Good preparation gives you a certain degree of confidence. You should also be aware that you bring a great deal of professional and personal qualifications to the table. So you’re not there as someone begging for a job! It also helps to bear the following in mind: just as you are applying for the job, the company is also applying for you as a new employee. This meeting is intended to help you work out whether there is a good fit between you and the company, and whether you can envisage working there.

The aim is to convince the recruiter that your profile matches the requirements of the role. Make sure you give examples to back up your points. Things that are taken for granted, such as punctuality, are not strengths but are simply expected. Instead, focus on what you’re really good at and what’s important for the future role.

The focus here is not only on the work itself but also on the motivation behind it: interacting with colleagues and/or clients, working independently, giving free rein to your creativity, and so on. Whatever it is – it’s likely to be important to you in your new job too.
And if your answer also matches the job profile, so much the better!

For HR professionals, the following points are important when making a decision:

– Do you fit in with the company and the team?
– Have you read the job advertisement and understood it correctly?
– Do you have the necessary skills and competencies for the advertised role?
– Do you demonstrate the necessary motivation to add value to the company?

If you receive an invitation to a job interview, you should reply as soon as possible. Ideally, on the same day or the following day. Anything else will cast doubt on your motivation.