So you've found an ad for your dream job, you've submitted your CV. Now you've just got to get through the interview!

Dress to impress, give them your best handshake and brightest smile! Here are some tips from the consultants at Adams' Multilingual Recruiting, who, after hundreds or possibly thousands of interviews, know what they like and what they definitely don't like!

What to wear

Think carefully about what you want to wear. By all means express your personality, but always be on the safe side if unsure. Although many Dutch organisations can be quite informal, most companies will expect you to appear for an interview in a suit. This can of course depend on the type of position or company you are interviewing for, e.g. a creative company.

Prepare

Make sure you're familiar with the job description and of course your own CV! Think about what the key skills and experiences are that the company is looking for. Then try to think of examples of situations where you have demonstrated these skills. When considering examples make sure you give the situation, the action you took, and the effect or result.

Prepare answers for questions that you may be asked such as why you want the job and what your strengths and weaknesses are. Think about how to deal positively with any negative aspects - especially from the perspective of telling the truth, instead of evading or distorting facts, which is rarely successful. Be honest and consistent, and don't lie about dates or time spent out of work, as it will only give off a suspicious vibe.

Do your research on their products, service, markets, competitors and industry trends. If you can, read the company's annual report.

Getting there

It may seem obvious, but make sure you know where you are supposed to be going, how to get there, what time you should be there and who you are going to meet. Always have the company's and your consultant's telephone number with you in case you are late. It can happen to the best of us but it is always helpful to let the consultant or company know when they can expect you!

Your CV

Always take extra copies of your CV with you just in case the interviewer doesn't have your CV or brings a colleague along to the meeting. Don't spend the entire interview reading from your CV, as it looks like you can't remember what you have done or are not telling the truth. When answering a question you should also not refer to your CV all the time, as in "well you have my CV so you can see the answer!" as often the interviewer just wants to hear it from you.

Nerves

If you are feeling nervous take a few deep breaths before you go in and remember that an interview is just as much about you finding out about the company and the job as vice versa. Try to be in an enthusiastic, positive mind-set as this will be felt by the interviewer.

During the interview don't fidget. You would be surprised the things that candidates find to fiddle with! A pen, their CV, their hair and the spoon from the coffee cup and don't chew gum! If you are nervous and your hands are shaking, keep them under the table until you feel comfortable.

First impressions

Do not smoke before you have an interview. It is horrible when a candidate arrives smelling of stale cigarette smoke!

Give them your best handshake, but don't crush anyone's hand! It won't make anyone think you are big or clever, it just hurts! A weak, floppy hand shake is not any better though.

Give them your most confident smile and maintain eye contact. It is really important to maintain this throughout the conversation. Not so intensely that you pierce their soul, but just enough to seem interested and not shifty!

When you arrive be polite to the receptionist and any other people that you meet before your interview. You never know what position they might have and whether the interviewer will ask for their opinion.

Don't forget to turn off your mobile! It is very annoying if you are interviewing and the candidate's phone starts to ring. Under no circumstances should you answer the phone; take it from someone who knows, it is perceived as very rude!

The conversation

Answer your questions concisely with relevant, honest answers. Do not talk too much but do not answer only yes and no either. If you do not understand the questions ask for explanation but try not to interrupt the interviewer.

Be careful about coming across as too ambitious. You will need to find the right balance between being eager to committing to the company and wanting to become the General Manager within a year!

Keep the conversation professional and avoid being overly familiar as you never know how a 'personal' conversation can be perceived by the interviewer. Be careful talking about religion or politics as this often doesn't go down too well. Never speak in a derogative way of other people or companies that you have worked for as it makes you look unprofessional.

Make sure you ask some good questions of your interviewer, but leave questions about salary, holidays, bonuses etc. until a later date, or better still ask your consultant to handle them for you.

The job is yours!

In some circumstances you may be offered a position on the spot. In this case it is perfectly acceptable to request some time to think it over; in fact this could be of benefit to the prospective employer as it would be a well thought out decision.

Don't despair

If you feel that the interview did not go well, never let discouragement show. There have been many occasions where candidates have done much better than they have thought, or it may be a way to test your reaction.

Finally

Thank the interviewer for the time spent with you. You can also ask your consultant whether they think it appropriate to send a follow up email thanking them for their time and expressing your interest as it creates a good impression.

For more information about Adams' Multilingual Recruiting, visit our web page at www.adamsrecruit.nl

If you wish to comment or express an opinion about this article please e-mail the editor@TheHagueOnLine.com