Your Path to Green Careers- Six tips for a successful job interview

Together with Greenjobs.nl, we are excited to bring you valuable insights on preparing for a career in sustainability. In this article, Greenjobs.nl collected tips to help WUR students secure internships and jobs with a successful job interview. Read on to enhance your prospects and embark on your journey to a greener, more sustainable future!

A job interview is always exciting. You do not know in advance how the conversation will go and which questions will be asked. However, there are many ways to prepare adequately. This ensures that you enter the interview with much more confidence.

Six tips for a successful job interview

TIP 1: Preparation

Good preparation is key! When you go to an interview well-prepared, you have a greater chance of success. Good preparation removes uncertainties and reduces stress. It gives a sense of control and confidence. As American tennis player Arthur Ashe said, “A major key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.”

• Firstly, good preparation starts with conducting some research. Study the company and job position, immerse yourself in your conversation partner and know your own CV + motivation letter.
• There are also questions that are often asked at a job interview, such as:

What motivates you?
Why are you looking for a new job?
How do friends and family describe you?
Which job did you enjoy most and why?
Which job did you enjoy the least and why?
How do you like to be managed?

Think about the answers to these questions. Be concrete and omit irrelevant information. Keep it short and effective.

• In addition, practice the conversation with someone. You can also practice your elevator pitch.
• What will you wear to your job interview? This is also very important, because appropriate clothing and good care will benefit the first impression. Go for a clothing style that suits the company and of course suits you. That is why it is so important to know the dress code. Is it formal or informal? If you don’t know the dress code, you can always ask.
• It can also be helpful to take a notepad and pen with you. In the notepad you can save your prepared questions and take notes during the interview. This can be of use later.
• The only thing you can prepare for now are the travel arrangements. Choose your transport in advance, plan your trip and of course leave on time. You don’t want to be late, because you only make a first impression once.

TIP 2: Common interests

It is good to immerse yourself in the conversation partner(s). For example, have a look at his or her LinkedIn profile or the company’s website. This way you get to know the person a little bit. This way you can find out if you have common interests. You may want to discuss this during the conversation. Always remember the name. This arouses interest and sympathy in the interviewer.

TIP 3: The first impression

A first impression is crucial. People are generally quick to form an opinion about someone. That’s why the first impression is so important. Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal communication. Such as listening carefully, giving a firm hand, look your interviewer in the eye, sit upright and adopt an active posture. It is important to be enthusiastic. So don’t make it too formal and laugh in between.

TIP 4: Be honest and authentic

If you’re honest and stick to yourself, it’s definitely appreciated. Provide transparent answers and always be honest. For example, it is not bad to name your own weaknesses, but give it a positive spin. An employer is also looking for someone who fits in the company. Therefore, stay close to yourself and show your personality during the conversation.

TIP 5: Listen

Try to listen carefully during the conversation and ask specific questions. Show that you are listening by mentioning topics and nodding. Let the interviewer finish the conversation. Give yourself time to think about an appropriate answer. If you don’t understand a topic, question, or situation, it’s okay. Just indicate this. For example, by asking the question: ‘I don’t fully understand the question, can you please specify the question?’. This shows that you take the application seriously.

TIP 6: Ask questions yourself

It is also good to ask questions yourself. This ensures that it is not a one-sided conversation and you show interest. It is not only important that the employer thinks that you are a good fit for the company, but you must also be convinced that you fit with them. Do you have a click or connection with the company yourself? Therefore, ask questions during the interview to learn more about the company and the work culture. For example, some people like being in the office with many people around. While others prefer to work from home. Or are you curious about the policy of the company on sustainability? Below are a few examples of questions you can ask to learn more about whether the business is right for you:

What does a typical working day look like?
How is the working atmosphere?
What does the team look like?
How big is the team?
What career opportunities are there within your company?
What are the future plans of your company?
What does your company want to achieve in the coming year?

A successful job interview

A successful job interview starts with good preparation. In addition, it is important to always be yourself and to have confidence in yourself. Hopefully, these tips have helped you to a successful job interview. Relax and enjoy, because it just might get you the job of your dreams. Need more inspiration to orient yourself? Perhaps you can get some inspiration through Jobs on Jooble.

Looking for a (side)job or starting postion?

Are you a student looking for your next adventure? Then check out Greenjobs.nl! Whether you are looking for an internship for hands-on experience, want a side job while studying, or are ready to take that first step in your career – Greenjobs.nl is the place to be. Check it out today and discover all the opportunities that suit you as a student.