allow you to present your candidacy more convincingly.
3. Gather the most important information about yourself
Analyse your employment history, paying special attention to jobs with a similar scope of duties. Try to remember what duties you had and what tasks you performed. Think about the skills you managed to obtain and develop.
Take a piece of paper and list all your major skills, qualifications, achievements, personality traits, etc. Also think about the specific situations when you were able to demonstrate them.
If you do not have any professional experience or the one you have is unrelated to the job you are applying for, focus on what you can contribute to the company, apart from experience. Define your strong points, potential, readiness for learning and development, and we will certainly appreciate your candidacy.
4. Prepare a list of sample questions you might be asked
Some questions appear at each and every job interview. These are standards used by many recruiters. When preparing for the interview, it is useful to take them into account. The group of questions that may easily be expected includes:
a) What are your weak points?
b) What are your strong points?
c) Why did you decide to apply for this job?
d) Why do you think we should hire you?
e) Where do you picture yourself in 5 years' time?
Apart from the above-given list, you might think about other questions that may be expected.
5. Prepare a list of questions you would like to ask of the recruiter
In the last stage of the interview, the recruiter will ask if you have any questions they might answer. It is a good moment to dispel any possible doubts, ask additional questions about interesting issues, or develop important aspects of the interview. The possibility of asking a question gives you an opportunity to increase your knowledge about the employer – use it!
6. Clothes don’t make the man, but…
Choose your clothes suitably for the meeting. We do not expect you come in full gala, but do not forget that a job interview is a formal event which should be stressed with an appropriate outfit. Dress adequately – neatly and elegantly, but also in a way which makes you feel at ease. Remember about smiling, enthusiasm and optimism!
7. Be on time!
Plan your journey to the company office in advance. Write down and use the instructions provided by phone by the recruiter. Check the route and travel options. Leave home with a 30-minute reserve. Unpunctuality presents you in an unfavourable light. Do not waste your chance for a job interview. If you are going to be late or absent, always call and inform us.
8. Practice makes perfect
Now that you have prepared all the elements important at the job interview – gather them altogether and practice,–preferably in front of a mirror or with a friend, and ask them for feedback at the end.
A good job interview is a chance for fruitful cooperation and development. Remember – the first 20 seconds, 20 words, 20 gestures may determine how you are evaluated by the future employer.
Good luck!
HR Department, Holicon Group
