Job interview preparations

Career

How to prepare for a job interview?

Knowing yourself is essential on your career journey. To find the right job and confidently present yourself to future employers, start by understanding your strengths, interests, and goals. This self-analysis helps you target suitable roles, apply more effectively, and stand out from other candidates. Before you apply, spend time exploring who you are, what you want, and what skills you offer. Think of this as "personal branding"—defining your unique qualities that set you apart.

Who am I?

Reflect on your past experiences, decisions, and influences to understand what has shaped you. This self-awareness is crucial for presenting yourself confidently.

Ask yourself these questions:

- What gives me a boost?
- Why did i choose this degree programme?
- Why did I choose certain part-time jobs or extracurricular activities?
- What are my passions and interests?

What am I capable of?

You discover competences by looking at your past. Ask the people around you about your positive and negative traits. Once you have an overview of these, you will have an impression of your qualities and capabilities.

Ask yourself these questions:

- What have I learned from my part-time jobs, placements, committee work, volunteer work, etc.?

- Which skills did I acquire?

- What results have I achieved?

- What am I good at?

What do I want to do?

Defining your career goals can be challenging but is essential for personal branding. Think about what you want in your professional life, the reputation you wish to build, and what truly interests you.

Start with these steps:

- Make a list of jobs that enthuse you.

- Find out which tasks and responsibilities they involve.

- Make a list of work or activities that really interest you.

- Look at the company culture. How important is hierarchy to you?

- Think about the type of work environment you would prefer. A small company or a large one?

By clearly understanding these aspects, you’ll be better prepared to approach the job market confidently. You'll be able to explain to employers why you’re an ideal fit for the roles you’re pursuing, making you a more compelling candidate.

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