The time has finally come: you have found the dream job of your life. However, there is still a barrier to this lifelong wish… the job interview. Many people have job application anxiety, which is often caused by inexperience and a lack of control. And yet such a conversation is often intended as an orientation, so that the employer and the applicant get a good picture of each other. How do you get through a job interview?
Preparation
Prepare yourself for the conversation. Look up information about the company where you want to apply. This can take away a lot of the anxiety. Also considers questions the company might ask. Examples of this are:
- what do you expect from this work?
- Why do you want this job?
- What are your best qualities?
- What are your weaknesses?
After you have asked the necessary questions, you can start training for the job interview. Think of answers to questions you will almost certainly be asked. This way you appear confident.
The first conversation
It’s time! The day of the interview has arrived. Make sure you are on time and arrive sweaty. Better too early than too late!
The first minute
In a job interview, the first minute is the most important. In this minute the recruiter immediately gets a first impression of you. Particular attention is paid to non-verbal actions. What kind of handshake do you give? What kind of clothes do you wear? Are you nervous? So pay attention to these points, it is important that you dress neatly, otherwise this can give a bad impression. You also need to know in advance where you want to put your hands. Of course, you don’t put these in your pockets, but you use them, for example, while talking for extra emphasis.
Orientation
The first conversation mainly serves as orientation. There is a good chance that you will be assessed and multiple candidates will be possible. The first conversation usually lasts an hour during which you will be bombarded with questions. The conversation often starts with a short introduction by the company. Both parties then exchange important information and a conclusion follows.
The second conversation
Provided you are selected for a second interview, you have a chance at the job. Often a selection is made in the first conversation and then chosen from the very best. The second conversation often takes longer than the first and is also more difficult. During the second interview there is often a director or department head present who is eager to get to know each other, so don’t pay too much attention to this.
Some more tips for the second conversation
In the first phase, the employer will try to put you at ease with a drink. Feel free to accept this but stay alert. In the second interview the employer is often more specific, so make sure you are too. Also pay attention to your posture, don’t sit there like a limp mop, but upright with your chest forward and your hands above the table. It is often difficult but it is important to relax. Don’t forget to make regular eye contact with the employer, if you don’t you will come across as very shy. If you panic, breathe calmly and drink some water, try not to let it show.