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Get there on time, dress appropriately and behave as the guest you are.
Think about your body languageThink about the body language, straighten your back, give a firm handshake and look the interviewer in the eyes.
Be preparedRemember to bring the job ad, your application, your CV and other relevant documents. Note the name of the contact person and a telephone number to be able to ask for the right person at the reception and know who you are visiting. If possible find relevant information about the person you are about to meet.
Remember the gaps in your CV or Competence
If you have some gaps in your CV or in your competences, remember that the recruiter / headhunter will ask for these gaps. Be prepared and have an answer ready for the question you probably will be asked.
Know the companyDo some research on the company, know more than just what’s in the job ad. Prepare some question so that they can see that you know more then what has been disclosed to you.
Prepare for your answers for the normal interview questionsThe question you will get to the job interview is of course depending on the job’s sector and type, responsibilities and tasks, but be sure to be prepared for the basic question, like:
Tell us about yourself?
Why are you applying for this job?Which expectations do you have to the job or the tasks?What are your strongest areas? – for instance have some concrete examples on your successes or your strongest competences.
What are your weak areas? – have some examples ready on what you think is hard, and how you cope with these challenges.What do you expect from an employer / manager?Why should we choose you for the job?
What are your career goals on medium to long term?What are your expectations to your salary?Do you have any further questions?
Prepare your questionsFocus your question and on what is asked from you.What are the most important tasks in the job?Which possibilities are there for further development of your competences?
How is the culture in the company?What do they appreciate in an employee?Why should I choose this job?Why would you like to work here?Who will be my manager and which colleagues will I have the closet working relations with?
Do you have an introductory course for new employees?
Avoid negative storiesNegativity don’t sell, remember not to talk negative about former managers or colleagues. If you have had some bad experiences, try to turn it into something positive. What did you learn from this negative experience?Be present and participate on equal terms with the interviewerBe present, listen to the question and be honest and give them your best answer, show them that your dedicated. Newer tell a lie, it will get back to you like a boomerang.
If possible offer the references
If you decide to disclose your references, remember to have them prepared before the interview.
*SECOND ANSWER IS*
“I know the job hunting books say you should always answer with a weakness that is not really a weakness, but I’m not going to go there. The reality in my case is that I am crappy in math (or writing, etc.). If you need someone to do basic calculations (or write position papers), I can do that just fine. But if you need someone to do algorithms (or write theses), I’m not that person.”
And on the opposite question, “What are your most significant achievements?” the “experts” advise you to have at least two or three significant achievements to describe, preferably in mini-story format. That is good information. However, what they leave out is the fact that most of the entire job hunting populace consists simply of average, hardworking, everyday people – most of whom have not done anything of tremendous importance. I teach my candidates to answer:
“I have done many things that I consider significant, but nothing that really rocked the business world. The bottom line is that I am a hardworking, results-oriented, high-energy individual who gets the job done – and done right. My work is always on time, of correct quantity and quality, and if you hire me, you can expect nothing less, whatever the task.”
It doesn't really matter what your answer is (unless your answer is 'I'm too good looking' or 'I have no idea what I'm doing half the time') - What matters is that you have something constructive to say, for instance you could give an example of an area of your knowledge base that you have identified a possible weakness but go on to explain how you are rectifying this and filling the knowledge gap, with training or asking for mentoring or guidance from a friend or collegue.
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