The Interview

Interviews are scary places, especially if you’ve never been to one before, so what’s all the fuss about? Generally speaking, by the time you go for an interview, the employer has already seen your cover letter and resume. This means they already know something about your work history, experience and skills, and they match up to the job you are interviewing for. The problem is of course that they have received applications from other people similarly qualified and they now need to decide between you! How best to do that? A face-to-face meeting, to judge more about your character, work ethic, strengths, weaknesses etc and from there, to pick the best candidate for the job! We are going to help you with some general rules that will hopefully ALWAYS make you the best candidate for the job.

Research has shown that the impact of first impressions is from the following:

55% - the way we dress, act and walk through the door.

38% - the quality of our voice, grammer and overall confidence, and a mere .  .  .

7% - from what we actually say.

PREPARATION    

First step. Do NOT rest on your laurels at being told you have an interview. It is up to you to make sure you are as prepared as possible for your interview so you can show your employer how enthusiastic and determined you are!

Here’s a couple of things you should ALWAYS do before you arrive.

• Find out where it is and who you are to ask for. Plan your route, whether it be by foot, bike, car, train, ferry, mum, dad or auntie, MAKE SURE you allow enough time to be AT LEAST 15 minutes early. Tardiness is taken very seriously at interviews – if you can’t be on time for that, are you going to be on time for work every day?? Getting there early will give you a few moments to relax and compose yourself before going in, giving you the mental edge on all of your opponents.

• Research the company. Showing interest in the company you want to work for is very important. With the availability of information on the internet it’s easy to do a Google™ search and find out things like: their mission statement, goals, specialities, areas of new business etc. This shows enthusiasm, determination and initiative – all highly regarded by employers.

• Dress appropriately. Consider what position you are applying for and dress according to that ie. don’t go in a full suit to an interview for a brickies labourer position! You should always make an effort to look polished and well-groomed.

• Consider what questions they will ask you. There really is no limit to what an interviewer could ask in an interview, but generally speaking you should have an idea of what they would like to know about you.

• Prepare questions for the interviewer. Generally at the end of an interview the interviewer will ask if you have any questions for them. It is a big mistake to say no, as it indicates a lack of preparation and interest in the job. Some sample questions you could ask (don’t ask too many!):

- When will you be making the decision regarding the position?
- How will I find out, may I call you?
- How will my performance be measured and by what measure?
- What are the dress requirements?
- Where and who will I be working with?

• Prepare copies of your resume. Make two professional copies, one to give to the interviewer if needed, and for you to refer to. Also bring along any relevant certificates of qualifications that relate to the job. It’s a good idea to buy a Curriculum Vitae display folder as it keeps your resume, references and certificates flat and unmarked.


DURING

• Be friendly when you arrive at reception and ask for your interviewer. While you are waiting, use the time to go over your questions and answers. If you are nervous (which is normal) take a few calm breaths and remind yourself just how swell you are! Interviews aren’t the be all and end all, and even interviews that go badly are still valuable experience for next time!!

• Greet the interviewer with a smile. Be ready to shake their hand and smile as you introduce yourself to them. Show that you are enthusiastic about getting this job!

• Think carefully about each question before you answer it. Keep good eye contact and speak clearly. Ask them politely to repeat the question if you aren’t sure what they mean, or to give you some more time to think of a response.

• When the interview is finished thank the interviewer for their time and let them know you are looking forward to hearing from them.


AFTER

• Go the extra mile and send a note of thanks to the interviewer. Restate how enthusiastic you are about the job and that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

• If you don’t get offered the position, make sure you ask for feedback on your interview skills. Take any constructive criticism on board, don’t be offended, and again thank the interviewer.
For a list of common interview questions, and some tips on answering a few of the more tricky ones,
click here.

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• Tell me about yourself?
• What are your strengths?
• I notice that you do not have very much experience in this area. How do you think you would handle
  this position?
• Why should we hire you instead of other applicants?
• What can you offer this company?
• Do you handle pressure well? Give me an example of this?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
• When would you be available to start work?
• What do you know about the job?
• What do you know about the company?
• How do your studies equip you for this job?
• Why did you apply for this job?
• Do you want a job or a career?
• What do you want from this role?
• Why did you leave your last job/or why do you want to leave your current position?
• Do you know anyone in this company?
• What has been your best achievement?
• If you saw a situation that you could improve, would you do it?
• Are you studying or do you have future studies in mind?
• How do you handle responsibility? Do you like to take on responsibility?
• What would you change about yourself?
• Have you done this type of work before?
• Why have you been unemployed for so long?
• Why have you had so many jobs?
• What did you enjoy most in previous jobs?
• How long do you expect to stay in this job?
• What are your plans for the future
• What is it that attracts you to this job? Why?
• What skills or personal qualities do you think would be important to this job?
• What boring or routine tasks have you had to perform regularly and how did you deal with them?
• How did you prepare for this interview?


TIPS FOR ANSWERING QUESTIONS

• What are your weaknesses?
Try and turn your weaknesses into a positive where possible. For example –‘ I sometimes feel my time-management skills are not what they could be but because I am aware of that I make it a priority to ensure my calendar is always up-to-date and correct so I can plan my workload in advance.’

• What salary are you looking for?
Try to avoid mentioning specifics until you have been offered the job. If you offer too low then you are damaging yourself, and if you offer too high they may think you are a greedy little piglet, and consequently end the interview right there! Let them know you are flexible and would like to discuss any changes to the award rate during your probation period.

• Do you have any questions?
Never say ‘no’ as it indicates a lack of interest. See the Preparation section further up the page for some examples of questions you could ask.

• When can you start work?
Tell them as soon as possible unless there is a specific definite reason that you will not be able to eg. your period of notice at your current employer, holidays etc.

• Why did you leave your last job?
OK – this can be a tricky one!!! When answering this, make sure to refrain from saying anything negative about your last job or employer – this makes you sound like a loyal and grateful employee. There are many different reasons for leaving a job, both positive and negative.

-  It was a seasonal job
-  It was a temporary job
-  It was only part-time
-  It was a casual job while you were at school
-  Travel time is too excessive
-  You wished to change industry/jobs
-  Made redundant

Now, if you were fired from your last job, you have obviously been dreading this question. Avoid using the word ‘fired’ or ‘sacked’ as these have a very negative connotation to them. Whatever the reason that you were asked to leave, let them know that you are ready to move on and put it behind you. Point out that the job you are applying for does not have the same ‘problem’ that led to your termination in your last position.


SOME GENERAL RULES

When answering questions, remember the following:

-  Don’t volunteer any negative information about yourself. You can’t lie so if they ask about something directly you do need to respond honestly, but don’t be in too much of a hurry to bare all as it could damage your chances.

- Do be aware of your body language. Slumping in your chair, tapping your feet, playing with your hair all show unease, discomfort and boredom so concentrate on sitting up straight, facing the interviewers with a smile and keeping hand gestures to a minimum.

-  Don’t exaggerate or compare yourself to others.

-  Don’t make salary demands.

-  Do describe your interest in gaining more experience and knowledge.

-  Do relate your experience and skills to the job position.

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