(opinion article)

A job interview in Ukraine is both a victory and a great test. It reminds me of Pandora’s Box: it’s exciting what will happen there, but it’s also terrifying to think about WHAT will actually happen.

Personally, I have determined one thing for myself: an invitation to this does not mean that the company is not a fake one and will consider your candidacy, even if you have verified that it has a great reputation on the Internet. “Shadow” businesses, fraudulent schemes, and “dating” applications disguised as marriage agencies make up more than 50% of vacancies on job search sites like Work and Robota.UA.

However, no matter which company is inviting you, it is worth remembering the elementary rules: unobtrusive direct eye contact, smart or business casual clothes, slight relaxation, moderate gesticulation, friendly tone…At least I think so.

A common mistake in Ukraine is being late for an interview because the candidate does not plan his time. This shows a “not German” type of punctuality and creates a major flaw that can cost you work. It is better to set the alarm an hour earlier than to run with all your might for the first taxi, which, according to Muprhy’s law, will take you to the wrong place and charge three times more for the rush.

Also, sometimes we do not read the interlocutor’s emotions well and do not understand his hints. At the interview, this can lead to the fact that your working conditions will be significantly different from the desired ones cause you will not be interested in this or that question or be afraid to ask it, seeing the Big Terrible Recruiter (who is actually just tired and wants to quickly find a needed specialist and drink some coffee).

Your key task is to immediately make the impression of a good specialist who is truly competent and passionate about his work (thinks creatively and doesn’t lie in his resume!) because you won’t be able to do it the second time. The first and last 5 minutes are called the key parts of the Ukrainian interview because that’s when the decision-making process takes place in the recruiter’s head (“To hire or not?”).

The most important thing is that the interview is not suspicious, but a simple formal procedure that is part of life experience. Therefore, if you have not passed or feel that you will not pass it. Don’t worry: everybody makes mistakes and fails. Behind the black stripe, a white one will definitely appear!