Resources

Be Prepared!

For the best possible opportunity in securing a job, be prepared! You have a small window of opportunity to impress a prospective employer so think about:

• what you are going to say
• research the position and organisation as best you can, this will show initiative and a genuine interest in the role
• know exactly where your interview is and arrive approximately five minutes early. Never be late.

The Interview

This is your opportunity to sell yourself to the interviewer and the company. Make the most of it and display enthusiasm! Aim to capture the interviewer's attention with your confident communication and:

• Shake the interviewer's hand with confidence and smile as they welcome you. Address them by name.
• Make eye contact throughout the interview and sit upright in your chair. Be interested in what the interviewer is saying.
• Talk about your strengths and where possible give examples of experience as they relates to the duties of the job.
• Elaborate; don't answer just Yes/No
• Be prepared for questions such as:
  • Why does this position interest you?
  • What are your strengths/weaknesses?
  • Where do you see your career heading?
  • What can you offer our company?
  • What do you know about our company?
• Be truthful and answer questions as succinctly as possible
• Have questions of your own prepared in relation to the role or the company. This shows forethought and eagerness.
• Don't enquire about salary or holidays unless directly asked. This is usually discussed closer to a job offer being made.
• If asked about salary have a realistic figure in mind.

Nerves

It is natural to feel apprehensive about your job interview and most employers are sympathetic to a slight show of nerves. Here are some tips to help overcome them:

• Think of the interview as a "mutual meeting" - you are screening them and their organisation just as much as they are screening you
• To avoid fidgeting, take a folder and clasp it
• Practice. Have a "mock interview" with a friend and get them to constructively criticise your performance

Commonly Asked Questions at Interview:

• Where do you see your career heading?
  Be honest, if it is a large company with room for progression let them know you want to be considered for any opportunities that may arise
• What can you offer our company?
  If you are experienced, tell them about all the experience you can offer! If not, talk about your personal strengths and how they will benefit the employer
• What do you know about our organisation?
  Don't sit there dumbfounded! Talk to the employer about the information you have researched. It is handy to know things like employee numbers, the vision statement, the clients or industries the employer covers. Sources of information include the internet and publications such as The Business Who's Who of Australia. Don't quote anything you are unsure about or don't understand. This is also an opportune time to ask questions about the organisation that you don't know.

Closing

Thank the interviewer for their time
Ask what the next stage of the process will be if it hasn't already been discussed