How to Successfully Pass a Job Interview

Understanding the specifics of the company where you are interviewing can help you approach the process with confidence. You will be able to assess how your experience aligns with the information published on the company’s website and social media.

For example, prepare your answer to the frequently asked question: “Tell me about yourself and why you are interested in this role in our company?” The idea is to briefly explain who you are and what value you can bring to the company and the position — this is your personal elevator pitch.

We recommend revisiting the job description in advance and highlighting the key requirements for candidates. Think about which parts of your past or current experience meet these requirements.

During the interview, you will be asked about specific tasks you have handled in the past. Be ready to share examples of cases relevant to the responsibilities of the position. For instance, you might be asked about your teamwork experience. Recall a specific situation and describe it briefly but informatively. Be prepared for the recruiter to ask follow-up questions, so you should know your example well. This helps the recruiter evaluate your behavior in that situation and apply it to the company’s work environment.

It is important to arrive on time, so we recommend calculating travel time in advance. If the location is unfamiliar, consider making a trial trip beforehand to ensure you won’t be late on the day of the interview.

The first impression you make on a potential employer can significantly influence the outcome of your interview. Dress according to the company’s dress code. If you are unsure, classic attire (shirt, trousers, shoes) is always a safer choice than casual wear (hoodie, jeans, sneakers).

Be ready to discuss how you applied specific skills in your work. Use the STAR method (Situation – the context, Task – the challenge, Action – the steps you took, Result – the outcome) to explain your actions and the results you achieved.

An interview is a two-way conversation, so it’s important to show your interest by asking a few good questions. Examples include:

• What will my daily responsibilities be?

• How will my performance be measured? What are the KPIs?

• Could you tell me about the team culture?

• What is the next step in the hiring process?

If you have no questions by the end of the interview, you can say that all your questions have been answered during the conversation and thank them for their time. It’s best not to ask about salary unless the recruiter raises the topic.

Crossed arms and legs can appear defensive and unapproachable. Try to remain composed and confident, which will positively influence the interviewer’s perception of you.

Smile. Avoid speaking negatively about past experiences, even if they were unpleasant. If the recruiter asks about them, answer as neutrally as possible and highlight the valuable lessons learned.

Avoid focusing on negative thoughts. Imagine that the person in front of you is someone you know rather than an interviewer. This can help you feel more confident.