How to nail that interview

Photographs: Unsplash

Text: Leslea Petersen

Finding a job as an international isn’t easy, and the joy of getting to interview is a cause for celebration! Having worked with many clients, guiding them in interview techniques, I know that it’s critical to prepare well, especially if you have been searching for that ever-elusive English-speaking role for a while.

It’s expensive to recruit in Denmark, and as internationals, the employer needs to be sure they have the right fit for their team and someone who understands Danish work culture. So, how can you convey that you can integrate well into the Danish workplace and, more importantly, let them know that you not only have the expertise but also the personality to slot in well within that organisation?

Preparation is key

Let’s first look at a few practical issues. Ideally, the interview will be face-to-face, but if you are not in Denmark yet, spend time getting ready to impress on camera.

With an online interview, de-clutter the space behind you (think about what the company will view). Try connecting the day before to check for any software updates and make sure your sound and microphone work. Find a quiet spot with no distractions. Be on time.

For an onsite, be there 10 minutes before, and make sure you have the correct address so you can arrive and compose yourself before they call you in.

The dress code in Denmark is casual, but check out the company in advance to choose the right outfit. Do your research.

Here are some simple but effective tips to help secure that job!

Prepare your opener. How will you answer, “Tell me about yourself”? You need to have your elevator pitch ready. It’s a 3-minute synopsis of your career to date, years of experience, education, recent role and top points about your areas of expertise – all relevant to the specific job. Practise it until it feels natural, and it will stop you from waffling!

Take your application, CV, cover letter, and job description with you so you can refer to them in the interview. Have them printed and in a professional folder so if you are asked to run through your experience, you don’t have to try to remember dates, and it will give you prompts to mention at key times.

Make sure you know about the company and have researched them well. What are they trying to achieve? Be prepared to answer questions like 'What do you know about us?' and that means checking out press releases, social media and anything else that will highlight that you have done thorough research into that company.

Remember, it’s a two-way interview. You are trying to find out if they are a good fit for you, too. What do you need to know about them to make sure you are joining the right organisation? Have some questions ready that will help you find out more details about the role. Is there any training or career progression?

What are their expectations of you in the first year? Prepare a few stories about how your skills and international experience align with the role and will your cultural knowledge of other countries will be a huge plus point. What helps you stand out?

Be yourself. Keep eye contact. Smile. Take a few deep breaths. Eighty percent of the final decision in the hiring process is based on how you communicate, your personality, and how well you fit in with the team.

Danish interviews can feel very relaxed compared to those in other countries, and many clients come out of an interview with no real idea how it went. Danes are easygoing but professional, so this isn’t the same as having a coffee with a buddy, even if it feels like that. Listen to the questions and show the hiring manager why you should be their first choice.

Danes are also very polite, so it’s expected to send a follow-up thank you email for their time and consideration. It also shows how keen you are to work there. If you are connected on LinkedIn, it’s also okay to send a message through that portal.

Interviews can feel terrifying, especially if this is your first in Denmark, but preparing well will always be my best advice. Good luck!