How To Get The Job: The Best Tips For The Successful Job Interview

Written by Morten Lyhne Petersen

Jan.28 - 2025 2:38 PM CET

Business
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How to get the job you dream of.

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A job interview is your opportunity to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the position.

Prepare thoroughly by researching the company and developing concrete examples that highlight your strengths.

Your appearance and communication are critical. Dress appropriately, be polite and engaged, and ask relevant questions to show genuine interest.

Remember, this is also your chance to evaluate if the job is right for you.

Avoid Exaggerations

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Refrain from embellishing your experience or overstating your achievements.

If you’ve worked as a bartender, describe your responsibilities accurately without exaggeration.

Honesty in your resume builds trust with potential employers.

Social Media

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When linking to your social media profiles, ensure they appear professional.

Remove content that could harm your image and make sure your posts reflect someone suitable for the job you’re applying for.

Credibility

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Applying for multiple positions within the same company can give the impression that you lack focus or seriousness.

Choose one role and emphasize why it aligns with your qualifications.

Relevant Skills

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Focus on the skills most relevant to the job you’re pursuing.

A long list of abilities can come across as overwhelming or unrealistic.

Highlight the most important ones and provide concrete examples of how you’ve applied them.

Gaps in Employment

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If there are gaps in your resume, be prepared to explain what you did during those periods.

Whether it was taking courses, volunteering, or engaging in other skill-building activities, it’s important to mention them.

Required Documents

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If the job requires specific documents like a work permit or proof of residency, be sure to include them.

Missing documentation can reduce your chances of being considered.

Photo

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In Europe, it’s often expected to include a photo in your resume, whereas in the U.S. and the U.K., it’s not standard practice.

Tailor your resume to the local culture to appear professional and focused.

Frequent Job Changes

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If you’ve changed jobs often, be ready to explain why.

Focus on what you’ve learned from each role and how these experiences have strengthened your career.

Spelling Errors

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Spelling mistakes can make your resume appear sloppy and unprofessional.

Proofread it carefully or have someone else review it.

A flawless resume shows you take your application seriously.

Irrelevant Details

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Avoid including irrelevant details that don’t add value to your resume, like winning a high school basketball championship.

Stick to information pertinent to the role you’re applying for.

Inconsistencies

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Ensure the information on your LinkedIn profile matches your resume.

Any discrepancies can raise red flags for employers and cause them to question your credibility.

Being Overqualified

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If you’re overqualified for the position, explain why you’re applying and what motivates you.

Emphasize how the role fits into your long-term goals and interests.

Age

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Avoid listing graduation years if you want to minimize the risk of age discrimination.

Let your resume emphasize your skills and experience rather than your age.

Multiple Applications to the Same Company

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Submitting multiple resumes to the same company can confuse employers and hurt your credibility.

Prioritize the position that best suits your qualifications and interests.

Hobbies and Interests

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In the U.S., mentioning hobbies isn’t necessary since employers typically focus solely on your qualifications.

However, in Europe, interests can add a personal touch and serve as conversation starters.

Professionalism

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For a job interview, it’s important to dress appropriately and follow the company’s dress code.

A professional appearance demonstrates respect for the organization and leaves a positive impression.

Resume Length

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Your resume should be concise—preferably no longer than one page.

Focus on the most important information and structure it to make it easy for employers to review.

Outdated Information

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Details about jobs from 20 years ago may be irrelevant and take up unnecessary space on your resume.

Only include experiences directly related to the job you’re applying for.

Email Address

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Use a professional email address when applying for jobs.

A casual or inappropriate email address can create a poor impression and make employers question your professionalism.

Clichés

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Phrases like “perfectionist” or “self-taught” can feel generic and unoriginal.

Instead, provide specific examples that highlight your skills and accomplishments.

Periods of Unemployment

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Extended periods of unemployment can be problematic if left unexplained.

Use the time for freelancing, taking courses, or volunteering to demonstrate you’ve been active and engaged.

Basic Skills

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Listing basic skills like proficiency in Microsoft Word can seem unnecessary.

Focus on unique and relevant skills that set you apart for the position.

Honesty

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Be transparent about gaps in your resume.

Whether you took time off for caregiving, education, or a personal break, honesty will always be appreciated by employers.