How to prepare for a job interview

Congratulations, you have just landed the first interview! If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably managed to convince the recruiter with a well-written curriculum and cover letter.

Now that a professional has contacted you and wants to meet you to get to know you better, it’s time to prepare yourself as best as possible to make a good impression during your job interview.

You are a little nervous and don’t know what to expect? Do not worry. Below are some tips to help you prepare for your interview and feel ready and relaxed when the day comes.

Before the job interview

Find out about the company

We advise you to find out about the company to know its philosophy, its different missions, its projects, and its career.

This research will allow you to show your interest to the recruiter by relying on concrete examples. It will also help you to match your experiences with the information found.

Preliminary research will allow you to know some fundamental aspects of the position to be filled:

• The possibilities for growth
• Working hours
• Teleworking
• The wages you can claim

If you have any acquaintances who are currently working at this company, please don’t hesitate to ask them questions. They are probably one of the most reliable sources that you can consult.

You can also find out more on the Internet, especially on social networks, a company like LinkedIn or Instagram. These sites will give you an idea of ​​his image, his philosophy, or his style, for example.

Analyze your CV

To prepare well for a job interview, it is important to review your CV. Analyzing your curriculum will allow you to determine your strengths for this position, but also your weak points.

You should also be able to answer the recruiter’s questions regarding the information and experiences shown on your CV. Put yourself in his shoes :

• Do you have the required training? If not, do you think you can compensate for your lack of a diploma with your experience or equivalent training?
• What experiences could interest him?
• Have you had particular success input forward?
• Could you have to justify your departure from a previous position?

Prepare your answers to these possible questions to know how to answer in the most honest way possible while showing off yourself.

Simulate an interview to practice

One of the best tips we can give you when preparing maintenance is to train yourself. Whether alone, with a friend, or a family member, faking the meeting with the recruiter will help you feel more comfortable when the day comes.

From plus, recruiters often tend to ask the same questions. Learn about the most frequently asked questions in a job interview and the best answers to them. This interview preparation will help you not be caught off guard.

If you landed an interview with an international company, the exchange can be conducted in English. Take the time to practice answering the most frequent questions in English before meeting the recruiter.

You can also choose to film yourself to see yourself from the other person’s point of view. This will help you more easily identify your mistakes and improve yourself before the actual interview.

On the day of the interview

Take the documents you need

To properly prepare for your professional interview, it is important to gather all the documents you may need the day before and not the same day so as not to arrive late. On the day of the interview, you will just have to take them with you.

You may need:

• Several printed copies of your CV
• The original or a copy of your diplomas
• Your possible internship certificates
• A letter of recommendation from your previous company
• A portfolio if you are applying for a creative position
• A pen and notebook (or diary) to take notes

Take care of your presentation

The image is obviously not everything but a good presentation counts the day of your interview. We recommend that you choose a professional but comfortable and practical outfit. The main thing is to be comfortable to be confident and relaxed in front of your interlocutor.

Each area has its own dress codes. Learn about the codes of your professional environment to make the best impression possible. The recruiter should be able to imagine you working alongside them within the company.

Your body language also says a lot about your personality and your attitude. Pay particular attention to your smile, your gait, your handshake, your attention span, and your gaze.

Finally, remember that the most important thing is to stay you- even!