Career Opportunites

Preparation for a Face-to-Face Interview

Gather together all the documents that you may need beforehand. These documents might include your CV, references letters, project portfolios, etc.
Before the day of the interview, ensure that you are thoroughly familiar with everything related to the vacancy. An excellent place to start is to take a look at the company’s website.
Think carefully about the route that you will take to get to the interview and what mode of transport you intend to use. Calculate the time you think it will take to reach the company’s office and allow some leeway. Make sure that you have the HR Manager’s contact details with you and try to be on time. If something happens that means that you will be unexpectedly late, ensure that you call the HR Manager and let him or her know as soon as possible.
Think about how you would answer questions that you may typically be asked. Such questions might include: why you are looking for a new job, what your main achievements have been to date and etc.
Think carefully about how you will dress for the interview. It’s always better to be a bit conservative, regardless of the dress code at the organization. It is also recommended that your hair is neat and tidy, that you are clean and that your fingernails are neatly trimmed.

Arrive slightly earlier than the stated interview time so that you have time to complete any preliminary formalities without hurrying, for instance, receiving a security pass. Be ready to wait if you are asked to do so.
Try to maintain polite eye contact with the person speaking. Be friendly, open and demonstrate your interest in the vacancy. Observe the rules of social etiquette and try to behave as naturally as possible.
If you do not have much time at your disposal, or have another meeting afterwards, be sure to let the interviewer know beforehand.

Try to be concise when answering the interviewer’s questions, but avoid one-word answers unless it is deemed appropriate. If you don’t understand the question, ask the interviewer to clarify what they mean.
When you are discussing your achievements with your interviewer, use definitive quantities rather than vague generalizations. For instance, it is better to say “within a month” rather than “for a long time” and use “one million” rather than “a huge profit”.
As a general rule, salary expectations would not normally be discussed during a first interview. It is more likely that this matter would be raised during a subsequent meeting.
At the end of the interview you are likely to be asked about your impressions and whether you have any questions concerning the vacancy or the company.

When the interview is completed thank the interviewer for his or her time. Ask when you can expect the result, and try to determine what the next steps will be. If you are planning a holiday or business trip, be sure to notify them about it.