Getting ready for the job interview
Being invited to a job interview means you've already made a good first impression. Now, you must prepare as thoroughly as possible for the interview to demonstrate why you are the right fit for the job.
Before the interview
Good preparation is key to a successful job interview. It's not just about knowing your own profile; you need to understand the needs and expectations of the workplace.
Research the company - Visit their website, check social media and any press coverage. What are the values underlying their work? What challenges are they facing?
Understand the job description – What skills and experiences are important for the job? Consider how you can match your own skills with the requirements of the vacancy.
Prepare your answers – Think about typical questions like “Why do you want to work here?”, “What can you bring to the job?” and “How do you handle challenges?”. Be ready to give specific examples demonstrating your experience and way of working.
Think about possible challenges – A prospective employer wants to see that you are capable of reflecting critically on the position. What do you think the biggest challenges in the job are? How would you approach them?
Prepare questions – It's a good idea to have a few well-considered questions prepared. You could ask about work tasks, the team, the department's goals or the management style. Refrain from asking questions that you could easily look up on Google.
Most job interviews follow a set structure. Here are the typical stages:
- Initial screening – often a short phone conversation or online interview for the employer to assess if you are suitable for the job.
- First interview – typically with HR and your potential manager. They will focus on your background, your experiences and your motivation for the job.
- Second interview – may include a case study, a test or a meeting with several members of the team and management.
- Final interview – salary and employment conditions are often negotiated here. You may also be asked to provide references.
Prepare yourself for questions like:
- “Tell us about yourself.”
- “Why do you want this job?”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- “Describe a situation where you solved a challenge.”
- “How do you handle working under pressure?”
Remember that a job interview is a two-way street. So, be sure to prepare your own questions about tasks, the team, the company culture and more.
It’s not unlikely that the employer will ask you some rather personal questions during the job interview. If you feel the employer is crossing your personal boundaries or asking unlawful questions, you should politely decline to answer them. This shows that you are self-aware and independent.
Here are some topics that employers are not allowed to ask you about:
- Sexual orientation
- Political affiliation
- Health and medical history
- Religion
- Ethnic background
- Pregnancy
- Membership of a trade association
- The number of sick days taken in your previous job
On your part, you should never say anything negative about your previous employer or share confidential information from past or current jobs. Keep the interview professional and focus on your skills and experience.
- Research the company – their values, products and latest news.
- Understand the job description – so you can match your skills to those requested.
- Research the interviewers – check their LinkedIn profiles.
- Practise – preferably in front of a mirror or with a friend.
- Plan your journey – arrive early to avoid stress.
- Know your key messages – what do you want them to remember you for?
Finansforbundet’s independent career advisers can provide you with different types of questions you can ask the company at the job interview and give you examples of questions that companies frequently ask their candidates.
Book us for a conversation
During the interview
- Be yourself – authenticity is important.
- Give honest and straightforward answers.
- Show commitment, and ask relevant questions.
- Remember that this is also your chance to find out if the job is right for you.
After the interview
- Send a short follow-up email, showing appreciation for the interview.
- Reflect on how it went and what you can do better next time.
Use ChatGPT to prepare for the job interview
Research the company
Get help to study the company's values, mission and latest news. Ask ChatGPT for an overview based on publicly available information.
Prepare answers to typical questions
Practice typical interview questions like “Tell us about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”. Get feedback on your answers and suggestions for improvements.
Simulate a job interview
Instruct ChatGPT to play the role of interviewer and pose you relevant questions for the position you are seeking. You may also ask it to suggest follow-up questions.
Get to know the trends of the industry
Ask ChatGPT about the current trends of your industry so you can impress with your knowledge and insight.