A job interview is always nerve-wracking. Whether you’re just starting out in your job search or have years of work experience, thorough preparation makes all the difference. With these practical dos and don’ts, you’ll walk into the interview with confidence.
1. Arrive on time for your job interview, but not too early
Being on time sounds obvious, but what does “on time” actually mean?
Arriving late is obviously not an option—it immediately gives a bad impression. However, arriving much too early isn’t ideal either. If you walk in twenty to thirty minutes early, it can unintentionally put pressure on the interviewer. They may still be in another meeting or not yet prepared for your arrival.
The best rule of thumb:arrive about five minutes before the start.
If you're arriving in the area early via public transportation, please wait a moment before checking in.
If you expect to be delayed, always let your contact person know as soon as possible.
2. Check out the company’s website and social media accounts
By checking out the company’s website and social media channels beforehand, you can often get a good sense of what the company is like. How do the employees present themselves? How formal is the organization?
This will help you choose your outfit accordingly. That way, you can avoid looking either overdressed or too casual. Not sure? In that case, the rule of thumb is still:it’s better to be a little too formal than too casual.
3. Check the location in advance using Google Street View
Many companies are located in business parks or in buildings shared with other organizations. It’s not always immediately clear where you need to go.
By checking Google Street View beforehand, you’ll know what the building looks like and where the entrance is. This helps you avoid feeling stressed or rushed right before your job interview—something that could negatively impact your first impression.
4. Ask questions during your job interview
A job interview isn’t an interrogation; it’s an opportunity for both sides to get to know each other. By asking questions, you demonstrate your interest and initiative. It also helps you determine whether the position and the organization are a good fit for you.
Be sure to check out our article on smart questions to ask during a job interview.
5. Be yourself
It sounds like a cliché, but it’s still important: be yourself and be honest during your job interview.
Honesty prevents unrealistic expectations on both sides: a job interview isn’t just about determining whether you’re a good fit for the company, but also the other way around. It’s better to realize during the hiring process that you’re not a good fit than after you’ve already started in a new position.
The same goes for your appearance. Be mindful of the company culture, but feel free to add your own personal touch to your attire or presentation.
6. Read the job posting carefully once more
Use the job posting as a guide when preparing for the interview. A job posting often contains valuable information about what an employer values.
Do you recognize yourself in the skills or experience listed? If so, be sure to highlight them and provide specific examples from your work experience. The point isn’t to misrepresent yourself or claim skills you don’t have, but to clearly demonstrate where your strengths lie.
7. Be mindful of using the first-person plural when talking about previous employers
When you talk about your current or former employer, you may find yourself speaking in the first-person plural:“We did this”or“We were responsible for…”. Be aware of this. It may come across as though you still feel a strong connection to your former employer.
Also try to explain what your personal role and contribution were. Employers want to understand the impact you personally had.
8. Never speak negatively about your former employer
Speaking negatively about a previous employer during a job interview comes across as unprofessional and can raise doubts. It does not paint a positive picture of you as a candidate.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t mention any challenges or reasons for leaving. It’s mainly about howyou phrase it.
For example: Was the workload consistently too high? In that case, you can explain that your work-life balance wasn’t right and that you’re now looking for a work environment with clearer expectations.
Stay factual, professional, and forward-looking.
Be well-prepared for your job interview
A job interview doesn't have to be rocket science. With good preparation, genuine interest, and a professional attitude, you'll often go a long way. Ultimately, it all comes down to one question: are you a good fit for each other? The better prepared you are, the easier it will be to figure that out together.
By preparing thoroughly and keeping these dos and don’ts in mind, you’ll increase the chances of a good match—for both you and the employer.
You're now all set to apply.
