You've applied for an open position or a project and you've finally received the invitation you were hoping for. Almost there? Not quite, because it is possible to make a lot of mistakes during the interview. We'll tell you what to look out for.

Candidates and freelancers often make mistakes on the final stretch which stand in the way of a successful collaboration. We have put together the dos and don'ts so that you know what to look out for.

Tipp Nr. 1: punctuality is a must

Make sure that you can attend your introductory meeting on time and without stress. If you have a long journey, allow enough time in case you get stuck in a traffic jam or a train is cancelled. Arriving too early is just as bad: If you arrive at reception half an hour before the actual appointment, you will only put the person you are meeting under pressure; five minutes before the appointment is best.

Tip no. 2: don't panic!

Many people know the feeling: you're nervous, your hands are sweating, your fingers are playing with pens, you can't look the person you're talking to in the eye and you're constantly grabbing your hair. Try not to show your nervousness. Look your interviewer calmly in the eye, give a firm handshake and try not to fidget during the conversation. It is best to place your hands on the table, even if this may seem unusual. Remember, you have been invited because they want you in the company. This means you already have a big advantage.

Tip no. 3: Chic but not too chic

What position have you applied for? How do you dress for this position? Even if you are perhaps applying for a job in a casual start-up, you should dress smartly - even if the boss meets you in a T-shirt, jeans and bare feet. Important: Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable. If you never wear a suit and tie, people will notice.

Tip no. 4: small talk, yes, but be careful!

How was the journey? Was the motorway overcrowded? How do you always get here in the morning? When it comes to the meeting room, people like to make small talk. It's good and relaxes the atmosphere. But be careful: it's easy to talk about children of the same age and suddenly you end up talking about politics and society. One wrong word or one wrong attitude and you've lost all sympathy.

Tip no. 5: Something to drink? Yes, please!

Even if you're not thirsty, you should accept the offer of a drink - even if it's just a glass of water. This helps during long conversations when your mouth gets dry. Another advantage: with a drink in your hand, you can easily hide nervous fingers.

Tip no. 6: the right preparation

Why do you want to join us? Do you know our philosophy? If you haven't read about the company you're applying to on the website, you're showing a lack of interest and apathy - and nobody wants that kind of employee in their company.

Tipp Nr. 7: should you take notes? Definitely!

Make sure you take something to write with you. It's best if you have already written down a few questions that show that you are interested in the company. You should also take notes during the interview. This shows that you are not acting rashly and that you are well prepared.

Tip no. 8: always have your CV in mind

Tell them something about yourself! Of course people want to get to know you. But this request is actually about getting to know your perspective. Which projects are close to your heart? In which company and in which position did you feel most comfortable? Our tip: Practise at home in front of the mirror. Talk about your career and try to convey the information in an exciting and lively way. Focus primarily on the topics that could be relevant to your new job.

Tip no. 9: don't exaggerate - well, a little!

Emphasise your achievements and knowledge, but don't exaggerate. Many projects are teamwork and not a one-man show. HR managers know this, as do the employees who sometimes sit at the table. Nevertheless, if you have achieved something great, you can be proud of it and show it off. Important: You shouldn't understate it either! This makes you less credible and destroys the good image that people have of you.

Tip no. 10: strengths and weaknesses?

What are your strengths? And what are your weaknesses? These questions come up in almost every interview. While you can answer the question about your strengths reasonably well, many people don't know what to say about their weaknesses. After all, nobody wants to say anything bad about themselves. Tip: List weaknesses that are actually strengths, such as being too ambitious, too obsessed with detail, working too hard, always wanting to know everything exactly, etc. Or list nice weaknesses, such as drinking too much coffee or wanting to have an app for everything.

Tip no. 11: make a deal!

Don't forget that you are not a supplicant. A job interview is also always a negotiation. What is the company offering you? What services are you expected to provide in return? A contract will only be finalised if both sides are convinced that it's a good fit. If you are expected to travel a lot in the new job but can't because you have to look after your children or parents, then you should say so. It is much better to talk openly about possible complications. This may result in an even better solution for you.

Tip no. 12: when will you receive an answer?

We'll get back to you - that's what we often say when we say goodbye. But when? If necessary, point out that you are still in other application processes or that you have already been offered other jobs. In most cases, the customer will then give you a specific date: ‘We'll get back to you by Monday’ or ask you to send a message if you accept another job. In this case, the customer would like to have the opportunity to make you a counter-offer.

A strong partner at your side: Bosshard & Partner
If we place you in a project or job vacancy, we will of course support you right from the start. Do you have any questions, would you like feedback on your CV or to find out more about the company that would like to hire you? We are always at your side and will make sure that your meeting is a success.

Do you have questions about a project or a job advert? We will be happy to answer them: info@bosshardpartner.ch