Whilst preparing for an interview there are quite a few points which should be researched and prepared well in advance. This way it makes you seem more confident and therefore better suited for the job during the interview.

Make sure to prepare some questions which are pretty standard in job interviews in the Netherlands. You can expect questions such as:

• What was your added value to your previous job?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• In your previous job, when dealing with difficult situations, how did you tackle them? (Think of examples!)
• What will your added value be to company if we hire you?

Think of changes you might have implemented within your previous job and how you went about doing this. Companies like to hear actual examples which they can relate to the work they do so it is always good to think of this in advance.

Another point which should be added is that you should always prepare some questions to ask whoever is interviewing you. If you want to learn more about their company culture for example it might be a good idea to ask how they have lunch together? Do they have lunch together around a table or do they sit behind their desks?

By asking about team building sessions you can also learn how they like to invest in their employees and whether it fits within your idea of an ideal company culture. By asking questions it not only shows that you have spent time researching the company but also that you are curious to learn more. Don’t forget you are also there to find out whether you want the job, you have some control in the situation as well, use it.

It is always a good idea to sit with a friend or family member prior to the interview to discuss what you are going to say. That way you can get feedback and also hear whether you are taking too long to say something, this is a recurrent problem when people are nervous.

And finally, make sure you dress professionally. This might seem logical to most but you would be surprised. First impressions are important and it would be a shame to make a bad one because of what you are wearing. A good way to know what the company culture is like is by going on their Facebook and website and seeing what the employees are wearing. This way you will get some more insight into how casual or formal you need to dress up.

We hope these blogs with our tips are useful to you and if you have any additional tips you would like to share please let us know!

More interview tips in part 1.