Stress-free job interviewing as an ICT (freelance) consultant: These 7 tips will guide you

Feeling stressed when thinking about an upcoming job interview? Experiencing heart palpitations, clammy hands, and trembling? Don’t panic! This phenomenon is common among job applicants. A new job opportunity can have a major impact on your dreams, life, and future plans. Many people experience the same problem. The nervousness often comes from fear of rejection, performance pressure, or stage fright. With these seven tips, you’ll learn to gain control over your emotions.

1. Do your homework!

Do thorough research before going to a job interview. You’ll be entering an IT environment, so get to know the company you’ve applied to. This will give you better insight. These days, information is readily available. Check the social media channels where the IT company is active. Show that you’re genuinely interested in the organization. To answer questions as best as possible, you can consult our E-book. Show that you’re confident, knowledgeable, and know what you want to say. Save yourself a lot of unnecessary stress!

Common questions include:

2. Relax! Take a deep breath.

The time has finally come! Your mind is well-prepared. Now you just need to keep your emotions under control. Leave early, even earlier than planned, so you’re sure to be 15-20 minutes early for the interview. This way, you can mentally prepare yourself, check in at reception, or find where you need to be at your own pace.

There you are. Standing in front of the office door, ready to knock. Exciting! Don’t forget that first impressions are crucial. The golden tip we can give you is to watch your non-verbal communication! Go in with your best smile and give a firm handshake. Make sure your hands aren’t clammy and don’t squeeze too hard.

Good posture is essential. Don’t sit hunched over or slouching in the chair, and definitely not on the edge of the seat. Crossed arms during a job interview are an absolute no-go! It’s usually interpreted as taking a ‘closed position’. This can make conversations shorter. Use as few filler words as possible like: ‘uhm’, ‘uh’, ‘yes’, ‘like’.

3. Think of it as a get-to-know-you conversation.

The beginning of the conversation is often the hardest. Prepare by looking up the interviewer on social media like LinkedIn. Do you have mutual connections or is there a post you like that could help break the ice? Don’t see the conversation as a huge task. Look at it from a different perspective. Think of it as a get-to-know-you conversation. Present yourself as if you’re telling a story. This can sometimes be too big a step, making most people feel uncomfortable. Make sure the story doesn’t get too personal.

Don’t forget that the interviewer is human too. The interviewer knows very well that you’re nervous. Mention it upfront. This way, they can reassure you or take it into account.

4. Show your IT knowledge and talents.

Realize that you have many qualities and competencies and that you can be an asset to the company. Sell yourself to the company. Clarify your IT knowledge with a concrete example to convince the interviewer. Share your previous experiences and projects you’ve worked on. Let’s be honest, not all IT terms are equally easy.

In IT, there are various tools and technologies that are expected in certain jobs. If it’s been a while since you’ve worked with a particular technology, watch videos on Youtube or use ChatGPT to refresh your knowledge. If the interviewer sees that you know what you’re talking about, it’s only in your favor. You can also use the STAR method to provide insight into your IT knowledge.

5. Radiate positivity and confidence!

Step out of your comfort zone and be open! Try to stay enthusiastic and show your confidence. You don’t need to force it or overdo it. Turn a weakness into a strength. If they ask what you’re less good at, try to phrase the negative as positively as possible.

How you can approach it:

Never say anything negative about your former employer or workplace. Share your future plans for the company, what your ambitions are, and what you have in store. Make sure you don’t come across as arrogant or full of yourself. Find the golden mean.

6. Dress appropriately and maintain good hygiene.

Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable. The clothing you wear partly determines your confidence. Each sector has its own dress style. You can find out a lot of information in advance by checking the website and social media.

Some major mistakes you can avoid:

Nice dress pants with a blouse or shirt and clean shoes is sufficient. For women, we recommend not wearing too much jewelry and makeup for the interview. Pay attention to personal grooming. Take a shower and brush your teeth. Apply some perfume, but not too much! Before you leave, check yourself in the mirror one more time.

7. Don’t be afraid to ask relevant questions as an applicant

You can ask questions too! Prepare some questions beforehand that you can ask at the end of the conversation. This shows interest and preparation. Plus, you’ll get answers to your questions. It needs to be a match for both parties. Both you and the potential employer need to be able to work together worry-free in the future. So it’s better to get answers to your questions right away. Make sure you’re not too superficial, but also don’t dig too deep. Avoid yes/no questions. This keeps the conversation flowing.

Questions you can ask: