Job Interviews at Rabobank: What Are the Best Ways to Prepare?
We’re pleased to hear you’ve secured a job interview at Rabobank, and we look forward to meeting you! We find it’s always a good idea to prepare, as it’ll help you enjoy the interview and feel more confident.
Job interviews at Rabobank are a two-way street. We’re interested in finding out more about you, and you’ll learn more about our corporate culture and values. By the end, you’ll know whether Rabobank and the position are right for you. Here are our tips to help you prepare.
1. Find out more about the position
Reflect on which aspects of the position appeal to you and what you’d like to know more about. If you’re unsure about anything, the interview is an ideal time to ask questions.
Compare your CV with the job description. See how well the tasks match your skills or qualities. Think about:
- Achievements that you’re proud of.
- Responsibilities that you’ve taken on.
- Skills that you’ve developed through your work, sports, volunteering, participating in projects or managing teams.
Thinking about what you want to say will improve the quality of your answers to interview questions like: ‘Tell us about a time when…’ or' How would you deal with this situation?’
2. Write down why you want the job
Writing down why you want the position can be useful, especially if you didn’t need to submit a cover letter along with your application. Reflecting on your motivation helps you give clear answers during the interview and explain why you’re right for the position.
The STARR method can help you structure your thinking and come up with good examples:
- Situation: where were you and what was happening at the time?
- Task: what was your responsibility?
- Action: which steps did you take?
- Result: what effect did that have?
- Reflection: what did you learn?
3. Familiarize yourself with our core values
At Rabobank, you work on yourself and the world around you at the same time. You should familiarize yourself with the core values that are at the heart of this statement, so that you know whether Rabobank is the right place for you. Plus, being able to discuss our values in your answers to interview questions shows you truly understand our culture.
Read more about our core values here.
4. Reflect on how you work as part of a team
Collaboration is a core part of Rabobank’s culture. Before your interview, think about your role within a team.
- What are your experiences of working as part of a team?
- How do you manage personal differences and conflicts?
- Which role do you usually play in those situations?
- Can you give any examples?
5. Find out more about your interviewers
We know it can help to know about your interviewers’ roles at the bank, so we’ll share their names beforehand. Feel free to look them up, but there’s no need to go into forensic detail.
6. Think of questions you may want to ask
A successful interview gives you as much insight as it gives us. You may want to ask questions about:
- Day-to-day tasks
- The team you’d be joining
- Development opportunities
- Collaboration and culture within your department
7. Be yourself
We know that embracing our diversity brings out the best in everyone. That’s why we want to get to know the real you, so try to avoid rehearsing or overthinking your answers. We don’t expect perfection, but we do expect honesty, openness and an ability to reflect on your actions. Tell us what motivates you, what you’re good at and how you want to grow.
Things to do before and during your interview
If your interview is on-site:
- Arrive 10 minutes early: Our offices are large, and you’ll need some time to register at reception and prove your identity.
- Feel free to bring items to support you during your interview, such as a notepad, pen, a list of questions or a copy of your CV.
If your interview is online:
- Log on early: Give yourself time to resolve any technical issues.
- Think about your surroundings: Make sure there’s enough lighting and a neutral background.
- Taking notes? Tell your interviewers: They may be wondering what you’re doing off camera.
- Close all other programs: It’s best to avoid distractions.
Best of luck and have fun preparing for your interview! We hope to welcome you as a new team member.
Frequently asked questions about job interviews at Rabobank
Have another read of the job description. Familiarize yourself with our core values and write down specific examples that demonstrate your working style.
Any questions we ask are to help us get to know you better. We’re very likely to ask why you’re applying to Rabobank, how you work as part of a team and how you tackle specific challenges. You’ll also be asked about your own values and how they align with Rabobank’s values.
We don’t have a strict dress code at Rabobank, so please wear anything that makes you feel comfortable. Click here to find out more about our policy on office attire.
Be yourself – there’s no better way! We value authenticity and the ability to reflect. You may also wish to discuss our core values, why they appeal to you, and give examples of how your values align with them.
Feel free to bring a notepad, pen, a copy of your CV and a list of questions. Many candidates find it helpful to make notes during the interview or write down any questions they have.
It depends on the position you’re applying for. Many applicants attend an initial interview followed by an in-depth interview with the team. They may also be asked to complete an assessment. The job description will tell you more about the interview process.
You don’t always need to submit a cover letter, but it’s a good way to give us a better idea who you are as a person and your strengths. You may wish to use the STARR method to show how your experience is relevant to the position.
Some people talk and talk without getting to the point, or simply repeat what’s written on their CV. Stick to what’s right for you, listen and give examples that highlight your experience.
It depends on the position you’re applying for. Many applicants attend an initial interview followed by an in-depth interview with the team. They may also be asked to complete an assessment. The job description will tell you more about the interview process.