Preparing for a job interview

You are going on a job interview: how do you approach this & how do you prepare yourself?

I like to share the tips I also share with candidates in my role as Talent Acquisition Consultant at Vibe Group.

A good preparation is half the work

  1. Plot your route in advance and leave on time. Be about 10 minutes early. Know where to go, who to call if you can't find it and with whom you have the appointment.
    If you are asked at the counter who you have an appointment with, don't be at a loss for words;

  2. Look up your interviewer on LinkedIn. This can help with your own peace of mind. This way, you know who you are having a conversation with!
  3. Read through the organisation's website. Do you have any questions about this? Good! Write these down and take the questions with you.

  4. Think about why you fit in well with this organisation, do your mission and vision match? Do you like working for a large or perhaps a smaller organisation, do you think sustainability is important and/or are you very customer-oriented, etc.?

  5. Read through the vacancy! Think about why you fit the job description. Give specific examples for each task. Are there any uncertainties? Write this down for yourself too, so you can ask questions about it!

  6. Think about what your strengths are. Make sure you can argue this with practical examples. For instance, it is good to know what your role is in your current team, or in your group of friends, (are you the sparring partner, do you come up with new ideas, are you always positive, do you keep structure and calm, etc.);

What you want to know

It is not only important that they see potential in you but it is at least as important that you can tell them after this interview whether or not you want to work here (or whether you are interested in a second interview at all).

You too need to find out whether this organisation really suits you and your ambitions.

Some sample questions YOU can ask:

  1. What does the team look like?
  2. What does the onboarding look like?
  3. Are there any training courses? How can I develop within this role?
  4. Are there growth opportunities. If so: what are they and in what timeframe?
  5. How has your interlocutor's career, within this organisation, progressed?
  6. What does the further application process look like?

And last but not least: your outfit! Make sure your look suits the organisation you are going to. If you don't know what the general dress code is, better safe than sorry and ask your contact person.

"Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have"