Gonçalo Sequeira

CEO & Founder @ Hiire
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That’s the most asked question among job seekers and it’s a hard one to answer because interviews are always different. In this article, we will give you 10 good tips on how to prepare for an interview.

1. Know the company and the vacancy

Start by looking for information about the company, its history, culture and values, trying to understand in detail the vacancy you are applying for. According to specialists, more than half of the success in an interview is based on a prepared and direct speech. Believe it or not, a lot of candidates don’t even visit the website of the company before an interview.

2. Keep your authenticity

One should not adopt a different discourse from the one in which he believes, but try to adapt all academic and professional experiences to the vacancy in question.

3. Take care of your image

Try to have a careful image that fits the context. The style of clothing to be used depends on the nature of the company and the job. If the interview takes place using digital videoconferencing tools, such as Zoom or Teams, it is important to ensure not only that the internet signal is good, but also that the space is well-lit and has little noise. Test your setup before, you won’t regret it.

4. Prepare answers to common questions

The worst that can happen is not knowing what to say in a job interview. So practising the answers to some frequently asked questions in job interviews will help you feel more confident and prepared. If you don’t know an answer it is also fine to say “I don’t know” and try to guess with the information you have. Admitting that you don’t know something is also valuable for a lot of companies.

5. Know the rules of etiquette

How to behave in a job interview? Etiquette is very important. Starting with punctuality. Also remember to greet the receptionist, your interviewer — and everyone you meet — with politeness, pleasure and enthusiasm. Here are some body language tips for your job interview:

- firm handshake

- make eye contact when articulating your response

- pay attention

- do not interrupt the interviewer

- keep your back straight

- make a neutral expression

6. Try to capture the attention

Start by saying thank you for inviting me to the interview. Try to organize the speech in a chain, keeping the recruiter’s attention. If you’re starting in the world of work, talk about your academic experience and areas of expertise. If you are a professional with an extensive curriculum, show your expertise in the job market. You should mention examples of your results, where you create more impact for your previous companies and what you like to do.

7. Try to keep calm

During the job interview, try to relax and be as calm as possible. Start by arriving early at the interview location, this way you will have time to breathe, relax and remember some of the important points you would like to convey. Before entering, visualize yourself having an excellent conversation, where you give clear and succinct answers, impressing the interviewer. If you’re nervous, remember that the interviewer might be too. When entering, make a natural smile to relieve tension. If you feel your hands shaking, place them in your lap. Starting an interview nervous is natural, but ending an interview nervous is not so much.

8. Make questions about the company and the job

In front of the interviewer, try to adopt a positive attitude that demonstrates availability and flexibility on your part. Don’t share confidential information about previous employers or colleagues, or criticise the companies you’ve been to. Don’t deceive the interviewer by making statements about realities you don’t know — sooner or later, it will end up having adverse effects.

9. Reinforce your availability for further clarifications

Don’t end the conversation without emphasising your availability to clarify doubts or even to research a topic that was mentioned in the interview. You can also confirm if the recruiter has your contacts and if you need any extra info.

10. After the interview, be proactive

If the recruiter has given you a deadline for responding, wait until the deadline before contacting him. If it has not been defined, wait a week to approach the company again.

Do you have any special tips that you have in mind when preparing for an interview?

Share them with us!

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