Tips for Interviews

If your application is judged suitable, you will be invited for an interview. This could be face-to-face or over the telephone. The tips below refer to a face-to-face interview, but are equally relevant to telephone interviews. Although the interviewer may not be able to see you, your posture and general attitude could have an influence on how you come across. Therefore, sitting up straight and 'smiling' on the telephone may help you to focus and to communicate a more powerful message. Here’s how you can prepare:

• Gather relevant information before the interview
  Find out more about the department through various channels. This will make a favorable impression as it shows you are really interested. It may also prompt you to ask certain questions during your interview. See also what you can find out about the interviewer. What is the position of the interviewer in the organization and what is his/ her role in the selection process?

• Focus before the interview on what the interviewer needs to know about you
  Prepare yourself to talk comfortably and to the point about your own background. Re-read the Job Profile, your application letter and CV. Anticipate you may be asked to present yourself in a couple of sentences right at the start of the interview. Also anticipate questions related to your strengths and weaknesses. Make sure you can back up the things you are saying about yourself with examples. And be prepared for the obvious question: "Why are you interested in this job?"

• Remember that first impressions count

• If you have a face-to-face interview, make sure you are dressed appropriately for the occasion, i.e. in normal business attire. Introduce yourself properly according to the etiquette of the country, usually by giving a firm handshake (but without squeezing the interviewer’s hand). Don't talk too quickly, and make sure you speak clearly.

• Be aware of your body language
  Your body language may say more than your spoken words. Be aware of your facial expressions, posture and gestures. Be aware that interviewers look for consistency in what you say and what you show.

• Be authentic in your answers
  Always speak the truth, even when you are asked about moments in your life or career that for some reason have not turned out well. However, don't speak negatively about past employers or managers. Show the interviewer some of the real ‘you’ by responding in a genuine way rather than by giving textbook answers. Ensure that what you say reflects who you really are and what you are made of.

• Ensure you understand the basic elements of the process
  Make sure the following elements are clear to you and well understood:
  – the job requirements and responsibilities
  – where the position fits within Philips as an organization
  – the selection and decision-making process related to the vacancy

• Make sure your most important questions are being addressed
  Often the interviewer will give you an opportunity to ask some questions. Always use this opportunity, either to get an answer to things that are still not clear, or to demonstrate how 'tuned in' you are with respect to working for Philips. Do not forget to ask when you can expect to hear whether or not you got the job.