The Job Interview: 5 Tips from LSJ

Tip #1: Prepare for questions and answers

The interview starts much earlier than you think. Proper preparation is important for a successful outcome. First, research the company you are applying to and familiarize yourself with its recent projects, core activities, and achievements. It is also helpful to have a clear idea of how you see your role within the organization.

"Tell me a little about yourself" is one of the most common interview questions. It helps to prepare your response in advance. While we do not recommend memorizing a script word for word, creating a few bullet points to keep you on track works very well. This will help you stay focused, even if you feel nervous, and make sure you cover all the key points you want to communicate.

"If you have any questions for me, I would be happy to answer them" — the worst response here is: "No, I don't have any questions." Curiosity matters. Asking questions shows your interest and helps prevent misunderstandings later on. We recommend preparing a few questions before the interview. These can include clarification about the job posting, the day-to-day responsibilities of the role, team size, organizational culture, or the terms of the contract.

Tip #2: Punctuality is key

First impressions can influence how the recruiter perceives you, so it is worth making them count. Punctuality is one of the most important factors in an interview. As a rule of thumb, aim to be ready or arrive at least 15 minutes early.

On-site (In-person) Interviews:

Double-check that you are going to the correct location. If the company has more than one office, ask the recruiter for the exact address to avoid unnecessary stress at the last minute.
Public transport can be unpredictable, so if you are not driving, take an earlier tram or bus and give yourself a safety cushion.

Online Interviews:

Technical problems can happen, and they often create unnecessary stress. Test your setup in advance: make sure you have downloaded the required software and check that your microphone and camera are working properly. It is also a good idea to have a backup plan, such as a fully charged mobile phone, in case you need to reconnect.

Tip #3: Mind your environment

Whether your interview takes place online or in person, your comfort matters.
Keep a glass of water within reach. There is nothing worse than a dry throat when you need to speak clearly. If you feel stressed or need a moment to gather your thoughts before answering a difficult question, take a sip and give yourself a second to think.

For remote interviews, you have more control over your surroundings. If your neighbors are renovating, ask them to pause during your interview window. If it is a video call, make sure your background looks clean and professional, and keep pets in another room for the duration of the call.

Tip #4: Put yourself in the recruiter's shoes

You can look up common interview questions online, or simply imagine yourself sitting on the other side of the table. What would you want to know about a candidate applying for this role?
Chances are that some of the questions you think of in this exercise may come up during the actual interview.

Tip #5: Prioritize your well-being and appearance

All the preparation in the world will not help much if you neglect your physical and mental well-being on the day of the interview — or even the night before.

A good night’s sleep, a proper breakfast, and staying hydrated are all important factors that can affect your performance and focus during the conversation.

The next step is choosing the right outfit. We recommend checking the company’s social media channels to get a sense of its organizational culture. If you are unsure about the dress code, you can rarely go wrong with a neatly ironed shirt and smart trousers.

Good luck!