Checklist for preparing for job interviews

Your application letter was a success, your application went down well with your potential new employer, and the invitation to the interview has arrived in the post. As a candidate, you’re feeling nervous – hopefully you won’t forget anything. Our checklist reminds you of the most important points – have a read now!

What should I wear?

• Have a look at your clothes the day before, lay them out, and wash or iron them again if necessary
• You might want to polish your shoes again
• For women: apply subtle make-up
• If necessary: pop to the hairdresser’s a few days beforehand

How do I get an interview?

• Check how to get there by car or public transport
• If necessary, you could also ask the company for advice on how to get there or have a look on their website
• Allow plenty of time, check for traffic jams in advance, or take an earlier train
• If travelling by car: bear in mind that you may have to spend some time looking for a parking space

Preparation of content

• Take another close look at the job advertisement
• View the company’s website: general sections, news updates, information on careers within the company
• Draw up a list of questions to be discussed
• Have another look at your own documents and, if necessary, take a printed copy with you
• Have a notepad and pen to hand
• Find out general information about the sector and the job profile; if necessary, carry out newspaper research or similar
• If necessary, look up information about the person you’re speaking to, for example on XING

When you receive an invitation to a job interview, you should definitely ask for the name(s) of the person(s) you will be meeting.

Just before the interview

• Don’t arrive too early or too late: about 10 minutes before the appointment is perfect
• If you arrive on time and have to wait, you might want to look for a nearby café or similar.
• If visiting a larger company, arrive in good time; allow for possible waiting times at reception or a longer walk through the building
• To calm yourself down, just before you start: take a deep breath in and out, and give yourself a smile
• Whilst waiting in the meeting room, if the person you’re meeting hasn’t arrived yet: have another look at the job advert or perhaps flick through any information leaflets that are lying around.
• Feel free to ask the person you’re speaking to whether you’re allowed to take some of the material on display with you.

If you are using SYNERGIE to look for a project-based role or a permanent position, your recruitment consultant will brief you again before the interview and, where possible, accompany you to the interview.