When you are browsing through the job offers, you should askyourself; why do you like an offer, why are you suitable for it and why do you want to get it? It is important to raise these questions, because they are likely to come up at an interview and a lot could depend on how confidently you can answer them.

After selecting a job you are interested in, get to know the company! Look around on its homepage, read the actual articles about it, etc. The more information you get, the easier the decision will be as to whether you want to work there or not. At the personal interview it's a huge advantage if you know the company thoroughly.

We have mentioned the interview several times before, now let's see what should we pay attention to:

• It's natural if you are excited or nervous before an interview. But don't forget- your CV has aroused their interest and they are curious about you! Consider it as a casual conversation and not like a difficult exam subject. The subject in this case is you and you have to recite from your own knowledge and experiences. It might help a lot if you hold a testinterview with someone who has been on one before.
• Just like in the case of any other important appointment, you mustn't be late! You may want to go to the address the day before the interview and plan the ideal traffic line. It's better to arrive earlier than later!
• Appearance: neat and well dressed. The clothing should suit the occasion. Don't be overdressed (the theatre elegance might look strange), but don't be underdressed either (this goes for the quantity and the quality as well, i.e. avoid the ostentatious or sporty clothes, jeans, trainers - and no matter how high the temperature is - never appear in shorts or too short a skirt). Choose comfortable clothes so they won't make you feel uneasy during the interview. Women should not overdo their make-up.
• Initial introduction: greet the person in advance and offer them your hand - even if your interviewer is a woman. Introduce yourself and don't forget your interviewers name either!
• During the interview: be confident and determined, but don't go too far and seem to be bumptious. Avoid making commonplace remarks and be careful with joking - nothing is more embarrassing than a joke with a bad punch line.
• Many topics can arise, but there are some questions that come up at almost every interview. At the beginning, they will mainly ask you about your qualifications and professional experiences: where did you graduate, where were you working before, what were your tasks there, etc. They will probably ask you why you applied for the job and why you want to work at their company. At this point the information that you've learned about the company will be useful. They will ask about when you will be able to start. They might be interested in your short and long term plans, the nature of any additional training you'd like - especially if you are thinking about further studies - which may have an effect on the scope of your potential employment.
• It is important for you to ask questions to get a more detailed picture of the job you applied for, e.g.: What would be your duty precisely? Your position(how many superiors will you have and how many people will you manage)? What are the promotional prospects? What kind of training is available? What are the working hours? You should mention everything that can affectyour job e.g. if yourcommuting is governed by a transport timetable, resulting in you having to arrive later or needing to leave earlier.
• The salary and other benefits are always a crucial point of an interview. It is important that when you get to this point, you should not seem to be primarily motivated by money. It should not be you, who initiates this topic! You should only enter wage negotiation when you are already fully aware of all other details (especially regarding responsibilities and tasks that are attached to the role). If they ask you about your expected wage, give them a range to work within. You should always clarify if the amount offered by the employer is a net or gross amount. Prior to your interview, you may wish to ask friends, who work in the same fieldswhat the average salary or benefits would be. At bigger companies the wage negotiation might happen only in the second or third round interviews.
• Answer all of the questions you are asked and don't give elusive replies! At the end of the conversation you should agree on how you will be informed regarding the outcome and ask if there is a further interview round. Offer your hand again and thank your interviewer for the interview. When you're leaving, don't forget to check-out at the reception (and give back the visitor's card) if necessary.