During the interview, the recruiter tries to find out as much as possible about you – about your experience, but also how you fit into the given position, the team and, of course, the company itself. You should do the same. Find out what interests you about the company and the position and, based on that, decide whether the offer is still interesting for you. The interview should not be an “examination” by a recruiter, but a dialogue.

Preparing for the interview

As they say, luck favors the prepared and this is 100% true for interviews.

Find out where the company is located and find the ideal route (public transport, car, train). Expect that you should be at the company’s reception approximately 5-10 minutes before the scheduled meeting.

During preparation, it is a good idea to take a second look at the wording of the advertisement and your CV. Think about where you yourself see the connection. Another point of preparation is reading the company’s website. If someone you know works in the company, interview them.

The clothes you go in may seem unimportant. But don’t forget that people make a first impression and a recruiter is also human. Clothing should be clean and selected with respect to the company and the position you are applying for.

“During preparation, it is a good idea to take a second look at the wording of the advertisement and your CV. Think about where you yourself see the connection.”

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During the interview

Nervousness rises with every minute you get closer to the interview. Don’t worry, it’s normal. Even with nervousness, do not forget the basics of good manners. Ideally, before entering the building, spit out the chewing gum and turn off or at least mute your mobile phone.

From the first moment you enter the building, try to smile, speak loudly enough, and try to have an appropriate handshake (no fishy fish, no iron fist). Body language is also important. Sit upright in a chair with your feet together, use appropriate gestures, and look others in the eye.

During the interview, actively listen to the recruiter, answer his questions (of course not discriminatory ones such as the number of children, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, etc.), and ask those that interest you. Try to answer in long sentences more often than just “yes” and “no”.

When answering questions about former employment, boss, or colleagues, avoid criticism and gossip. Recruiters imagine how you might talk about them in a few years.

The question about financial expectations usually appears towards the end of the interview and should be the first to be asked by the recruiter. Prepare for this question and answer as specifically as possible.

After the interview

When the door to the HR room closes behind you, think about how the people you met, the environment, the communication affected you.

Recruiters are usually pleased if you write them an e-mail thanking them for the meeting a day or two after the interview. But don’t try to e-mail information about how things “look” with you.

In most cases, you will know the result within a week, two at the most. If the interview was successful, further rounds of interviews may await you.

What are they likely to ask you?

• Why are you applying for a job with us?
• What do you expect from a job change?
• Why are you leaving your current job?
• What were your job duties and responsibilities in your last job?
• What was your typical working day like?
• What do you see as your greatest contribution to our company?
• Why should we choose you for this position?
• How does your education correspond to the requirements of the position?
• How do you imagine the financial evaluation?
• When can you possibly start?

What do you ask?

During the interview, the recruiter may ask the applicant: do you have any questions for us? It is good to prepare at least one or two questions:

• Is this a newly created position?
• If the position is being filled again, for what reason did it become vacant?
• What are the key criteria for successful work in this position?