Before a job interview

1. Before you arrive at a job interview:

• collect information about the employer – its business profile, values, market position, competitors. The easiest way to find such information is by visiting the company's website;
  read the job advertisement carefully and think over the following issues: do you meet the specified criteria, does your experience match the position profile, why have you decided to take part in the recruitment process;
• make sure that you are well informed about the interview itself – when and where it will take place, who will be your recruitment officer and what kind of documents you should bring along. Be punctual. Respect both your own time and the time of the recruitment officer.

2. What you wear reflects your personality. Remember that an appropriate outfit signals respect for your prospective employer – instead of comfortable jeans and a t-shirt, choose a smart and neat set of clothes.

3. Put yourself in the shoes of the recruitment officer – what criteria would you take into account to select the best candidate? You need to focus on what makes you different from other candidates and what your potential employer stands to gain by hiring you. Remember to provide specific examples to confirm that you possess particular skills.

During a job interview

1. When exchanging greetings with the Company's representative, remember about a firm handshake. Also, think positive and keep smiling, as this will help you calm down :-)

2. Be honest during the interview, don't try to exaggerate your skills and qualifications (such as command of foreign languages or computer literacy). Your skills and credentials may be checked.

3. Don't forget to mention your hobbies and interests outside of work. Your interests speak volumes about you. Knowing them, the employer will be able to decide whether he or she would like to spend several hours a day with you, and whether you are a person with whom other team members would like to be friends, exchange views and opinions, etc.

4. During the interview, don't focus merely on answering the questions, remember to establish a positive contact with the recruitment officers. Prove that you are interested in the job, by asking about the associated duties, form of employment, opportunities for professional development and further stages of the recruitment process.  

5. Remember – irrespective of the outcome, don't be afraid to attend job interviews, treat them as an opportunity to gain knowledge and valuable professional experience.