25/08/2023  Wrick Macaya Papa, EUCannaJobs

Need help with your job interview?

EUCannaJobs is dedicated to supporting our valued candidates in their pursuit of employment within Europe's cannabis, hemp, and CBD industries. Recognizing the importance of interviews in the employment process, we are pleased to present detailed interview guidelines. These guidelines are intended to provide you with helpful insights and ideas for a successful job interview. 

Research Thoroughly

To display genuine interest, take the time to delve into a comprehensive understanding of the company. This involves familiarizing yourself with its organizational culture, gaining insights into its range of products, and staying up to date on its most recent strides and innovations.

Practice Responses

Prepare concise responses for frequently asked questions, highlighting your notable skills and accomplishments. See frequently asked questions at the end of the article.

One technique of answering questions is the STAR method allows you to provide detailed and structured responses, making it easier for the interviewer or the audience to understand your capabilities and accomplishments. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result:

  • Situation: Begin by outlining the context and background of the situation you faced. Describe the challenge or scenario you were in.
  • Task: Describe the precise duty or objective that you had to take care of in that circumstance. Emphasize the goals and expectations that are involved.
  • Action: Explain the actions you took to tackle the task or challenge. Describe your responsibilities, the strategies you employed, and the steps you followed.
  • Result: Conclude with the outcome of your actions. Highlight the positive results you achieved, whether they were quantitative improvements, lessons learned, or personal growth.

Dress Appropriately

Choose attire that reflects both the company's culture and the accepted norms in your field. This ensures that your clothing not only reflects your respect for the organization's values but also demonstrates your understanding of appropriate dress codes within your professional field.

Positive Body Language

Use strong body language to show confidence. Keep that eye contact going—it helps build a connection and shows you're focused and sure of yourself. Your handshake should be firm to show confidence but not to compete. Don't forget to sit up straight as well; it conveys confidence and complete engagement, creating a particularly strong and favorable impression.

Showcase Adaptability

Demonstrate your adaptability and ability to learn from setbacks. Highlight occasions where you accepted change or navigated problems, emphasizing your ability to adapt to new situations. This not only demonstrates your resilience but also reinforces your value as a candidate who can thrive in dynamic environments.

Ask Thoughtful Questions 

Prepare some insightful questions about the position, the team, and the organization to demonstrate your genuine interest. Inquire about the role's details and how it fits into the larger picture. Inquire about the team dynamics and collaboration methods you'll be working with. Don't forget to look into the company's long-term goals and ideals. By asking these kinds of questions, you're not just proving your engagement, but also gaining a deeper understanding of what you're potentially stepping into.

Highlight Soft Skills

Share tangible examples from your experiences to demonstrate your abilities in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Describe how your good communication skills encouraged teamwork and allowed for smooth project execution. Discuss moments when you worked well as part of a team, demonstrating your ability to contribute and adapt in group settings.

Quantify Achievements

As evidence of your effect, provide specific, quantitative accomplishments. Share examples of how your contributions resulted in measurable outcomes. For example, if you enhanced a process, include the % gain in efficiency. If you lead a team, emphasize the project's scope, timeframes, and quantitative targets. You substantiate your value and demonstrate your capacity to produce tangible results by presenting these concrete accomplishments.

Technical Readiness & Location (for Remote/Online Interviews)

Technical readiness ensures a seamless interaction, avoiding disruptions due to connectivity issues or software glitches. The selection of an appropriate location with minimal distractions also shows your commitment to the process and projects an image of competence and focus. If you are having troubles with your home connection, consider a nearby/local coffee shop that has reliable internet access.

Follow Up

Following the interview, it's a good idea to send a thank-you email that expresses your excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the role and gratitude for the discussion. This email provides you with another opportunity to make a good impression and keeps you in the interviewer's mind. This also shows your professionalism and reinforces your candidacy for the role.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can you tell me about yourself?
  2. What interests you in this role/company?
  3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  4. Describe a challenging situation you've faced at work and how you handled it.
  5. How do you handle working under pressure?
  6. Can you provide an example of a successful project you've worked on?
  7. Where do you see yourself in five years?
  8. How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks?
  9. Why did you leave your previous job?
  10. What skills do you bring to this role?
  11. How do you handle conflicts within a team?
  12. Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to change.
  13. Why should we hire you?
  14. What do you know about our company?
  15. How do you stay motivated and engaged at work?
  16. Can you give an example of a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?
  17. How do you handle constructive criticism?
  18. Describe your preferred working style and environment.
  19. What do you think is your greatest professional achievement?
  20. How do you stay up to date with industry trends?

Our purpose in providing these guidelines is to improve your ability to present yourself well and significantly increase your chances of reaching your desired career goals. As our valued candidates, your success is important to us, and we think that by providing you with the proper tools, we can greatly increase your chances of getting the job you want. 

Explore our Candidate Portal for additional tips and resources to enhance your job search efforts!

EUCannaJobs' Guidelines for a Successful Job Interview - EUCannaJobs | Latest Jobs, News and Events in Europe's Cannabis Industry