Job interview

The job interview is one of the things that intimidates most when seeking new employment.

Here, we will provide you with some advice on how to present yourself, act, and respond to questions commonly asked in interviews in the Netherlands.

Firstly, we advise you to dress as smartly as possible; you only have one chance to impress your future boss.

Even if you read online that everyone in the company wears jeans, you should still dress formally for an interview.

If you are going for an interview to work in a factory or as a construction worker, of course, you won’t wear a suit.

The company is looking for someone who can represent them on various occasions, such as fairs and business trips. As a tip, never overdress for an interview!

Our appearance also demonstrates to the interviewer how we feel about ourselves. If we look unkempt, they will perceive us as someone who doesn’t care much. By dressing professionally, we show that we can represent the company.

In the final tiebreaker between two candidates, they will choose the one who can represent them better in conferences and other events.

Calm your nerves and be yourself. The interviewer wants to get to know not only your talents but also the person sitting in front of them. They want to see a sociable person, open to new ideas, without prejudices, and adaptable to changes.

Don’t arrive late. It’s better to arrive ten minutes early and wait in the reception area than to arrive late.

Another thing to keep in mind is that just as you need the job, they need an employee. They are evaluating candidates and comparing prices, so don’t sell yourself too easily or appear desperate.

Body language during a job interview

Offer a firm handshake.

Show attentiveness and interest in what your interviewer says.

Maintain direct eye contact when speaking to your interviewer.

Try to avoid fidgeting, such as leg movements, tapping your pen on the table, nodding excessively, using verbal fillers, etc.

Don’t cross your arms or legs; instead, adopt a receptive posture. An interviewer will doubt a person who closes themselves off.

Remember, the first impression is the one that sticks in memory. If you make a good first impression, everything will go smoothly.

If you want to know more about how to pass a job interview check this book below, it may help you.

What to bring to a job interview

Here’s what we recommend you bring to a job interview:

A couple of copies of your CV, one for yourself and one or two for your interviewers. If you’re going for an interview through an agency, they might not have an up-to-date copy of your CV. Agencies usually send a summary of your CV to the companies.

A sheet with the key highlights you have learned about the company. What they do, their history in broad terms, the number of employees, their last fiscal year results, their office locations worldwide, the current project they are working on, etc. You can find all this information on their website or by searching for news articles about the company. If you know more about the company than the other candidates, you already have an advantage.

A sheet with questions you want to ask them. Depending on the position, there are always many unanswered questions. Never ask about the salary! Let them initiate the conversation on that topic. Further down, we provide tips on how to answer that question and others.

Paper for jotting down things they say or interesting points. I usually write on the same sheet where I have my questions for them. Let them see that you take notes and show interest.

A couple of copies of your motivation letter.

The job description.

Location of the interview and names and positions of the interviewers.

How to respond to questions in a job interview

Here are some common questions asked in job interviews:

Are you looking for a temporary or permanent job?

The interviewer wants to know if you’re genuinely interested in the position or if it’s just a temporary thing before you go abroad or continue your studies. Convince them that you want a permanent position to work in the field you love, gain knowledge and experience, and learn from established professionals.

Can you work under pressure?

Don’t just answer with a simple yes. This is an opportunity to showcase your skills and share an example from your previous position. Convince them that you are adept at planning your tasks and responsibilities to avoid work piling up at the end of the month or unforeseen surprises.

Are you a leader or a follower?

Your answer depends on the position you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a managerial role, you can’t say that you enjoy taking orders from multiple people.

Do you let your supervisor know when you disagree with an idea?

If you can, tell them that you come from a company where they always asked for the opinions of employees to help the team work efficiently. In meetings, if they ask for my opinion, I express it, being careful not to offend anyone in public.

Do you prefer to work alone or in a group?

Usually, they ask this to assess your ability to work well in a team. I can work independently when necessary, but I prefer to be part of a team since greater goals are achieved when people work together.

How long have you been job hunting and why?

If you already have a job, you can say whatever you want, but they will ask why you want to change. There can be various reasons for this, such as the distance to the office, company reorganization, inability to advance in positions, family obligations, etc. If you have been unemployed for a long time, they may hesitate to hire someone that other companies didn’t want. If you have been unemployed for a short time, you can always say that you are waiting for the ideal company to accept a position.

How many positions have you applied to? Which other companies are you in contact with?

The best answer is to say that you have applied to other companies and that no job is the same. The position they have to offer is different from others you have seen. If they press you for details or choices, tell them that you still have questions to ask in order to learn more about the position and the company where you’re being interviewed for a clear vision.

How do you see me as the interviewer?

Simply lie! Say that it has been one of the toughest interviews you have had. Acknowledge the mission of the interviewer, which is to evaluate many candidates and gather as much information as possible to make a decision. Dare to ask them how they perceive you as a candidate for the position.

