Applying when • Keep things positive. Even ul boss awf you’re talking about that at your last job. yourself. • You’re not there to defend what Channel the discussion towards nce. you learned from the experie er ready, • If you don’t have an answ to think time just say so. And use the about it, not to think about how an dumb it is that you don’t have answer ready. ns. • Try to ask your own questio up a few ahead of time.
Think
use that’s • End on a positive note beca ple, what people remember. For exam
concompliment them on how they to a nice ducted the interview or refer n. moment during the conversatio
Yes! I’ve got an interview Prepare yourself properly for your job interview Your palms are sweating, your voice is quaking, and with the opening question, ‘Did you have any trouble finding us?’, you go into shutdown mode. But you don’t have to. Job interviews are stressful. But preparing for them will take away all those pre-interview nerves. Text: Linda Hoogsteden
1. Be calm, be yourself Remember, this conversation goes two ways. Whoever is sitting across from you should get as realistic an impression of you as possible. And you can only do that if you’re calm and if you’re yourself. 2. Get information Make sure you’re well informed about the company/organization you’re applying for. Go on LinkedIn and search for the person who’s doing your interview. Know who they are before you go in. 3. Get your ambitions straight You know the type of question: ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ or ‘What would be your dream job?’ Interviewers like to see where your ambitions lie, as it says a lot about you as a person and as a potential colleague. Is this your dream job? Or is it a stepping stone to the next one? You and the company might be able to work together to make this a reality. 4. Important: Know who you are! What are your strongest qualities and what pitfalls do you have to watch out for? It’s impossible to be good at everything. But lots of us still think it is, which puts a huge amount of pressure on young people in particular. So, although many people struggle to do this, try to be aware of your weaknesses. This is an important consideration
not only for your job interview, but also for your future career. Not sure? Ask people you know, or do a quick Belbin group role test on the web. Think of some strong examples of your qualities. Finding good examples of your weaknesses is a little trickier. For this, try thinking of a sticky situation that you managed to resolve in the end, emphasizing that you learned from it. The interview Now you’re ready for the interview. The culture, your ambition, and your qualities tell the recruiter whether you and the company click. Don’t focus on having an instant click with the recruiter, as you’re probably not going to work with them on the first day.
Yes! I got the job: tract or a • Have an employment con •
deed of appointment drafted. ns/ Read the employment conditio
carefulcollective labour agreement e union. ly and consider joining a trad , If you are receiving any benefits • remember to terminate them (www.werk.nl)
schemes • Find out about bridging your that can help you make it to first salary payment.
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