The key to succeeding in your job interview
In this article, discover the keys to succeeding in your job interview, the mistakes to avoid, and how tools like Licorn can help you anticipate and optimize this decisive step.
Prepare your interview: the key to success
Preparation is the foundation of a successful interview
Analyze the job ad
- Carefully reread the job description and identify the specific skills and experience expected.
Learn about the company
- Understand its mission, its values, and its recent successes. You can include this information in your answers to demonstrate your interest.Anticipate the questions
- Prepare answers to common questions such as “Why should we hire you?” or “What are your weaknesses?”
Prepare your questions
- Show your engagement by asking relevant questions about the role or the company.
Take care of your presentation and your communication
The impression you leave on the recruiter starts from your arrival and continues throughout the interview:
Adapt your outfit
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- In Switzerland, choosing a professional outfit adapted to the sector is particularly appreciated.
Work on your body language
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- Adopt an open posture, smile and maintain natural eye contact.
Express yourself clearly
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- Take the time to structure your answers, while remaining concise and relevant.
Adopt a dynamic and professional attitude
A dynamic mindset is a key to success for almost all professions:
The first impression matters
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- Saying “Hello Sir/Madam” while shaking hands confidently is a sign of respect and professionalism that applies to almost all professions.
The details that show your seriousness
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- Always arrive with a folder or relevant documents, even for manual jobs. This shows your organization, your preparation and your commitment.
- Prepare a copy of your CV, your diplomas or your certifications, in case the recruiter needs them.
These small gestures strengthen your image as a serious and committed candidate, regardless of the sector or the targeted role. This demonstrates your professionalism and often makes the difference compared to other candidates.
Highlight your skills and your achievements
The interview is the opportunity to demonstrate your added value for the company:
Use concrete examples
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- Illustrate your skills with specific situations (for example, “I increased sales by 15 % thanks to a new marketing strategy”).
Show your flexibility
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- Recruiters appreciate candidates who are able to adapt to different professional contexts.
Personalize your answers
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- Connect your experience to what the company is looking for, showing that you understand its needs.
Negotiate your salary with tact
The question of salary is often discussed during job interviews, especially in Switzerland where salary transparency is becoming more important:
Prepare a range
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- Research the salaries practiced for the role to formulate realistic expectations.
Stay confident
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- State your expectations confidently, while remaining open to negotiation.
Use your strengths
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- Support your request with your skills and your achievements to justify the proposed amount.
The interview does not end at the end of the discussion
After the interview, certain steps can make the difference:
Send a thank-you email
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- Thank the recruiter for the time given and reiterate your interest in the role.
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Analyze your performance
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- Note the positive points and areas for improvement for your next interviews.
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Stay available
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- Respond quickly to any requests for additional information.
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Romain Ducret
HR Director
How Licorn can help you before, during and after the interview
Short and impactful video presentation
Licorn offers you the possibility to record a short 30-second presentation video, ideal to make an excellent first impression with recruiters.
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- Guided and easy to create : you are guided step by step to structure your message and present your strengths in a clear and professional way.
- An optional but highly recommended option : this video, although not mandatory, significantly increases your chances of capturing attention from the very first moments.
Clear expectations, no surprises
With Licorn, each candidate and recruiter has already defined their expectations from the start (salary, working conditions, values…).
Result:
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- Relevant interviews, without unpleasant surprises : You know that the criteria already match. No more useless interviews where expectations on both sides are not aligned.
A profile that stands out
No need to write a CV: it is automatically generated from your registration journey.
The recruiter receives a complete, structured and standardized file.
Tailored tools are available to match the precise expectations of recruiters in your sector.
Result:
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- a flawless file, optimal preparation, and a confident interview aligned with what the employer is looking for.
Make every interview a success
Succeeding in a job interview relies on thorough preparation, effective communication and a clear presentation of your skills.
By following these steps and relying on the tools provided by Licorn, you maximize your chances of convincing recruiters and securing the ideal role.