Give me an example of a time when you felt pressure at work.

Each personal experience is different. Share an experience and if more questions arise on the topic, remember to never blame your boss or speak ill of previous jobs. Also, mention how you resolved the problem and what measures you took to prevent a similar situation from recurring. Companies look for employees with problem-solving skills and the ability to avoid them in the future.

I don’t think you’re the right person for the position.

They’re really giving you a chance to sell yourself. Don’t let their comment intimidate you, and share your experiences and skills with them. If they say, “You haven’t convinced me yet,” give another example. They want to test your determination and motivation for the job.

What did you dislike most about your last job?

The interviewer wants to know what you didn’t like about the position you applied for. Usually, I say that I disliked the paperwork and document filing, but I understand its importance in keeping things organized, so I do it anyway.

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10.

Never say you’re a perfect 10. Be humble and respond with something like 7 to 9. You always give your best effort, but you’re also looking to gain more experience and learn new things, so there’s room for improvement.

Tell me about a time you felt angry at work.

Give a quick response like: I enjoy my work and always give my best. Sometimes, it bothers me when people constantly watch the clock or call in sick on Mondays, but it doesn’t make me angry.

Tell me a story.

Before diving into a story, ask them what kind of story they’d like to hear. It could be about your personal or work life. If it’s personal, share something about friends and your determination and motivation. If it’s work-related, tell a story that highlights your willingness and management skills.

What are you looking for in your next position?

A good answer would be that you want to contribute your knowledge and experience, feel valued, and have professional growth opportunities alongside experienced colleagues.

What salary are you seeking?

Selflessly mention that your salary has increased each year due to your performance in previous companies. You haven’t really thought about it yet and would need to calculate at home. Of course, you want to work for a company where your contributions are recognized and rewarded. Dare to ask if that’s something this company offers.

If they insist on knowing the specific monthly amount you’re seeking, ask them about the salary range they’re offering for the position. Usually, they’ll mention a minimum and maximum. Ask for a higher range. For example, if they say $3,500 to $4,000 per month, tell them you were aiming for something between $3,800 and $4,300 per month.

What can you offer that other candidates can’t?

Go through each requirement of the position you applied for and showcase your skills and experience in each area they’re looking for.

What do you know about our company?

If they ask this question and you don’t know how to answer, you can politely thank them for their time and end the interview. Always check their website, gather information, and summarize the key points. Even if you need to read from your notes, show that you’ve done your research.

What do you think of your current or past boss?

Keep it simple. Say they were nice, professional, and you appreciated their knowledge and guidance. Don’t go into more detail.

What is your current salary?

In a relaxed manner, mention that your salary has increased each year due to your contribution to the company. Your previous job and this one are completely different. Don’t hesitate to mention a slightly higher salary if you’re expecting a bonus or raise soon. They rarely verify it.

What are your plans in the Netherlands?

The interviewer wants to know if you intend to stay in the country for a long time. They don’t want to hire someone who keeps traveling around the world. They have to spend resources to train new employees, and they don’t want to go through the same process when you leave.

Having a Dutch boyfriend/girlfriend, a family member, or someone similar can always help with this question.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

This is another way of asking the previous question. Here, you can dream big, like having a house in the city, starting a family, gaining the same knowledge as your interviewer, or even leading a small group. Avoid saying that you plan to travel to India, for example, because they won’t be interested in that.

Why do you want to work here?

If you have read about the company, think of something they do that sets them apart from other companies. They care about the environment, and you want to learn more in that field. The company can provide the stability you’re looking for. Talk about the company’s reputation. You’re interested in contributing to the creation of their great product, so you would be a valuable addition to the team.

Why should I give you the job?

Answer briefly and directly. Go through each point in the job description and mention your qualities that make you suitable for the tasks. Finally, explain that you have the necessary qualifications, you are a team player, you take responsibility seriously, and you want both parties to succeed.

Your turn to ask questions

During the job interview, you will have a chance to ask questions to the interviewer. Here are some examples:

Who is the company’s main competitor, if it’s not obvious?

What project are they currently working on?

How many people are they looking to hire, and why?

Are there opportunities for training, courses, etc.?

How many candidates are they considering for the position, and when will they make the final decision?

What software do they use?

What is the biggest challenge the department and the company will face in the near future?

How many colleagues are there in the department, and what language is spoken?

What does your interviewer like the most about the company?

Do they engage in activities outside of work, like sports or social events?

Who will be your trainer?

When you say goodbye, don’t forget to thank them for their time.

I also recommend sending an email to the HR person who organized your interview, expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and the time they gave you. This will leave a good impression.

If you have passed the job interview and receive a job offer, don’t forget to read our section on contracts.

If you want more information on how to handle your job interview, Walters People has several tips in this link.

Good luck in your job interview!”

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