Job interview tips

Letter First call the organization for more information about the content of the job. Only a few people call in advance, so you’ll already stand out. Mention who you spoke to in your letter. Address your letter to a real person; check in advance to whom when you call (if it isn't stated in the job vacancy text). Set out in your letter why you want this job with this organization (your affinity with…); this makes your letter more personal. CV Make absolutely sure that it is clear and concise. List the tasks you performed during any job you have had. Adapt your CV to each vacancy you apply for, for example by varying the order of your tasks and relevant work experience. Vacancy Read the vacancy announcement critically, ask critical (open) questions about each vacancy and write them down (How? Concrete examples of?). Don’t be satisfied with what is there but call for more information! Call people you know in this or a similar organization to discuss the vacancy and gain more information. Networking Learn how to present yourself interestingly in 1½ minutes. When ending a networking conversation, always ask for tips and names of other people to network with. Networking = work and it takes a lot of time. It is an investment that sometimes needs a lot of stamina. Be patient and keep at it, a few conversations are not enough. Did you know that 70% of vacancies are invisible? That’s a very good reason to network. Interview Prepare well (think of questions and answers) and be on time. Ensure that you look neat and tidy and ‘practise’ wearing your interview clothes; wear them at least once to get used to them. You determine the first impression you make on someone else; think about it and practise. Have practical examples to hand of your own successful behaviour in relation to the job. Finally Be confident of your own abilities and knowledge and let that shine through! YOU are the one who determines whether you get a job; so get to work! Although it’s important to be able to anticipate your interviewers during a job interview or networking discussion, it’s even more important to be yourself. Don’t forget – good preparation is half the work!