How to succeed in personal interview

In the recruitment process, where we receive 400 new CVs, we select about 200 CVs of candidates whom we will contact. However, only less than one third of selected 200 candidates pass the pre-screening and are invited to personal interview - it maked them about 60. This interview is not the end of the process. In many companies, there is next round, wjich is an interview with Team Leader /Manager. Based on candidates success during interviews, company hires approximately 20 new employees. The main purpose of the recruitment process is to find the right person for the right job.

Successful phone pre-screening usually leads to a personal interview with a recruiter and direct supervisor of the specific department.

How to get ready for a personal interview?

1. Before the actual personal interview, it is advised to check the name of the recruiter/manager, you are meeting and the address of the company. Look up for some information about the company (how long it is on the market, in which countries, which sector it is focused on), check the web site of the company.
2. Read the "job description" of the position you applied for. In case there are some abbreviations. technical words, softwares you are not familiar with, try to look up at least a basic information about it. 
3. For the interview, arrive 5-10 minutes in advance and do not be late. Recruiters set a specific time for you so if you come more than 20 minutes later, the interview will be most probably canceled for a day. In case something unexpected happens and you cannot attend the interview, inform your contact person in the company as soon as possible.
4. The first impression is important in any communication, no matter that recruiters try to focus on a candidates in complex. It is recommended not to smoke and drink alcohol before an interview. Advised dress code is a "smart casual". Men should wear suit or suit jacket, shirt, trousers (avoid sneakers, jeans, flip flops, shorts, T-shirts). Women are advised to wear suit costumes, jacket, shirt, trousers / skirt 5 centimeters above knees, pumps or shoes with low heels (avoid too short skirts, deep cuts, bold makeup and nail polish, flip flops). In general, it is recommended to wear gray, brown or calm colors, avoid striking pink, red or yellow color.
5. Try to think about and say out loud responses you are likely to be given during interview in advance. Think about your university studies, subjects you attended, how is your education connected to the specific position; think about your work experiences, in case you are fresh graduate also about your part time jobs during university studies. Describe your responsibilities in details, what you learned, what was the most challenging, which programs and softwares did you work in, how many of you were in a team, why did you leave your previous job. What do you find motivating you and where are your limits. What kind of job are you looking for, what would you like to do, think about your expectations for future job.
6. Think about your strengths and weaknesses, what you can offer the company. Try to remember specific situations, which were stressful or connected to conflict in a team. When giving a response, always try to give a specific situation example. Avoid generalization a vague, meaningless answer (e.g.: I am responsible, flexible, I like to work in a team, I can handle stressful situations etc.). Try to be authentic, speak about specific examples to describe your personality, but do not lie, a recruiter will find out right away.
7. Consider your salary expectations before the interview. Check the average salary in specific regions and type of position, it is also advised to think about the minimum salary you cannot go below due to your life costs. It may happen, that the average salary you found is not feasible for the specific position. Do not forget to consider when you would be able to join the company.
8. It is good to prepare and write down the questions you would like to ask a recruiter during your interview (e.g.: how big is the team, who is the direct supervisor, travelling possibilities, next round of the recruitment process, when to expect a feedback on the interview).

SUMMARY:

It is very important to stay emotionally stable, keep an eye contact and not to overdo it with gestures (e.g.: clapping, spinning on a chair) during a personal interview. Try to act natural and be yourself (extreme confidence or shyness are not the best strategy to succeed). Do not lie or exaggerate your experiences or responsibilities in your previous job.

Do not be afraid of admitting and speaking about your shortcomings, it is good to describe the way you are working on getting better at it. Try to give more than two-word responses and actively listen to a recruiter. Speak clearly and understandably. Be ready to have a conversation in a foreign language you mention in your CV (if you state the level of a specific language as a B1 / pre-intermediate, recruiters expect you to be able to communicate in the language).

After the interview, say your thanks to a recruiter for the conversation, do not forget on a natural hand shake when leaving a company. It is advised to write an email to the recruiter to show your appreciation for the opportunity to meet personally.

Your CV, pre-screening or personal interview are opportunities for a recruiter to get to know you better. To be successful, the preparation is a necessity. In case you are not successful, it is important not to lose your motivation and apply for other work opportunities. Every recruiter is looking for a right person for a right job. Not being the right candidate for one company does not mean you cannot succeed in another. – Just Grab Your Chair.