Before the interview

• Gather information about the company (e.g. annual report or website): size, sphere of activity, headquarters, nationality of the company etc.
• Set yourself a concrete goal for the interview: What do I want to achieve?
• Prepare questions, 3-5 specific questions are better than dozens of little ones. Think about what matters to you in terms of your new employer or new activity.
• Candidates who are ready with questions when they attend interview make a particularly good impression. If some of your questions have been answered during the interview, you can check them off on your piece of paper - so take a pen!
• Be prepared to answer certain questions about yourself: e.g. strengths, weaknesses, how you conduct yourself in a crisis, etc.
• Allow enough time: it is essential that you are on time!
• Make sure you know where, when and to whom you must report.
• Make sure you know the route and are aware of any parking problems.
• If you arrive early, go for a short walk and report to the company 5 minutes prior to the agreed time.

During the interview

If you feel nervous and insecure, accept it and go with it.

• Be sure to note the name and position of your interviewer. Accept a business card if offered.
• If your interviewer forgets to introduce him or herself, you are entitled to ask.
• If there is something you don’t understand, ask.
• Try to gain as concrete an impression as possible of the future activity, development opportunities, company structure.
• Be open and honest at all times.
• Your manner should be friendly and natural. Maintain eye contact and speak clearly. Your opposite number is interested in what you have to say.
• Your preparation will help you to feel secure at interview and provide you with material for the interview. However, you should remain flexible and spontaneous.
• Avoid making excessive demands and being overbearing.
• Don’t portray previous companies or line managers in a bad light.
• If you really cannot answer a question, admit it. You’re not expected to know everything.
• When asked questions about salary, give a range.
• You must make sure that you make precise arrangements about what happens next with your interviewer.

After the interview

If a position appeals to you, after the first interview you can send your main interviewer a short letter thanking him or her for the interview and expressing your interest in the job. If you do decide to do this, you should send the letter or email within 24 hours.