A job interview remains exciting, whether it's your first or your tenth. You want to make a good impression, show who you are and most importantly, make people feel that you fit the job. But that's exactly where many people get stuck. How do you show yourself without exaggerating? How do you stay calm when you only have one chance to stand out?
At Meta Carrière, we speak to dozens of candidates every week with that same feeling. Nerves are part of the deal, but with the right preparation, you can turn an interview into something that really sticks with you, for you and for the employer. Here are five tips we see working in practice time and time again.
Everyone knows them: "Tell me something about yourself" or "What are your strengths?" Yet good preparation is more than a list of answers. It's about understanding where you are applying. What exactly does the company do? What kind of atmosphere is there? And why would you fit in well?
One of our recruiters recently told me about a candidate who had applied for a job in logistics. She had looked into the company and knew exactly what their way of working was. When she said, "I saw your video about the sorting process, that pace suitsme," the conversation was immediately different. That's how you show that you think along, and that sticks.
At Meta Carrière, we help you do that groundwork. We talk about how the company works, what's expected of you, and how to come in well on your first day. That way you're never unprepared to face an employer, and that gives you peace of mind.
Employers are not looking for perfect resumes, but people with motivation. Therefore, tell them what you find important in a job: cooperation, security, development, freedom or variety. It sounds obvious, but the difference between "I'm just looking for work" and "I want to do something that gives me energy" is huge.
At Meta Carrière, we always ask what drives someone. Some people want to advance, others want stability or a steady rhythm. By understanding that well, we can match you with a place where you really come into your own. Because when you get to work motivated, employers notice it immediately.
💬 F or example:
"I like working with my hands and I like it when I can see at the end of the day what I've made."
That may sound simple, but it shows a lot: commitment, rhythm, and pride in your work.
The moment a conversation ends often says as much as the beginning. Almost every employer asks, "Do you have any questions?" and that's exactly when you can make a difference.
A smart question shows that you are already thinking about the job.
For example:
💬 "What should I focus on in the beginning?"
💬 "What do you think makes someone on this team really good at their job?"
These are small but powerful questions that show you are looking beyond today. Our recruiters often use this moment to help employers see who you are, someone who thinks ahead, shows initiative and wants to learn.
A job application is more than what you say. Employers pay attention to how you talk, listen, look and react. An open attitude, eye contact and a calm tone often do more than a perfectly rehearsed answer.
Our recruiters see it every day: candidates who dare to be themselves, listen well and answer honestly are more likely to get a second interview. You don't have to know everything, if you show that you want to learn, you will get further than someone who is only trying to score.
A smile, a little humor, or just a short "that seems like a fun thing to do" humanizes the conversation. And that's exactly what employers remember.
Not every interview goes the way you hope. But that's precisely when you can learn a lot. Ask what you did well and what could be better, which shows that you are open to growth.
At Meta Carrière, we always give honest feedback. Sometimes it's something small, like explaining more clearly what you did in a previous job, but it can make all the difference at your next interview. We help you with those areas of improvement, practice together and prepare you for a new opportunity.
One of our candidates recently told us that in the beginning she was often too nervous to talk through her experience. After some coaching, things got better and better, and she is now working full-time at the same company where she once had her first interview.
A strong job application is not about perfect answers, but about real attention: to yourself, to the other person and to the work. Those who listen well, communicate honestly and remain themselves stand out.
At Meta Carrière, we help you show just that. We prepare you, think with you and stay involved, even after you have started.
Would you like guidance with your next job application? Check out our job openings or read more about our onboarding and training to see how we help candidates grow in their jobs.