If you’re off to your very first interview, congratulations! Reaching this step of the hiring process brings you only a step closer to your job, therefore, one should really prepare well for an interview. It is recommended that you review the previous sections of this guide to familiarize you with Qatar’s culture and traditional way of doing business, as it will also reflect in the way they interview. Take with you the following tips and get prepped for your big day:

Tip 1: Respecting corporate culture means a lot in the Qatar office scene. You will be evaluated in many ways, from dressing to engaging with your hiring officer. Males should wear formal corporate clothing with suits on while females should strictly follow the corporate dress code mentioned in the previous section. Do not overdo your accessories or your attire, and be sensitive to the strength of your perfume when attending the interview. Do not wear shoes that expose any part of your feet and wear formal ones.

Tip 2: Strive to make a good impression, smile when greeting the interviewer and engage eye contact while shaking his or her hands. Take note, if the interviewer is a female Qatari, you must wait for her to offer her hands before shaking hands. Relax and be confident in answering the questions given to you.

Tip 3: It is best that you do your research about the company before you are interviewed. Get familiarized with their company culture, the nature of their business, their current operations, and the leaders in the company. You may also want to check out current events that involve the organization. Focus on highlighting your strengths and the things you can contribute to the company. You may also share about your achievements but make sure you mention first the reason how you got your awards or recognitions, to not sound like you’re bragging about them.

Tip 4: Be prepared to be asked about your expected salary. Make sure the figure you tell your employer is commensurate with the responsibilities you’ll do based on the indicated job description of the position you’re applying for. If your employers tell you that your rate is higher than their allotted budget, be prepared to negotiate without underselling yourself.

Should you fit the position they are offering, the hiring officer should contact you within a week or two. But if you feel like following up on their decision, make sure you ask for their email before you leave the interview.