Dress for success
Very cliché, but you really only get one chance to make a good first impression. Are you applying for a job at a formal company? Then leave that jumper in your wardrobe and put on your best suit. The other way around works too, of course. In a creative and informal environment, a three-piece suit can be very much out of place. Orient yourself well on the company's house style and atmosphere; this can be found well online in the mission and vision of the organisation.
Questions welcome
The standard question at the end of an interview, 'Do you have any questions yourself?', the awkward silence that follows the answer 'No, not really.', you should avoid at all times. Answering 'No' to the question 'Do you have any questions?' doesn't exist. Asking questions comes across as interested. It gives the impression that you've prepared yourself well before coming to the interview and have thought about what you can contribute to your potential employer.
Body Language
Body language is very important. Start your introduction with a firm handshake. A limp handshake is a huge turn-off for many employers. Next, your posture in the chair is decisive. Slouching comes across as disinterested. Crossing your arms implies a closed attitude. But the other way around, as an applicant you can also read a lot from the body language of your potential employer.
Remember and use names
Do you want to score extra points? Remember the names of the people you have an interview with and end your conversation with 'Thank you for this conversation..', and then finish with the name. This sounds professional, comes across as engaged and radiates confidence.
Be prepared
Familiarise yourself well in advance with the company and the person you have an interview with. What kind of company is it, where does the core business lie and, more importantly: what could your role within the organisation become? Is the person you're talking to also the person you'd potentially be working under? When you know this, you can ask targeted questions during your interview. This comes across, as tip 2 already revealed, as interested. The internet is your greatest friend here; take a good look at the company's website, search on LinkedIn and be prepared. Also prepare for questions about your CV; make sure you can explain any gaps in your CV and provide a clear account.
Stay respectful
It seems so obvious, but make sure you arrive at the appointment on time. Thank them for the interview and their time. Never be the first to switch to first-name terms. And never speak negatively about former employers; this shows no class.
Take that drink
Even accepting a drink plays an important role. By drinking a cup of coffee, tea or glass of water, you come across as relaxed during the interview. In addition, every sip gives you a few seconds of thinking time to reconsider the question you've been asked. And should the coffee be absolutely undrinkable, you can always ask yourself whether you should even want to work at such a company ;-).
Explanation of why you’re looking for a job
Make sure you have a clear and unambiguous answer as to why you're looking for a new challenge. Does your current job no longer fit the developments you're going through yourself? Then make sure you can explain well why the potential new job can indeed offer enough satisfaction. Have you been made redundant? Try explaining why you were the first victim of the reorganisation. In short, be clear without being negative, as we indicated in tip 5.
Hereby we wish you good luck with your job applications, and for clothing tips you can always come to us. And last but not least: speak with passion! Go for a job you can fully commit to; life is too short to spend time on something your heart isn't in.
