Now it’s time to review. Take note of your differentiators — what makes you unique — and practice a short version of your most important experiences for this specific position. Check the company’s values and vision. You do this first and foremost for your own benefit, so you can reflect on what these mean to you. But the company also expects that you have familiarized yourself with them, and increasingly, questions about values come up during the conversation. They want motivated employees, and a shared value foundation is crucial! You will also find information about projects and initiatives the company is working on, allowing you to ask relevant questions during the interview.

Search for news articles about the company and check the company’s social media profiles. In Norway, you can find a lot of financial information on Proff.no. If you live in another country, find out which public registers provide insight into company financial statements, including profitability. A company that has reported losses for many years should raise warning signals.

What is the dress code?

You only have a few seconds to create a first impression. It takes a lot to correct a poor one. If you feel yourself that things get off on the wrong foot, this contributes to increased nervousness. I never forget my own experience when I was younger, before information was easily available online. After a phone conversation with my potential future boss, I assumed he was an older gentleman in a suit. I showed up wearing a pleated skirt, silk blouse with a bow, and a pearl necklace. Then in walked a man in worn jeans and a T-shirt with a gold chain around his neck! I felt like “Old Aunt Sofie” and was completely thrown off during the first 10 minutes. The worst possible start to a sales conversation — which an interview really is. Do your homework! Learn as much as possible about the company. Spend time on their website; the photos will often give you a clue about the dress code.