I've been invited to a job interview, now what?

The job interview is one of the most important steps on the road to employment. It is your first personal contact with a potential employer. Although it is a big challenge, it is also an opportunity to convince the employer that you are the right person for the position.

Employers want to supplement the information you provided in your application during the interview and try to understand your thinking and communication style. As candidates, you must present your knowledge and skills, describe your career path, and explain why you feel you are suitable for the advertised position.

Prepare well for the interview

We recommend that you thoroughly research the potential employer:

• Find out what the company does and how many people it employs.
• Check the company’s market position and financial status.
• Try to gather as much information as possible about the person you’ll be talking to, and at the very least, find out their position in the company.
• Carefully review the job ad again to get a clear picture of the employer’s expectations regarding education, experience, and skills, and consider what you can offer them.

Plan your arrival time. Estimate how long it will take you to get to the interview location and arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled time. If you arrive earlier, stay nearby but don’t stand in front of the recruiter’s office. It’s important not to be late! If something unexpected happens and you will be late, call the person you have the interview with to inform them.

Since appearance is also important during the interview, you can refer to one of our earlier posts to learn how to dress appropriately.

The first impression is the most important

Upon arrival at the interview, be friendly and cheerful, and observe proper etiquette.

A firm handshake is very important—make sure your handshake is not limp like a “dead fish.”

When sitting, pay attention to your posture—sit up straight, and during the conversation, you can lean slightly forward with your upper body, as this posture expresses interest. Complement your words with hand gestures.

Maintain eye contact with your conversation partner. Looking away or constantly scanning the room with your eyes can signal nervousness, discomfort, or even that you’re not telling the truth. However, be careful not to stare at your interviewer, as this can make them uncomfortable.

Prepare for the most common questions

Most job interviews follow a certain pattern, so it’s advisable to prepare for the most common questions in advance. This preparation will help you navigate stressful situations more effectively. However, don’t memorize answers or respond as if you’re taking a test.

It’s also important to know what the position requires from candidates. For example, if knowledge of regulations is expected, you may be asked about that. You might also need to prove your proficiency in a foreign language if the job ad requires it. Expect situational questions, where the recruiter will test how you would handle specific circumstances.

Answer questions in full sentences and avoid one-word answers like “yes” or “no.” Your answers should be clear and concise—get to the point and avoid rambling. Take a few seconds before responding to gather your thoughts. If you don’t understand a question, ask the recruiter for clarification. Be honest because an experienced recruiter will quickly figure out if you're not telling the truth. A job interview is a stressful situation on its own, so lying will stand out even more than usual.

Important: Never speak negatively about your previous employers. Be positive and offer some praise instead.

Ask relevant questions

The end of the interview is an opportunity to ask questions that demonstrate your knowledge of the field and highlight your interest in the position. Try to gather information that will help you further assess if the job is a good fit for you. Inquire about the next steps in the selection process, but avoid asking about salary, benefits, or vacation during the first interview. You will have the chance to discuss these matters later in the process if the recruiter decides that you are the right candidate for the position.

Important: At the end of the interview, thank the recruiter for their time, shake their hand, and greet them politely when leaving.

Reinforce your candidacy after the interview

After the interview, you can write a thank-you letter if you feel the company is a good fit for you. In the thank-you letter, express your gratitude for the meeting and summarize the main reasons why you are the right candidate for the job. If you feel there were things you didn’t explain well during the interview, include them in the letter.

Trust yourself and your abilities, as this is the key to success in the job interview.

Additionally, make sure that the company environment is right for you during the interview.